Play by Play - Fighter's Fight Commentary

Event: WVT 222: Steve v Simone
Date: Feb 10, 2024

#R1#
Haggar misses with a left hand
and Hightower counters with a nice jab to the body that keeps Haggar thinking.
Haggar is moving around nicely and scores here with a single head shot.
Mike Haggar seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Haggar goes for a double leg but Hightower avoids the attempt and the two fighters end up clinched against the cage as Hightower continues to drive forward.
Haggar works on Hightower's body with a couple of short punches.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Haggar. #TD#
Haggar manages to pull guard.
Haggar lands a beautiful sweep and he's now moved into his opponent's guard.#REVR#
Hightower has momentary wrist control but Haggar slips an elbow through the middle.
Haggar trying to control the position from guard on top but Hightower is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Hightower is controlling Haggar's posture.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Haggar accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Haggar throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent. #T1#
Hightower keeping moving, preventing Haggar from controlling successfully.
Hightower tries to land a sweep but no joy.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Haggar stands up over Hightower, holding his feet. He dives back in and lands a decent shot to the head.
Haggar makes a bit of distance and scores with some ground and pound, still in guard.
Haggar stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Hightower swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Hightower working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Haggar.
Haggar postures up and lands a big shot to Hightower's brow.
Haggar works a leg free and moves into half guard.
Hightower is not content to let Haggar control the position.
Hightower avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Haggar. #T2#
Hightower gets back to full guard.
Haggar stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Hightower swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Haggar postures up in Hightower's guard and throws a big left but Hightower blocks it.
Haggar throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Hightower works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Haggar lands a couple of digs.
Hightower is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Haggar lands a couple of digs.
Haggar trying to control the position from guard on top but Hightower is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Hightower avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
We've been hearing that Haggar has been drilling a lot of ground and pound in training, so let's see if he get the finish.
Hightower is doing well to control the posture of his opponent and prevent any damage. #T3#
Hightower lands a beautiful sweep and he's now moved into his opponent's guard.#REVB#
Hightower is just sitting in guard, looking to avoid any submissions.
Haggar wants to sweep here but Hightower controlling him for the moment.
The fighters are starting to get a bit slippery now, which will make submissions a bit more difficult.
Haggar wants to hit a sweep here but Hightower passes into full mount! Oh no, disaster for Haggar there!
Haggar tries to reverse the position but Hightower maintains control.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.#T4#
Haggar sneaks a leg back under and regains half guard and is working straight away to try and get back to guard. He hasn't managed just yet though.
Hightower prevents Haggar from improving his position.
Haggar misses with some strikes from the bottom.
Hightower slows the pace down in half guard.
Haggar 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.
Hightower prevents Haggar from improving his position.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Hightower keeping composed on the top, looking to control the action.
Haggar is looking to improve his position.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Mike Haggar dominated that round.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!#R2#
The fighters circling - Hightower throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Haggar misses the body punch
and Hightower counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Haggar shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Hightower pinned against the cage. Hightower gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
Haggar digs a good body shot into Hightower's ribs.
Haggar slips a jab from Hightower.
Haggar is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Hightower can do to turn this around?
Hightower misses with a looping left.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Hightower jabs Haggar to the body, keeping him at a distance.#TD#
Hightower gets caught on his heels momentarily as he allows Haggar to score an easy takedown into full guard.
Haggar throws a strike but Hightower rolls with it and manages to sweep. Now he's in guard on top. #REVB##T1#
Haggar looking to hit a scissor sweep but Hightower is one step ahead there.
Hightower passes into half guard.
Hightower is pressing down on Haggar's thigh, looking to free his foot. Haggar is holding on for now.
Hightower prevents Haggar from improving his position.
The referee calls for the fighters to work.
Haggar tries to get to full guard but Hightower has control of the leg. #T2#
The crowd are showing their displeasure at the lack of action as loud boos ring out around the arena.
Haggar makes his way to full guard. A much better position for Haggar.
Haggar wants to sweep but no luck.
Haggar is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.#SUB#
Hightower got a little sloppy there for a moment and Haggar has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Hightower has managed to get both his arms back between Haggar's legs - danger averted.
Haggar 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.
Haggar lands a beautiful sweep and he's now moved into his opponent's guard.#REVR#
Hightower really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Haggar. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.#T3#
Hightower keeping moving, preventing Haggar from controlling successfully.
Haggar stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Hightower swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Haggar wants to control from the top but Hightower keeps moving.
Haggar scoring with some ground and pound.
Haggar postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Hightower keeping full guard, as Haggar tries to pass.
Haggar scoring with some ground and pound. #T4#
The crowd are showing their displeasure at the lack of action as loud boos ring out around the arena.
Haggar postures up and lands some nice ground and pound.
Hightower is adopting a defensive guard.
Haggar lands a couple of elbows.
Haggar trying to control but Hightower is working from the bottom.
Haggar working in close now, lands a nice elbow to the side of Hightower's head.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Haggar missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Haggar connects with a couple of short punches.
Haggar lands a couple of decent looking shots.
Hightower working a defensive guard here.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Mike Haggar dominated that second round.
That's time! Haggar's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight. And we move into the final round!#R3#
Haggar fails with a takedown attempt.
Hightower takes a jab right on the kisser.
Haggar shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Hightower pinned against the cage. Hightower gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
Hightower looked like he wanted to counter with a punch but didn't throw it.
A nice combination there by Haggar.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Haggar misses with a straight left.
Hightower takes one to the side of the head.
Haggar scores with a punch to the gut of his opponent.
Haggar looks to throw the jab but Hightower is out of range. #T1#
Haggar dodges the punch combination from Hightower.
Haggar lands a lovely overhand right.
Hightower bobs and weaves and unloads with a good uppercut.
Hightower keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Hightower uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Haggar.
A decent looking cross lands there for Haggar.
Hightower connects with a lovely right hand, straight down the pipe.
Haggar sizes up Hightower with a pawing jab and scores with a straight right down the middle.
Haggar shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Hightower sprawls well. Hightower wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Haggar gets slowly back to his feet.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Mike Haggar. That's going to take a lot out of him.#T2#
Hightower jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Haggar lands a pitter patter jab to the forehead of his opponent.
Jason Hightower is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Jab, jab by Haggar - just one landing.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Haggar.
Haggar just misses with a punch to the body.
Hightower looks like he wants to counter punch here.
Mike Haggar is winning the standup battle so far.
Haggar scores with a nice right hand.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Haggar.
Haggar fakes a jab and then connects with a hook.
A slow jab from Hightower misses its intended target.
Haggar lands with an uppercut that bounces Hightower off the cage and back into range.#T3#
Hightower throws the kick towards the body but Haggar avoids it.
Haggar tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Hightower swivels and escapes.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Hightower! But no joy.
Hightower misses with a body kick.#TD#
Haggar scores with a takedown into Hightower's guard.
Haggar controls the pace of the fight for a moment.
Mike Haggar overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Haggar wants to control from the top but Hightower keeps moving.
Hightower looking to control.
Haggar throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Haggar trying to control but Hightower is working from the bottom.
Haggar throws a big right hand that misses. #T4#
Hightower wants to sweep but no luck.
The referee is asking the fighters to pick up the pace.
Haggar chips away with some ground and pound.
Hightower utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Haggar with a couple of shots to the head there. Not particularly brutal.
Haggar throws a big right hand that misses.
Haggar is looking to pass into half guard but Hightower pushes him away with his feet and jumps on top - now Hightower is in guard.#REVB#
Hightower preventing the sweep. #SUB#
Haggar has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Hightower can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.
Haggar lands a beautiful sweep and he's now moved into his opponent's guard.#REVR#

And that's the end of the fight!
Mike Haggar showed his dominance in that final round.
Well Haggar has outscored his opponent in every aspect of the fight today. Only a scarily incompetent judge or two will keep him from a well deserved win... 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 Sosuke Kotani scores the fight 30:27
Judge Yasuomi Hirokawa scores the fight 30:27
Judge Shigeki Sano scores the fight 30:27

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Mike Haggar!

Event: WVT 215: Ihantala v Fleshou
Date: Jan 26, 2024

#R1#
Hightower throws an ugly left hook that misses
and Knox counters with a series of strikes. Hightower will be more careful next time no doubt.
Nice uppercut lands for Hightower. That snapped Knox's head back. #CUT#It looks like Zeta Knox has been cut.#KD#
Hightower sends Knox crashing to the mat with a devastating uppercut! Hightower is motioning to the referee to let Knox up. He wants to try and finish this one on the feet!
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!
Knox has his hands up protecting his head but a hook from Hightower finds it's way round the side to connect with Knox's head. #ROC#Knox is rocked!
Hightower throws a pinpoint strike between Knox's hands that connects right on the jaw and sends Knox crashing to the floor! He's out before he even hits the mat and Hightower scores a great knockout victory!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 0:42 of round 1, we have a winner by way of KO (Punch). Jason Hightower!
During a confident post fight interview, Jason Hightower thanked all his fans. He seemed very genuine when describing how motivated his fans keep him.
The defeated Zeta Knox had this to say: '"If you haven't lost in this sport, you haven't fought the right guys yet." (Matt Hughes) '.

Event: WVT 209: Anderson v Hightower
Date: Jan 12, 2024

#R1#
Anderson just misses with a punch to the body.
Hightower throws an ugly left hook that misses
and Anderson counters with a nice uppercut.
Hightower throws a hook but Anderson blocks it.
Anderson swung with a counter punch to the body but it didn't connect.
Anderson tries to score with a low kick but Hightower moves his leg out of the way.
Anderson drops his hands and takes a jab to the jaw for his troubles.#CUT2#It looks like Noah Anderson has been cut.
Anderson bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
A little feinted left hand from Anderson on the counter but he doesn't commit to it.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Anderson lands a kick to the ribs of his opponent. Nice work there - in and out in a flash.
Hightower uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Anderson.
Hightower misses with a wild combination.
Anderson throws a counter high kick but Hightower was just alert enough to avoid it.#T1#
Anderson keeps his opponent at a distance with a nice jab.
The fighters circling - Hightower throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
It looked like Anderson was trying to counter with a body shot coming off that last attack from Hightower.
Anderson lands with a right hand.
Anderson scores with a body shot.
Anderson tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Hightower was well out of range. Poor timing from Anderson.
Hightower let fly with a counter punch to the body but it didn't land.
Hightower has been spending a lot of time sparring his boxing in the run up to the fight, trying to sharpen up those hands and look for a knockout.#T2#
Anderson throws a body punch but Hightower moves out of range.
Hightower misses with a hook to the body
and Anderson counters with a nice low kick that buckles Hightower's knee momentarily.
Both fighters are looking to counter, which isn't making for the most exciting fight in the world.
Hightower looks winded!
Hightower misses with a right hand
and Anderson counters with a slapping leg kick.
Anderson dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Anderson scores with a reasonable looking shot to the body. Hightower doesn't seem bothered though. #KD#
Anderson drops Hightower with a hook right on the temple. He thinks about going to the ground but Hightower looks back up at him and smiles so Anderson waves him back to his feet - he obviously thinks he can knock him out after that shot landed. #ROC#Hightower is rocked!#CUT#It looks like Jason Hightower has been cut.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Both fighters step back and shake their arms out. Anderson engages and cracks Hightower with a massive lead left hook - Hightower tumbles to the floor, out cold! What a shot! Anderson is delighted - all that hard work in training paid off!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:53 of round 1, we have a winner by way of KO (Punch). Noah Anderson!
An out of breath Noah Anderson thanked his loyal fans in his post fight interview, giving them credit for his success over the course of his career.

Event: WVT 201: Assndrop v Matikainen
Date: Dec 23, 2023

#R1#
Zakharov throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Hightower was looking to counter that last move with a shot to the body but he didn't commit.
Zakharov wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.
Hightower takes one on the button.
Hightower bobs and weaves and then throws a good body kick.
Zakharov throws out a loose jab but Hightower uses good head movement to avoid it.
Zakharov throws a right hand that misses
enabling Hightower to counter with a crisp jab. #CUT#It looks like Leonid Zakharov has been cut.
Zakharov connects with a solid leg kick.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Zakharov connects with a lovely jab that went straight through the gap between Hightower's hands.
Donk. Hightower catches Zakharov right on the button with a cross.
Hightower has been working on his boxing with his coaches at Blacktalians MMA in the buildup to the fight.
Leonid Zakharov seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Hightower pounces like a tiger and cracks Zakharov with a vicious hook! Zakharov is down but not out! Hightower follows up with more strikes forcing the ref to jump in and stop it!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:57 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Punches). Jason Hightower!
Jason Hightower decided to thank the fans in attendance for making a great atmosphere. It seemed to go down pretty well.

Event: WVT 195: Hagger v Zakharov
Date: Dec 09, 2023

#R1#
We've got one fighter who appears to only be looking to counter and the other not looking particularly aggressive either, so we could be in for a dull fight.
Hightower scores with a jab to the head. #CUT#It looks like Zeta Knox has been cut.
Hightower pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Jab by Hightower.
Knox blocks a head kick by Hightower.
Hightower darts in and lands a big hook, right on the button! Knox's legs crumble underneath him as he falls to the canvas! The ref tackles Hightower before he gets to land any more shots to his stricken foe.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 0:42 of round 1, we have a winner by way of KO (Punch). Jason Hightower!
Jason Hightower seemed lost for words in his post fight interview but he remembered to thank his fans and directed everyone to his website.
Zeta Knox spoke after the fight, saying '"If you haven't lost in this sport, you haven't fought the right guys yet." (Matt Hughes) '.

Event: WVT 185: Ihantala v Kok 2
Date: Nov 17, 2023

#R1#
Torvik fakes a head punch and goes low to the body. Nicely done.
Sven Torvik seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Hightower throws a nice looking combination but Torvik bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
A big left from Hightower misses.
Torvik throws out a loose jab but Hightower uses good head movement to avoid it.
Torvik takes a step towards his opponent and connects with a left hand, before circling away.
Torvik connects with a single shot there.
A looping hook to the body misses from Torvik. Hightower does a little dance to reset his feet.
A swing and a miss from Torvik.
Hightower throws out a counter right but Torvik avoids it with no problem.
Torvik swings widly with a right hand
and Hightower cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.#CUT2#It looks like Sven Torvik has been cut.
A lazy body kick from Hightower
and Torvik counters with a straight punch to the midsection.
Torvik cracks Hightower with a right hand to the side of the head.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Torvik looks to land a right hand but Hightower moved out of range.
Hightower misses with a looping right.#T1#
Hightower thuds his shin into the meat of Torvik's side.
Hightower gets cracked with a nice right hand there by Torvik.
Hightower cracks Torvik with a nice right hand that draws applause from the crowd.
Hightower has been spending a lot of time sparring his boxing in the run up to the fight, trying to sharpen up those hands and look for a knockout.
Torvik has a nice red mark on his side after a thudding body kick by Hightower.
Torvik is breathing heavily.
Hightower cracks Torvik with a hook to the jaw. Both fighters smile at eachother and high-five before getting back down to business.#KD2#
Hightower lands a big right hand that sends Torvik crashing to the mat! Hightower stays standing though and waves Torvik back to his feet!
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Torvik get stunned by a cross and takes another one on the button. Torvik stumbles backwards and tries to bounce back off the cage but Hightower runs in and jumps on him with a leaping lead hook that puts him out! Wow, that was highlight reel stuff! Awesome finish!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:45 of round 1, we have a winner by way of KO (Punch). Jason Hightower!
Jason Hightower thanked the fans post fight for their support.

Event: WVT 181: Matikainen v Hussein
Date: Nov 04, 2023

#R1#
A big right from Ihantala misses.
Ihantala uses good footwork to get in and out and land a nice right hand before Hightower has time to react.
Hightower misses with a combination
and Ihantala counters with a slapping leg kick.
Hightower lands a nice leg kick that just misses Ihantala's sensitive parts.
Ihantala takes a step towards his opponent and connects with a left hand, before circling away.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Ihantala throws the kick towards the body but Hightower avoids it.
Ihantala lands a pitter patter jab to the forehead of his opponent.#T1#
I'm just looking down at my notes here and I see that.... oh! Ihantala has cracked Hightower with a big right, followed by a left! He's out on his feet! Ihantala lands another huge swinging hook and Hightower tumbles to the canvas! The ref dives in to save Hightower, before Ihantala can land any more shots!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:08 of round 1, we have a winner by way of KO (Punches). Tali Ihantala!
After winning the bout, Tali Ihantala thanked all his fans and promised he'd do even better in his next fight. The crowd seemed to love his humility.

Event: WVT 170: Mathieu v Anderson
Date: Oct 13, 2023

#R1#
Seanoa tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Hightower was well out of range. Poor timing from Seanoa.
Hightower connects with a good right hand that stumbles Seanoa. Seanoa circles away out of range and recomposes himself.#CUT#It looks like Nuufo Seanoa has been cut.
Seanoa with a lazy takedown attempt #KD#
and Hightower counters with a crisp right hand that drops Seanoa! Hightower lets Seanoa back up to his feet, looking for a finish!
Hightower throws a big shot that misses.
Seanoa has been spending a lot of time sparring his boxing in the run up to the fight, trying to sharpen up those hands and look for a knockout.
Seanoa fails in his attempt to clinch.
Hightower throws a jab but it's blocked by Seanoa.
Hightower looks to have improved his striking defense since last time we saw him fight.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Seanoa throws a sloppy head kick and Hightower moves out of range easily.
Hightower throws a jab but it's blocked by Seanoa.
Hightower ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
It looked like Hightower wanted to counter with a hook but didn't fully commit.
A nice leg kick from Seanoa, right into the meat of the thigh. #T1#
Hightower pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Hightower misses with a hook. Seanoa ducked under it nicely.
Jason Hightower is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Seanoa digs a good hook to Hightower's body.
Seanoa keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Hightower.
Hightower has his head snapped back a nice jab. A little nod from Hightower there as he acknowledges the shot.#TD2#
Seanoa shoots in and gets a takedown into half guard. Seanoa showed some decent athleticism there. #SUB2#
Seanoa 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. #T2#
Seanoa is pressing down on Hightower's thigh, looking to free his foot. Hightower is holding on for now.
Seanoa is thwarting Hightower's attempts to control the position.#SUB2#
Seanoa seems like he's working for an arm triangle here. He's freed his trapped foot and he's rotating nicely. Hightower is in big trouble! He's tapping out! This one is aaaaaaaaaaaall over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:58 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Arm Triangle). Nuufo Seanoa!
During a confident post fight interview, Nuufo Seanoa thanked all his fans. He seemed very genuine when describing how motivated his fans keep him.

Event: WVT 164: Hightower v Kok
Date: Sep 29, 2023

#R1#
Hightower scores with a reasonable looking shot to the body. Kok doesn't seem bothered though.
Kok misses the jab.
A little feinted left hand from Hightower on the counter but he doesn't commit to it.
Kok wants to clinch up but Hightower keeps it at a distance.
Hightower went nuts there looking for a big combo counter but none of the flurry connected.
Donk. Hightower catches Kok right on the button with a cross.#CUT#It looks like Chew Kok has been cut.
Kok misses with a body kick.
Hightower is looking to counter with a body kick.
Kok throws an off balance right hand
and Kok takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Kok throws a lazy body kick
and Hightower counters with a good, hard body kick but Kok shrugs it off.
Kok catches Hightower with a nice straight right. He seems pissed - ooooh, it's on now! On like donkey kong!
Kok connects with a single shot there.
Kok looks to throw the jab but Hightower is out of range.
Hightower appears to be looking for a counter punch to the body.
Hightower gets off balance looking for a body kick
and Kok counters with a nice uppercut.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Hightower walks into a jab.#T1##CL2#
Kok closes the distance and clinches.
Kok tries to throw a body punch but Hightower avoids it by throwing Kok back against the cage.
Hightower is trying to break the clinch but Kok has him pressed against the cage.
Kok throws a hook to the body. More of an arm punch but it's all scoring with the judges.
Hightower wants to break free but Kok has control.
Kok misses with a punch to the body.
Hightower tries to break the clinch but Kok is controlling the position.
Hightower prevents a body shot from Kok. #BC#
Hightower's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
The fighters circling - Hightower throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Kok throws out a counter right but Hightower avoids it with no problem.
Hightower has been working on his boxing with his coaches at Blacktalians MMA in the buildup to the fight.
Kok misses with a looping right.
Hightower was looking to counter that move with a punch but didn't quite pull the trigger.
Kok misses with an uppercut
and Hightower counters with a straight punch to the midsection.#T2#
Kok scores with a nice strike.
Hightower cracks Kok with a nice right hand that draws applause from the crowd.
Nice body kick there by Kok.
Kok cracks Hightower with an open hand slap.
Hightower pivots as if he's going to throw a leg kick but stops half way.
Hightower blocks a jab.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Kok lands a jab.
A lazy left from Kok finds it's target.#T3#
Hightower avoids a kick to the body.
Kok looking to land some kicks to the body here.
Kok looks for the body kick but Hightower saw that one coming. #CL2#
Kok gets in close and instigates a clinch.
Kok tries to throw a body punch but Hightower avoids it by throwing Kok back against the cage.
Kok can't find room to land a body shot as Hightower controls the action.
Kok misses with a shot to the kidneys. #BC#
Hightower breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Hightower fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Kok manages to avoid it.
Kok looks to land a right hand but Hightower moved out of range.
Kok moves out of range as Hightower strikes.#T4#
Kok throws a body kick, spinning off balance
and Hightower cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
A slapping body kick lands there for Kok.
Kok throws a poor cross that misses
and Hightower counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Kok moves to clinch but Hightower breaks away
and Hightower counters with a right hand to the body.
Kok misses with a hook
and Hightower counters with a nice uppercut.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Well, he's not going to score with shots like that. A lazy body kick attempt from Kok.
Hightower throws an ugly left hook that misses
and Kok counters with a nice uppercut.
Chew Kok seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Hightower connects with a crisp jab.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but Chew Kok will probably get the nod.
The cut man is working on Chew Kok's cut.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!#R2#
Hightower uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Kok.
An attempted straight right counter from Hightower misses the target.
Hightower looking to throw a kick but he's pulled out of it.
Kok throws a hook but Hightower blocks it.
Kok missing with a left hand there. Hightower was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Kok misses with an uppercut
and Hightower cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Kok throws a body kick that sends a sickening thudding noise reverberating around the arena.
Kok tries to land a front kick but Hightower steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Hightower looks to throw the jab but Kok is out of range.
Kok is looking to land body kicks.
Kok misses with a hook. Hightower ducked under it nicely. #T1#
Kok lands the left hand.
A lazy body kick from Kok #KD#
and Hightower counters with a nice right hand that sends Kok toppling to the canvas! Kok scrambles and gets back to his feet - can Hightower finish him?!#ROC#Kok is rocked!
Hightower swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Kok is trying to counter with his kicks.
Kok is still on wobbly legs! Can Hightower finish him?
Kok throws a body kick that sends a sickening thudding noise reverberating around the arena.
A big left from Hightower misses.
Kok seems to have recovered his senses.
Hightower ducks under a wild hook from Kok.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
A jab from Kok misses.
Hightower is looking to counter punch.
Hightower pounces like a tiger and cracks Kok with a vicious hook! Kok is down but not out! Hightower follows up with more strikes forcing the ref to jump in and stop it!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:50 of round 2, we have a winner by way of TKO (Punches). Jason Hightower!
Jason Hightower seemed lost for words in his post fight interview but he remembered to thank his fans and directed everyone to his website.

Event: WVT 160: Hightower v Tharrier
Date: Sep 16, 2023

#R1#
Hightower looking to land some kicks to the body here.
Tharrier tries a head kick but it misses.
Tharrier lands with a good body shot.
Tharrier has been spending a lot of time sparring his boxing in the run up to the fight, trying to sharpen up those hands and look for a knockout.
Hightower takes a jab on the nose. He smiles like he loves it and keeps coming.#KD2#
Tharrier lands a big uppercut and Hightower crumbles to the floor! The ref thinks about stopping the fight but Hightower looks OK. Tharrier waves Hightower back to his feet!#CUT2#It looks like Jason Hightower has been cut.
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!
Tharrier ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Hightower moves away.
Hightower throws a big counter combination but Tharrier scrambles out of danger and avoids any damage.
Tharrier fakes a head punch and goes low to the body. Nicely done.
Hightower has been working on his boxing with his coaches at Blacktalians MMA in the buildup to the fight.#T1#
Hightower throws a hook to the side of Tharrier's head but Tharrier sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Tharrier is trying to counter with his kicks.
Hightower connects with the punch.
Tharrier takes a kick to the body and keeps moving.
A big right from Tharrier misses.
Tharrier throws an ugly left hook that misses
and Hightower counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.#CUT#It looks like Thom Tharrier has been cut.
Hightower lands a nice looking body kick.
Tharrier looks winded!
Tharrier misses with a lunging right hand
and Hightower cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.#T2#
Tharrier throws out a loose jab but Hightower uses good head movement to avoid it.
Tharrier wants to clinch#KD#
and Hightower counters with a nice right hand that sends Tharrier toppling to the canvas! Tharrier scrambles and gets back to his feet - can Hightower finish him?!
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Crunch! Hightower slams his shin into Tharrier's torso.
Tharrier tries to land a leg kick but Hightower saw it coming and moves away.
Hightower moving in and out of range nicely, whilst landing the scoring shot.
Hightower is using his reach advantage well here, landing the more effective single shots from range.#T3#
Hightower lands a powerful looking uppercut that connected with his opponent's jaw.
Tharrier lands a jab to the head.
A big right from Tharrier misses.
Tharrier swings for the body but Hightower moves out of range.
It looked like Hightower wanted to counter with a hook but didn't fully commit.
Both fighters are looking to counter, which isn't making for the most exciting fight in the world.
Hightower slips under a jab.
A counter left hand to the body from Hightower misses its target.
Hightower lands with a kick to the ribs.
Hightower throws a nice head kick! #CUT#That has opened up Thom Tharrier's cut even more.#T4#
Tharrier misses with a hook #KD#
and Hightower counters with a crisp right hand that drops Tharrier! Hightower lets Tharrier back up to his feet, looking for a finish!#ROC#Tharrier is rocked!
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Tharrier tries to get into range but Hightower steps to the side and lands a beautiful hook that drops Tharrier! He's faceplanted into the mat, ass in the air... he's out cold! That's an image he won't want to show his grandkids when he gets older! Hightower scores the big KO victory!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:20 of round 1, we have a winner by way of KO (Punch). Jason Hightower!
A victorious Jason Hightower thanked his army of followers in his post fight interview, telling people to make sure they follow him on Twitter.

Event: WVT 148: Mathieu v Hightower
Date: Aug 25, 2023

#R1#
We've got one fighter who appears to only be looking to counter and the other not looking particularly aggressive either, so we could be in for a dull fight.
Hightower takes a jab right on the nose. That must have hurt but he shrugs his shoulders and looks to return the favor.
Mathieu thows a leg kick but Hightower checks it
and Hightower counters with a lovely straight right hand!#CUT2#It looks like Ernesto Mathieu has been cut.
Hightower throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Mathieu sees it coming and avoids it easily.
We've been informed that Hightower has been sparring a lot of Muay Thai in the buildup to this fight so let's see if that has an impact on the result.
Hightower checks a low kick from Mathieu.
Hightower thinks about the counter body kick.
Mathieu lands with a good body shot.
Mathieu takes a step back and watches a body kick go sailing past his mid section.
Mathieu seems to be moving with more speed, compared to his last bout. He must have been working on that in the gym.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Hightower throws a poor cross that misses
and Mathieu makes him pay by landing a nice hook to the body before moving out of range.
A swing and a miss from Hightower.
It appears Mathieu was looking to counter with a kick there.
Both fighters are looking to counter, which isn't making for the most exciting fight in the world.#T1#
Mathieu throws a combination that misses
and Hightower makes him pay by landing a nice hook to the body before moving out of range.
Mathieu tries to clinch up
and Hightower cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
An inside leg kick lands from Mathieu.
Hightower throws a hook to the side of Mathieu's head but Mathieu sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.#T2#
Mathieu lands a nice shot to the body.
Mathieu throws a body kick that sends a sickening thudding noise reverberating around the arena.
Mathieu throws a wild body kick that Hightower sees coming a mile off.
Hightower thinks about the counter body kick.
Hightower lets the fists fly and connects with a left straight followed by a right hook. #CUT2#Ernesto Mathieu's cut is getting worse.
Mathieu feints and then cracks Hightower's leading leg with a nice low kick. He's obviously looking to slow Hightower down.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Hightower thuds his right hand into Mathieu's forehead from close range. That could be painful for both fighters.#T3#
Mathieu throws a body kick that sends a sickening thudding noise reverberating around the arena.
Hightower ducks right into an uppercut from Mathieu.
Hightower swings and misses with a hook to the body.
A counter left hand to the body from Mathieu misses its target.
Mathieu throws the kick towards the body but Hightower avoids it.
Mathieu throws an ugly left hook that misses
and Hightower counters with a three punch combination, finished off with a leg kick. Nice work.
Mathieu punishes Hightower's body with a nice straight punch.#T4#
Mathieu connects with a nice looking jab.
Mathieu lands a glancing blow to the side of Hightower's head.
Mathieu misses with the body kick
and Hightower cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Hightower rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Mathieu moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Mathieu ducks under a wild hook from Hightower.
A counter left hand to the body from Mathieu misses its target.
Hightower swings away with a body shot that misses
and Mathieu counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close round but I would say that Ernesto Mathieu will probably get the nod.
The cut man is working on Ernesto Mathieu's cut.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.#R2#
Mathieu throws a lazy uppercut
and Hightower cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Mathieu wants to clinch
and Hightower counters with a lovely straight right hand!#CUT2#Ernesto Mathieu's cut is bleeding quite badly. He's got to try and protect it.
Mathieu connects with a jab.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Hightower rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
and Mathieu makes him pay by landing a nice hook to the body before moving out of range.
Hightower slips under a jab.#T1#
Mathieu takes an uppercut right on the button but keeps his composure.
Mathieu throws a right and a left that Hightower avoids nicely.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Hightower! But no joy.
No joy there for Hightower, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
No joy there for Hightower, who threw a few shots but didn't land. #KD#
Mathieu cracks Hightower with a big right hand that sends him crashing to the floor. Mathieu has the opportunity to follow him to the ground but instead he's beckoning Hightower to stand back up!
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Mathieu throws a leg kick
and Hightower counters with a series of strikes. Mathieu will be more careful next time no doubt. #T2#
Hightower throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
A punch lands to the side of Hightower 's head but he takes it in his stride.
Mathieu throws a poor cross that misses
and Hightower counters with a straight punch to the midsection.
Hightower throws the left hand but Mathieu avoids the punch easily.
Mathieu quickly followed up with a counter body kick but doesn't connect.
Mathieu moving in and out of range nicely, whilst landing the scoring shot.
Mathieu showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Hightower. #T3#
Mathieu throws a right hand that misses
and Hightower counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.#CUT2#Jeez, Ernesto Mathieu's cut is really nasty now. The referee must be thinking about getting that checked.
Mathieu jabs Hightower right on the nose. Hightower blinks but takes it well.
Mathieu fakes the leg kick and cracks Hightower in the body.
Mathieu lands a nice looking body kick.
Hightower is breathing heavily.
A swing and a miss from Mathieu.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Hightower! But no joy.#T4#
Hightower throws out a loose jab but Mathieu uses good head movement to avoid it.
Mathieu appeared to be looking to counter that last move with a leg kick.#KD#
Mathieu feints and then winds up with a huge right hand that connects perfectly and sends Hightower sprawling to the canvas! Hightower rolls over backwards and springs off the cage and manages to regain his footing - how acrobatic! Oh, he's still wobbly - can Mathieu finish him?! #ROC#Hightower is rocked!
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Hightower throws a predictable looking body shot
and Mathieu counters with a good, hard body kick but Hightower shrugs it off.
Hightower slips under a jab.
A nice inside leg kick there by Mathieu. That's going to slow Hightower down.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Ernesto Mathieu dominated that second round.
The cut man is working on Ernesto Mathieu's cut.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!#R3#
Hightower misses with a right hand
and Mathieu counters with a straight right hand.
A jab from Hightower misses.
It appears Mathieu was looking to counter with a kick there.
Mathieu blocks a jab.
Hightower throws a lazy uppercut
and Mathieu counters with a monster head kick that knocks Hightower out cold! He topples like fallen a tree, crashing to the mat! Timbeeeeeerrr!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 0:37 of round 3, we have a winner by way of KO (Head Kick). Ernesto Mathieu!
Ernesto Mathieu retains his super heavyweight title!
After winning the bout, Ernesto Mathieu thanked all his fans and promised he'd do even better in his next fight. The crowd seemed to love his humility.

Event: WVT 141: Takahashi v Siale
Date: Aug 11, 2023

#R1#
Ihantala feints a straight left to the body, then turns around with a flashy move and hits Hightowers jaw with a dramatic spinning back fist!
Both fighters are looking to counter, which isn't making for the most exciting fight in the world.
Hightower moves out of range of the body kick from Ihantala.
Hightower steps in looking to counter with the mid kick but it doesn't connect.
Ihantala scores with a jab to the jaw.
Hightower pivots as if he's going to throw a leg kick but stops half way.
Hightower throws a hook but Ihantala blocks it.
Ihantala tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Hightower manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Hightower moves out of range of the strikes.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Hightower connects with a lovely jab that went straight through the gap between Ihantala's hands.
Ihantala connects with an inside leg kick.#T1#
Hightower goes for a spinning back kick but it misses.
Ooooh, nice body kick lands from Hightower. Ihantala shrugs it off though.
Nice uppercut lands for Hightower. That snapped Ihantala's head back.
Ihantala misses with an uppercut. Hightower saw that one coming.
Ihantala misses with a straight left.
Hightower is loading up here, looking for a big counter of his own.
Ihantala has been talking about how he's improved his wrestling in the run up to the fight so let's see if that's enough to sway the balance.#CL#
Ihantala pushes Hightower up against the cage in a clinch.
Ihantala lands an uppercut.
Ihantala holding his opponent close, against the cage.
Good anti-grappling being displayed by Hightower as Ihantala tries to tie him up. #T2#
Hightower swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Ihantala's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
A nice left hand lands by Hightower.
Still in the clinch, Ihantala scores with a nice short uppercut.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!#BC#
Ihantala pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Ihantala misses with a body shot #KD2#
and Hightower counters with a crisp right hand that drops Ihantala! Hightower lets Ihantala back up to his feet, looking for a finish!#CUT2#It looks like Tali Ihantala has been cut.
Ihantala throws a hook but Hightower blocks it.
Hightower looked like he wanted to counter with a punch but didn't throw it.
Hightower throws a head kick that misses
and Ihantala counters with a straight right hand.
A chopping leg kick lands by Ihantala. #KD2#
Hightower sends Ihantala crashing to the mat with a devastating uppercut! Hightower is motioning to the referee to let Ihantala up. He wants to try and finish this one on the feet!#T3#
Hightower ducks down and throws a big overhand right - it lands flush on the jaw, knocking Ihantala out cold! The fight is over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:10 of round 1, we have a winner by way of KO (Punch). Jason Hightower!
Jason Hightower decided to thank the fans in attendance for making a great atmosphere. It seemed to go down pretty well.

