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Play
by Play - Fighter's Fight Commentary
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Event:
Ascension 353
Date: Jun 03, 2016 |
#R1#
O Brien cracks Balagan with an open hand slap.
Balagan tries to clinch up but O Brien circles away and keeps his distance.
Balagan shoots in looking for a takedown but O Brien manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Balagan's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
O Brien misses with an uppercut. Balagan saw that one coming.
Balagan fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
O Brien misses with a body punch
#TD#
and Balagan counters with a nice shoot takedown that brings the fighters to the ground.
O Brien keeping moving, preventing Balagan from controlling successfully.
Balagan trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Balagan throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Balagan throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as O Brien works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Balagan is in close to O Brien's body, working some short punches and elbows.
O Brien working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Balagan. #T1#
O Brien controlling the position.
O Brien utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Balagan won't allow O Brien to sweep him here.
Balagan working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Balagan throwing strikes from guard but O Brien blocks nicely.
Balagan preventing the sweep.
Balagan trying to control but O Brien is working from the bottom.
Balagan throws a big elbow that misses.
O Brien keeping moving, preventing Balagan from controlling successfully.
Balagan stands up over O Brien, holding his feet. He dives back in and lands a decent shot to the head. #T2#
Balagan throws a strike but O Brien rolls with it and manages to sweep. Now he's in guard on top. #REVB#
O Brien controlling from the top position.
Balagan wants to sweep but no luck.
Balagan pulls O Brien in close to prevent any damage.
Balagan seems to have improved his submission grappling technique since last time we saw him. Let's see if he can pull off a submission.#T3#
Balagan wants to sweep here but O Brien controlling him for the moment.
O Brien controls the pace of the fight for a moment.#REF3#
The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.
Balagan looks for a takedown but O Brien sprawls well.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Arkady Balagan. That's going to take a lot out of him.
O Brien just misses with a punch to the body.
O Brien misses with a head kick.
O Brien throws a big shot that misses.
Billy O Brien is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.#T4#
The crowd are getting on the fighters' backs, as the pace has dropped off in the last minute or so.
O Brien paws at his opponent with the jab and then lunges in with a straight, right on the button.
O Brien fakes a jab and throws a low kick but Balagan checks it well.
A big right from O Brien misses.
O Brien attempts a leg kick but it's missed by a good margin.
O Brien thows a left - swing and a miss!
O Brien lands a kick to the ribs of his opponent. Nice work there - in and out in a flash.
O Brien lands a nice looking body kick.
O Brien connects with a looping left hand that seems like it dazed Balagan momentarily.
The fighters circling - O Brien throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
A cross from O Brien lands.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Balagan ducks under a wild hook from O Brien.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Balagan.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
Billy O Brien dominated that round.
That's the end of the interval. I'm sure that seemed a lot quicker than a minute for our two fighters! Back to the action.
#R2##TD#
Balagan shoots in and gets a takedown into O Brien's guard.
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
O Brien lands a beautiful sweep and he's now moved into his opponent's guard.#REVB#
O Brien throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Balagan works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
O Brien is intent on slowing down the pace of the fight, simply looking to control.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Balagan is pulling down on O Brien's head. It's preventing any offense from O Brien, at least for the moment.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
O Brien stays in close to Balagan's body and controls the position. #T1#
Balagan is trying to keep O Brien in close.
Balagan wants to sweep but no luck.
Balagan pulls O Brien in close to prevent any damage.
O Brien sitting in guard here, content to control. #T2#
The crowd are hurling abuse towards the fighters... You can hardly blame them though because there isn't a lot going on in the fight.
We may be looking at a referee standup if the pace doesn't pick up soon.
O Brien preventing the sweep. #REF3#
The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.
Balagan throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around O Brien's waist but O Brien gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Balagan off to one side.
Balagan works O Brien's body with a nice hook.
A low kick from O Brien misses #TD#
and Balagan counters with a driving takedown into guard. Nice work there by Balagan.
