Play by Play - Fighter's Fight Commentary

Event: Ascension 1126
Date: Nov 26, 2016

#R1#
Malmsteen missing with a left hand there. Cox was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Steve Cox seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Left hook, right uppercut from Cox. #TD#
Cox closes the distance and looks for a trip takedown... aaaand he's got it - Cox lands in his opponent's guard.
Cox prevents Malmsteen from getting back to his feet.
Cox lands a couple of digs.
Malmsteen is looking to stand back up but Cox counters by passing into half guard. Oops... bit sloppy there by Malmsteen.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Cox looks towards his corner to check for any instructions. The corner give him nothing to work with, so he cracks Malmsteen with a short hammerfist. I guess that's as good as any advice he could get in this position.
Cox landing with strikes to the body and head, softening up his opponent.
Malmsteen is trying to stand.
Cox is keen to just control but Malmsteen is a slippery customer.#T1#
Malmsteen pushes Cox off looking to stand but Cox dives back in and keeps control.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Cox seems to be taking a bit of a break to think of his next move. He lands a short punch in the meantime.
Cox takes advantage of the dominant position to land a couple of big hammer fists.
Malmsteen is trying to stand back up but Cox is controlling him
Malmsteen taking some punishment here, with Cox in his half guard.
Malmsteen is looking to escape.
Malmsteen is trying to defend against the ground and pound but Cox scores with a couple of nice shots.
Malmsteen is trying to stand.
Malmsteen on the receiving end of some nice ground and pound.
Malmsteen is looking to escape.
Cox seems to be taking a bit of a break to think of his next move. He lands a short punch in the meantime. #T2#
Malmsteen won't allow Cox to pass to mount.
Cox stops Malmsteen from getting back to his feet.
Cox controlling the action here.
Cox 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.
The fighters are going at a pretty good pace and they're both starting to sweat now.
Malmsteen looks like he's trying to stand up.
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. Cox connects with a nice short shot to Malmsteen's temple.
Cox seems to be taking a bit of a break to think of his next move. He lands a short punch in the meantime.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Malmsteen is looking to escape.
Cox lands with an elbow from half guard - that looked like it hurt. #T3#
Malmsteen is looking to escape.
Cox lands with a punch from half guard.
Cox landing with strikes to the body and head, softening up his opponent.
Cox stops Malmsteen from getting back to his feet.
Cox 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.
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. Cox connects with a nice short shot to Malmsteen's temple.
Cox 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.
Malmsteen is trying to stand.
Cox will need to keep those long limbs tucked in whilst he's on the ground, to prevent any submissions.
Cox lands with a punch from half guard.
Malmsteen pushes Cox off looking to stand but Cox dives back in and keeps control. #T4#
Ground and pound from Cox.
Malmsteen is trying to defend against the ground and pound but Cox scores with a couple of nice shots.
Malmsteen is trying to defend against the ground and pound but Cox scores with a couple of nice shots.
Cox working over Malmsteen with some ground and pound. Malmsteen looks like he wants out of this position, which is understandable.
Cox takes advantage of the dominant position to land a couple of big hammer fists.
Malmsteen is looking to escape.
Cox winds up and cracks Malmsteen with a swinging punch to the side of the head.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Malmsteen pushes Cox off looking to stand but Cox dives back in and keeps control.
Cox scoring with strikes to the body and head.
Malmsteen looks like he's trying to stand up.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Steve Cox dominated that round.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!
#R2#
Malmsteen takes one on the chin but keeps coming.
Cox lands with a kick to the ribs. #TD#
Cox gets a takedown into half guard.
Cox prevents Malmsteen from standing back up.
Cox looks towards his corner to check for any instructions. The corner give him nothing to work with, so he cracks Malmsteen with a short hammerfist. I guess that's as good as any advice he could get in this position.
Cox lands with a punch from half guard.
Malmsteen pushes Cox off looking to stand but Cox dives back in and keeps control.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Cox looks towards his corner to check for any instructions. The corner give him nothing to work with, so he cracks Malmsteen with a short hammerfist. I guess that's as good as any advice he could get in this position.
Cox is scoring with some nice ground and pound from the dominant position.
Cox stops Malmsteen from getting back to his feet. #T1#
Malmsteen is using up a lot of energy trying to get back to his feet. Perhaps he should improve his position first.
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. Cox connects with a nice short shot to Malmsteen's temple.
Cox lands a big shot. The thud that echoes around the arena is like music to the fans' ears.
Malmsteen tries to kick Cox off but Cox keeps his base steady and stays in half guard.
Malmsteen on the receiving end of some nice ground and pound.
Cox working over Malmsteen with some ground and pound. Malmsteen looks like he wants out of this position, which is understandable.
Malmsteen wants to get back to his feet.
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. Cox connects with a nice short shot to Malmsteen's temple.
Cox is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Malmsteen can do to turn this around?
Cox takes advantage of the dominant position to land a couple of big hammer fists.#SUB#
Cox is looking for a kimura but he's never going to get it from there.
Cox working over Malmsteen with some ground and pound. Malmsteen looks like he wants out of this position, which is understandable.
Steve Cox overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Cox looks towards his corner to check for any instructions. The corner give him nothing to work with, so he cracks Malmsteen with a short hammerfist. I guess that's as good as any advice he could get in this position. #T2#
Malmsteen is trying to defend against the ground and pound but Cox scores with a couple of nice shots.
Cox working over Malmsteen with some ground and pound. Malmsteen looks like he wants out of this position, which is understandable.
Ground and pound from Cox.
Cox looking to pass the half guard. Not this time.
Cox 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.
The fans in attendance giving it up for the two fighters, who have really let it all hang out in the last minute or so!
Cox scoring with strikes to the body and head.
Cox wants to control but Malmsteen is keeping him busy. #ES2#
Malmsteen has one foot on Cox's thigh - he pushes off and manages to get back to his feet.
Cox walks straight into an uppercut. Luckily it didn't land flush.
Cox misses with a takedown
and Malmsteen counters with a nice uppercut.
Yngwie Malmsteen is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Cox connects with a lovely jab that went straight through the gap between Malmsteen's hands.#T3#
Cox looks for a takedown but Malmsteen sprawls well.
Malmsteen throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Malmsteen tries to score with a low kick but Cox moves his leg out of the way.
Malmsteen looks to throw the jab but Cox is out of range. #TD#
Cox gets a double leg takedown into Malmsteen's guard.
Cox prevents Malmsteen from getting back to his feet.
Cox is sitting in guard, working some ground and pound.
Malmsteen is looking to stand up but Cox isn't so interested in that idea.
Malmsteen is looking to stand back up... there's a bit of a scramble and Cox dives into side control.
Malmsteen pushes Cox away and creates a bit of space to escape. He's almost out here... but no, Cox gets a good hold of his legs and remains firmly in side control.
Malmsteen is trying to escape the position but Cox is controlling the position. #T4#
Malmsteen is working hard to escape and get back to his feet. After a battle for position, Cox asserts his dominance and retains side control.
Cox working away diligently from side control. Landing strikes effectively there - that will score him some points on the judges scorecards.
Malmsteen is working hard to escape and get back to his feet. After a battle for position, Cox asserts his dominance and retains side control.
Malmsteen wants to get back to his feet but Cox is dominant here and he's now got Malmsteen's back!#SUB#
Cox working from the back looking to end the fight with a rear naked choke. Malmsteen is doing well to defend. Cox seems to have got his hand under the chin though and he's sunk the choke in! Malmsteen is forced to tap and this one is over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:58 of round 2, we have a winner by way of Submission (RNC). Steve Cox!
Steve Cox seemed lost for words in his post fight interview but he remembered to thank his fans and directed everyone to his website.

