Play by Play - Fighter's Fight Commentary

Event: C184: McWrestler vs Doomsday
Date: Apr 16, 2023

#R1#
Arroyo works the jab nicely.
A jab from Hoca misses.
Hoca ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Arroyo moves away.
Arroyo fakes a jab and then connects with a hook.#CUT#It looks like Necmettin Hoca has been cut.
Hoca works the jab nicely.#CUT2#It looks like Javier Arroyo has been cut.
Hoca misses with a looping right.
Nice body kick from Arroyo.
Hoca looks to land a left hand but Arroyo moved out of range nicely.#CL#
Hoca tries to keep at a distance but Arroyo has taken the fight into the clinch.
Hoca doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
I was talking to Arroyo's coach per-fight and he was telling me that they'd been working on the clinch in the runup to this fight.#BC#
Arroyo pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.#CL#
Arroyo rushes Hoca and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Arroyo blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Hoca misses with a body punch. #BC#
Arroyo breaks from the clinch.
A good leg kick by Arroyo.
Hoca throws a big shot that misses.
Arroyo blocks a jab.
Hoca throws a looping overhand right but Arroyo ducks down to avoid it.
Hoca throws a hook but Arroyo avoids it easily.#CL#
Arroyo rushes Hoca and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.
Arroyo throws a punch but it's blocked by Hoca.
Hoca wants to get back to striking at distance but Arroyo won't allow it. #T1#
Arroyo scores with a shot to the side of Hoca's head.
A head punch on the inside from Hoca fails to land. #BC#
Arroyo pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Arroyo is on the wrong end of a nice combination from Hoca.
Arroyo showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Hoca. #CL#
Arroyo gets a clinch. #BC#
Arroyo's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Hoca throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
No joy there for Hoca, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
It looked like Arroyo was trying to counter with a body shot coming off that last attack from Hoca.
Arroyo comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.
Hoca takes a shot to the eye socket. That's gotta hurt.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Hoca misses with a hook.#CL#
Hoca tries to keep at a distance but Arroyo has taken the fight into the clinch.
Hoca has a couple of punches blocked by Arroyo.
Arroyo gets through Hoca's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
Arroyo lands a right hand that snaps the head of Hoca backwards.
Hoca blocks an uppercut.
Arroyo lands a body punch in the clinch. #T2#
Hoca wants to push off and get back to the center of the mat but Arroyo has him pressed against the cage.
Hoca blocks a body shot from Arroyo.
Good body shot from Arroyo. #BC#
Arroyo pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
The fighters circle momentarily. Arroyo darts into range and connects with a nice straight punch.
Hoca throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Hoca throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Arroyo throws a feint and then finishes with a kick to the body.
Hoca looks winded!#CL#
Arroyo closes the distance and clinches.
Arroyo lands with a short punch from the clinch.
Hoca goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Nice body punch from Arroyo - that landed with a thud. #BC#
Arroyo breaks the clinch.
Hoca fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Arroyo manages to avoid it.
Nice body kick from Arroyo.#KD#
Arroyo lands a big right hand that sends Hoca crashing to the mat! Arroyo stays standing though and waves Hoca back to his feet!#CL#
Arroyo closes the distance and clinches.
Arroyo scores with a nice hook to the head.#ROC#Hoca is rocked!
A right handed body shot lands from Arroyo.
A right hook to the body lands for Arroyo. #T3#
Hoca misses with a hook to the ribs.
Hoca throws a punch but it's blocked by Arroyo.
Arroyo scores with a shoulder strike.
Arroyo lands a right hand.
Arroyo lands a hook to the body. It's hard to tell if that hurt Hoca or not.
Arroyo lands a left hand that snaps the head of Hoca backwards.
A short body shot lands from Arroyo as the two fighters clinch.
Arroyo pushes Hoca back against the cage and unloads with a body punch. #BC#
Arroyo breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Arroyo dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
A kick lands to the mid section there for Arroyo.
Arroyo comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.
Hoca gets cracked with a nice right hand there by Arroyo.
Hoca is still on wobbly legs! Can Arroyo finish him?
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.#CL#
Arroyo clinches.
Hoca seems to have recovered his senses.
Arroyo works for underhooks and lands a body shot in the process.
Arroyo cracks Hoca with a nice body shot.
A left hand lands to the body for Arroyo.
Arroyo lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage. #BC#
Arroyo pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.#T4#
Hoca tries to move into range but Arroyo moves to the side and lands with a nice right hand.#CL#
Arroyo closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the cage.
Arroyo lands a left hand.
Still in the clinch, Arroyo scores with a nice short uppercut.
Hoca tries to throw a body punch but Arroyo avoids it by throwing Hoca back against the cage.
Arroyo lands a body punch in the clinch.
Arroyo tries to throw a body punch but Hoca avoids it by throwing Arroyo back against the cage.
Arroyo lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards. #BC#
Arroyo breaks the clinch. #KD#
Arroyo cracks Hoca with a big right hand that sends him crashing to the floor. Arroyo has the opportunity to follow him to the ground but instead he's beckoning Hoca to stand back up!
Wow, both these guys are really going for it!#CL#
Arroyo has managed to clinch.
Arroyo lands a hook that snaps the head of Hoca backwards.
Hoca is trying to force a seperation but Arroyo has the dominant position.
Hoca doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!#BC#
Arroyo's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Arroyo staying out of range there.
Hoca throws a hook but Arroyo avoids it easily.
The fighters are starting to get sweaty, which will make takedowns a bit more tricky.
Arroyo is stalking Hoca. Hoca circles to his left. Keeps circling left. Bam! Straight right from Arroyo, and it's lights out! Hoca really payed the price for that rookie mistake.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:58 of round 1, we have a winner by way of KO (Punch). Javier Arroyo!
A victorious Javier Arroyo thanked his army of followers in his post fight interview, telling people to make sure they follow him on Twitter.

Event: C174: Kahn vs Williams
Date: Mar 19, 2023

#R1#
Hoca 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.
Somelainen takes a jab right on the nose. That must have hurt but he shrugs his shoulders and looks to return the favor.
Somelainen ducks low and lands a nice hook to the body of his opponent.
A swing and a miss from Hoca.
Hoca throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Somelainen scores with a three punch combo!
Hoca takes a hook to the side of the head. I wonder if that's got his ears ringing.
A cross from Somelainen lands.
Hoca throws a body punch but Somelainen moves out of range.
Hoca throws a hook but Somelainen avoids it easily.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Hoca misses with a hook to the body
letting Somelainen counter with a right hand.
Somelainen swinging wildly here.
Somelainen lunges in with an uppercut that skims his opponent's chin.
Somelainen lands a powerful looking uppercut that connected with his opponent's jaw.
Necmettin Hoca seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Hoca misses with a hook
and Somelainen counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Hoca takes a kick to the side of the head.
Somelainen fakes low and throws an overhand right that catches Hoca on the side of the head.
Hoca stuns Somelainen with a nice body shot, before stepping back out of range.
Hoca misses with a straight left.
The fighters circling - Hoca throws out the jab but it was never going to land. #T1#
Somelainen drops his hands and takes a jab to the jaw for his troubles.
Hoca rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
and Somelainen counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Hoca closes the distance and takes a jab right on the nose as he does so.
Hoca misses with a hook
and Hoca takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Hoca avoids the head kick by Somelainen.
Hoca throws an ugly left hook that misses
and Somelainen counters with a straight punch to the midsection.
Somelainen goes to the watering hole and comes back with a big thumbs up from the judges as he scores a three punch combo.
Somelainen throws a head kick that misses.
Hoca throws the left hand but Somelainen avoids the punch easily.
Hoca waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Somelainen.
Somelainen throws a fast counter high kick but Hoca manages to duck under it in time.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Somelainen lands an overhand right.
Hoca misses with a jab to the body
and Somelainen counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Hoca throws an ugly left hook that misses
enabling Somelainen to counter with a crisp jab.
Hoca misses with a looping right.
Somelainen 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.
Somelainen pulls out of a head kick attempt.
A slow jab from Hoca misses its intended target.
A looping hook to the body misses from Hoca. Somelainen does a little dance to reset his feet.
Hoca throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Somelainen sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Hoca just misses with a punch to the body.
Somelainen steps in looking to counter with the mid kick but it doesn't connect.#T2#
A slow jab from Hoca misses its intended target.
Somelainen slips under a jab from Hoca.
Hoca throws a lazy uppercut
and Somelainen counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Nice cross by Somelainen.
Somelainen throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Hoca is looking to counter punch.
Hoca throws a body punch but Somelainen moves out of range.
Hoca misses with a hook.
Hoca tries to bum rush Somelainen with a series of wild strikes but Somelainen uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Somelainen lands a head kick. Hoca smiles back at him and beckons him forward.
Hoca throws a right hand that misses
and Somelainen counters with a lovely straight right hand!
A looping hook to the body misses from Hoca. Somelainen does a little dance to reset his feet.
Hoca chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Somelainen can pounce on him.
Somelainen moves away from the strike by Hoca.
Hoca swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Somelainen scores with a head kick. Hoca tried to block it but didn't get his arm up in time.#CUT2#It looks like Necmettin Hoca has been cut.
Somelainen connects with a nice looking jab.
Somelainen throws a head kick that misses.
Somelainen misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too. #T3#
Somelainen scores with a head kick.
Somelainen keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Hoca moves forwards but Somelainen connects with a nice, crisp jab.
Hoca throws a body shot but no joy.
Hoca throws a combination that misses
and Somelainen counters with a stiff right hand.
Somelainen is landing a lot of head punches in this opening round! Hoca had better start moving his head a bit unless he wants his face to turn into mush.
Hoca takes a kick to the side of the head.
Nice defenses there by Somelainen.
Hoca misses with a straight left.
Hoca throws the left hand but Somelainen avoids the punch easily.
Hoca throws a left and a right that both miss
and Somelainen counters with a lovely shot to the body.
Hoca looks to throw the jab but Somelainen is out of range.
Somelainen tries a head kick but it misses.
Hoca misses the shot to the body.
A big left from Hoca misses.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Hoca looks to land a right hand but Somelainen moved out of range.
Hoca misses with an uppercut.
Good shot there by Somelainen.
Somelainen walks into a jab.#T4#
Hoca throws a hook but Somelainen avoids it easily.
Somelainen is loading up here, looking for a big counter of his own.
A looping hook to the body misses from Hoca. Somelainen does a little dance to reset his feet.
Somelainen uses good footwork to get in and out, landing a nice hook.
The fighters circling - Hoca throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
It seemed like Somelainen was going to counter with the hook but didn't fully commit to it.
Hoca jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Hoca throws a jab when Somelainen was well out of range.
Somelainen shapes to counter with a head kick.
Hoca walks straight into a jab right on the nose. That one stung - he's blinking and trying to clear his head.
Somelainen throws a jab to the body, straight down the pipe. Boom. That sent Hoca stumbling backwards but he manages to regain his composure quickly.
Somelainen lands with a cross.
Hoca misses with a lunging right hand
and Somelainen counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Somelainen lands with a kick to the temple. Hoca shrugs as if to say "is that all you've got?"
Hoca throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Somelainen sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Somelainen takes a jab right on the nose. That must have hurt but he shrugs his shoulders and looks to return the favor.
Hoca throws an off balance right hand
and Somelainen counters with a lovely shot to the body.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Somelainen moves out of range as Hoca strikes.
Hoca takes one on the chin but seems OK.
Somelainen wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.
Hoca misses with a left hand
and Somelainen counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Somelainen keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Hoca.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Sauli Somelainen dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Necmettin Hoca's cut.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!#R2#
Somelainen with a body punch. A glancing blow.
Hoca misses with a series of wild punches.
Hoca looks like he's developed a pretty tasty lump over his left eye. He'll need to avoid taking much more damage to that.
Hoca swings widly with a right hand
and Somelainen counters with a one-two to the body.
Hoca misses with a looping right.
Somelainen blocks a jab.
Somelainen throws out a counter right but Hoca avoids it with no problem.
Hoca takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.
Hoca takes a hook to the side of the head. I wonder if that's got his ears ringing.
Hoca scores with a nice strike.
Hoca misses the shot to the body.
A slow jab from Hoca misses its intended target.
Hoca throws a lazy right hand but Somelainen sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Somelainen swings away with a counter right hand but no contact made.
Hoca misses the jab.
Somelainen swings away with a counter right hand but no contact made.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Somelainen lands with a slapping head kick.
Hoca throws an off balance right hand
and Somelainen counters with a nice jab to the body that keeps Hoca thinking.
Somelainen lands a beauty of a right hand that gets the crowd cheering.
Hoca throws a body punch but Somelainen moves out of range.
Somelainen ducks low and lands a nice hook to the body of his opponent.
Hoca takes a head kick and shrugs it off. #T1#
A looping hook to the body misses from Hoca. Somelainen does a little dance to reset his feet.
Hoca throws a hook but Somelainen avoids it easily.
Somelainen lands with a slapping head kick. #ROC2#Hoca is rocked!
Hoca looks to score with a jab to the body but Somelainen is just out of range.
Oh Hoca is still all over the place! His legs are completely gone! Will he be able to recover?!!
Hoca misses with a jab to the body
and Somelainen counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Hoca throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Ohhhhh! A huge head kick from Somelainen! Hoca is out on his feet! Somelainen rushes in and throws more strikes. The ref is looking closely - Hoca is covering up but the punishment is just too much and the ref steps in to stop the fight! Hoca is staring into space, just thankful that the beatdown has ended. Brutal finish.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:26 of round 2, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Sauli Somelainen!
After winning the bout, Sauli Somelainen thanked all his fans and promised he'd do even better in his next fight. The crowd seemed to love his humility.

Event: C166: McWrestler vs Yrkje
Date: Feb 19, 2023

#R1##CL#
Okafor moves into the clinch.#TD#
Okafor drags the fight down to the ground.
Hoca wants to control from the top but Okafor keeps moving. #SUB#
Okafor is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Hoca defends well.
Hoca really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Okafor. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.
A real slowdown in the pace of the fight for a moment, as Okafor holds on and takes a little breather.
Hoca must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.#SUB#
Hoca avoids a guillotine attempt easily.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.#SUB#
Okafor is looking for a triangle but Hoca pushes his legs off easily. #T1##SUB#
Okafor pushes a forearm under Hoca's chin to create some space. He's escaped his hips and pivoted quickly for an armbar! Can he extend the arm? Yes, Hoca is tapping out! Damn, that was fast!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:28 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Armbar). Sunshine Okafor!
A very excited looking Sunshine Okafor 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: C162: Veainu vs Finlayson III
Date: Jan 29, 2023

#R1#
Hoca looks to throw the jab but Ji Woo is out of range. #TD#
Ji Woo looks for a takedown. He's got it. We're now in half guard.
Ji Woo not doing much here. #SUB#
Ji Woo is looking for a kimura but he's never going to get it from there. #SUB#
Ji Woo seems to be looking for submissions.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Hoca wants to control but Ji Woo is keeping busy.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.#T1##SUB#
Ji Woo in half guard on the top. He's looking for a kimura... He's got it locked and he's managed to free his trapped foot. Hoca tries to escape but it's on too tight and he has to tap! Great BJJ skills there from Ji Woo!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:26 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Kimura). Bong Ji Woo!
After winning the bout, Bong Ji Woo thanked all his fans and promised he'd do even better in his next fight. The crowd seemed to love his humility.

Event: Highland 216
Date: Dec 16, 2022

#R1#
A jab from Hoca misses.
Skinner throws a hook but Hoca avoids it easily.
Skinner tries to clinch up but Hoca circles away and keeps his distance.
Skinner avoids the body shot from Hoca.
Hoca throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd.
Skinner throws a hook but Hoca blocks it.
Hoca misses the shot to the body.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
A swing and a miss from Hoca.
Skinner wants to counter the offense by Hoca and move into the clinch position.
Skinner bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Skinner drops his hands and takes a jab to the jaw for his troubles.
Skinner throws an overhand right that lands on Hoca's shoulder, as Hoca tries to avoid the shot. #T1#
Skinner throws a body shot but no joy.
Skinner lands with a right hand.
Hoca swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.#CL2#
Skinner rushes Hoca and presses him up against the cage.
Hoca doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Hoca is trying to work out of this bad position, with his back against the cage.
Hoca pushes Skinner back against the cage and unloads with a body punch.
Hoca looks like he'd prefer to be striking at range right now.#BC2#
Skinner breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Skinner tries to clinch but fails miserably
and Hoca cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Skinner cracks a nice hook into Hoca's ribs.
Skinner slips a straight right by Hoca.#T2#
Hoca jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Skinner takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.
Skinner swings wildly with a couple of big hooks
and Hoca counters with a straight right hand.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Skinner throws out a powerful jab.
Skinner uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Hoca.
Hoca walks straight into an uppercut. Luckily it didn't land flush.#CL2#
Hoca gets tackled into the cage by Skinner. Skinner maintains the clinch.
Hoca takes an elbow to the temple. #CUT2#It looks like Necmettin Hoca has been cut.
Hoca goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Hoca is leaning against Skinner and scores with a nice uppercut to the body.
Skinner trying to control the position but instead, Hoca has worked for underhooks and has pushed Skinner into the cage.#T3#
Skinner stalling.
Hoca takes an elbow to the forehead. #BC2#
Skinner's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Skinner misses with a lunging right hand
and Hoca counters with a straight right hand.
Skinner moves out of range as Hoca strikes.
Skinner wants to counter with a clinch but Hoca pushes him away.
Skinner takes one to the chin there.
Skinner misses with an uppercut
and Hoca connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Hoca misses with an uppercut. Skinner saw that one coming.
Skinner bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Hoca throws a jab but it's blocked by Skinner. #T4#
Skinner moves out of range of the strikes.
Hoca fakes a jab and then connects with a hook.
Hoca throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Skinner sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Skinner uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Hoca.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
No joy there for Hoca, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Skinner tries to counter with a clinch but Hoca shakes him off and moves away.
Skinner waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Hoca.
Hoca takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
Hoca uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Skinner.
Hoca throws a body shot but no joy.
Skinner throws a right hand that misses
and Hoca counters with a nice uppercut.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Necmettin Hoca dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Necmettin Hoca'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.#R2#
A swing and a miss from Skinner.
Hoca is looking to counter punch.
Hoca lands with an uppercut that bounces Skinner off the cage and back into range.
Hoca throws a right and a left that Skinner avoids nicely.
Skinner slips a jab from Hoca.
Hoca pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Hoca is really head hunting here, hardly looking to strike to the body at all.
Skinner slips a jab from Hoca.
Hoca is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Skinner can do to turn this around?
Hoca slips under a jab from Skinner.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Skinner tries to clinch
and Hoca counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Hoca throws a hook but Skinner avoids it easily.
Skinner wants to counter the offense by Hoca and move into the clinch position.
Hoca throws a shot from downtown. Skinner moves away and avoids it.#T1#
Hoca misses with a straight left.
Hoca ducks under a wild hook from Skinner.
Skinner misses with a straight right.
It looked like Hoca was trying to counter with a body shot coming off that last attack from Skinner.
A looping hook to the body misses from Hoca. Skinner does a little dance to reset his feet.
Hoca drops his hands and takes a jab to the jaw for his troubles.
Skinner thuds a left hand into Hoca's body.
Skinner throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Hoca sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Hoca was looking to counter that move with a punch but didn't quite pull the trigger.
Hoca missing with a left hand there. Skinner was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one. #CL2#
Skinner has managed to clinch. #BC#
Hoca's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.#T2#
Hoca throws a poor cross that misses #CL2#
and Skinner counters by moving into the clinch.
Hoca blocks an elbow strike.
Hoca goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Hoca throws a head punch that misses.
Hoca wants to break the clinch but can't.
With the fighters up against the cage, Skinner throws an elbow but misses.
Skinner lands a nice elbow. #BC#
Hoca pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Skinner throws a right hand that Hoca ducks under and follows up with a left that Hoca also avoids with ease.
Skinner throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Skinner moves away from the strike by Hoca.
Skinner slips a jab from Hoca.
Hoca moves out of range of the strikes.
A quick step to the side and Hoca tries to counter with a shot to the body but it doesn't connect.#T3#
A right-left combo lands from Hoca.
Hoca tries to bum rush Skinner with a series of wild strikes but Skinner uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Skinner tries to counter by closing the distance.
Hoca throws a hook but Skinner blocks it.
Hoca misses the shot to the body.
Skinner lands with a cross to side of his opponent's head.
Hoca connects with a body shot.
Skinner throws an ugly left hook that misses
and Hoca counters with a nice uppercut.
Necmettin Hoca is winning the standup battle so far.
Hoca slips under a jab.
Hoca circles away from the clinch attempt. #T4#
Skinner tries to clinch up but Hoca circles away and keeps his distance.
Hoca lands with an uppercut that bounces Skinner off the cage and back into range.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Hoca throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
A combination from Hoca does no damage.
Hoca ducks under a wild hook from Skinner.
Skinner bobs and weaves and unloads with a good uppercut.
Hoca lands a slapping body shot.
Hoca misses with a body shot.
Hoca is moving around nicely and scores here with a single head shot.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Necmettin Hoca dominated that second round.
The cut man is working on Necmettin Hoca'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#
Skinner misses the shot to the body.
A quick step to the side and Hoca tries to counter with a shot to the body but it doesn't connect.
Skinner's corner calls for a 1-2. Skinner obliges with the 1 part as he scores the single shot and moves back out of range.
Hoca just misses with a punch to the body.
Skinner is trying to avoid his opponent's strikes and get into the clinch.
Skinner takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.#CL2#
Skinner drives through and clinches with Hoca against the cage.
Hoca lands a hook to the side of the head.#BC2#
Skinner breaks the clinch.
Hoca avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Skinner misses with a left hand
and Hoca counters with a straight punch to the midsection.
Skinner slips a straight right by Hoca.
Skinner bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Hoca sets himself, and Skinner steps forward looking for the clinch! Hoca avoids it this time.#T1#
Hoca misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Skinner.
Skinner connects with a good right hand that stumbles Hoca. Hoca circles away out of range and recomposes himself.
Hoca lands a lovely overhand right.
Hoca scores with a hook to the body. Skinner takes a step back and tries to catch his breath.
Good shot there by Hoca.
Skinner swings widly with a right hand
and Hoca counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Hoca misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Skinner.
Skinner tries to counter by closing the distance.
Skinner moves away from the strike by Hoca.
Skinner wants to counter the offense by Hoca and move into the clinch position.
Hoca throws an overhand right that lands on Skinner's shoulder, as Skinner tries to avoid the shot. #T2#
Hoca fails to land with a series of punches.
Skinner throws a right hand that Hoca ducks under and follows up with a left that Hoca also avoids with ease.
Hoca swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.
Hoca throws a jab but it's blocked by Skinner.
Skinner tries to counter by closing the distance.
Hoca staying out of range there.
Hoca throwing a counter right hand but Skinner 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!
Skinner misses with a left hand
and Skinner takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Hoca fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Hoca throws a body shot but no joy.
Necmettin Hoca is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Hoca misses with a looping right.
Skinner steps in looking to clinch after the strikes miss from Hoca.
Hoca throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.#T3#
Skinner slips under a jab from Hoca.
Skinner wants to counter with a clinch but Hoca pushes him away.
A jab from Hoca finds it's way through Skinner's defenses.
Nice defenses there by Skinner.
Skinner tries to counter by closing the distance.
Shug Skinner has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
The fighters circling - Hoca throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Hoca needs to keep his hands up - Skinner had a free shot at his head there.
Hoca ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Skinner moves away.
Skinner tries to counter by closing the distance.
Skinner throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Hoca throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Hoca with a nice cross.#T4#
Skinner wants to clinch up but Hoca keeps it at a distance.
Skinner takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
Hoca throws a shot from downtown. Skinner moves away and avoids it.
Skinner walks into a left hand.
Hoca ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Skinner throws a big shot that misses.
Skinner misses with a looping right.
Skinner avoids a punch combination nicely.
Hoca sets himself, and Skinner steps forward looking for the clinch! Hoca avoids it this time.