O Brien preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage. #T3#
O Brien is doing well to control the posture of his opponent and prevent any damage.
Balagan throws a strike but O Brien rolls with it and manages to sweep. Now he's in guard on top. #REVB#
Balagan keeping moving, preventing O Brien from controlling successfully.
O Brien with a flurry of punches that miss.
O Brien trying to control the position from guard on top but Balagan is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Balagan has control of O Brien's left arm, preventing O Brien from doing any damage. #T4#
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.
O Brien pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Balagan is keeping the position for now.
Balagan has control of O Brien's left arm, preventing O Brien from doing any damage.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
O Brien is intent on slowing down the pace of the fight, simply looking to control.#REF3#
The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
That was a close second round but I would say that Arkady Balagan will probably get the nod.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action. And we move into the final round!
#R3#
Balagan shoots for a double leg takedown but O Brien sprawls well. He's pushed Balagan's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Balagan has his takedown stuffed
and O Brien counters with a straight right hand.
Balagan shoots in for a takedown but O Brien shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Arkady Balagan. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Balagan with a lazy takedown attempt
and O Brien cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
O Brien slaps away a takedown attempt from Balagan, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Balagan defending well as O Brien loads up on a big left hand.
A big left from O Brien misses.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Balagan moves out of range as O Brien strikes.
Balagan slips a jab from O Brien.
Balagan ducks under a wild hook from O Brien.
Balagan shoots in for a double leg but O Brien sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.#T1#
O Brien connects with an inside leg kick.
O Brien misses with an uppercut
#TD#
so Balagan counters with a double leg into guard. Good agility.
Balagan throws an elbow that misses. O Brien uses the momentum to reverse the position. He's now in Balagan's guard. Nice move by O Brien!#REVB#
Balagan wants to sweep here but O Brien controlling him for the moment.
Balagan is pulling down on O Brien's head to control his posture.
Balagan is trying to keep O Brien in close.
O Brien wants to get up but he can't break Balagan's closed guard. He needs to be careful trying to break the legs open, as he's open to submissions here. #T2#
O Brien trying to control but Balagan is working from the bottom.
Balagan is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Balagan wants to control here, rather than go for any submissions from the bottom. At least for now. #SU2#
O Brien gets to his feet. Balagan looking to butt scoot but the ref puts an end to that. On your feet son!
A left and a right from O Brien both land. Nice combination. #T3#
Balagan shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts O Brien as he jumps to the side.
O Brien looks like he wants to counter punch here.
O Brien throws a leg kick but Balagan checks it.
O Brien has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
O Brien tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Balagan was well out of range. Poor timing from O Brien.
Balagan swung with a counter punch to the body but it didn't connect.
A combination from O Brien does no damage.
Balagan throws a body shot but no joy.
Balagan drops his hands momentarily and O Brien takes advantage with a crisp shot to the head.
O Brien misses with a looping right.
O Brien fakes a jab and scores with a low kick.
Balagan fails to land the takedown.#TD#
Balagan throws the overhand right but ducks down into a quick takedown attempt. O Brien was covering up waiting for the punch and Balagan finishes the takedown easily into guard. #ES2#
O Brien kicks Balagan off and gets to his feet. #T4#
Billy O Brien seems to be getting the better of the standup.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
O Brien digs a good hook to Balagan's body.
O Brien keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
O Brien tries a low kick but Balagan avoids it.
O Brien throws a head kick that misses.
Balagan walks into a stiff left hand from O Brien.
Balagan moves his head to the side to avoid a jab but walks straight into a cross.
O Brien fails to land with a series of punches.
And that's the end of the fight!
Billy O Brien comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think O Brien has won this one but let's see whether the judges agree with me. Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.
Ladies and gentlemen, after 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Timothy Bukovac scores the fight 28:29
Judge Jack Bonds scores the fight 28:29
Judge Frank Antenori scores the fight 28:29
In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Billy O Brien!