Event: Ascension 1029
Date: Oct 29, 2016

#R1##TD#
Markovic tries to sprawl but Cox drives through with a takedown into half guard.#ES2#
Markovic makes some distance and scrambles quickly back to his feet. Nice work!
Cox shoots in looking for a takedown but Markovic manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Cox's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
Markovic buckles his opponent's knee momentarily with a nice leg kick.
Markovic defending well as Cox loads up on a big left hand.
Cox misses with a double jab
and Markovic counters with a nice uppercut.
Cox takes a solid shot to the body. That one hurt him but he's trying not to show it.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Markovic jabs Cox to the body, keeping him at a distance.
Markovic keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot. #TD#
Cox shoots in from a long way out. He's driving through with the takedown attempt and he eventually gets it, landing in Markovic's guard.
Cox wants to control from the top but Markovic keeps moving.
Markovic wants to control but Cox passes easily into half guard.
Markovic is trying to stand back up but Cox is controlling him
Cox missing with some ground and pound from the half guard. #T1#
Markovic is trying to stand up here but Cox is controlling him well.
Cox tries to pass the half guard into mount. Markovic knows what he's doing though and prevents the attempt.
Markovic looks like he's trying to stand up.
Cox looks to score some points with some ground and pound.
Cox is nestled in close to Markovic, controlling him well. He's worked in a nice elbow to the side of the head as well, for good measure.
Cox 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.
Cox working the head and body with strikes.
Cox lands with an elbow from half guard - that looked like it hurt. #SUB#
Cox is working for a submission of some sort. #T2#
Cox is thwarting Markovic's attempts to control the position.#SUB2#
Markovic looking for submissions off his back.
Cox stops Markovic from getting back to his feet.
Markovic holds on for dear life, maintaining half guard for now.
Cox lands with an elbow from half guard - that looked like it hurt. #SUB2#
Markovic is working on a guillotine. He's managed to get to full guard and he's really squeezing tight! Cox is tapping! Great win for Markovic!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:56 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Guillotine). Zoran Markovic!
Zoran Markovic decided to thank the fans in attendance for making a great atmosphere. It seemed to go down pretty well.

Event: Ascension 1005
Date: Oct 05, 2016

#R1#
Cox fails with a takedown attempt.
Nahtic looks like he wants to counter punch here.
Cox misses with a few strikes there.
Nahtic blocks a head kick by Cox.
We've been hearing reports that Cox has been drilling takedowns in recent sessions so let's see if that has an impact on the result of this fight.
Cox slips a jab from Nahtic.
Cox thuds a left hand into Nahtic's body.
Cox defending well as Nahtic loads up on a big left hand.
Cox has a takedown stuffed.
Nahtic lunges in with an uppercut that skims his opponent's chin.
Nahtic throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Steve Cox seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Nahtic throws a mid kick that lands with a slap.
Cox shoots in but no luck this time.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Steve Cox. That's going to take a lot out of him.#TD#
Cox fakes a strike and closes the distance, dragging Nahtic to the ground. Cox is now in Nahtic's guard.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Nahtic keeping moving, preventing Cox from controlling successfully.
Nahtic can't do much from the bottom at the moment, as Cox controls the pace.
Nahtic looking to sweep here. No luck so far. #T1#
Nahtic working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Cox.
Cox with a nice head shot there.
Nahtic keeping moving, preventing Cox from controlling successfully.
Cox might be looking to lock onto one of his opponent's long limbs for a submission, whilst we're on the ground.
Nahtic wants to control but Cox passes easily into half guard.
Nahtic is a painfully thin specimen of a man. You do wonder whether a good body kick would snap him clean in two.
Nahtic is trying to defend against the ground and pound but Cox scores with a couple of nice shots.
Cox trying to mount his opponent but Nahtic defends it.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Cox missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
Cox throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man. #T2#
Cox is nestled in close to Nahtic, controlling him well. He's worked in a nice elbow to the side of the head as well, for good measure.
Nahtic is looking to improve his position.
Cox wants to take a breather but Nahtic is having none of it.
Cox controlling the action here.
Nahtic tries to get to full guard but Cox has control of the leg.
Cox thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Nahtic's head.
Ground and pound from Cox.
Cox sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Nahtic defending well though.
Nahtic is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though. #T3#
Cox missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
Nice strikes from Cox there.
Cox winds up and cracks Nahtic with a swinging punch to the side of the head.
Cox is trying to control the action in half guard but Nahtic is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.
Nahtic is looking to improve his position.
Cox takes advantage of the dominant position to land a couple of big hammer fists.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Cox is figuring out what he wants to do next.
Ground and pound from Cox.
Cox trying to control the pace.
Nahtic tries to get to full guard but Cox has control of the leg. #T4#
Cox not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
Cox working the head and body with strikes.
Nahtic is trying to get back to full guard.
Cox drops an elbow to the side of Nahtic's head.
Cox looks to score some points with some ground and pound.
Nahtic regains full guard. Nicely done.
Nahtic working a defensive guard here.
Cox throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Steve Cox dominated that round.
That's time! Cox's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.
#R2#
Cox tries to land a leg kick but Nahtic saw it coming and moves away.
Cox keeps the fight on the outside.
An inside leg kick lands from Cox.
Nahtic throws a jab but it's blocked by Cox.
Nahtic misses with a straight left.
Nahtic tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Cox paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Cox went nuts there looking for a big combo counter but none of the flurry connected.
Cox closes the distance and takes a jab right on the nose as he does so.
Cox moves out of range as Nahtic strikes.
Cox closes the distance and clinches up with Nahtic, looking for a takedown. Cox pushes Nahtic against the cage but Nahtic circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Cox tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Nahtic swivels and escapes.
Cox blocks a head kick by Nahtic.
Nahtic looks for the body kick but Cox saw that one coming.
Sloppy strikes from Cox. Those never looked like landing.
A looping hook to the body misses from Cox. Nahtic does a little dance to reset his feet.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Nahtic gets his head snapped back by a nice shot there.
Cox scores with a leg kick.
Cox gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily
and Nahtic counters with a nice uppercut.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Steve Cox. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Cox throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Cox tries to score a power double leg takedown but Nahtic sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Cox somewhat.#T1#
Cox takes an uppercut right on the button but keeps his composure.
Nahtic will need to close the distance a bit before he attacks - that leg kick was thrown from too far away.
Cox tries to land a front kick but Nahtic steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed.
Nahtic with the counter takedown but Cox avoids it easily.
Nahtic throws a big shot that misses.
Cox wants to take advantage of his opponent's missed offense by moving into the clinch.
Cox shoots for a takedown but Nahtic saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
Nahtic is using his reach advantage to land shots from outside his opponent's range.
Cox shoots in for a takedown but Nahtic shows good takedown defense.
Steve Cox is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Nahtic throws a head kick but Cox moves out of range.
Nahtic blocks a head kick by Cox.
Nahtic throws a sloppy head kick and Cox moves out of range easily.
Nahtic throws a head kick that misses.
Cox is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Nahtic can do to turn this around?
Nahtic fakes a jab and scores with a low kick.
Nahtic tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Nahtic defending well as Cox loads up on a big left hand.
Cox tries for a takedown but Nahtic circles away easily
and Cox takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles. #T2#
Nahtic wants to clinch.
Nahtic throws a big shot that misses.
Cox shoots for a takedown but Nahtic saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
Nahtic is looking to clinch.
Nahtic tries a head kick but it misses.
Cox lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Nahtic circles away quickly and effectively.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.#TD#
Cox shoots in for a takedown! He's got it and he's managed to land in side control! That's better than Cox was expecting from the takedown attempt, I'm sure!
Cox content to control the pace. The referee will try and keep them active though.
Nahtic is not content to let Cox control the position.
Nahtic is trying to improve his position.#T3#
A lull in the action here.
Steve Cox overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Cox scoring with punches and elbows.
Nahtic is trying to control Cox's posture but Cox avoids it.
Cox working the body and head with strikes.
Nahtic holding on.
Cox is putting a hurting on Nahtic here, landing some big shots from side control. #T4#
Cox lands a few punches from side control.
Cox scores with a couple of nice shots to the head there. The referee takes a look at Nahtic to see if he's OK.
Nahtic is looking to reverse the position.
Cox lands a decent elbow from side control.
Cox working the body and head with strikes.
Cox looks up at the clock and then as Nahtic takes his cue and looks up at the clock too, Cox smacks him right in the chops with a big elbow! How rude!
Check out the look on Cox's face as he threw that strike - that's one determined fighter! #ROC#
Nahtic is rocked!
Nahtic tries to control but end up mounted... ooooh, that's bad.
Nahtic is still in real trouble! Can Cox finish him?
Cox cracks Nahtic with a nasty head shot there - the crowd let out an audible gasp there, as the noise reverberated around the arena.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Cox cracks Nahtic with a big head shot that has him covering up instantly! He's rolled onto his side and the referee has seen enough - this one is aaaaaaaaaaall over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:59 of round 2, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Steve Cox!
Steve Cox thanked the fans post fight for their support.