Event: WVT 136: Ihantala v Mathieu
Date: Jul 28, 2023

#R1#
Hightower misses with a body punch
and Knox counters with a nice uppercut.
Hightower with a jab.
Hightower cracks Knox with a good shot that sees him stumbling back into the cage.
A telegraphed right hand from Knox misses the target.
Hightower takes a jab right on the nose. That must have hurt but he shrugs his shoulders and looks to return the favor.
Hightower loads up on a big right hand but Knox slips the punch.
Knox looks to score with a jab to the body but Hightower is just out of range.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Knox swings for the body but Hightower moves out of range.
Zeta Knox seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Knox fakes a head shot and lands one to the body.
Knox ducks under a wild hook from Hightower.
Knox misses with a telegraphed body shot
and Hightower counters with a lovely straight right hand!#CUT#It looks like Zeta Knox has been cut.#T1#
Hightower looks to score with a jab to the body but Knox is just out of range.
Knox slips a jab from Hightower.
Nice defenses there by Knox.
It seemed like Knox was going to counter with the hook but didn't fully commit to it.
Knox throws a shot from downtown. Hightower moves away and avoids it.
Hightower swings wildly with a hook that is half blocked by Knox.
Hightower slips under a jab from Knox.
Hightower moves away from the strike by Knox.
Hightower lands a jab to Knox's midsection.
Hightower fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Knox manages to avoid it.#T2#
Hightower connects with a looping left hand that seems like it dazed Knox momentarily.
Hightower misses with an uppercut. Knox saw that one coming.
Hightower moves away from the strike by Knox.
Knox misses the shot to the body.
Knox missing with a left hand there. Hightower was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Knox throws a jab but it's blocked by Hightower.
Hightower takes a swing at Knox's ribcage but misses.
Hightower throws a combination that misses
and Knox cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Hightower blocks a jab.#KD#
Oooooh!!! Hightower has knocked Knox down with a huge combo! Hightower steps away and waves a wobbly Knox back to his feet! This one might not go much longer!
Hightower looks to have improved his striking defense since last time we saw him fight.#T3#
Hightower missing with a left hand there. Knox was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Knox throws a jab when Hightower was well out of range.
Knox cracks Hightower with a good jab.
Knox with a jab.
Knox throws a series of punches but Hightower moves out of range.
Hightower avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Hightower throwing a counter right hand but Knox manages to avoid it.
Nice uppercut lands for Hightower. That snapped Knox's head back.
A punch combination from Hightower misses.
Knox let fly with a counter punch to the body but it didn't land.
Knox is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Hightower.
Hightower appears to be looking for a big counter.#T4#
Knox jabs. That one connects to the head of his opponent.
Hightower throws an off balance right hand
enabling Knox to counter with a crisp jab.
Hightower has his head snapped back a nice jab. A little nod from Hightower there as he acknowledges the shot.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
A big right from Knox misses.
Knox is landing a lot of head punches in this opening round! Hightower had better start moving his head a bit unless he wants his face to turn into mush.
Knox cracks a nice hook into Hightower's ribs.
Knox throws a lazy uppercut
and Hightower counters with a nice uppercut.
Knox throws a hook but Hightower blocks it.
Hightower defending well as Knox loads up on a big left hand.
Knox takes an uppercut right on the jaw but it doesn't phase him.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close round but I would say that Jason Hightower will probably get the nod.
The cut man is working on Zeta Knox's cut.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!#R2##CL#
Hightower gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.
Hightower tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
A nice right hand lands inside from Hightower.
Hightower blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Hightower misses with a hook to the ribs.
Knox throws a head punch that misses.
Hightower tries to throw a body punch but Knox avoids it by throwing Hightower back against the cage.
Hightower tries to land knees in the clinch but Knox avoids the damage to the body.
A head punch on the inside from Hightower fails to land. #BC2#
Knox manages to break the clinch.
Hightower lands an overhand left. A wild punch that just about connected.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Hightower jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Knox uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Hightower.
Knox scores with a jab to the jaw of his opponent.#T1#
Knox dodges the punch combination from Hightower. #KD2#
Knox cracks Hightower with a big right hand that sends him to the floor! Hightower looks wobbly but he's sprung back up to his feet straight away… can Knox finish him? #ROC2#Hightower is rocked!
Zeta Knox seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Knox jabbing away but nothing is landing.
A little feinted left hand from Hightower on the counter but he doesn't commit to it.
Knox cracks Hightower on the jaw with a powerful right hand and Hightower falls backwards against the cage. Knox follows up with more strikes that drop Hightower to his knees. Knox keeps the pressure on and the referee jumps in to save Hightower! This one is all over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:38 of round 2, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Zeta Knox!
After winning the bout, Zeta Knox thanked all his fans and promised he'd do even better in his next fight. The crowd seemed to love his humility.

Event: DMMA 214 Gora vs Mfer
Date: Jul 16, 2023

#R1#
Viikinki throws out a loose jab but Hightower uses good head movement to avoid it.
Viikinki throws an overhand right that lands on Hightower's shoulder, as Hightower tries to avoid the shot.
Viikinki tries a head kick but it misses.
Ooooh, nice body kick lands from Hightower. Viikinki shrugs it off though.
Viikinki misses with a left hand
and Viikinki takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Viikinki ducks down and throws a hook to the body.
Jab by Viikinki.
Hightower scores with a spinning back kick!
Viikinki looks winded!
Viikinki drops his hands momentarily and Hightower takes advantage with a crisp shot to the head.
Hightower scores with a nice body kick.
Viikinki takes a really solid shot there but just smiles back and shrugs his shoulders.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Viikinki misses with an uppercut
and Hightower counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head. #KD#
Hightower lands a big uppercut and Viikinki crumbles to the floor! The ref thinks about stopping the fight but Viikinki looks OK. Hightower waves Viikinki back to his feet!#ROC#Viikinki is rocked!
Hightower is looking for an opening here. He's unloaded a big left hand that catches Viikinki flush on the jaw and sends him tumbling to the canvas! Viikinki is out cold! Hightower holds back from landing any unnecessary shots to his unconscious opponent, as the referee reacts slowly to the situation. A brutal knockout and then some excellent sportsmanship - this guy is my new favorite fighter!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:59 of round 1, we have a winner by way of KO (Punch). Jason Hightower!
A victorious Jason Hightower thanked his army of followers in his post fight interview, telling people to make sure they follow him on Twitter.

Event: WVT 117: Surianglek v Assndrop
Date: Jun 17, 2023

#R1#
Railio misses with a telegraphed body shot
and Hightower counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Railio is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Hightower.
Railio misses with a hook.
A shot to the body from Railio misses
and Hightower counters with a straight right hand.
Nice body punch from Railio.
Railio looks shocked there as he takes a right hand to the temple. #CUT#It looks like Antti Railio has been cut.
Hightower ducks under a wild hook from Railio.
It looked like Hightower wanted to counter with a hook but didn't fully commit.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Railio misses with a hook
and Hightower counters with a body kick that brings a smile to the face of both fighters.
Hightower throws a couple of head shots and lands with the final one - a decent hook, which struck Railio on the side of the head.
A nice leg kick from Hightower, right into the meat of the thigh. #T1#
Hightower cracks Railio with a right hand to the side of the head.
Railio throws a right hand that misses
and Hightower makes him pay by landing a nice hook to the body before moving out of range.#KD#
Oooooh!!! Hightower has knocked Railio down with a huge combo! Hightower steps away and waves a wobbly Railio back to his feet! This one might not go much longer!#ROC#Railio is rocked!
Hightower connects with a picture perfect right hand that knocks Railio out cold! This one is over in a flash!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:32 of round 1, we have a winner by way of KO (Punch). Jason Hightower!
During a confident post fight interview, Jason Hightower thanked all his fans. He seemed very genuine when describing how motivated his fans keep him.

Event: DMMA 199 Klimenko vs Menezes
Date: May 31, 2023

#R1#
Kearney looks to throw the jab but Hightower is out of range.
Hightower has been working on his boxing with his coaches at Blacktalians MMA in the buildup to the fight.
Hightower just misses with a punch to the body.
Kearney slips a straight right by Hightower.#CL2#
Kearney gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.
Kearney fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Kearney tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Kearney fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Kearney lands a left hand that snaps the head of Hightower backwards.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Hightower.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Kearney misses with a hook to the ribs.
Kearney swings wildly with an uppercut but Hightower uses good head movement to avoid it.
Kearney misses with a short punch on the inside.
A short right from Hightower on the inside.
Hightower pushes Kearney back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.#T1#
Hightower has a couple of punches blocked by Kearney.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Hightower.
Hightower presses Kearney against the cage and delivers a mid-strength body shot.
Hightower working Kearney over with knees to the body.
A nice right hand lands inside from Hightower.
Hightower doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Hightower lands a body punch in the clinch.
Hightower blocks an uppercut.
Hightower softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
Kearney misses with some punches.
Kearney prevents a body shot from Hightower.
Hightower misses with a punch on the inside.
Kearney fails to land with a short punch on the inside. #BC2#
Kearney breaks from the clinch.
Nice defenses there by Kearney.
Kearney looks like he wants to counter punch here.
Hightower thows a body kick. Kearney tries to catch it but that hurt him.
Kearney looks winded!#T2#
Hightower throws a nice outside leg kick.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Jab from Hightower.
Thud! ouch! good body kick from Hightower - that will leave a mark!
Hightower clobbers Kearney with an overhand right that has the crowd gasping. That made a horrendous noise. #CL#
Hightower closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the cage.
Hightower missing with knees to the body.
Hightower throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Kearney blocks it with crossed arms.
Kearney lands a left hand.
Hightower misses with some punches.
Hightower digs a right hand into Kearney's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Kearney's gas tank.
Hightower lands with a left to the head.
Nice body punch from Hightower.
Hightower unloads a knee to the mid-section. Kearney lets out a prehistoric sounding urrrrgh. #T3#
Hightower landing some nice looking knees to the body.
Hightower working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
Hightower tries to throw a body punch but Kearney avoids it by throwing Hightower back against the cage.
Hightower lands a right hand that snaps the head of Kearney backwards.
Hightower lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Kearney backwards.
Kearney's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
Hightower lands with a left to the head. #BC2#
Kearney breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Kearney takes a body punch but keeps moving. #KD#
Hightower sends Kearney crashing to the mat with a devastating uppercut! Hightower is motioning to the referee to let Kearney up. He wants to try and finish this one on the feet!#ROC#Kearney is rocked!
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!
Hightower and Kearney are patiently standing in front of each other looking for an opening. Hightower throws a head kick. It's landed, knocking Kearney into next week! Ooooh that was huge! Hightower knows it - he's on the cage flexing is biceps. That's a bit weird considering he won by kick but whatever.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:50 of round 1, we have a winner by way of KO (Head Kick). Jason Hightower!
Our winner, Jason Hightower, 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: DMMA 191 Hightower vs Vilkas 2
Date: May 07, 2023

#R1#
Vilkas tries to score with a leg kick but it misses it's target.
Hightower takes a big uppercut there. He seems a bit wobbly but no, he's OK.
Vilkas misses with a right hand
and Hightower counters with a body kick that brings a smile to the face of both fighters.
Vilkas throws a wild body kick that Hightower sees coming a mile off.
Hightower throws a quick counter kick to the body but Vilkas avoids it.
Hightower uses good footwork to get in and out, landing a nice hook.#CUT#It looks like Deividas Vilkas has been cut.
Sloppy strikes from Hightower. Those never looked like landing.
Hightower misses with an uppercut
and Vilkas counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Vilkas misses with a kick to the body
and Hightower counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Hightower takes a shot to the body in his stride. #T1#
Vilkas uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Hightower.
Vilkas swings away with a counter right hand but no contact made.#KD#
Hightower bobbing and weaving well here. And he's unloaded with a massive right hand that drops Vilkas! He dives into his guard looking to finish!
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Hightower loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Hightower prevents Vilkas from getting back to his feet.
Hightower throws an elbow that misses. Vilkas uses the momentum to reverse the position. He's now in Hightower's guard. Nice move by Vilkas!#REVB#
Vilkas content to stall in guard here.
Hightower has Vilkas pulled in close to control his posture. #T2#
Vilkas is just sitting in guard, looking to avoid any submissions.
Vilkas has decided he wants to stand but the closed guard of Hightower is proving hard to escape from.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Vilkas content to stall in guard here. #T3#
Vilkas trying to move into half guard but instead Hightower has managed to sweep!#REVR#
Hightower has to be careful here, sitting in the guard of a superior BJJ player.
Hightower throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Vilkas working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Hightower.
Hightower preventing the sweep.
Vilkas pulls Hightower in close to his closed guard and prevents Hightower from doing any damage or advancing position.
Vilkas looking to sweep here. No luck so far. #T4#
The crowd are getting on the fighters' backs, as the pace has dropped off in the last minute or so.
Vilkas trying to control the position.
Hightower will need to keep those long limbs tucked in whilst he's on the ground, to prevent any submissions.
Hightower throws a big right hand that misses.
Vilkas looking to sweep using the butterfly guard but Hightower puts pay to that idea as he passes nicely into half guard.
Hightower missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
Hightower thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Vilkas's head.
Vilkas tries to roll over but Hightower keeps him under control.
Vilkas is trying is best to control the position here.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Hightower missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Vilkas avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Hightower.
Vilkas on the receiving end of some nice ground and pound.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Jason Hightower dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Deividas Vilkas's cut.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!#R2#
Hightower looks to land a body kick but Vilkas moved away.
Vilkas now looks to counter with a shot at the body.
Hightower keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Hightower throws a lazy right hand but Vilkas sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Hightower misses with a combination
and Vilkas counters with a straight punch to the midsection.
Hightower scores with a straight right hand, right through his opponent's guard.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
A low kick from Hightower misses
letting Vilkas counter with a right hand.
Hightower fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Vilkas manages to avoid it.
Hightower is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Vilkas can do to turn this around?
Nice defenses there by Hightower.#T1#
Vilkas on the wrong end of a kick to the body.
Hightower throws a series of punches but Vilkas avoids them all with ease.
A little jabbing left from Vilkas on the counter but it doesn't find it's target.
Hightower scores with a punch to the gut of his opponent.
Good leg kick by Hightower.
Vilkas throws a chopping leg kick but Hightower manages to avoid taking any serious damage.
Vilkas misses with a hook
and Hightower connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Hightower throws a lazy head kick
and Vilkas makes the exchange count by landing a cracking kick to the body. Hightower really felt that one!
A telegraphed right hand from Hightower misses the target. #T2#
A head kick from Vilkas lands but Hightower takes it in his stride.
Nice jab there from Vilkas.
Vilkas fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Hightower manages to avoid it.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Vilkas throws a poor cross that misses
and Hightower connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Vilkas scores with a sloppy punch to the body. Not much technique there but it did the business.
Hightower takes a jab right on the nose. That must have hurt but he shrugs his shoulders and looks to return the favor.
Hightower connects with a looping right hand.
Vilkas swings for the body but Hightower moves out of range. #T3#
Hightower throws out a loose jab but Vilkas uses good head movement to avoid it.
Vilkas lands a nice looking body kick.
Vilkas thows a leg kick but Hightower checks it #KD#
and Hightower lands a stunning uppercut that sends Vilkas to the mat! #ROC#Vilkas is rocked!
Hightower sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Vilkas defending well though.
Vilkas is still in real trouble! Can Hightower finish him?
Vilkas moves his hips nicely and gets into full guard.
Vilkas seems to have recovered his senses.
Vilkas wants to sweep here but Hightower controlling him for the moment.
Vilkas not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
Hightower wants to control from the top but Vilkas keeps moving. #T4#
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Vilkas is doing well to control the posture of his opponent and prevent any damage.
Hightower trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Hightower throwing strikes but missing.
Vilkas preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Hightower in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Vilkas managing to control the position. #REF3#
The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Hightower takes a kick to the body and keeps moving.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Jason Hightower dominated that second round.
The cut man is working on Deividas Vilkas's cut.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!#R3#
Hightower on the wrong end of a nice low kick. He's acting like it's no big deal but he doesn't want to take many more of those.
A left and a right from Vilkas both land. Nice combination.
Jason Hightower is winning the standup battle so far.
Hightower throws a body punch but Vilkas moves out of range.
Hightower lunges at Vilkas with a hook that half lands and is half blocked by Vilkas's hand.
A punch lands to the side of Hightower 's head but he takes it in his stride.
A kick lands to the mid section there for Hightower.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Hightower lands a slapping body shot.
Hightower keeping at a good range here, avoiding a leg kick.
Hightower throws a leg kick but Vilkas sees it coming and moves out of range.
Vilkas appears to be waiting to throw a counter punch to the body.#T1#
Vilkas scores with a body shot.
Vilkas wants to clinch up but Hightower keeps it at a distance.
Vilkas closes the distance looking to clinch
and Hightower counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
That kick from Vilkas tenderised Hightower's leg. Hightower is trying to keep his angry face on.
Hightower takes a shot to the eye socket. That's gotta hurt.#T2#
Vilkas throws a sloppy head kick and Hightower moves out of range easily.
A little feinted left hand from Hightower on the counter but he doesn't commit to it.
Hightower misses with a double jab.
Hightower is using his height advantage well here, landing a good percentage of his punches.
Hightower throws a looping overhand right but Vilkas ducks down to avoid it.
Hightower throws a mid kick that lands with a slap.
Hightower moves into range and lands a nice body kick.
Vilkas takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Hightower looking to land some kicks to the body here.
Hightower pivots as if he's going to throw a leg kick but stops half way.
Vilkas explodes with a nice body kick and back out of range. Nice work.#T3#
A nice leg kick lands there from Hightower.
Hightower misses with a straight right.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Vilkas! But no joy.
Hightower throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd.
Vilkas uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Hightower.
And Vilkas responds with a good body kick, but Hightower manages to step out the way in time.
Hightower looks to throw the jab but Vilkas is out of range.
A little jabbing left from Vilkas on the counter but it doesn't find it's target.
Vilkas throws a right hand that misses
enabling Hightower to counter with a crisp jab.
Vilkas throws a body kick that sends a sickening thudding noise reverberating around the arena.
Vilkas lands a nice shot to the body. #T4#
Hightower misses with the combination.
Vilkas throws a low kick but Hightower moves out of range easily.
Vilkas lands a nice looking body kick.
Vilkas throws a wild body kick that Hightower sees coming a mile off.
Vilkas misses with a few strikes there.
Vilkas sizes up Hightower with a pawing jab and scores with a straight right down the middle.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Hightower catches Vilkas with a nice straight right. He seems pissed - ooooh, it's on now! On like donkey kong!
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close round but Jason Hightower did the better work so I'd imagine he'll take it.
The cut man is working on Deividas Vilkas's cut.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!#R4#
A decent looking cross lands there for Vilkas.
Hightower cracks a nice hook into Vilkas's ribs.
Vilkas misses with a head kick.
Vilkas fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Hightower manages to avoid it.
The fighters circling - Vilkas throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Hightower bobbing and weaving, closes the distance and lands a hook to the side of Vilkas's head.
Hightower is using his reach advantage well here, landing the more effective single shots from range.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Vilkas uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Hightower.
A shot to the liver by Hightower. Beautiful body shot.
Both fighters are looking to counter, which isn't making for the most exciting fight in the world.#T1#
Hightower blocks a head kick by Vilkas.
Vilkas throws a body kick but he wasn't in range.
Vilkas looks shocked there as he takes a right hand to the temple.
Vilkas gets cracked with a nice right hand there by Hightower.
Crunch! Hightower slams his shin into Vilkas's torso.
Hightower attempts a low kick but it misses it's target.
Vilkas is clearly looking to counter with head kicks.#KD#
Oh, that's a big right hand from Hightower and Vilkas goes tumbling to the canvas! Hightower follows him to the ground and looks to finish from half guard.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Hightower throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man. #T2#
Hightower is trying to control. Vilkas wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.
Hightower thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
Vilkas keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Vilkas is looking to escape.
Vilkas controlling the position for now.
Hightower is taking a breather. Vilkas says something to him but it's hard to make out. Perhaps he's telling him to get on with it and actually do something.
Vilkas trying to control but Hightower postures up. #REF3#
The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.#KD#
Hightower catches Vilkas napping and connects with a big right hand that sends Vilkas to the canvas! #T3#
Hightower working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Vilkas keeping moving, preventing Hightower from controlling successfully.
Vilkas is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Hightower throws an elbow that misses. Vilkas uses the momentum to reverse the position. He's now in Hightower's guard. Nice move by Vilkas!#REVB#
Vilkas trying to stand up but can't free himself from Hightower's guard.
Vilkas 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. #T4#
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.
Vilkas wants to control from the top but Hightower keeps moving.
Hightower has control of Vilkas's left arm, preventing Vilkas from doing any damage.
Vilkas controls from within his opponent's guard.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Jason Hightower had his way with Deividas Vilkas in that round.
The cut man is working on Deividas Vilkas's cut.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action! This is the final round!#R5#
Vilkas thows a body kick. Hightower tries to catch it but that hurt him.
Vilkas displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Hightower throws out the jab.
Hightower goes for a spinning back kick but it misses.
Hightower pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Ooooh, nice body kick lands from Vilkas. Hightower shrugs it off though.
Hightower misses with a right hand
and Vilkas counters with a good, hard body kick but Hightower shrugs it off.
Both of our modern day gladiators look out of it here - a gruelling 5 rounds of action taking it's toll on them, no doubt.#T1#
Vilkas misses with an uppercut. Hightower saw that one coming.
Hightower rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
and Vilkas counters with a left and a right that stings Hightower.
Hightower throws a leg kick that is checked
and Vilkas counters with a right hand to the body.
Hightower throws an off balance right hand
and Vilkas cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
A punch lands to the side of Hightower 's head but he takes it in his stride.
Hightower ducks under a wild hook from Vilkas.
Vilkas pivots as if he's going to throw a leg kick but stops half way.
Vilkas just misses with a punch to the body.
Hightower is looking to counter punch.
Deividas Vilkas has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!#T2#
Vilkas lands a nice looking kick to the body. Hightower takes a step back to recover.
Vilkas connects with a nice looking jab.
Vilkas lands a big right hook! Hightower looks hurt but is still standing! Vilkas lands a left jab and another right hook! This time Hightower falls down and Vilkas dives in with a huge hammer fist! Hightower's eyes roll back! The referee calls for the bell and Vilkas runs up the cage to celebrate with his fans!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:38 of round 5, we have a winner by way of KO (Punches). Deividas Vilkas!
Deividas Vilkas is the new heavyweight champion!
Deividas Vilkas thanked the fans post fight for their support.

Event: DMMA 187 Harakka vs Don 2
Date: Apr 23, 2023

#R1#
We've got one fighter who appears to only be looking to counter and the other not looking particularly aggressive either, so we could be in for a dull fight.
Vilkas connects with a lovely right hand, straight down the pipe.
Hightower has been talking about how he's improved his wrestling in the run up to the fight so let's see if that's enough to sway the balance.
Vilkas fakes a head shot and lands one to the body.
Vilkas connects with a body shot that sends Hightower's belly button to the back.
Vilkas lands with a cross.
Deividas Vilkas seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Vilkas misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Hightower appears to be looking for a counter punch to the body.
Vilkas throws an off balance right hand
and Hightower counters with a stiff right hand.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Hightower takes a kick to the side of the head.#KD2#
Vilkas lands a big right hand that sends Hightower crashing to the mat! Vilkas stays standing though and waves Hightower back to his feet!#ROC2#Hightower is rocked!#T1#
Vilkas tries to close the distance and clinch up but Hightower swats him away and circles back towards the center. #KD2#
Vilkas lands a big right hand that sends Hightower crashing to the mat! Vilkas stays standing though and waves Hightower back to his feet!
Hightower slips under a jab.
Hightower throwing a counter right hand but Vilkas manages to avoid it.
Hightower on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by Vilkas. Vilkas obviously looking to wear him down.
A big left from Vilkas misses.
Hightower blocks a head kick by Vilkas. #T2#
Hightower drops his hands and takes a jab to the jaw for his troubles.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Hightower checks the leg kick.
Vilkas lands a body shot. #KD2#
Oooooh!!! Vilkas has knocked Hightower down with a huge combo! Vilkas steps away and waves a wobbly Hightower back to his feet! This one might not go much longer!
Oh Hightower is still all over the place! His legs are completely gone! Will he be able to recover?!!#CUT2#It looks like Jason Hightower has been cut.
Vilkas throws a looping overhand right but Hightower ducks down to avoid it.
Hightower was looking to counter that move with a punch but didn't quite pull the trigger.
Hightower seems to have got his legs back now.
Vilkas throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle. #T3#
Vilkas turns his hip over beautifully as he lands a nice leg kick.
Vilkas misses with a shot to the body
and Hightower counters with a straight right hand.
Hightower staying out of range there.
Vilkas misses with a looping left.
Hightower takes a shot right to the bread basket.
Vilkas throws a predictable looking body shot
and Hightower counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head. #T4#
Hightower blocks a jab.
That kick from Vilkas tenderised Hightower's leg. Hightower is trying to keep his angry face on.
Vilkas throws a body kick but he was well out of range there.
And Hightower counters with a quick kick to the body but Vilkas blocks it.
Vilkas scores with a slapping inside leg kick.
Vilkas swings and misses with a hook to the body.
And Hightower counters with a quick kick to the body but Vilkas blocks it.
A slow jab from Vilkas misses its intended target.
Hightower appears to be looking for a big counter.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Deividas Vilkas dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Jason Hightower's cut.
That's time! Back to the action!#R2#
Vilkas throws a low kick but his opponent is out of range.
Hightower is looking to counter punch.
Vilkas misses with a leg kick
and Hightower counters with a nice body kick.
Vilkas throws the kick towards the body but Hightower avoids it.
Hightower appears to be looking for a counter punch to the body.
Vilkas swings widly with a right hand
and Hightower counters with a nice body shot.
Hightower uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Vilkas.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Vilkas swings widly with a right hand
enabling Hightower to counter with a crisp jab. #CUT#It looks like Deividas Vilkas has been cut.
Vilkas misses with an uppercut. #T1#
Vilkas throws a right hand that misses #KD#
and Hightower counters with a crisp right hand that drops Vilkas! Hightower lets Vilkas back up to his feet, looking for a finish!
Vilkas throws a jab but it's blocked by Hightower.
Vilkas throws a body kick but he wasn't in range.
It looked like Hightower wanted to counter with a hook but didn't fully commit.
Vilkas has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Vilkas swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Hightower throwing a counter right hand but Vilkas manages to avoid it.
Vilkas misses with a lunging right hand
and Hightower counters with a right hand to the body.
Vilkas throws a head kick that misses.
It looked like Hightower wanted to counter with a hook but didn't fully commit.#T2#
Vilkas tries to land a leg kick but Hightower saw it coming and moves away.
A counter left hand to the body from Hightower misses its target.
Jab by Vilkas.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Vilkas misses with a combination
and Vilkas takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Vilkas misses with a wild body shot.
An attempted straight right counter from Hightower misses the target.
Vilkas throws a shot to the body. #T3##CL2#
Vilkas moves into the clinch.#BC#
Hightower breaks the clinch.
Good standup being displayed there by Vilkas as he connects with a hook.
Hightower doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
Vilkas throws a head kick that misses
letting Hightower counter with a right hand.
Vilkas fakes a jab and then connects with a hook.#T4#
Vilkas works Hightower's body with a nice hook.
Good leg kick by Vilkas.
Vilkas misses with a looping left.
A little feinted left hand from Hightower on the counter but he doesn't commit to it.
Vilkas misses with a head kick.
A little feinted left hand from Hightower on the counter but he doesn't commit to it.
Hightower staying out of range there.
Hightower takes one on the chin but keeps coming.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

A close second round but Deividas Vilkas will probably get the nod - 10:9.
Both fighters have cut men working on them during the interval.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.#R3#
Vilkas stuns Hightower with a nice body shot, before stepping back out of range.
Both fighters are looking to counter, which isn't making for the most exciting fight in the world.
Vilkas throws a predictable looking body shot
and Hightower counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
A head kick misses from Vilkas.
A quick step to the side and Hightower tries to counter with a shot to the body but it doesn't connect.
A telegraphed right hand from Vilkas misses the target.
Hightower lifts his leg as if looking to counter with a high kick.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Vilkas throws a lazy body kick
and Hightower counters with a nice uppercut.
Hightower uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Vilkas.
Deividas Vilkas seems to be getting the better of the standup.#T1#
Hightower moves out of range of the body kick.
A little feinted left hand from Hightower on the counter but he doesn't commit to it.
A big left from Vilkas misses.
Hightower throwing a counter right hand but Vilkas manages to avoid it.
Vilkas throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Vilkas scores with a punch to the head.
Vilkas misses with a wild body shot.
Hightower appeared to be looking to counter that last move with a leg kick.
Vilkas throws a leg kick that misses.
Hightower is looking to counter punch.#T2#
Hightower avoids the body shot from Vilkas.
It looked like Hightower was trying to counter with a body shot coming off that last attack from Vilkas.
A swing and a miss from Vilkas.
Hightower keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Vilkas misses with a low kick.
Vilkas uses good footwork to get in and out and land a nice right hand before Hightower has time to react.
A head kick misses from Vilkas.
Hightower is using his height advantage well here, landing a good percentage of his punches.#T3#
Vilkas slips in close and lands a nice hook before moving back out of range.
Hightower slips under a jab from Vilkas.
Hightower appears to be looking for a counter punch to the body.
Vilkas looks to land a left hand but Hightower moved out of range nicely.
Vilkas looking to throw a kick but he's pulled out of it.
Hightower went nuts there looking for a big combo counter but none of the flurry connected.
Vilkas throws a head kick but Hightower moves out of range.
Vilkas misses with a body kick. #T4#
Vilkas punishes Hightower's body with a nice straight punch.
Hightower with poor footwork there. He got himself in a bit of a tangle, enabling Vilkas to score with a decent uppercut.
Vilkas throws an ugly left hook that misses
letting Hightower counter with a right hand.
Vilkas cracks Hightower with a right hand to the side of the head.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Vilkas misses with a body shot
and Hightower counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Deividas Vilkas really dominated that round.
Both fighters have cut men working on them during the interval.
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.#R4#
Vilkas lands a leg kick and bounces back out of range.
Hightower slips a jab from Vilkas.
Hightower swung with a counter punch to the body but it didn't connect.
Vilkas misses with an uppercut
and Hightower counters with a lovely shot to the body.
Hightower moves forwards but Vilkas connects with a nice, crisp jab.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Vilkas throws a leg kick but Hightower checks it. #CL2#
Hightower gets tackled into the cage by Vilkas. Vilkas maintains the clinch. #T1#
Vilkas goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Vilkas throws a punch but it's blocked by Hightower.
Vilkas misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Hightower.
Vilkas makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
Vilkas tries a body shot but Hightower blocks it. #BC#
Hightower breaks the clinch.
Vilkas throws the left hand but Hightower avoids the punch easily.
A little feinted left hand from Hightower on the counter but he doesn't commit to it.
Hightower avoids the body shot from Vilkas.
Vilkas throws a poor cross that misses
and Hightower counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Vilkas misses with a combination #KD#
and Hightower counters with a nice right hand that sends Vilkas toppling to the canvas! Vilkas scrambles and gets back to his feet - can Hightower finish him?!#ROC#Vilkas is rocked!#T2#
This has been an exciting period of action!
Vilkas fakes with the hands and throws a leg kick but Hightower is out of range.
Vilkas misses with an uppercut.
A little feinted left hand from Hightower on the counter but he doesn't commit to it.
Vilkas looks to score with a jab to the body but Hightower is just out of range.
A counter left hand to the body from Hightower misses its target.
Vilkas misses with a jab to the body
and Hightower counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Vilkas is still on wobbly legs! Can Hightower finish him?
Vilkas tries to clinch there but Hightower circles away.
It looked like Hightower wanted to counter with a hook but didn't fully commit.
Vilkas seems to have recovered his senses.#T3#
Vilkas loads up on a big right hand but Hightower slips the punch.
Vilkas misses with a shot to the body
and Hightower connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Vilkas pulls out of a head kick attempt.
It looked like Hightower wanted to counter with a hook but didn't fully commit.
Vilkas throws a jab but it's blocked by Hightower. #CL2#
Vilkas clinches up against the cage.#T4##BC#
Hightower's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Vilkas throws a predictable looking body shot
and Vilkas takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Vilkas lands a nice looking body shot.
A leg kick checked by Hightower.
Hightower is looking to counter punch.
Vilkas ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Hightower moves away.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Vilkas swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Hightower appears to be looking for a big counter.
Hightower avoids a kick to the body.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close fourth round but I would say that Jason Hightower will probably get the nod.
Both fighters have cut men working on them during the interval.
That's time! Back to the action! So, we enter the final round. Let's see if either fighter can bring us a finish, or whether we're going to the judges scorecards.#R5#
Vilkas thows a leg kick but Hightower checks it
enabling Hightower to counter with a crisp jab.
Jason Hightower has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Vilkas throws a right hand that misses #KD#
and Hightower counters with a nice right hand that sends Vilkas toppling to the canvas! Vilkas scrambles and gets back to his feet - can Hightower finish him?!
Hightower moves out of range of the body kick from Vilkas.
Hightower throws a quick counter head kick but Vilkas was just out of range.
Vilkas misses with a looping right.
Hightower throws a counter high kick but Vilkas was just alert enough to avoid it.
Vilkas rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
and Hightower counters with a straight punch to the midsection.
Vilkas waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Hightower.#T1#
Vilkas looks to land a left hand but Hightower moved out of range nicely.
Vilkas misses with a hook.
Vilkas throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Hightower defending well as Vilkas loads up on a big left hand.
Hightower appears to be looking for a big counter.
Vilkas throws a body shot but no joy.
Vilkas just misses with a punch to the body. #T2#
Neither fighter has done anything of merit for a good minute or two here and the crowd are not happy about it.
Vilkas throws a nice inside leg kick.
Hightower keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Hightower blocks a low kick nicely.
Hightower swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.
Vilkas throws a lazy uppercut #KD#
and Hightower counters with a nice right hand that sends Vilkas toppling to the canvas! Vilkas scrambles and gets back to his feet - can Hightower finish him?!
Vilkas scores with a jab.#T3#
Vilkas throws a sloppy head kick and Hightower moves out of range easily.
Vilkas with a nice looking leg kick. You could hear that one land in a back row.
Vilkas misses the shot to the body.
Deividas Vilkas is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
Vilkas swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Hightower checks a low kick from Vilkas.
As Vilkas looks to move away, Hightower throws a big counter combo but Vilkas just gets out of the way.
Vilkas fakes a head punch and goes low to the body. Nicely done.#T4#
Vilkas tries a low kick but Hightower avoids it.
Vilkas lands a two punch combo.
Vilkas scores with a hook to the body. Hightower takes a step back and tries to catch his breath.
Hightower is using his reach advantage well here, landing the more effective single shots from range.
Some bone on bone action there as Hightower checks a low kick. Luckily it wasn't a particularly hard one.
Vilkas misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Hightower.