And that's the end of the fight!
Necmettin Hoca showed his dominance in that final round.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Hoca, 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 Donald Grub scores the fight 30:27
Judge Paul Tew scores the fight 30:27
Judge James Atkins scores the fight 30:27

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Necmettin Hoca!
In his post fight interview, Necmettin Hoca started talking himself up. Luckily his charisma kept the crowd on side and gave him a good reception.

Event: Highland 205
Date: Nov 06, 2022

#R1#
Ries moves out of range as Hoca strikes.
Hoca blocks a head kick by Ries.
Ries moves out of range as Hoca strikes.
A low kick from Ries misses
and Ries takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Hoca bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Hoca throws out a counter right but Ries avoids it with no problem.
Hoca throws a couple of head shots and lands with the final one - a decent hook, which struck Ries on the side of the head.
Jab from Ries.
Hoca looks to land a right hand but Ries moved out of range.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Hoca throws a jab to the body, straight down the pipe. Boom. That sent Ries stumbling backwards but he manages to regain his composure quickly.
Hoca swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Eric Ries seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
A head kick misses from Ries.
Hoca looks like he wants to counter punch here.
Hoca's hands are dropping dangerously low here and Ries connects clean with a right hook that sends him down to one knee! Hoca scrambles back to his feet.#T1#
Ries walks into a left hand.
Ries misses the jab.
Hoca misses with a hook. Ries ducked under it nicely.
Nice defenses there by Hoca.
Hoca shakes his hands off, looking to compose himself, but takes a jab to the jaw whilst he does it.
Hoca lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Ries circles away quickly and effectively.
Ries looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Ries looks to land a left hand but Hoca moved out of range nicely.
Ries pushes forward with a 1-2 combination that forces Hoca back to the cage. Ries follows up with a solid lead hook to the liver.#CUT#It looks like Necmettin Hoca has been cut.
Hoca ducks under a wild hook from Ries.
Hoca jabbing away but nothing is landing. #T2#
Ries looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Ries throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Ries defending well as Hoca loads up on a big left hand.
Hoca swings for the body but Ries moves out of range.
A head kick by Ries misses
and Hoca counters with a left to the body.
No joy there for Ries, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Ries scores with a hook.
Ries misses with a hook
and Hoca cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Hoca swings for the body but Ries moves out of range.
Hoca moves out of range as Ries strikes.#T3#
Hoca misses with a body shot
and Hoca takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Hoca avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Hoca throws out a counter right but Ries avoids it with no problem.
Ries misses with a double jab
and Hoca counters with a nice uppercut.
Ries tries a head kick but it misses.
Hoca throws an overhand right that lands on Ries's shoulder, as Ries tries to avoid the shot.
Ries was looking to counter that move with a punch but didn't quite pull the trigger.
Hoca takes a shot to the nose. Hopefully that hasn't broken it.
Hoca scores with a decent looking hook.
Ries avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
A head kick from Ries lands but Hoca takes it in his stride.
Ries takes a shot right to the bread basket.#T4#
Ries misses with a hook.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Hoca throws a shot from downtown. Ries moves away and avoids it.
Hoca tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Ries was well out of range. Poor timing from Hoca.
Ries takes an uppercut right on the button but keeps his composure.
Ries lands a head kick!
Ries throws a big shot that misses.
Ries misses with an uppercut.
Hoca now looks to counter with a shot at the body.
Hoca throws a jab when Ries was well out of range.
Hoca misses with a hook.
Ries gets caught by a brutal right hook which buckles his knees! Ries tries to backpedal with his spaghettilegs but Hoca is headhunting and goes for the kill. A jab and a right hook connect and Ries buckles badly as his eyes roll back. The referee steps in and saves Ries!! Ries is complaining but he was clearly out on his feet. Hoca throws his mouthpiece into the crowd. Mmmm spit-tastic.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:59 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Necmettin Hoca!
A less than humble Necmettin Hoca misjudged his post fight interview somewhat and came across a little too arrogant whilst trying to hype up his own abilities.

Event: Highland 195
Date: Sep 30, 2022

#R1#
Henderson shoots in but doesn't get the takedown
and Hoca counters nicely by changing levels and landing a hook to the body.
Henderson shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Hoca pinned against the cage. Hoca gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
Henderson tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Hoca swivels and escapes.
Necmettin Hoca has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Harry Henderson.
A big left from Hoca misses.
Hoca tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Henderson was well out of range. Poor timing from Hoca.
Nice body punch from Hoca.
A combination from Hoca does no damage.
Henderson shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Hoca but Hoca pushes him off and we're back to square one.
An attempted straight right counter from Hoca misses the target.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.#TD2#
Henderson shoots in looking for a single leg takedown. Hoca is trying to defend but Henderson finishes it well and ends up in half guard. Let's see if he can advance position further.
Henderson takes a deep breath and rests his weight momentarily on top of his opponent, to control the position.#T1#
Henderson tries to pass the half guard into mount. Hoca knows what he's doing though and prevents the attempt.
Henderson has been taking part in the yoga sessions down at London MMA Club. Presumably he's going to look for a slick submission... Or maybe he's looking to avoid one.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Henderson is figuring out what he wants to do next.#SUB2#
Henderson is trying for a kimura here. Hoca looks like he's in a lot of pain... and he's tapping out! Henderson wins by kimura!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:36 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Kimura). Harry Henderson!
A very excited looking Harry Henderson 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: Highland 192
Date: Sep 18, 2022

#R1#
A nice combination there by Kamogawa. #CUT2#It looks like Necmettin Hoca has been cut.
A telegraphed right hand from Kamogawa misses the target.
Hoca was looking to counter that move with a punch but didn't quite pull the trigger.
Kamogawa lands a body shot.
Kamogawa keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Hoca.
Hoca takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
Kamogawa swings for the body but Hoca moves out of range.
Kamogawa uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Hoca.
Hoca throws the left hand but Kamogawa avoids the punch easily.
Hoca uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Kamogawa.
Kamogawa misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Hoca.
Hoca misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Kamogawa.
Kamogawa misses with a jab to the body
and Hoca connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
A jab lands there for Hoca.
Kamogawa throws an off balance right hand
and Hoca cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Hoca lands a really nice looking cross but Kamogawa seems unphased.
Kamogawa scores with a hook to the body. Hoca takes a step back and tries to catch his breath.
Kamogawa misses with a few strikes there.
Hoca is looking to counter punch.
Hoca scores with a punch to the gut of his opponent.#T1#
Hoca misses with an uppercut. Kamogawa saw that one coming.
Hoca lands a really nice looking cross but Kamogawa seems unphased.
Kamogawa cracks a nice hook into Hoca's ribs.
Nice shot by Kamogawa.
Hoca throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd.
Kamogawa throws a lazy right hand but Hoca sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Hoca throws a big counter combination but Kamogawa scrambles out of danger and avoids any damage.
A big right from Kamogawa misses.
Kamogawa throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Genji Kamogawa seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Good standup being displayed there by Hoca as he connects with a hook.
Kamogawa takes one to the side of the head. #ROC#Kamogawa is rocked!
A left lands for Kamogawa.
Kamogawa is still on wobbly legs! Can Hoca finish him?
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Kamogawa misses with the combination.
Hoca keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Kamogawa seems to have recovered his senses.
Kamogawa moves forwards but Hoca connects with a nice, crisp jab.
Kamogawa misses with a body shot. #T2#
A swing and a miss from Hoca.
Kamogawa looks to land a combination. Hoca sees it coming but can only parry a couple of the shots.
Kamogawa blocks a jab.
Kamogawa looks to land a right hand but Hoca moved out of range.
A punch lands to the side of Hoca 's head but he takes it in his stride.
Nice defenses there by Hoca.
A little feinted left hand from Hoca on the counter but he doesn't commit to it.
Hoca throws a body shot but no joy.
Hoca throws a body punch but Kamogawa moves out of range.
Hoca throws a jab but it's blocked by Kamogawa.
Hoca bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
It looked like Hoca was trying to counter with a body shot coming off that last attack from Kamogawa.
Kamogawa throws a combination. Hoca tries to block but a couple of punches get through.
Kamogawa thows a left - swing and a miss!
Hoca connects with a crisp jab.
Kamogawa lands a jab to the nose.
Hoca defending well as Kamogawa loads up on a big left hand.
Hoca showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Kamogawa.
Hoca is really peppering his opponent's head with punches.#T3#
Kamogawa lands a powerful looking uppercut that connected with his opponent's jaw.
Kamogawa uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Hoca.
Hoca uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Kamogawa.
Kamogawa jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Hoca uses good footwork to get in and out, landing a nice hook.
Kamogawa throws a right hand that Hoca ducks under and follows up with a left that Hoca also avoids with ease.
Nice body punch from Hoca.
Hoca works Kamogawa's body with a nice hook.
Kamogawa misses the jab.
A quick step to the side and Hoca tries to counter with a shot to the body but it doesn't connect.
A slow jab from Kamogawa misses its intended target.
Hoca throwing a counter right hand but Kamogawa manages to avoid it.
Hoca throws a nice looking combination but Kamogawa bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Kamogawa ducks under a wild hook from Hoca.
Kamogawa misses with a looping left.
Hoca throwing a counter right hand but Kamogawa manages to avoid it.#T4#
Hoca pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Kamogawa ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Hoca moves away.
Hoca appears to be looking for a counter punch to the body.
Kamogawa with a body punch. A glancing blow.
A big right from Hoca misses.
Hoca has his head snapped back a nice jab. A little nod from Hoca there as he acknowledges the shot.
Kamogawa throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
An attempted straight right counter from Hoca misses the target.
Kamogawa thuds a left hand into Hoca's body.
Hoca uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Kamogawa.
It looked like Hoca wanted to counter with a hook but didn't fully commit.
Kamogawa moves forwards but Hoca connects with a nice, crisp jab.
Kamogawa misses with a right hand
and Hoca counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Kamogawa takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.
Kamogawa connects with a lovely jab that went straight through the gap between Hoca's hands.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Hoca slips in close and lands a nice hook before moving back out of range.
Kamogawa lands a slapping body shot.
Kamogawa throws a good cross that connects.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Genji Kamogawa dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Necmettin Hoca's cut.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.#R2#
Kamogawa moves away from the strike by Hoca.
Kamogawa ducks down and throws a hook to the body.
Hoca throws a shot to the body.
The step up in weight doesn't seem to be a problem for Kamogawa. He's performing admirably here against the bigger man.
Kamogawa throws a jab when Hoca was well out of range.
Hoca takes a jab right on the kisser.
Hoca darts in and out, connecting with a jab.
Kamogawa misses with the combination.
An attempted straight right counter from Hoca misses the target.
Kamogawa throws a two punch combo that lands nicely.
Hoca lands with a shot to the body.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Hoca swings for the body but Kamogawa moves out of range.
Kamogawa jabbing away but nothing is landing.
A counter left hand to the body from Hoca misses its target.
Kamogawa on the wrong end of a nice hook.
Kamogawa lands an overhand left. A wild punch that just about connected.#T1#
Kamogawa misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
An attempted straight right counter from Hoca misses the target.
Kamogawa misses the jab.
Hoca works the jab nicely.
Genji Kamogawa seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Kamogawa moves out of range of the strikes.
Hoca on the wrong end of a decent looking cross there.
Hoca misses with a body shot.
Kamogawa throws a hook to the side of Hoca's head but Hoca sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Kamogawa moves into range and connects with a jab.
A swing and a miss from Hoca.
Hoca throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Hoca avoids the body shot from Kamogawa.
Kamogawa's corner calls for a 1, 2 combination and Kamogawa duly obliges.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Kamogawa lands with a good body shot.
Kamogawa ducks under a wild hook from Hoca.
Kamogawa looks like he wants to counter punch here.
Hoca misses with a looping left.
A countering left hand to the body from Kamogawa misses.#T2#
Hoca takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.
Kamogawa is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Hoca.
Hoca moves out of range as Kamogawa strikes.
Hoca swung with a counter punch to the body but it didn't connect.
Kamogawa misses with a jab, cross combination.
Hoca moves away from the strike by Kamogawa.
Jab, jab by Hoca - just one landing.
Hoca takes a hook to the side of the head. I wonder if that's got his ears ringing.
A telegraphed right hand from Hoca misses the target.
The fighters circling - Hoca throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Kamogawa swings and misses with a shot to the body
and Hoca counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Kamogawa fails to land with a series of punches.
Kamogawa throws a right and a left that Hoca avoids nicely.
Hoca tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Kamogawa was well out of range. Poor timing from Hoca.
Hoca waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Kamogawa.
A looping hook to the body misses from Kamogawa. Hoca does a little dance to reset his feet.#T3#
Hoca misses with a looping left.
Hoca defending well as Kamogawa loads up on a big left hand.
Hoca misses with a body shot.
Kamogawa lands a nice shot to the body.
Kamogawa misses with a hook
and Hoca counters with a straight punch to the midsection.
Kamogawa uses good footwork to get in and out, landing a nice hook.
Hoca tries to move into range but Kamogawa moves to the side and lands with a nice right hand.
Kamogawa misses with a hook to the body
and Hoca counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Hoca fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Kamogawa manages to avoid it.
Kamogawa connects with a lovely jab that went straight through the gap between Hoca's hands.
Hoca throws the left hand but Kamogawa avoids the punch easily.
Kamogawa cracks Hoca with an open hand slap.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Kamogawa misses with a right hand
and Hoca connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Kamogawa misses with a jab, cross combination. #T4#
Kamogawa throws a right and a left that both miss.
Kamogawa misses with a looping left.
Kamogawa looks to throw the jab but Hoca is out of range.
Kamogawa looks shocked there as he takes a right hand to the temple.
Hoca looks to throw the jab but Kamogawa is out of range.
Kamogawa looks to land a right hand but Hoca moved out of range.
Kamogawa throws a big shot that misses.
Nice straight punches there by Hoca. You know Roy Jones Jr respects the hands of Hoca.
A looping hook to the body misses from Hoca. Kamogawa does a little dance to reset his feet.
Hoca bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Kamogawa takes a shot right to the bread basket.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Hoca keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Hoca went nuts there looking for a big combo counter but none of the flurry connected.
A telegraphed right hand from Hoca misses the target.
Kamogawa lunges in with an uppercut that skims his opponent's chin.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Genji Kamogawa showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The cut man is working on Necmettin Hoca's cut.
That's time! Hoca's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight. This is the final round!#R3#
Hoca throws a body shot but no joy.
Kamogawa scores with a crisp jab that stopped Hoca in his tracks.
Kamogawa misses with a straight right.
Hoca moves forwards but Kamogawa connects with a nice, crisp jab.
Kamogawa throws a body shot but no joy.
Hoca misses with a hook.
A punch combination from Kamogawa misses.
Nice cross by Hoca.
Kamogawa lands a slapping body shot.
Kamogawa misses with a looping left.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Kamogawa darts in and out, connecting with a jab.
Kamogawa throws a looping overhand right but Hoca ducks down to avoid it.
Hoca throws a shot from downtown. Kamogawa moves away and avoids it.
Despite the aggression on Kamogawa's face he doesn't fully commit to the counter.
Kamogawa takes a swing at Hoca's ribcage but misses.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Kamogawa loads up on a big right hand but Hoca slips the punch.
A little feinted left hand from Hoca on the counter but he doesn't commit to it.#T1#
Hoca moves away from the strike by Kamogawa.
Kamogawa swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Hoca was looking to counter that move with a punch but didn't quite pull the trigger.
Kamogawa takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.
Kamogawa paws at his opponent with the jab and then lunges in with a straight, right on the button.
Hoca slips under a jab from Kamogawa.
Hoca blocks a jab.
Kamogawa misses with an uppercut.
Hoca was looking to counter that last move with a shot to the body but he didn't commit.
A jab from Hoca misses.
Kamogawa missing with a left hand there. Hoca was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
It looked like Hoca wanted to counter with a hook but didn't fully commit.
Hoca waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Kamogawa.
Kamogawa looks to land a right hand but Hoca moved out of range.
Hoca swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.
Kamogawa throws a good cross that connects.
Hoca moves away from the strike by Kamogawa.
Kamogawa has a pretty nasty looking mouse under his right eye.
Kamogawa blocks a jab.#T2#
Hoca keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Kamogawa misses with a lunging right hand
and Hoca counters nicely by changing levels and landing a hook to the body.
Kamogawa misses with a hook.
Hoca went nuts there looking for a big combo counter but none of the flurry connected.
Kamogawa swings widly with a right hand
and Hoca counters with a nice uppercut.
Kamogawa takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Hoca jabs Kamogawa to the body, keeping him at a distance.
Hoca lands a nice shot to the body.
Kamogawa swings widly with a right hand
and Hoca counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Hoca lands a nice looking body shot.
Kamogawa wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.
Kamogawa tries to bum rush Hoca with a series of wild strikes but Hoca uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Kamogawa throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Hoca swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Kamogawa takes a jab right on the kisser.
Necmettin Hoca has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Kamogawa throws a hook but Hoca avoids it easily.
Hoca listening to his corner there, landing a nice uppercut.#T3#
Hoca just misses with a punch to the body.
Kamogawa jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Kamogawa misses with a lunging right hand
and Hoca counters with a stiff right hand.
Hoca fakes a jab and then connects with a hook.
Hoca on the wrong end of an overhand right that came out of nowhere.
Hoca bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Hoca throws a body punch but Kamogawa moves out of range.
Hoca lands an overhand right.
Kamogawa throws a right hand that misses
and Hoca counters with a huge left! Kamogawa is in big trouble! He's backing up but Hoca isn't giving him chance to recover. Under a barage of punches the ref has to step in to save Kamogawa from any more damage. A dominating finish by Hoca!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:44 of round 3, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Necmettin Hoca!
A very excited looking Necmettin Hoca rambled incoherently for about 5 minutes post fight about how awesome he is. It was kinda funny for a while but then everyone got annoyed.

Event: Highland 182
Date: Aug 07, 2022

#R1#
Ganga looks to throw the jab but Hoca is out of range.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Hoca! But no joy.
Ganga throws a head kick that connects with a bit of head and a bit of hand.
Hoca fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Ganga manages to avoid it.
Ganga gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily
and Ganga takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Ganga gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily
and Hoca counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head. #CL#
Ganga closes the distance and pushes Hoca back into the cage.
Hoca tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Ganga's elbow.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Hoca working some nice short punches in the clinch.
Ganga working aggressively here.
Hoca can't find room to land a body shot as Ganga controls the action.
Ganga is trying to slow down the pace of the fight but Hoca is keeping busy.#BC2#
Hoca pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.#T1#
Hoca swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Ganga on the wrong end of a nice hook.
Ganga slips a jab from Hoca.#TD#
Ganga throws a loose over hand right and dives in with a double leg takedown. Hoca tries to sprawl but it's too late and the fighters hit the mat. Ganga is in Hoca's guard.
Ganga content to stall in guard here.
Hoca looking for a sweep. Not yet Hoca, not yet.
Hoca is avoiding any damage by keeping wrist control.
Hoca really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Ganga. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.
Hoca looking for a sweep. Not yet Hoca, not yet. #T2#
Ganga would like to get this fight back to the feet but can't get free from the closed guard.
Ganga passes Hoca's right leg, so he's now in half guard.
Hoca is not content to let Ganga control the position.
Ground and pound from Ganga.
Ganga keeping composed on the top, looking to control the action.#SUB2#
Hoca is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Ganga pulls his head out easily.
Hoca trying to control here. #T3#
Ganga is looking to take a break and control but Hoca is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom. #REF3#
The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up.
Hoca fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Ganga manages to avoid it.
Hoca throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Ganga sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Ganga shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Sunil Ganga. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Ganga keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Hoca.
Ganga throws a big counter combination but Hoca scrambles out of danger and avoids any damage.
Hoca jabbing away but nothing is landing. #TD#
Ganga shoots in for a takedown and gets it. Let's see what he's got on the mat.
Hoca looking to sweep using the butterfly guard but Ganga puts pay to that idea as he passes nicely into half guard.
Ganga trying to pass the guard but Hoca defending well.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.#T4#
Hoca is looking to control Ganga's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Hoca avoid being mounted?
Hoca tries to get to full guard but Ganga has control of the leg. #SUB#
Ganga is looking for a kimura. It's going to be difficult to finish that from half guard though and Hoca defends it well.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Ganga wants to control but Hoca is keeping him busy.
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 Sunil Ganga 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##TD#
Ganga gets the takedown into side control.
Ganga controlling from side mount.
Ganga trying to control the action but Hoca is working from the bottom. #SUB#
Ganga is looking to finish here, going for an Americana. Hoca knows the correct defense though, so he's OK.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Hoca is positioning himself to get back to half guard. #T1#
Hoca is not content to let Ganga control the position.
Hoca struggling a bit here.
Sloppy strikes there by Ganga.#T2#
A few boos can be heard. I'm sure they will multiply if the fighters don't pick up the pace.
Hoca tries to control but end up mounted... ooooh, that's bad.
Ganga wants to control the pace but Hoca is squirming around nicely.
Ganga avoids the attempt from Hoca to control.
Ganga takes a little breather and maintains the position. The referee will be looking for him to stay active from such a dominant position though.
Ganga throwing sloppy strikes here. Perhaps if he tightened up his striking from such a dominant position, he'd be able to finish easier.
Ganga is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Hoca can do to turn this around?#T3#
Hoca manages to control the position for a moment.
Ganga throwing shots from mount but they're not landing.
Ganga wants to control the pace but Hoca is squirming around nicely.
Hoca is in all sorts of trouble here.
Ganga with good strikes from the mount here!
Ganga can't quite control the action as he would like just now, as Hoca is looking to escape.
Ganga unloading with bombs!#T4#
Ganga avoids the attempt from Hoca to control.#SUB#
Ganga with some aggressive grappling here. He's looking for submissions here, rather than waiting for the opportunity to counter.
Ganga tucks in and makes sure he doesn't lose the dominant position.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!#SUB#
Ganga is going oldschool here, as he tries to force Hoca to tap using a forearm choke. This isn't 1993 though, so Hoca shrugs it off.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Sunil Ganga dominated that second round.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action! This is the final round!#R3#
Ganga moves out of range as Hoca strikes.
Nice defenses there by Ganga.
Hoca waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Ganga.#TD#
Ganga changes levels and drives through with a really nice takedown into side control. Hoca looks really pissed at himself for not defending that better.
Hoca tries to bench press Ganga off him but Ganga keeps the position.
Ganga tries to advance to mount but can't.
Ganga is looking to take a break and control but Hoca is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.#T1#
Hoca is looking for a sweep.
Hoca being controlled for a moment.
The referee claps his hands together and tells the fighters to work.
Sunil Ganga overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Ganga wants to control but Hoca is keeping him busy.
Ganga takes a little break here. Hoca wants to take advantage but he is being controlled well.#T2#
A few boos can be heard. I'm sure they will multiply if the fighters don't pick up the pace.
Ganga creates some space and throws a big elbow, but Hoca sees it coming and moves his head just enough to avoid the strike.
Ganga working away.#REF3#
The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Ganga shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Hoca waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Ganga.
Ganga looks for a takedown but Hoca sprawls well.
Ganga takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.
Necmettin Hoca has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!#T3#
Hoca scores with a punch to the gut of his opponent.
Hoca throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Ganga wants to clinch.
Sunil Ganga is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Hoca missing with a left hand there. Ganga was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Ganga shoots in for a takedown but Hoca shows good takedown defense.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Sunil Ganga. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Hoca jabs. That one connects to the head of his opponent. #TD#
Ganga drives through with a takedown into guard.
Hoca pulls Ganga in to control the position.
Let's hope that Hoca has the urge to step up the pace any second now because for the last 15 or 20 seconds he's just been holding on tight.#T4#
Ganga advances position into side control!#SU#
Ganga decides to stand back up.
Ganga fails to land the takedown.
Hoca swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Ganga moves in looking to clinch but Hoca pushes him off.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Hoca! But no joy.
Hoca throws a big shot that misses.