Event: Ascension - 3
Date: Sep 02, 2016

#R1#
Wills connects with the punch.
Cox throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Cox throws a jab when Wills was well out of range.
Cox throws a head kick that misses.
Cox shoots in looking for a takedown but Wills manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Cox's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.#TD#
Cox closes the distance and scores a nice trip takedown into half guard. Wills did well to prevent Cox getting side control.
Nice strikes from Cox there.
Cox thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
Wills felt the need to train up his defensive grappling in the buildup to the fight. Presumably he was expecting to be in a difficult position like this, so let's see if he can get out of it.
Wills blocking the ground and pound attempt from Cox.
Cox missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Cox wants to lay and pray for a moment but Wills keeps working.
Cox missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.
Ground and pound from Cox.
Cox thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
Wills is looking to improve his position. #T1#
Wills is trying to maintain the position but Cox is very close to passing his half guard.
Wills blocking the ground and pound attempt from Cox.
Cox seems to be taking a bit of a break to think of his next move. He lands a short punch in the meantime.
Cox looks to land a strike but Wills avoids it nicely and regains full guard.
Cox lands a couple of elbows.
Cox keeps in close for a moment and lands a decent shot to the side of Wills's head.
Cox landing with the ground and pound.
Cox is taking a break and basically stalling. The referee will not allow him to do that for long.
Cox missing there with some ground and pound from the guard. #T2#
Cox postures up and lands a big shot to Wills's brow. #SUB2#
Wills throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.
Wills controls Cox momentarily but Cox frees himself. #SUB2#
Wills working for a triangle but Cox defends it easily.
Cox tries to free his leg and advance position but Wills is retaining full guard. #T3#
Hammerfist, elbow! yells Cox's corner. There ya go! There ya go!
Hammerfist, elbow! yells Cox's corner. There ya go! There ya go!
Cox working from the guard for now, landing some ground and pound.
Cox postures up in Wills's guard and throws a big left but Wills blocks it.
Cox controlling from the guard. I say controlling but really, he's stalling.
Cox cracks Wills with a solid left hand.
Cox is sitting in guard, working some ground and pound. #SUB2#
Wills working for a triangle but Cox defends it easily.
Wills working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Cox. #T4#
Cox lands a couple of digs.
Wills trying to keep a closed guard but Cox is proving a slippery customer.
Cox scoring with some ground and pound.
Cox with a nice head shot there.
Wills keeping full guard, as Cox tries to pass.
Cox throws a strike but Wills rolls with it and manages to sweep. Now he's in guard on top. #REVB#
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Cox wants to sweep here but Wills controlling him for the moment.
Cox looking to control.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Steve Cox dominated that round.
That's time! Back to the action!
#R2#
Wills swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Cox fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Cox shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Wills as he avoids it easily.
Cox is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Wills can do to turn this around?
Cox doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
Wills misses with an uppercut. Cox saw that one coming.
Cox walks straight into a jab right on the nose. That one stung - he's blinking and trying to clear his head.#TD#
Cox closes the distance and gets a trip takedown into side control. Wills quickly recovers to half guard.
Wills is trying to maintain the position but Cox is very close to passing his half guard.
Cox looks towards his corner to check for any instructions. The corner give him nothing to work with, so he cracks Wills with a short hammerfist. I guess that's as good as any advice he could get in this position.
Cox trying to control the action but Wills is working from the bottom. #SUB2#
Wills looking for submissions off his back.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.#SUB#
Cox is looking for a kimura. It's going to be difficult to finish that from half guard though and Wills defends it well.
Wills is a painfully thin specimen of a man. You do wonder whether a good body kick would snap him clean in two.#T1#
Cox prevents Wills from improving his position.
Cox seems to be taking a bit of a break to think of his next move. He lands a short punch in the meantime.
Cox 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.
The fighters are battling for position here. Wills manages to regain full guard. Nice work.
Cox postures up in Wills's guard and throws a big left but Wills blocks it.
Cox postures up and lands a big shot to Wills's brow.
Cox pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Wills is keeping the position for now. #SUB2#
Cox got a little sloppy there for a moment and Wills has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Cox has managed to get both his arms back between Wills's legs - danger averted.#T2#
Cox makes a bit of distance and scores with some ground and pound, still in guard.
Cox scoring with some ground and pound.
Cox throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Wills works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Cox advances position into side control!
Wills on the wrong end of some ground and pound.
Wills taking punishment in the form of punches.
Cox working the ground and pound.
Steve Cox overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Wills manages to land a sweep and he's now on top! Lovely Jiu Jitsu!
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Cox is looking to control Wills's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Cox avoid being mounted?#T3#
Wills tries to stand but can't do so whilst Cox controls his leg.
Wills is thwarting Cox's attempts to control the position.
Cox tries to get to full guard but Wills has control of the leg.
It looks like Wills is going to stand back up.
Wills is looking to advance position but Cox won't allow it. #T4#
A few boos can be heard. I'm sure they will multiply if the fighters don't pick up the pace.
Wills wants to get back to his feet. #SUB#
Cox actively working from the bottom here.
Cox is trying to maintain the position but Wills is very close to passing his half guard.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Wills wants to stand up but Cox is controlling the position.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Steve Cox dominated that second round.
That's time! Cox's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight. Let's get this one finished - here comes the final round!
#R3##TD#
Cox bobs and weaves into range and then changes levels and scores with a nice takedown into side control.
Cox scores with a couple of short elbows.
You can see the frustration on Wills's face, being in this tough position on the bottom.
Wills tries to work a leg under to get back to half guard but Cox wriggles his own leg back out and remains in side control.
Wills is not content to let Cox control the position.
Cox lands an elbow.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Cox lands a decent elbow from side control.
Cox in side control lands a decent elbow.
Wills is trying to control Cox's posture but Cox avoids it. #T1#
Cox landing a few strikes.
Wills taking punishment in the form of punches.
Wills struggling a bit here.#SUB#
Cox tries for a kimura but Wills is defending well.
Cox landing a few strikes.
Cox working the ground and pound from side control.
Cox looks up at the clock and then as Wills takes his cue and looks up at the clock too, Cox smacks him right in the chops with a big elbow! How rude! #T2#
Wills is working to avoid the ground and pound but Cox connects with a decent elbow.
Cox scoring with punches from side control.
Wills is positioning himself to get back to half guard.
Check out the look on Cox's face as he threw that strike - that's one determined fighter!
Cox prevents Wills from escaping the position.
Cox working away diligently from side control. Landing strikes effectively there - that will score him some points on the judges scorecards.
Wills on the wrong end of some ground and pound.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Cox is working Wills over with some ground and pound from side control.
Cox lands a knee to the body and follows it up with some ground and pound to the head. That will wear Wills down.
Cox lands a few punches from side control.#T3#
Cox wants to lay and pray for a moment but Wills keeps working.
Wills takes an elbow right on the bridge of the nose and winces in pain.
Steve Cox is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Wills tries to improve position but can't.
Cox just content to control the position. #T4#
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.
Wills is trying to get back to half guard. He's pushing on Cox's leg. He's managed it. Nice work.
Wills gets full guard.
Cox looking to control the position here, rather than advance.
Cox lands a couple of decent looking shots.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Cox's corner is telling him to maintain position.#SUB2#
Wills escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Cox gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.
Wilson Wills has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!#SUB2#
Wills has managed to work for a loose triangle. I think Cox should be able to defend this one pretty easily though. Oh, Wills has tightened it up now! Cox should have reacted faster there - he's in big trouble and yes, he's tapped out! This one is all over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:59 of round 3, we have a winner by way of Submission (Triangle). Wilson Wills!
After the fight, Wilson Wills was humble in paying tribute to his opponent but made it clear he wants to go on to bigger and better things. It seemed to go down well with the crowd who cheered him loudly.