A victorious Billy O Brien thanked his army of followers in his post fight interview, telling people to make sure they follow him on Twitter.
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Event:
Ascension 351
Date: May 25, 2016 |
#R1#
Johnson throws an off balance right hand
#TD#
and Balagan counters with a shoot takedown. Johnson fights it but they end up in guard.
Balagan working from the guard for now, landing some ground and pound.
Balagan with a flurry of punches that miss.
Balagan with a couple of shots to the head there. Not particularly brutal.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Johnson controlling Balagan's posture.
Johnson utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Johnson is pulling down on Balagan's head. It's preventing any offense from Balagan, at least for the moment.
Balagan stopping the sweep attempt from Johnson.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Balagan throwing strikes from guard but Johnson blocks nicely.
Balagan works over Johnson with some ground and pound from guard.
Johnson wants to sweep but no luck.
Johnson working a defensive guard here.
#T1#
Balagan trying to control the position from guard on top but Johnson is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Balagan postures up in Johnson's guard and throws a big left but Johnson blocks it.
Balagan trying to control the position from guard on top but Johnson is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Johnson tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Johnson has his hands on Balagan's head, controlling the position.
Johnson trying to keep a closed guard but Balagan is proving a slippery customer.
Balagan postures up in Johnson's guard and throws a big left but Johnson blocks it.
Balagan postures up in Johnson's guard and throws a big left but Johnson blocks it.
Balagan connects with a couple of short punches.
Balagan content to strike from guard, landing some decent shots. #T2#
Balagan lands a nice shot whilst sitting in his opponent's guard.
Balagan with a flurry of punches that miss.
Johnson tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Johnson controls Balagan momentarily but Balagan frees himself.
Balagan trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Johnson lands a beautiful sweep and he's now moved into his opponent's guard.#REVB#
Johnson looking to pass the guard.
Johnson wants to control from the top but Balagan keeps moving. #T3#
Balagan wants to sweep but no luck.
Balagan is pulling down on Johnson's head to control his posture.
Johnson trying to control but Balagan is working from the bottom.
Johnson passes Balagan's left leg - he's now in half guard.
Balagan holds on for dear life, maintaining half guard for now.
The referee calls for the fighters to work.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Johnson looking to pass the half guard. Not this time. #SUB2#
Johnson is sneakily working for an arm triangle but Balagan sees it coming and defends easily.#T4#
The crowd are getting on the fighters' backs, as the pace has dropped off in the last minute or so.
Balagan is trying to maintain the position but Johnson is very close to passing his half guard.
Johnson tries to pass to full mount but Balagan defends it.
Balagan is looking to control Johnson's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Balagan avoid being mounted?
The referee is pacing around the two fighters - he looks like he's thinking about a standup.
Johnson trying to control the action but Balagan is working from the bottom. #REF3#
The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Balagan ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.#TD#
Excellent takedown into side control there by Balagan.
Balagan throwing strikes but Johnson manages to buck up and roll into a nice reversal - now he's on top in side control!
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.#SUB2#
Johnson is trying to land an Americana. He has the arm isolated but Balagan is keeping cool and he's avoided the danger for now. #SUB2#
Johnson goes for an armbar here - this could be all over! But no, Balagan has escaped beautifully and is now on top in side control! Oh, that's unlucky for Johnson but great work by Balagan.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
Arkady Balagan dominated that round.
That's time! Back to the action!
#R2##TD2#
Johnson decides to change it up a bit and drives through with a nice takedown into half guard.
Balagan is pressing down on Johnson's left leg trying to get back to full guard. He's managed it.
Johnson with a nice head shot there.
Johnson tries to free his leg and advance position but Balagan is retaining full guard.
Johnson sitting in guard, not really doing much.
Johnson looking to sit in guard and control but Balagan gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top. #REVR#
Johnson is working an open guard here, looking to improve his position. No doubt that will leave him open to counters but at least he's being more offensive.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Johnson looking to control.
Balagan working some strikes from top position.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Johnson is on top in guard.