And that's the end of the fight!
I would just about give that final round to Necmettin Hoca.
I think Ganga has won this one but let's see what the judges have to say. 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 William Gold scores the fight 29:27
Judge Sam Margolis scores the fight 29:27
Judge Steven Brown scores the fight 30:26

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Sunil Ganga!
After winning the bout, Sunil Ganga thanked all his fans and promised he'd do even better in his next fight. The crowd seemed to love his humility.

Event: Highland 174
Date: Jul 10, 2022

#R1#
Hoca throws the left hand but Green avoids the punch easily.
Green lifts his leg as if looking to counter with a high kick.
Green moves out of range of the strikes.
Green tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Hoca was well out of range. Poor timing from Green.
Hoca tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Green was well out of range. Poor timing from Hoca.
Green attempts a counter takedown but Hoca avoids it well and moves away.#KD2#
Hoca lands a left and a right that send Green crashing to the mat, dazed. Hoca thinks about following him to the mat but decides to wave him back up to his feet!#ROC2#Green is rocked!
Green slips a straight right by Hoca.
Green defending well as Hoca loads up on a big left hand.
Hoca throws a body shot but no joy.
Nice defenses there by Green.
Green looks to have improved his striking defense since last time we saw him fight.#T1#
Hoca misses with a looping left.
Hoca swings for the body but Green moves out of range.
Hoca throws out a loose jab but Green uses good head movement to avoid it.
Green appears to be looking for a counter punch to the body.
Green throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Hoca.
Green throws an off balance right hand
and Hoca counters with a straight punch to the midsection.
Necmettin Hoca seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Green scores with a jab to the jaw.
Hoca misses with a two punch combination.
Some wild striking there from Green.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Hoca! But no joy.#T2#
Green scores with a nice strike.
Green ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Green misses with a combination
and Hoca counters with a nice body shot.
Green throws the kick towards the body but Hoca avoids it.
Green misses with an uppercut. Hoca saw that one coming.
A big right from Hoca misses.
Green drops down looking for a counter takedown but Hoca sprawls and moves away.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Green takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.#T3#
Hoca throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Green tries to counter by clinching up but Hoca breaks away and moves out of range.
Green throws a head kick that misses
and Hoca counters with a stiff right hand.
Hoca throws a lazy right hand but Green sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Green drops down looking for a counter takedown but Hoca sprawls and moves away.
Sloppy strikes from Green. Those never looked like landing.
Hoca looks to land a left hand but Green moved out of range nicely.
Hoca misses with a two punch combination.
Green is looking to counter the offense by Hoca and move into the clinch.
Green fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.#T4#
Hoca misses the jab.
Green avoids the body shot from Hoca.
Green digs a good hook to Hoca's body.
Green displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Hoca throws out the jab.
Hoca throws out a loose jab but Green uses good head movement to avoid it.
Hoca looks to throw the jab but Green is out of range.
Hoca misses with an uppercut #TD#
and Green counters with a nice double leg into half guard.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Green is trying to control. Hoca wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.
Green works his way into side control.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Necmettin Hoca dominated that round.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!#R2#
Hoca throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Green sees it coming and avoids it easily.#TD#
Green darts in and lands a nice takedown into half guard.#SUB#
Green seems like he's working for an arm triangle here. He's freed his trapped foot and he's rotating nicely. Hoca is in big trouble! He's tapping out! This one is aaaaaaaaaaaall over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 0:32 of round 2, we have a winner by way of Submission (Arm Triangle). Ed Green!
An out of breath and clearly excited Ed Green thanked HELLBENT for their help and support (and free stuff they sent him).

Event: Highland 168
Date: Jun 12, 2022

#R1#
Ousmane staying out of range there.
It seemed like Ousmane was going to counter with the hook but didn't fully commit to it.
Ousmane lands with a hook. Hoca tried to avoid it but it clipped the top of his head.
Jab, jab by Ousmane - just one landing.
Hoca misses with a jab, cross combination.
A combination from Hoca does no damage.
Hoca throws a right and a left that Ousmane avoids nicely.
Ousmane thuds his right hand into Hoca's forehead from close range. That could be painful for both fighters.
Donk. Hoca catches Ousmane right on the button with a cross.
Ousmane misses with a body shot.
Hoca was looking to counter that last move with a shot to the body but he didn't commit.
Ousmane misses with a right hand
and Hoca counters with a right hand to the body.
Ousmane throws an overhand right that lands on Hoca's shoulder, as Hoca tries to avoid the shot.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Ousmane throws a right hand that misses
and Hoca counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Ousmane takes a big uppercut there. He seems a bit wobbly but no, he's OK.
Ousmane misses with a body punch
letting Hoca counter with a right hand. #T1#
Hoca's corner calls for a 1-2. Hoca obliges with the 1 part as he scores the single shot and moves back out of range.
Ousmane misses the shot to the body.
Ousmane staying out of range there.
Ousmane now looks to counter with a shot at the body.
Hoca takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
Jab, cross, leg kick. Nice combination by Ousmane!
Ousmane has done a lot of speed work in the buildup to this fight.
Hoca slips a jab and a cross from Ousmane.
Hoca ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Hoca throws a big counter combination but Ousmane scrambles out of danger and avoids any damage.
Ousmane swinging wildly here.
A big right from Ousmane misses.
Ousmane ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Ousmane ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Hoca moves away.
Hoca avoids a lazy jab quite easily.#T2#
Ousmane tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Hoca was well out of range. Poor timing from Ousmane.
Ousmane thows a left - swing and a miss!
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Ousmane moves away from the strike by Hoca.
Ousmane misses with a looping left.
Hoca moves out of range of the strikes.
Hoca misses with a hook
and Ousmane counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
This fight brought to you by 5M nutrition - it's mmmmm tasty. Nice jab by Ousmane.
Ousmane throws a hook but Hoca avoids it easily.
Ousmane swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Hoca tests Ousmane's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Hoca misses with a looping right.
Hoca misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
A big right from Ousmane misses.
Hoca works Ousmane's body with a nice hook.#T3#
Ousmane misses with a body shot.
Hoca slips a jab from Ousmane.
Ousmane waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Hoca.
A jab from Hoca misses.
Nice defenses there by Ousmane.
Ousmane looks like he wants to counter punch here.
Ousmane swings away with a body shot that misses
and Hoca counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Ousmane throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Ousmane rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
and Hoca counters with a nice uppercut.
Ousmane fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Hoca manages to avoid it.
Hoca rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Ousmane moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
A big right from Hoca misses.
Hoca's hands are dropping dangerously low here and Ousmane connects clean with a right hook that sends him down to one knee! Hoca scrambles back to his feet.#T4#
Ousmane throws an overhand right that lands on Hoca's shoulder, as Hoca tries to avoid the shot.
Hoca swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Hoca avoids the body shot from Ousmane.
Ousmane jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Ousmane misses with a hook. Hoca ducked under it nicely.
Hoca keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Hoca is really head hunting here, hardly looking to strike to the body at all.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Ousmane misses the body punch
letting Hoca counter with a right hand.
Ousmane scores with a nice head shot.
Ousmane throws a big shot that misses.
Ousmane misses with a jab to the body
and Hoca counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Ousmane misses with a jab to the body
enabling Hoca to counter with a crisp jab. #ROC#Ousmane is rocked!
Ousmane throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Ousmane throws a sloppy body shot #KD#
and Hoca counters with a crisp one two that drops Ousmane! Hoca thinks about following him to the mat for a moment but instead steps back and waves Ousmane to his feet! Ousmane is in big trouble!
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but Kofi Ousmane will probably get the nod.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!#R2#
Hoca comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.
Ousmane is still on wobbly legs! Can Hoca finish him?
Hoca bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Ousmane throws a hook but Hoca avoids it easily.
Ousmane connects with a body shot that sends Hoca's belly button to the back.
Ousmane seems to have recovered his senses.
Hoca blocks a jab.
A little feinted left hand from Hoca on the counter but he doesn't commit to it.
Ousmane throws an off balance right hand
and Hoca counters with a nice body shot.
Ousmane misses the shot to the body.
Hoca was looking to counter that move with a punch but didn't quite pull the trigger.
Hoca changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.
Nice jab there from Hoca.
The fighters circling - Ousmane throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Ousmane throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Kofi Ousmane seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Hoca steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Ousmane.
Hoca avoids the body shot from Ousmane.
An attempted straight right counter from Hoca misses the target.
Ousmane looks to score with a jab to the body but Hoca is just out of range.#T1#
Ousmane blocks a jab.
Hoca uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Ousmane.
Ousmane misses with a body shot
and Hoca counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Hoca takes a jab on the nose. He smiles like he loves it and keeps coming.
Ousmane misses with a hook
and Hoca counters nicely by changing levels and landing a hook to the body.
Kofi Ousmane seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Hoca blocks a jab.
Ousmane misses the shot to the body.
Ousmane takes a swing at Hoca's ribcage but misses.
A looping hook to the body misses from Ousmane. Hoca does a little dance to reset his feet.
Ousmane ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Hoca moves away.
Ousmane uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Hoca.
Ousmane looks like he wants to counter punch here.
Hoca listening to his corner there, landing a nice uppercut.
Ousmane misses with a jab to the body
and Hoca counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.#T2#
Hoca fakes a jab and then connects with a hook.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Hoca is moving around nicely and scores here with a single head shot.
Hoca looks to land a left hand but Ousmane moved out of range nicely.
Ousmane throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Hoca scores with a shot to the body.
Ousmane swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Ousmane misses with a telegraphed body shot
and Hoca counters with a crisp right that sends Ousmane to the canvas! Hoca follows up with punches from the mount and this one is all over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:38 of round 2, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Necmettin Hoca!
Necmettin Hoca decided to hype himself up post fight. It was going well but he went on about it a bit too long and the crowd turned on him a little.

Event: Highland 163
Date: May 27, 2022

#R1#
Chavaski displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Hoca throws out the jab.
Hoca swings wildly with a couple of big hooks #TD#
and Chavaski counters with a single leg into guard. Hoca didn't expect that.
Chavaski wants to control from the top but Hoca keeps moving.
Chavaski passes easily into side control. Nice work.#SUB#
Chavaski is trying to land an Americana. He has the arm isolated but Hoca is keeping cool and he's avoided the danger for now. #SUB#
Chavaski looking for an arm triangle but it's way too loose to do anything. #SUB#
Chavaski is trying to land an Americana. He has the arm isolated but Hoca is keeping cool and he's avoided the danger for now. #T1##SUB#
Chavaski thinks about going for a far side armbar but bails out and retains the dominant position instead. #SUB#
Chavaski working hard here to secure a kimura but he's not really in the right position for it.
A lull in the action here as Chavaski stalls from top position.#SUB#
Chavaski tries for a kimura. Not really close to a finish though. #T2##SUB#
Chavaski tries for a kimura. Not really close to a finish though. #SUB#
Chavaski thinks about going for a far side armbar but bails out and retains the dominant position instead.
You can see the frustration on Hoca's face, being in this tough position on the bottom.#SUB#
Chavaski has worked his way into a potential kimura here. Hoca is trying to get out of the position but his squirming has just got him deeper into trouble. Chavaski yanks on the arm and Hoca is forced to tap due to a very painful looking submission! Nice work by Chavaski.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:55 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Kimura). Remi Chavaski!
Our winner, Remi Chavaski, 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: Highland 158
Date: May 08, 2022