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 Jason Hightower.
Well Vilkas has outworked and out performed his opponent in all aspects of the game today. He was simply too good and the decision should be no more than a formality. Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 5 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Colin Fotheringham scores the fight 48:48
Judge Chris Edwards scores the fight 47:48
Judge James Glass scores the fight 48:48

The fight is ruled a majority draw!
Jason Hightower retains his title. It's always disappointing when a championship fight ends as a draw but that's what happens when you leave the fight in the judges hands!

Event: WVT 83: Ihantala v Hightower
Date: Mar 24, 2023

#R1#
Ihantala swings widly with a right hand
and Hightower counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Hightower has been spending a lot of time sparring his boxing in the run up to the fight, trying to sharpen up those hands and look for a knockout.
Ihantala throws the left hand but Hightower avoids the punch easily.
Ihantala misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Hightower swings away with a counter right hand but no contact made.
Ihantala misses the jab.
Hightower throws the left hand but Ihantala avoids the punch easily.
Hightower chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Ihantala can pounce on him.
Ihantala takes a swing at Hightower's ribcage but misses.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Ihantala misses with a hook.
Hightower uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Ihantala.
This fight brought to you by 5M nutrition - it's mmmmm tasty. Nice jab by Ihantala.#T1#
Ihantala changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.
Ihantala connects with a solid leg kick.
Ihantala turns his hip over beautifully as he lands a nice leg kick.
Ihantala lands a nice looking body kick.
Ihantala tries a head kick but it misses.
Ihantala backing away here, and Hightower unleashes a leg kick that just misses.
Ihantala displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Hightower throws out the jab.
Ihantala pivots as if he's going to throw a leg kick but stops half way.
Ihantala lets loose with a powerful body kick. Hightower will feel that in the morning.
Ihantala has been talking about how he's improved his wrestling in the run up to the fight so let's see if that's enough to sway the balance.
Ihantala bobs and weaves and then throws a good body kick.
Hightower looks winded!#T2#
Ihantala looks for the body kick but Hightower saw that one coming.
A countering left hand to the body from Hightower misses.
A punch combination from Ihantala misses.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Hightower! But no joy.
The fighters circle momentarily. Ihantala darts into range and connects with a nice straight punch.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Ihantala throws a series of punches but Hightower avoids them all with ease.
A little jabbing left from Hightower on the counter but it doesn't find it's target.
Hightower is looking to score with low kicks.
Ihantala looks to score with a jab to the body but Hightower is just out of range.
Ihantala throws out a loose jab but Hightower uses good head movement to avoid it.
Hightower let fly with a counter punch to the body but it didn't land.
Hightower throws a lazy uppercut
letting Ihantala counter with a right hand.
Ihantala dances in quickly and lands a nice inside leg kick on Hightower. That did some damage!#T3#
Ihantala tries a low kick but Hightower avoids it.
Hightower throws out a counter right but Ihantala avoids it with no problem.
Ihantala motions for Hightower to come forward. Ihantala throws a leg kick but it misses it's target.
Hightower fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Ihantala manages to avoid it.
Hightower throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Ihantala throws a jab when Hightower was well out of range.
Ihantala bobs and weaves and unloads with a good uppercut.
Ihantala fakes the leg kick and cracks Hightower in the body.
Ihantala misses with a straight right.
The fighters circle momentarily. Ihantala darts into range and connects with a nice straight punch.#T4#
Ihantala throws the kick towards the body but Hightower avoids it.#KD#
Ihantala lands a left and a right that send Hightower crashing to the mat, dazed. Ihantala thinks about following him to the mat but decides to wave him back up to his feet!#ROC#Hightower is rocked!
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Ihantala steps in with a hook that catches Hightower right on the chin and knocks him to the floor! Ihantala follows him down with more strikes and that's all she wrote! Hightower looks absolutely devastated.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:20 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Tali Ihantala!
A very excited looking Tali Ihantala made sure he remembered to thank all the fans both in the arena and on the internet. He said all the coolest people spend all day on MMA websites, which got a big reaction.

Event: DMMA 175 Hightower vs Veainu
Date: Mar 11, 2023

#R1#
We've got one fighter who appears to only be looking to counter and the other not looking particularly aggressive either, so we could be in for a dull fight.
Veainu avoids a punch combination nicely.
Veainu swings away with a counter right hand but no contact made.
Hightower has been working on his boxing with his coaches at Blacktalians MMA in the buildup to the fight.
Hightower missing with a left hand there. Veainu was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Veainu let fly with a counter punch to the body but it didn't land.
Hightower rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Veainu moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Veainu looks like he wants to counter punch here.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Hightower misses with a telegraphed body shot
and Veainu connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.#T1#
Hightower throws a head kick that half lands. #CUT#It looks like Vunipola Veainu has been cut.
A chopping leg kick lands by Hightower.
Hightower digs a good body shot into Veainu's ribs.
Hightower connects with a hook to the side of his opponent's head.
Hightower bobs and weaves and then throws a good body kick.#T2#
Hightower scores with a nice head shot.
Hightower bobs and weaves and unloads with a good uppercut.#CUT#That has opened up Vunipola Veainu's cut even more.
Hightower throws a monster overhand right that drops Veainu! Hightower follows up with more strikes from mount and the fight is all over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:39 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Jason Hightower!
Jason Hightower retains his heavyweight title!
An out of breath Jason Hightower thanked his loyal fans in his post fight interview, giving them credit for his success over the course of his career.

Event: DMMA 168 Hightower vs Tyler
Date: Feb 19, 2023

#R1#
Hightower connects nicely with a jab. Noted by the judges no doubt.
Jason Hightower seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Hightower misses the jab.
Tyler looks like he wants to counter punch here.
Tyler throws an ugly left hook that misses
and Tyler takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Tyler's jab looks to have found its range, popping Hightower under the eye.
Hightower falls off balance throwing a combination
and Tyler counters with a leg kick that reverborates around the arena.
Hightower misses with an uppercut
and Tyler cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Tyler has his head snapped back a nice jab. A little nod from Tyler there as he acknowledges the shot.#CUT#It looks like Pete Tyler has been cut.
Tyler throws a body shot but no joy.
A punch combination from Tyler misses.
Hightower fakes the leg kick and cracks Tyler in the body.
Hightower has been talking about how he's improved his wrestling in the run up to the fight so let's see if that's enough to sway the balance.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Nice body punch from Tyler. #T1#
Tyler goes for a spinning back kick but it misses.
It looked like Hightower wanted to counter with a hook but didn't fully commit.
Hightower misses with a looping left.
Tyler misses with a hook to the body
and Hightower counters with a straight right hand.
Tyler goes for a spinning back kick but it misses.
Tyler cracks Hightower with an open hand slap.
Thud! ouch! good body kick from Hightower - that will leave a mark!
Hightower cracks Tyler with an open hand slap.
Tyler uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Hightower.
Despite the aggression on Tyler's face he doesn't fully commit to the counter.
Hightower works Tyler's body with a nice hook.
Hightower uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Tyler.
Tyler misses with a looping left.#T2#
Hightower takes a swing at Tyler's ribcage but misses.
Hightower misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Tyler.
Hightower feints a straight left to the body, then turns around with a flashy move and hits Tylers jaw with a dramatic spinning back fist!
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Hightower throws an ugly left hook that misses
and Tyler counters with a nice uppercut.
Tyler throws a sloppy body shot
and Hightower cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Hightower throws out a loose jab but Tyler uses good head movement to avoid it.
Hightower misses with a kick to the body
and Tyler counters with a nice uppercut.
Hightower connects nicely with a jab. Noted by the judges no doubt.
Tyler blocks the body kick.
Hightower swings for the body but Tyler moves out of range. #T3#
Tyler throws an ugly left hook that misses
and Hightower cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Hightower cracks Tyler with a right hand to the side of the head.
Tyler will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
Tyler attempts a low kick but it misses it's target.
Tyler lands with a cross to side of his opponent's head.
Hightower explodes with a nice body kick and back out of range. Nice work.
Tyler tries to clinch up
and Hightower counters with a lovely straight right hand!#T4#
Tyler throws a chopping leg kick but Hightower manages to avoid taking any serious damage.
Hightower is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Tyler.
Hightower throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Tyler has done a lot of speed work in the buildup to this fight.
Tyler uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Hightower.
A decent looking body kick lands there for Hightower.
Hightower works his jab well there, keeping his opponent at a distance.#CUT#That has opened up Pete Tyler's cut even more.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Hightower missing with a left hand there. Tyler was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Tyler swings away with a counter right hand but no contact made.
Hightower is really peppering his opponent's head with punches.
Tyler keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Hightower.
Hightower scores with a jab.
Tyler throws a low kick but Hightower moves out of range easily.
A jab from Hightower misses.
Tyler let fly with a counter punch to the body but it didn't land.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Jason Hightower dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Pete Tyler's cut.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!#R2#
Tyler keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Hightower.
Hightower lands with a cross to side of his opponent's head.
Hightower is using his reach advantage well here, landing the more effective single shots from range.
A shot to the body from Tyler misses
and Hightower connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Nice defenses there by Tyler.
Hightower uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Tyler.
Hightower lunges in with an uppercut that skims his opponent's chin.
Hightower lands a jab to the head.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Hightower misses with a double jab.
Tyler feints a counter leg kick.
Tyler fakes a head shot and lands one to the body.
Both these guys seem content to just stand up and trade with each other but Tyler might want to think about changing up his gameplan a bit because over the course of the fight, Hightower has got the better of the exchanges.
Tyler swings for the body but Hightower moves out of range.
Tyler throws a leg kick
and Hightower counters with a nice uppercut. #T1#
Hightower throws the kick towards the body but Tyler avoids it.#KD2#
Tyler drops Hightower with a left and a right! Oh, Hightower is hurt - Tyler dives into side control looking to finish! #SUB2#
Tyler is looking to finish here, going for an Americana. Hightower knows the correct defense though, so he's OK.
Tyler is putting a hurting on Hightower here, landing some big shots from side control. #ROC2#Hightower is rocked!
Tyler slows the pace down.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Tyler trying to control the position but Hightower is working away. #T2#
Tyler throws a knee to the body but it doesn't do much damage.
You can see the frustration on Hightower's face, being in this tough position on the bottom.#SUB2#
Tyler is looking for a kimura. He might have it! No, Hightower has escaped the position, nice work there.
Hightower is in a bad spot here and he knows it... just holding on for now.
Hightower avoids any damage from the ground and pound of Tyler. #T3#
Tyler in side control, throwing shots but Hightower defends.
Tyler working away.
The strikes coming from Tyler are missing the target in this wave of attacks.
Tyler working the strikes but Hightower uses the opportunity to regain half guard. #SUB2#
Tyler is looking for a kimura. It's pretty deep but Hightower still has the half guard so he's probably OK. Oh, Hightower has exploded into a beautiful escape there and after a quick scramble, he's ended up in side control on top! Nice work!
Tyler tries to buck Hightower off but Hightower is having none of it.
Tyler struggling a bit here.#T4#
Tyler sneaks back into half guard.
Hightower keeping composed on the top, looking to control the action.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Tyler is looking to get back to full guard here but Hightower has managed to pass to side control instead.
Tyler tries to improve position but can't.
Hightower is looking to take a break and control but Tyler is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Tyler is trying to get back to half guard. He's pushing on Hightower's leg. He's managed it. Nice work.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

A close second round but Pete Tyler will probably get the nod - 10:9.
The cut man is working on Pete Tyler's cut.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!#R3#
Tyler displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Hightower throws out the jab.
Hightower moves out of range as Tyler throws a body kick.
And Hightower counters with a quick kick to the body but Tyler blocks it.
Tyler just misses with a punch to the body.
Hightower moves out of range of the body kick.
Hightower swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.
Hightower is using his height advantage well here, landing a good percentage of his punches.
Hightower throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Hightower getting the better of the striking in that exchange.
Hightower misses with an uppercut.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Tyler misses with the body kick
and Hightower counters with a straight right hand.
Hightower connects with a crisp jab.
Tyler keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Hightower lands a nice shot to the body. #T1#
Hightower throws a body kick that misses.
The fighters circling - Hightower throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Tyler takes a jab on the nose there. A little bit of blood seems to be coming out. Hopefully that won't affect his breathing.
Hightower throws a front kick that sends Tyler stumbling back into the cage.
Hightower checks the leg kick.
Tyler just manages to avoid a counter high kick fromHightower.
A thudding body kick lands there by Tyler!
Hightower works the jab nicely.
Hightower misses with a straight left.
Hightower thuds a left hand into Tyler's body.#T2#
Tyler misses with an uppercut
and Hightower counters with a lovely straight right hand!
A telegraphed right hand from Tyler misses the target.
Hightower connects with a single shot there.
Hightower throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Hightower moves into range and lands a nice body kick.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Hightower throws a body kick, spinning off balance
and Tyler counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Tyler has developed a nice purple lump on his ribcage, as a result of some heavy body kicks from Hightower.
Tyler lunges at Hightower with a hook that half lands and is half blocked by Hightower's hand.
Hightower lands with a thumping leg kick.
Boom, another hit is landed. "You're gunna get knocked out" taunts Hightower, as that shot connected. #KD2#
Tyler lands a left and a right that sends Hightower crashing to the canvas! Tyler dives into mount looking to finish!
Oh Hightower is still in real trouble! Will he be able to recover?!!#T3##SUB2#
Tyler working to secure an arm triangle but it's not happening for him just yet. #SUB2#
Tyler has hold of Hightower's left arm, perhaps looking for a submission. The two fighters tussle over control of the isolated limb and Hightower manages to get his arm back to his side and away from danger.
Hightower seems to have got his legs back now.#SUB2#
Hightower defends a decent attempt at a guillotine from Tyler.
Hightower tries to reverse the position but Tyler maintains control.
Tyler looking to finish with strikes here!
Tyler throwing shots from mount but they're not landing. #T4#
Tyler thowing strikes but they're hitting the gloves, not doing any damage.
Hightower manages to regain half guard whilst avoiding the strikes.
Pete Tyler has got the better of the ground game so far.
Tyler is trying to control the action in half guard but Hightower is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.
Hightower controlling the position well.
Tyler throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
Hightower won't allow Tyler to pass to mount.
Tyler works his foot free and advances to mount.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

A close third round but Pete Tyler just about did enough to take it.
The cut man is working on Pete Tyler's cut.
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.#R4#
Hightower pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Jason Hightower has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Hightower misses with an uppercut.
Hightower misses the jab.
Hightower lets the fists fly and connects with a left straight followed by a right hook.
Tyler fakes a jab and throws a low kick but Hightower checks it well.
Hightower throws out a loose jab but Tyler uses good head movement to avoid it.
Hightower ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Tyler moves away.
Tyler is trying to counter with his kicks.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Tyler is looking to score with low kicks.
Jab, jab by Hightower - just one landing.
Hightower swats away the attempt to clinch by Tyler.#T1#
Hightower connects with an inside leg kick.
Crunch! Hightower slams his shin into Tyler's torso.
Hightower misses with a left hand
and Tyler counters with an inside leg kick.
Hightower pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Hightower displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Tyler throws out the jab.
Tyler throws a jab when Hightower was well out of range.
Sloppy strikes from Tyler. Those never looked like landing.
Tyler has a pretty nasty looking mouse under his right eye.
Tyler lands with a cross to side of his opponent's head.#T2#
A telegraphed right hand from Hightower misses the target.
Tyler fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Hightower manages to avoid it.
Hightower looks to land a right hand but Tyler moved out of range.
Hightower connects with a body shot.
An inside leg kick from Hightower misses.
Tyler lets it all go there with a big combo counter but none of the punches connected.
Hightower misses the shot to the body.
Donk. Hightower catches Tyler right on the button with a cross.
Tyler looks to throw the jab but Hightower is out of range.
Good exchange - Hightower coming out on top.#T3#
Tyler attempts a leg kick but it's missed by a good margin.
Tyler on the wrong end of an overhand right that came out of nowhere.
Tyler slips a straight right by Hightower.
Tyler is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Hightower.
Hightower is looking to counter punch.
Hightower lands with a head kick! That's gotta hurt. #CUT#The cut above Pete Tyler's eye is starting to cause him problems now.
Hightower dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
A chopping leg kick lands by Hightower.
Hightower catches Tyler with a nice straight right. He seems pissed - ooooh, it's on now! On like donkey kong!
Hightower moves into range and lands a nice leg kick. #T4#
Tyler thows a left - swing and a miss!
Tyler lands a nice looking body shot.
A telegraphed right hand from Hightower misses the target.
Hightower scoring well with a low kick there.
Hightower throws a hook but Tyler blocks it.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Tyler lands a leg kick and bounces back out of range.
A big left from Tyler misses.
Jason Hightower is winning the standup battle so far.
Tyler fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Hightower manages to avoid it.
Tyler has a nice red mark on his side after a thudding body kick by Hightower.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Jason Hightower had his way with Pete Tyler in that round.
The cut man is working on Pete Tyler's cut.
That's time! Hightower's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight. The crowd applaud as we get ready to start the final round!#R5#
Tyler moves away from the strike by Hightower.
Hightower's corner calls for a 1-2. Hightower obliges with the 1 part as he scores the single shot and moves back out of range.
Hightower throws a leg kick that misses.
A head kick by Tyler misses
and Hightower counters with a nice body shot.
A jab lands there for Hightower.
Hightower lands a pitter patter jab to the forehead of his opponent.
Ooooh, nice body kick lands from Hightower. Tyler shrugs it off though.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Hightower throws a big shot that misses.
Tyler is wobbling all over the place through exhaustion. Will he make it to the final bell?
A nice inside leg kick there by Hightower. That's going to slow Tyler down.
Tyler throws a right and a left that Hightower avoids nicely.
Hightower tried to counter with a leg kick but Tyler avoided it.#T1#
Hightower slips under a jab from Tyler.
Tyler tries to work over Hightower's front leg with a kick but Hightower checks it.
Tyler cracks Hightower with an open hand slap.
Hightower lands a nice leg kick that just misses Tyler's sensitive parts.
Hightower keeps his opponent at a distance with a nice jab. #CUT#Pete Tyler's cut is absolute horrible now. This looks like something out of a horror film with blood covering both fighters.
Hightower slips under a jab from Tyler.
Tyler dodges the punch combination from Hightower.
Tyler defending well as Hightower loads up on a big left hand. #T2#
Hightower throws a body kick that digs right into the meat.
Tyler misses with a body punch
and Hightower counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Tyler misses with a right hand
and Hightower counters with a straight right hand.
Tyler falls off balance throwing a combination
letting Hightower counter with a right hand.

The referee calls the doctor in to look at Pete Tyler's cut. Oh no, the doctor has called an end to the bout!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:41 of round 5, we have a winner by way of TKO (Cut). Jason Hightower!
Jason Hightower is the new heavyweight champion!
Our winner, Jason Hightower, 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: DMMA 159 Unfinished Business 2
Date: Dec 31, 2022

#R1#
Kalske shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Hightower sprawls well. Hightower wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Kalske gets slowly back to his feet.
Hightower swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.#CL#
Hightower closes the distance and clinches.
Hightower putting his Muay Thai to good use. He has Kalske in a tight clinch and is doing some damage with knees to the body.
Kalske blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.
Kalske blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.
Kalske lands a nice shot to the body.
Hightower lands a nice uppercut.
A short uppercut from Hightower.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Hightower scores with a nice hook to the head.
Hightower lands with a right to the head.
Hightower putting his Muay Thai to good use. He has Kalske in a tight clinch and is doing some damage with knees to the body.
Kalske working aggressively here.
Kalske is trying to force a seperation but Hightower has the dominant position.
Kalske tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Hightower's elbow.
Hightower throws a punch but it's blocked by Kalske. #T1#
Kalske takes a knee to the side of the body.
Kalske looks winded!
Hightower fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Hightower has been talking about how he's improved his wrestling in the run up to the fight so let's see if that's enough to sway the balance.
Hightower tries a knee to the head but Kalske blocks it.
Hightower throws a head punch that misses.
Kalske on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
Kalske makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
Hightower misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Kalske.
Hightower landing knees to the head.
Kalske on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
Hightower tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Kalske avoids it.
Hightower scores with an uppercut up the middle.
A nice left hand lands by Hightower.
Hightower misses with a punch on the inside.
Hightower is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Kalske is defending well for now.
Hightower utilising his Muay Thai to score with a knee to the body.
Hightower blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Hightower is trying to wear down his opponent with knees to the body.
Hightower missing with knees to the body. #T2#
Kalske blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.
Kalske misses with a hook to the ribs.
Hightower landing some nice looking knees to the body.
Hightower working Kalske over with knees to the body.
Hightower misses with a knee strike.
Kalske can't break the clinch.
Kalske can't break the clinch.
Hightower tries a knee to the head but Kalske blocks it.
Kalske managing to block the knees to the body from Hightower.
Hightower scores with a nice hook to the head.
Hightower missing with knees to the body.
Kalske avoiding damage as Hightower throws knees to the body.
Kalske lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
Hightower lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
Kalske blocking some punches.
Hightower misses with some punches.
Hightower trying to land knees to the body.
Hightower lands with a left to the head.
Kalske is trying to break the clinch but Hightower has him pressed against the cage. #T3#
Hightower working Kalske over with knees to the body.
Hightower lands with a right to the head.
Kalske blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.
Hightower lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
Hightower working aggressively here.
Kalske misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Hightower trying to land knees to the body.
Hightower missing with knees to the body.
Kalske lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
Kalske changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Hightower fights it off and pushes away nicely.
Hightower lands a jab.
Kalske throws out a loose jab but Hightower uses good head movement to avoid it.
Kalske checks a leg kick.
Kalske misses with a hook. Hightower ducked under it nicely. #T4#
Hightower blocks a low kick nicely.
Hightower slips a straight right by Kalske.
Hightower lands with an overhand left.
Hightower lands with a cross.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Hightower checks a leg kick.
Kalske tries to work over Hightower's front leg with a kick but Hightower checks it.
Hightower feints and then cracks Kalske's leading leg with a nice low kick. He's obviously looking to slow Kalske down.
Hightower cracks Kalske with a hook to the jaw. Both fighters smile at eachother and high-five before getting back down to business.
Hightower is using his reach advantage well here, landing the more effective single shots from range.
Hightower throws a lazy uppercut #TD2#
and Kalske counters with a nice shoot takedown that brings the fighters to the ground.
Kalske wants to control from the top but Hightower keeps moving.
Kalske is stalling in the full guard.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Jason Hightower dominated that round.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!#R2#
Kalske takes a big uppercut there. He seems a bit wobbly but no, he's OK.
Kalske throws a nice inside leg kick.
Kalske slips in close and lands a nice hook before moving back out of range.
Kalske tries to score with an inside leg kick but telegraphs it and Hightower is able to avoid easily.
Hightower throws a hook to the side of Kalske's head but Kalske sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Hightower scores with a slapping inside leg kick.
Kalske takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.
Hightower is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Kalske can do to turn this around?
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Hightower with a nice looking leg kick. You could hear that one land in a back row.
Nice uppercut lands for Hightower. That snapped Kalske's head back.
Hightower connects with a solid leg kick.
Hightower throws a decent looking leg kick but it doesn't land clean.#T1#
Kalske falls off balance throwing a combination
letting Hightower counter with a right hand.
Kalske sizes up Hightower with a pawing jab and scores with a straight right down the middle.
Kalske takes a jab right on the kisser.
Jason Hightower is winning the standup battle so far.
Kalske throws a right hand that misses
and Hightower counters with a nice uppercut.
Hightower fakes with a right hand and throws a good leg kick, right into the thigh. That had to hurt Kalske.
Hightower connects with a leg kick. He turned his hip over nicely there.
Kalske takes a jab right on the nose. That must have hurt but he shrugs his shoulders and looks to return the favor.
Jason Hightower seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Hightower thuds a left hand into Kalske's body.
Hightower misses with a lunging right hand
letting Kalske counter with a right hand.
Hightower lands the left hand.
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!
Hightower lands with a shot to the body. #T2#
Hightower wants to clinch up but Kalske keeps it at a distance.
Hightower keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
An attempted straight right counter from Hightower misses the target.
Hightower moves out of range of the body kick.
Nice shot lands for Kalske.
Hightower connects with a leg kick. He turned his hip over nicely there.
Kalske swings widly with a right hand
and Hightower counters with a thumping low kick.
Jason Hightower is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Kalske tries a head kick but it misses.
Kalske has his front leg slapped to the side - a nice low kick landing there from Hightower.
A lazy left from Hightower finds it's target.
Hightower is using his height advantage well here, landing a good percentage of his punches.
Kalske keeps the fight on the outside.
Kalske feints a counter leg kick.
Hightower turns his hip over beautifully as he lands a nice leg kick.
Kalske looks shocked there as he takes a right hand to the temple. #T3#
Hightower thows a leg kick but Kalske checks it
and Kalske counters with a straight right hand.
Hightower throws a low kick, looking for Kalske's leg but Kalske calmly moves out of range.
Kalske takes one on the chin but seems OK.
Kalske avoids a low kick by using good footwork.
A solid leg kick lands there for Hightower.
Kalske bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Hightower getting the better of the striking in that exchange.
Kalske throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Hightower misses the jab.
Kalske lets it all go there with a big combo counter but none of the punches connected.
Nice shot by Kalske.
Hightower lands a head shot.
Kalske uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Hightower. #T4#
Kalske moves away from the strike by Hightower.
Kalske with the counter takedown but Hightower avoids it easily.
Kalske's leg has a nasty welt from taking a succession of leg kicks. That must be slowing him down.
Hightower darts in and out, connecting with a jab.
Hightower swings for the body but Kalske moves out of range.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Hightower walks forward and throws out a flicking leg kick. Kalske checks it nicely though, as he moves to the side.
Good standup being displayed there by Kalske as he connects with a hook.
Kalske shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Hightower as he avoids it easily.
Kalske throws a hook to the side of Hightower's head but Hightower sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Kalske thows a left - swing and a miss!
Kalske takes one on the chin but keeps coming.
Nice uppercut there from Hightower.
Kalske shoots in but no luck this time.
Hightower scores with the left hand. Kalske knows he should have avoided that one.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Jason Hightower dominated that second round.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business. This is the final round!#R3##CL#
Hightower rushes Kalske and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.
Hjallis Kalske has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Hightower missing with knees to the body.
Kalske tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Hightower's elbow.
Hightower lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Kalske backwards.
Hightower misses with a hook from the clinch.
Kalske has a couple of punches blocked by Hightower.
Hightower is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Kalske is defending well for now.
Hightower misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Kalske.
Kalske blocking some punches.
Kalske on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body. #BC2#
Kalske manages to break the clinch.
Kalske fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Hightower scores with a crisp jab that stopped Kalske in his tracks.
Kalske has a takedown stuffed.#T1#
Kalske moves away from the strike by Hightower.
Kalske misses with a hook.
Hightower lands a slapping body shot.
Hightower paws at his opponent with the jab and then lunges in with a straight, right on the button.
A low kick lands for Hightower.
Hightower takes a head kick and keeps coming.
Hightower lands a body shot.
Hightower tests Kalske's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Hightower wants to clinch up but Kalske keeps it at a distance.
Hightower lands a body shot.
Hightower works Kalske's body with a nice hook.#T2#
A nice leg kick lands there from Hightower.
Hightower jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Hightower lands with a cross to side of his opponent's head.
Hightower takes a jab on the nose there. A little bit of blood seems to be coming out. Hopefully that won't affect his breathing.
Hightower throws a low kick but it's checked well by Kalske.
Kalske scores with a sloppy punch to the body. Not much technique there but it did the business.
Kalske keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Hightower jabs Kalske to the body, keeping him at a distance.#CL#
Hightower clinches with his opponent.
Kalske tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Kalske working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
Hightower swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Kalske lands with a left to the head. #T3#
Hightower using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Kalske has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
Still in the clinch, Kalske scores with a nice short uppercut.
Kalske is trying to force a seperation but Hightower has the dominant position.
Hightower working aggressively here.
Hightower unloads a knee to the mid-section.
Hightower with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Kalske lands a hook to the side of the head.#BC2#
Kalske breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Hightower feints and then cracks Kalske's leading leg with a nice low kick. He's obviously looking to slow Kalske down.
Kalske uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Hightower.
Hightower takes a shot to the eye socket. That's gotta hurt.
Hightower scores with a crisp jab that stopped Kalske in his tracks.
Kalske has a pretty nasty looking mouse under his right eye.
Kalske throws an off balance right hand
and Hightower counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Nice cross by Hightower.#T4#
Kalske blocks a leg kick.
And Kalske tries to counter it with a takedown but Hightower pushes his down on his head and steps out.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Hightower misses with a looping left.
A little jabbing left from Kalske on the counter but it doesn't find it's target.
Hightower scores with a nice right hand.
Kalske misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
Jason Hightower has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Hjallis Kalske.
Hightower throws a good cross that connects.
Hightower throws the left hand but Kalske avoids the punch easily.
Hightower swings for the body but Kalske moves out of range.
Good standup being displayed there by Hightower as he connects with a hook.
Hightower scores with a slapping inside leg kick.

And that's the end of the fight!
Jason Hightower showed his dominance in that final round.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Hightower, 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 Edson Gomes scores the fight 30:27
Judge Leandro Rodrigues scores the fight 30:27
Judge Matheus Silva scores the fight 30:27

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Jason Hightower!
Our winner, Jason Hightower, 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: DMMA 155 Puno vs Hightower
Date: Dec 03, 2022

#R1#
Hightower is looking to clinch.
It seemed like Puno was going to counter with the hook but didn't fully commit to it.
Puno throws a nice outside leg kick.
Hightower checks a low kick from Puno.
A little feinted left hand from Hightower on the counter but he doesn't commit to it.#CL#
Hightower gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.
Puno digs a right hand underneath Hightower's ribcage. Hightower let out a lung full of air as it connected.
Puno wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.
Hightower using the Thai clinch to land knees to the body.
Nice body punch from Puno.
Hightower lands a right hand.
Hightower misses with a short punch on the inside.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Good anti-grappling being displayed by Puno as Hightower tries to tie him up.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, Puno creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
Hightower looking to throw knees to the head but Puno is blocking nicely.
Hightower blocks a body shot from Puno.
Hightower misses with a knee to the head.
Hightower has been talking about how he's improved his wrestling in the run up to the fight so let's see if that's enough to sway the balance.
Nice body punch from Puno - that landed with a thud.
Hightower is breathing heavily.#T1##BC2#
Puno manages to break the clinch.
Puno cracks Hightower with a good jab.#KD2#
Puno sends Hightower crashing to the mat with a devastating uppercut! Puno is motioning to the referee to let Hightower up. He wants to try and finish this one on the feet!#ROC2#Hightower is rocked!
A punch combination from Hightower misses.
Puno swings away with a counter right hand but no contact made.
Hightower missing with a left hand there. Puno was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Puno throws out a counter right but Hightower avoids it with no problem.
Puno circles away from the clinch attempt
and Puno counters with a body kick that stops Hightower in his tracks momentarily.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Hightower takes a body punch but keeps moving. #T2#
Puno throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd.
Puno throws the left hand but Hightower avoids the punch easily.
An attempted straight right counter from Hightower misses the target.
Puno scores with a reasonable looking shot to the body. Hightower doesn't seem bothered though.
Puno has been working on his striking defense in training and it's paying off as Hightower is landing a low percentage of strikes.#KD2#
Puno lands a big right hand that sends Hightower crashing to the mat! Puno stays standing though and waves Hightower back to his feet!
Oh Hightower is still all over the place! His legs are completely gone! Will he be able to recover?!!#CUT2#It looks like Jason Hightower has been cut.
Puno lands a big uppercut and this one is all over! His foe lies motionless on the canvas - a massive one punch knockout!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:33 of round 1, we have a winner by way of KO (Punch). Adan Puno! Adan Puno retains his heavyweight title!
A victorious Adan Puno thanked his army of followers in his post fight interview, telling people to make sure they follow him on Twitter.

Event: DMMA Friday Night Fights XIII
Date: Nov 11, 2022

#R1#
Hightower misses with a kick to the body #KD2#
and Kearney counters with a nice right hand that sends Hightower toppling to the canvas! Hightower scrambles and gets back to his feet - can Kearney finish him?!
Kearney has been spending a lot of time sparring his boxing in the run up to the fight, trying to sharpen up those hands and look for a knockout.
Kearney swings away with a body shot that misses
and Hightower counters with a leg kick that reverborates around the arena.
Hightower looks to have improved his striking defense since last time we saw him fight.
Hightower looks to land a right hand but Kearney moved out of range.
Kearney throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Hightower is looking to counter punch.
Hightower scores with a punch to the head.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!#CL#
Hightower moves into the clinch successfully.
Kearney misses with a short punch on the inside.
Hightower blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Hightower lands a knee to the body.
Hightower tries to stall but Kearney uses the opportunity to gain a better position.
Kearney tries to work over Hightower's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Hightower blocking some punches.
Hightower blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Kearney lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, Hightower creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut. #T1#
Kearney managing to block the knees to the body from Hightower.
Hightower lands with a short punch from the clinch.
Hightower throws a knee to the head but misses.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, Kearney creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
Kearney avoiding damage as Hightower throws knees to the body.
Hightower putting his Muay Thai to good use. He has Kearney in a tight clinch and is doing some damage with knees to the body.
Kearney looks winded!
A shot in the inside from Hightower.
Hightower lands a left hand that snaps the head of Kearney backwards.
Hightower lands on the inside with an uppercut.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Hightower.
Hightower putting his Muay Thai to good use. He has Kearney in a tight clinch and is doing some damage with knees to the body.
Hightower lands a nice shot to the body.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Hightower lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
Hightower pushes Kearney back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.
Kearney avoiding damage as Hightower throws knees to the body.
Hightower misses with the head strike.
Hightower softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
A nice left hand lands by Hightower.
The pace slowing considerably in the clinch, as Hightower takes a break from that fighting nonsense to think about the finer things in life.
Hightower lands with a left to the head. #T2#
Kearney lands with a short head shot on the inside.
Hightower gets through Kearney's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
A short uppercut from Hightower. #ROC#Kearney is rocked!
Hightower misses with a punch on the inside.
Kearney is still on wobbly legs! Can Hightower finish him?
A nice right hand lands inside from Hightower.
A nice right hand lands inside from Kearney.
A head punch on the inside from Kearney fails to land.
Hightower dips a shoulder and cracks Kearney with a mighty uppercut! Kearney falls back against the cage and Hightower unloads with a barrage of strikes! Kearney is completely out with his eyes open, only supported by the cage! Save him ref! Eventually the ref decides to do his job and jumps in - Hightower screams abuse at the incompetent official before going over to celebrate with his corner. Brutal stuff!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:28 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Jason Hightower!
A very excited looking Jason Hightower made sure he remembered to thank all the fans both in the arena and on the internet. He said all the coolest people spend all day on MMA websites, which got a big reaction.