#REVB#
Johnson advances to half guard. #T1#
Balagan is doing well to control the position and prevent Johnson from advancing to side control.
Balagan moves his hips nicely and gets into full guard.
Johnson looking to pass the guard.
Arkady Balagan overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Balagan is pulling down on Johnson's head. It's preventing any offense from Johnson, at least for the moment.
Johnson wants to pass the guard but Balagan is keeping the position.
Balagan keeping moving, preventing Johnson from controlling successfully. #T2#
There's not a lot going on here and the crowd are letting the fighters know they're not willing to tolerate a lack of action.
Balagan can't do much from the bottom at the moment, as Johnson controls the pace.
Johnson looking to pass the guard.
Johnson is still trying to improve position.
Johnson keeps trying to improve his position.
Balagan is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Balagan throwing strikes off his back to little effect.
Balagan keeping full guard, as Johnson tries to pass. #REF3#
The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.
Johnson works Balagan's body with a nice hook.#T3#
Balagan slips a straight right by Johnson.
Balagan tries to counter with a takedown but Johnson is quick to defend against it.#TD#
Balagan looking for a takedown here - he's got it.
Johnson looking to hit a scissor sweep but Balagan is one step ahead there.
Balagan is looking to work some ground and pound but Johnson has wrist control.
Balagan working in close now, lands a nice elbow to the side of Johnson's head.
Balagan connects with a couple of short punches.
Balagan keeps in close for a moment and lands a decent shot to the side of Johnson's head.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Johnson is on top in guard.
#REVB#
Balagan keeping moving, preventing Johnson from controlling successfully.
Balagan working a defensive guard here.
#T4#
Johnson wants to control from the top but Balagan keeps moving.
Johnson is looking to advance position but Balagan has hit a scissor sweep - now he's on top in mount!#REVR#
Johnson regains half guard.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Balagan is scoring with some nice ground and pound from the dominant position.
Johnson blocking the ground and pound attempt from Balagan.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Johnson wants to control but Balagan is keeping busy.
Balagan throwing shots but Johnson is blocking nicely.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
That was a close second round but I would say that Arkady Balagan will probably get the nod.
That's the end of the interval. I'm sure that seemed a lot quicker than a minute for our two fighters! Back to the action. Let's get this one finished - here comes the final round!
#R3#
Balagan uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Johnson.
Johnson keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Johnson throws a two punch combo that lands nicely.
#TD#
Balagan gets the takedown into side control.
Johnson parries the strikes from Balagan easily there. Balagan is wary of posturing up too much because it might enable Johnson to escape.
#SUB#
Balagan swings around for an armbar but Johnson sees it coming a mile off and turns beautifully into Balagan's guard.
Johnson tries to free his leg and advance position but Balagan is retaining full guard.
Johnson is looking to pass into half guard but Balagan pushes him away with his feet and jumps on top - now Balagan is in guard.#REVR#
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!#SUB#
Balagan drops back looking for a leg! Johnson is in trouble here! The fighters roll with the hold and Johnson manages to kick Balagan off! Balagan jumps back into Johnson's guard.
Balagan is looking to work some ground and pound but Johnson has wrist control.
Johnson is avoiding any damage by keeping wrist control.
Johnson is trying to keep Balagan in close.
#T1#
Balagan preventing the sweep.
Balagan is sitting in guard, working some ground and pound.
Balagan stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Johnson swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Balagan throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Johnson works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Balagan trying to control the position from guard on top but Johnson is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Johnson avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Johnson has control of Balagan's left arm, preventing Balagan from doing any damage.
Johnson trying to keep a closed guard but Balagan is proving a slippery customer.
#T2#
Well. There's a bit of a lull in the action here and the crowd are starting to get restless.
Johnson controlling Balagan's posture.
Balagan throws a big elbow that misses.
Johnson wants to sweep here but Balagan controlling him for the moment. #REF3#
The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Johnson jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Balagan moves out of range as Johnson strikes.