#R1#
Hoca takes a push kick to the midsection and stumbles backwards.
Hoca avoids the body shot from Epolito.
Epolito looks to land a body kick but Hoca moved away.
Epolito throws a lazy body kick
and Hoca counters with a nice uppercut.
Hoca throws a looping overhand right but Epolito ducks down to avoid it.
Hoca blocks the body kick.
Epolito misses with a double jab
and Hoca counters with a one-two to the body.
Epolito throws a nice outside leg kick.
Epolito keeps his opponent at a distance with a nice jab.
Epolito throws a lazy right hand but Hoca sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Epolito gets his head snapped back by a nice shot there.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Epolito uses good footwork to get in and out, landing a nice hook.
Epolito definitely looks more muscular than last time we saw him fight.
Epolito blocks a jab.
Epolito bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Hoca takes a swing at Epolito's ribcage but misses. #T1#
Epolito needs to keep his hands up - Hoca had a free shot at his head there.
Epolito bobs and weaves and then throws a good body kick.
A jab from Hoca misses.
Epolito feinted with a counter takedown.
Epolito scores with a decent looking hook.
Anthony Epolito seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Epolito connects with a nice looking jab.
Epolito lunges at Hoca with a hook that half lands and is half blocked by Hoca's hand.
Hoca just misses with a punch to the body.
Epolito pushes Hoca away with a front kick.
Donk. Epolito catches Hoca right on the button with a cross.
Hoca chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Epolito can pounce on him.
Hoca moves out of range of the body kick from Epolito.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Epolito with a nice cross.
Epolito pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Hoca looked like he wanted to counter with a punch but didn't throw it.
Epolito sizes up Hoca with a pawing jab and scores with a straight right down the middle.
Epolito misses with a body kick.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Hoca! But no joy.
Hoca misses with a wild combination. #T2#
A jab lands there for Epolito.
Epolito staying out of range there.
Epolito scores with the left hand. Hoca knows he should have avoided that one.
Epolito chopping away at his opponent's legs. #TD#
Epolito shoots in and bounces Hoca off the cage to secure the takedown into guard.
Epolito 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.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Epolito accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Epolito 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.
Epolito controlling from the guard. I say controlling but really, he's stalling. #T3#
Epolito postures up.
Hoca keeping moving, preventing Epolito from controlling successfully.
Hoca looking for a sweep. Not yet Hoca, not yet.
Hoca utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Epolito postures up in Hoca's guard and throws a big left but Hoca blocks it.
Hoca 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.
Hoca utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Hoca really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Epolito. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.
Epolito loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Epolito trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat. #T4#
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.
Epolito in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Hoca keeping moving, preventing Epolito from controlling successfully.
Hoca utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Epolito throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Epolito throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Hoca works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Epolito throwing strikes but missing.
Epolito throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Epolito passes into half guard.
Epolito throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
Epolito wants to pass the guard but Hoca is defending well.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Anthony Epolito dominated that round.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.#R2#
Epolito swings away with a leg kick that misses.
Epolito throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd.
Epolito throws a leg kick but Hoca sees it coming and checks it nicely.
Hoca doesn't fully commit to the body shot counter.
Epolito walks straight into an uppercut. Luckily it didn't land flush.
Hoca takes a shot to the nose. Hopefully that hasn't broken it.
A left lands for Epolito.
Epolito works Hoca's body with a nice hook.
Epolito throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Epolito misses with a looping right.
Epolito throws a head kick that looked like it stung.
Hoca misses with a hook. Epolito ducked under it nicely.
Epolito swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.
Hoca 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.
A telegraphed right hand from Hoca misses the target.
Epolito moving in and out of range nicely, whilst landing the scoring shot.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Hoca slips under a jab.
Epolito throws a body kick but he wasn't in range.#T1#
Epolito cracks Hoca with a right hand to the side of the head.
Hoca takes a step towards his opponent and connects with a left hand, before circling away.
Epolito will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
Epolito scores with a jab to the jaw.
Hoca misses with a body shot.
Epolito explodes with a nice body kick and back out of range. Nice work.
A kick lands to the mid section there for Epolito.
Epolito uses good footwork to get in and out and land a nice right hand before Hoca has time to react.
Hoca takes a punch to the jaw and another one to the bread basket.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Epolito misses with a takedown
and Hoca counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Epolito misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Hoca looks like he wants to counter punch here.
Hoca connects with a single shot there.
Epolito is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Hoca can do to turn this around?#T2#
Epolito fakes with a right hand and throws a good leg kick, right into the thigh. That had to hurt Hoca.
Hoca misses with an uppercut. Epolito saw that one coming.
Epolito attempts a counter takedown but Hoca avoids it well and moves away.
Hoca misses with a straight right.
Epolito misses the shot to the body.
Hoca avoids a kick to the body.
Hoca takes a shot right to the bread basket.
Hoca walks straight into a jab right on the nose. That one stung - he's blinking and trying to clear his head.
Hoca throws an overhand right that lands on Epolito's shoulder, as Epolito tries to avoid the shot.
Hoca drops his hands momentarily and Epolito takes advantage with a crisp shot to the head.
Epolito scores with the left hand. Hoca knows he should have avoided that one.
Hoca takes a punch to the jaw and another one to the bread basket.
Epolito scores with a kick to the body.
Epolito throws a wild body kick that Hoca sees coming a mile off.
Hoca drops his hands and takes a jab to the jaw for his troubles.#T3#
Epolito throws out a powerful jab.
Hoca on the wrong end of a nice hook.
A shot to the body from Epolito misses
and Hoca counters with a one-two to the body.
Epolito looks to land a right hand but Hoca moved out of range.
It seemed like Hoca was going to counter with the hook but didn't fully commit to it.
Epolito throws a big shot that misses.
Anthony Epolito is winning the standup battle so far.
Epolito fakes the leg kick and cracks Hoca in the body.
Hoca swings for the body but Epolito moves out of range.
Hoca throws an overhand right that lands on Epolito's shoulder, as Epolito tries to avoid the shot.
The crowd cheers as Epolito lands an impressive looking overhand right. Hoca doesn't seem phased though.
Epolito throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Hoca slips under a jab.
Epolito misses with a head kick.
Hoca looks like he wants to counter punch here.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Hoca connects with a good right hand that stumbles Epolito. Epolito circles away out of range and recomposes himself.
Epolito throws a hook to the side of Hoca's head but Hoca sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Hoca let fly with a counter punch to the body but it didn't land.#T4#
Epolito throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Hoca's waist but Hoca gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Epolito off to one side.
Epolito shoots in looking for a takedown but Hoca manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Epolito's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Anthony Epolito. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Hoca takes a jab right on the kisser.
Necmettin Hoca is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
A swing and a miss from Epolito.
This fight brought to you by 5M nutrition - it's mmmmm tasty. Nice jab by Epolito.
Hoca defending well as Epolito loads up on a big left hand.
Hoca uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Epolito.
Epolito throws a sloppy body shot
and Hoca counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Hoca's jab looks to have found its range, popping Epolito under the eye.
Epolito misses with a wild combination.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Epolito lands a glancing blow to the side of Hoca's head.
Epolito's jab looks to have found its range, popping Hoca under the eye.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Anthony Epolito dominated that second round.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.#R3#
Hoca avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Epolito slips under a jab from Hoca.
That's a knee to de groin and it's over and out! Hoca crumples to the ground after an illegal strike from Epolito - the referee stops the clock and Hoca gets 5 minutes to recover from that one. "I'm sorry" says Epolito. Hoca manages to get back to his feet and the fight resumes.
Hoca fakes and then throws a beautiful body shot. Epolito looks a bit winded and takes a step backwards to take a breath.
Hoca swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Epolito throws a head kick but Hoca moves out of range.
Epolito scores with a straight right hand, right through his opponent's guard.
Epolito misses with a wild body shot.
Hoca scores with a nice right hand.
Epolito connects with a body shot that sends Hoca's belly button to the back.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Hoca keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
Hoca throws a shot from downtown. Epolito moves away and avoids it.
Epolito lands the left hand.
Epolito misses the jab.#T1#
A shot to the liver by Hoca. Beautiful body shot.
Epolito takes a shot to the body in his stride.
A looping hook to the body misses from Epolito. Hoca does a little dance to reset his feet.
Hoca moves his head to the side to avoid a jab but walks straight into a cross.
Hoca has developed a nice purple lump on his ribcage, as a result of some heavy body kicks from Epolito.
Epolito lands a jab to Hoca's midsection.
Hoca takes a hook to the side of the head. I wonder if that's got his ears ringing.
Hoca throws the left hand but Epolito avoids the punch easily.
Epolito thuds his shin into the meat of Hoca's side.
Hoca keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Epolito.
A little jabbing left from Hoca on the counter but it doesn't find it's target.
Hoca lands a pitter patter jab to the forehead of his opponent.
Epolito throws a head kick that misses.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Hoca! But no joy.
Hoca walks into a left hand.
This has been an exciting period of action!
A right-left combo lands from Epolito.
Hoca moves out of range of the strikes.#T2#
Epolito connects with a lovely right hand, straight down the pipe.
Epolito defending well as Hoca loads up on a big left hand.
A decent looking cross lands there for Hoca.
Epolito misses with a kick to the body
and Hoca counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
A head kick from Epolito lands but Hoca takes it in his stride.
Epolito tries to score a power double leg takedown but Hoca sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Epolito somewhat.
Hoca has his head snapped back a nice jab. A little nod from Hoca there as he acknowledges the shot.
Epolito jabs. That one connects to the head of his opponent.
Epolito slips under a jab.#T3#
Epolito tries to land a front kick but Hoca steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed.
A slow jab from Hoca misses its intended target.
Epolito loads up on a big right hand but Hoca slips the punch.
Epolito throws an off balance right hand
and Hoca counters with a straight right hand.
Epolito lands a leg kick. The shin dug right into the meat of the thigh.
Epolito turns his hip over beautifully as he lands a nice leg kick.
A jab from Epolito finds it's way through Hoca's defenses.
Hoca jabs. That one connects to the head of his opponent.
A looping hook to the body misses from Hoca. Epolito does a little dance to reset his feet.
Epolito takes a shot to the body in his stride.
Epolito scores with a straight right hand, right through his opponent's guard.
Epolito tries to drive through with a takedown attempt but Hoca defends well and Epolito ends up having to push Hoca into the cage where they will battle it out in the clinch.
Hoca swings away with a counter right hand but no contact made.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Anthony Epolito. That's going to take a lot out of him.#BC2#
Hoca's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.#T4#
Epolito throws a body kick but he wasn't in range.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Epolito lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Hoca circles away quickly and effectively.
Hoca swings away with a counter right hand but no contact made.
Hoca doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
Hoca throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Hoca takes one on the chin but keeps coming.
Hoca misses with an uppercut. Epolito saw that one coming.
Epolito digs a good body shot into Hoca's ribs.
Epolito throws a sloppy head kick and Hoca moves out of range easily.
Hoca just misses with a punch to the body.
Epolito misses with a jab, cross combination.
Epolito lands with a kick to the temple. Hoca shrugs as if to say "is that all you've got?"
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Epolito scores with a slapping inside leg kick.
A left lands for Hoca.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Hoca moves out of range of the body kick.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Anthony Epolito clearly takes that round.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!#R4#
Epolito scores with a jab to the head.
Epolito scores with a nice right hand.
Hoca takes a nice looking leg kick right on the meat of his thigh there.
Epolito catches Hoca with a nice straight right. He seems pissed - ooooh, it's on now! On like donkey kong!
Nice body punch from Epolito.
Hoca has a pretty nasty looking mouse under his right eye.
Epolito throws a sloppy head kick
and Hoca counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Hoca's leg has a nasty welt from taking a succession of leg kicks. That must be slowing him down.
Epolito falls off balance throwing a combination
and Hoca counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Epolito throws a sloppy head kick
enabling Hoca to counter with a crisp jab.
Hoca looks to throw the jab but Epolito is out of range.
Epolito misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
It's got to the stage where if one of these guys blows hard enough, the other might fall over.
Hoca looks to land a left hand but Epolito moved out of range nicely.
Hoca bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Hoca appears to be waiting to throw a counter punch to the body.#T1#
Hoca looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Hoca avoids the head kick by Epolito.
Well, he's not going to score with shots like that. A lazy body kick attempt from Epolito.
Epolito pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Nice uppercut there from Epolito.
Epolito goes for a spinning back kick but it misses.
Hoca takes a step back and watches a body kick go sailing past his mid section.
Hoca just misses with a punch to the body.
Epolito fakes low and throws an overhand right that catches Hoca on the side of the head.
Epolito scores with a straight right hand, right through his opponent's guard.
Good standup being displayed there by Hoca as he connects with a hook.
Epolito connects with a jab.
Hoca connects with the punch.
Hoca throws the left hand but Epolito avoids the punch easily.#T2#
Hoca tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Epolito was well out of range. Poor timing from Hoca.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Epolito throws a head kick that misses.
Horrible takedown attempt by Epolito or perhaps it was just good defense by Hoca, which made it look bad.
A decent looking cross lands there for Hoca.
Epolito throws a front kick that sends Hoca stumbling back into the cage.
Epolito lands a pitter patter jab to the forehead of his opponent.
Good standup being displayed there by Hoca as he connects with a hook.
Hoca keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Epolito.
Hoca takes a swing at Epolito's ribcage but misses.
Epolito appears to be looking for a counter takedown.
Thud! ouch! good body kick from Epolito - that will leave a mark!
Epolito scores with a shot to the body. #T3#
Epolito fakes a head shot and lands one to the body.
Epolito misses with a combination
and Hoca counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Epolito throws a half hearted mid kick.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Hoca! But no joy.
Hoca takes one on the chin but keeps coming.
A punch combination from Epolito misses.
Hoca appears to be waiting to throw a counter punch to the body.
Epolito pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Epolito misses with the body kick
and Hoca counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Epolito swings and misses with a shot to the body
enabling Hoca to counter with a crisp jab.
A combination from Epolito does no damage.
Hoca jabs Epolito right on the nose. Epolito blinks but takes it well.
Hoca blocks the body kick.
Hoca blocks a jab.#T4#
Hoca misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Epolito.
It looked like Epolito was trying to counter with a body shot coming off that last attack from Hoca.
Nice defenses there by Epolito.
Epolito swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Epolito fails with a takedown attempt.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Anthony Epolito. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Hoca bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Hoca ducks down and throws a hook to the body.
Epolito lands a head kick. Hoca smiles back at him and beckons him forward.
Epolito looks for the body kick but Hoca saw that one coming.
Epolito tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Epolito lands with a nice combination. Hoca backs away looking to recover.
Hoca dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Epolito throws a wild body kick that Hoca sees coming a mile off.
It seemed like Hoca was going to counter with the hook but didn't fully commit to it.
Hoca lands a jab followed by a nice looking cross.
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 Anthony Epolito will probably get the nod.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin! This is the final round!#R5#
Hoca just misses with a punch to the body.
Hoca throws the left hand but Epolito avoids the punch easily.
Hoca missing with a left hand there. Epolito was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Hoca is pinned up against the cage taking some big shots here. The referee is looking closely deciding whether he should stop the fight.
Epolito jabs Hoca to the body, keeping him at a distance.
Epolito takes a step towards his opponent and connects with a left hand, before circling away.
Hoca cracks Epolito with a hook to the jaw. Both fighters smile at eachother and high-five before getting back down to business.
Epolito looks to score with a jab to the body but Hoca is just out of range.
Epolito scores with a jab to the jaw.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Epolito throws a right and a left that both miss.
Hoca looks to land a left hand but Epolito moved out of range nicely.
Well, he's not going to score with shots like that. A lazy body kick attempt from Epolito.
Epolito avoids the body shot from Hoca.
Good shot there by Epolito.#T1#
Hoca takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
Epolito looking to land some kicks to the body here.
Hoca now looks to counter with a shot at the body.
Hoca misses with a jab to the body
and Epolito counters with a straight punch to the midsection.
Epolito scores with a jab to the body.
Epolito lands an overhand right.
Hoca takes a shot to the nose. Hopefully that hasn't broken it.
Hoca looks to land a left hand but Epolito moved out of range nicely.
Epolito looking to land some kicks to the body here.
Epolito avoids the body shot from Hoca.
Epolito connects nicely with a jab. Noted by the judges no doubt.
Epolito looks to land a body kick but Hoca moved away.
Hoca lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Epolito circles away quickly and effectively.
Hoca throws the left hand but Epolito avoids the punch easily.#T2#
Epolito lands an overhand right.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Epolito throws a right hand that Hoca ducks under and follows up with a left that Hoca also avoids with ease.
Epolito lands with a good body shot.
Epolito lands with a nice body punch.
Epolito lands with a right hand.
Epolito misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Hoca is clearly trying to counter these attacks from Epolito with a body shot.
Epolito uses good footwork to get in and out and land a nice right hand before Hoca has time to react.
Hoca throws a shot from downtown. Epolito moves away and avoids it.
Epolito scores with a decent looking hook.
A kick lands to the mid section there for Epolito.
Epolito scores with a punch to the gut of his opponent.
Necmettin Hoca has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Hoca swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Hoca needs to keep his hands up - Epolito had a free shot at his head there.#T3#
Epolito thows a body kick. Hoca tries to catch it but that hurt him.
A looping hook to the body misses from Epolito. Hoca does a little dance to reset his feet.
Hoca blocks a head kick by Epolito.
Hoca looked like he wanted to counter with a punch but didn't throw it.
Epolito connects with the punch.
Hoca sees a low kick coming and goes to check it, but it's actually a body kick and it thuds into his unprotected ribs.
Epolito pivots as if he's going to throw a leg kick but stops half way.
Epolito lands with a straight right. Hoca didn't see that one coming.
Epolito lands a nice shot to the body.
Hoca throws a lazy right hand but Epolito sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Epolito misses with the combination.
Hoca avoids a kick to the body.
Epolito goes to the watering hole and comes back with a big thumbs up from the judges as he scores a three punch combo.#T4#
Epolito tries to land a leg kick but Hoca saw it coming and moves away.
Epolito getting the better of the striking in that exchange.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Epolito is looking to land body kicks.
Hoca looked like he wanted to counter with a punch but didn't throw it.
Hoca throws a shot to the body.
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.
Epolito tries to bum rush Hoca with a series of wild strikes but Hoca uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Hoca misses with a body shot.
Hoca avoids a punch combination nicely.
Anthony Epolito is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Hoca blocks the body kick.
Epolito with a jab.
Hoca throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Epolito sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Epolito throws a right high kick that is partially blocked by Hoca.
Epolito moves into range and connects with a jab.

And that's the end of the fight!
Anthony Epolito showed his dominance in that final round.
Well Epolito 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 5 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Daniel Bishop scores the fight 50:45
Judge Colin Fotheringham scores the fight 50:45
Judge James Ackerman scores the fight 50:45

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Anthony Epolito!
Anthony Epolito retains his lightweight title!
Anthony Epolito really struggled to get his t-shirt on before his hand was raised. Making sure that KOMBAT KLOTHING logo gets some air time is pretty tricky when you're all sweaty.

Event: Highland 153
Date: Apr 15, 2022

#R1#
A big right from Hoca misses.
Skinner tries to counter by moving into the clinch but Hoca manages to circle out of the way.
Hoca swings for the body but Skinner moves out of range.
Hoca takes one on the chin but keeps coming.
Skinner tries to clinch
and Hoca counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Hoca misses with a straight right.
Hoca throws a jab when Skinner was well out of range.
A slow jab from Hoca misses its intended target.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Skinner tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Hoca paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Hoca looks like he wants to counter punch here.
Hoca throws a looping overhand right but Skinner ducks down to avoid it.
Skinner tries to counter by clinching up but Hoca breaks away and moves out of range.
Hoca missing with a left hand there. Skinner was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Hoca throws the left hand but Skinner avoids the punch easily.#T1#
Skinner avoids the body shot from Hoca.
Hoca misses with a body punch #CL#
and Skinner holds on and brings the fighters into a clinch. #BC2#
Hoca breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Skinner gets his head snapped back by a nice shot there.
Skinner doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
Skinner wants to clinch.
Hoca walks into a stiff left hand from Skinner.#T2#
Skinner tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Hoca was well out of range. Poor timing from Skinner.
Hoca fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Skinner manages to avoid it.
Skinner tries to counter by moving into the clinch but Hoca manages to circle out of the way.
Skinner uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Hoca.
Skinner seemed to be looking to counter by closing the distance.
Skinner ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Hoca throws a hook but Skinner avoids it easily.
Skinner scores with a sloppy right hand. Hoca should have avoided that one.
Hoca takes a swing at Skinner's ribcage but misses.
Skinner is looking to clinch but Hoca is avoiding it. #T3#
A jab from Hoca misses.
Skinner seemed to be looking to counter by closing the distance.
Hoca with a nice cross.
Skinner misses with a straight right.
A little jabbing left from Hoca on the counter but it doesn't find it's target.
Skinner scores with a sloppy right hand. Hoca should have avoided that one.
Hoca throws a body shot but no joy.
Hoca moves away from the strike by Skinner.
Skinner misses with an uppercut.
A slow jab from Skinner misses its intended target.
Skinner misses with a looping left.#T4#
Hoca throws a big shot that misses.
Hoca pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
A jab from Hoca misses.
Skinner keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Skinner closes the distance looking to clinch
and Skinner takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Hoca throws a hook but Skinner avoids it easily.
A cross from Skinner lands.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Skinner's hands are dropping dangerously low here and Hoca connects clean with a right hook that sends him down to one knee! Skinner scrambles back to his feet.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Necmettin Hoca dominated that round.
That's the end of the interval. I'm sure that seemed a lot quicker than a minute for our two fighters! Back to the action.#R2#
Hoca misses with a straight left.
Hoca has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
A slow jab from Skinner misses its intended target.
Skinner misses with a few strikes there.
Skinner misses with an uppercut
and Hoca counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Skinner uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Hoca.
Skinner is trying to close the distance and clinch up, after that failed offence from Hoca.
Skinner is really head hunting here, hardly looking to strike to the body at all.
Skinner ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Hoca moves away.
Hoca waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Skinner.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Hoca misses with a body shot.
Skinner takes an uppercut right on the button but keeps his composure.
A looping hook to the body misses from Skinner. Hoca does a little dance to reset his feet.#T1#
Skinner lands a nice shot to the body.
Hoca throws an overhand right that lands on Skinner's shoulder, as Skinner tries to avoid the shot.
Skinner seemed to be looking to counter by closing the distance.
Nice jab there from Skinner.
Hoca ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Skinner bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Skinner tries to clinch but Hoca moves out of range.
Hoca appears to be waiting to throw a counter punch to the body.
Hoca slips under a jab.
Hoca waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Skinner.
As Hoca tries to get set, Skinner tries to push him back and clinch up but Hoca manages to avoid the attempt.
Skinner tries to clinch up.
Hoca just misses with a punch to the body. #T2#
Skinner misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Hoca.
Skinner misses the jab.#CL#
Skinner moves into the clinch.
A battle for position here, against the cage.
Hoca goes for a body shot but it's blocked. #BC2#
Hoca breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Necmettin Hoca seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Skinner moves away from the strike by Hoca.
The fighters circling - Skinner throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Hoca tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Skinner was well out of range. Poor timing from Hoca.
Hoca throws out a powerful jab.#T3#
Hoca keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Hoca misses with the combination.
Hoca missing with a left hand there. Skinner was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
The fighters circling - Hoca throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Hoca lands with an uppercut that bounces Skinner off the cage and back into range.
Hoca throws a jab when Skinner was well out of range.
Skinner tries to counter by clinching up but Hoca breaks away and moves out of range.
Hoca misses with an uppercut.
Hoca misses with a looping left.#T4#
Jab, cross, leg kick. Nice combination by Hoca!
Skinner moves in looking to clinch but Hoca pushes him off.
Hoca throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Hoca scores with a punch to the gut of his opponent.
Skinner lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Hoca circles away quickly and effectively.
As Skinner backs off Hoca throws a huge counter combo but Skinner manages to avoid it all.
Skinner avoids the body shot from Hoca.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!#CL#
Skinner rushes Hoca and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.#BC2#
Hoca manages to break the clinch.
Skinner misses with an uppercut. Hoca saw that one coming.
Skinner misses with a wild body shot.
Hoca looked like he wanted to counter with a punch but didn't throw it.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Necmettin Hoca showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
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. This is the final round!#R3#
Hoca misses with a hook.
Skinner tries to close the distance and clinch but Hoca swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Hoca! But no joy.
Skinner moves out of range as Hoca strikes.
Skinner throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Skinner misses the shot to the body.
Hoca looks like he wants to counter punch here.
Skinner is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Hoca.
Skinner tries to clinch up but Hoca circles away and keeps his distance.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Skinner ducks under a wild hook from Hoca.
Hoca takes a shot right to the bread basket.
A left lands for Hoca.#T1#
Skinner uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Hoca.
Hoca lands a nice shot that snaps Skinner's head back.
A big left from Hoca misses.
Skinner throws a big shot that misses.
Hoca throws a lazy right hand but Skinner sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Skinner slips a straight right by Hoca.
Hoca slips under a jab.
Skinner is looking to clinch but Hoca is avoiding it.
Skinner loads up on a big right hand but Hoca slips the punch.#T2#
Skinner avoids a punch combination nicely.
Skinner misses with a body punch
and Hoca counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Hoca misses with a looping right.
Hoca keeps the fight on the outside.
A countering left hand to the body from Hoca misses.#CL#
Skinner gets a clinch.
Skinner pushes off an throws an elbow but Hoca leans to the side and avoids it. We're back to clinching against the cage.#BC2#
Hoca breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Skinner keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Hoca.
Necmettin Hoca is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
Skinner lands with a good body shot.#T3#
Hoca drops his hands momentarily and Skinner takes advantage with a crisp shot to the head.
Skinner uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Hoca.
Skinner has his head snapped back a nice jab. A little nod from Skinner there as he acknowledges the shot.
Shug Skinner has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Hoca throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Hoca displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Skinner throws out the jab.
A nice side step and Hoca releases a counter shot to the body, but it doesn't find it's home.
Skinner swings widly with a right hand
and Hoca counters with a shot to the ribs. That looked like it hurt.
Skinner avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Skinner misses with a shot to the body
and Hoca counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Skinner is looking to take this fight into the clinch.#T4#
Skinner closes the distance looking to clinch
and Hoca counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Skinner moves out of range of the strikes.
Skinner defending well as Hoca loads up on a big left hand.
Skinner throws a looping overhand right but Hoca ducks down to avoid it.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Nice uppercut lands for Hoca. That snapped Skinner's head back.
Nice defenses there by Hoca.

And that's the end of the fight!
Necmettin Hoca comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I've got Hoca winning every round here. Surely the decision will go his way and he'll pick up a well deserved decision victory. 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 27:30
Judge Kenichi Hosakawa scores the fight 27:30
Judge Hirohito Nitta scores the fight 27:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Necmettin Hoca!
Necmettin Hoca decided to go for the less than humble approach in his post fight interview, telling everyone how he is going to conquer the world. The crowd seemed to like it when really that sort of approach could have gone either way.

Event: Highland 151
Date: Apr 08, 2022

#R1#
Cartwright's jab looks to have found its range, popping Hoca under the eye.
Cartwright getting the better of the striking in that exchange.
Hoca fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Cartwright manages to avoid it.
Cartwright works the jab nicely.
Hoca lands a glancing blow to the side of Cartwright's head.
Cartwright throws a hook to the side of Hoca's head but Hoca sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Cartwright lands a nice looking body shot.
Cartwright scores with a jab to the jaw of his opponent.
Hoca throws a body shot but no joy.
Hoca moves forwards but Cartwright connects with a nice, crisp jab.
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!
Cartwright uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Hoca.
Hoca displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Cartwright.
Cartwright connects with a right hand. Hoca shakes it off.
Cartwright ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Hoca moves away.#T1#
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Cartwright.
Hoca loads up on a big right hand but Cartwright slips the punch.
Cartwright darts in and out, connecting with a jab.
Cartwright lands a pitter patter jab to the forehead of his opponent.#TD2#
Cartwright looking to score a takedown here. Hoca is defending well but Cartwright drives through and ends up in Hoca's guard.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Cartwright accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Cartwright engaging in some classic timewasting tactics.
Cartwright throws a big elbow that misses.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Cartwright passes Hoca's left leg - he's now in half guard. #T2#
Hoca trying to control but Cartwright postures up.
Cartwright tries to stand but his hand is stuck under Hoca.
Hoca on his back here. We all know that wrestlers don't like being on their back so let's see if Hoca tries to get out of the position.
Cartwright content to control rather than advance.
Cartwright sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Hoca defending well though. #T3#
Hoca has his hands clasped together around Cartwright's back. He's all about the action.
Hoca keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound. #SUB2#
Cartwright is working for a kimura but Hoca is defending it quite comfortably.
Cartwright looking to pass the half guard. Not this time.
Cartwright seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Hoca does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back. #T4#
The crowd are showing their displeasure at the lack of action as loud boos ring out around the arena.
Cartwright controlling the action here.
Cartwright has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.#SUB2#
Cartwright is looking for a kimura but Hoca is holding onto that half guard position, so it's hard for Cartwright to get the leverage. #SUB2#
Cartwright is trying to work for a kimura but Hoca is defending well.
Still in half guard, Cartwright seems content to control.
Hoca is looking to control Cartwright's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Hoca avoid being mounted?
Hoca holds on for dear life, maintaining half guard for now.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Punchy Cartwright dominated that round.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!#R2#
Cartwright misses with an uppercut.
It looked like Hoca wanted to counter with a hook but didn't fully commit.
Hoca walks into a straight right hand from Cartwright.
Cartwright connects nicely with a jab. Noted by the judges no doubt.
Hoca misses with a straight right.
Hoca keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
Hoca swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.
Hoca moves out of range of the strikes.
Cartwright misses with a series of wild punches.
Punchy Cartwright seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Cartwright throws a left and a right that both miss
and Hoca counters with a nice uppercut.
Cartwright has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Hoca swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Cartwright throws a shot from downtown. Hoca moves away and avoids it.
Cartwright connects with a right hand. Hoca shakes it off.
Cartwright lands with a cross. #T1#
Cartwright throws a leg kick but Hoca sees it coming and moves out of range.
Necmettin Hoca is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Nice shot lands for Cartwright.
Cartwright throws a jab but it's blocked by Hoca.
Hoca on the wrong end of a nice hook.
Hoca bobs and weaves and unloads with a good uppercut.#ROC#Cartwright is rocked!
Cartwright shoots in for a takedown but Hoca shows good takedown defense.
Hoca has his front leg slapped to the side - a nice low kick landing there from Cartwright.
Cartwright misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
Necmettin Hoca has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Punchy Cartwright.
A big left from Cartwright misses.
Cartwright sizes up Hoca with a pawing jab and scores with a straight right down the middle.
Punchy Cartwright seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Hoca bobbing and weaving, closes the distance and lands a hook to the side of Cartwright's head.
Cartwright is still on wobbly legs! Can Hoca finish him?
Cartwright ducks under a wild hook from Hoca.
Hoca takes a swing at Cartwright's ribcage but misses.
Cartwright has used his reach advantage pretty well so far tonight.#T2#
Cartwright scores with a sloppy right hand. Hoca should have avoided that one.
Cartwright seems to have recovered his senses.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Cartwright shoots in and drives through. Hoca sprawls well.
Hoca checks the leg kick.
Hoca swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Hoca swings for the body but Cartwright moves out of range.
Cartwright is looking for the big counter here.
Hoca looks to score with a jab to the body but Cartwright is just out of range.
Cartwright moves his head to the side to avoid a jab but walks straight into a cross.
Hoca throws a shot from downtown. Cartwright moves away and avoids it.
Cartwright slips a jab from Hoca.
Cartwright paws at his opponent with the jab and then lunges in with a straight, right on the button.
A looping hook to the body misses from Hoca. Cartwright does a little dance to reset his feet.
Cartwright uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Hoca.
Cartwright works his jab well there, keeping his opponent at a distance.#T3#
Hoca tries to check a leg kick but that clearly hurt him.
Cartwright throws a right and a left that Hoca avoids nicely.
Hoca looks to land a left hand but Cartwright moved out of range nicely.
Cartwright looks like he wants to counter punch here.
Hoca misses with a looping left.
A little jabbing left from Cartwright on the counter but it doesn't find it's target.
A big left from Hoca misses.
Cartwright will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
Cartwright fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Cartwright takes a shot to the body in his stride.
Cartwright misses with an uppercut. Hoca saw that one coming.
Hoca throws the left hand but Cartwright avoids the punch easily.
Cartwright jabbing away but nothing is landing. #T4#
Cartwright moves away from the strike by Hoca.
Cartwright lands a really nice looking cross but Hoca seems unphased.
Cartwright fakes low and throws an overhand right that catches Hoca on the side of the head.
A slow jab from Hoca misses its intended target.
Hoca scores with a nice strike.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Nice defenses there by Hoca.
Hoca throws an off balance right hand
and Cartwright counters with a left and a right that stings Hoca.
Cartwright tried to score with a low kick but Hoca checks it.
A jab from Cartwright finds it's way through Hoca's defenses.
Cartwright throws a leg kick that is checked
and Hoca counters with a nice uppercut.
Hoca steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Cartwright.
Cartwright finds nothing but air with that leg kick attempt.
Cartwright lands a nice shot to the body.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Punchy Cartwright showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
That's time! Back to the action! This is the final round!#R3#
Cartwright digs a good hook to Hoca's body.
Cartwright has a takedown stuffed.
Hoca doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
Hoca takes a shot to the body in his stride.
Cartwright swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Cartwright scores with a sloppy punch to the body. Not much technique there but it did the business.
Cartwright scores with a punch to the gut of his opponent.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Hoca displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Cartwright throws out the jab.
Cartwright fails to land with a series of punches.
Hoca misses with a straight left.
Cartwright lands with a good body shot.#T1#
Cartwright tries to move into range but Hoca moves to the side and lands with a nice right hand.
Cartwright avoids the body shot from Hoca.
Cartwright keeps his opponent at a distance with a nice jab. #KD#
Hoca cracks Cartwright with a big right hand that sends him crashing to the floor. Hoca has the opportunity to follow him to the ground but instead he's beckoning Cartwright to stand back up!
Cartwright throws a nice looking combination but Hoca bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
A telegraphed right hand from Cartwright misses the target.
Hoca is looking to counter punch.
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!
Cartwright looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Hoca looks like he's developed a pretty tasty lump over his left eye. He'll need to avoid taking much more damage to that.
Cartwright throws a looping overhand right but Hoca ducks down to avoid it.
Hoca takes a jab on the nose there. A little bit of blood seems to be coming out. Hopefully that won't affect his breathing.
Cartwright looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
It looked like Hoca wanted to counter with a hook but didn't fully commit.
Cartwright takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Hoca throws a hook to the side of Cartwright's head but Cartwright sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Hoca bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.#T2#
Cartwright fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Cartwright throws a series of punches but Hoca avoids them all with ease.
Hoca throws a poor cross that misses
and Cartwright cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Cartwright misses the shot to the body.
Hoca blocks a low kick nicely.
A low kick from Cartwright is predictable there
and Hoca connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Cartwright throws a shot to the body.
Hoca misses with a hook.
Hoca looks to land a left hand but Cartwright moved out of range nicely.
Cartwright with the counter takedown but Hoca avoids it easily.#TD2#
Cartwright looks for a takedown. He's got it. We're now in half guard.
Cartwright trying to control from half guard but Hoca is working away.
Necmettin Hoca has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!#T3#
Hoca is trying to control but can't.
Hoca wants to get back to full guard.
Cartwright is trying to control the action in half guard but Hoca is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.
Cartwright is looking to advance position but Hoca won't allow it. #SUB2#
Cartwright is trying to work for a kimura but Hoca is defending well.
Cartwright is nestled in close to Hoca, controlling him well. He's worked in a nice elbow to the side of the head as well, for good measure.
Hoca knows he needs to get back to his feet asap. He's simply no match for Cartwright on the ground.#T4#
A few boos can be heard. I'm sure they will multiply if the fighters don't pick up the pace.
Cartwright trying to control the action but Hoca is working from the bottom.
Cartwright throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.
Hoca tries to roll over but Cartwright keeps him under control.
Hoca is working hard here to advance position.
Cartwright works his foot free and advances to mount.
Cartwright with good strikes from the mount here!