Event: DMMA 147 Hightower vs Kalske 2
Date: Oct 09, 2022

#R1#
Kalske drops his hands and takes a jab to the jaw for his troubles.
Hightower stooping low to avoid any incoming strikes and then lunges in with an uppercut come cross that lands flush.
Hightower throws an ugly left hook that misses
enabling Kalske to counter with a crisp jab.
Hightower lands an overhand right.
Hightower throws a leg kick
and Kalske connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Hightower throws an off balance right hand
and Kalske counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Kalske has been spending a lot of time sparring his boxing in the run up to the fight, trying to sharpen up those hands and look for a knockout.
Kalske looks to land a left hand but Hightower moved out of range nicely.
Kalske throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Hightower misses with a left hand #TD2#
and Kalske counters with a nice double leg into guard.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Kalske working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Kalske trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet. #T1#
Kalske scores with a decent looking elbow strike.
Kalske throws a big elbow that misses.
Kalske won't allow Hightower to sweep him here.
Kalske throwing strikes from guard but Hightower blocks nicely.
Hightower 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.
Kalske is working the ground and pound from guard. He might want to try advancing position though to get more of an impact.
Kalske working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage. #T2#
Hightower working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Kalske.
Kalske throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Kalske in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Kalske looking to sit in guard and control but Hightower gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top. #REVR#
Kalske is trying to hold Hightower in close to prevent damage but Hightower has managed to pass into half guard.
Kalske manages to get to full guard.
Hightower will need to keep those long limbs tucked in whilst he's on the ground, to prevent any submissions.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Kalske is on top in guard. #REVB#
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.#T3#
Kalske postures up in Hightower's guard and throws a big left but Hightower blocks it.
Kalske throws a big right hand that misses.
Hightower tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Kalske loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Hightower working a defensive guard here.
Hightower utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Hightower wants to sweep but no luck. #T4#
The crowd are showing their displeasure at the lack of action as loud boos ring out around the arena.
Kalske tries to free his leg and advance position but Hightower is retaining full guard.
Kalske has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
Kalske throws a strike but Hightower rolls with it and manages to sweep. Now he's in guard on top. #REVR##SUB2#
Kalske looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.
Kalske looking to sweep using the butterfly guard but Hightower puts pay to that idea as he passes nicely into half guard.
Kalske is looking to improve his position.
The fighters are starting to get a bit slippery now, which will make submissions a bit more difficult.#SUB2#
Kalske looking for submissions off his back.
Kalske trying to control but Hightower postures up.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Hjallis Kalske dominated that round.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.#R2#
Hightower will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
Hightower tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Kalske is clearly looking to counter with head kicks.
Hightower scores with a leg kick.
Kalske misses with a right hand
and Hightower counters with an inside leg kick.
Kalske throws an overhand right that lands on Hightower's shoulder, as Hightower tries to avoid the shot.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Kalske uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Hightower.
We've been told by Hightower's head coaches at Blacktalians MMA that he's been working on his takedown defense in preparation for this fight.
Kalske shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Hightower pinned against the cage. Hightower gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
Jason Hightower is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.#T1#
Hightower slips a jab from Kalske.
Kalske throws a body kick, spinning off balance
and Hightower connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Kalske misses with a straight right.
Hightower lands with a cross to side of his opponent's head.
Kalske shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
A slow jab from Kalske misses its intended target.
Hightower rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
and Kalske cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Kalske throws the left hand but Hightower avoids the punch easily.#T2#
Hightower throws a sloppy head kick and Kalske moves out of range easily.
Kalske drops down looking to force a counter takedown but Hightower defends it well.
Hightower uses good footwork to get in and out and land a nice right hand before Kalske has time to react.
Kalske avoids the head kick by Hightower.
Kalske throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Hightower scores with a slapping inside leg kick.
Kalske throws a sloppy head kick
and Hightower counters with a series of strikes. Kalske will be more careful next time no doubt.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Kalske throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Hightower takes a thudding leg kick, right into the meat of the thigh.#T3#
Hightower misses with a body shot.
Kalske only half commits to the counter leg kick.
Jason Hightower seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Kalske keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Hightower.
Kalske misses with a jab to the body
and Hightower counters with a leg kick.
Kalske swinging wildly here.
Kalske throws a good cross that connects.
Kalske might want to mix his strikes up a bit more. He's just going for head shots at the moment and that can become a bit predictable.
Hightower throws the left hand but Kalske avoids the punch easily.
Kalske is looking for the big counter here.#T4#
Hightower misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Kalske! But no joy.
A chopping leg kick lands by Hightower.
Kalske ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Hightower cracks Kalske with a right hand to the side of the head.
Hightower turns his hip over beautifully as he lands a nice leg kick.
Hightower throws an off balance right hand #KD2#
and Kalske counters with a leg kick then a big left hand that sends Hightower down! Kalske is looking to finish but Hightower is intelligently defending himself.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Hightower looking to hit a scissor sweep but Kalske is one step ahead there.
Kalske trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Jason Hightower dominated that second round.
That's time! Back to the action!#R3#
Hightower dances in quickly and lands a nice inside leg kick on Kalske. That did some damage!#TD2#
A momentary lapse in concentration from Hightower enables Kalske to shoot in and score with a neat double leg. Hightower manages to secure a closed guard as the fighters hit the mat.
Hightower is trying to control the position but Kalske postures up.
Kalske with a flurry of punches that miss.
Kalske cracks Hightower with a solid left hand.
Kalske lands a nice shot whilst sitting in his opponent's guard.
Hjallis Kalske has got the better of the ground game so far.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Hightower pulls Kalske in close to prevent any damage.
Kalske passes Hightower's left leg - he's now in half guard. #T1#
Kalske throwing shots but Hightower is blocking nicely.
Kalske sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Hightower defending well though.
Hightower is concentrating on defense, preventing Kalske from advancing position.
Kalske is just content to waste time from the top position. Hightower takes advantage of the situation and regains full guard.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Kalske accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Hightower preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage. #T2#
The crowd are showing their displeasure at the lack of action as loud boos ring out around the arena.
Kalske throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Kalske with a flurry of punches that miss.
If this pace continues, the referee will definitely step in and force a standup.
Kalske throwing strikes but missing. #REF3#
The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.
Kalske connects with a good right hand that stumbles Hightower. Hightower circles away out of range and recomposes himself.
Hightower takes a head kick and shrugs it off.
Hightower takes a big uppercut there. He seems a bit wobbly but no, he's OK.
A low kick from Hightower misses
and Kalske counters with a left and a right... and another left... and another!! That last one turned off the lights! Hightower has no idea who he is and is as he gazes up at the spotlights. Brutal knockout!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:55 of round 3, we have a winner by way of KO (Strikes). Hjallis Kalske!
Hjallis Kalske is the new heavyweight champion!
Hjallis Kalske seemed lost for words in his post fight interview but he remembered to thank his fans and directed everyone to his website.

Event: DMMA 139 Hightower vs Zhdanov
Date: Sep 11, 2022

#R1##CL#
Hightower gets tackled into the cage by Zhdanov. Zhdanov maintains the clinch.
Hightower with a knee to the head. #CUT2#It looks like Roman Zhdanov has been cut.
A shot in the inside from Zhdanov.
Hightower scores with a knee to the head.
Zhdanov tries a body shot but Hightower blocks it.
Zhdanov lands with a right to the head.
Zhdanov tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Hightower's elbow.
Zhdanov fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Hightower takes a shot to the head.
Zhdanov has a couple of punches blocked by Hightower.
Zhdanov misses with a hook to the ribs.
Hightower landing knees to the body.
Hightower prevents a body shot from Zhdanov.
Zhdanov working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Hightower wants to break free but Zhdanov has control. #BC2#
Hightower breaks from the clinch.
Hightower blocks a jab.
Hightower let fly with a counter punch to the body but it didn't land.
Hightower moves away from the strike by Zhdanov.
Hightower looked like he wanted to counter with a punch but didn't throw it.
Zhdanov staying out of range there.
Zhdanov has been working on his boxing with his coaches at House of 1000 Corpses in the buildup to the fight.
Zhdanov throws a body punch but Hightower moves out of range. #T1#
A nice leg kick lands there from Hightower.
Zhdanov with a jab.
Zhdanov throws a lazy body kick
and Hightower counters with a body kick.
Zhdanov is breathing heavily.
Zhdanov thows a left - swing and a miss!
A lazy body kick from Zhdanov
and Hightower counters with a nice uppercut.
Hightower with the inside leg kick.
Hightower's corner calls for a 1-2. Hightower obliges with the 1 part as he scores the single shot and moves back out of range.
Zhdanov throws a shot from downtown. Hightower moves away and avoids it.
Hightower scores with a hook to the body. Zhdanov takes a step back and tries to catch his breath.
Hightower's jab looks to have found its range, popping Zhdanov under the eye.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Zhdanov tries to clinch there but Hightower circles away. #T2#
Zhdanov throws a body kick that misses.
Zhdanov misses with a body shot
and Hightower counters with a huge left! Zhdanov is in big trouble! He's backing up but Hightower isn't giving him chance to recover. Under a barage of punches the ref has to step in to save Zhdanov from any more damage. A dominating finish by Hightower!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:15 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Jason Hightower! Jason Hightower retains his heavyweight title!
A very excited looking Jason Hightower made sure he remembered to thank all the fans both in the arena and on the internet. He said all the coolest people spend all day on MMA websites, which got a big reaction.

Event: DMMA 123 Hightower vs Kalske
Date: Jul 17, 2022

#R1#
Kalske looks to land a left hand but Hightower moved out of range nicely.
Hightower throws an ugly left hook that misses
and Kalske connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Hightower throws a jab when Kalske was well out of range.
Jason Hightower seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Kalske scores with a jab.
Hightower throws a front kick aimed at Kalske's knee but Kalske avoids it well.
Hightower lands an overhand left. A wild punch that just about connected.
Hightower swings for the body but Kalske moves out of range.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Kalske scores with a jab.
Hightower lands an overhand right.#T1#
Hightower looks to land a left hand but Kalske moved out of range nicely.
Kalske swings away with a counter right hand but no contact made.
Hightower misses the jab.
Kalske throws out a counter right but Hightower avoids it with no problem.
Hightower stumbles momentarily as he takes a strong leg kick from Kalske.
Kalske defending well as Hightower loads up on a big left hand.
Kalske is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Hightower scores with a spinning back kick!
Kalske with a nice looking leg kick. You could hear that one land in a back row. #T2#
Hightower throws an off balance right hand #TD2#
and Kalske counters with a driving takedown into guard. Nice work there by Kalske.
Hightower seems keen to control rather than go for a submission, at least for now.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Hightower wants to sweep but no luck.
Kalske is looking to work some ground and pound but Hightower has wrist control.
Kalske throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Kalske throws an elbow that misses. Hightower uses the momentum to reverse the position. He's now in Kalske's guard. Nice move by Hightower!#REVR#
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.#SUB2#
Kalske had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Hightower defends it easily.
Kalske wants to sweep but no luck. #T3##SUB2#
Kalske is active off his back here, looking for submissions. #SUB2#
Kalske working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Hightower doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Hightower manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.
Hightower knows he needs to get back to his feet asap. He's simply no match for Kalske on the ground.
Kalske looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Kalske trying to control the position here.
Kalske wants to sweep but no luck.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Kalske looking to control.
Kalske tries to land a sweep but no joy. #T4#
Neither fighter has done anything of merit for a good minute or two here and the crowd are not happy about it.#SUB2#
Kalske is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Hightower is aware though and is defending well.
Hightower showing good wrestling skills to control the position. #SUB2#
Kalske escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Hightower gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance. #SUB2#
Kalske throws his legs up looking to secure a triangle. Oh, that looks pretty tight, I gotta say! Hightower escapes and throws Kalske's legs to the side, diving into side control!
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Kalske tries to bench press Hightower off him but Hightower keeps the position.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but Hjallis Kalske will probably get the nod.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!#R2#
Kalske on the wrong end of a nice jab.
Hightower with a nice calf kick.
Hightower throws a body shot but no joy.
Hightower throws a nice inside leg kick.
A shot to the body from Kalske misses
and Hightower counters with a nice low kick that buckles Kalske's knee momentarily.
Kalske shuffles to his left behind two crisp jabs. Hightower eats them both and turns towards Kalske to reposition himself and eats a stinging right hand-left hook combo.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Hightower misses with a head kick.
Kalske moving in and out of range nicely, whilst landing the scoring shot.
Hightower slips under a jab.#T1#
Kalske checks a low kick from Hightower.
Kalske drops down looking to force a counter takedown but Hightower defends it well.
Kalske gets cracked there but stands up to it.
Hightower throws a head kick that misses.
Kalske paws at his opponent with the jab and then lunges in with a straight, right on the button.
This fight brought to you by 5M nutrition - it's mmmmm tasty. Nice jab by Kalske.
Hightower throws the left hand but Kalske avoids the punch easily.
Kalske looks like he wants to counter punch here.#TD2#
Kalske closes the distance and gets a trip takedown into side control. Hightower quickly recovers to half guard.
Kalske throwing shots but Hightower is blocking nicely. #T2#
Kalske throws a big elbow that misses, also allowing Hightower to regain full guard.
Kalske postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Kalske throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Kalske trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
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!#SUB2#
Kalske drops back, looking for a kneebar! Hightower looks panicked! The fighters roll across the mat, one looking to finish, one looking to escape. Hightower looks to have wriggled free... Yes, he's got his leg free and he's dived into side control! Good work there from Hightower! #REVR#
Kalske is trying to improve his position.
Hightower throws an elbow but Kalske slips to the side and avoids it well.
Hjallis Kalske has got the better of the ground game so far.
Hightower is staying tight to Kalske's torso, preventing him from escaping.
Kalske is moving his hips around well on the bottom and has managed to get back to half guard.#T3#
Kalske is pressing down on Hightower's left leg trying to get back to full guard. He's managed it.#SUB2#
Kalske has his foot on Hightower's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Hightower works his way back into a safe position though.#SUB2#
Kalske throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.
Hightower 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.
Hightower preventing the sweep. #SUB2#
Kalske has an omoplata and is looking to use it perhaps as a submission or perhaps to transition. Hightower is in a bit of discomfort here, but he's managed to free himself and has dived into side control! That didn't work out too well for Kalske.
Kalske has found himself in a tricky position here. He's been working his transitions in training so let's see if he can work his way out of it.
A lull in the action here as Hightower stalls from top position.#T4#
Kalske is looking for a sweep.
Kalske is looking to slip a leg under and get half guard but Hightower is one step ahead and moves to full mount!
Hightower will need to keep those long limbs tucked in whilst he's on the ground, to prevent any submissions.
Kalske keeping his composure momentarily, calmly looking to get back to half guard.
Kalske is persisting with the attempt to improve his position.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

A close second round but Hjallis Kalske will probably get the nod - 10:9.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!#R3#
Kalske throws a chopping leg kick but Hightower manages to avoid taking any serious damage.
Kalske uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Hightower.
Kalske displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Hightower throws out the jab.
Kalske looked like he wanted to counter with a punch but didn't throw it.
Hightower throws a big shot that misses.
Kalske throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Hightower.
Hightower lands with a head kick! That's gotta hurt.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Hightower misses with a left hand
and Kalske counters with a lovely shot to the body.
Hightower uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Kalske.
Kalske keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Hightower.
Kalske with the counter takedown but Hightower avoids it easily.#T1#
Hightower connects with a crisp jab.
Hightower connects nicely with a jab. Noted by the judges no doubt.
Kalske throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd.
Hightower misses with a right hand
and Kalske cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Hightower misses with a left hand
letting Kalske counter with a right hand.
Hightower throws a body shot but no joy.
Hightower with the inside leg kick. #T2#
Hightower has his front leg slapped to the side - a nice low kick landing there from Kalske.
Kalske takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.
Hightower throws a sloppy head kick
and Kalske counters with a shot to the ribs. That looked like it hurt.
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!
Hightower throws a leg kick
and Kalske counters with a straight right hand.
A head kick misses from Hightower.
Hightower throws a leg kick
and Kalske counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Hightower scores with a shot to the body.
Kalske loads up on a big right hand but Hightower slips the punch.#T3#
Kalske misses with a leg kick
and Hightower connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Kalske fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Hightower avoids it really well and circles away.
Hightower lands with a right hand.
Hightower lands the left hand.#T4#
Hightower throws a hook to the side of Kalske's head but Kalske sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Kalske swings away with a counter right hand but no contact made.
Hightower lands with a kick to the temple. Kalske shrugs as if to say "is that all you've got?"
Kalske takes one on the chin but seems OK.
Jason Hightower is winning the standup battle so far.
Hightower misses with a low kick.
Hightower lands a leg kick and bounces back out of range.
Jason Hightower is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Kalske looks shocked there as he takes a right hand to the temple.
Kalske misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Hightower.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Jason Hightower clearly takes that round.
That's time! Hightower's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.#R4#
Hightower walks into a stiff left hand from Kalske.
Hightower misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
A nice leg kick lands there from Hightower.
Kalske ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Hightower throws a leg kick but Kalske checks it.
Hightower slips a jab from Kalske.
Hightower went nuts there looking for a big combo counter but none of the flurry connected.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Kalske throws an ugly left hook that misses
and Hightower counters with a nice jab to the body that keeps Kalske thinking.
Kalske misses with a lunging right hand
and Hightower cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.#T1#
Hightower jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Hightower throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Kalske throws a fast counter high kick but Hightower manages to duck under it in time.
Hightower scores with a punch to the gut of his opponent.
Hightower takes a swing at Kalske's ribcage but misses.
Kalske takes one to the chin there.
Hightower misses the body punch
and Kalske counters with a right hand to the body.
Kalske takes a kick to the body and keeps moving.
That kick from Hightower tenderised Kalske's leg. Kalske is trying to keep his angry face on.#T2#
Hightower throws a lazy uppercut
and Kalske cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
A jab lands there for Kalske.
Hightower throws the left hand but Kalske avoids the punch easily.
Kalske throws out a counter right but Hightower avoids it with no problem.
Hightower throws a hook but Kalske blocks it.
Kalske swings away with a counter right hand but no contact made.
Kalske tries to bum rush Hightower with a series of wild strikes but Hightower uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
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!
The crowd cheers as Hightower lands an impressive looking overhand right. Kalske doesn't seem phased though.
Kalske lands a vicious shot with the stealth of a sniper and the strength of a viper. Are vipers that strong? I can think of lots of things that are stronger than a viper - not many rhyme with sniper though. #T3#
Hightower lands a leg kick. The shin dug right into the meat of the thigh.
Hightower misses with an uppercut #TD2#
and Kalske counters with a nice double leg into side control. Hightower won't be happy with that.
Hightower on his back here. We all know that wrestlers don't like being on their back so let's see if Hightower tries to get out of the position.
Check out the look on Kalske's face as he threw that strike - that's one determined fighter!
Hightower on the wrong end of some ground and pound.
Kalske throwing shots but missing, from side control.
Kalske throws an elbow but Hightower slips to the side and avoids it well.
Hightower tries to get back to half guard but can't.
Kalske advances to full mount.
Kalske has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
BOOM! Kalske connects with a massive shot to the dome! #T4#
Kalske throws a sloppy strike and Hightower uses the opportunity to reverse the position! A bit of a scramble here and Hightower has ended up in Kalske's guard.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.#SUB2#
Kalske looks to be working for a triangle here. Oh, it looks like he might have it! Hightower has picked Kalske up and slammed him! Kalske can't keep hold of the triangle and Hightower manages to pass to side control!
Kalske gets back to half guard.#SUB2#
Kalske looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
Kalske moves into full guard.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

A close fourth round but Hjallis Kalske will probably get the nod - 10:9.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business. This is the final round!#R5#
Kalske uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Hightower.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Kalske! But no joy.
Hightower misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Kalske.
Hightower showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Kalske.
Hightower works the jab nicely.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Kalske keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Hightower is looking to slow Kalske down with leg kicks. #T1#
Hightower connects with a body shot that sends Kalske's belly button to the back.
Kalske closes the distance looking to clinch
and Hightower counters with a stiff right hand.
Hightower connects with an inside leg kick.
Hightower jabbing away but nothing is landing.
It seemed like Kalske was going to counter with the hook but didn't fully commit to it.
A decent looking body kick lands there for Kalske.#T2#
Hightower takes one on the chin but keeps coming.
Hightower scoring well with a low kick there.
Kalske throws a head kick that misses
and Hightower counters with a good low kick that Kalske was not able to check.
Both fighters are looking to counter, which isn't making for the most exciting fight in the world.
Hightower misses with a head kick.
Hightower goes for a spinning back kick but it misses.
Kalske looks like he wants to counter punch here.
Kalske misses with a jab, cross combination.
Hightower tried to counter with a leg kick but Kalske avoided it.
Hightower buckles his opponent's knee momentarily with a nice leg kick.
A low kick lands for Hightower. #T3#
Kalske blocks a jab.
Kalske raises up his leg as if looking to counter with a high kick.
Hjallis Kalske has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Hightower slips under a jab.
Kalske throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Hightower throws a leg kick but Kalske checks it.
Kalske misses with a body shot.
Kalske takes a solid shot to the body. That one hurt him but he's trying not to show it.
Hightower misses with a hook
and Kalske counters with a nice jab to the body that keeps Hightower thinking. #T4#
Hightower thows a body kick. Kalske tries to catch it but that hurt him.
Kalske throws a wild body kick that Hightower sees coming a mile off.
Kalske connects with a solid leg kick.
Hightower throws a jab when Kalske was well out of range.
Hightower misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Kalske.
Kalske throws a right hand that Hightower ducks under and follows up with a left that Hightower also avoids with ease.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Hightower goes for a spinning back kick but it misses.
Kalske chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Hightower can pounce on him.

And that's the end of the fight!
Jason Hightower showed his dominance in that final round.
I think Kalske 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 5 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Paulsen Ambrosius scores the fight for Jason Hightower!
Judge Nard Betker scores the fight for Jason Hightower!
Judge Daniel Blasius scores the fight for Jason Hightower!

Jason Hightower wins by unanimous decision!
Jason Hightower retains his heavyweight title!
After winning the bout, Jason Hightower thanked all his fans and promised he'd do even better in his next fight. The crowd seemed to love his humility.

Event: DMMA 113 Champion vs Champion
Date: Jun 12, 2022

#R1#
Hightower thuds his shin into the meat of Account's side.
Hightower throws a nice looking combination but Account bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Account feints a straight left to the body, then turns around with a flashy move and hits Hightowers jaw with a dramatic spinning back fist!
Hightower connects with a leg kick.
Hightower wants to slow Account down by chopping away at his legs.
Account lets it all go there with a big combo counter but none of the punches connected.
Account uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Hightower.
Account looks like he wants to counter punch here.
Account slips under a jab.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
A big right from Hightower misses.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Account! But no joy.
Hightower throws a leg kick which misses Account's front leg but catches the back leg as Account tries to avoid it.
Jason Hightower seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Hightower throws out a token jab with nothing on it.#T1#
Hightower's jab looks to have found its range, popping Account under the eye.
Account misses with a hook.
Hightower is looking to counter punch.
Hightower uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Account.
Account takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
Hightower swings widly with a right hand
and Account counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Hightower staying out of range there.
Hightower swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.
A solid leg kick lands there for Hightower. #CL#
Hightower gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.#T2#
Hightower lands a good knee to the midsection. Account won't want to take too many of those.
Hightower lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
A right handed body shot lands from Account.
Hightower landing knees to the body.
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!
Hightower's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!#BC2#
Account breaks the clinch.
Account looks to score with a jab to the body but Hightower is just out of range.
Hightower buckles his opponent's knee momentarily with a nice leg kick.
Account misses with a wild body shot.
Hightower getting the better of the striking in that exchange.#CUT#It looks like Camaras Account has been cut.
Account misses with a straight left. #T3##CL#
Hightower has taken the fight to the clinch.
Hightower using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Account has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
Account blocking some punches.
Account blocks an uppercut.
Hightower lands a knee to the body.
Account throws a punch but it's blocked by Hightower.
Hightower fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Kneeeeees! The crowd are calling for knees to the body. Hightower obliges.
Account looks winded!
Hightower lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
Hightower lands a left hand.
A short right from Hightower.
Account lands a right hand.
Hightower lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Account backwards.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!#BC2#
Account pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Account throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Hightower was looking to counter that move with a punch but didn't quite pull the trigger.
Hightower tries a switch kick but it misses it's target. #T4#
Hightower uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Account.
Account throws a jab when Hightower was well out of range.
Account misses with the combination.
Account connects nicely with a jab. Noted by the judges no doubt.
Hightower misses with a straight right.
Account looks like he wants to counter punch here.
Hightower misses with a lunging right hand
and Account counters with an outside leg kick.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Jason Hightower dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Camaras Account's cut.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.#R2#
Hightower fakes a couple of low kicks, before throwing one on the third attempt. It connects and Account has to reset his feet before getting ready to engage.
Hightower scores with a sloppy right hand. Account should have avoided that one.
Hightower drops a shoulder and throws an uppercut that cracks Account right on the button. Account goes down! Hightower follows him to the mat and finishes the job with more strikes! Hightower gets the win via TKO!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 0:21 of round 2, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Jason Hightower!
Jason Hightower retains his heavyweight title!
After winning the bout, Jason Hightower thanked all his fans and promised he'd do even better in his next fight. The crowd seemed to love his humility.

Event: DMMA 105 Bitter Rivals
Date: May 15, 2022

#R1#
That kick from Hightower tenderised Barboza's leg. Barboza is trying to keep his angry face on.
Barboza throws a push kick but Hightower slaps the foot to one side.
Barboza has been spending a lot of time sparring his boxing in the run up to the fight, trying to sharpen up those hands and look for a knockout.
Nice body punch from Hightower.
Barboza connects with a body shot.
A clash of legs there as Barboza blocks the low kick.
Barboza throws out a counter right but Hightower avoids it with no problem.
Hightower stuns Barboza with a nice body shot, before stepping back out of range.
Hightower misses with an uppercut
and Barboza makes him pay by landing a nice hook to the body before moving out of range.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Barboza lands a leg kick and bounces back out of range.
Barboza attempts a leg kick but it's missed by a good margin.
Barboza lands a jab to the head. #T1#
Hightower ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Barboza moves away.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Barboza! But no joy.
Barboza misses with a left hand
and Hightower counters with a leg kick that reverborates around the arena.
Jason Hightower seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Hightower throws a nice head kick! #CUT#It looks like Bento Barboza has been cut.
A looping hook to the body misses from Hightower. Barboza does a little dance to reset his feet.
Barboza throws out a counter right but Hightower avoids it with no problem.
Nice defenses there by Barboza.
Hightower throws a quick head kick that skims the top of Barboza's head.
Hightower misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Hightower throws a hook to the side of Barboza's head but Barboza sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.#T2#
Hightower just misses with a punch to the body.
Barboza tries to counter by closing the distance.
Hightower throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Hightower fakes a head punch and goes low to the body. Nicely done.
Barboza listening to his corner there, landing a nice uppercut.
Hightower misses with a body punch
and Barboza counters with a nice leg kick.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Hightower thows a leg kick but Barboza checks it #CL2#
and Barboza holds on and brings the fighters into a clinch.
Barboza lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Hightower backwards.
A left hand lands to the body for Hightower. #BC#
Hightower escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Hightower scores with a punch to the gut of his opponent.
Hightower scores with a jab to the head. #T3#
Barboza closes the distance and takes a jab right on the nose as he does so.
Barboza scores with a big left there. The judges will like that one.
Hightower is looking to wear down Barboza with body shots, infact he's throwing more body shots than head shots at the moment.
Barboza takes a head kick and shrugs it off.
Barboza swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Hightower defending well as Barboza loads up on a big left hand.
Hightower is looking to counter with head kicks.
Jab, jab by Hightower - just one landing.
Hightower throws a body kick but he wasn't in range.
Barboza steps in looking to clinch after the strikes miss from Hightower.
A big right from Barboza misses.
Hightower is looking to counter with head kicks.#T4#
A nice leg kick from Hightower, right into the meat of the thigh.
Hightower wants to land a leg kick but Barboza is out of range.
Hightower thows a leg kick but Barboza checks it
and Barboza counters with a straight right hand.
Barboza throws a wild body kick that Hightower sees coming a mile off.
Hightower looked to counter that last move with a leg kick but didn't pull the trigger.
Barboza lands with a nice low kick. That'll leave a bruise.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Hightower clobbers Barboza with an overhand right that has the crowd gasping. That made a horrendous noise.
A slapping leg kick lands for Hightower.
Barboza jabbing away but nothing is landing.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Jason Hightower dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Bento Barboza's cut.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.#R2#
Barboza throws the left hand but Hightower avoids the punch easily.
Hightower connects with a leg kick.
Barboza is looking to land body kicks.
A decent looking cross lands there for Hightower.
Hightower connects with a good right hand that stumbles Barboza. Barboza circles away out of range and recomposes himself.
Barboza just misses with a punch to the body.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Hightower catches Barboza with a nice straight right. He seems pissed - ooooh, it's on now! On like donkey kong!
Barboza takes a nasty kick to the mid section... That should keep him thinking. Does he try and block and risk a head kick landing?
Hightower is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Barboza can do to turn this around?
Hightower scores with a leg kick. #T1#
Hightower slips a straight right by Barboza.
Nice jab there from Hightower.
Barboza looks to throw the jab but Hightower is out of range.
Hightower moves out of range of the strikes.
Hightower scoring well with a low kick there.
Barboza is pinned up against the cage taking some big shots here. The referee is looking closely deciding whether he should stop the fight.
Hightower pushes Barboza away with a front kick.
Hightower throws a head kick that misses. #T2#
Barboza uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Hightower.
Barboza appeared to try and counter that last move with a leg kick.
Hightower fakes a couple of low kicks, before throwing one on the third attempt. It connects and Barboza has to reset his feet before getting ready to engage.
Barboza tries to check a leg kick but that clearly hurt him.
Hightower pushes Barboza away with a front kick.
Barboza slips under a jab from Hightower.
Barboza tries to counter by closing the distance.
Hightower takes a step towards his opponent and connects with a left hand, before circling away.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Barboza tries to score with a leg kick but it misses it's target.
It looked like Hightower wanted to counter with a hook but didn't fully commit.
Hightower swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Barboza now looks to counter with a shot at the body.#T3#
Hightower fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Barboza manages to avoid it.
Barboza takes a head kick and shrugs it off.
Hightower throws a right hand that misses
and Barboza counters nicely by changing levels and landing a hook to the body.
Hightower is using his height advantage well here, landing a good percentage of his punches.
Barboza fakes a jab and scores with a low kick.
Hightower is using his reach advantage well here, landing the more effective single shots from range.
Barboza ducks under a wild hook from Hightower.
Barboza digs a good hook to Hightower's body.
Hightower digs a good hook to Barboza's body.
Hightower lands a powerful looking uppercut that connected with his opponent's jaw.#T4#
Hightower is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Barboza.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Barboza! But no joy.
Hightower misses with a leg kick.
A swing and a miss from Barboza.
Barboza blocks a jab.
Hightower checks a low kick. Bone on bone - not my idea of a good time.
Hightower fakes a jab and scores with a low kick.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Hightower throws a good cross that connects.
Barboza tries to land a front kick but Hightower steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Jason Hightower dominated that second round.
The cut man is working on Bento Barboza's cut.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!#R3#
Barboza swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Hightower fires out a quick counter leg kick but Barboza just manages to avoid it.
Hightower keeps his opponent at a distance with a nice jab.
Hightower throws a leg kick which misses Barboza's front leg but catches the back leg as Barboza tries to avoid it.
Hightower takes a swing at Barboza's ribcage but misses.
Barboza replies with a solid counter kick to the body but Hightower blocks it well.
Hightower misses the shot to the body.
Barboza throws a leg kick but Hightower moved away.
Jason Hightower is winning the standup battle so far.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Barboza misses with a body shot.
And Hightower counters with a quick kick to the body but Barboza blocks it.
Barboza with a nice calf kick.#T1#
Hightower waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Barboza.
Hightower with the inside leg kick.
A low kick lands for Hightower.
Barboza chopping away at his opponent's legs.
Hightower throws a leg kick that is checked
and Barboza counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Barboza throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Hightower lands with a hook. Barboza tried to avoid it but it clipped the top of his head.
Barboza takes a swing at Hightower's ribcage but misses.
Hightower looked to counter with a high kick but didn't commit.
You can see that Barboza has visibly slowed down as a result of the leg kicks#T2#
Hightower ducks down and throws a hook to the body.
A punch lands to the side of Barboza 's head but he takes it in his stride.
The fighters circling - Barboza throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Barboza has his hands up protecting his head but a hook from Hightower finds it's way round the side to connect with Barboza's head.
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!
A low kick from Barboza is predictable there
and Hightower connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Hightower tries to move into range but Barboza moves to the side and lands with a nice right hand.
Barboza misses with a wild body shot.
Hightower is looking to counter with a shot to the body.
Hightower scores with a hook.#T3#
Barboza misses with a low kick as Hightower jumps back.
And Hightower counters with a quick kick to the body but Barboza blocks it.
Hightower looks to land a body kick but Barboza moved away.
Both fighters are looking to counter, which isn't making for the most exciting fight in the world.
A nice leg kick lands there from Hightower.
Hightower connects with a solid leg kick.
Barboza walks into a left hand.
A solid leg kick lands there for Hightower.
Hightower lands a beauty of a right hand that gets the crowd cheering.
Hightower throws a lazy right hand but Barboza sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.#T4#
Nice uppercut there from Hightower.
Barboza misses with a wild body shot.
Barboza on the wrong end of an overhand right that came out of nowhere.
Hightower lunges at Barboza with a hook that half lands and is half blocked by Barboza's hand.
Barboza tries to score with a low kick but Hightower moves his leg out of the way.
Hightower is looking to counter punch.
Barboza has a pretty nasty looking mouse under his right eye.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Hightower takes a thudding leg kick, right into the meat of the thigh.
A jab from Hightower misses.
Barboza is trying to avoid his opponent's strikes and get into the clinch.
Barboza misses the jab.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Jason Hightower clearly takes that round.
The cut man is working on Bento Barboza's cut.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.#R4#
Barboza chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Hightower can pounce on him.
Hightower takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
Barboza lands a jab.
Hightower cracks Barboza with a hook to the jaw. Both fighters smile at eachother and high-five before getting back down to business.
Thud! ouch! good body kick from Barboza - that will leave a mark!
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Hightower takes a swing at Barboza's ribcage but misses.
Barboza takes a head kick and shrugs it off. #T1#
Barboza lands a nice looking kick to the body. Hightower takes a step back to recover.
It's got to the stage where if one of these guys blows hard enough, the other might fall over.
Barboza throws a chopping leg kick but Hightower manages to avoid taking any serious damage.
Hightower half committed to a counter leg kick.
Hightower displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Barboza throws out the jab.
Hightower throws a counter high kick but Barboza was just alert enough to avoid it.
Barboza misses with a low kick.
Barboza swings away with a body shot that misses
and Hightower counters with a stiff right hand.
Hightower throws out a loose jab but Barboza uses good head movement to avoid it.
Barboza is trying to avoid his opponent's strikes and get into the clinch.
Barboza lands a nice leg kick that just misses Hightower's sensitive parts.
Hightower throws a leg kick but Barboza moved away.#T2#
Hightower scores with a nice strike.
Barboza waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Hightower.
Barboza misses with a left hand
and Hightower counters with a stiff right hand.
Hightower dips to his left and cracks Barboza with an uppercut!
Hightower throws a lazy head kick
letting Barboza counter with a right hand.
Barboza misses with a body punch
and Hightower counters with a leg kick that reverborates around the arena.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Hightower swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.#T3#
An inside leg kick lands from Hightower.
Barboza keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Hightower.
Barboza steps in looking to counter with the mid kick but it doesn't connect.
Hightower bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
It looked like Hightower was looking amped, ready to throw a big counter but didn't commit.
Barboza's leg has a nasty welt from taking a succession of leg kicks. That must be slowing him down.
Barboza lands a glancing blow to the side of Hightower's head.
Barboza avoids the head kick by Hightower.
Barboza just misses with a punch to the body.
Hightower throws a chopping leg kick but Barboza manages to avoid taking any serious damage.
Barboza swings away with a counter right hand but no contact made.
Hightower misses with a hook. Barboza ducked under it nicely. #T4#
Barboza missing with a left hand there. Hightower was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
A low kick from Barboza misses
and Hightower counters with a good low kick that Barboza was not able to check.
Hightower looks for the body kick but Barboza saw that one coming.
Barboza swings away with a counter right hand but no contact made.
Hightower smiles there as he lands a nice right hand right on the button.
Nice shot by Hightower.
Barboza keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Hightower.
Barboza swings widly with a right hand
letting Hightower counter with a right hand.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Jason Hightower had his way with Bento Barboza in that round.
The cut man is working on Bento Barboza's cut.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business. This is the final round!#R5#
Hightower dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Barboza fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Hightower manages to avoid it.
Barboza smiles there as he lands a nice right hand right on the button.
Barboza takes a jab on the nose there. A little bit of blood seems to be coming out. Hopefully that won't affect his breathing.
Hightower defending well as Barboza loads up on a big left hand.
A little feinted left hand from Hightower on the counter but he doesn't commit to it.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Hightower lands with a kick to the temple. Barboza shrugs as if to say "is that all you've got?"
Hightower tries to score with a low kick but Barboza moves his leg out of the way.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Barboza! But no joy.
Hightower smiles there as he lands a nice right hand right on the button.#T1#
Hightower lands a nice leg kick that just misses Barboza's sensitive parts.
Nice straight punches there by Hightower. You know Roy Jones Jr respects the hands of Hightower.
Barboza uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Hightower.
Hightower steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Barboza.
Hightower fires out a quick counter leg kick but Barboza just manages to avoid it.
Barboza throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Hightower sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Barboza moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
Hightower scores with a sloppy punch to the body. Not much technique there but it did the business.
Jason Hightower is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.#T2#
Hightower scoring well with a low kick there.
Barboza swings away with a leg kick that misses.
Hightower lands a slapping body shot.
Hightower throws a leg kick but Barboza sees it coming and moves out of range.
Barboza appears to be waiting to throw a counter punch to the body.
Hightower with a nice looking leg kick. You could hear that one land in a back row.
Barboza is pinned up against the cage taking some big shots here. The referee is looking closely deciding whether he should stop the fight.
A nice inside leg kick there by Hightower. That's going to slow Barboza down.
A nice leg kick lands there from Hightower. #T3#
A nice leg kick lands there from Hightower.
Hightower throws a good cross that connects.
Hightower with a nice calf kick.
Good exchange - Barboza coming out on top.
Barboza bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Hightower just misses with a punch to the body.
Hightower uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Barboza.
Hightower throwing a counter right hand but Barboza manages to avoid it.#T4#
Hightower scores with a slapping inside leg kick.
Hightower takes a hook to the side of the head. I wonder if that's got his ears ringing.
Hightower bobs and weaves and unloads with a good uppercut.
Barboza looking to throw a kick but he's pulled out of it.
Hightower ducks low and lands a nice hook to the body of his opponent.
Hightower just misses with a punch to the body.
Hightower moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.