It looked like Balagan was trying to counter with a body shot coming off that last attack from Johnson.#TD#
Balagan drops down and drives through with a powerful takedown into guard.
Johnson keeping moving, preventing Balagan from controlling successfully.
Balagan keeps in close for a moment and lands a decent shot to the side of Johnson's head.#T3#
Balagan postures up and lands a big shot to Johnson's brow.
Balagan trying to control the position from guard on top but Johnson is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Balagan throws a big elbow that misses.
Johnson working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Balagan.
Johnson pulls Balagan in close to his closed guard and prevents Balagan from doing any damage or advancing position.
Balagan trying to control the position from guard on top but Johnson is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Balagan keeps in close for a moment and lands a decent shot to the side of Johnson's head.
Balagan throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Balagan stands and throws Johnson's legs to the side, diving into side control.
Balagan throws an elbow but Johnson slips to the side and avoids it well.#T4#
Balagan scores with punches from side control.
Johnson avoids any damage from the ground and pound of Balagan.
Balagan connects with a decent looking elbow from side control that caused Johnson some visible discomfort.
Arkady Balagan is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
The strikes coming from Balagan are missing the target in this wave of attacks.
Balagan working the ground and pound but Johnson is defending the strikes.
Balagan landing a few strikes. #SUB#
Balagan working hard here to secure a kimura but he's not really in the right position for it.
Johnson manages to land a sweep and he's now on top! Lovely Jiu Jitsu!
Don Johnson has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Johnson trying to control the action but Balagan is working from the bottom.
And that's the end of the fight!
Arkady Balagan showed his dominance in that final round.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Balagan, winning every round. Will the judges agree? They are the ones who matter, even if they are often depressingly incompetent. Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.
Ladies and gentlemen, after 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Yves DeLean scores the fight 30:27
Judge Steve Smith scores the fight 30:27
Judge Robert Douchet scores the fight 29:28
In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Arkady Balagan!
A victorious Arkady Balagan thanked his army of followers in his post fight interview, telling people to make sure they follow him on Twitter.
In defeat, Don Johnson stepped up to the mic, saying 'It never happens this way when I'm on TV.'.
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Event:
Ascension 346
Date: Apr 23, 2016 |
#R1#
A jab from Rock misses.
Balagan looks to have improved his striking defense since last time we saw him fight.
A telegraphed right hand from Rock misses the target.
A counter left hand to the body from Balagan misses its target.
Rock throws a big shot that misses.
Balagan attempts a counter takedown but Rock avoids it well and moves away.
Rock swats away the attempt to clinch by Balagan.
Rock looks more muscular than last time we saw him. He must have been on the weights.
Rock is looking to slow Balagan down with leg kicks. #TD#
Balagan closes the distance and gets a double leg, slamming Rock to the mat! Rock manages to get full guard.
Balagan working from the guard for now, landing some ground and pound.
Balagan postures up.
Balagan wants to control from the top but Rock keeps moving.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Rock working a defensive guard here.
Balagan stands up over Rock, holding his feet. He dives back in and lands a decent shot to the head.
Rock has momentary wrist control but Balagan slips an elbow through the middle.#T1#
Rock looking to control.
Balagan is in close to Rock's body, working some short punches and elbows.
Rock has momentary wrist control but Balagan slips an elbow through the middle.
Balagan throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Rock works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Balagan distracts Rock with his right hand and drops a big elbow with his other arm.
Balagan throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Rock is working an open guard here, looking to improve his position. No doubt that will leave him open to counters but at least he's being more offensive.
Balagan connects with a couple of short punches.
Balagan landing with the ground and pound.
Balagan looking to pass the guard.
Balagan is working the ground and pound from guard. He might want to try advancing position though to get more of an impact.
Balagan is looking to work some ground and pound but Rock has wrist control.#T2#
Rock is trying to control the position from the bottom.
Balagan distracts Rock with his right hand and drops a big elbow with his other arm.