Event: EPL Semi Final
Date: Jul 20, 2016

#R1#
Taphorn moves away from the strike by Cox.
Taphorn looks to land a body kick but Cox moved away.
A clash of legs there as Taphorn blocks the low kick.
Taphorn fakes and then throws a beautiful body shot. Cox looks a bit winded and takes a step backwards to take a breath.
A head kick misses from Cox.
Cox slips under a jab.
Cox pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Taphorn lands a leg kick and bounces back out of range.
Steve Cox seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Nice takedown defense from Taphorn. No joy for Cox on that attempt.
Cox throws a head kick but Taphorn moves out of range. #CL#
Cox has managed to clinch.
Taphorn pressing his opponent against the cage.
Taphorn misses with the head strike.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Taphorn lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage. #BC2#
Taphorn breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance. #CL2#
Taphorn has taken the fight to the clinch.
A head punch on the inside from Cox fails to land. #T1#
Cox misses with some punches.
Taphorn misses with a body punch.
Still in the clinch, Cox scores with a nice short uppercut.
A short uppercut from Taphorn.
Cox wants a takedown but no success here.
Taphorn has Cox pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Cox manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.
Taphorn lands a shoulder strike.
Cox pressing his opponent against the cage.
Cox letting Taphorn take a breather here.
Taphorn lands a right hand.
Cox misses with the head strike.
Taphorn gets underhooks to prevent Cox's takedown attempt.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Steve Cox. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Cox throws a punch but it's blocked by Taphorn.
Cox fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
A short uppercut from Cox.
Taphorn misses with some punches.
A hook to the body from Taphorn. #T2#
Cox struggles to land a body shot inside as Taphorn controls his hands.
Cox throws a head punch that misses.
Taphorn is trying to slow down the pace of the fight but Cox is keeping busy.
A short left from Taphorn.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Cox misses with a punch on the inside.
Taphorn misses with a punch on the inside.
Taphorn scores with a shot to the side of Cox's head.
Taphorn swings wildly with an uppercut but Cox uses good head movement to avoid it.
Taphorn gets underhooks to prevent Cox's takedown attempt.
A hook to the body from Taphorn.
Taphorn scores a nice knee to the body.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Cox.
Cox tries a knee to the head but he's missed.
Taphorn misses with some punches.
Cox goes for a takedown in the clinch but Taphorn prevents it.
Cox stalling in the clinch but Taphorn improves position.
A nice right hand lands inside from Taphorn. #T3#
Taphorn lands a left hand.
Cox has a couple of punches blocked by Taphorn.
Taphorn lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
Taphorn stalling in the clinch but Cox improves position.
Taphorn lands a left hand.
Cox tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
A short right from Cox on the inside.
Cox tries to pull guard but Taphorn won't allow it.
Taphorn throws a head punch that misses.
Taphorn misses with a punch to the body.
Taphorn scores with a shot to the side of Cox's head.
Taphorn makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
Taphorn lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards. #BC2#
Taphorn escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Cox throws a looping overhand right but Taphorn ducks down to avoid it.
Cox has been working on his balance at Mega Gym - Capacity 35, so perhaps that has help him stuff some of the takedown attempts by Taphorn.
Cox wants to clinch but Taphorn slips to the side#TD2#
and Taphorn counters with a takedown into side control! That could mean trouble for Cox!
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Taphorn misses with an attempted head punch from side control.
Cox is trying to get back to half guard.
Taphorn in side control, trying to ground and pound but not landing this time. #T4#
Cox is positioning himself to get back to half guard.
Taphorn tries to advance to mount but can't.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Taphorn advances nicely into full mount.
Taphorn working the ground and pound effectively.
Taphorn landing strikes from the mount.
Taphorn has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
Taphorn lands a couple of good shots and Cox has given up his back, trying to escape the position!#SUB2#
Taphorn has his opponent's back and is working for the choke.
Taphorn is hanging on to Cox's back as he tries to escape.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Peter Taphorn dominated that round.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business.
#R2#
Taphorn scores with a hook to the body. Cox takes a step back and tries to catch his breath.
Taphorn takes a head kick and shrugs it off.
Taphorn lands a head shot.
Nice sprawl there from Cox as Taphorn shoots in.
Cox throws a head kick but Taphorn moves out of range.
Taphorn ducks under a wild hook from Cox.#CL#
Cox closes the distance and clinches.
Taphorn stalling against the cage.
Cox has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Taphorn is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.
Taphorn scores with a shoulder strike.
Taphorn pushes Cox back against the cage and unloads with a body punch.
Taphorn scores with a shoulder strike.
Cox goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Taphorn working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Taphorn lands a body punch in the clinch. #BC2#
Taphorn breaks from the clinch.
Cox checks the leg kick.
As Taphorn tries to get set, Cox tries to push him back and clinch up but Taphorn manages to avoid the attempt.
Cox shoots in and drives through. Taphorn sprawls well.#T1#
Taphorn avoids a low kick by using good footwork.
Cox connects with a solid leg kick.
Taphorn connects with a lovely jab that went straight through the gap between Cox's hands.
Cox misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick. #TD#
Cox looks for a takedown. He's got it. We're now in half guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Taphorn is trying to control but can't.
Cox 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.
Cox wants to control but Taphorn is keeping him busy.
Taphorn is trying to get back to full guard.#T2#
Taphorn controlling the leg, holding on to half guard.
Taphorn trying to hold on to Cox's head to control him but Cox postures up.
Taphorn wants to get back to full guard.
Taphorn has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Cox is working away from the top position though.
Taphorn taking some punishment here, with Cox in his half guard.
Taphorn wants to improve his position but Cox is controlling well.
Cox landing with strikes to the body and head, softening up his opponent. #T3#
Cox lands strikes from half guard.
Cox lands a big shot. The thud that echoes around the arena is like music to the fans' ears.
Taphorn is looking to control Cox's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Taphorn avoid being mounted?
Taphorn might have to switch it up a bit here because his efforts to control Cox haven't been going to plan, at least at the current moment in time.
Cox landing with strikes to the body and head, softening up his opponent.
Cox lands with a punch from half guard.
Nice strikes from Cox there.
Cox lands a big shot. The thud that echoes around the arena is like music to the fans' ears.
Taphorn wants to get back to full guard.
Taphorn taking some punishment here, with Cox in his half guard. #T4#
Cox throwing shots but Taphorn is blocking nicely.
Taphorn moves his hips nicely and gets into full guard.
Cox is sitting in guard, working some ground and pound. #SUB2#
Taphorn looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.
Taphorn keeping moving, preventing Cox from controlling successfully.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Cox accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand. #SUB2#
Taphorn is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Cox accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Steve Cox dominated that second round.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!
#R3#
Taphorn moves out of range of the strikes.#CL#
Cox pushes Taphorn up against the cage in a clinch.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Taphorn.
A bit of stalling here from Cox.
Cox blocks a punch to the side of the head. #TD2#
Taphorn turns his back and goes for a hip toss. It's a bit messy but it gets the job done and Taphorn manages to end up in side control.