And that's the end of the fight!
Jason Hightower showed his dominance in that final round.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Hightower, 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 5 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Steven Brown scores the fight 50:45
Judge Colin Fotheringham scores the fight 50:45
Judge Phil Schofield scores the fight 50:45

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Jason Hightower!
Jason Hightower retains his heavyweight title!
Jason Hightower thanked the fans post fight for their support.

Event: DMMA 98: Kersikov vs Hightower
Date: Apr 16, 2022

#R1#
Kersikov missing with a left hand there. Hightower was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Kersikov has been talking about how he's improved his wrestling in the run up to the fight so let's see if that's enough to sway the balance.
Kersikov throws a wild body kick that Hightower sees coming a mile off.
Kersikov missing with a left hand there. Hightower was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
That kick from Hightower tenderised Kersikov's leg. Kersikov is trying to keep his angry face on.
Hightower misses with a jab to the body
and Kersikov counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Hightower throws a quick inside leg kick.
Kersikov checks the leg kick.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Kersikov keeping at a good range here, avoiding a leg kick.
Hightower stuns Kersikov with a nice body shot, before stepping back out of range.
A solid body kick from Kersikov. #T1#
Kersikov looking to throw a kick but he's pulled out of it.
It seemed like Hightower was going to counter with the hook but didn't fully commit to it.
Kersikov throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Hightower is looking to score with low kicks.
Kersikov connects with a jab.
Kersikov misses with a low kick.
Nice defenses there by Kersikov.
A lazy body kick from Kersikov
and Hightower counters with a left to the body.
Kersikov throws a lazy uppercut
and Hightower counters with a slapping leg kick.
Kersikov walks forward and throws out a flicking leg kick. Hightower checks it nicely though, as he moves to the side. #T2#
Kersikov lands with a cross to side of his opponent's head.
Hightower steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Kersikov.
Hightower is trying to counter with his kicks.
Kersikov connects with a looping left hand that seems like it dazed Hightower momentarily.
Hightower connects nicely with a jab. Noted by the judges no doubt.#CUT2#It looks like Andrei Kersikov has been cut.
Hightower has his front leg slapped to the side - a nice low kick landing there from Kersikov.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Hightower throws a hook to the side of Kersikov's head but Kersikov sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
A little feinted left hand from Kersikov on the counter but he doesn't commit to it.
Hightower lands a nice leg kick that just misses Kersikov's sensitive parts.
Kersikov throws a front kick aimed at Hightower's knee but Hightower avoids it well.
Kersikov punishes Hightower's body with a nice straight punch.#T3#
Hightower with a body punch. A glancing blow.
Hightower goes for a high kick. It partially lands.
Kersikov throws a poor cross that misses
and Hightower counters with a low kick, right behind Kersikov 's knee.
A solid leg kick lands there for Hightower.
Hightower ducks under a wild hook from Kersikov.
Hightower lands a straight punch to the body, keeping Kersikov at a distance.
A chopping leg kick lands by Kersikov.
Kersikov misses with a kick to the body
and Hightower cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Hightower throws a push kick but Kersikov slaps the foot to one side. #T4#
Hightower lands with a slapping head kick.
Hightower is throwing a lot of body shots here, looking to wear down Kersikov rather than just go for the knockout.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Hightower attempts a leg kick but it's missed by a good margin.
Kersikov moves out of range as Hightower throws a body kick.
Hightower looks to throw the jab but Kersikov is out of range.
Hightower misses with a body shot.
Hightower checks the leg kick.
Hightower now looks to counter with a shot at the body.
Hightower cracks a nice hook into Kersikov's ribs.
Both fighters are looking to counter, which isn't making for the most exciting fight in the world.#CL2#
Hightower clinches up with Kersikov and pushes him back against the cage.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Jason Hightower dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Andrei Kersikov's cut.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!#R2#
Hightower getting the better of the striking in that exchange.
Hightower has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
A bone on bone clash there as Kersikov blocks the leg kick.
The step up in weight doesn't seem to be a problem for Hightower. He's performing admirably here against the bigger man.
Kersikov misses with a body kick.
Nice body kick there by Kersikov.
Hightower takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
Kersikov rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
and Hightower counters with a slapping leg kick.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Hightower fakes a jab and scores with a low kick.
Kersikov cracks Hightower with a hook to the jaw. Both fighters smile at eachother and high-five before getting back down to business.
Kersikov swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.#T1#
Kersikov misses with a kick to the body
and Hightower counters with a leg kick.
Kersikov takes a hook to the side of the head. I wonder if that's got his ears ringing.
Hightower takes a jab right on the kisser.
Kersikov misses with a leg kick.
Kersikov catches Hightower with a nice straight right. He seems pissed - ooooh, it's on now! On like donkey kong!
This entire fight has taken place on the feet so far and you wonder whether Kersikov might be better served trying to take this one to the ground because he's losing the standup battle so far.
Hightower lands with a good body shot.
Kersikov rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
and Hightower cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Kersikov checks a low kick from Hightower.
An attempted straight right counter from Kersikov misses the target.
Hightower misses with a hook
and Kersikov counters with an outside leg kick. #T2#
Hightower throws a half hearted mid kick.
Hightower throws a head kick that misses.
Hightower throws a hook but Kersikov blocks it.
Hightower throws a lazy right hand but Kersikov sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Hightower misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
A little feinted left hand from Kersikov on the counter but he doesn't commit to it.
An inside leg kick lands from Kersikov.
Hightower takes one to the side of the head. #CL2#
Kersikov tries to keep at a distance but Hightower has taken the fight into the clinch.#T3#
Hightower scores with a hook to the body.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Hightower connects with a knee to the head.
Hightower lands a nice uppercut.
Kersikov is hobbling a little on that front leg after taking quite a few leg kicks so far in this fight.
Kersikov fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Hightower scores a nice knee to the body.
Hightower lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
Hightower lands a right hand.
Hightower misses with a hook to the ribs.
Hightower lands with a short head shot on the inside.
Kersikov working aggressively here.
Kersikov struggles to land a body shot inside as Hightower controls his hands.
Hightower lands a knee to the head. #CUT2#Andrei Kersikov's cut is getting worse.
Hightower lands a nice looking hook to the body, against the cage.
Kersikov tries to throw a body punch but Hightower avoids it by throwing Kersikov back against the cage.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Still in the clinch, Hightower scores with a nice short uppercut.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Hightower.
Jason Hightower seems to be working more effectively in the clinch in the fight so far.#T4#
Hightower lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
Kersikov is trying to work out of this bad position, with his back against the cage.
Kersikov blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.
Kersikov misses with the head strike.
Hightower misses with a hook from the clinch.
Kersikov tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Hightower's elbow.
Kersikov misses with a punch on the inside.
Hightower blocking some punches.
Hightower swings wildly with an uppercut but Kersikov uses good head movement to avoid it.
A hook to the body from Hightower.
Hightower blocking some punches.
Hightower misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Hightower lands a left hand that snaps the head of Kersikov backwards.
Hightower throws a knee to the head but misses.
Kersikov has a couple of punches blocked by Hightower.
Hightower tries to throw a body punch but Kersikov avoids it by throwing Hightower back against the cage.
A right hand to the body from Kersikov.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Jason Hightower showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The cut man is working on Andrei Kersikov's cut.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare each other down, ready to get back to the action.#R3#
Kersikov throws a lazy uppercut
and Hightower counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Hightower misses the shot to the body.
Hightower throws a good cross that connects.
Hightower throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd.
Hightower lands a jab to the head. #CL2#
Kersikov tries to keep at a distance but Hightower has taken the fight into the clinch.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Kersikov lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Hightower backwards.
Hightower with an attempt at a knee that misses.
A head punch on the inside from Kersikov fails to land.
Hightower lands an uppercut.#T1#
Hightower crunches a lovely knee into Kersikov's ribcage.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Hightower blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Kersikov's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
Kersikov avoiding damage as Hightower throws knees to the body.
Hightower misses with some punches.
Kersikov working aggressively here.
Hightower tries to land a knee to the head but Kersikov blocks with his arms.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Hightower.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Kersikov.
Kersikov tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Kersikov misses with a punch on the inside.
Hightower with a knee to the head.
Kersikov tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Kersikov tries to land knees in the clinch but Hightower avoids the damage to the body.
Hightower blocks an uppercut.
Kersikov swings wildly with an uppercut but Hightower uses good head movement to avoid it.
Hightower misses with a hook to the ribs. #T2#
Hightower landing knees to the body. They look like they could hurt.
Hightower lands a shoulder strike.
Hightower lands a shoulder strike.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Kersikov blocks a body shot from Hightower.
Hightower digs a right hand underneath Kersikov's ribcage. Kersikov let out a lung full of air as it connected.
Hightower tries to land a knee to the head but Kersikov blocks with his arms.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Hightower.
A short right from Hightower on the inside.
Hightower blocking some punches.
Kersikov managing to block the knees to the body from Hightower.
A left hand lands to the body for Hightower.
Hightower scores with an uppercut up the middle.
Hightower misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Kersikov.
A short right from Hightower.
Hightower tries a body shot but Kersikov blocks it.
Hightower digs a right hand underneath Kersikov's ribcage. Kersikov let out a lung full of air as it connected.
A short right from Hightower. #T3#
Hightower crunches a lovely knee into Kersikov's ribcage.
Kersikov avoiding damage as Hightower throws knees to the body.
Hightower misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Hightower landing knees to the body. They look like they could hurt.
Hightower tries a body shot but Kersikov blocks it.
Hightower misses with a hook to the ribs.
Kersikov misses with a punch on the inside.
Hightower tries to land knees in the clinch but Kersikov avoids the damage to the body.
Kersikov softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
Hightower makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
Hightower lands with a short punch from the clinch.
Hightower misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Hightower lands a right hand.
Hightower lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
Hightower blocking some punches.
Kersikov throws a head punch that misses.
Hightower misses with a hook from the clinch. #T4#
Hightower lands a nice uppercut.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Kersikov softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
Kersikov is trying to break the clinch but Hightower is controlling him.
Kersikov lands a body shot in the clinch.
A head punch on the inside from Kersikov fails to land.
A right hand to the body from Kersikov.
Hightower working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
Kersikov has a couple of punches blocked by Hightower.
Hightower throws a head punch that misses.
Kersikov lands with a light punch inside.
Hightower lands a body punch in the clinch.
Kersikov swings away with an uppercut that misses.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Hightower.
Kersikov throws a punch but it's blocked by Hightower.
Kersikov tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Hightower's elbow.
Hightower lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Kersikov backwards.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Jason Hightower really dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Andrei Kersikov's cut.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!#R4#
Kersikov throws a push kick but Hightower slaps the foot to one side.
Kersikov tried to score with a low kick but Hightower checks it.
Kersikov keeping at a good range here, avoiding a leg kick.
Hightower throws a jab when Kersikov was well out of range.
An attempted straight right counter from Kersikov misses the target.
Hightower with a nice looking leg kick. You could hear that one land in a back row.
Kersikov takes a head kick and shrugs it off.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Kersikov with a jab.
Kersikov drops his hands momentarily and Hightower takes advantage with a crisp shot to the head.
Hightower throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd. #T1#
Hightower fakes a couple of low kicks, before throwing one on the third attempt. It connects and Kersikov has to reset his feet before getting ready to engage.
Hightower motions for Kersikov to come forward. Hightower throws a leg kick but it misses it's target.
Hightower attempts a low kick but it misses it's target.
Hightower defending well as Kersikov loads up on a big left hand.
Hightower connects with a body shot that sends Kersikov's belly button to the back.
Hightower connects with a leg kick. He turned his hip over nicely there.
Kersikov uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Hightower.
Hightower tries a low kick but Kersikov avoids it.#T2#
Kersikov goes for a spinning back kick but it misses.
Hightower tries to land a leg kick but Kersikov saw it coming and moves away.
Kersikov is looking to counter with a shot to the body.
Kersikov throws a body kick that misses.
Hightower swings away with a counter right hand but no contact made.
Kersikov works Hightower's body with a nice hook.
A big left from Kersikov misses.
Kersikov throws a solid leg kick but Hightower takes the impact on his shin and smiles at Kersikov.
Kersikov scores with a nice strike.#T3#
Kersikov swings widly with a right hand
enabling Hightower to counter with a crisp jab.
Hightower misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Hightower misses the body punch
and Kersikov connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Kersikov throws a body kick that misses
and Hightower counters with a stiff right hand.
Hightower moves out of range as Kersikov throws a body kick.
Hightower misses with a head kick.
A chopping leg kick lands by Kersikov.
Kersikov throws a feint and then finishes with a kick to the body.
Hightower is absolutely dripping with sweat - he looks exhausted.#T4#
Kersikov lands a front kick.
Kersikov throws a leg kick which misses Hightower's front leg but catches the back leg as Hightower tries to avoid it.
Hightower thows a leg kick but Kersikov checks it
and Kersikov connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
A big left from Hightower misses.
Jason Hightower seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Hightower takes one to the chin there.
Hightower takes a nasty kick to the mid section... That should keep him thinking. Does he try and block and risk a head kick landing?
Hightower attempts a leg kick but it's missed by a good margin.
It appears Kersikov was looking to counter with a kick there.
Crunch! Kersikov slams his shin into Hightower's torso.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close fourth round but I would say that Andrei Kersikov will probably get the nod.
The cut man is working on Andrei Kersikov's cut.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action! This is the final round!#R5#
Nice cross by Kersikov.
Good exchange - Hightower coming out on top.
Hightower on the wrong end of a kick to the body.
Hightower avoids a kick to the body.
Hightower was about to counter that last move with a leg kick but changes his mind.
Kersikov lands a nice leg kick that just misses Hightower's sensitive parts.
Hightower ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Hightower replies with a solid counter kick to the body but Kersikov blocks it well.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Hightower thows a body kick. Kersikov tries to catch it but that hurt him.
Kersikov looks shocked there as he takes a right hand to the temple. #T1#
Kersikov tries to land a body kick
and he gets countered with a snapping leg kick.
Hightower looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.
Hightower throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Kersikov sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Kersikov swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.
A punch lands to the side of Hightower 's head but he takes it in his stride.
Hightower throws a sloppy head kick
and Kersikov counters with a body kick that stops Hightower in his tracks momentarily.
Hightower is wobbling all over the place through exhaustion. Will he make it to the final bell?
Hightower slips under a jab from Kersikov.
Crunch! Kersikov slams his shin into Hightower's torso.
Kersikov has his head snapped back a nice jab. A little nod from Kersikov there as he acknowledges the shot.
Andrei Kersikov has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Jason Hightower is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.#T2#
Kersikov is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Hightower.
Hightower throws a leg kick but Kersikov sees it coming and moves out of range.
Hightower slips a straight right by Kersikov.
Hightower swings away with a counter right hand but no contact made.
Kersikov throws a feint and then finishes with a kick to the body.
Hightower moves out of range of the body kick from Kersikov.
Kersikov throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Hightower sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Kersikov throws a lazy right hand but Hightower sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
A big left from Hightower misses.
Kersikov appears to be looking for a counter punch to the body.#T3#
Hightower cracks Kersikov with a good jab.
Hightower cracks Kersikov with a good shot that sees him stumbling back into the cage.
Hightower connects with a single shot there.
Kersikov swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Hightower has developed a nice purple lump on his ribcage, as a result of some heavy body kicks from Kersikov.#KD#
Kersikov sends Hightower crashing to the mat with a devastating uppercut! Kersikov is motioning to the referee to let Hightower up. He wants to try and finish this one on the feet!
Kersikov misses with the body kick
and Hightower cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Kersikov takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.
Kersikov is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Hightower.
Hightower lets it all go there with a big combo counter but none of the punches connected.#T4#
Hightower scores with a leg kick.
Kersikov scores with a kick to the body.
Kersikov tries to land a front kick but Hightower steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed.
Hightower tries to counter by closing the distance.
Kersikov looks to land a body kick but Hightower moved away.
Hightower flicks out a counter leg kick but Kersikov steps away.
Nice jab there from Hightower.
Hightower walks forward and throws out a flicking leg kick. Kersikov checks it nicely though, as he moves to the side.
Hightower throws a nice inside leg kick.
Hightower throws a shot from downtown. Kersikov moves away and avoids it.

And that's the end of the fight!
Andrei Kersikov showed his dominance in that final round.
Well Hightower has outworked and out performed his opponent in all aspects of the game today. He was simply too good and the decision should be no more than a formality. Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 5 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge James Ackerman scores the fight 47:48
Judge James Glass scores the fight 47:48
Judge Andrew Berry scores the fight 47:48

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Jason Hightower!
Jason Hightower is the new heavyweight champion!
Jason Hightower decided to thank the fans in attendance for making a great atmosphere. It seemed to go down pretty well.

Event: DMMA 91: Hightower vs Hurry
Date: Mar 19, 2022

#R1#
Hurry throws a poor cross that misses
and Hightower counters with a nice leg kick.
Hightower connects with a slap. Keep your fist closed son.
Hurry lands with a shot to the body.
Hightower misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Hightower scores with a decent looking hook.
A cross from Hurry lands.
Hightower throws the left hand but Hurry avoids the punch easily.
Some wild striking there from Hurry.
Hurry throws a hook but Hightower blocks it.
Hurry misses the shot to the body.
Hightower keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Hurry looks to land a combination but Hightower avoids it well.
Hightower appears to be looking for a counter punch to the body.
Hurry has been spending a lot of time sparring his boxing in the run up to the fight, trying to sharpen up those hands and look for a knockout.
Hurry scores with a straight right hand, right through his opponent's guard.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Hurry throws a right hand that misses
and Hightower counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Hurry takes a shot right to the bread basket.#T1#
Hurry lands a glancing blow to the side of Hightower's head.
Hurry takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.
Hurry just misses with a punch to the body.
An attempted straight right counter from Hightower misses the target.
Hightower throws a low kick, looking for Hurry's leg but Hurry calmly moves out of range.
Hurry pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Hurry takes one on the chin but keeps coming.
Hurry works the jab nicely.
Hightower keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Hightower throws a counter high kick but Hurry was just alert enough to avoid it.
Hightower swings away with a leg kick that misses.
Hurry keeps his opponent at a distance with a nice jab.
Hurry misses with a telegraphed body shot
and Hightower counters with a low kick, right behind Hurry 's knee.
Hurry takes a jab on the nose. He smiles like he loves it and keeps coming.
Hightower has been talking about how he's improved his wrestling in the run up to the fight so let's see if that's enough to sway the balance.
Hurry throws out a loose jab but Hightower uses good head movement to avoid it.
Hurry ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Hightower moves away.
Hightower is using his height advantage well here, landing a good percentage of his punches.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Hurry swings and misses with a hook to the body. #T2#
Hightower wants to land a leg kick but Hurry is out of range.
Hightower bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Hightower swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.
Hightower smiles there as he lands a nice right hand right on the button.
Hurry lands a jab to the nose.
Hurry checks the leg kick.
Hurry throws a big shot that misses.
Hurry throws a body punch but Hightower moves out of range.
Hurry is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Hightower.
Hightower throws a leg kick but he was too far away and it doesn't land.
Hurry throws a lazy uppercut
and Hightower counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Hightower scores with a slapping inside leg kick.
A looping hook to the body misses from Hightower. Hurry does a little dance to reset his feet.
As Hightower backs off Hurry throws a huge counter combo but Hightower manages to avoid it all.
A jab from Hurry finds it's way through Hightower's defenses.
Hurry feints a straight left to the body, then turns around with a flashy move and hits Hightowers jaw with a dramatic spinning back fist!
Hightower avoids the body shot from Hurry.
Hightower throws a quick counter head kick but Hurry was just out of range.#T3#
Hightower misses with a wild body shot.
A telegraphed right hand from Hurry misses the target.
Hightower was looking to counter that move with a punch but didn't quite pull the trigger.
Hurry scores with a body shot.
Hightower explodes with a nice body kick and back out of range. Nice work.
Never Hurry seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Hightower takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.
Hurry slips in close and lands a nice hook before moving back out of range.
Hurry lands with a good body shot.
Hurry swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Hurry is landing a lot of head punches in this opening round! Hightower had better start moving his head a bit unless he wants his face to turn into mush.
Hurry throws a jab, cross combination which is slipped
and Hightower counters with a leg kick.
Hurry takes a shot to the eye socket. That's gotta hurt.
Hurry throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Hightower with the inside leg kick.
Hightower slips a jab and a cross from Hurry.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Hightower throws out a token jab with nothing on it.#T4#
Hurry with a hook.
Hurry throws out a loose jab but Hightower uses good head movement to avoid it.
Hurry thows a left - swing and a miss!
Hurry tests Hightower's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Hurry misses the shot to the body.
Hightower appeared to be looking to counter that last move with a leg kick.
Hightower keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Hightower jinks towards his opponent looking like he wants to counter with a mid kick but doesn't commit.
Hightower throws a body kick that misses.
Hurry throws a combination that misses
and Hightower counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Hurry just misses with a punch to the body.
Hurry looks to score with a jab to the body but Hightower is just out of range.
Hightower throwing a counter right hand but Hurry manages to avoid it.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Hightower bobs and weaves and then throws a good body kick.
Hightower scores with a nice body kick.
Hurry looks winded!
Hurry moves out of range as Hightower strikes.
Hurry tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Hightower was well out of range. Poor timing from Hurry.
A little feinted left hand from Hightower on the counter but he doesn't commit to it.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but Never Hurry 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#
Hurry gets cracked with a nice right hand there by Hightower.
Hurry rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
and Hightower counters with a series of strikes that really hurt Hurry! The ref looks into his eyes and sees nobody home - he's called the fight! This one is all over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 0:10 of round 2, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Jason Hightower!
A very excited looking Jason Hightower made sure he remembered to thank all the fans both in the arena and on the internet. He said all the coolest people spend all day on MMA websites, which got a big reaction.

Event: DMMA 82: Barboza vs Hightower
Date: Feb 12, 2022

#R1#
Hightower tries to land a front kick but Barboza steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed.
Hightower thuds a mid kick into his opponent's body. That will wear on Barboza if he has to take too many more of those.
Hightower cracks Barboza with a hook to the jaw. Both fighters smile at eachother and high-five before getting back down to business.
Hightower comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.
Jab, cross, leg kick. Nice combination by Hightower!
Hightower scores with a punch to the gut of his opponent.
Hightower lands a nice leg kick that just misses Barboza's sensitive parts.
Hightower throws a nice inside leg kick.
Barboza has been talking about how he's improved his wrestling in the run up to the fight so let's see if that's enough to sway the balance.
Barboza avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Barboza throwing a counter right hand but Hightower manages to avoid it.
Hightower misses with a few strikes there.
Barboza appeared to be looking to counter that last move with a leg kick.
Hightower connects nicely with a jab. Noted by the judges no doubt.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Barboza misses with a wild body shot. #T1#
Hightower tries to clinch but Barboza is having none of it.
Hightower moves into range and throws a combination. A nice jab followed by a hook to the body.
Barboza on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by Hightower. Hightower obviously looking to wear him down.
Barboza throws an ugly left hook that misses
and Hightower counters with a good low kick that Barboza was not able to check.
Hightower chopping away at his opponent's legs.
Barboza throws out a loose jab but Hightower uses good head movement to avoid it.
Hightower doesn't fully commit to the body shot counter.
Hightower lands with a straight right. Barboza didn't see that one coming.
Hightower throws a quick inside leg kick.
Jason Hightower seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Hightower misses with a hook. Barboza ducked under it nicely.
Hightower throws a nice inside leg kick. #T2#
Hightower throws a leg kick that misses.
Hightower misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Hightower has been spending a lot of time sparring his boxing in the run up to the fight, trying to sharpen up those hands and look for a knockout.
Hightower dances in quickly and lands a nice inside leg kick on Barboza. That did some damage!
Hightower lands a leg kick. The shin dug right into the meat of the thigh.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Hightower tries to land a front kick but Barboza steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed.
Barboza avoids the head kick by Hightower.
It appears Barboza was looking to counter with a kick there.
Barboza throws a mid kick that lands with a slap.
Barboza punishes Hightower's body with a nice straight punch.
Barboza connects with a crisp jab.
Hightower misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Barboza.
Barboza avoids the body shot from Hightower.
Barboza swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.#T3#
Hightower uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Barboza.
Barboza misses with a wild body shot.
Barboza fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Hightower manages to avoid it.
Hightower feints a counter leg kick.
Hightower buckles his opponent's knee momentarily with a nice leg kick.
Hightower misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Barboza misses with a low kick. #CL2#
Hightower instigates a clinch.
Barboza comes over the top with an elbow. That landed flush. #CUT#It looks like Jason Hightower has been cut.
Hightower misses with the head strike.
Hightower has a couple of punches blocked by Barboza.
Hightower working aggressively here.
Hightower blocks a body shot from Barboza. #T4#
Barboza takes a shot to the head.
Hightower misses with a punch to the body.
Barboza lands a nice shot to the body.
Barboza lands a hook to the body. It's hard to tell if that hurt Hightower or not.
Hightower looks winded!
Hightower prevents a body shot from Barboza.
An uppercut to the body lands inside from Barboza.
Hightower misses with a hook to the ribs.
Barboza pushes Hightower back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Barboza is leaning against Hightower and scores with a nice uppercut to the body.
Barboza working some nice short punches in the clinch.
Barboza can't find room to land a body shot as Hightower controls the action.
Barboza gets through Hightower's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
Barboza struggles to land a body shot inside as Hightower controls his hands.
Barboza working some nice short punches in the clinch.
Barboza is working Hightower over against the cage.
Barboza can't find room to land a body shot as Hightower controls the action.
A right hook to the body lands for Barboza.
Hightower blocks a body shot from Barboza.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Jason Hightower dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Jason Hightower's cut.
That's time! Barboza's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.#R2#
Barboza thows a left - swing and a miss!
Hightower looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.
Barboza throws a sloppy body shot
and he gets countered with a snapping leg kick.
Barboza takes a nice looking leg kick right on the meat of his thigh there.
Hightower rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
and Barboza counters with a straight punch to the midsection.
Well, he's not going to score with shots like that. A lazy body kick attempt from Barboza.
Jason Hightower seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Hightower pivots as if he's going to throw a leg kick but stops half way.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Hightower throws out a leg kick but Barboza moves out of range and Hightower only half commits.
Hightower throws a jab when Barboza was well out of range.
Barboza throws a counter high kick but Hightower was just alert enough to avoid it.
Barboza avoids a low kick by using good footwork.
Barboza throws a jab when Hightower was well out of range.
Hightower has been the more effective fighter overall so far.#T1#
Hightower keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot. #CL2#
Hightower has Barboza up against the cage in a clinch.
A hook to the body from Barboza.
Hightower doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Hightower prevents a body shot from Barboza.
Barboza blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.
Hightower tries to land a knee to the head but Barboza blocks with his arms.
Hightower misses with the head strike.
Barboza misses with a hook from the clinch.
Barboza blocks a body shot from Hightower.
Barboza throws an elbow but it misses.
Hightower misses with a body punch.
Hightower can't find room to land a body shot as Barboza controls the action.
Hightower trying to land knees to the body.
Hightower lands a nice shot to the body. #T2#
Hightower can't find room to land a body shot as Barboza controls the action.
Hightower misses with a punch on the inside.
Hightower tries to land a knee to the head but misses.
Barboza throws a punch but it's blocked by Hightower.
Barboza on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
Barboza tries to throw a body punch but Hightower avoids it by throwing Barboza back against the cage.
Barboza is hobbling a little on that front leg after taking quite a few leg kicks so far in this fight.
Hightower throws a head punch that misses.
Hightower tries a knee to the head but Barboza blocks it.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Hightower.
A hook to the body from Barboza.
Hightower throws a punch but it's blocked by Barboza.
Barboza throws a head punch that misses.
A body shot lands from Barboza.
Bento Barboza has scored more points in the clinch so far.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Hightower tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Barboza lands a hook to the side of the head.
Barboza softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
Barboza lands a body punch.
Hightower is breathing heavily.#T3#
Barboza blocks a body shot from Hightower.
Barboza lands a left hand that snaps the head of Hightower backwards.
Barboza has not gone for a single takedown so far in this fight, which seems like a very strange tactic when you consider that he has the superior wrestling and BJJ.
Hightower is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Barboza is defending well for now.
Barboza misses with a shot to the kidneys.
A short right from Barboza.
Barboza lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Hightower backwards.
Barboza tries to throw a body punch but Hightower avoids it by throwing Barboza back against the cage.
Barboza lands with a light punch inside.
Hightower throws a punch but it's blocked by Barboza.
The fighters are going at a pretty good pace and they're both starting to sweat now.
Barboza blocks a body shot from Hightower.
Kneeeeees! The crowd are calling for knees to the body. Hightower obliges.
Hightower pushes Barboza back against the cage and unloads with a body punch.
Hightower scores with a nice hook to the head.
Barboza can't find room to land a body shot as Hightower controls the action.
Barboza doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
A nice right hand lands inside from Hightower.
Hightower lands a shoulder strike.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Hightower blocking some punches. #T4#
Barboza lands a damaging elbow.
Hightower with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.
Barboza on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
Barboza is really struggling to find his range with his punches. Hightower's reach advantage is clearly causing him problems.
Barboza misses with a body punch.
Barboza stays in close to his opponent and throws a right hand to the body.
Hightower prevents a body shot from Barboza.
Barboza cracks Hightower with a nice body shot.
Barboza misses with a hook to the ribs.
Barboza lands a shoulder strike.
A head punch on the inside from Hightower fails to land.
Hightower is working Barboza over against the cage.
Barboza cracks Hightower with a nice body shot.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Barboza.
Hightower takes an elbow to the forehead.
Hightower throws a head punch that misses.
Barboza lands on the inside with an uppercut.
Hightower tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close second round but I would say that Bento Barboza will probably get the nod.
The cut man is working on Jason Hightower's cut.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!#R3#
Hightower thows a leg kick but Barboza checks it
and Barboza counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Barboza slips a jab from Hightower.
Hightower scoring well with a low kick there.
A looping hook to the body misses from Hightower. Barboza does a little dance to reset his feet.
Barboza on the wrong end of a nice low kick. He's acting like it's no big deal but he doesn't want to take many more of those.
Hightower throws the kick towards the body but Barboza avoids it.
Barboza lifts his leg as if looking to counter with a high kick.
Barboza looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Hightower tries to clinch but fails miserably
and Barboza makes him pay by landing a nice hook to the body before moving out of range.#KD#
Barboza feints and then winds up with a huge right hand that connects perfectly and sends Hightower sprawling to the canvas! Hightower rolls over backwards and springs off the cage and manages to regain his footing - how acrobatic! Oh, he's still wobbly - can Barboza finish him?!
This has been an exciting period of action!
Hightower tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Hightower takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
A big right from Barboza misses. #T1#
Hightower throws a leg kick but Barboza moved away.
Barboza throws a decent looking leg kick but it doesn't land clean.
A solid leg kick lands there for Hightower.
Hightower tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Barboza was well out of range. Poor timing from Hightower.
It looked like Barboza was trying to counter with a body shot coming off that last attack from Hightower.
Hightower throws a lazy body kick
and Barboza makes him pay by landing a nice hook to the body before moving out of range.
Hightower doesn't manage to clinch there - Barboza circles away.
Barboza throws a chopping leg kick but Hightower manages to avoid taking any serious damage.
Barboza throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Barboza misses the shot to the body.
Hightower tries to score with a leg kick but it misses it's target.
Barboza is looking to counter punch.#T2#
Hightower scores with a kick to the body.
Hightower swings for the body but Barboza moves out of range.
Hightower closes the distance looking to clinch #KD#
and Barboza counters with a crisp right hand that drops Hightower! Barboza lets Hightower back up to his feet, looking for a finish!#ROC#Hightower is rocked!
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Hightower fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Barboza manages to avoid it.
A little feinted left hand from Barboza on the counter but he doesn't commit to it.
Hightower looking to land some kicks to the body here. #KD#
Barboza feints and then winds up with a huge right hand that connects perfectly and sends Hightower sprawling to the canvas! Hightower rolls over backwards and springs off the cage and manages to regain his footing - how acrobatic! Oh, he's still wobbly - can Barboza finish him?!
Hightower is still on wobbly legs! Can Barboza finish him?
Hightower chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Barboza can pounce on him.
This fight brought to you by 5M nutrition - it's mmmmm tasty. Nice jab by Hightower.#T3#
Barboza pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Hightower seems to have recovered his senses.
Barboza swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Hightower misses with a lunging right hand #KD#
and Barboza counters with a nice right hand that sends Hightower toppling to the canvas! Hightower scrambles and gets back to his feet - can Barboza finish him?!
Hightower is looking to clinch but Barboza is avoiding it. #CL2#
Hightower rushes Barboza and presses him up against the cage.
Barboza working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
Barboza misses with some punches.
Hightower dodges an elbow strike from Barboza.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Barboza tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Hightower's elbow.
Barboza misses with the head strike.
Barboza cracks Hightower with a nice body shot.
Barboza lands a body punch.
Barboza lands a nice elbow from the clinch. #T4#
Barboza can't find room to land a body shot as Hightower controls the action.
Hightower missing with knees to the body.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Barboza.
Barboza has a couple of punches blocked by Hightower.
Barboza scores with a shoulder strike.
Hightower misses with the head strike.
Barboza throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Hightowers head.
Hightower lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
Barboza doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Barboza misses with a punch on the inside.
Hightower blocks a body shot from Barboza.
Hightower fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
A head punch on the inside from Barboza fails to land.
Hightower blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Barboza lands a nice elbow.
Hightower misses with the head strike.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Bento Barboza clearly takes that round.
The cut man is working on Jason Hightower's cut.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!#R4#
Hightower ducks under a wild hook from Barboza.
A nice inside leg kick there by Hightower. That's going to slow Barboza down.
Nice uppercut there from Hightower.
Hightower uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Barboza.
Barboza connects with a lovely right hand, straight down the pipe.
Barboza takes a swing at Hightower's ribcage but misses.
Hightower looks to land a body kick but Barboza moved away.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Hightower lands a straight punch to the body, keeping Barboza at a distance. #KD#
Barboza cracks Hightower with a big right hand that sends him crashing to the floor. Barboza has the opportunity to follow him to the ground but instead he's beckoning Hightower to stand back up!
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Hightower throws a nice head kick! #T1#
Barboza throws a low kick, looking for Hightower's leg but Hightower calmly moves out of range.
Hightower is trying to avoid his opponent's strikes and get into the clinch.
Barboza throws a sloppy head kick
and Hightower cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Hightower misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Barboza.
Barboza lifts his leg as if looking to counter with a high kick.
Hightower misses with a combination
and Barboza finishes the little exchange by landing a big kick to the body.
Hightower is absolutely dripping with sweat - he looks exhausted.
A looping hook to the body misses from Barboza. Hightower does a little dance to reset his feet.
Hightower steps in looking to clinch after the strikes miss from Barboza.
Hightower connects with a high kick.
Barboza swings widly with a right hand
and Hightower counters with a good low kick that Barboza was not able to check.
Barboza misses with a hook
letting Hightower counter with a right hand.
Hightower lands with an overhand left.#T2#
Hightower is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Barboza.
Barboza swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.
The crowd cheers as Barboza lands an impressive looking overhand right. Hightower doesn't seem phased though.#CL2#
Hightower closes the distance and clinches.#KD#
Barboza lands a vicious elbow to the side of Hightower's head that scrambles his senses and sends him wobbling down to the canvas! Barboza tries to finish him with strikes but Hightower still seems able to defend himself so Barboza steps back and lets Hightower get back to his feet - he wants no part of the ground game.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Hightower throws a sloppy head kick
and Barboza counters with a powerful cross that connects right on the chin and the lights go out! A massive one punch knock out!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:32 of round 4, we have a winner by way of KO (Punch). Bento Barboza!
Bento Barboza retains his heavyweight title!
Bento Barboza decided to thank the fans in attendance for making a great atmosphere. It seemed to go down pretty well.