And that's the end of the fight!
Punchy Cartwright comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
Well Cartwright 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 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Kenichi Hosakawa scores the fight 27:30
Judge Ren Mimura scores the fight 27:30
Judge Shigeki Fujiwara scores the fight 27:30

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

Event: Highland 136
Date: Feb 13, 2022

#R1#
Skinner avoids the body shot from Hoca.
Skinner swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Skinner looks to throw the jab but Hoca is out of range.
A little feinted left hand from Hoca on the counter but he doesn't commit to it.
Skinner keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Skinner looks to score with a jab to the body but Hoca is just out of range.
Hoca throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Skinner is looking to clinch.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.#CL2#
Skinner has taken the fight to the clinch.
A head punch on the inside from Hoca fails to land.
Skinner looks to throw an elbow but misses.
Hoca misses with a hook from the clinch.
Hoca is trying to break free.#BC#
Hoca breaks the clinch. #T1#
Skinner ducks under a wild hook from Hoca.
Hoca lands with a good body shot.
The fighters circling - Hoca throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Skinner steps in looking to clinch after the strikes miss from Hoca.
Skinner tries to clinch but fails miserably
and Hoca counters with a straight punch to the midsection.
Hoca misses with a few strikes there.
Skinner lands a head shot.
Skinner misses with a wild body shot. #CL2#
Skinner closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the cage.
Skinner lands an elbow inside. #CUT2#It looks like Necmettin Hoca has been cut.
Hoca has had enough of the clinch but Skinner keeps him there for the moment.
Skinner misses with an elbow strike. #T2#
Hoca misses with a body punch.
Hoca blocks an elbow strike from Skinner.
Hoca tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Skinner's elbow.
Hoca misses with some punches.
Hoca misses with a body punch. #BC#
Hoca escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Skinner looks to land a combination. Hoca sees it coming but can only parry a couple of the shots.
Hoca throws a lazy right hand but Skinner sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Skinner looks to score with a jab to the body but Hoca is just out of range.
Skinner slips a jab and a cross from Hoca.
Skinner wants to counter with a clinch but Hoca pushes him away.
Hoca throws an overhand right that lands on Skinner's shoulder, as Skinner tries to avoid the shot.
Hoca with poor footwork there. He got himself in a bit of a tangle, enabling Skinner to score with a decent uppercut.
Hoca takes a swing at Skinner's ribcage but misses. #T3#
A decent looking cross lands there for Hoca.
A jab from Hoca misses. #CL2#
Skinner instigates a clinch. #BC2#
Skinner escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
A big left from Hoca misses.
Skinner misses with an uppercut. Hoca saw that one coming.
Hoca throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Skinner misses with a telegraphed body shot
and Hoca counters with a straight right hand.
Skinner lands with a straight right. Hoca didn't see that one coming.
Hoca bobbing and weaving, closes the distance and lands a hook to the side of Skinner's head.#T4#
Skinner avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Skinner wants to counter with a clinch but Hoca pushes him away.
Hoca keeps the fight on the outside.
Hoca loads up on a big right hand but Skinner slips the punch.#CL2#
Skinner clinches up against the cage.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
With the two fighters working up against the cage, Skinner just misses with a elbow thrown towards Hoca's brow.
Skinner lands an elbow that stopped Hoca in his tracks for a moment. #BC#
Hoca manages to break the clinch.
Skinner stuns Hoca with a nice body shot, before stepping back out of range.
Hoca looks to score with a jab to the body but Skinner is just out of range.
Hoca takes a jab on the nose there. A little bit of blood seems to be coming out. Hopefully that won't affect his breathing.
Hoca waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Skinner.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but Shug Skinner will probably get the nod.
The cut man is working on Necmettin Hoca's cut.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.#R2#
Nice defenses there by Skinner.
Skinner swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Boom, another hit is landed. "You're gunna get knocked out" taunts Hoca, as that shot connected. #CL2#
Skinner closes the distance and pushes Hoca back into the cage.
Hoca is trying to work out of this bad position, with his back against the cage.
Skinner creates a bit of space for himself and sneaks an elbow through Hoca's defenses. #BC2#
Skinner breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Hoca moves into range and connects with a jab.
Skinner is throwing a lot of body shots here, looking to wear down Hoca rather than just go for the knockout.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Hoca needs to keep his hands up - Skinner had a free shot at his head there.
Hoca keeps the fight on the outside.
Skinner thows a left - swing and a miss!
It looked like Hoca wanted to counter with a hook but didn't fully commit.
Skinner waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Hoca.#T1#
Skinner misses with a right hand
enabling Hoca to counter with a crisp jab.
Skinner jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Skinner swings widly with a right hand
and Hoca counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Hoca throws a jab when Skinner was well out of range.
Hoca looks to score with a jab to the body but Skinner is just out of range.
Hoca misses with a hook. Skinner ducked under it nicely.
Hoca misses with an uppercut.
Hoca uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Skinner.
Skinner lands a jab to the nose.#T2#
Hoca on the wrong end of a vicious looking body shot.
Hoca misses with a body shot.
Skinner uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Hoca.
Skinner misses with a wild combination.
Skinner throws a body shot but no joy.
It looked like Hoca wanted to counter with a hook but didn't fully commit.
Skinner moves out of range as Hoca strikes.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Skinner lands a head shot.
Skinner scores with a jab. Hoca acknowledges it with a nod of the head.
Hoca defending well as Skinner loads up on a big left hand. #T3#
Skinner bobbing and weaving, closes the distance and lands a hook to the side of Hoca's head.
Skinner moves away from the strike by Hoca.
Jab by Skinner.
Skinner lands the left hand.
Good exchange - Skinner coming out on top.#CL2#
Skinner clinches up with Hoca and pushes him back against the cage.
Hoca is trying to break free.
Hoca lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
Skinner lands a glancing elbow in the clinch.
Hoca blocks an elbow strike.
Skinner throws an elbow but it's blocked. #T4#
Hoca has a couple of punches blocked by Skinner. #BC#
Hoca breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Hoca misses with an uppercut. Skinner saw that one coming.
Skinner throws a couple of head shots and lands with the final one - a decent hook, which struck Hoca on the side of the head.
Skinner throws a hook but Hoca blocks it.
Skinner takes a swing at Hoca's ribcage but misses.
Hoca was looking to counter that move with a punch but didn't quite pull the trigger.
Hoca misses with a double jab.
Skinner fakes a jab and then connects with a hook.
Skinner throws an off balance right hand
and Hoca counters with a nice body shot.
Skinner fails with an attempt to clinch.
A little feinted left hand from Hoca on the counter but he doesn't commit to it.#CL2#
Skinner has closed the distance and engaged Hoca in a clinch.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Shug Skinner showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The cut man is working on Necmettin Hoca'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#
Skinner misses with a few strikes there.
Skinner avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Hoca looks to throw the jab but Skinner is out of range.
Hoca ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Skinner moves away.
Hoca ducks low and lands a nice hook to the body of his opponent.
Skinner tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Hoca manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.#CL2#
Skinner clinches up with Hoca and pushes him back against the cage.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Hoca stalling here - the referee won't stand for too much of that.
Hoca tries to break free but Skinner pushes him back against the cage.
Skinner pushes off and fires off an elbow that misses, before clinching up again, against the cage.
With the fighters up against the cage, Skinner throws an elbow but misses. #T1##BC#
Hoca breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Hoca keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Necmettin Hoca is winning the standup battle so far.
Skinner jabs Hoca right on the nose. Hoca blinks but takes it well.
Skinner scores with a crisp jab that stopped Hoca in his tracks.
Skinner misses with an uppercut.
Skinner bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Nice defenses there by Skinner.
Skinner slips under a jab.
Skinner lunges at Hoca with a hook that half lands and is half blocked by Hoca's hand. #CL2#
Skinner closes the distance and clinches. #T2#
Skinner lands a shoulder strike. #BC2#
Skinner escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Skinner tries to clinch but Hoca moves out of range.
A left lands for Skinner.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Hoca misses the shot to the body.
Good standup being displayed there by Skinner as he connects with a hook.
Skinner throws a big shot that misses.
A little feinted left hand from Hoca on the counter but he doesn't commit to it.
Skinner misses with an uppercut.
Skinner has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Hoca throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Necmettin Hoca has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!#CL2#
Skinner darts in and clinches Hoca up against the cage.
Shug Skinner seems to be working more effectively in the clinch in the fight so far.#T3#
Hoca dodges an elbow strike from Skinner. #BC#
Hoca manages to break the clinch.
Hoca just misses with a punch to the body.
Shug Skinner is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
A big left from Hoca misses.
Skinner tries to counter with a clinch but Hoca shakes him off and moves away.
Skinner stuns Hoca with a nice body shot, before stepping back out of range.
Hoca loads up on a big right hand but Skinner slips the punch.
A jab from Hoca does it's job there.
Hoca throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Hoca looks to land a right hand but Skinner moved out of range.
Hoca throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Skinner.
Skinner tries to counter by closing the distance.
The fighters are starting to get sweaty, which will make takedowns a bit more tricky.#T4#
Hoca moves forwards but Skinner connects with a nice, crisp jab.
Decent striking displayed by Skinner there.#CL2#
Skinner closes the distance and clinches.
Hoca tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Skinner's elbow.
Hoca struggles to land a body shot inside as Skinner controls his hands.
Skinner has Hoca pressed against the cage, preventing Hoca from circling away and getting back to striking at range.
Hoca misses with a punch on the inside.
This has been an exciting period of action!
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Hoca.
Hoca goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Hoca misses with the head strike.
Hoca tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Hoca misses with a short punch on the inside.

And that's the end of the fight!
Shug Skinner comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
Well Skinner 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 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Hugh Johnson scores the fight 27:30
Judge Darius Henderson scores the fight 28:30
Judge Winston Howard scores the fight 28:29

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Shug Skinner!
A victorious Shug Skinner thanked his army of followers in his post fight interview, telling people to make sure they follow him on Twitter.

Event: Highland 128
Date: Jan 14, 2022

#R1#
Nice cross by Dead.
Hoca looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Dead avoids the body shot from Hoca.
Hoca gets cracked there but stands up to it.
Hoca loads up on a big right hand but Dead slips the punch.
Dead scores with a hook.
Dead scores with a sloppy punch to the body. Not much technique there but it did the business.
Hoca blocks a jab.
Dead is using his reach advantage to land shots from outside his opponent's range.
Hoca staying out of range there.
Dead misses with the combination.
A punch combination from Dead misses.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Hoca takes a really solid shot there but just smiles back and shrugs his shoulders.
Dead lands a jab to Hoca's midsection.
A head kick misses from Dead.
Dead tests Hoca's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Dead scores with a nice strike.#T1#
Dead is moving around nicely and scores here with a single head shot.
Dead is really turning it up, unleashing another crisp combination which drops Hoca like a ton of bricks! The referee dives in to stop the fight, saving Hoca from another fist facial!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:15 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Better Dead!

Event: Highland 121
Date: Dec 19, 2021

#R1#
Murphy is looking to clinch but Hoca is avoiding it.
Nice jab there from Hoca.
Hoca misses with a right hand #TD#
and Murphy counters with a takedown into side control. #SUB#
Murphy is looking for a kimura. He might have it! No, Hoca has escaped the position, nice work there.
Hoca tries to improve position but can't.
Hoca can't do much from the bottom here.
Hoca stops Murphy from passing to mount.
Hoca really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Murphy. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.#SUB#
Murphy is trying to get an arm triangle but Hoca is defending well. #T1#
Murphy has knee on belly and moves into mount.
Murphy controlling from mount.
Hoca is looking to improve his position but Murphy isn't that keen on the idea.#SUB#
Murphy looks like he's working for a submission but he's not found anything just yet.#T2#
Murphy wants to control the pace but Hoca is squirming around nicely.
Murphy seems to be looking to move to his opponent's back but Hoca is holding on tight.
Hoca tries to hold on but Murphy postures up.#SUB#
Murphy looking for an armbar but decides to keep the dominant position instead.
Hoca working to try and regain half guard. #T3##SUB#
Hoca reaches up to try and pull Murphy in and control his posture, but Murphy latches on to an arm and pivots quickly for an armbar! Hoca taps out and this one is all over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:23 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Armbar). Liam Murphy!
Jumping up and down and very excited, Liam Murphy waved his t-shirt featuring Ma Balls Is Hot Clothing's logo in front of the cameras.

Event: Highland 114
Date: Dec 01, 2021

#R1#
Hoca throws out a loose jab but Ramirez uses good head movement to avoid it.
A cross from Hoca lands.
Hoca dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
We can't be sure of the tactics at this early stage but we have heard that Ramirez has been working on his takedowns a lot in the buildup to the fight and we can only assume he's going to look to take this to the mat.
Ramirez shoots in for a takedown but Hoca shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Ramirez misses with a shot to the body
and Hoca connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Hoca looks to throw the jab but Ramirez is out of range.
Ramirez changes levels for a counter takedown but doesn't follow through with his attempt.
Hoca bobs and weaves and unloads with a good uppercut.
Ramirez ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Ramirez defending well as Hoca loads up on a big left hand.
Ramirez misses with a shot to the body
and Hoca counters with a nice uppercut.
Ramirez throws out a loose jab but Hoca uses good head movement to avoid it.
Hoca throws the left hand but Ramirez avoids the punch easily.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.#TD2#
Ramirez gets a takedown into half guard.
Hoca is staying active underneath Ramirez, who seems content to just control the action from this position. #T1##SUB2#
Ramirez has hold of the far side arm. He's working for the Kimura, can Hoca defend it? Ramirez steps over the head and cranks it - Hoca is tapping out! That was textbook stuff right there - nice submission victory for Ramirez!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:22 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Kimura). Richard Ramirez!
In his post fight interview, Richard Ramirez started talking himself up. Luckily his charisma kept the crowd on side and gave him a good reception.

Event: Highland 107
Date: Nov 12, 2021

#R1#
Ousmane gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily
and Hoca counters with a straight right hand.
Hoca displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Ousmane.
Ousmane shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Hoca defends it nicely.
Necmettin Hoca has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Kofi Ousmane.
Hoca takes a swing at Ousmane's ribcage but misses. #KD#
Hoca lands a left and a right that send Ousmane crashing to the mat, dazed. Hoca thinks about following him to the mat but decides to wave him back up to his feet!#ROC#Ousmane is rocked!
Ousmane circles to his right, straight into a beautiful hook by Hoca. Ousmane falls face first into the canvas - great knockout victory for Hoca!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 0:41 of round 1, we have a winner by way of KO (Punch). Necmettin Hoca!
Necmettin Hoca spent the whole post fight interview bigging himself up. It didn't go down that well with the fans after a while as they thought it was a bit arrogant.

Event: Highland 98
Date: Oct 15, 2021

#R1#
A big left from Hoca misses.
Murphy tries to clinch but fails miserably
and Hoca counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Hoca swings for the body but Murphy moves out of range.
Murphy fails with the takedown.
Murphy tries to close the distance and clinch but Hoca swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Nice takedown defense from Hoca. No joy for Murphy on that attempt.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Hoca throws a big shot that misses.#TD2#
Murphy gets a takedown into half guard.
Murphy is pressing down on Hoca's thigh, looking to free his foot. Hoca is holding on for now. #T1#
Hoca is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Hoca is not content to let Murphy control the position.#SUB2#
Murphy is working for a submission of some sort. #SUB2#
Murphy is looking for an arm triangle, whilst trying to pass to side control. Hoca doesn't seem that keen to cooperate though. No luck this time Murphy. #T2#
The crowd are getting on the fighters' backs, as the pace has dropped off in the last minute or so.
Murphy sitting and controlling from the half guard.
Murphy is looking to take a break and control but Hoca is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Murphy passes the half guard and he's now in mount! Big trouble for Hoca! #T3#
Murphy takes Hoca's back. #SUB2#
Hoca is trying to defend against the choke here but Murphy has an arm under his chin. This one might not last much longer. Murphy Tightens the hold and Hoca taps out furiously! Murphy displays superior BJJ to win the fight.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:35 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (RNC). Liam Murphy!
An out of breath and clearly excited Liam Murphy thanked Ma Balls Is Hot Clothing for their help and support (and free stuff they sent him).