Balagan is sitting in guard, working some ground and pound.
Balagan landing with the ground and pound.
Balagan postures up in Rock's guard and throws a big left but Rock blocks it.
Balagan loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Rock wants to control here, rather than go for any submissions from the bottom. At least for now.
Balagan in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Balagan throwing strikes from guard but Rock blocks nicely.
Balagan tries to free his leg and advance position but Rock is retaining full guard. #T3#
Rock has momentary wrist control but Balagan slips an elbow through the middle.
Balagan scores with a decent looking elbow strike.
Rock bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Balagan's guard. #REVB#
Rock trying to control but Balagan is working from the bottom.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Rock accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Rock trying to pass the guard. He's being very persistent here but Balagan manages to land a sweep and now he's on top! #REVR#
Balagan makes a bit of distance and scores with some ground and pound, still in guard.#T4#
Balagan trying to control the position from guard on top but Rock is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Balagan chips away with some ground and pound.
Balagan won't allow Rock to get back to his feet.
Rock preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Balagan in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Balagan lands a couple of digs.
Balagan throwing strikes but missing.
Balagan slows down the pace of the fight for a moment. He'll need to remain active if he doesn't want to see the fight stood back up.
Rock bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Balagan's guard. #REVB#
Rock wants to control from the top but Balagan keeps moving.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
Arkady Balagan dominated that round.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!
#R2#
Balagan checks a low kick. Bone on bone - not my idea of a good time.#TD#
Balagan fakes an overhand right and shoots for a takedown. Rock sprawls well initially but Balagan persists and gets the takedown into half guard.
Rock has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Balagan is working away from the top position though.
The two fighters exchange a few words. I couldn't hear what they were saying but maybe it's more fun if you make it up yourself. Balagan connects with a nice short shot to Rock's temple.
Rock is trying is best to control the position here.
Balagan missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
Balagan throwing shots but Rock is blocking nicely.
Arkady Balagan overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Balagan takes advantage of the dominant position to land a couple of big hammer fists.
Balagan throwing shots but Rock is blocking nicely.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Balagan throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
Nice strikes from Balagan there.
Balagan working some ground and pound from close in. He's looking to maintain this position and strike for a while by the looks of things... although he'll probably advance to full mount in a minute now I've said that. #SUB#
Balagan is working for a kimura but Rock is defending it quite comfortably.
Rock avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Balagan. #T1#
Balagan wants to lay and pray for a moment but Rock keeps working.
Rock on the receiving end of some nice ground and pound.
Rock on the receiving end of some nice ground and pound.
Rock trying to control from the bottom.
Balagan thows a huge punch but Rock dodges it nicely.
Rock taking some punishment here, with Balagan in his half guard.
Balagan missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
Balagan has been looking to land a fair amount of strikes on the ground. He might be looking to soften his opponent up in order to work for a submission.
Balagan lands strikes from half guard.
Balagan lands a big shot. The thud that echoes around the arena is like music to the fans' ears. #T2#
The referee walks around the fighters to get a better view of the action. Balagan lands a nice short elbow.
Balagan working the head and body with strikes.
Balagan prevents Rock from improving his position.
Balagan throws a strike but Rock avoids it easily and moves to full guard.
Balagan won't allow Rock to sweep him here.
Balagan postures up and lands some nice ground and pound.
Balagan scoring with some ground and pound.
Rock preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Balagan pushing down on Rock's thigh, trying to pass to half guard. He's managed it... Nice work.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!#SUB#
Balagan is trying to work for a kimura. This could be trouble! No, Rock has managed to free his arm - good work.
Balagan looks to land a strike but Rock avoids it nicely and regains full guard.#T3#
Balagan postures up and lands some nice ground and pound.
Balagan trying to control the position from guard on top but Rock is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Balagan in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Balagan trying to control the position from guard on top but Rock is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Balagan postures up in Rock's guard and throws a big left but Rock blocks it.