Event: DMMA 74: Magrath vs Lee 3
Date: Jan 15, 2022

#R1#
Hightower moves out of range of the strikes.
Hightower swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.
Hightower on the wrong end of a nice jab.
Intervention fakes and then throws a beautiful body shot. Hightower looks a bit winded and takes a step backwards to take a breath.
Hightower uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Intervention.
Intervention swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Hightower seemed to be looking to counter by closing the distance.#CL#
Intervention gets tackled into the cage by Hightower. Hightower maintains the clinch.
Hightower scores with a knee to the head. #CUT#It looks like Divine Intervention has been cut.
Hightower scores a nice knee to the body.
Intervention tries to circle away but Hightower has him pinned against the cage.
Hightower fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Hightower can't find room to land a body shot as Intervention controls the action.
A frustrated look appears on Intervention's face as he tries to break the clinch. #BC2#
Intervention pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Intervention lands a really nice looking cross but Hightower seems unphased.
Intervention scores with a sloppy right hand. Hightower should have avoided that one.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Intervention misses with a wild body shot.
Hightower throws out a token jab with nothing on it.#T1#
Intervention swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Intervention pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Intervention with a nice cross.
Intervention throws a poor cross that misses
and Hightower counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Intervention just misses with a punch to the body. #KD#
Hightower cracks Intervention with a big right hand that sends him to the floor! Intervention looks wobbly but he's sprung back up to his feet straight away… can Hightower finish him?
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Hightower tries a head kick but it misses.
Intervention misses with a jab to the body
and Hightower scores with a counter punch that sends Intervention to the canvas! Hightower smells blood - he's punishing Intervention with more strikes and the ref has stopped it! Intervention has no idea where he is - he's tackled the ref... oh dear, poor guy, the crowd is in hysterics!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:37 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Jason Hightower!
During a confident post fight interview, Jason Hightower thanked all his fans. He seemed very genuine when describing how motivated his fans keep him.

Event: DMMA 67: Hightower vs Zhdanov
Date: Dec 18, 2021

#R1#
Hightower throws a leg kick but Zhdanov checks it.
Hightower has been working on his boxing with his coaches at CT in the buildup to the fight.
Hightower avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Hightower swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.#CL2#
Zhdanov closes the distance and clinches.
We've been informed that Zhdanov has been sparring a lot of Muay Thai in the buildup to this fight so let's see if that has an impact on the result.
Zhdanov swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Hightower landing knees to the body.
A shot in the inside from Hightower.
Hightower lands a hook to the body. It's hard to tell if that hurt Zhdanov or not.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, Hightower creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
Hightower is stalling here. The referee will be looking to step in if he doesn't pick up the pace.
Zhdanov takes a shot to the head.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Hightower makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
Hightower pushes Zhdanov back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.
Hightower lands with a short punch from the clinch.
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!
Hightower working Zhdanov over with knees to the body.
Zhdanov looks winded!
Hightower doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Hightower lands a body shot in the clinch.
Hightower lands with a left to the head. #T1#
Hightower presses Zhdanov against the cage and delivers a mid-strength body shot.
Knees in the clinch landing for Hightower.
Hightower lands a shoulder strike.
Hightower softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
Hightower lands with a short punch from the clinch.
Zhdanov managing to block the knees to the body from Hightower.
Knees to the body from Hightower.
Hightower lands a nice uppercut.
Hightower blocks an elbow strike from Zhdanov.
Hightower landing some nice looking knees to the body.
A shot in the inside from Hightower.
Hightower gets through Zhdanov's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Hightower scores with an uppercut up the middle.
Hightower lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Zhdanov backwards.
Hightower tries a knee to the head but he's missed.
Hightower scores a nice knee to the body.
A right handed body shot lands from Hightower.
Hightower lands a body punch - he's looking to wear down Zhdanov.
Hightower lands a knee to the head.
Hightower lands a knee to the head there! That was nasty! #T2#
Hightower lands an uppercut.
Hightower doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Hightower landing knees to the body. They look like they could hurt.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, Hightower creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
Hightower lands a hook to the side of the head.
A knee to the head by Hightower. #ROC#Zhdanov is rocked!#CUT#It looks like Roman Zhdanov has been cut.
A right hand to the body from Hightower.
Still in the clinch, Hightower scores with a nice short uppercut.
Zhdanov is still on wobbly legs! Can Hightower finish him?
Hightower lands an uppercut in the clinch that drops Zhdanov to his knees! Hightower keeps firing more shots against his stricken opponent and the referee jumps in to save him!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:36 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Jason Hightower!
An out of breath Jason Hightower thanked his loyal fans in his post fight interview, giving them credit for his success over the course of his career.

Event: KoF - Nakagawa x Bryant
Date: Nov 13, 2021

#R1#
Manivong lands a glancing blow to the side of Hightower's head.
Manivong tries to clinch but Hightower moves away
and Hightower makes him pay by landing a nice hook to the body before moving out of range.
Manivong misses with a body shot.
Manivong jabs. That one connects to the head of his opponent.
Manivong connects with a leg kick.
Akuma Manivong seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Manivong is looking to chop away at Hightower's legs.
Hightower is looking to counter with head kicks.
Hightower avoids the body shot from Manivong.
Hightower tests Manivong's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Hightower walks into a jab.
Manivong swings for the body but Hightower moves out of range.
Hightower appears to be looking for a counter punch to the body.
Manivong lands a beauty of a right hand that gets the crowd cheering.
Manivong pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!#CL2#
Manivong has taken the fight to the clinch.
Hightower misses with a shot to the kidneys.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Hightower. #T1#
Hightower lands with a right to the head.
Hightower landing some nice looking knees to the body.
Manivong takes a shot to the head.
Manivong is trying to drag Hightower to the mat but Hightower just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.
Hightower lands a body punch in the clinch.
Manivong looks winded!
A head punch on the inside from Hightower fails to land.
Hightower throws a head punch that misses.
Hightower missing with knees to the body.
Hightower lands with a right to the head.
A right hook to the body lands for Manivong.
Manivong tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Hightower's elbow.
Manivong blocking some punches.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Hightower.
Hightower lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
Hightower blocks a body shot from Manivong.
A short right from Hightower.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
A short body shot lands from Hightower as the two fighters clinch.
Hightower lands a body shot in the clinch. #BC2#
Manivong breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat. #CL#
Hightower instigates a clinch. #T2#
Hightower lands a right hand that snaps the head of Manivong backwards.
Manivong lands with a left to the head.
A head punch on the inside from Hightower fails to land.
Hightower lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
Hightower is working Manivong over against the cage.
Hightower lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Manivong backwards.
Hightower scores with a shot to the side of Manivong's head.
Manivong fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Hightower lands a nice knee to the body.
Hightower lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
Hightower lands a nice uppercut.
Manivong takes a knee to the side of the body.
Hightower softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
Hightower working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
Knees to the body from Hightower.
Hightower lands with a short punch from the clinch.
Hightower lands on the inside with an uppercut.
Hightower with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.
Hightower lands a knee to the head there! That was nasty!
A short right from Hightower on the inside.
Good body shot from Hightower. #T3#
Hightower lands a shoulder strike.
Hightower throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Manivongs head.
Manivong being controlled against the cage.
Hightower lands a body shot.
Hightower lands a shoulder strike.
Hightower scores a nice knee to the body.
A nice left hand lands by Hightower.
Hightower is clearly stalling here... Pick up the pace son.
Hightower is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Manivong is defending well for now.
Hightower lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
Hightower lands with a light punch inside.
Hightower is pressed up against the cage. Manivong has hold of a leg and is looking to drag Hightower down to the mat. Hightower avoids the attempt though and has circled away. We're back to striking at a distance.
Hightower feints and then cracks Manivong's leading leg with a nice low kick. He's obviously looking to slow Manivong down.
Manivong throws a body kick that misses
and Hightower counters with a nice uppercut.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Hightower thows a left - swing and a miss! #T4#
Hightower with a nice looking leg kick. You could hear that one land in a back row.
Hightower connects with an inside leg kick.
Manivong rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
and he gets countered with a snapping leg kick.
Manivong swings widly with a right hand #CL#
and Hightower counters by clinching up.
Hightower works for underhooks and lands a body shot in the process.
Hightower makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
Hightower lands a body shot.
Hightower lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
Hightower misses with a hook to the ribs.
Hightower lands with a short head shot on the inside.
Hightower lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
Hightower misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Hightower pushes Manivong back against the cage and unloads with a body punch.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Hightower lands a right hand.
Manivong struggles to land a body shot inside as Hightower controls his hands.
Hightower struggles to land a body shot inside as Manivong controls his hands.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Hightower.
A right hand to the body from Hightower.
Hightower is working Manivong over against the cage.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Jason Hightower dominated that round.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.#R2#
Hightower lands a leg kick that knocks Manivong off balance momentarily.
Manivong takes a swing at Hightower's ribcage but misses.
Hightower throws a body kick but he wasn't in range.
Manivong scores with a nice body kick.
Manivong jabs Hightower right on the nose. Hightower blinks but takes it well.#CL2#
Manivong moves into the clinch successfully.
Manivong blocks an uppercut.
Manivong is looking for a takedown up against the cage. Hightower gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.
A body shot lands from Manivong.
Hightower lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
Hightower is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Manivong can do to turn this around?
Hightower scores with an uppercut up the middle.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Manivong lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Hightower backwards.
Hightower lands with a light punch inside.
Manivong is breathing heavily.
Hightower putting his Muay Thai to good use. He has Manivong in a tight clinch and is doing some damage with knees to the body.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
A body shot lands from Hightower.
Hightower softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
Manivong is trying to pull guard but being pressed up against the cage enables Hightower to keep the fight standing.
A right handed body shot lands from Hightower. #T1#
Hightower scores with a hook to the body.
Hightower lands with a left to the head.
Hightower throws a hook to the body. More of an arm punch but it's all scoring with the judges.
Hightower lands a hook that snaps the head of Manivong backwards.
Hightower lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Hightower.
Hightower throws a hook to the body. More of an arm punch but it's all scoring with the judges.
Hightower lands a hook that snaps the head of Manivong backwards.
Hightower lands a nice looking hook to the body, against the cage.
A short right from Hightower on the inside.
It really doesn't seem like the step up in weight is hurting Hightower here at all. He's more than holding his own against the bigger man.
Hightower presses Manivong against the cage and delivers a mid-strength body shot.
Hightower unloads a knee to the mid-section.
A shot in the inside from Hightower.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Hightower lands a shot to the body.
Hightower lands a knee to the body.
A right handed body shot lands from Hightower.
Hightower lands with a short punch from the clinch.
Hightower scores with a shoulder strike.
Manivong prevents a body shot from Hightower.
A short right from Hightower on the inside.
Hightower lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
Jason Hightower has scored more points in the clinch so far.#T2#
A short left from Hightower. #ROC#Manivong is rocked!
A head punch blocked on the inside by Hightower.
Manivong is still on wobbly legs! Can Hightower finish him?
Hightower is working Manivong over against the cage.
Manivong seems to have recovered his senses.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Hightower.
Hightower working the clinch nicely. Manivong is working for position but Hightower cracks him with a big knee to the head! Manivong crumples up against the cage and Hightower lands two more shots before the ref can save Manivong! This one is all over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:24 of round 2, we have a winner by way of TKO (Knee & Punches). Jason Hightower!
During a confident post fight interview, Jason Hightower thanked all his fans. He seemed very genuine when describing how motivated his fans keep him.

Event: KoF:IW - Okongwu X Van Hoodonk
Date: Oct 16, 2021

#R1#
Cisse ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Hightower moves away.
Cisse misses with an uppercut
and Hightower counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.#CUT2#It looks like Ousmane Cisse has been cut.
Cisse looks to land a left hand but Hightower moved out of range nicely.
Cisse rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
and Hightower counters with a body kick.
Hightower swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Cisse misses with a left hand
and Hightower counters with a head kick.
Hightower turns his hip over beautifully as he lands a nice leg kick.
Nice jab there from Cisse.
Cisse throws a sloppy body shot
and Hightower counters with an outside leg kick. #KD2#
Hightower cracks Cisse with a big right hand that sends him to the floor! Cisse looks wobbly but he's sprung back up to his feet straight away… can Hightower finish him? #ROC2#Cisse is rocked!
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Cisse throws a poor cross that misses
and Hightower counters with a right hand from hell and Cisse is out cold! A vicious knockout!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 0:45 of round 1, we have a winner by way of KO (Punch). Jason Hightower!
An out of breath Jason Hightower thanked his loyal fans in his post fight interview, giving them credit for his success over the course of his career.

Event: 8L 95 - Steiner (FINAL)
Date: Sep 14, 2021

#R1#
Hightower slips a jab from Crayewski.
Crayewski thuds his right hand into Hightower's forehead from close range. That could be painful for both fighters.
Crayewski has been spending a lot of time sparring his boxing in the run up to the fight, trying to sharpen up those hands and look for a knockout.#CL#
Hightower closes the distance and clinches.
Crayewski is working Hightower over against the ropes.
Hightower with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.
Hightower digs a right hand into Crayewski's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Crayewski's gas tank.
Our sources have told us that Hightower has been working on his knees in the buildup to the fight.
A short right from Hightower.
Crayewski lands a body punch in the clinch.
Hightower is breathing heavily.
A short right from Crayewski.
Crayewski lands a right hand that snaps the head of Hightower backwards.
Hightower presses Crayewski against the ropes and delivers a mid-strength body shot.
Hightower can't find room to land a body shot as Crayewski controls the action.
Crayewski doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Hightower tries to throw a body punch but Crayewski avoids it by throwing Hightower back against the ropes.
Crayewski lands a body punch.
Crayewski lands with a short punch from the clinch.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Hightower blocks an uppercut.
Hightower prevents a body shot from Crayewski.
Crayewski misses with a punch to the body.
Hightower's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!#T1#
Hightower missing with knees to the body.
Hightower blocks a body shot from Crayewski.
Crayewski lands a nice shot to the body.
Crayewski misses with a punch on the inside.
A head punch on the inside from Crayewski fails to land.
Crayewski pushes Hightower back against the ropes and unloads with a body punch.
Crayewski lands with a light punch inside.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Crayewski.
Hightower prevents a body shot from Crayewski.
Hightower tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Crayewski avoids it.
Still in the clinch, Crayewski scores with a nice short uppercut.
Hightower tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Crayewski's elbow.
Hightower lands an uppercut.
Hightower misses with some punches.
Crayewski blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Crayewski managing to block the knees to the body from Hightower.
Hightower misses with a short punch on the inside.
Hightower misses with a hook from the clinch.
A short uppercut from Hightower.
Crayewski tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked. #T2#
Crayewski struggles to land a body shot inside as Hightower controls his hands.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Hightower blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Crayewski struggles to land a body shot inside as Hightower controls his hands.
A hook to the body from Crayewski.
Hightower tries a body shot but Crayewski blocks it.
Crayewski doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Hightower lands with a short shot to the head.
Hightower blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Hightower blocks a body shot from Crayewski.
Hightower misses with a punch on the inside.
Hightower has a couple of punches blocked by Crayewski.
Crayewski scores with a shoulder strike.
Hightower blocks a body shot from Crayewski.
Crayewski misses with a hook to the ribs.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Crayewski.
Crayewski swings wildly with an uppercut but Hightower uses good head movement to avoid it.
Hightower gets through Crayewski's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
Hightower tries a body shot but Crayewski blocks it.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Crayewski.
Hightower struggles to land a body shot inside as Crayewski controls his hands. #T3#
Crayewski has a couple of punches blocked by Hightower.
Crayewski throws a punch but it's blocked by Hightower.
Crayewski struggles to land a body shot inside as Hightower controls his hands.
Crayewski lands with a left to the head.
Hightower working some nice short punches in the clinch.
Crayewski misses with a punch on the inside.
Crayewski goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Hightower fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Hightower lands a left hand. #CUT#It looks like Grzegorz Crayewski has been cut.
Hightower tries to work over Crayewski's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Crayewski scores with an uppercut up the middle.
Crayewski scores with a shoulder strike.
Hightower tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Crayewski working aggressively here.
Crayewski misses with some punches.
A head punch on the inside from Crayewski fails to land.
Crayewski working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
Hightower blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Hightower has a couple of punches blocked by Crayewski.
This has been an exciting period of action!
A short right from Crayewski. #T4#
Hightower throws a head punch that misses.
A right hand to the body from Crayewski.
Crayewski lands a right hand that snaps the head of Hightower backwards.
Crayewski throws a head punch that misses.
Crayewski tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Hightower's elbow.
Hightower misses with a short punch on the inside.
Hightower misses with the head strike.
Crayewski tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Hightower utilising his Muay Thai to score with a knee to the body.
Hightower tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Hightower struggles to land a body shot inside as Crayewski controls his hands.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Crayewski.
Hightower lands with a light punch inside.
Hightower blocks a body shot from Crayewski.
Crayewski lands a nice shot to the body.
Crayewski blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Crayewski fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Hightower prevents a body shot from Crayewski.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Grzegorz Crayewski dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Grzegorz Crayewski's cut.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.#R2#
Crayewski checks a low kick. Bone on bone - not my idea of a good time.
Crayewski looks like he wants to counter punch here.
Crayewski avoids a kick to the body.
It seemed like Crayewski was going to counter with the hook but didn't fully commit to it.
Grzegorz Crayewski seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Donk. Crayewski catches Hightower right on the button with a cross.
Hightower swats away the attempt to clinch by Crayewski.
Crayewski misses with a hook.
Hightower takes an uppercut right on the jaw but it doesn't phase him.
Crayewski walks into a left hand.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Crayewski lands with a cross to side of his opponent's head.
Crayewski throws a head kick that misses.
Hightower misses the body punch
and Crayewski counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Crayewski scores with a big left there. The judges will like that one.#T1#
Hightower on the wrong end of an overhand right that came out of nowhere.
Crayewski misses with an attempted mid kick.
Hightower throws out a loose jab but Crayewski uses good head movement to avoid it.
Hightower misses the shot to the body.
Hightower lands a body shot.
Hightower tries to clinch up against the ropes, rushing in to close the distance. Crayewski manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
A nice side step and Crayewski releases a counter shot to the body, but it doesn't find it's home.
Hightower ducks under a wild hook from Crayewski.
Hightower throwing a counter right hand but Crayewski manages to avoid it.
Hightower misses with a low kick.
Crayewski keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Hightower.
Crayewski is clearly trying to counter these attacks from Hightower with a body shot.
Crayewski connects with a slap. Keep your fist closed son.
A low kick from Crayewski is predictable there
and Hightower counters with a slapping leg kick.
Crayewski listening to his corner there, landing a nice uppercut.#T2#
Crayewski lands a jab.
Crayewski has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Crayewski misses with a body shot
and Hightower counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Crayewski on the wrong end of a nice low kick. He's acting like it's no big deal but he doesn't want to take many more of those.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Hightower uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Crayewski.
Crayewski rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
and Hightower makes him pay by landing a nice hook to the body before moving out of range.
Hightower swings widly with a right hand
and Crayewski cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Hightower misses with a straight left.
Crayewski throws a head kick but Hightower moves out of range.
Crayewski smiles there as he lands a nice right hand right on the button.
Hightower misses with a low kick.
Crayewski was about to counter that last move with a leg kick but changes his mind.
Crayewski looks to land a right hand but Hightower moved out of range.#T3#
Hightower ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Crayewski moves away.
Crayewski thows a left - swing and a miss!
Crayewski blocks a jab.
Hightower tries to score with a leg kick but it misses it's target.
A little jabbing left from Crayewski on the counter but it doesn't find it's target.
Crayewski throws a hook to the side of Hightower's head but Hightower sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Crayewski throws a hook to the side of Hightower's head but Hightower sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Hightower swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.
Crayewski looks to score with a jab to the body but Hightower is just out of range.
Hightower looked to counter that last move with a leg kick but didn't pull the trigger.
A slow jab from Crayewski misses its intended target.
Crayewski moves out of range of the body kick from Hightower.
Crayewski moves out of range as Hightower strikes.
Crayewski takes a head kick and shrugs it off.
Crayewski moves into range and lands a nice leg kick. #T4#
Hightower on the wrong end of a nice hook.
Crayewski loads up on a big right hand but Hightower slips the punch.#CL#
Hightower rushes Crayewski and pushes him back against the ropes in a clinch.
Hightower fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Hightower misses with some punches.
Crayewski misses with some punches.
A short uppercut from Hightower.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Crayewski stays in close to his opponent and throws a right hand to the body.
A nice right hand lands inside from Crayewski.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Hightower.
Crayewski misses with a punch to the body.
Hightower lands a body shot.
Hightower prevents a body shot from Crayewski.
Hightower working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
Crayewski is breathing heavily.
A right hand to the body from Hightower.
Hightower throws a punch but it's blocked by Crayewski.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

A close second round but Grzegorz Crayewski will probably get the nod - 10:9.
The cut man is working on Grzegorz Crayewski's cut.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare each other down, ready to get back to the action. This is the final round!#R3#
Hightower tries a head kick but it misses.
Crayewski lands a glancing blow to the side of Hightower's head.
Crayewski just misses with a punch to the body.
Crayewski misses with a leg kick.
Crayewski just manages to avoid a counter high kick fromHightower.
Crayewski avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Crayewski clobbers Hightower with an overhand right that has the crowd gasping. That made a horrendous noise.
Hightower lands with an uppercut that bounces Crayewski off the ropes and back into range.
Crayewski misses with a low kick.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Crayewski rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
and Hightower counters with a low kick, right behind Crayewski 's knee.
Crayewski jabs at Hightower's body.
Crayewski throws a hook to the side of Hightower's head but Hightower sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Hightower is looking to clinch. #T1##CL#
Hightower closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the ropes.
Hightower goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Crayewski tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Hightower's elbow.
A short right from Crayewski.
Hightower slowing the pace effectively.
Hightower lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
Hightower lands a knee to the head there! That was nasty!
Hightower tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Crayewski avoids it.
Crayewski misses with a hook from the clinch.
Hightower is working Crayewski over against the ropes.
Crayewski takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Hightower lands a body shot in the clinch.
A nice left hand lands by Hightower.
Hightower throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Crayewskis head.
Hightower landing knees to the body.
Hightower lands a hook that snaps the head of Crayewski backwards.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Good anti-grappling being displayed by Crayewski as Hightower tries to tie him up.
Crayewski tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked. #T2#
Hightower misses with a knee strike.
Hightower missing with knees to the body.
Hightower swings wildly with an uppercut but Crayewski uses good head movement to avoid it.
Crayewski lands on the inside with an uppercut.
Hightower blocks an uppercut.
Crayewski lands a right hand that snaps the head of Hightower backwards.
Jason Hightower has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Hightower tries to work over Crayewski's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Hightower blocks an uppercut.
Crayewski misses with a hook from the clinch.
Crayewski working aggressively here.
Crayewski blocks a body shot from Hightower.
Hightower tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Hightower misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Hightower tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Hightower doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Hightower scores with an uppercut up the middle.
Hightower pushes Crayewski back against the ropes and unloads with a body punch. #T3#
Hightower tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Crayewski avoids it.
A head punch on the inside from Crayewski fails to land.
Hightower misses with some punches.
A short uppercut from Hightower.
Crayewski lands with a short punch from the clinch.
Hightower lands a body shot.
Hightower lands a body punch.
Hightower lands a body punch - he's looking to wear down Crayewski.
Hightower lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
Nice body punch from Hightower - that landed with a thud.
Hightower working some nice short punches in the clinch.
Hightower digs a right hand into Crayewski's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Crayewski's gas tank.
Crayewski has a couple of punches blocked by Hightower.
Hightower is working Crayewski over against the ropes.
Hightower makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
A nice left hand lands by Hightower.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Hightower lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Crayewski backwards.
Hightower working some nice short punches in the clinch.
Hightower pushes Crayewski back against the ropes and unloads with a body punch. #T4#
A hook to the body from Hightower.
Hightower lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
Hightower struggles to land a body shot inside as Crayewski controls his hands.
A nice left hand lands by Hightower.
Crayewski swings away with an uppercut that misses.
With the fighters clinched against the ropes, Hightower creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
Crayewski misses with some punches.
Hightower misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Crayewski.
Crayewski lands a body punch - he's looking to wear down Hightower.
Crayewski blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Hightower using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Crayewski has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
Hightower tries to land knees in the clinch but Crayewski avoids the damage to the body.
Hightower tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Crayewski's elbow.
Hightower lands a left hand.
Crayewski misses with a body punch.
A left hand lands to the body for Hightower.
Hightower lands a good knee to the midsection. Crayewski won't want to take too many of those.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Hightower.

And that's the end of the fight!
Jason Hightower showed his dominance in that final round.
I think Crayewski 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 Saam Ante scores the fight for Jason Hightower!
Judge Paul Aken scores the fight for Jason Hightower!
Judge Daniel Blasius scores the fight for Jason Hightower!

Jason Hightower wins by unanimous decision!
A very excited looking Jason Hightower made sure he remembered to thank all the fans both in the arena and on the internet. He said all the coolest people spend all day on MMA websites, which got a big reaction.

Event: 8L 93 - Big Lebowski
Date: Aug 27, 2021

#R1#
Both fighters circling a little - Barboza finishes the exchange with a kick to the body.
Barboza waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Hightower.
Hightower swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.
Hightower connects with an inside leg kick.
Barboza throws a lazy head kick
and Hightower counters with a shot to the ribs. That looked like it hurt.
Barboza scores with a shot to the body.
Hightower lands a nice looking body kick.
Hightower staying out of range there.
Hightower thinks about countering with a body kick.
A telegraphed right hand from Hightower misses the target.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
A swing and a miss from Barboza.
Hightower throws a quick counter kick to the body but Barboza avoids it.
Hightower lands a nice leg kick that just misses Barboza's sensitive parts.
Barboza throws a leg kick
and Hightower counters with a leg kick. #T1##CL#
Hightower clinches up against the ropes.
Barboza blocking some punches.
Barboza tries to work over Hightower's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Barboza lands an elbow inside that Hightower shrugs off.
Hightower scores with an uppercut up the middle.
Barboza throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Hightowers head.
Hightower lands an uppercut.
Hightower lands an uppercut.
Barboza fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Hightower lands a right hand.
Hightower lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
Hightower lands a left hand.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Hightower swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Hightower lands a knee to the head there! That was nasty! #CUT#It looks like Bento Barboza has been cut.
Hightower lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
Barboza swings wildly with an uppercut but Hightower uses good head movement to avoid it.
Our sources have told us that Hightower has been working on his knees in the buildup to the fight.
Barboza lands a left hand that snaps the head of Hightower backwards.
Hightower lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Barboza backwards.
Barboza tries a body shot but Hightower blocks it. #T2#
A short right hand to the side of the head by Hightower.
A short right from Barboza on the inside.
An uppercut to the body lands inside from Barboza.
Hightower pushes Barboza back against the ropes and unloads with a body punch.
A short right from Barboza on the inside.
Hightower lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Barboza backwards.
Barboza throws a punch but it's blocked by Hightower.
Barboza lands a shot to the body.
Hightower working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
Hightower working aggressively here.
Hightower lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
Hightower fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Hightower swings wildly with an uppercut but Barboza uses good head movement to avoid it.
Hightower tries to work over Barboza's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Barboza doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
A head punch on the inside from Hightower fails to land.
Barboza misses with a punch to the body.
Barboza lands with a short punch from the clinch.
Barboza tries a body shot but Hightower blocks it.
Hightower lands a nice uppercut.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Jason Hightower dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Bento Barboza's cut.
That's time! Back to the action!#R2#
Hightower defending well as Barboza loads up on a big left hand.
Hightower fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Barboza manages to avoid it.
Nice defenses there by Barboza.
Barboza swings away with a counter right hand but no contact made.
Hightower scores with a head kick. #CL#
Hightower forces Barboza back against the ropes and clinches.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Hightower.
Hightower lands a nice uppercut.
Hightower scores with an uppercut up the middle.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Barboza lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
Hightower misses with some punches.
Hightower lands a body shot in the clinch.
Barboza has a couple of punches blocked by Hightower.
Barboza avoiding damage as Hightower throws knees to the body.
Hightower lands a nice uppercut.
Barboza misses with a shot to the kidneys. #T1#
Hightower scores with a shot to the side of Barboza's head.
Hightower misses with a punch to the body.
Barboza misses with some punches.
Hightower lands a left hand that snaps the head of Barboza backwards.
Barboza throws an elbow that misses.
Hightower stays in close to his opponent and throws a right hand to the body.
Barboza is breathing heavily.
Barboza can't find room to land a body shot as Hightower controls the action.
Barboza throws a punch but it's blocked by Hightower.
Barboza takes a knee right on the jaw!
Barboza takes a shot to the head.
An uppercut to the body lands inside from Hightower.
Hightower lands with a light punch inside.
Hightower unloads a knee to the mid-section.
Hightower lands with a light punch inside.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Barboza takes a shot to the head.
Hightower lands with a short shot to the head.
Hightower is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Barboza can do to turn this around?
Hightower presses Barboza against the ropes and delivers a mid-strength body shot.
A right hand to the body from Hightower.
Hightower scores with an uppercut up the middle.
Barboza's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
Hightower scores a nice knee to the body.
Hightower lands a right hand. #T2#
Knees in the clinch landing for Hightower.
Hightower tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Barboza's elbow.
Hightower cracks Barboza with a nice body shot.
Hightower pushes Barboza back against the ropes and unloads with a body punch.
Hightower lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
Hightower tries to land a knee to the head but misses.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Barboza.
Hightower misses with a hook from the clinch.
Barboza tries to work over Hightower's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Hightower working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
Hightower gets through Barboza's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
Hightower tries to throw a body punch but Barboza avoids it by throwing Hightower back against the ropes.
Hightower throws a punch but it's blocked by Barboza.
Barboza fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Barboza misses with the head strike.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Barboza misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Hightower lands on the inside with an uppercut.
Hightower tries a knee to the head but Barboza blocks it.
Hightower misses with a body punch.
Barboza tries to throw a body punch but Hightower avoids it by throwing Barboza back against the ropes.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Jason Hightower dominated that second round.
The cut man is working on Bento Barboza's cut.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action. This is the final round!#R3#
Barboza tries to score with an inside leg kick but telegraphs it and Hightower is able to avoid easily.
It looked like Hightower wanted to counter with a hook but didn't fully commit.
Jason Hightower is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Barboza is the more experienced fighter here and he's going to need to draw on some of that experience if he's going to pull this one out the bag.
Hightower scores with a crisp jab that stopped Barboza in his tracks.
Barboza throws a nice looking combination but Hightower bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Barboza throws a lazy uppercut
and Hightower counters with a lovely shot to the body.
Barboza is really struggling to land any decent head shots against his taller opponent.
Hightower connects with an inside leg kick.
Hightower fakes a couple of low kicks, before throwing one on the third attempt. It connects and Barboza has to reset his feet before getting ready to engage.
Hightower scores with a leg kick.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.#CL#
Hightower has closed the distance and engaged Barboza in a clinch.
Hightower lands a nice shot to the body.
Barboza tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Barboza cracks Hightower with a nice body shot.#T1#
Hightower blocks an uppercut.
Barboza swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Hightower lands with a light punch inside.
A short left from Hightower.
Hightower misses with some punches.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Barboza.
Barboza tries to throw a body punch but Hightower avoids it by throwing Barboza back against the ropes.
Hightower taking a breather.
Barboza tries a body shot but Hightower blocks it.
Barboza can't find room to land a body shot as Hightower controls the action.
Barboza misses with a hook to the ribs.
Barboza throws a punch but it's blocked by Hightower.
Hightower is trying to wear down his opponent with knees to the body.
Hightower misses with a short punch on the inside.
Hightower controlling the action here for a moment. #T2#
Hightower lands with a right to the head.
Barboza misses with a punch to the body.
Hightower tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Barboza's elbow.
Hightower blocks an elbow strike from Barboza.
Hightower landing knees to the head.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Hightower tries a body shot but Barboza blocks it.
Hightower lands a right hand.
Barboza misses with a punch on the inside.
Jason Hightower has scored more points in the clinch so far.
Hightower lands a shoulder strike.
Barboza misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Barboza goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Barboza misses with a hook from the clinch.
Hightower avoids a wild elbow strike from Barboza.
Bento Barboza has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Barboza working aggressively here.
With the fighters up against the ropes, Barboza throws an elbow but misses.