Event: Highland 94
Date: Sep 29, 2021

#R1#
Hoca swings for the body but Diaz moves out of range.
Diaz looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Hoca! But no joy.
Nice straight punches there by Diaz. You know Roy Jones Jr respects the hands of Diaz.
Hoca connects with a lovely jab that went straight through the gap between Diaz's hands.
Diaz is pinned up against the cage taking some big shots here. The referee is looking closely deciding whether he should stop the fight.
Hoca scores with a jab.
Hoca avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Hoca misses with a lunging right hand #CL#
and Diaz counters by clinching up.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Diaz.
A nice right hand lands inside from Diaz.
Hoca goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Diaz tries to pull guard but Hoca forces him back to his feet, against the cage.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Diaz is trying to pull guard but Hoca has him pressed against the cage.#T1##BC2#
Hoca manages to break the clinch.
Diaz slips under a jab.
Hoca throws a big shot that misses.
Diaz seemed to be looking to counter by closing the distance.
Diaz lands a right hook to the body.
Diaz scores with a nice strike.
Hoca rushes in with a sloppy looking punch #CL#
and Diaz holds on and brings the fighters into a clinch.
Hoca throws a punch but it's blocked by Diaz.
Hoca misses with the head strike. #BC2#
Hoca pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Hoca changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.
The fighters circle momentarily. Hoca darts into range and connects with a nice straight punch.
Hoca bobs and weaves and throws out a fast jab that snaps Diaz's head backwards.#T2##KD2#
Hoca drops Diaz with a beautiful combination! Diaz stares up at his opponent, who ushers him back to his feet - Hoca is looking for the KO!#CUT2#It looks like Noel Diaz has been cut.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Hoca missing with a left hand there. Diaz was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Diaz seemed to be looking to counter by closing the distance.
Diaz throws a lazy uppercut
and Hoca cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Hoca misses with a wild body shot.
A slow jab from Diaz misses its intended target.
Diaz misses with a jab, cross combination.
A little jabbing left from Hoca on the counter but it doesn't find it's target.
Diaz throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Diaz is looking to clinch but Hoca is avoiding it.
Hoca misses with a left hand
and Diaz counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Diaz lands a really nice looking cross but Hoca seems unphased. #T3#
Hoca keeps the fight on the outside.
Hoca connects with a body shot that sends Diaz's belly button to the back.
Diaz steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Hoca.
A telegraphed right hand from Hoca misses the target.
Diaz lands a jab.
Diaz moves out of range as Hoca strikes.
Diaz jabs at Hoca's body.
Diaz is looking to clinch.
A little jabbing left from Hoca on the counter but it doesn't find it's target.#CL#
Diaz clinches with his opponent. #T4##BC2#
Hoca manages to break the clinch.
Diaz with poor footwork there. He got himself in a bit of a tangle, enabling Hoca to score with a decent uppercut.
Hoca throws a big shot that misses.
Hoca uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Diaz.
Hoca 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.
Diaz is looking to clinch but Hoca is avoiding it.
Diaz lands a head shot.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Diaz takes one to the side of the head.
Diaz bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Diaz tries to counter by moving into the clinch but Hoca manages to circle out of the way.
Diaz misses with a wild body shot.
Nice defenses there by Diaz.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Necmettin Hoca dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Noel Diaz's cut.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.#R2##CL#
Diaz moves into range and clinches up with Hoca.
Diaz jumps guard but Hoca stands there with Diaz around his waist. Diaz gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch.
Diaz misses with a hook to the ribs.
Diaz tries to pull guard but Hoca won't allow it.
A nice left hand lands by Hoca. #BC2#
Hoca breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Hoca has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Diaz misses with a double jab
and Hoca counters with a straight right hand.
Diaz defending well as Hoca loads up on a big left hand.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Hoca slips a jab from Diaz.
Hoca throws the left hand but Diaz avoids the punch easily.
Diaz looks to have improved his striking defense since last time we saw him fight.#CL#
Diaz fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Hoca, pushing him back against the cage.#T1#
Hoca lands a hook to the side of the head.
Diaz is trying to pull guard but Hoca turns him against the cage and we stay in the clinch.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Noel Diaz. That's going to take a lot out of him.#BC2#
Hoca escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Hoca just misses with a punch to the body.
Diaz closes the distance looking to clinch
and Hoca counters with a nice body shot.
Diaz tries to close the distance and clinch up but Hoca swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Diaz avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
A slow jab from Hoca misses its intended target.
Hoca uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Diaz.#T2#
Diaz throws a shot to the body.
Hoca misses with an uppercut. Diaz saw that one coming.
Diaz seemed to be looking to counter by closing the distance.
Hoca showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Diaz.
Hoca throws out a loose jab but Diaz uses good head movement to avoid it.
Diaz swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.
Hoca cracks Diaz with a hook to the jaw. Both fighters smile at eachother and high-five before getting back down to business.
Diaz throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Diaz lands a nice shot that snaps Hoca's head back.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Hoca misses with a looping left.
A swing and a miss from Hoca.#T3#
Hoca just misses with a punch to the body.
Diaz seemed to be looking to counter by closing the distance.
Diaz misses with a double jab.
Diaz keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Hoca.
Diaz wants to take advantage of his opponent's missed offense by moving into the clinch.
Jab from Diaz.#CL#
Diaz closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the cage.
Hoca tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Diaz's elbow.
A short uppercut from Diaz.
Diaz swings wildly with an uppercut but Hoca uses good head movement to avoid it.
Hoca misses with a hook to the ribs.
Diaz lands a body punch - he's looking to wear down Hoca.#BC2#
Hoca breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance. #T4#
Diaz misses with a hook. Hoca ducked under it nicely.
Diaz throws a series of punches but Hoca avoids them all with ease.
Hoca misses with an uppercut
and Diaz counters with a two punch combo.
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!
Hoca throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Diaz is trying to close the distance and clinch up, after that failed offence from Hoca.
Diaz slips under a jab.
Hoca ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Hoca looked like he wanted to counter with a punch but didn't throw it.
Hoca connects with the punch.
Hoca throws a body shot but no joy.
Hoca swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Hoca has his hands up protecting his head but a hook from Diaz finds it's way round the side to connect with Hoca's head.
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 Noel Diaz will probably get the nod.
The cut man is working on Noel Diaz'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.#R3#
Hoca ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Diaz moves away.
The fighters circling - Hoca throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Diaz takes a swing at Hoca's ribcage but misses.
Hoca looked like he wanted to counter with a punch but didn't throw it.
Necmettin Hoca seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Jab, jab by Hoca - just one landing.
A looping hook to the body misses from Hoca. Diaz does a little dance to reset his feet.
Hoca darts in and out, connecting with a jab.
Hoca misses with a left hand
and Diaz counters with a one-two to the body.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Diaz lands a powerful looking uppercut that connected with his opponent's jaw.
Diaz uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Hoca.
Hoca ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Diaz moves away.#T1#
Diaz fakes a jab and then connects with a hook.
Hoca throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Diaz is looking to counter the offense by Hoca and move into the clinch.
Hoca throws a lazy right hand but Diaz sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Hoca misses the body punch #CL#
and Diaz holds on and brings the fighters into a clinch. #TD#
Diaz pulls guard effortlessly.
Diaz controls Hoca momentarily but Hoca frees himself. #SUB#
Diaz looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening. #SUB#
Diaz throwing his legs up looking for a triangle. #T2##SUB#
Hoca got a little sloppy there for a moment and Diaz has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Hoca has managed to get both his arms back between Diaz's legs - danger averted.
We could do with one of the fighters taking the initiative a bit more on the ground - they're both waiting to capitalize on a mistake.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.#SUB#
Diaz had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Hoca defends it easily.#SUB#
Hoca is posturing up here but Diaz has hold of an arm and he's gone for an armbar! Hoca tries to roll out but it's too tight and Hoca has to tap! Slick submission there by Diaz!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:57 of round 3, we have a winner by way of Submission (Armbar). Noel Diaz!
Noel Diaz retains his lightweight title!
After the fight, Noel Diaz was humble in paying tribute to his opponent but made it clear he wants to go on to bigger and better things. It seemed to go down well with the crowd who cheered him loudly.

Event: Highland 92
Date: Sep 17, 2021

#R1#
Hoca comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.
Murphy tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Hoca paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Murphy tries to clinch up but Hoca circles away and keeps his distance.
Murphy shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Hoca defends it nicely.#CL2#
Murphy gets in close and instigates a clinch.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Murphy tries to throw a body punch but Hoca avoids it by throwing Murphy back against the cage.
Hoca goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Murphy lands a hook that snaps the head of Hoca backwards.
Murphy jumps guard but his hands slip and he falls flat on his back. Well, he's made himself look a right mug there, as Hoca walks away with a smile on his face. Murphy gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head. #T1#
Murphy looks shocked there as he takes a right hand to the temple. #CL2#
The fight moves into the clinch position.#BC#
Hoca escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Hoca lands a head shot.#ROC#Murphy is rocked!
Murphy wants to clinch
and Hoca connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Murphy is still on wobbly legs! Can Hoca finish him?
Hoca lands hard precision jab right on the jaw that stiffens Murphy up and sends him tumbling to the mat! The ref grabs Hoca from behind before he can pounce. Some folks in the crowd didn't like that stoppage, but I saw Murphy's eyes roll way back in his head, he was done.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:47 of round 1, we have a winner by way of KO (Punch). Necmettin Hoca!
Necmettin Hoca decided to go for the less than humble approach in his post fight interview, telling everyone how he is going to conquer the world. The crowd seemed to like it when really that sort of approach could have gone either way.

Event: The Island Season 12, 155 lbs, Round 3
Date: Aug 24, 2021

#R1#
Ponziabo tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Hoca was well out of range. Poor timing from Ponziabo.
Hoca throws the left hand but Ponziabo avoids the punch easily.
Ponziabo misses with an uppercut
and Hoca makes him pay by landing a nice hook to the body before moving out of range.
Hoca stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Hoca wants it to stay on the feet.
Hoca stalks Ponziabo and leaps in with a furious combination of punches. Uppercuts and crosses smash into Ponziabo's face. Ponziabo staggers backwards, shaken.#KD2#
Hoca drops Ponziabo with a beautiful combination! Ponziabo stares up at his opponent, who ushers him back to his feet - Hoca is looking for the KO!#CUT2#It looks like Santiago Ponziabo 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!
Ponziabo fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Ponziabo misses with a takedown
and Hoca counters with a lovely straight right hand!
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Santiago Ponziabo. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Ponziabo throws a series of punches but Hoca moves out of range.
A countering left hand to the body from Hoca misses.
Ponziabo doesn't succeed with the takedown
and Hoca counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head. #T1#
Hoca misses with a straight left.
A swing and a miss from Hoca.#TD#
A momentary lapse in concentration from Hoca enables Ponziabo to shoot in and score with a neat double leg. Hoca manages to secure a closed guard as the fighters hit the mat.#SUB#
Ponziabo is trying to work a guillotine from the top, or something like that? Don't know how he thinks he's going to get a finish from there.
Hoca wants to sweep but no luck. #SUB#
Ponziabo drops back looking for a leg! Hoca is in trouble here! The fighters roll with the hold and Hoca manages to kick Ponziabo off! Ponziabo jumps back into Hoca's guard. #T2##SUB#
Ponziabo drops back for a leg! It's a sloppy attempt though and Ponziabo jumps back into guard quickly, to retain the dominant position.
Hoca looking to hit a scissor sweep but Ponziabo is one step ahead there.
Ponziabo 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.
We get told so often about how wrestlers don't like to be on their backs. Let's see if Hoca can do anything to dispel that myth.#T3#
Ponziabo trying to control the position from guard on top but Hoca is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
The referee is pacing around the two fighters, thinking about a standup.#SUB#
Ponziabo drops back looking for a leg! Hoca is in trouble here! The fighters roll with the hold and Hoca manages to kick Ponziabo off! Ponziabo jumps back into Hoca's guard.
Ponziabo trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet. #REF3#
The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.
Hoca jabs Ponziabo to the body, keeping him at a distance.
Hoca scores with a body shot. #T4#
Ponziabo steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Hoca.
Hoca misses with a two punch combination.
Hoca lands a head shot.
Hoca ducks down and throws a hook to the body.
Hoca throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd.
Hoca throws a hook but Ponziabo blocks it.
Hoca throws a hook but Ponziabo avoids it easily.
Necmettin Hoca is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Ponziabo uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Hoca.
A jab from Ponziabo misses.
Hoca looks like he wants to counter punch here.
Ponziabo fails with the takedown
letting Hoca counter with a right hand.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Necmettin Hoca dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Santiago Ponziabo's cut.
That's time! Back to the action!#R2##TD#
Ponziabo gets a double leg takedown into Hoca's guard.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.#SUB#
Ponziabo drops back for a leg! It's a sloppy attempt though and Ponziabo jumps back into guard quickly, to retain the dominant position.
Ponziabo forces his way into half guard.#SUB#
Ponziabo is working for a submission here. He's got hold of the far side arm and he's looking for a kimura. He's cranking on the arm and he's got it! Hoca is tapping out! Ouch, that looked like it hurt!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 0:42 of round 2, we have a winner by way of Submission (Kimura). Santiago Ponziabo!
An out of breath Santiago Ponziabo thanked his loyal fans in his post fight interview, giving them credit for his success over the course of his career.

Event: The Island Season 12, 155 lbs, Round 2
Date: Aug 23, 2021

#R1#
Epolito is looking to clinch but Hoca is avoiding it.
Epolito looks to have improved his striking defense since last time we saw him fight.
Hoca throws a jab when Epolito was well out of range.
Epolito looks to score with a jab to the body but Hoca is just out of range.
Hoca ducks under a wild hook from Epolito.
Nice body punch from Hoca.
Hoca tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Epolito was well out of range. Poor timing from Hoca.
Anthony Epolito seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Epolito throws a poor cross that misses
and Hoca connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.#CL2#
Hoca moves into range and clinches up with Epolito.
An uppercut to the body lands inside from Hoca.
A nice right hand lands inside from Epolito.
Hoca blocks an uppercut.
Epolito goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Hoca misses with a short punch on the inside.
Hoca stalling here - the referee won't stand for too much of that.
Hoca working some nice short punches in the clinch.
Epolito misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Epolito misses with a short punch on the inside.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Epolito.
Epolito misses with a hook to the ribs. #T1#
Hoca's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
Hoca's coach down at Cozad The Island was telling us pre-fight that they have been working on Hoca's balance. Obviously they view that as a key factor in the outcome of this fight.
Epolito lands an uppercut.
Epolito throws a head punch that misses.
Epolito misses with the head strike.
Hoca lands with a short head shot on the inside.
A right hand to the body from Epolito.
Epolito working aggressively here.
Hoca blocks a body shot from Epolito.
Hoca lands a hook that snaps the head of Epolito backwards.
A short right from Hoca.
Hoca doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Epolito misses with a punch to the body.
Hoca misses with a hook to the ribs.
Epolito takes a shot to the head.
Epolito doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Hoca lands a body punch.
Epolito looking to throw knees to the head but Hoca is blocking nicely.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Epolito blocks a body shot from Hoca.
Epolito struggles to land a body shot inside as Hoca controls his hands.
Nice body punch from Hoca.
Nice body punch from Epolito - that landed with a thud. #T2#
Epolito swings wildly with an uppercut but Hoca uses good head movement to avoid it.
Epolito working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
Epolito pushes off and fires off an elbow that misses, before clinching up again, against the cage.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Epolito.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Hoca.
Epolito lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Hoca backwards.
Nice body punch from Hoca - that landed with a thud.
A head punch on the inside from Epolito fails to land.
Hoca lands with a right to the head.
A right handed body shot lands from Hoca.
Hoca will no doubt start fighting again in a minute but for now he's just having a little rest, leaning Epolito up against the cage.
A short uppercut from Hoca.
Hoca working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
Hoca softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
Epolito tries to throw a body punch but Hoca avoids it by throwing Epolito back against the cage.
Hoca tries a body shot but Epolito blocks it. #T3#
Hoca lands a hook that snaps the head of Epolito backwards.
Epolito misses with a body punch.
Epolito lands with a short head shot on the inside.
Hoca swings wildly with an uppercut but Epolito uses good head movement to avoid it.
Hoca blocks a body shot from Epolito.
Nice body punch from Hoca.
Hoca working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
Hoca gets through Epolito's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
Hoca working aggressively here.
Epolito misses with some punches.
Hoca can't find room to land a body shot as Epolito controls the action.
Hoca throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Epolitos head.
Hoca goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Epolito tries to land knees in the clinch but Hoca avoids the damage to the body.
Hoca gets through Epolito's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
Epolito misses with an elbow over the top.
A short uppercut from Hoca.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
A right handed body shot lands from Hoca.
Epolito misses with the head strike. #T4#
A short uppercut from Hoca.
Epolito working aggressively here.
Epolito takes a shot to the head.
Epolito working aggressively here.
An uppercut to the body lands inside from Hoca.
Hoca blocks a body shot from Epolito.
Hoca doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
A right hand to the body from Hoca.
Hoca is leaning against Epolito and scores with a nice uppercut to the body.
A short left from Hoca.
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Hoca working some nice short punches in the clinch.
Epolito tries a knee to the head but he's missed.
Epolito lands a left hand.
Hoca tries a body shot but Epolito blocks it.
Epolito tries to work over Hoca's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Hoca scores with an uppercut up the middle.
Hoca lands a hook to the side of the head.
A right hand to the body from Hoca.
A nice right hand lands inside from Hoca.
Hoca lands a hook to the side of the head.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Necmettin Hoca dominated that round.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business.#R2#
Epolito throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Hoca swings for the body but Epolito moves out of range.
Epolito lands with a nice combination. Hoca backs away looking to recover.
Epolito slips under a jab from Hoca.
Epolito throws a low kick, looking for Hoca's leg but Hoca calmly moves out of range.
Hoca scores with a jab. Epolito acknowledges it with a nod of the head. #CL2#
Hoca instigates a clinch.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Hoca.
Epolito presses Hoca against the cage and delivers a mid-strength body shot.
Epolito misses with a hook to the ribs.
Hoca takes a shot to the head.
Epolito lands with a light punch inside.
Epolito wants to get back to striking at distance but Hoca won't allow it.
Hoca avoids a wild elbow strike from Epolito.
Hoca misses with a shot to the kidneys.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Hoca lands with a short shot to the head.
Epolito looks to throw an elbow but misses.
Epolito tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Epolito misses with a hook from the clinch. #T1#
Hoca lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
Hoca digs a right hand into Epolito's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Epolito's gas tank.
Epolito scores with a nice hook to the head.
Hoca lands with a short punch from the clinch.
Necmettin Hoca seems to be working more effectively in the clinch in the fight so far.
Hoca scores with an uppercut up the middle.
Hoca has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Hoca lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
Hoca misses with a punch to the body.
Epolito tries to work over Hoca's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Hoca blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Hoca blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Hoca doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Hoca lands a right hand that snaps the head of Epolito backwards.
Hoca has a couple of punches blocked by Epolito.
A short left from Hoca.
Epolito lands with a short shot to the head.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Hoca blocks an elbow strike.
Hoca pushes Epolito back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.
Hoca gets through Epolito's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
Epolito throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Hocas head. #T2#
Epolito tries a body shot but Hoca blocks it.
Epolito misses with a punch to the body.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Epolito.
Epolito tries to work over Hoca's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Epolito misses with a punch on the inside.
Hoca tries to throw a body punch but Epolito avoids it by throwing Hoca back against the cage.
Hoca blocks an uppercut.
Epolito tries to work over Hoca's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Hoca working some nice short punches in the clinch.
Hoca throws a head punch that misses.
Epolito struggles to land a body shot inside as Hoca controls his hands.
Hoca lands a right hand.
Nice body punch from Hoca.
Hoca tries to throw a body punch but Epolito avoids it by throwing Hoca back against the cage.
Epolito misses with a knee to the head.
Hoca lands a nice looking hook to the body, against the cage.
Hoca lands a right hand.
A short uppercut from Hoca.
Hoca blocking some punches.
Hoca lands with a short head shot on the inside. #T3#
Hoca throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Epolitos head. #BC#
Epolito breaks from the clinch.
Hoca misses with a straight right.
Epolito defending well as Hoca loads up on a big left hand.
Good exchange - Epolito coming out on top.
Epolito looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Epolito with poor footwork there. He got himself in a bit of a tangle, enabling Hoca to score with a decent uppercut.
A jab from Epolito misses.
Hoca throws a right and a left that both miss.
It looked like Epolito wanted to counter with a hook but didn't fully commit.
Epolito avoids the body shot from Hoca.
Hoca thuds a left hand into Epolito's body.#CL2#
Hoca closes the distance and clinches.
A right hook to the body lands for Hoca.
Epolito tries a body shot but Hoca blocks it.
Epolito lands with a right to the head.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Epolito tries a body shot but Hoca blocks it.
Epolito working aggressively here. #T4#
Hoca blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Hoca throws a hook to the body. More of an arm punch but it's all scoring with the judges.
Epolito tries a body shot but Hoca blocks it.
Hoca is working Epolito over against the cage.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Hoca makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
A short right from Epolito.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Hoca.
Nice body punch from Hoca - that landed with a thud.
Epolito swings wildly with an uppercut but Hoca uses good head movement to avoid it.
Hoca lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
Epolito blocks a body shot from Hoca. #BC#
Epolito's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Hoca scores with a straight right hand, right through his opponent's guard.
Hoca just misses with a punch to the body.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Hoca dodges the punch combination from Epolito.
Hoca misses with a hook.
Epolito slips a jab from Hoca.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Necmettin Hoca showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
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. Let's get this one finished - here comes the final round!#R3#
A big left from Hoca misses.
Hoca is looking to clinch but Epolito is avoiding it.
Hoca fakes a head shot and lands one to the body.
Epolito misses the shot to the body.
Hoca throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Hoca tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Epolito was well out of range. Poor timing from Hoca.
Epolito will need to close the distance a bit before he attacks - that leg kick was thrown from too far away.
Epolito tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Hoca was well out of range. Poor timing from Epolito.
Hoca scores with a punch to the head.
Hoca misses with a body shot.
Nice uppercut there from Hoca.
Epolito moves out of range of the strikes.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Epolito uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Hoca.
Hoca waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Epolito.
Epolito swung with a counter punch to the body but it didn't connect.
Epolito tries to close the distance and clinch but Hoca swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Hoca lets it all go there with a big combo counter but none of the punches connected.
Epolito lands an overhand left. A wild punch that just about connected.
Hoca tries to clinch but Epolito is having none of it.
Necmettin Hoca seems to be getting the better of the standup.#T1#
Epolito uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Hoca.
Hoca dodges the punch combination from Epolito.
Epolito scores with a nice right hand.
Epolito tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Hoca paws at him with a jab and circles away.
A countering left hand to the body from Hoca misses.
Hoca throws a lazy right hand but Epolito sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Epolito misses with a series of wild punches.
A punch lands to the side of Epolito 's head but he takes it in his stride.
Epolito slips under a jab from Hoca.
Epolito misses with a takedown
and Hoca counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head. #CL2#
Epolito gets tackled into the cage by Hoca. Hoca maintains the clinch.
Hoca digs a right hand into Epolito's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Epolito's gas tank. #T2#
Epolito tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Hoca blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Nice body punch from Hoca.
Hoca lands a hook to the side of the head.
A shot in the inside from Hoca.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Epolito struggles to land a body shot inside as Hoca controls his hands.
Epolito throws an elbow that misses.
A left hand lands to the body for Hoca.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Hoca.
A right hook to the body lands for Hoca.
Epolito lands a hook that snaps the head of Hoca backwards.
Still in the clinch, Hoca scores with a nice short uppercut.
A short left from Hoca.
Hoca's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
Hoca blocks a body shot from Epolito.
A right hook to the body lands for Hoca.
Necmettin Hoca is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Still in the clinch, Hoca scores with a nice short uppercut.
Hoca pushes Epolito back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.
Hoca lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Epolito backwards. #T3#
Hoca lands a body shot.
Hoca avoids the elbow strike from Epolito, against the cage.
Epolito goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Epolito struggles to land a body shot inside as Hoca controls his hands.
Hoca managing to block the knees to the body from Epolito.
Hoca misses with a body punch.
Epolito tries to throw a body punch but Hoca avoids it by throwing Epolito back against the cage.
Epolito can't find room to land a body shot as Hoca controls the action.
Hoca avoids a wild elbow strike from Epolito.
Epolito tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Epolito struggles to land a body shot inside as Hoca controls his hands.
Epolito fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Hoca avoids a wild elbow strike from Epolito.
Hoca lands with a left to the head. #T4#
Epolito misses with the head strike.
Hoca blocking some punches.
Hoca pushes Epolito back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.
Hoca blocks a body shot from Epolito.
Hoca lands a body shot.
Anthony Epolito has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
A short uppercut from Hoca.
Hoca lands with a short punch from the clinch.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Epolito.
Hoca lands with a short head shot on the inside.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Hoca lands an uppercut.
Hoca scores with a nice hook to the head.
Epolito takes a shot to the head.
Hoca lands with a short shot to the head.
Epolito tries to work over Hoca's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.