Taphorn has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Cox is not content to let Taphorn control the position.
Cox is positioning himself to get back to half guard.
Cox parries the strikes from Taphorn easily there. Taphorn is wary of posturing up too much because it might enable Cox to escape.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Taphorn postures up a little and throws a couple of hammerfists but they don't connect properly.
Taphorn has knee on belly and now moves to full mount! Trouble for Cox!#T1##SUB2#
Taphorn is going oldschool here, as he tries to force Cox to tap using a forearm choke. This isn't 1993 though, so Cox shrugs it off.
Taphorn thuds his fist into the canvas! Oooouch!
Taphorn scoring with some good ground and pound from mount here. Will he manage to finish Cox?
The referee warns Cox that he has to improve his position here as he takes two more clean shots to the head.
Cox keeping his composure momentarily, calmly looking to get back to half guard.
Taphorn tries to control but Cox wriggling away.
Taphorn breaks from Cox's wrist control and lands an elbow.
Taphorn lands a big elbow.
Taphorn tries to control but Cox wriggling away. #T2#
Taphorn lands an elbow that was bordering on illegal but the referee lets it go with a warning.
Cox is desperately trying to improve his position but Taphorn has a good base and remains in mount.
Taphorn connects with a couple of good shots from mount.
Taphorn trying to control but he's not successful this time. #SUB2#
Taphorn has hold of Cox's left arm, perhaps looking for a submission. The two fighters tussle over control of the isolated limb and Cox manages to get his arm back to his side and away from danger.
Taphorn is in the full mount, landing strikes.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Taphorn prevents Cox from getting the reversal.
Cox slips a leg in and gets back to half guard.#T3#
Taphorn throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.
Taphorn thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Cox's head.
Taphorn seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Cox does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.
Taphorn scores with a couple of good hammerfists.
Cox regains full guard. Nicely done.
Taphorn working in close now, lands a nice elbow to the side of Cox's head.
Taphorn is sitting in guard, working some ground and pound.
Cox preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Taphorn makes a bit of distance and scores with some ground and pound, still in guard.#SUB#
Cox escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Taphorn gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.
Taphorn trying to control the position from guard on top but Cox is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can. #T4#
Taphorn throws an elbow that misses. Cox uses the momentum to reverse the position. He's now in Taphorn's guard. Nice move by Cox!#REVR#
Taphorn controls Cox momentarily but Cox frees himself. #SUB2#
Taphorn is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Cox defends well.#SUB2#
Taphorn is active off his back here, looking for submissions.
Taphorn looking for a sweep. Not yet Taphorn, not yet.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Peter Taphorn really dominated that round.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!
#R4#
A lazy body kick from Cox
and Taphorn counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Cox walks into a stiff left hand from Taphorn.
Taphorn throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Cox looks to land a combination but Taphorn avoids it well.
A jab from Taphorn does it's job there.
Taphorn throws a lazy right hand but Cox sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Taphorn throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Taphorn fakes with a right hand and throws a good leg kick, right into the thigh. That had to hurt Cox.
Cox fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Taphorn manages to avoid it.
Taphorn bobs and weaves and then throws a good body kick.
Taphorn fakes with the hands and throws a leg kick but Cox is out of range.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
A head kick by Cox misses
and Taphorn counters with a solid body kick.
Taphorn misses the jab.
Taphorn misses with a body kick.
Cox swings for the body but Taphorn moves out of range.
Cox on the wrong end of a vicious looking body shot. #T1#
Taphorn throws a leg kick
and Cox counters with a head kick.
Taphorn uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Cox.
A nice inside leg kick there by Taphorn. That's going to slow Cox down.
Cox misses the body punch
and Taphorn counters with a shot to the ribs. That looked like it hurt.
Ouch! a nice leg kick from Cox, right into the meat.
Taphorn scores with a hook to the body. Cox takes a step back and tries to catch his breath.
Taphorn lands with a right hand.
Taphorn lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Cox circles away quickly and effectively.
Taphorn tries a low kick but Cox avoids it.#TD#
Cox drops down and drives through with a powerful takedown into guard.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Taphorn has momentary wrist control but Cox slips an elbow through the middle.
Taphorn tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Taphorn working a defensive guard but Cox passes into half guard.
Cox landing with strikes to the body and head, softening up his opponent. #T2#
Cox tries to pass the half guard into mount. Taphorn knows what he's doing though and prevents the attempt.
Taphorn tries to get to full guard but Cox has control of the leg.
Taphorn regains full guard. Nicely done.
Cox landing with the ground and pound.
Cox scoring with some ground and pound. #SUB2#
Taphorn had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Cox defends it easily.
Taphorn is trying to control the position from the bottom. #T3#
Cox trying to control but Taphorn is working from the bottom.
Cox makes a bit of distance and scores with some ground and pound, still in guard.
Cox is working the ground and pound from guard. He might want to try advancing position though to get more of an impact.
Cox postures up and lands a big shot to Taphorn's brow.
Cox postures up and scores with a shot to the body and a follow up elbow to the head.
Cox is working Taphorn over from the guard. He should look to pass the guard and do a little more damage with these strikes. #SUB2#
Taphorn throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.
Cox distracts Taphorn with his right hand and drops a big elbow with his other arm.#T4#
Taphorn has momentary wrist control but Cox slips an elbow through the middle.
Taphorn utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Taphorn seems keen to control Cox's posture.
Cox content to strike from guard, landing some decent shots.
Taphorn is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Cox trying to control the position from guard on top but Taphorn is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Taphorn working a defensive guard here.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close fourth round but I would say that Steve Cox will probably get the nod.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action! Let's get this one finished - here comes the final round!
#R5#
Taphorn throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Cox throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Taphorn lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Cox circles away quickly and effectively.
A clash of legs there as Cox blocks the low kick.
Cox takes a solid shot to the body. That one hurt him but he's trying not to show it.#TD#
Cox fakes a strike and closes the distance, dragging Taphorn to the ground. Cox is now in Taphorn's guard.
Cox sitting in guard, not really doing much.
Our spies down at at Brutal Force Training inform us that Taphorn has really been working on his submissions in the buildup to this fight. Will it pay off?#SUB2#
Taphorn looking for a guillotine here but Cox defends easily.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.#SUB2#
Taphorn is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Cox defends well.#T1#
Cox throws a big right hand that misses.
Cox connects with a couple of short punches.#SUB2#
Taphorn looking to try and escape his hips here, looking for a submission. It looks like he's going for a triangle but Cox is defending well. Taphorn quickly switches to an armbar and extends the arm! Cox has no choice but to tap, to a very quick submission! Wow, that was lightning fast! Taphorn celebrates on the cage, with the crowd.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:45 of round 5, we have a winner by way of Submission (Armbar). Peter Taphorn!
Peter Taphorn is the new bantamweight champion!
Peter Taphorn thanked the fans post fight for their support.