And that's the end of the fight!
Jason Hightower showed his dominance in that final round.
Well Hightower has outscored his opponent in every aspect of the fight today. Only a scarily incompetent judge or two will keep him from a well deserved win... 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 Sosuke Kotani scores the fight for Jason Hightower!
Judge Hirohito Nitta scores the fight for Jason Hightower!
Judge Taro Takaoka scores the fight for Jason Hightower!

Jason Hightower wins by unanimous decision!
A victorious Jason Hightower thanked his army of followers in his post fight interview, telling people to make sure they follow him on Twitter.

Event: 8L 90 - Aoki's 2nd Goodbye
Date: Jul 31, 2021

#R1#
A head kick misses from Hightower.
Hightower fakes a couple of low kicks, before throwing one on the third attempt. It connects and Alzado has to reset his feet before getting ready to engage.
Hightower walks into a straight right hand from Alzado.
Hightower's corner calls for a 1-2. Hightower obliges with the 1 part as he scores the single shot and moves back out of range.
Alzado fails with an attempt to clinch. #CL#
Alzado moves into the clinch.
Alzado throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Hightower blocks it with crossed arms.
Alzado with a knee to the head.
Hightower lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
Alzado swings wildly with an uppercut but Hightower uses good head movement to avoid it.
Hightower lands a right hand.
A short right from Hightower on the inside.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Alzado working some nice short punches in the clinch.
Alzado tries to land a knee to the head but misses.
Hightower unloads a knee to the mid-section. Alzado lets out a prehistoric sounding urrrrgh.
Alzado is breathing heavily.
Hightower lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
Hightower pushes Alzado back against the ropes and unloads with a body punch.
Hightower lands with a good tight uppercut to the head. #BC2#
Hightower breaks from the clinch. #T1#
Hightower connects with a solid leg kick.
Alzado has a nice red mark on his side after a thudding body kick by Hightower.
Hightower connects with a quick right hand that sends Alzado tumbling backwards onto the canvas! As his head bounces into the ropes, it doesn't look good for him beating the count! 3,4,5,6,7 and he's up! No, he's back down again! This one is all over - the referee has called off the fight!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:15 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Punch). Jason Hightower!
A relieved looking Jason Hightower thanked the fans for their support and gave the usual line about them being amazing. They seemed to believe that he actually meant it.

Event: 8L 84 - Just Bleed
Date: Jul 04, 2021

#R1#
Nurse throws a hook but Hightower avoids it easily.
Hightower pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Nurse lands with a good body shot.
Nurse slips in close and lands a nice hook before moving back out of range.
Nurse catches Hightower with a nice straight right. He seems pissed - ooooh, it's on now! On like donkey kong!
Nurse throws an ugly left hook that misses
and Hightower counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head. #CUT#It looks like Darnell Nurse has been cut.
Nurse steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Hightower.
It seemed like Nurse was going to counter with the hook but didn't fully commit to it.
Hightower slips a jab from Nurse.
Nurse misses with a lunging right hand
and Hightower counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Nurse missing with a left hand there. Hightower was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Hightower looks to throw the jab but Nurse is out of range.
Hightower throws a right hand that misses
and Nurse counters with a lovely shot to the body.
Nurse rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Hightower moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Nurse slips in close and lands a nice hook before moving back out of range.
Hightower moves out of range of the strikes.
It looked like Hightower was trying to counter with a body shot coming off that last attack from Nurse.#T1##CL#
Hightower has managed to clinch.
A short left from Hightower.
Hightower can't find room to land a body shot as Nurse controls the action.
Hightower managing to block the knees to the body from Nurse.
Nurse tries a body shot but Hightower blocks it.
Nurse trying to land knees to the body.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Hightower.
A right hook to the body lands for Hightower.
Hightower tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Nurse works for underhooks and lands a body shot in the process.
Nurse tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Hightower avoids it.
Hightower scores with a shoulder strike.
Hightower tries a knee to the head but he's missed.
Nurse's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
Nurse misses with a punch to the body.
Hightower blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Nurse lands with a right to the head.
A nice left hand lands by Hightower. #T2#
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Nurse lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
Hightower scores with a nice hook to the head.
Hightower lands a shot to the body.
Hightower is trying to wear down his opponent with knees to the body.
Nurse looks winded!
Hightower lands an uppercut.
Hightower unloads a knee to the mid-section.
Hightower softening up his opponent with strikes, against the ropes.
Hightower cracks Nurse with a nice body shot.
Hightower scores with an uppercut up the middle.
Nurse taking a breather.
Hightower lands on the inside with an uppercut.
Hightower can't find room to land a body shot as Nurse controls the action.
Hightower lands a hook that snaps the head of Nurse backwards.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Hightower lands a nice uppercut.
Good body shot from Hightower.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Hightower. #ROC#Nurse is rocked!
Hightower lands with a short head shot on the inside.
Nurse is still on wobbly legs! Can Hightower finish him?
Hightower breaks the clinch momentarily and cracks Nurse with a big right hook that drops him to the canvas! Nurse looks like he might be in big trouble here! The referee has started the count straight away and we're up to 5 already. Nurse get to one knee - can he make it back to his feet? No, he's flopped back to the mat - he's out - this one is all over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:57 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Punch). Jason Hightower!
After winning the bout, Jason Hightower thanked all his fans and promised he'd do even better in his next fight. The crowd seemed to love his humility.

Event: Ambush 5 Hightower VS Madzarov
Date: May 11, 2021

#R1#
Hightower throws a low kick but Madzarov moves out of range easily.
Hightower tries to work over Madzarov's front leg with a kick but Madzarov checks it. #CL2#
The fight moves into the clinch position.#BC#
Hightower breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Madzarov walks into a stiff left hand from Hightower.
Madzarov fails with an attempt to clinch. #CL2#
Madzarov has closed the distance and engaged Hightower in a clinch.
Hightower tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Hightower throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Madzarovs head.
Nice body punch from Madzarov - that landed with a thud.
A body shot lands from Hightower.
Madzarov misses with a hook to the ribs.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Madzarov missing with knees to the body.
Madzarov misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Hightower avoiding damage as Madzarov throws knees to the body.
Madzarov missing with knees to the body.
Nice body punch from Hightower - that landed with a thud.
Hightower throws a head punch that misses. #T1#
Madzarov struggles to land a body shot inside as Hightower controls his hands.
Madzarov lands a nice knee to the body.
Madzarov tries to work over Hightower's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Madzarov misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Hightower.
Madzarov works for underhooks and lands a body shot in the process.
Madzarov using the Thai clinch to land knees to the body.
Hightower is breathing heavily.
Madzarov misses with a body punch.
Hightower pushes Madzarov back against the ropes and lands a hook to the side of the head.
Hightower scores with a nice hook to the head.
Hightower throws a punch but it's blocked by Madzarov.
Madzarov is trying to wear down his opponent with knees to the body.
Madzarov can't find room to land a body shot as Hightower controls the action.
Madzarov is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Hightower is defending well for now.
Hightower tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Madzarov goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Madzarov lands a nice looking hook to the body, against the ropes.
Madzarov misses with a body punch.
Madzarov goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Madzarov trying to land knees to the body. #T2#
Madzarov misses with a punch to the body.
Madzarov tries to work over Hightower's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Madzarov throws a hook to the body. More of an arm punch but it's all scoring with the judges.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Madzarov unloads a knee to the mid-section. Hightower lets out a prehistoric sounding urrrrgh.
Hightower prevents a body shot from Madzarov.
Hightower misses with the head strike.
Hightower misses with some punches.
Hightower avoiding damage as Madzarov throws knees to the body.
Hightower doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Madzarov missing with knees to the body.
Hightower lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
Madzarov struggles to land a body shot inside as Hightower controls his hands.
Madzarov can't find room to land a body shot as Hightower controls the action.
Madzarov lands a nice looking hook to the body, against the ropes.
Hightower lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Madzarov backwards.
Madzarov can't find room to land a body shot as Hightower controls the action.
Hightower tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Madzarov's elbow.
Hightower avoiding damage as Madzarov throws knees to the body.
Madzarov can't find room to land a body shot as Hightower controls the action. #T3#
Hightower pushes Madzarov back against the ropes and unloads with a body punch.
Hightower swings away with an uppercut that misses.
A short right from Hightower.
Nice body punch from Madzarov.
With the fighters clinched against the ropes, Hightower creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
A hook to the body from Hightower.
Hightower scores with a nice hook to the head.
Hightower lands a nice uppercut.
Madzarov struggles to land a body shot inside as Hightower controls his hands.
Madzarov tries to work over Hightower's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Hightower tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Madzarov's elbow.
Madzarov tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Hightower's elbow.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Madzarov.
Hightower lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Madzarov backwards.
Madzarov blocks an uppercut.
Madzarov blocks an uppercut.
Madzarov tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Madzarov using the Thai clinch to land knees to the body.
Madzarov struggles to land a body shot inside as Hightower controls his hands. #T4#
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Madzarov can't find room to land a body shot as Hightower controls the action.
Madzarov tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Hightower's elbow.
Madzarov blocks a body shot from Hightower.
Hightower tries a body shot but Madzarov blocks it.
Nice body punch from Madzarov - that landed with a thud.
Madzarov tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Hightower avoids it.
Hightower misses with a body punch.
Hightower tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Madzarov's elbow.
Hightower tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Madzarov's elbow.
Madzarov trying to land knees to the body.
Madzarov is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Hightower is defending well for now.
Madzarov misses with a shot to the kidneys.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Hightower.
Hightower working some nice short punches in the clinch.
Madzarov doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Madzarov.
Hightower lands with a short head shot on the inside.
A short right from Hightower.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close round but I would say that Jason Hightower will probably get the nod.
That's time! Hightower's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.#R2##CL2#
Madzarov moves into the clinch successfully.
Madzarov blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Hightower has a couple of punches blocked by Madzarov.
Jason Hightower has scored more points in the clinch so far.
Hightower can't break the clinch.
Madzarov keeps control of Hightower as he tries to wriggle out of the double underhooks.
Hightower prevents a body shot from Madzarov. #BC#
Hightower manages to break the clinch.
Hightower feints and then cracks Madzarov's leading leg with a nice low kick. He's obviously looking to slow Madzarov down.
Madzarov tries to clinch but Hightower is having none of it.
Hightower with a body punch. A glancing blow.
Hightower misses with a low kick.
Hightower chopping away at his opponent's legs.
Vito Madzarov seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Hightower keeps the fight on the outside.
Hightower is looking to counter with a body kick.
Madzarov tries to clinch up
and Hightower counters nicely by changing levels and landing a hook to the body.
Hightower seems to be moving with more speed, compared to his last bout. He must have been working on that in the gym.#T1#
Hightower swats away the attempt to clinch by Madzarov.
Hightower tries to work over Madzarov's front leg with a kick but Madzarov checks it.
Madzarov is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Hightower circles away from the clinch attempt
and Hightower counters with a nice jab to the body that keeps Madzarov thinking.
Hightower throws a body punch but Madzarov moves out of range.
A little jabbing left from Madzarov on the counter but it doesn't find it's target.
Madzarov tries to close the distance and clinch but Hightower swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Hightower is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Madzarov can do to turn this around?
Hightower circles away from the clinch attempt.
A counter left hand to the body from Hightower misses its target.#CL2#
Madzarov clinches up against the ropes.#BC#
Hightower pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Madzarov tries to clinch but Hightower is having none of it. #T2#
Madzarov tries to clinch but Hightower moves away
and Hightower counters with a nice kick to the body.
Madzarov tries to close the distance and clinch up but Hightower swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Madzarov takes an uppercut right on the button but keeps his composure.
Madzarov tries to clinch
and Hightower counters with a stiff right hand. #CL2#
Madzarov gets a clinch.
Madzarov doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Madzarov tries to work over Hightower's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
A short uppercut from Hightower.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.#BC#
Hightower breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Madzarov tries to clinch up but Hightower circles away and keeps his distance.
Hightower is using his reach advantage well here, landing the more effective single shots from range.
Hightower takes a swing at Madzarov's ribcage but misses.
Hightower throws a series of strikes that have Madzarov backpedaling.
Madzarov tries to clinch up against the ropes, rushing in to close the distance. Hightower manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Madzarov tries to clinch
and Hightower counters with a shot to the ribs. That looked like it hurt. #CL2#
Madzarov gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.#T3#
Hightower can't find room to land a body shot as Madzarov controls the action.
Madzarov tries to throw a body punch but Hightower avoids it by throwing Madzarov back against the ropes.
Madzarov blocks a body shot from Hightower. #BC#
Hightower's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Madzarov tries to clinch but fails miserably
and Hightower connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Madzarov tries to close the distance and clinch but Hightower swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Madzarov tries to clinch but Hightower is having none of it.
Hightower tries to score with an inside leg kick but telegraphs it and Madzarov is able to avoid easily.#CL2#
Madzarov closes the distance and clinches.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Hightower.
An uppercut to the body lands inside from Madzarov.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Madzarov utilising his Muay Thai to score with a knee to the body.
Madzarov misses with a body punch.
Madzarov lands a knee to the body.
Madzarov landing knees to the body. They look like they could hurt. #T4#
Madzarov digs a right hand underneath Hightower's ribcage. Hightower let out a lung full of air as it connected.
Madzarov pushes Hightower back against the ropes and unloads with a body punch.
Madzarov misses with a punch to the body.
Madzarov goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Madzarov can't find room to land a body shot as Hightower controls the action.
Hightower 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!
Hightower misses with a hook to the ribs.
Madzarov digs a right hand into Hightower's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Hightower's gas tank.
Madzarov goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Madzarov working Hightower over with knees to the body.
Madzarov misses with a hook to the ribs.
Madzarov lands a body punch - he's looking to wear down Hightower.
Madzarov working Hightower over with knees to the body.
Madzarov unloads a knee to the mid-section. Hightower lets out a prehistoric sounding urrrrgh.
Madzarov misses with a punch to the body.
Madzarov can't find room to land a body shot as Hightower controls the action.
Madzarov lands a nice shot to the body.
Madzarov crunches a lovely knee into Hightower's ribcage.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Jason Hightower dominated that second round.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!#R3#
Madzarov wants to clinch up but Hightower keeps it at a distance.
Madzarov tries to clinch up.
Madzarov is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Hightower circles away from the clinch attempt
and Hightower counters with a straight right hand.
Madzarov darts in trying to clinch
enabling Hightower to counter with a crisp jab.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Madzarov tries to clinch up but Hightower circles away and keeps his distance.#CL2#
Madzarov moves into the clinch.
Hightower struggles to land a body shot inside as Madzarov controls his hands.
Hightower fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Madzarov tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Hightower's elbow. #T1#
Hightower misses with the head strike.
Hightower lands a shot to the body.
Hightower tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Hightower lands a body punch - he's looking to wear down Madzarov.
Madzarov takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
The fighters are pressed against the ropes, as the pace of the fight slows. #BC#
Hightower breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat. #CL2#
Madzarov closes the distance and clinches.
Madzarov lands a hook to the body. It's hard to tell if that hurt Hightower or not.
Hightower misses with a hook to the ribs.
Madzarov trying to land knees to the body.
Hightower blocks a body shot from Madzarov.
Hightower scores with a nice hook to the head.
Madzarov crunches a lovely knee into Hightower's ribcage.
Hightower pushes Madzarov back against the ropes and lands a hook to the side of the head.
Madzarov tries a body shot but Hightower blocks it. #T2#
Madzarov tries to work over Hightower's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Madzarov tries a body shot but Hightower blocks it.
Madzarov tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Hightower's elbow.
Madzarov tries to work over Hightower's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target. #BC#
Hightower breaks from the clinch.
Madzarov is looking to clinch but Hightower is avoiding it.
Madzarov is looking to clinch.
Hightower swings for the body but Madzarov moves out of range. #CL2#
Madzarov takes the fight into the clinch.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Madzarov lands a body punch - he's looking to wear down Hightower.
Hightower blocks a body shot from Madzarov.
Madzarov tries to land knees in the clinch but Hightower avoids the damage to the body.
Hightower is trying to stall.
Madzarov lands a hook to the body. It's hard to tell if that hurt Hightower or not. #T3##BC#
Hightower escapes the clinch and we're back to striking. #CL2#
Madzarov has Hightower up against the ropes in a clinch.
Knees in the clinch landing for Madzarov.
Madzarov can't find room to land a body shot as Hightower controls the action.
Madzarov misses with a punch to the body.
Madzarov tries a body shot but Hightower blocks it.
Madzarov struggles to land a body shot inside as Hightower controls his hands.
Hightower doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Madzarov misses with a hook to the ribs.
Hightower lands with a short shot to the head.
Hightower presses Madzarov against the ropes and delivers a mid-strength body shot.
A nice left hand lands by Hightower.
Hightower is trying to slow down the pace of the fight but Madzarov is keeping busy.#BC#
Hightower breaks from the clinch.
Hightower getting the better of the striking in that exchange.#T4#
Madzarov tries to clinch up but Hightower circles away and keeps his distance.
Hightower bobbing and weaving, closes the distance and lands a hook to the side of Madzarov's head.
Madzarov tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion. #CL2#
Madzarov instigates a clinch.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Hightower tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Madzarov misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Hightower.
Madzarov tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Hightower avoids it.
Hightower lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
Madzarov works on Hightower's body with a couple of short punches.#BC#
Hightower breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat. #CL2#
Madzarov rushes Hightower and presses him up against the ropes.
Hightower misses with some punches.
Madzarov using the Thai clinch to land knees to the body.
Hightower blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.
Madzarov misses with a body punch.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close round but Jason Hightower did the better work so I'd imagine he'll take it.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action! This is the final round!#R4##CL2#
Madzarov moves into the clinch successfully.
Madzarov tries a body shot but Hightower blocks it.
Hightower misses with a punch on the inside.
Madzarov keeps control of Hightower as he tries to wriggle out of the double underhooks.
Madzarov tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Hightower's elbow.
Madzarov misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Hightower is trying to break the clinch but Madzarov has him pressed against the ropes.
Madzarov misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Hightower blocks a body shot from Madzarov.
Hightower goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Madzarov prevents a body shot from Hightower.
Madzarov tries to throw a body punch but Hightower avoids it by throwing Madzarov back against the ropes.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Hightower lands with a short punch from the clinch.
Madzarov tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Hightower's elbow.
Madzarov tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Hightower's elbow.
Madzarov tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Hightower's elbow.
Madzarov tries a body shot but Hightower blocks it.
Hightower goes for a body shot but it's blocked. #T1##BC#
Hightower escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Madzarov tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Hightower throws a body kick but he wasn't in range.
Madzarov fails in his attempt to clinch.
Hightower scores with a nice body kick. #CL2#
Madzarov has closed the distance and engaged Hightower in a clinch. #BC#
Hightower breaks from the clinch.
Hightower swats away the attempt to clinch by Madzarov.
Hightower throwing a counter right hand but Madzarov manages to avoid it.
Madzarov tries to clinch there but Hightower circles away.
Jason Hightower is winning the standup battle so far.
Hightower lands a jab.
Madzarov fails in his attempt to clinch.
Hightower tried to counter with a leg kick but Madzarov avoided it.#CL2#
Madzarov clinches.
Vito Madzarov has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Jason Hightower is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.#T2#
Hightower throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Madzarovs head.
Madzarov goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Hightower blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.#BC#
Hightower breaks from the clinch. #CL2#
The fight moves into the clinch position.
Madzarov tries a body shot but Hightower blocks it.
Madzarov tries a body shot but Hightower blocks it.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Madzarov is trying to wear down his opponent with knees to the body.
Madzarov misses with a hook to the ribs.
Hightower lands with a short shot to the head.
Madzarov can't find room to land a body shot as Hightower controls the action.
Hightower struggles to land a body shot inside as Madzarov controls his hands.
Hightower prevents a body shot from Madzarov. #T3#
Hightower lands an uppercut.
Hightower struggles to land a body shot inside as Madzarov controls his hands. #BC#
Hightower escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
A combination from Madzarov does no damage.
A counter left hand to the body from Hightower misses its target.
Hightower throws a nice outside leg kick.
Madzarov moves in looking to clinch but Hightower pushes him off.
Madzarov closes the distance but Hightower moves to the side
and Hightower counters with a body kick that stops Madzarov in his tracks momentarily. #CL2#
Madzarov fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Hightower, pushing him back against the ropes.#BC#
Hightower breaks from the clinch.
Hightower swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Hightower misses with a head kick.
Hightower changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.#T4#
Madzarov closes the distance looking to clinch
enabling Hightower to counter with a crisp jab. #CL2#
Madzarov clinches up with Hightower and pushes him back against the ropes.
Madzarov tries to work over Hightower's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Hightower presses Madzarov against the ropes and delivers a mid-strength body shot.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Hightower lands a hook that snaps the head of Madzarov backwards.
Hightower tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Hightower blocks a body shot from Madzarov.
Hightower is using his height advantage well here, landing a good percentage of his punches.
Madzarov misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Hightower tries a body shot but Madzarov blocks it.
Madzarov doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Hightower misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Madzarov lands a good knee to the midsection. Hightower won't want to take too many of those.
Madzarov missing with knees to the body.

And that's the end of the fight!
Jason Hightower showed his dominance in that final round.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Hightower, 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 4 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Illya Tyunina scores the fight 40:36
Judge Fedor Mirinova scores the fight 40:36
Judge Aleksandr Martynov scores the fight 40:36

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Jason Hightower!
Jason Hightower is the new super heavyweight champion!
A victorious Jason Hightower thanked his army of followers in his post fight interview, telling people to make sure they follow him on Twitter.

Event: VKT 11: Benzo Vs HighTower
Date: Apr 10, 2021

#R1#
Barboza throws a body kick that misses
and Hightower counters with a stiff right hand. #CUT2#It looks like Bento Barboza has been cut.
Barboza wants to clinch but Hightower slips to the side
and Hightower counters with a leg kick.
An inside leg kick lands from Hightower.
Hightower takes a shot to the nose. Hopefully that hasn't broken it.
Barboza needs to keep his hands up - Hightower had a free shot at his head there.
Barboza looking to throw a kick but he's pulled out of it.
Barboza misses with a looping right.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Barboza with poor footwork there. He got himself in a bit of a tangle, enabling Hightower to score with a decent uppercut.
Barboza throws a hook but Hightower blocks it.
Good shot there by Hightower.
Barboza has been working on his boxing with his coaches at Fist of Fury Training Center in the buildup to the fight.
Barboza tries to move into range but Hightower moves to the side and lands with a nice right hand.#T1#
Hightower scores with a reasonable looking shot to the body. Barboza doesn't seem bothered though.
Barboza misses with a looping right.
Hightower lands a jab to the head.
Hightower scores with a reasonable looking shot to the body. Barboza doesn't seem bothered though.
Donk. Hightower catches Barboza right on the button with a cross.
Barboza takes a swing at Hightower's ribcage but misses.
Hightower is using his reach advantage to land shots from outside his opponent's range.
Hightower fakes with a right hand and throws a good leg kick, right into the thigh. That had to hurt Barboza.
Hightower pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Hightower keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot. #T2#
Barboza throws a poor cross that misses
and Hightower counters nicely by changing levels and landing a hook to the body.
Hightower keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Barboza.
Hightower swings away with a counter right hand but no contact made.
Barboza is really struggling to find his range with his punches. Hightower's reach advantage is clearly causing him problems.
Barboza buckles his opponent's knee momentarily with a nice leg kick.
Barboza takes a really solid shot there but just smiles back and shrugs his shoulders.
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!
Barboza misses with a jab to the body
and Hightower counters with a stiff right hand.
Hightower throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Barboza misses with a right hand
and Hightower counters with a lovely shot to the body.
Hightower is landing a lot of head punches in this opening round! Barboza had better start moving his head a bit unless he wants his face to turn into mush.
Barboza cracks Hightower with a hook to the jaw. Both fighters smile at eachother and high-five before getting back down to business.
Barboza digs a good body shot into Hightower's ribs.
Hightower thuds his shin into the meat of Barboza's side.#T3#
Hightower tries to score with a leg kick but it misses it's target.
Barboza throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Hightower sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Hightower raises up his leg as if looking to counter with a high kick.
The fighters circling - Barboza throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Hightower throws a leg kick which misses Barboza's front leg but catches the back leg as Barboza tries to avoid it.
Barboza misses with a right hand
and Hightower counters with a stiff right hand.
Barboza swings for the body but Hightower moves out of range.
Hightower throws a looping overhand right but Barboza ducks down to avoid it.
Barboza misses with a lunging right hand
and Hightower makes him pay by landing a nice hook to the body before moving out of range.
Hightower paws at his opponent with the jab and then lunges in with a straight, right on the button.#T4#
Hightower with a nice cross.
Barboza swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Hightower has used his reach advantage pretty well so far tonight.
Hightower looks to land a right hand but Barboza moved out of range.
Barboza takes an uppercut right on the jaw but it doesn't phase him.
Hightower throws a leg kick which misses Barboza's front leg but catches the back leg as Barboza tries to avoid it.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Hightower lands with a nice body punch.
Hightower circles away from the clinch attempt. #CL#
The fight moves into the clinch position.
Barboza blocks a body shot from Hightower.
Barboza keeps the fight in the clinch, despite Hightower's efforts to push away.
Barboza gets an overhook and lands an elbow to the side of the head.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Jason Hightower dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Bento Barboza's cut.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.#R2#
Nice shot by Hightower.
Hightower misses with a shot to the body
and Barboza connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Hightower has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Some bone on bone action there as Hightower checks a low kick. Luckily it wasn't a particularly hard one.
Barboza misses with a low kick.
Hightower lands the left hand.
Barboza pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Hightower getting the better of the striking in that exchange.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Barboza tries to move into range but Hightower moves to the side and lands with a nice right hand.
Hightower throws a right hand that misses
and Barboza counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Nice defenses there by Hightower.#T1#
Hightower listening to his corner there, landing a nice uppercut.
Hightower waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Barboza.
A counter left hand to the body from Barboza misses its target.
Barboza uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Hightower.
Barboza keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Barboza misses with a hook. Hightower ducked under it nicely.
Hightower wants to slow Barboza down by chopping away at his legs.
Barboza throws a body shot but no joy.
Hightower throws a leg kick but Barboza sees it coming and checks it nicely.
Hightower misses with a hook.#T2#
Barboza tries to score with an inside leg kick but telegraphs it and Hightower is able to avoid easily.
That kick from Barboza tenderised Hightower's leg. Hightower is trying to keep his angry face on.
Barboza throws an ugly left hook that misses
and Hightower counters with a one-two to the body.
Hightower dances in quickly and lands a nice inside leg kick on Barboza. That did some damage!
Hightower throws a quick inside leg kick.
Barboza fails in his attempt to clinch.
Hightower raises up his leg as if looking to counter with a high kick.#CL#
Barboza gets a clinch.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!#BC2#
Hightower manages to break the clinch.
Hightower has his head snapped back a nice jab. A little nod from Hightower there as he acknowledges the shot.
Barboza takes a solid shot to the body. That one hurt him but he's trying not to show it.#T3#
Barboza works his jab well there, keeping his opponent at a distance.
Hightower just misses with a punch to the body.
Hightower avoids the body shot from Barboza.
Barboza misses with a body shot
and Hightower counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Hightower cracks Barboza with a hook to the jaw. Both fighters smile at eachother and high-five before getting back down to business.
Hightower scores with a reasonable looking shot to the body. Barboza doesn't seem bothered though.
Barboza takes one on the button.
Hightower misses with an uppercut. Barboza saw that one coming.
Barboza is looking to counter punch.
Barboza looks like he's developed a pretty tasty lump over his left eye. He'll need to avoid taking much more damage to that.
A jab from Hightower does it's job there.#T4#
Hightower buckles his opponent's knee momentarily with a nice leg kick.
Barboza scores with a push kick.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Hightower looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.
Barboza misses with a kick to the body.
Hightower buckles his opponent's knee momentarily with a nice leg kick.
Hightower swings widly with a right hand
and Barboza counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Barboza keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Barboza misses with a straight right.
Hightower getting the better of the striking in that exchange.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Jason Hightower showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The cut man is working on Bento Barboza's cut.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!#R3#
Hightower thumps Barboza with a low kick.
Barboza throws a poor cross that misses
and Hightower counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Barboza wants to land a leg kick but Hightower is out of range.
Hightower misses with a body kick.
Barboza has his hands up protecting his head but a hook from Hightower finds it's way round the side to connect with Barboza's head.
Hightower connects with a lovely jab that went straight through the gap between Barboza's hands.
Hightower tries to check a leg kick but that clearly hurt him.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Hightower misses with a body shot.
Jab by Barboza.
Barboza takes one on the chin but keeps coming. #T1#
Barboza throws a leg kick that is checked
and Hightower makes him pay by landing a thudding low kick.
Hightower misses with a wild body shot.
Barboza takes a shot right to the bread basket.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Hightower throws a good cross that connects.
Hightower with a nice looking leg kick. You could hear that one land in a back row.
Hightower throws a head kick that looked like it stung.
Hightower takes an uppercut right on the jaw but it doesn't phase him.
Jason Hightower seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Barboza misses with a hook
letting Hightower counter with a right hand.
Barboza looks to throw the jab but Hightower is out of range. #T2#
Barboza misses with a right hand
and Hightower counters with a leg kick.
Barboza throws a leg kick
and Hightower counters with a straight right hand.#ROC2#Barboza is rocked!
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
A nice leg kick from Hightower, right into the meat of the thigh.
Hightower misses with a wild body shot.
Barboza throws a predictable looking body shot
and Barboza takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Hightower misses with a body shot.
Barboza ducks under a wild hook from Hightower.
Hightower throws a leg kick that misses. #T3#
Barboza throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Hightower steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Barboza.
Hightower now looks to counter with a shot at the body.
Hightower connects with a body shot that sends Barboza's belly button to the back.
Hightower lands with a shot to the body.
Hightower feints a jab promting Barboza to slip. Hightower then demonstrates his capabilities by jabbing again. Barboza slips again and ducks right into an uppercut.
Hightower thows a body kick. Barboza tries to catch it but that hurt him.
Barboza misses with a looping left.
Hightower thuds a left hand into Barboza's body.#T4##KD2#
Hightower drops Barboza with a hook right on the temple. He thinks about going to the ground but Barboza looks back up at him and smiles so Hightower waves him back to his feet - he obviously thinks he can knock him out after that shot landed.
Oh Barboza is still all over the place! His legs are completely gone! Will he be able to recover?!!
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!
Hightower misses the shot to the body.
Barboza seems to have got his legs back now.
Hightower fakes the body blow, causing Barboza to drop his hands! Left hook to the temple! Barboza goes stiff, and falls face first into the mat. Goodnight!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:26 of round 3, we have a winner by way of KO (Punch). Jason Hightower!
Jason Hightower is the new super heavyweight champion!
A relieved looking Jason Hightower thanked the fans for their support and gave the usual line about them being amazing. They seemed to believe that he actually meant it.