And that's the end of the fight!
Necmettin Hoca comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
Well Hoca 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 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.

Judge David Hoff scores the fight for Necmettin Hoca!
Judge Santiago Holmes scores the fight for Necmettin Hoca!
Judge Sandra Marshall scores the fight for Necmettin Hoca!

Necmettin Hoca wins by unanimous decision!
Necmettin Hoca decided to go for the less than humble approach in his post fight interview, telling everyone how he is going to conquer the world. The crowd seemed to like it when really that sort of approach could have gone either way.

Event: The Island Season 12, 155 lbs, Round 1
Date: Aug 22, 2021

#R1#
Uua blocks a jab.
Hoca connects with a single shot there.
Necmettin Hoca seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.#CL2#
Hoca forces Uua back against the cage and clinches.
A head punch on the inside from Hoca fails to land.
A battle for position here, against the cage.
Hoca pushes Uua back against the cage and unloads with a body punch.
Hoca looks more muscular than last time we saw him. He must have been on the weights.
Hoca tries to throw a body punch but Uua avoids it by throwing Hoca back against the cage.
Hoca keeps the fight in the clinch, despite Uua's efforts to push away.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Hoca.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
A right hand to the body from Hoca.
Hoca doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Hoca struggles to land a body shot inside as Uua controls his hands.
Hoca is working Uua over against the cage.#T1#
Hoca swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Hoca working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
Uua tries to throw a body punch but Hoca avoids it by throwing Uua back against the cage.
Hoca working aggressively here.
Uua is trying to stall.
Hoca tries a body shot but Uua blocks it.
Hoca gets through Uua's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
Hoca throws a punch but it's blocked by Uua.
Hoca lands a left hand that snaps the head of Uua backwards.
Hoca tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Hoca misses with a hook from the clinch.
A frustrated look appears on Uua's face as he tries to break the clinch.
Hoca working aggressively here. #T2#
A short right from Hoca on the inside.
A short body shot lands from Hoca as the two fighters clinch.
Hoca lands a left hand.
Both guys are working to get underhooks.
Uua stalling the fight.
Hoca misses with some punches.
Uua is looking to break free of the clinch but Hoca has double underhooks.
Hoca misses with a body punch.
Hoca tries a body shot but Uua blocks it.
Hoca misses with a punch on the inside.
A nice left hand lands by Hoca.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Uua takes a shot to the head.
Hoca swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Hoca lands a left hand that snaps the head of Uua backwards. #T3#
Hoca lands on the inside with an uppercut.
Hoca lands an uppercut.
Hoca tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Hoca lands a right hand.
Hoca lands a hook that snaps the head of Uua backwards.
Hoca misses with a body punch.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Uua.
Hoca digs a right hand into Uua's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Uua's gas tank.
Nice body punch from Hoca.
Uua definitely looks more muscular than last time we saw him fight.
Hoca lands with a short punch from the clinch.
Hoca misses with a punch to the body.
Uua tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Hoca working aggressively here.
Hoca misses with a punch on the inside. #T4#
Hoca misses with a punch to the body.
Uua can't break the clinch.
Hoca's corner are urging him to control the action in the clinch for a moment, rather than mount any serious offense. I'm sure the crowd appreciate those instructions... not.
Uua tries to work over Hoca's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Hoca tries a body shot but Uua blocks it.
Uua is trying to slow down the pace in the clinch, to catch his breath.
Hoca misses with a body punch.
Hoca lands with a right to the head.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Hoca softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
Hoca works on Uua's body with a couple of short punches.
Uua is working hard here but doesn't seem to be able to control effectively, up against the cage.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Necmettin Hoca dominated that round.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!#R2#
Hoca lands a pitter patter jab to the forehead of his opponent.
Uua drops his hands and takes a jab to the jaw for his troubles.
Hoca swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Uua throws a right high kick that is partially blocked by Hoca.
The crowd cheers as Hoca lands an impressive looking overhand right. Uua doesn't seem phased though.
Uua takes an uppercut right on the jaw but it doesn't phase him.
Hoca throws a looping overhand right but Uua ducks down to avoid it.
Chaghagan Uua is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Uua tries to clinch but Hoca is having none of it.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.#CL2#
Hoca drives through and clinches with Uua against the cage.
Uua is looking to break free of the clinch but Hoca has double underhooks.
Hoca tries a body shot but Uua blocks it.
Uua blocking some punches.
Hoca lands with a short punch from the clinch. #T1#
A short right from Hoca on the inside.
Hoca lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
Hoca misses with a hook to the ribs.
Hoca tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Hoca scores with an uppercut up the middle.
Uua prevents a body shot from Hoca.
Uua blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Uua blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Hoca has Uua pressed against the cage, preventing Uua from circling away and getting back to striking at range.
Hoca softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Hoca. #BC#
Uua breaks the clinch.
Uua uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Hoca.#T2#
Hoca connects with a slap. Keep your fist closed son.
Hoca misses with a wild body shot.
Hoca circles away from the clinch attempt
and Hoca counters with a nice uppercut.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Uua goes for a high kick. It partially lands.
Hoca works Uua's body with a nice hook.
Uua closes the distance but Hoca moves to the side
and Hoca counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Hoca has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Uua walks into a jab.#CL2#
Uua tries to keep at a distance but Hoca has taken the fight into the clinch.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Hoca. #T3#
Hoca tries to throw a body punch but Uua avoids it by throwing Hoca back against the cage.
Uua wants to stall.
Hoca has a couple of punches blocked by Uua.
Hoca tries to work over Uua's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Hoca throws a head punch that misses.
Uua wants to get back to striking at distance but Hoca won't allow it.
Good body shot from Hoca.
Come on Uua - let's have some action - none of this stalling nonsense. #BC#
Uua escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Uua is looking to clinch but Hoca is avoiding it.
Hoca swings away with a counter right hand but no contact made.
Necmettin Hoca seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Uua tries to close the distance and clinch up but Hoca swats him away and circles back towards the center. #T4#
Hoca throws a jab when Uua was well out of range.
A low kick from Uua misses
enabling Hoca to counter with a crisp jab.
Jab from Hoca.
Hoca misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Uua.
Uua drops his hands and takes a jab to the jaw for his troubles.
Hoca lands a jab-cross combination. #CL2#
Hoca takes the fight into the clinch.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Hoca lands a right hand.
Hoca misses with some punches.
Still in the clinch, Hoca scores with a nice short uppercut.
Hoca leaning his opponent against the cage.
A nice right hand lands inside from Hoca.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Necmettin Hoca showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
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!#R3#
Hoca just misses with a punch to the body.
Uua looked to counter that last move with a leg kick but didn't pull the trigger.
Uua closes the distance looking to clinch
and Hoca counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Hoca connects with a body shot.
Uua takes one on the chin but keeps coming.
Hoca fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Uua manages to avoid it.
Uua uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Hoca.
Uua gets cracked there but stands up to it.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Uua moves his head to the side to avoid a jab but walks straight into a cross.
Hoca misses with a hook
and Uua counters with a low kick, right behind Hoca 's knee.
Uua tries to clinch but Hoca is having none of it.
Hoca fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Uua manages to avoid it.#T1#
Uua steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Hoca.
Uua doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
Hoca swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Hoca connects with a lovely jab that went straight through the gap between Uua's hands.#CL2#
Uua gets tackled into the cage by Hoca. Hoca maintains the clinch. #BC#
Uua manages to break the clinch.
Nice uppercut lands for Hoca. That snapped Uua's head back.
Uua keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Hoca.
Hoca lands an overhand left. A wild punch that just about connected.
Uua displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Hoca throws out the jab.
Hoca jabbing away but nothing is landing. #CL2#
Hoca moves into range and clinches up with Uua.#T2#
A shot in the inside from Hoca.
Necmettin Hoca seems to be working more effectively in the clinch in the fight so far.
Uua tries to stall but Hoca uses the opportunity to gain a better position.
Uua is trying to force a seperation but Hoca has the dominant position.
Uua has had enough of the clinch and is looking to separate.
Hoca tries to throw a body punch but Uua avoids it by throwing Hoca back against the cage.
Uua tries to work over Hoca's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Hoca keeps control of Uua as he tries to wriggle out of the double underhooks.
A short left from Hoca.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Hoca.
Hoca lands with a right to the head.
Hoca lands a body punch - he's looking to wear down Uua.
Necmettin Hoca is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Hoca misses with the head strike.
Uua is trying to force a seperation but Hoca has the dominant position.#T3#
Hoca pushes Uua back against the cage and unloads with a body punch.
Uua wants to break free. God knows he wants to breaaaak freeee.
Hoca swings wildly with an uppercut but Uua uses good head movement to avoid it. #BC#
Uua pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Hoca looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Uua on the wrong end of an overhand right that came out of nowhere.
Hoca swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
It looked like Uua was trying to counter with a body shot coming off that last attack from Hoca.
Uua steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Hoca.#T4#
Hoca throws an overhand right that lands on Uua's shoulder, as Uua tries to avoid the shot.
Uua takes one to the side of the head.
Uua looks like he's developed a pretty tasty lump over his left eye. He'll need to avoid taking much more damage to that.
Hoca throws a big shot that misses.
Hoca throws a jab to the body, straight down the pipe. Boom. That sent Uua stumbling backwards but he manages to regain his composure quickly.
Hoca checks the leg kick nicely there.
Hoca swings wildly with a couple of big hooks
and Uua counters with a straight right hand.
Hoca lands a body shot. #CL2#
Hoca closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the cage.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Uua doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Hoca keeps control of Uua as he tries to wriggle out of the double underhooks.
Chaghagan Uua has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
A short uppercut from Uua.

And that's the end of the fight!
Necmettin Hoca comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
Well Hoca 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 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.

Judge Bart Greer scores the fight for Necmettin Hoca!
Judge Peter Branson scores the fight for Necmettin Hoca!
Judge Winston Alpacca scores the fight for Necmettin Hoca!

Necmettin Hoca wins by unanimous decision!
Necmettin Hoca 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.
Chaghagan Uua was interviewed post fight and said 'You can’t put two saddles on the same horse.'.

Event: IXF LVII
Date: Aug 15, 2021

#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.
Hoca waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Del Valle .
Hoca ducks low and lands a nice hook to the body of his opponent.
Hoca's coach down at Walter J Abramowitz Center for Bigness was telling us pre-fight that they have been working on Hoca's balance. Obviously they view that as a key factor in the outcome of this fight.
Del Valle tries to move into range but Hoca moves to the side and lands with a nice right hand.
Del Valle uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Hoca.
Del Valle 's hands are dropping dangerously low here and Hoca connects clean with a right hook that sends him down to one knee! Del Valle scrambles back to his feet.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Hoca digs a good body shot into Del Valle 's ribs.
Hoca lands with a right hand. #T1#
Hoca misses with a straight left.
Hoca throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Hoca dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
The fighters circling - Hoca throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Del Valle tries to counter with a takedown but Hoca is quick to defend against it.
Hoca misses the shot to the body.
Del Valle attempts a counter takedown but Hoca avoids it well and moves away.
Hoca misses with a straight left.
Del Valle appears to be looking for a counter takedown.#T2#
Hoca lands an overhand right.
A big right from Hoca misses.
Hoca thows a left - swing and a miss!
Del Valle on the wrong end of a nice jab.
Hoca stuns Del Valle with a nice body shot, before stepping back out of range.
Hoca digs a good hook to Del Valle 's body. #T3#
Del Valle slips under a jab from Hoca.
Both fighters are looking to counter, which isn't making for the most exciting fight in the world.
Del Valle slips under a jab.
Del Valle changes levels looking for a counter takedown but doesn't commit.
Hoca throws a big shot that misses.
Hoca looks to score with a jab to the body but Del Valle is just out of range.
Hoca lands a glancing blow to the side of Del Valle 's head.#T4#
Del Valle takes a big uppercut there. He seems a bit wobbly but no, he's OK.
Del Valle closes the distance and takes a jab right on the nose as he does so.
Del Valle moves out of range of the strikes.
Del Valle attempts a counter takedown but Hoca avoids it well and moves away.
Hoca is landing a lot of head punches in this opening round! Del Valle had better start moving his head a bit unless he wants his face to turn into mush.
Hoca pounces like a tiger and cracks Del Valle with a vicious hook! Del Valle is down but not out! Hoca follows up with more strikes forcing the ref to jump in and stop it!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:36 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Punches). Necmettin Hoca!
Necmettin Hoca is the new lightweight champion!
Necmettin Hoca bigged himself up after the win. The crowd seemed to love it.

Event: IXF LIII
Date: Aug 01, 2021

#R1#
Hoca scores with a jab.
Rection dives in for a single leg takedown but Hoca sprawls and the fighters end up clinched against the cage.
Rection tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Hoca swivels and escapes.
Hoca seem to be loading up, looking for a big counter.
Rection with a poor takedown
and Hoca counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Necmettin Hoca has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Hugh Rection.
Rection has his takedown stuffed
and Hoca counters with a nice uppercut.
Hoca throws a body punch but Rection moves out of range.
Hoca moving in and out of range nicely, whilst landing the scoring shot.
Hoca smiles there as he lands a nice right hand right on the button.#CUT#It looks like Hugh Rection has been cut.
Rection has his hands up protecting his head but a hook from Hoca finds it's way round the side to connect with Rection's head. #ROC#Rection is rocked!
Rection moves to clinch but Hoca breaks away
and Hoca counters with a crisp right that sends Rection to the canvas! Hoca follows up with punches from the mount and this one is all over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 0:41 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Necmettin Hoca!

Event: IXF XLIX
Date: Jul 24, 2021

#R1#
A lazy left from Hoca finds it's target.
Hoca lands a beauty of a right hand that gets the crowd cheering. #CUT#It looks like Santiago Ponziabo has been cut.
Ponziabo throws a hook to the side of Hoca's head but Hoca sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Ponziabo with a lazy takedown attempt
and Hoca counters with a nice uppercut.
Ponziabo goes for a double leg but Hoca avoids the attempt and the two fighters end up clinched against the cage as Hoca continues to drive forward.
Hoca seems to be moving with more speed, compared to his last bout. He must have been working on that in the gym.
Ponziabo dives in for a single leg takedown but Hoca sprawls and the fighters end up clinched against the cage.
Necmettin Hoca has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Santiago Ponziabo.
Ponziabo on the wrong end of an overhand right that came out of nowhere.
Hoca misses with a body shot.
Hoca misses with a hook.#TD2#
Hoca gets caught on his heels momentarily as he allows Ponziabo to score an easy takedown into full guard.
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#
Ponziabo is trying to work a guillotine from the top, or something like that? Don't know how he thinks he's going to get a finish from there. #T1#
Ponziabo passes Hoca's right leg, so he's now in half guard.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Hoca tries to get to full guard but Ponziabo has control of the leg.
Ponziabo trying to control the pace. #SUB2#
Ponziabo is working for an americana but Hoca has been sneaky and has managed to get back to half guard, whilst Ponziabo was thinking about the submission.
Ponziabo wants to control from the top but Hoca keeps moving.
Hoca on his back here. We all know that wrestlers don't like being on their back so let's see if Hoca tries to get out of the position.#T2#
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.#SUB2#
Ponziabo thinks about going for a leg but decides against it, in order to maintain the position.
Ponziabo trying to control but Hoca is working from the bottom.
Ponziabo looking to pass the guard. #T3#
Hoca keeping moving, preventing Ponziabo from controlling successfully.
Ponziabo preventing the sweep.
Hoca looking to control the pace of the fight rather than finish it. #REF3#
The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up.
Hoca waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Ponziabo.
Ponziabo drops down looking to force a counter takedown but Hoca defends it well.
Hoca throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Ponziabo shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Hoca pinned against the cage. Hoca gets the underhooks and manages to circle away. #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.
Hoca keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Hoca throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
And Ponziabo tries to counter it with a takedown but Hoca pushes his down on his head and steps out.
Ponziabo moves out of range of the strikes.
Necmettin Hoca is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Ponziabo throws a lazy uppercut
and Hoca cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Ponziabo.
Hoca throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Ponziabo staying out of range there.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Hoca misses the jab.
Santiago Ponziabo seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Hoca misses with an uppercut.
Hoca digs a good hook to Ponziabo's body.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Necmettin Hoca dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Santiago Ponziabo's cut.
That's time! Hoca's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.#R2#
Hoca misses with a looping right.
And Ponziabo tries to counter it with a takedown but Hoca pushes his down on his head and steps out.
Ponziabo uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Hoca.
Hoca lands a head shot.
Ponziabo with a lazy takedown attempt
and Ponziabo takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Hoca 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.
Hoca is really head hunting here, hardly looking to strike to the body at all.
Hoca looks to score with a jab to the body but Ponziabo is just out of range.
Ponziabo drops down looking to force a counter takedown but Hoca defends it well.
Ponziabo steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Hoca.
Ponziabo tries a counter takedown but it's more of a dummy move, and he uses it to push himself away.
Hoca ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Ponziabo moves away.
Ponziabo with the counter takedown but Hoca avoids it easily.
Hoca is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Ponziabo can do to turn this around?
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Ponziabo with a lazy takedown attempt
and Hoca counters with a stiff right hand.
Ponziabo shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Hoca as he avoids it easily.
Necmettin Hoca has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Santiago Ponziabo.
Hoca connects with a jab.#T1#
Ponziabo has his takedown stuffed
and Hoca counters with a straight right hand.
Ponziabo gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily
and Ponziabo takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Ponziabo misses with a right hand
and Hoca counters with a left to the body.
Ponziabo misses with a jab, cross combination.
Hoca tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Ponziabo was well out of range. Poor timing from Hoca.
Ponziabo tries for a takedown but Hoca circles away easily
and Hoca counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Ponziabo walks into a stiff left hand from Hoca.#T2#
Ponziabo misses with a jab to the body
and Hoca counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head. #ROC#Ponziabo is rocked!
Hoca throws a hook but Ponziabo avoids it easily.
Necmettin Hoca is winning the standup battle so far.
Ponziabo shoots in for a takedown but Hoca shows good takedown defense.
Hoca is looking to counter with a shot to the body.
Ponziabo staying out of range there.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Ponziabo throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Hoca is looking to counter punch.
Ponziabo is trying hard to land a takedown here. Hoca sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
Ponziabo tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Hoca was well out of range. Poor timing from Ponziabo.
Ponziabo misses with a body punch
and Ponziabo takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Ponziabo misses with a takedown attempt
and Ponziabo takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Ponziabo is still on wobbly legs! Can Hoca finish him?#CUT#That has opened up Santiago Ponziabo's cut even more.
Ponziabo shoots and misses
and Hoca counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head. #T3#
Hoca fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Ponziabo seems to have recovered his senses.
Hoca misses with a straight left.
Ponziabo bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Ponziabo is trying hard to land a takedown here. Hoca sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
Hoca moving in and out of range nicely, whilst landing the scoring shot.
A telegraphed right hand from Hoca misses the target.
Hoca leaves Ponziabo with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
Ponziabo misses with a hook.#T4#
Ponziabo throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Hoca is moving around nicely and scores here with a single head shot.
Ponziabo takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
Hoca throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Hoca misses with a looping right.
Ponziabo is trying hard to land a takedown here. Hoca sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
Hoca throws a body shot but no joy.
Ponziabo throws a hook to the side of Hoca's head but Hoca sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Hoca scores with a nice strike.
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!
Hoca missing with a left hand there. Ponziabo was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Necmettin Hoca dominated that second round.
The cut man is working on Santiago Ponziabo's cut.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business. This is the final round!#R3#
Hoca misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Ponziabo.
Hoca scores with a reasonable looking shot to the body. Ponziabo doesn't seem bothered though.
Ponziabo misses with a takedown attempt
and Hoca counters with a left to the body.
Hoca throws a hook but Ponziabo blocks it.
Hoca pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Ponziabo shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Hoca pinned against the cage. Hoca gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Ponziabo shoots in and drives through. Hoca sprawls well.
Necmettin Hoca has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Santiago Ponziabo.
Ponziabo ducks under a wild hook from Hoca.
Ponziabo changes levels for a counter takedown but doesn't follow through with his attempt.
Ponziabo has his hands up protecting his head but a hook from Hoca finds it's way round the side to connect with Ponziabo's head. #T1#
Ponziabo has his takedown stuffed
and Hoca connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.#KD#
Hoca lands a big right hand that sends Ponziabo crashing to the mat! Hoca stays standing though and waves Ponziabo back to his feet!
Hoca drops Ponziabo with a straight left! Oh this is bad for Ponziabo! Hoca dives in and starts dropping bombs - the referee has no choice but to step in and save him!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:29 of round 3, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Necmettin Hoca!
The defeated Santiago Ponziabo had this to say: 'Fuck off, I got work to do.'.

Event: IXF XLIV
Date: Jul 10, 2021

#R1#
Hoca throws a body punch but Del Valle moves out of range.
Hoca connects with a looping left hand that seems like it dazed Del Valle momentarily.
Del Valle 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.
Del Valle doesn't succeed with the takedown
and Hoca counters with a nice uppercut.
A looping hook to the body misses from Hoca. Del Valle does a little dance to reset his feet.
Hoca swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Hoca stuns Del Valle with a nice body shot, before stepping back out of range.
Del Valle shoots in for a takedown but Hoca shows good takedown defense.
Hoca throws out a counter right but Del Valle avoids it with no problem.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
A jab from Hoca does it's job there.
Hoca throws out a powerful jab.
Del Valle with a lazy takedown attempt
letting Hoca counter with a right hand.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Gosuke Del Valle . That's going to take a lot out of him.#T1#
Del Valle fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
No luck for Del Valle with that takedown attempt. #CL2#
Del Valle gets tackled into the cage by Hoca. Hoca maintains the clinch.
A hook to the body from Hoca.
Hoca lands a hook to the body. It's hard to tell if that hurt Del Valle or not. #TD#
Del Valle wants the takedown. Hoca is fighting it off but Del Valle persists and manages to bring the fight to the ground, ending up in Hoca's guard against the cage.
Del Valle trying to control but Hoca is working from the bottom. #T2#
Hoca is pulling down on Del Valle 's head. It's preventing any offense from Del Valle , at least for the moment.
Del Valle trying to control but Hoca is working from the bottom.
Del Valle is really struggling to control Hoca but he's trying to hold on to the position.#SUB#
Del Valle drops back for a leg! It's a sloppy attempt though and Del Valle jumps back into guard quickly, to retain the dominant position.
Del Valle is frustrating his opponent with some stalling tactics from top position.#SUB#
Del Valle drops back for a leg! It's a sloppy attempt though and Del Valle jumps back into guard quickly, to retain the dominant position. #T3#
Del Valle wants to control from the top but Hoca keeps moving.
Del Valle pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Hoca is keeping the position for now.
Del Valle pushes down on Hoca's leg and manages to get into half guard.#SUB#
Del Valle maintaining the dominant position here and is working for a kimura. He's locked it up! Hoca could be in real trouble here! He's trying to wriggle out but Del Valle has cracked it and Hoca is screaming in pain - he's tapped out! Great finish by Del Valle !