Event: Ascension Return of The D
Date: Jun 29, 2016

#R1#
Cox tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Cox tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Nahtic tries to clinch but Cox moves out of range.
Nahtic tries to close the distance and clinch up but Cox swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Cox finds nothing but air with that leg kick attempt.
Nahtic avoids the head kick by Cox.
Nahtic lands with an uppercut that bounces Cox off the cage and back into range.
Nahtic misses with a few strikes there.
Wow, both these guys are really going for it!
Nahtic moves out of range of the body kick.
Nahtic lands an overhand left. A wild punch that just about connected.
Nahtic blocks a head kick by Cox. #CL2#
Cox closes the distance and clinches.
Nahtic gets double underhooks to prevent a takedown attempt from Cox. #TD#
Nahtic pulls guard effortlessly.
Cox scoring with some ground and pound.
Nahtic keeping moving, preventing Cox from controlling successfully. #T1##SUB#
Nahtic is looking for a triangle but Cox pushes his legs off easily.
Cox slows down the pace of the fight, as he sits in guard.
Cox trying to control but Nahtic is working from the bottom.
Cox throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Nahtic 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.
Cox postures up.
Cox chips away with some ground and pound.
In the pre-fight buildup videos we saw Cox working his ground and pound in the gym. So far it seems to be working well.
Nahtic will need to keep those long limbs tucked in whilst he's on the ground, to prevent any submissions.
Nahtic not looking particularly offensive just at the moment. #T2#
My god... these two guys really need to pick up the pace or everyone will leave to go get a beer.
Cox looking to control the position here, rather than advance.
Cox working some strikes from top position.
Cox postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Cox throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Cox working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Cox cracks Nahtic with a solid left hand.
Nahtic wants to sweep here but Cox controlling him for the moment.
Cox postures up and scores with a shot to the body and a follow up elbow to the head.
Nahtic has his hands on Cox's head, controlling the position. #T3#
Cox cracks Nahtic with a solid left hand.
Nahtic working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Cox.
Cox loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Cox loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Cox working from the guard for now, landing some ground and pound.
Cox chips away with some ground and pound.
Cox is working the ground and pound from guard. He might want to try advancing position though to get more of an impact.
Nahtic really does look like a pencil wearing a pair of gloves. Let's hope he has a gameplan to suit that ridiculous body shape.
Cox scoring with punches to the head and body.
Cox controls the pace of the fight for a moment.
Nahtic utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound. #T4#
Cox lands a couple of digs.
Nahtic looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Cox has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
Cox throws a big elbow that misses.
Nahtic keeping moving, preventing Cox from controlling successfully.
Nahtic is trying to keep Cox in close.
Cox lands a couple of elbows.
Cox is taking a break and basically stalling. The referee will not allow him to do that for long.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Cox cracks Nahtic with a solid left hand.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Cox throwing strikes but missing.
Cox wants to control from the top but Nahtic keeps moving.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Steve Cox dominated that round.
That's time! Nahtic's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.
#R2#
Cox circles away from the clinch attempt.
Cox tries a head kick but it misses.
Nahtic throws a sloppy head kick and Cox moves out of range easily.
Nahtic displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Cox throws out the jab.
Cox throws a shot from downtown. Nahtic moves away and avoids it.
Nahtic tries to clinch but Cox moves out of range.
Nahtic is looking to clinch but Cox is avoiding it.
Cox tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Lou Nahtic is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Nahtic works his jab well there, keeping his opponent at a distance.
Cox pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Nahtic tries to clinch there but Cox circles away.
Cox takes a swing at Nahtic's ribcage but misses.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Nahtic pulls out of a head kick attempt.
We've been told by Nahtic's head coaches at Death Valley Training Facility that he's been working on his takedown defense in preparation for this fight.
Nahtic tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Cox manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Cox darts in looking for a takedown but Nahtic gets double underhooks and turns Cox into the cage.
Cox fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Nahtic manages to avoid it.
It looked like Nahtic was looking amped, ready to throw a big counter but didn't commit.
Nahtic is using his reach advantage well here, landing the more effective single shots from range.
Cox throws a head kick that misses.
Nahtic blocks a head kick by Cox. #T1#
Cox scores with a head kick. Nahtic tried to block it but didn't get his arm up in time.
Nahtic slips a straight right by Cox.
Cox avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Nahtic lands a head kick. Cox smiles back at him and beckons him forward.
Cox pulls out of a head kick attempt. #CL2#
Cox clinches up with Nahtic and pushes him back against the cage.
Nahtic looking to throw knees to the head but Cox is blocking nicely.
Cox lands a left hand that snaps the head of Nahtic backwards.
Nahtic tries to break free but Cox pushes him back against the cage.
Cox lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
Cox changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Nahtic fights it off and pushes away nicely.
Nahtic smiles there as he lands a nice right hand right on the button.
Cox has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Cox scores with a nice head shot.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Nice uppercut lands for Nahtic. That snapped Cox's head back.
Nahtic tries to clinch up but Cox circles away and keeps his distance.#T2##CL2#
Nahtic tries to keep at a distance but Cox has taken the fight into the clinch.
Both fighters working to control the clinch.
Cox misses with a punch on the inside. #TD2#
Cox pulls Nahtic into guard.
Cox is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Nahtic trying to control but Cox is working from the bottom.
Cox looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Nahtic trying to control the position from guard on top but Cox is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Cox working a defensive guard here. #T3#
Cox manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Nahtic manages to get himself to full guard. #REVB#
Nahtic looking to control.
Cox lands a couple of decent looking shots.
Cox throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Nahtic works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Cox trying to control the position from guard on top but Nahtic is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Nahtic keeping full guard, as Cox tries to pass.
Cox is sitting in guard, working some ground and pound. #T4#
Nahtic wants to stand but Cox is controlling the position.
Cox looking to sit in guard and control but Nahtic gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top. #REVR#
Cox is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move. #REVB#
Nice strikes from Cox there.
Cox wants to lay and pray for a moment but Nahtic keeps working.
Nahtic trying to control from the bottom.
Nahtic wants to get back to his feet.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Steve Cox showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.
#R3#
Cox fails in his attempt to clinch.
Cox connects with a body shot that sends Nahtic's belly button to the back.
Nahtic tries to clinch up.
No joy there for Cox, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Cox misses with a head kick.
Cox pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Nahtic wants to take advantage of his opponent's missed offense by moving into the clinch.
Nahtic tries to clinch there but Cox circles away.