Event: VKT: 10 Benzo Vs.Faulk
Date: Mar 06, 2021

#R1#
Hightower tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
The fighters circling - Thomas throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Hightower was about to counter that last move with a leg kick but changes his mind.
Derrick Thomas seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Thomas lands with a nice low kick. That'll leave a bruise.
Hightower swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Thomas misses with an uppercut.
Thomas tries to clinch up against the ropes, rushing in to close the distance. Hightower manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Thomas throws a hook but Hightower avoids it easily.
An inside leg kick lands from Hightower. #CL#
Thomas drives through and clinches with Hightower against the ropes.
Hightower working aggressively here.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Thomas.
Hightower throws a head punch that misses.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Hightower tries to throw a body punch but Thomas avoids it by throwing Hightower back against the ropes.
Thomas can't find room to land a body shot as Hightower controls the action.
Hightower blocks a body shot from Thomas.
Thomas lands with a left to the head.
Hightower tries to work over Thomas's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
A left hand lands to the body for Hightower.
Thomas lands a shot to the body.#T1#
A short right hand to the side of the head by Hightower.
Thomas tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Good body shot from Thomas.
A short uppercut from Thomas.
Hightower lands a shoulder strike.
A short body shot lands from Thomas as the two fighters clinch.
Hightower looks winded!
Thomas blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Thomas tries to work over Hightower's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Thomas prevents a body shot from Hightower.
Thomas misses with a short punch on the inside.
Hightower lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
Thomas working some nice short punches in the clinch.
Hightower swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Thomas misses with a hook from the clinch.
A battle for position here, against the ropes.
Hightower lands a nice uppercut.
Thomas throws a head punch that misses.
Hightower swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Hightower lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage. #T2#
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Thomas misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Hightower gets through Thomas's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Thomas.
A short uppercut from Thomas.
Thomas struggles to land a body shot inside as Hightower controls his hands.
A head punch on the inside from Hightower fails to land.
Thomas misses with a punch to the body.
A head punch on the inside from Thomas fails to land.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Thomas. #BC2#
Hightower escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Hightower avoids the body shot from Thomas. #CL#
Thomas rushes Hightower and pushes him back against the ropes in a clinch.
Hightower scores with a shoulder strike.
Hightower tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Hightower misses with a punch on the inside.
Hightower misses with a punch to the body.
A nice right hand lands inside from Thomas.
Thomas blocks a body shot from Hightower.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Thomas.
Thomas lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close round but I would say that Derrick Thomas 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.#R2#
Hightower dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Thomas tries to clinch up against the ropes, rushing in to close the distance. Hightower manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Thomas misses with a telegraphed body shot
and Hightower counters with a lovely shot to the body.
Thomas avoids the body shot from Hightower. #CL#
Thomas moves into the clinch.
Hightower fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Thomas looking to slow down the pace here.
Thomas takes a shot to the head.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Thomas.
A nice right hand lands inside from Hightower.
Hightower pushes Thomas back against the ropes and unloads with a body punch.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Hightower tries a body shot but Thomas blocks it.
Good body shot from Hightower.
Hightower scores with a nice hook to the head.
Thomas's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
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!
Thomas letting Hightower take a breather here.
Hightower doesn't land with the attempted body shot. #T1#
Hightower lands a left hand.
Hightower lands on the inside with an uppercut. #ROC2#Thomas is rocked!
Hightower misses with some punches.
Oh Thomas is still all over the place! His legs are completely gone! Will he be able to recover?!!
Hightower swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Thomas blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Hightower fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Hightower misses with the head strike.
Thomas seems to have got his legs back now.
Hightower manages to get underhooks and slows down the pace for a moment.
Hightower throws a punch but it's blocked by Thomas.
Thomas lands a left hand that snaps the head of Hightower backwards. #BC2#
Hightower breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
A cross from Hightower lands.
BAM! Hightower delivers a spinning backfist that drops Thomas like a ragdoll! This is all oooooveeeer! He was out before he hit the ground!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:44 of round 2, we have a winner by way of KO (Spinning Backfist). Jason Hightower!
An out of breath Jason Hightower thanked his loyal fans in his post fight interview, giving them credit for his success over the course of his career.

Event: VKT 9
Date: Jan 30, 2021

#R1#
Hightower uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Doisneau.
Hightower throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Doisneau turns his hip over beautifully as he lands a nice leg kick.
Hightower avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Hightower scoring well with a low kick there. #CL2#
Doisneau has closed the distance and engaged Hightower in a clinch.
I was talking to Hightower's coach per-fight and he was telling me that they'd been working on the clinch in the runup to this fight.
Hightower misses with a punch on the inside.
Hightower lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Doisneau backwards. #CUT#It looks like Roch Doisneau has been cut.
Doisneau swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Doisneau lands a nice shot to the body.
Hightower blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Hightower lands a nice looking hook to the body, against the ropes.
Hightower throws a punch but it's blocked by Doisneau.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Doisneau.
Doisneau swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Doisneau misses with a hook to the ribs.
Hightower has a couple of punches blocked by Doisneau.
Hightower is working Doisneau over against the ropes.
Doisneau looks winded!
Hightower scores with a shoulder strike.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Hightower lands a nice shot to the body. #T1#
Hightower lands a nice uppercut.
Hightower lands a right hand that snaps the head of Doisneau backwards.
Hightower lands with a left to the head.
Hightower presses Doisneau against the ropes and delivers a mid-strength body shot.
A nice right hand lands inside from Hightower.
Hightower lands a body punch.
Hightower presses Doisneau against the ropes and delivers a mid-strength body shot.
Hightower throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Doisneaus head.
A short right from Hightower.
Hightower lands a shoulder strike.
Hightower lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Doisneau backwards.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Nice body punch from Hightower.
Hightower lands an uppercut.
Hightower lands a shoulder strike.
A short right from Hightower.
Hightower lands an uppercut.
A left hand lands to the body for Hightower.
Hightower lands with a left to the head.
Hightower softening up his opponent with strikes, against the ropes.#BC#
Hightower manages to break the clinch.
Doisneau chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Hightower can pounce on him. #T2#
Hightower looks to land a combination but Doisneau avoids it well.
Hightower swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Hightower is looking to chop away at Doisneau's legs.
Hightower lunges at Doisneau with a hook that half lands and is half blocked by Doisneau's hand.
Doisneau misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Hightower.
Hightower thows a left - swing and a miss!
Doisneau connects with a leg kick.
Hightower fakes a head punch and goes low to the body. Nicely done.
Hightower moves away from the strike by Doisneau.
Doisneau looking to land some kicks to the body here.
Hightower appeared to be looking to counter that last move with a leg kick.
A punch combination from Hightower misses.
Doisneau throws a wild body kick that Hightower sees coming a mile off.
Hightower ducks under a wild hook from Doisneau.
Hightower throws a shot to the body.
Hightower lands an overhand right.#T3#
A head kick misses from Hightower.
Hightower throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
It seemed like Doisneau was going to counter with the hook but didn't fully commit to it.
Hightower with a nice calf kick.
Doisneau walks straight into an uppercut. Luckily it didn't land flush.
Doisneau goes for a spinning back kick but it misses.
Hightower shapes like he's going to throw a leg kick but settles back down.
Doisneau slips a jab from Hightower.
Doisneau throws a body shot but no joy.
Hightower was looking to counter that last move with a shot to the body but he didn't commit.
A decent looking body kick lands there for Hightower.
Hightower swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Hightower is using his reach advantage well here, landing the more effective single shots from range.#KD#
Hightower looks low and kicks high, catching Doisneau right on the side of the head, sending him crashing to the canvas! Will he be able to beat the count? 3,4,5 - he's already back to his feet and ready to go! Let's see if he's still with it!#CUT#That has opened up Roch Doisneau's cut even more.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Doisneau drops his hands and takes a jab to the jaw for his troubles.
Hightower ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.#KD#
Hightower scores a knockdown with a big right hand! Doisneau beats the count and gets back to his feet. The referee asks him to walk forwards and it appears he is OK so we'll continue the bout.#ROC#Doisneau is rocked!#T4#
Hightower wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.
Hightower ducks down and throws a big overhand right - it lands flush on the jaw, knocking Doisneau out cold! The fight is over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:09 of round 1, we have a winner by way of KO (Punch). Jason Hightower!
A relieved looking Jason Hightower thanked the fans for their support and gave the usual line about them being amazing. They seemed to believe that he actually meant it.

Event: VKT 6
Date: Jan 02, 2021

#R1#
Hightower fails to land with a series of punches.
Armstrong doesn't manage to clinch there - Hightower circles away.
Hightower scores with a jab. Armstrong acknowledges it with a nod of the head. #CUT2#It looks like Joe Armstrong has been cut.
Hightower swats away the attempt to clinch by Armstrong.
Armstrong just misses with a punch to the body.
Armstrong moves out of range of the strikes.
Hightower scores with a jab to the body.
Armstrong defending well as Hightower loads up on a big left hand.
Armstrong throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Armstrong connects nicely with a jab. Noted by the judges no doubt.
Hightower doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.#CL#
Armstrong clinches up against the cage.
Armstrong misses with a hook from the clinch.
Armstrong blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Hightower misses with a body punch.
Hightower misses with a punch on the inside.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Armstrong misses with some punches.
Hightower blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Armstrong misses with a hook from the clinch.
Hightower blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Hightower stays in close to his opponent and throws a right hand to the body.#T1#
Armstrong throws a head punch that misses.
Hightower working aggressively here.
Hightower lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
Hightower misses with a hook to the ribs.
Armstrong working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
Armstrong misses with a short punch on the inside.
Armstrong working aggressively here.
Armstrong misses with the head strike.
Hightower tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Armstrong throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Hightowers head.
Hightower blocks a body shot from Armstrong.
Hightower swings away with an uppercut that misses. #BC2#
Hightower breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance. #CL#
Armstrong clinches up with Hightower and pushes him back against the cage.
Hightower makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Armstrong.
Hightower lands a nice shot to the body.
Hightower struggles to land a body shot inside as Armstrong controls his hands.
Hightower misses with a hook to the ribs.
Armstrong can't find room to land a body shot as Hightower controls the action.
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!
Armstrong misses with a hook to the ribs. #T2#
Hightower tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Good body shot from Armstrong.
Hightower working aggressively here.
Hightower can't find room to land a body shot as Armstrong controls the action.
Hightower blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Hightower softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
Hightower blocks an uppercut.
A short body shot lands from Hightower as the two fighters clinch.
Armstrong is breathing heavily.
Hightower lands on the inside with an uppercut.
Nice body punch from Hightower - that landed with a thud.
Hightower swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Hightower throws a hook to the body. More of an arm punch but it's all scoring with the judges.
Hightower lands with a good tight uppercut to the head. #CUT2#Joe Armstrong's cut is getting worse.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, Hightower creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
Hightower scores with a shoulder strike.
Hightower lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Hightower gets through Armstrong's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
Hightower lands a nice looking hook to the body, against the cage.
Hightower scores with a shoulder strike.
Hightower lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
Hightower scores with a nice hook to the head.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Jason Hightower dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Joe Armstrong's cut.
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#
Hightower weaves into range and cracks Armstrong right on the temple with a beautiful overhand right! Armstrong goes down! He's out cold! Wow, what a beautiful knockout! Hightower is strutting round the canvas like a movie star as the camera bulbs flash frantically.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 0:05 of round 2, we have a winner by way of KO (Punch). Jason Hightower!
A very excited looking Jason Hightower made sure he remembered to thank all the fans both in the arena and on the internet. He said all the coolest people spend all day on MMA websites, which got a big reaction.
Joe Armstrong spoke after the fight, saying 'God bless America! We will fucking nuke you ALL!'.

Event: VKT HW Grand Prix - Last 8
Date: Dec 05, 2020

#R1#
Hightower pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Hightower takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.
Congo swings for the body but Hightower moves out of range.
Hightower throwing a counter right hand but Congo manages to avoid it.
The sound of bone on bone echoes around the arena as Hightower checks a leg kick.
An attempted straight right counter from Hightower misses the target.
Congo misses the shot to the body.
Congo defending well as Hightower loads up on a big left hand.
Congo jabs. That one connects to the head of his opponent.
Hightower has been talking about how he's improved his wrestling in the run up to the fight so let's see if that's enough to sway the balance.
Congo defending well as Hightower loads up on a big left hand.
Congo throws out a counter right but Hightower avoids it with no problem.
Congo is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Congo throws a shot to the body.
Roberto Congo seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Congo misses with an uppercut. #T1#
Hightower throws a lazy right hand but Congo sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Congo tries to clinch up but Hightower circles away and keeps his distance.
Hightower was looking to counter that move with a punch but didn't quite pull the trigger.
Congo misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Hightower.
A little feinted left hand from Hightower on the counter but he doesn't commit to it.
Hightower connects with a hook to the side of his opponent's head.
Congo checks a low kick from Hightower.
Congo slips a straight right by Hightower.
Hightower dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Congo is looking to clinch but Hightower is avoiding it.
Congo lands a pitter patter jab to the forehead of his opponent.
Congo comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.
Hightower slips a jab and a cross from Congo.
Congo rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
and Hightower counters with a straight right hand.#CUT#It looks like Roberto Congo has been cut.#T2#
Congo moves away from the strike by Hightower.
Congo rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
and Hightower counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Congo takes one on the button.
Hightower throws a right hand that misses
and Congo counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Congo swings and misses with a hook to the body.
The fight stays on the outside here - Congo looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Congo throws a hook to the side of Hightower's head but Hightower sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
A looping hook to the body misses from Congo. Hightower does a little dance to reset his feet.
Congo is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Hightower rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
and Congo counters with a straight right hand.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but Roberto Congo will probably get the nod.
The cut man is working on Roberto Congo's cut.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!#R2#
Congo rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
and Hightower counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Hightower just misses with a punch to the body.
Congo looked like he wanted to counter with a punch but didn't throw it.
Congo has done a lot of speed work in the buildup to this fight.
Congo throws a nice looking combination but Hightower bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Congo looks to land a right hand but Hightower moved out of range.
Hightower throws a series of punches but Congo avoids them all with ease.
Hightower takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
Congo steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Hightower.
Hightower on the wrong end of an overhand right that came out of nowhere.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Hightower misses with a straight right.
Congo wants to clinch.
Hightower is really head hunting here, hardly looking to strike to the body at all.#T1##CL2#
Congo moves into the clinch.
Congo lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Hightower backwards.
Congo throws a punch but it's blocked by Hightower.
Congo throws a head punch that misses.
Congo digs a right hand into Hightower's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Hightower's gas tank.
Congo has a couple of punches blocked by Hightower.
Congo tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Hightower's elbow.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Hightower. #BC#
Hightower breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Hightower throws an off balance right hand
enabling Congo to counter with a crisp jab.
Congo lands a pitter patter jab to the forehead of his opponent.
Congo tries to clinch but Hightower moves out of range.
A big right from Hightower misses. #T2#
Congo dances in quickly and lands a nice inside leg kick on Hightower. That did some damage!
A punch lands to the side of Hightower 's head but he takes it in his stride.
Hightower takes one on the chin but seems OK.
Congo has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Hightower jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Hightower thows a left - swing and a miss!
Congo lands a nice hook to Hightower's body. Hightower takes it in his stride and looks to land his own strikes.
Hightower misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Congo.
Hightower gets cracked there but stands up to it.
Congo uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Hightower.
Congo just misses with a punch to the body.
Congo fakes a jab and then connects with a hook.
Congo misses with a body shot.
Hightower throwing a counter right hand but Congo manages to avoid it.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Roberto Congo showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The cut man is working on Roberto Congo's cut.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!#R3#
Hightower lands with an uppercut that bounces Congo off the ropes and back into range.
Hightower has his hands up protecting his head but a hook from Congo finds it's way round the side to connect with Hightower's head.
Congo tries to clinch but Hightower is having none of it.
Congo fakes with the hands and throws a leg kick but Hightower is out of range.
Hightower throwing a counter right hand but Congo manages to avoid it.#CL2#
Congo darts in and clinches Hightower up against the ropes.
Congo lands a nice looking hook to the body, against the ropes.
Congo misses with some punches.
Congo lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
Hightower lands a nice uppercut.
A nice left hand lands by Hightower.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Hightower is trying to slow down the pace in the clinch, to catch his breath.
Congo trying to stall but Hightower improves his position.
Hightower throws a punch but it's blocked by Congo.
A short left from Hightower.
Congo misses with a hook from the clinch. #T1#
Still in the clinch, Congo scores with a nice short uppercut.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Congo.
Congo blocks a body shot from Hightower.
Congo doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Congo lands a nice looking hook to the body, against the ropes.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Congo swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Hightower tries to work over Congo's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Congo throws a head punch that misses.
Nice body punch from Hightower.
Congo misses with a body punch.
Congo lands with a short head shot on the inside.
Congo struggles to land a body shot inside as Hightower controls his hands.
Hightower misses with some punches.
Congo softening up his opponent with strikes, against the ropes.
With the fighters clinched against the ropes, Hightower creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
Congo misses with a body punch.
Congo struggles to land a body shot inside as Hightower controls his hands.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Congo. #T2#
A head punch blocked on the inside by Hightower.
Congo has a couple of punches blocked by Hightower.
Hightower has a couple of punches blocked by Congo.
Congo working aggressively here.
Congo swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Congo misses with a shot to the kidneys.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Hightower misses with some punches.
Congo leaning his opponent against the ropes.
Hightower struggles to land a body shot inside as Congo controls his hands.
Hightower lands a nice uppercut.
Hightower misses with a punch on the inside.
Congo lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
Hightower lands a hook to the side of the head.
Hightower misses with a hook from the clinch.
Hightower has a couple of punches blocked by Congo.
A short uppercut from Hightower.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close round but Jason Hightower did the better work so I'd imagine he'll take it.
The cut man is working on Roberto Congo's cut.
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.#R4#
Congo scores with a hook.
Congo throws a hook but Hightower avoids it easily.
Congo waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Hightower.
Congo scores with a punch to the gut of his opponent.
Congo takes an uppercut right on the jaw but it doesn't phase him.
Hightower slips a jab from Congo.
Hightower swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.
Hightower lunges in with an uppercut that skims his opponent's chin.#CL2#
Congo pushes Hightower up against the ropes in a clinch.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Hightower tries a body shot but Congo blocks it.
Hightower tries a body shot but Congo blocks it.
Hightower tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Congo's elbow.
Congo tries to work over Hightower's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Congo misses with a hook from the clinch.
Congo has a couple of punches blocked by Hightower. #T1#
Nice body punch from Hightower.
Congo prevents a body shot from Hightower.
Hightower throws a head punch that misses.
Hightower tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Hightower misses with some punches.
Hightower throws a punch but it's blocked by Congo.
Still in the clinch, Congo scores with a nice short uppercut.
Hightower takes a shot to the head.
Congo lands a left hand.
A head punch on the inside from Hightower fails to land.
Hightower has a couple of punches blocked by Congo.
Hightower throws a head punch that misses.
Hightower misses with a punch to the body.
Congo's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
Hightower fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Congo tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Hightower's elbow.
Both fighters working to control the clinch. #T2#
An uppercut to the body lands inside from Congo.
Hightower can't find room to land a body shot as Congo controls the action.
Hightower misses with a hook from the clinch.
Congo blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Hightower tries to throw a body punch but Congo avoids it by throwing Hightower back against the ropes.
Congo lands a right hand.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Hightower misses with some punches. #BC#
Hightower pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Congo ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Congo uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Hightower.
Congo swings and misses with a shot to the body
and Hightower counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Congo scores with a sloppy punch to the body. Not much technique there but it did the business.
Congo tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Congo throws a jab to the body, straight down the pipe. Boom. That sent Hightower stumbling backwards but he manages to regain his composure quickly.
Congo misses with a body shot.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

A close fourth round but Roberto Congo will probably get the nod - 10:9.
The cut man is working on Roberto Congo's cut.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin! This is the final round!#R5#
Congo lands a nice leg kick that just misses Hightower's sensitive parts.
Hightower blocks a jab.
Congo is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Hightower.
Congo swings widly with a right hand
and Hightower cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Roberto Congo seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Congo throws a low kick but it's checked well by Hightower.
Congo avoids the body shot from Hightower.
A looping hook to the body misses from Congo. Hightower does a little dance to reset his feet.
Hightower misses with a left hand
letting Congo counter with a right hand.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Congo connects with a right hand. Hightower shakes it off.
Congo looks to score with a jab to the body but Hightower is just out of range.
Hightower scores with a jab.
Congo tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Roberto Congo is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.#T1#
Hightower stumbles momentarily as he takes a strong leg kick from Congo.
Hightower misses with a left hand
and Congo counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Congo displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Hightower throws out the jab.
Congo fakes a head punch and goes low to the body. Nicely done.
Jason Hightower has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Congo takes a shot to the eye socket. That's gotta hurt.
Hightower misses with a right hand
and Congo counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Hightower looks to land a right hand but Congo moved out of range.
Congo defending well as Hightower loads up on a big left hand.
Hightower thumps Congo with a low kick.
Congo throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Hightower takes a hook to the side of the head. I wonder if that's got his ears ringing. #T2#
Congo fakes a head shot and lands one to the body.
Congo lands with a cross.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Hightower fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Congo manages to avoid it.
Hightower thuds a left hand into Congo's body.#CL2#
Congo moves into the clinch.
Hightower misses with the head strike.
Hightower swings wildly with an uppercut but Congo uses good head movement to avoid it.
Hightower misses with a punch to the body.
Hightower working aggressively here.
Hightower takes a shot to the head.
Congo blocks a body shot from Hightower.

And that's the end of the fight!
Roberto Congo comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
Well Congo has outworked and out performed his opponent in all aspects of the game today. He was simply too good and the decision should be no more than a formality. Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 5 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Steve Montenegro scores the fight 46:50
Judge Alyssa Summers scores the fight 47:48
Judge David Schapiro scores the fight 46:50

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Roberto Congo!
Roberto Congo was full of energy after the big win and talked about how he thinks he can do big things in this sport. The crowd were appreciative of his determination to succeed.

Event: VKT HW Grand Prix - Last 16
Date: Nov 14, 2020

#R1#
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Hightower throws an ugly left hook that misses
and Hightower takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Hightower has been talking about how he's improved his wrestling in the run up to the fight so let's see if that's enough to sway the balance.
Hightower throws the left hand but Delicada avoids the punch easily.
Delicada throws out a counter right but Hightower avoids it with no problem.
A jab from Hightower misses.
Hightower scores with a nice right hand.
Hightower throws a body punch but Delicada moves out of range.
Hightower misses with a shot to the body
and Delicada counters nicely by changing levels and landing a hook to the body.
The crowd cheers as Hightower lands an impressive looking overhand right. Delicada doesn't seem phased though.
Hightower throws a body shot but no joy.
Hightower throws a leg kick but he was too far away and it doesn't land.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Delicada blocks a jab.
Hightower connects with a slap. Keep your fist closed son.
Delicada uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Hightower.
Delicada throws out a counter right but Hightower avoids it with no problem.
Hightower wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.#T1#
Hightower catches Delicada with a nice straight right. He seems pissed - ooooh, it's on now! On like donkey kong!
Delicada closes the distance and takes a jab right on the nose as he does so.
Hightower tries to land a leg kick but Delicada saw it coming and moves away.
A big left from Hightower misses.
Hightower swats away the attempt to clinch by Delicada.#CL2#
Delicada fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Hightower, pushing him back against the ropes.
Delicada scores with a nice hook to the head.
Delicada working aggressively here.
Hightower is trying to break free.
Delicada misses with a punch to the body.
Delicada misses with a shot to the kidneys.
With the fighters clinched against the ropes, Delicada creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut. #T2#
A nice right hand lands inside from Delicada.
Delicada lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
Hightower blocks a body shot from Delicada.
Hightower digs a right hand into Delicada's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Delicada's gas tank.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Delicada has a couple of punches blocked by Hightower.
Delicada is trying to maintain a safe position but Hightower gets an underhook and turns Delicada into the ropes.
Hightower struggles to land a body shot inside as Delicada controls his hands.
Delicada throws a head punch that misses.
Delicada misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Hightower tries to throw a body punch but Delicada avoids it by throwing Hightower back against the ropes.
Delicada misses with a punch to the body. #BC#
Hightower manages to break the clinch.
Hightower scores with a body shot.
Hightower lands a glancing blow to the side of Delicada's head.
Hightower throws a lazy right hand but Delicada sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Delicada takes a body punch but keeps moving.
A nice inside leg kick there by Hightower. That's going to slow Delicada down.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Jason Hightower dominated that round.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action.#R2#
Hightower takes a swing at Delicada's ribcage but misses.
Delicada unleashes a big counter combination but Hightower bobs and weaves and avoids any damage.
Hightower lands a pitter patter jab to the forehead of his opponent.
Delicada shakes his hands off, looking to compose himself, but takes a jab to the jaw whilst he does it.
Jason Hightower seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.#CL2#
Delicada clinches up with Hightower and pushes him back against the ropes.
Hightower pushes Delicada back against the ropes and lands a hook to the side of the head.
Delicada misses with a hook to the ribs.
Delicada lands a hook to the side of the head.
Delicada lands an uppercut.
With the fighters clinched against the ropes, Hightower creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
Hightower struggles to land a body shot inside as Delicada controls his hands.
A head punch on the inside from Hightower fails to land.
Delicada looks more muscular than last time we saw him. He must have been on the weights.
Hightower prevents a body shot from Delicada.
Delicada working some nice short punches in the clinch.
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!
Hightower working aggressively here.
Hightower trying to control the position but instead, Delicada has worked for underhooks and has pushed Hightower into the ropes.
Delicada tries to work over Hightower's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Good body shot from Delicada. #T1#
Still in the clinch, Delicada scores with a nice short uppercut.
Hightower is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Delicada can do to turn this around?
Delicada tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Delicada misses with a hook to the ribs.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Delicada.
Flor Delicada seems to be working more effectively in the clinch in the fight so far.
Hightower blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Delicada doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Delicada tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Delicada misses with a punch to the body. #BC#
Hightower pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.#CL2#
Delicada has managed to clinch.
Delicada tries a body shot but Hightower blocks it.
Hightower softening up his opponent with strikes, against the ropes.
Hightower misses with the head strike.
Hightower is leaning against Delicada and scores with a nice uppercut to the body.
Delicada tries a body shot but Hightower blocks it.
Delicada blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Delicada is working Hightower over against the ropes.
A hook to the body from Hightower. #BC#
Hightower breaks the clinch. #CL2#
Delicada clinches with his opponent. #T2#
Hightower blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Delicada digs a right hand underneath Hightower's ribcage. Hightower let out a lung full of air as it connected.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Delicada misses with a punch to the body.
Delicada lands a right hand that snaps the head of Hightower backwards.
Delicada misses with a body punch.
Hightower lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Delicada backwards.
A head punch on the inside from Delicada fails to land.
Delicada lands with a short shot to the head.
Delicada misses with a punch on the inside.
Delicada tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Delicada blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Hightower lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
Hightower lands a right hand.
Hightower misses with a hook from the clinch.
A short right from Hightower on the inside.
Hightower misses with a hook from the clinch.
Delicada tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Hightower's elbow.
A short uppercut from Hightower.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Hightower softening up his opponent with strikes, against the ropes.
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 Jason Hightower will probably get the nod.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!#R3#
Hightower scores with a straight right hand, right through his opponent's guard.#CL2#
Delicada moves into the clinch.
Hightower lands with a short punch from the clinch. #ROC#Delicada is rocked!
A nice left hand lands by Hightower.
Delicada is still on wobbly legs! Can Hightower finish him?
Delicada blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Hightower working aggressively here.
Delicada tries to work over Hightower's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Hightower fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Delicada blocks an uppercut.
A head punch on the inside from Hightower fails to land.
Hightower swings away with an uppercut that misses.
The fighters are starting to get sweaty, which will make takedowns a bit more tricky.
Hightower misses with a hook from the clinch.
Delicada fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Hightower swings wildly with an uppercut but Delicada uses good head movement to avoid it.
A right hand to the body from Hightower.
Hightower misses with some punches.
Delicada tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Hightower's elbow.
Delicada seems to have recovered his senses.
Hightower is using his height advantage well here, landing a good percentage of his punches.
Delicada tries a body shot but Hightower blocks it.
Hightower blocking some punches.
Hightower pushes Delicada back against the ropes and lands a hook to the side of the head.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Hightower misses with a punch to the body.
Delicada softening up his opponent with strikes, against the ropes.
Hightower tries to work over Delicada's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Delicada swings wildly with an uppercut but Hightower uses good head movement to avoid it.
Delicada lands with a light punch inside.
Hightower misses with a hook from the clinch. #T1#
Delicada digs a right hand underneath Hightower's ribcage. Hightower let out a lung full of air as it connected.
Hightower swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Hightower blocking some punches.
With the fighters clinched against the ropes, Delicada creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
Delicada swings wildly with an uppercut but Hightower uses good head movement to avoid it.
Delicada misses with a punch to the body.
Hightower lands on the inside with an uppercut.
Hightower creates a bit of distance and cracks Delicada with a big uppercut! Delicada goes down! The referee pushes Hightower away into a neutral corner and starts the count. 4,5,6,7. Will Delicada make it up in time? He's still flopping around all over the place! The referee has called off the fight! Hightower takes it!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:34 of round 3, we have a winner by way of TKO (Punch). Jason Hightower!
Jason Hightower seemed lost for words in his post fight interview but he remembered to thank his fans and directed everyone to his website.

Event: VKT HW Grand Prix - Round 5 A
Date: Oct 24, 2020

#R1#
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Diesel connects nicely with a jab. Noted by the judges no doubt.
Diesel just misses with a punch to the body.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Hightower! But no joy.
A cross from Hightower lands.#CUT2#It looks like Quinn Diesel has been cut.
Diesel misses with a right hand
and Hightower counters with a shot to the ribs. That looked like it hurt.
Diesel jabs Hightower to the body, keeping him at a distance.
Diesel looks to have improved his striking defense since last time we saw him fight.
Hightower connects nicely with a jab. Noted by the judges no doubt.
Hightower is looking to chop away at Diesel's legs.
That kick from Diesel tenderised Hightower's leg. Hightower is trying to keep his angry face on.
Diesel swings away with a body shot that misses #KD2#
and Hightower counters with a perfectly timed counter left hook that drops Diesel to the mat, face first! Hightower goes to the neutral corner and waits for the referee to start the count. Diesel is back to hise feet already though and looking to continue the bout! Exciting stuff!
Quinn Diesel seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Hightower blocks a leg kick.
Hightower swings away with a counter right hand but no contact made.
A big left from Diesel misses.
Hightower looks like he wants to counter punch here.
Diesel throws a leg kick that is checked
and Hightower counters with a shot to the ribs. That looked like it hurt.
Hightower uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Diesel.
Diesel throws an off balance right hand
and Hightower counters with a nice low kick that buckles Diesel's knee momentarily.
Diesel misses with a leg kick. #T1#
Diesel glances at the clock... BAM! Hightower nails him with a big right hand! A momentary lapse in concentration sends Diesel crashing to the mat! The referee steps in and this one is over! Damn, Diesel is out of it, he thinks the ref is his opponent!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:10 of round 1, we have a winner by way of KO (Punch). Jason Hightower!
A relieved looking Jason Hightower thanked the fans for their support and gave the usual line about them being amazing. They seemed to believe that he actually meant it.

Event: VKT HW Grand Prix - Round 4 A
Date: Oct 03, 2020

#R1#
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Hightower misses with a straight right.
Hightower scores with a jab to the jaw.
Billingsly rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
letting Hightower counter with a right hand. #CUT#It looks like Chad Billingsly has been cut.
Billingsly misses with a lunging right hand
and Hightower counters with a nice body shot. #KD#
Hightower cracks Billingsly with a left hand that drops him to the canvas, up against the ropes! Can Billingsly get back up in time? 3, 4, 5, 6, 7... he's on one knee... 8, 9... he's up! 'Walk towards me' says the referee. Billingsly looks steady enough to continue so we're going to continue!
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!
Nice body punch from Hightower.
Billingsly throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Hightower was looking to counter that last move with a shot to the body but he didn't commit.
Billingsly throws the left hand but Hightower avoids the punch easily.
Billingsly swings widly with a right hand
and Hightower counters with a deadly accurate combination that rocks Billingsly badly! He tries to strike back but Hightower puts an end to that with another precision combo that knocks Billingsly out cold! Oh man, Billingsly will never hear the end of this one!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:57 of round 1, we have a winner by way of KO (Punches). Jason Hightower!
A victorious Jason Hightower thanked his army of followers in his post fight interview, telling people to make sure they follow him on Twitter.

Event: VKT HW Grand Prix - Round 3 A
Date: Sep 12, 2020

#R1#
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Panda takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.
KT Panda seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Panda misses with an uppercut
and Hightower counters with a nice uppercut.
Hightower throws a jab to the body, straight down the pipe. Boom. That sent Panda stumbling backwards but he manages to regain his composure quickly.
Hightower has done a lot of speed work in the buildup to this fight.
Hightower misses with a straight left.
Hightower scores with a jab to the head.
Panda misses with a telegraphed body shot
and Panda takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Panda thows a left - swing and a miss!
Panda looks to throw a body kick
and Hightower counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Hightower moving in and out of range nicely, whilst landing the scoring shot.
Some wild striking there from Hightower.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Hightower lands with a shot to the body. #T1##KD2#
Hightower lands with a right, followed by a left to the temple and Panda goes down! The ref sends Hightower to a neutral corner so he can begin the count. 3,4,5,6 and Panda is back to his feet. He seems a little groggy but the referee thinks he's OK to continue, so we're back to the action!#CUT2#It looks like KT Panda has been cut.
Both fighters step back and shake their arms out. Hightower engages and cracks Panda with a massive lead left hook - Panda tumbles to the floor, out cold! What a shot! Hightower is delighted - all that hard work in training paid off!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:14 of round 1, we have a winner by way of KO (Punch). Jason Hightower!

Event: VKT HW Grand Prix - Round 2 A
Date: Aug 22, 2020

#R1#
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Johnston throws an overhand right that lands on Hightower's shoulder, as Hightower tries to avoid the shot.
Hightower steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Johnston.
As Johnston looks to move away, Hightower throws a big counter combo but Johnston just gets out of the way.
Hightower misses with a double jab
and Johnston counters with a nice body shot.
Johnston throws a sloppy body shot
and Hightower counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Johnston swings widly with a right hand
enabling Hightower to counter with a crisp jab.
Hightower dodges the punch combination from Johnston.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Johnston lands a slapping body shot.
Johnston cracks Hightower with a good shot that sees him stumbling back into the ropes.
Johnston misses with a body shot #KD#
and Hightower counters with a lead uppercut that lands right on the button! Johnston goes down! Will Johnston beat the count? 3,4,5 - he's up! No problem. Let's get back to the action!#CUT#It looks like John Johnston has been cut.#T1#
Hightower misses with a double jab.
Johnston appears to be waiting to throw a counter punch to the body.
Johnston scores with a jab to the head.
Johnston smiles there as he lands a nice right hand right on the button.
Hightower on the wrong end of a nice jab.
Johnston lands a jab to Hightower's midsection.
Johnston loads up on a big right hand but Hightower slips the punch.
Johnston misses with a hook to the body
and Johnston takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
A shot to the body from Johnston misses
letting Hightower counter with a right hand.
Hightower walks straight into a jab right on the nose. That one stung - he's blinking and trying to clear his head.
Johnston throws a looping overhand right but Hightower ducks down to avoid it.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Johnston throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
It looked like Hightower wanted to counter with a hook but didn't fully commit.#T2#
Johnston scores with a body shot.
Johnston misses with a wild body shot.
Johnston misses with a straight left.
Johnston's jab looks to have found its range, popping Hightower under the eye.
Hightower tests Johnston's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Hightower dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Johnston throws an off balance right hand
and Hightower counters with a right hand from hell and Johnston is out cold! A vicious knockout!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:46 of round 1, we have a winner by way of KO (Punch). Jason Hightower!

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