Rock looking to hit a scissor sweep but Balagan is one step ahead there.
Balagan throws a big elbow that misses.
Balagan landing with the ground and pound.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Balagan accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand. #T4#
Balagan stopping the sweep attempt from Rock.
Rock keeping moving, preventing Balagan from controlling successfully.
Balagan throws an elbow that misses. Rock uses the momentum to reverse the position. He's now in Balagan's guard. Nice move by Rock!#REVB#
Rock trying to control the position from guard on top but Balagan is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Rock postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Rock is looking to work some ground and pound but Balagan has wrist control.
Rock sitting in guard here, content to control.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
Arkady Balagan dominated that second round.
That's time! Balagan's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight. This is the final round!
#R3#
A combination from Rock does no damage.
Balagan motions for Rock to come forward. Balagan throws a leg kick but it misses it's target. #TD#
Balagan closes the distance and after a bit of a stuggle, scores a takedown into Rock's guard.
Balagan throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Balagan lands a nice shot whilst sitting in his opponent's guard.
Rock looking for a sweep. Not yet Rock, not yet.
Balagan is working the ground and pound from guard. He might want to try advancing position though to get more of an impact.
Hammerfist, elbow! yells Balagan's corner. There ya go! There ya go!
Hammerfist, elbow! yells Balagan's corner. There ya go! There ya go!
Balagan in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Rock avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Rock lands a beautiful sweep and he's now moved into his opponent's guard.#REVB#
Balagan has his hands on Rock's head, controlling the position. #T1#
Rock not doing a lot at the moment. He'll have to show some more aggression or the fight will get stood up.
Rock wants to control from the top but Balagan keeps moving.
Rock postures up in Balagan's guard and throws a big left but Balagan blocks it.
Balagan working a defensive guard here.
Balagan trying to control the position here. #T2#
The crowd are showing their displeasure at the lack of action as loud boos ring out around the arena.
Rock stopping the sweep attempt from Balagan.
Balagan controlling the position.
Rock controls from within his opponent's guard. #REF3#
The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Rock connects nicely with a jab. Noted by the judges no doubt.
Nice sprawl there from Rock as Balagan shoots in.
Rock misses with a two punch combination.
#T3#
Rock misses with a wild body shot.
Balagan closes the distance and clinches up with Rock, looking for a takedown. Balagan pushes Rock against the cage but Rock circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Balagan goes for a double leg but Rock avoids the attempt and the two fighters end up clinched against the cage as Rock continues to drive forward.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Arkady Balagan. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Rock lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Balagan circles away quickly and effectively.
Rock connects with a jab.
Rock jabs at Balagan's body.
Rock stuffs the takedown.
Balagan has a takedown stuffed.
Rock throws a hook but Balagan avoids it easily.
A punch combination from Rock misses.
Balagan checks the leg kick.#TD#
Balagan gets the takedown into side control. #T4#
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
An elbow from Balagan crashes against the mat.
Rock tries to get back to half guard but can't.
You can see the frustration on Rock's face, being in this tough position on the bottom.
Arkady Balagan is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Rock tries to bench press Balagan off him but Balagan keeps the position.
Balagan landing strikes.
Abu Rock has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Balagan creates a bit of distance and throws down some hard shots.
Rock on the wrong end of some ground and pound.
Balagan working away diligently from side control. Landing strikes effectively there - that will score him some points on the judges scorecards.
Balagan landing a few strikes.
Balagan scoring with punches and elbows.
Balagan working the head and body with strikes.
And that's the end of the fight!
That was a close round. You could make an argument for either fighter but I would give it to Arkady Balagan.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Balagan, winning every round. Will the judges agree? They are the ones who matter, even if they are often depressingly incompetent. Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.
Ladies and gentlemen, after 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Jonathan Paton scores the fight 30:27
Judge John Roberts scores the fight 30:27
Judge Lou da Vinci scores the fight 30:27
In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Arkady Balagan!
Arkady Balagan thanked the fans post fight for their support.
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