Cox throws a head kick but Nahtic moves out of range.
Nahtic tries to close the distance and clinch but Cox swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Cox throws a sloppy head kick and Nahtic moves out of range easily.
Cox takes one on the button.
Nahtic paws at his opponent with the jab and then lunges in with a straight, right on the button.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Cox tries a head kick but it misses.
Cox fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Nahtic is looking to counter the offense by Cox and move into the clinch.
Steve Cox seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Nice shot by Nahtic.#CL2#
Cox forces Nahtic back against the cage and clinches.#T1#
Nahtic scores with a nice hook to the head.
Cox misses with a hook to the ribs.
Cox is pushing Nahtic up against the cage, for a bit of lean and pray action. Action being used the in the loosest possible sense of the word. #BC#
Nahtic breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Nahtic wants to clinch.
Cox wants to counter the offense by Nahtic and move into the clinch position.
Nahtic fails in his attempt to clinch.
Cox avoids a punch combination nicely.
Cox changes levels for a counter takedown but doesn't follow through with his attempt.#CL#
Nahtic pushes Cox up against the cage in a clinch.
Nahtic blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Cox misses with a short punch on the inside. #T2#
Cox is working Nahtic over against the cage.
Nahtic pushes Cox back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.
Cox has a couple of punches blocked by Nahtic.
Cox lands a right hand. #BC2#
Cox's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Cox tries a head kick but it misses.
A head kick misses from Nahtic.
Cox is trying to avoid his opponent's strikes and get into the clinch.#TD2#
Cox dives in and scores a takedown into Nahtic's guard.
Nahtic is wriggling around but Cox manages to pass to half guard.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!#REVR#
Nahtic wants to control but Cox is keeping busy and won't allow it.
Cox not landing any meaningful shots this time.
Nahtic on the receiving end of some nice ground and pound.
Nahtic gets back to full guard. #T3#
Nahtic can't keep his opponent in guard - Cox advances to half guard, no doubt looking to mount. #SUB2#
Nahtic is defending against the submission attempts here by Cox.
Cox wants to control but Nahtic is keeping him busy.
Cox throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
Nahtic trying to hold on to Cox's head to control him but Cox postures up.
Cox tries to pass to full mount but Nahtic defends it. #T4#
The crowd are getting on the fighters' backs, as the pace has dropped off in the last minute or so.
Cox working the head and body with strikes.
Nahtic is trying to stand.
Cox drops an elbow to the side of Nahtic's head.
Cox content to sit in half guard and control for a moment.
Cox lands a big shot. The thud that echoes around the arena is like music to the fans' ears. #SUB2#
Cox looking for a kimura but he'll have to free his other leg if he wants to finish that. Perhaps he's just using it as a distraction technique.
Cox looks towards his corner to check for any instructions. The corner give him nothing to work with, so he cracks Nahtic with a short hammerfist. I guess that's as good as any advice he could get in this position.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Steve Cox really dominated that round.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!
#R4#
Cox tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Nahtic tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Nahtic sets himself, and Cox steps forward looking for the clinch! Nahtic avoids it this time.
Nahtic throws a head kick but Cox moves out of range. #CL2#
Cox closes the distance and clinches.
Cox is stalling here. The referee will be looking to step in if he doesn't pick up the pace.
Nahtic stalling in the clinch.
Cox has Nahtic pushed against the cage.
Cox keeps the fight in the clinch, despite Nahtic's efforts to push away.#BC#
Nahtic breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
No luck for Cox with that takedown attempt.
Nahtic misses with a double jab.
Cox throws a sloppy head kick and Nahtic moves out of range easily. #CL#
The fight moves into the clinch position.#T1#
Cox tries to stall but Nahtic uses the opportunity to gain a better position.
Cox stalls. #BC#
Nahtic breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Nahtic moving in and out of range nicely, whilst landing the scoring shot.#CL#
Nahtic has Cox up against the cage in a clinch.
Cox dodges an elbow strike from Nahtic.
The pace slowing considerably in the clinch, as Cox takes a break from that fighting nonsense to think about the finer things in life. #BC#
Nahtic escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Cox throws a quick head kick that skims the top of Nahtic's head.
Nahtic tries to close the distance and clinch up but Cox swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Cox misses with a head kick.
Cox lands with a slapping head kick. #T2#
A head kick misses from Nahtic.
Cox tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Nahtic manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Cox takes a head kick and shrugs it off.
Cox tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Nahtic feinted with a counter takedown.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Cox tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Nahtic is using his height advantage well here, landing a good percentage of his punches.
Cox lands a body shot.
Nahtic lands with a thumping leg kick.
Nahtic is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Cox looks for the body kick but Nahtic saw that one coming.
A head kick misses from Nahtic.
Cox avoids the head kick by Nahtic.
Cox gets his head snapped back by a nice shot there.
Nahtic swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Nahtic misses with a few strikes there.
Cox pulls out of a head kick attempt. #T3#
Nahtic throws a series of punches but Cox moves out of range.
It's got to the stage where if one of these guys blows hard enough, the other might fall over.#TD2#
Cox gets a double leg takedown into Nahtic's guard.
Cox scoring with punches to the head and body.
Cox missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Cox preventing the sweep.
Nahtic is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.
Cox working in close now, lands a nice elbow to the side of Nahtic's head.
Cox with a nice head shot there.
Cox postures up and scores with a shot to the body and a follow up elbow to the head.
Cox working from the guard for now, landing some ground and pound. #T4#
Nahtic is looking to stand up but Cox isn't so interested in that idea.
Nahtic keeping moving, preventing Cox from controlling successfully.
Cox prevents Nahtic from getting back to his feet.
Nahtic being controlled here, momentarily.
Cox in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Cox wants to control from the top but Nahtic keeps moving. #REF3#
The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Cox throws a sloppy head kick and Nahtic moves out of range easily.
Nahtic lands a head kick. Cox smiles back at him and beckons him forward.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close fourth round but I would say that Lou Nahtic 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. This is the final round!
#R5##CL#
Nahtic gets in close and instigates a clinch. #BC#
Nahtic's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Cox tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Nahtic connects with a leg kick. He turned his hip over nicely there. #TD2#
Cox shoots in for a takedown from distance. He catches Nahtic napping and manages to drive through into side control!
Nahtic bucks up and tries to throw Cox off but instead Cox has got his back!
Nahtic is trying to get back to his feet but he's not managed it yet. #SUB2#
Cox is working for the choke. He's slipped one arm under the chin. Nahtic has to defend the other arm for all he's worth... but Cox has managed to get that arm free too and he's tightening the choke! Nahtic taps out and looks absolutely disgusted with himself. Cox doesn't care though - he's delighted!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 0:54 of round 5, we have a winner by way of Submission (RNC). Steve Cox!
Steve Cox is the new bantamweight champion!
Our winner, Steve Cox, made sure he spent some time buttering up the crowd during his post fight interview, which will no doubt bring him a few more fans.

Event: Ascension 355
Date: Jun 11, 2016

#R1#
Batyr throws a nice looking combination but Cox bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Batyr throws a leg kick that is checked#TD2#
and Cox counters with a driving takedown into guard. Nice work there by Cox. #ES#
Batyr manages to escape and get back to his feet. #CL#
Batyr gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.
Batyr throws an elbow but it misses.
Batyr throws an elbow but it's blocked.
Batyr lands a hook to the side of the head.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Cox has a couple of punches blocked by Batyr.
Nice elbow from Batyr.
Batyr stops a takedown attempt from Cox. #TD2#
Cox gets control of Batyr's arms and successfully pulls guard. Cox will no doubt be looking for submissions off his back.
Cox working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Batyr.
Cox utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Batyr won't allow Cox to sweep him here. #SUB#
Batyr drops back for a leg but he's not going to get it - he lets go and Cox dives on top into guard.#REVB#
Batyr is looking to get back to his feet but can't, whilst Cox is controlling him.
Batyr preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage. #T1#
Batyr is looking to get back to his feet but can't, whilst Cox is controlling him.
Cox pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Batyr is keeping the position for now.
Batyr is looking to get back to his feet but can't, whilst Cox is controlling him.
Cox trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Cox seems content to control from guard here. He's going to have to remain active though if he doesn't want to get stood back up.
Cox missing there with some ground and pound from the guard. #ES#
Batyr has managed to wall walk up one of the corner posts to get back to his feet. Cox is pushing him up against the cage, looking to control the position.#TD2#
Cox is trying to trip Batyr. He has hold of a leg but Batyr is hopping around, keeping his balance for the moment. Cox persists though and gets the takedown into guard.
Cox working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Batyr wants to stand but Cox is controlling the position.
Cox trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Batyr wants to get back to his feet but Cox is in a dominant position and won't allow it. #T2#
Cox landing with the ground and pound.
Batyr wants to stand up but Cox is controlling him.
Batyr wants to get back to his feet but he's too absorbed in his own little project and Cox manages to pass to side control.
Cox trying to mount his opponent but Batyr defends it.
Batyr is looking to escape.
In the pre-fight buildup videos we saw Cox working his ground and pound in the gym. He isn't landing a great percentage of his ground strikes so far though.
Cox content to control rather than advance.
Batyr pushes Cox off looking to stand but Cox dives back in and keeps control. #T3#
Cox seems to be taking a bit of a break to think of his next move. He lands a short punch in the meantime.
Batyr is not content to let Cox control the position.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Cox stops Batyr from getting back to his feet.
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. Cox connects with a nice short shot to Batyr's temple.
Cox throwing shots but Batyr is blocking nicely.
Ground and pound from Cox.
Batyr wants to get back to his feet.
Batyr tries to kick Cox off in order to stand up. Cox Avoids the leg push though and dives into side control. #SUB2#
Cox tries for a kimura. Not really close to a finish though.
Cox working the body and head with strikes. #SUB2#
Cox is trying to get an arm triangle but Batyr is defending well.
Cox trying to control the position but Batyr is working away. #T4##SUB2#
Cox tries for a kimura. Not really close to a finish though.
Sloppy strikes there by Cox.
Cox in side control lands a decent elbow.
Cox controls the position.
Cox misses with the ground and pound.
Batyr wants to get back to his feet but Cox drags him back down.
Cox fails to land a wild elbow strike.
Cox prevents Batyr from escaping the position.#ES#
Batyr sneaks out the side door and pushes Cox away - he's back to his feet. The crowd show their appreciation for the escape.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.#CL#
Batyr closes the distance and clinches.
A short right from Batyr on the inside.
Batyr misses with an elbow over the top.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but Steve Cox will probably get the nod.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!
#R2#
Batyr tries a head kick but it misses. #CL#
Batyr has managed to clinch.
Batyr connects with a nasty looking knee right to Cox's face.
Batyr scores a nice knee to the body.
Batyr looking to throw knees to the head but Cox is blocking nicely.
Batyr misses with an elbow strike.
Cox lands on the inside with an uppercut. #TD2#
Cox wants the takedown. Batyr is fighting it off but Cox persists and manages to bring the fight to the ground, ending up in Batyr's guard against the cage.
Batyr is looking to get back to his feet but can't, whilst Cox is controlling him. #ES#
Batyr pushes Cox off and scrambles back to his feet.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Batyr misses with a head kick.
Batyr sets himself, and Cox steps forward looking for the clinch! Batyr avoids it this time.
Batyr throws a head kick that misses.
Cox blocks a head kick by Batyr. #CL#
Batyr closes the distance and clinches.
Batyr takes a shot to the head.
Batyr pushes off an throws an elbow but Cox leans to the side and avoids it. We're back to clinching against the cage.#T1#
Batyr throws an elbow but it's blocked.
Batyr throws a nice elbow but it doesn't land.
Cox lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
Cox blocks an elbow strike from Batyr.
Batyr using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Cox has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
A head punch on the inside from Cox fails to land.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Batyr.
A head punch on the inside from Cox fails to land.
Cox misses with the head strike.
Batyr using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Cox has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
Cox misses with the head strike.
Batyr throws a knee to the head but misses. #TD2#
Cox manages to pull guard. Let's see whether he can land a sub off his back. #SUB2#
Cox is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Batyr is aware though and is defending well.
Batyr with a flurry of punches that miss.
Batyr postures up in Cox's guard and throws a big left but Cox blocks it. #SUB2#
Batyr got a little sloppy there for a moment and Cox has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Batyr has managed to get both his arms back between Cox's legs - danger averted.
Steve Cox has got the better of the ground game so far.
Cox pulls Batyr in close to prevent any damage. #T2#
Batyr landing with the ground and pound.
Cox utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound. #SUB2#
Cox looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.
Batyr lands a couple of digs.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Batyr throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent. #SUB2#
Cox is looking for a triangle but Batyr pushes his legs off easily.
Cox trying to keep a closed guard but Batyr is proving a slippery customer.
Batyr missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Cox working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Batyr. #T3#
Batyr distracts Cox with his right hand and drops a big elbow with his other arm.
Batyr throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Batyr in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Batyr with a nice head shot there.
Batyr distracts Cox with his right hand and drops a big elbow with his other arm.
Batyr trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Batyr in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Batyr is working the ground and pound from guard. He might want to try advancing position though to get more of an impact.
Batyr throws an elbow that misses. Cox uses the momentum to reverse the position. He's now in Batyr's guard. Nice move by Cox!#REVB#
Batyr wants to stand up but Cox is controlling him.
Cox is sitting in guard, working some ground and pound.
Cox not doing a lot at the moment. He'll have to show some more aggression or the fight will get stood up.
Cox working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage. #T4#
Batyr is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.
Cox trying to control the position from guard on top but Batyr is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Cox postures up in Batyr's guard and throws a big left but Batyr blocks it. #ES#
Batyr pushes Cox off for just long enough to get back to his feet. Very athletic spring there.
Batyr scores to the head and body with a nice combination!
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Batyr swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Batyr swings wildly with a hook that is half blocked by Cox.#CL#
Cox gets tackled into the cage by Batyr. Batyr maintains the clinch. #TD2#
Cox has clasped his hands together around Batyr's back... aaand, he's got a takedown into side control. Nicely done.
Batyr is looking to work his way out of this bad position but Cox is controlling him well.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Raiymbek Batyr dominated that second round.
That's time! Batyr's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight. This is the final round!
#R3#
Batyr throws a jab, cross combination which is slipped #CL2#
and Cox holds on and brings the fighters into a clinch.
Cox avoids the elbow strike from Batyr, against the cage.
Batyr misses with a knee to the head.
Batyr lands an elbow just above Cox 's eye.
Batyr blocking some punches. #TD2#
Cox tightens his grip and picks Batyr up, before dumping him to the ground. Batyr manages to land in guard.
Cox throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Batyr wants to stand but Cox is controlling the position.
Cox landing some decent shots from guard.
Batyr wants to stand and escape but Cox is having none of it.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Batyr trying desperately to get back to his feet here but he's not having any joy at all. He's going to tire himself out if he's not careful.
We've had a lack of effective grappling in the last minute or so, which could well see a referee standup.#T1##REF3#
The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Batyr throws a sloppy head kick #TD2#
and Cox counters with a takedown into side control.
Cox in side control lands a decent elbow.
Cox has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
Batyr is working hard to escape and get back to his feet. After a battle for position, Cox asserts his dominance and retains side control.
Cox postures up a little and throws a couple of hammerfists but they don't connect properly.
Cox works a knee to the body and follows up with a nice elbow to the head.
Cox is looking to take a break and control but Batyr is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Cox lands a decent elbow from side control.
Batyr is working hard to escape and get back to his feet. After a battle for position, Cox asserts his dominance and retains side control.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.#T2#
Cox creates a bit of distance and throws down some hard shots.
Batyr wants to escape from the position here - easier said than done!
Cox lands a decent elbow from side control. #ES#
Batyr throws Cox to one side and escapes!
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Batyr throws a leg kick but he was too far away and it doesn't land.
Cox throws a fast counter high kick but Batyr manages to duck under it in time.
Batyr fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Cox! But no joy.
Batyr throws a lazy head kick
and Cox cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Batyr throws an overhand right that lands on Cox's shoulder, as Cox tries to avoid the shot.
A low kick from Batyr is predictable there #TD2#
so Cox counters with a double leg into guard. Good agility.
Cox 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.
Batyr wants to stand and escape but Cox is having none of it. #T3#
Cox working from the guard for now, landing some ground and pound. #ES#
Batyr has butterfly guard. He's looking to stand up here. He pushes Cox off him and springs to his feet nicely. The crowd applauds.
Cox avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Cox tries to counter by closing the distance.
Batyr throws a head kick but Cox moves out of range.
Cox is trying to avoid his opponent's strikes and get into the clinch.
We've been told by Batyr's head coaches at Mega Gym - Capacity 35 that he's been working on his takedown defense in preparation for this fight.#TD2#
Cox closes the distance and gets a double leg, slamming Batyr to the mat! Batyr manages to get full guard. #ES#
Batyr uses the cage to get back to his feet. #TD2#
Cox shoots in with a lovely double leg takedown. Batyr manages to land in full guard to minimise the damage.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Cox postures up and lands some nice ground and pound.
Cox keeps in close for a moment and lands a decent shot to the side of Batyr's head.
Batyr is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.
Batyr wants to get back to his feet but he's too absorbed in his own little project and Cox manages to pass to side control. #T4#
Batyr is trying to stand back up but Cox is controlling him
Batyr on the receiving end of some nice ground and pound.
Batyr tries to kick Cox off but Cox keeps his base steady and stays in half guard.
Ground and pound from Cox.
Batyr wants to get back to his feet.
Cox working over Batyr with some ground and pound. Batyr looks like he wants out of this position, which is understandable.
Nice strikes from Cox there. #ROC2#
Batyr is rocked!
Batyr wants to get back to his feet.
Oh Batyr is still in real trouble! Will he be able to recover?!!

And that's the end of the fight!
Steve Cox comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think Cox 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 Columbo Gatti scores the fight 29:29
Judge David Schapiro scores the fight 28:29
Judge Jonathan Paton scores the fight 28:29

In favor of your winner, by majority decision... Steve Cox!
Steve Cox seemed lost for words in his post fight interview but he remembered to thank his fans and directed everyone to his website.

Event: UPG : Midweek Event 200!
Date: Apr 13, 2016

#R1#
Berdich looks for a takedown but Cox sprawls well.
Cox feinted with a counter takedown.
Berdich misses with a takedown attempt #CL#
and Cox moves into the clinch.
Cox lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
Berdich has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Cox is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.
Steve Cox has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Andy Berdich.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, Cox creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
Cox has a couple of punches blocked by Berdich.
Cox is pushing Berdich up against the cage, for a bit of lean and pray action. Action being used the in the loosest possible sense of the word. #TD#
Cox manages to pull guard. Let's see whether he can land a sub off his back.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Cox is trying to keep Berdich in close.
Cox keeping moving, preventing Berdich from controlling successfully. #T1##SUB#
Cox looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.
Berdich landing with the ground and pound.
Cox avoiding any damage from the ground and pound. #SUB#
Cox is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle. #SUB#
Cox is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
Berdich throwing strikes but missing.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.#T2#
Berdich throws a big elbow that misses.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.#SUB#
Cox is working for submissions here. He's thrown up his legs looking for a triangle but Berdich frees his head nicely. Oh but Cox has switched to an armbar! Berdich is tapping furiously! Lovely submission there!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:27 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Triangle Armbar). Steve Cox!
During a confident post fight interview, Steve Cox thanked all his fans. He seemed very genuine when describing how motivated his fans keep him.

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