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:45 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Kimura). Gosuke Del Valle !
Gosuke Del Valle retains his lightweight title!
Gosuke Del Valle took some time post fight to say the following; 'Noel Diaz Bitch one day you will loose to me ! Please make that fight happen ! '.

Event: IXF XXXIX
Date: Jun 26, 2021

#R1#
Wexler throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Hoca let fly with a counter punch to the body but it didn't land.
Wexler takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.
Hoca's coach down at Acme Island Savages was telling us pre-fight that they have been working on Hoca's balance. Obviously they view that as a key factor in the outcome of this fight.
Hoca thuds a left hand into Wexler's body.
Hoca lands with a nice body punch.
Hoca wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.
Hoca darts in and out, connecting with a jab.
Wexler throws a body punch but Hoca moves out of range.
Wexler definitely looks more muscular than last time we saw him fight.
Wexler is looking to clinch.
Wexler throws a big shot that misses.
Hoca takes a jab on the nose. He smiles like he loves it and keeps coming.
Hoca swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
A slow jab from Hoca misses its intended target.
Wexler misses with a body shot
and Hoca counters with a left 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!
Hoca jabs. That one connects to the head of his opponent.
Wexler takes a swing at Hoca's ribcage but misses.
Hoca scores with a hook.#CL2#
Hoca fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Wexler, pushing him back against the cage.
Hoca misses with some punches.
Hoca lands a shoulder strike. #T1#
Hoca swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Wexler stays in close to his opponent and throws a right hand to the body.
A shot in the inside from Hoca.
Hoca struggles to land a body shot inside as Wexler controls his hands.
Wexler throws a head punch that misses.
A left hand lands to the body for Wexler.
Wexler misses with some punches.
Hoca lands a right hand that snaps the head of Wexler backwards.
Hoca blocks a body shot from Wexler.
Wexler working aggressively here.
Hoca tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Wexler's elbow.
Hoca scores with a hook to the body.
Wexler tries to throw a body punch but Hoca avoids it by throwing Wexler back against the cage.
Wexler prevents a body shot from Hoca.
A real battle for position is taking place between these two warriors.
Hoca blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Wexler cracks Hoca with a nice body shot.
Wexler tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Wexler blocks a body shot from Hoca.
Wexler lands on the inside with an uppercut. #T2#
Wexler misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Hoca lands with a light punch inside.
Good body shot from Wexler.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Hoca blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Hoca lands with a short punch from the clinch.
Hoca swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Wexler doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Hoca.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Hoca.
A right hook to the body lands for Wexler.
A head punch on the inside from Hoca fails to land.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Wexler.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Wexler.
Wexler throws a punch but it's blocked by Hoca.
Wexler tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Hoca's elbow.
Hoca tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Wexler's elbow.
Wexler working aggressively here.
Wexler blocks an uppercut.
Wexler misses with some punches.
Wexler tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Hoca's elbow. #T3#
Wexler misses with a punch to the body.
A head punch on the inside from Hoca fails to land.
Hoca misses with a short punch on the inside.
Wexler misses with the head strike.
Hoca can't find room to land a body shot as Wexler controls the action.
Hoca throws a hook to the body. More of an arm punch but it's all scoring with the judges.
Hoca misses with a body punch.
Wexler can't find room to land a body shot as Hoca controls the action.
Hoca fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Wexler lands on the inside with an uppercut.
Wexler misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Good body shot from Wexler.
Hoca tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Hoca swings wildly with an uppercut but Wexler uses good head movement to avoid it.
Hoca takes a shot to the head.
Wexler can't find room to land a body shot as Hoca controls the action.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Hoca.
Wexler blocks a body shot from Hoca.
Wexler working some nice short punches in the clinch.#T4#
Hoca works for underhooks and lands a body shot in the process.
Hoca tries a body shot but Wexler blocks it.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Wexler.
Hoca tries a body shot but Wexler blocks it.
Hoca misses with some punches.
Wexler misses with a punch on the inside.
Hoca misses with a hook to the ribs.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Hoca swings wildly with an uppercut but Wexler uses good head movement to avoid it.
Wexler lands a shot to the body.
Wexler tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Hoca just leaning against Wexler, taking a breather.
Hoca lands a nice uppercut.
Wexler tries to work over Hoca's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Hoca tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Hoca lands a left hand.
Hoca fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Hoca misses with a hook from the clinch.
Wexler misses with a punch to the body.
Hoca tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Wexler's elbow.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Wexler.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Necmettin Hoca dominated that round.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.#R2#
Wexler scores with a punch to the head.
Wexler throws out a token jab with nothing on it.#CL2#
Hoca clinches up with Wexler and pushes him back against the cage.
Wexler swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Hoca tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Wexler's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
Hoca stalling against the cage.
Wexler throws a punch but it's blocked by Hoca.
A short body shot lands from Hoca as the two fighters clinch.
Wexler misses with a hook from the clinch.
Good body shot from Hoca.
Hoca throws a punch but it's blocked by Wexler.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Wexler scores with a shoulder strike.
Wexler misses with a hook to the ribs.
Hoca misses with a punch to the body.
Wexler blocking some punches.
Hoca swings wildly with an uppercut but Wexler uses good head movement to avoid it.
Wexler has a couple of punches blocked by Hoca. #T1#
Hoca working aggressively here.
Wexler blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Wexler has a couple of punches blocked by Hoca.
Hoca fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Hoca blocks a punch to the side of the head.
A short left from Hoca.
Wexler lands a hook to the body. It's hard to tell if that hurt Hoca or not.
Wexler can't find room to land a body shot as Hoca controls the action.
Hoca tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Hoca fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Hoca tries to work over Wexler's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Wexler lands a body shot.
Wexler lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Hoca backwards.
Wexler scores with an uppercut up the middle.
Hoca blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
A shot in the inside from Hoca.
Wexler lands a nice uppercut.
Wexler throws a head punch that misses.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Wexler makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
Hoca swings away with an uppercut that misses. #T2#
A short right hand to the side of the head by Hoca.
Wexler tries a body shot but Hoca blocks it.
Wexler blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Wexler fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Wexler blocking some punches.
Hoca blocking some punches.
A head punch on the inside from Hoca fails to land.
Wexler misses with a shot to the kidneys.
A short uppercut from Hoca.
Wexler throws a head punch that misses.
A head punch on the inside from Wexler fails to land.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Hoca.
Hoca lands a nice uppercut.
Hoca working aggressively here.
Wexler pushes Hoca back against the cage and unloads with a body punch.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Hoca.
Wexler misses with the head strike.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Wexler.
Hoca lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage. #T3#
Hoca pushes Wexler back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.
Hoca swings wildly with an uppercut but Wexler uses good head movement to avoid it.
Wexler working aggressively here.
Hoca misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Wexler misses with the head strike.
Wexler scores with a shoulder strike.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, Hoca creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
Hoca blocks an uppercut.
Wexler pushes Hoca back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.
Hoca misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Wexler misses with a punch to the body.
Hoca softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
Hoca misses with the head strike.
Wexler scores with a shot to the side of Hoca's head.
Wexler misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Hoca throws a head punch that misses.
Wexler misses with a short punch on the inside.
Hoca can't find room to land a body shot as Wexler controls the action.
Wexler misses with a hook from the clinch. #T4#
This has been an exciting period of action!
A left hand lands to the body for Hoca.
Necmettin Hoca seems to be working more effectively in the clinch in the fight so far.
Hoca lands a hook that snaps the head of Wexler backwards.
Wexler working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
Wexler lands with a short punch from the clinch.
Wexler pushes Hoca back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.
Wexler swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Wexler working some nice short punches in the clinch.
Hoca lands with a left to the head.
Wexler throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Hocas head.
Hoca swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Nice body punch from Wexler.
Hoca fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Wexler lands a right hand that snaps the head of Hoca backwards.
Wexler misses with some punches.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Wexler tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Hoca goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Hoca blocks an uppercut.
Wexler prevents a body shot from Hoca.
Hoca lands a left hand.
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 Rory Wexler will probably get the nod.
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#
Wexler cracks a nice hook into Hoca's ribs.
Nice uppercut there from Hoca.
Wexler feints a straight left to the body, then turns around with a flashy move and hits Hocas jaw with a dramatic spinning back fist!
Necmettin Hoca seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Hoca ducks under a wild hook from Wexler.
Wexler throws a poor cross that misses
and Hoca counters with a right hand to the body.
Good standup being displayed there by Wexler as he connects with a hook.
Hoca keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Hoca is throwing a lot of body shots here, looking to wear down Wexler rather than just go for the knockout.
Hoca throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Hoca moving in and out of range nicely, whilst landing the scoring shot.
Wexler scores with a nice strike.
Wexler looks to score with a jab to the body but Hoca is just out of range.
Hoca misses with a straight left.
Wexler misses with a left hand
and Hoca counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Wexler keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Wexler misses with a left hand
and Hoca counters nicely by changing levels and landing a hook to the body.
Wexler connects with a single shot there.
Wexler misses with an uppercut. Hoca saw that one coming.#T1#
Wexler uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Hoca.
Wexler swings for the body but Hoca moves out of range.
Hoca misses with a looping left.
Wexler misses the jab.
Hoca fakes a head shot and lands one to the body.
Hoca throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Hoca moves out of range as Wexler strikes.
Wexler throws a right hand that misses
and Hoca counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Hoca pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Hoca walks into a jab.#CUT#It looks like Necmettin Hoca has been cut.
Wexler takes a swing at Hoca's ribcage but misses.
Wexler has his hands up protecting his head but a hook from Hoca finds it's way round the side to connect with Wexler's head.
Wexler throws an overhand right that lands on Hoca's shoulder, as Hoca tries to avoid the shot.
Hoca let fly with a counter punch to the body but it didn't land.
Nice jab there from Wexler. #ROC#Hoca is rocked!
Wexler takes a big uppercut there. He seems a bit wobbly but no, he's OK.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Hoca paws at his opponent with the jab and then lunges in with a straight, right on the button.#T2#
Wexler misses with a straight left.
Wexler misses with a looping right.
Wexler misses with a wild body shot.
Hoca keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Wexler.
Hoca just misses with a punch to the body.
As Hoca tries to get set, Wexler tries to push him back and clinch up but Hoca manages to avoid the attempt.
Hoca swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Hoca misses with a wild body shot.
Hoca blocks a jab.
It seemed like Hoca was going to counter with the hook but didn't fully commit to it.
Hoca slips a straight right by Wexler.
Hoca misses with a looping right.
Wexler looks to land a right hand but Hoca moved out of range.
Hoca throws a body shot but no joy.
Hoca moves out of range of the strikes.
Hoca uses good footwork to get in and out and land a nice right hand before Wexler has time to react.
Wexler swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.#T3#
Wexler swings away with a body shot that misses
and Hoca counters with a straight right hand.
Wexler misses with an uppercut
and Hoca counters with a nice body shot.
Wexler moves away from the strike by Hoca.
Wexler ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Wexler just misses with a punch to the body.
Wexler takes a shot to the body in his stride.
Wexler misses with a looping right.#CL#
Wexler moves into the clinch successfully.
A head punch on the inside from Hoca fails to land.
Wexler tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Hoca's elbow.
Wexler lands with a short punch from the clinch.
Hoca lands a right hand.
Hoca doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Wexler working aggressively here.
Hoca throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Wexlers head.
A head punch on the inside from Hoca fails to land.
Hoca tries to throw a body punch but Wexler avoids it by throwing Hoca back against the cage. #T4#
Wexler tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Wexler lands a right hand that snaps the head of Hoca backwards.
Hoca lands with a light punch inside.
Wexler tries a body shot but Hoca blocks it.
Wexler misses with a shot to the kidneys.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Wexler.
Hoca misses with a hook to the ribs.
A head punch on the inside from Wexler fails to land.
Hoca lands a body shot in the clinch.
Wexler misses with a short punch on the inside.
Wexler misses with the head strike.
A short right from Wexler.
Hoca has a couple of punches blocked by Wexler.
Hoca lands a body punch.
Hoca is working Wexler over against the cage.
Hoca is working hard here but doesn't seem to be able to control effectively, up against the cage.
Wexler swings wildly with an uppercut but Hoca uses good head movement to avoid it.

And that's the end of the fight!
I would just about give that final round to Necmettin Hoca.
I think Hoca 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 Daniel Franklin scores the fight 28:29
Judge Michael Johnstone scores the fight 29:29
Judge Santiago Holmes scores the fight 28:29

In favor of your winner, by majority decision... Necmettin Hoca!

Event: IXF XXXIII
Date: Jun 06, 2021

#R1#
Russell needs to keep his hands up - Hoca had a free shot at his head there.
Russell slips under a jab from Hoca.
Russell throws out a counter right but Hoca avoids it with no problem.
Russell takes a solid shot to the body. That one hurt him but he's trying not to show it.
Russell moves out of range as Hoca strikes.
Russell tries a counter takedown but it's more of a dummy move, and he uses it to push himself away.
Hoca scores with a jab to the jaw.
Hoca scores with a jab. Russell acknowledges it with a nod of the head.
Russell takes a jab on the nose there. A little bit of blood seems to be coming out. Hopefully that won't affect his breathing.
Hoca works Russell's body with a nice hook.
Hoca lands a straight punch to the body, keeping Russell at a distance.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Russell displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Hoca throws out the jab. #T1#
The fighters circle momentarily. Hoca darts into range and connects with a nice straight punch.
Hoca seems to be moving with more speed, compared to his last bout. He must have been working on that in the gym.
Hoca tests Russell's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Hoca lands with a cross to side of his opponent's head.
Russell takes one to the chin there.
Hoca throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd.
Necmettin Hoca is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Nice shot by Hoca.
Russell defending well as Hoca loads up on a big left hand.
Hoca connects with a right hand. Russell shakes it off.#T2#
Hoca ducks low and lands a nice hook to the body of his opponent.
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!
Hoca lands a slapping body shot.
Russell bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Russell throws out a counter right but Hoca avoids it with no problem.
Hoca scores with a jab.
Russell has tried to improve his agility in the runup to this fight.
Hoca lands the left hand.
Hoca lands a nice looking body shot.
Hoca scores with a punch to the head.
Hoca tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Russell was well out of range. Poor timing from Hoca.
It seemed like Russell was going to counter with the hook but didn't fully commit to it.
Hoca is really peppering his opponent's head with punches.
Hoca connects with a looping right hand. #T3#
Russell keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Hoca.
Russell changes levels for a counter takedown but doesn't follow through with his attempt.
Hoca lands a nice shot to the body.
Hoca lands a powerful looking uppercut that connected with his opponent's jaw.
Hoca throws a couple of head shots and lands with the final one - a decent hook, which struck Russell on the side of the head.
Russell gets cracked there but stands up to it.
Hoca changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.
Russell uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Hoca.
Russell takes a shot to the nose. Hopefully that hasn't broken it. #T4#
Hoca moving in and out of range nicely, whilst landing the scoring shot.
Hoca lands a powerful looking uppercut that connected with his opponent's jaw.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Hoca ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Russell moves away.
Russell is definitely looking for the counter takedowns here.
Hoca lunges in with an uppercut that skims his opponent's chin.
Russell has a pretty nasty looking mouse under his right eye.
Hoca missing with a left hand there. Russell was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
A little jabbing left from Russell on the counter but it doesn't find it's target.
A looping hook to the body misses from Hoca. Russell does a little dance to reset his feet.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Russell! But no joy.
Hoca lands a straight punch to the body, keeping Russell at a distance.
Russell drops his hands momentarily and Hoca takes advantage with a crisp shot to the head.
Hoca scores with a nice strike.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Necmettin Hoca dominated that round.
That's time! Hoca's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.#R2#
A shot to the liver by Hoca. Beautiful body shot.
Hoca just misses with a punch to the body.
Russell lets it all go there with a big combo counter but none of the punches connected.
Hoca scores with a nice one two combo and darts back out of range to avoid anything coming in the opposite direction.
Hoca throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
A shot to the liver by Hoca. Beautiful body shot.
Donk. Hoca catches Russell right on the button with a cross.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Hoca looks to score with a jab to the body but Russell is just out of range.
Russell is definitely looking for the counter takedowns here.
Hoca cracks Russell with a nice right hand that draws applause from the crowd.
Russell steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Hoca.
Russell unleashes a big counter combination but Hoca bobs and weaves and avoids any damage.#T1#
Hoca works the jab nicely.
Both these guys seem content to just stand up and trade with each other but Russell might want to think about changing up his gameplan a bit because over the course of the fight, Hoca has got the better of the exchanges.
Hoca lands with an uppercut that bounces Russell off the cage and back into range.
Russell with poor footwork there. He got himself in a bit of a tangle, enabling Hoca to score with a decent uppercut.#ROC#Russell is rocked!
Hoca misses with a right hand
enabling Russell to counter with a crisp jab.
Hoca just misses with a punch to the body.
Hoca throws a body shot but no joy.
Russell swings away with a counter right hand but no contact made.
Hoca throws a jab but it's blocked by Russell.
Hoca swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Russell throws out a counter right but Hoca avoids it with no problem.#T2#
Hoca lands with a cross to side of his opponent's head.
Russell takes one to the chin there.
Hoca throws a couple of head shots and lands with the final one - a decent hook, which struck Russell on the side of the head.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Hoca fakes a head shot and lands one to the body.
Hoca throws a right hand that Russell ducks under and follows up with a left that Russell also avoids with ease.
Russell looked like he wanted to counter with a punch but didn't throw it.
Russell moves away from the strike by Hoca.
Hoca lands with an overhand left.
Necmettin Hoca is winning the standup battle so far.
Hoca lands with a cross to side of his opponent's head.
Hoca tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Russell was well out of range. Poor timing from Hoca.#T3#
Russell slips a jab from Hoca.
Hoca scores with a decent looking hook.
Nice body punch from Hoca.
Hoca connects with a lovely jab that went straight through the gap between Russell's hands.
A swing and a miss from Hoca.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Russell! But no joy.
Hoca scores with a hook to the body. Russell takes a step back and tries to catch his breath.
Hoca lands a nice looking body shot.
Necmettin Hoca seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Russell gets cracked with a nice right hand there by Hoca.#T4#
Hoca feints a straight left to the body, then turns around with a flashy move and hits Russells jaw with a dramatic spinning back fist!
Hoca wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Hoca connects with a right hand. Russell shakes it off.
Russell avoids the body shot from Hoca.
Russell unleashes a big counter combination but Hoca bobs and weaves and avoids any damage.
Hoca connects with a nice looking jab.
Hoca scores with a hook.
Russell is still on wobbly legs! Can Hoca finish him?
Hoca lands with an overhand left.
Hoca lands a jab to Russell's midsection.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Necmettin Hoca dominated that second round.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action. And we move into the final round!#R3#
Russell on the wrong end of a vicious looking body shot.
Russell seems to have recovered his senses.
Russell's hands are dropping dangerously low here and Hoca connects clean with a right hook that sends him down to one knee! Russell scrambles back to his feet.
Russell keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Russell looked like he wanted to counter with a punch but didn't throw it.
Jab, jab by Hoca - just one landing.
A telegraphed right hand from Hoca misses the target.
Hoca catches Russell with a nice straight right. He seems pissed - ooooh, it's on now! On like donkey kong!
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Hoca throws a right hand that misses
and Russell counters with a lovely straight right hand!#CUT2#It looks like Necmettin Hoca has been cut.
Hoca pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
It seemed like Russell was going to counter with the hook but didn't fully commit to it.#KD#
Hoca drops Russell with a beautiful combination! Russell stares up at his opponent, who ushers him back to his feet - Hoca is looking for the KO!#T1#
Hoca cracks Russell with a nasty uppercut that draws ooohs from the crowd and sends Russell tumbling backwards onto the mat. He tries to recover but Hoca pounces and lands a hail of unanswered strikes that forces the referee to step in to end the fight! Russell is not happy but he gave the referee no choice!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:12 of round 3, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Necmettin Hoca!

Event: IXF XXVII
Date: May 22, 2021

#R1#
Hoca displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Sanderson.
Hoca digs a good body shot into Sanderson's ribs.#CL#
Hoca has closed the distance and engaged Sanderson in a clinch.
Sanderson is trying to pull guard but Hoca turns him against the cage and we stay in the clinch.
Hoca lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Sanderson backwards.
Sanderson tries to pull guard but can't drag his opponent to the mat. Hoca just stands there and leans against the cage.
Necmettin Hoca has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Cael Sanderson.
Hoca pushes Sanderson back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.
Hoca prevents the takedown attempt.
Hoca scores with a hook to the body.
Sanderson fails to pull guard.
Hoca throws a hook to the body. More of an arm punch but it's all scoring with the judges.
Hoca gets through Sanderson's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
A short right from Hoca.
Hoca lands a nice uppercut.
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!
Hoca digs a right hand into Sanderson's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Sanderson's gas tank.
Sanderson looks winded!
Hoca throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Sandersons head.
Hoca lands with a left to the head.
Hoca lands a shot to the body.#BC#
Hoca pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.#T1#
Hoca lands a brutal uppercut that launches Sanderson off his feet! Sanderson tumbles to the floor, barely conscious - the referee jumps in to save him from a beating! Wow, what an ending!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:07 of round 1, we have a winner by way of KO (Punch). Necmettin Hoca!

Event: IXF XXII
Date: May 08, 2021

#R1#
Epolito wants to clinch.
Epolito misses with a body shot.
Hoca misses with a looping right.
Epolito lands with a two punch combination before moving back out of range.
Epolito misses with a looping left.
No joy there for Epolito, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Hoca looked like he wanted to counter with a punch but didn't throw it.
Hoca throws a couple of head shots and lands with the final one - a decent hook, which struck Epolito on the side of the head.
Hoca looks to score with a jab to the body but Epolito is just out of range.
Epolito on the wrong end of a nice hook.
Hoca loads up on a big right hand but Epolito slips the punch.
Epolito digs a good body shot into Hoca's ribs.
Hoca tries to close the distance and clinch up but Epolito swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Hoca throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Epolito sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Epolito throws a hook to the side of Hoca's head but Hoca sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Hoca steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Epolito.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Hoca moving in and out of range nicely, whilst landing the scoring shot.
Epolito tries a head kick but it misses. #T1#
A shot to the body from Epolito misses
enabling Hoca to counter with a crisp jab.
Epolito swings for the body but Hoca moves out of range.
Hoca ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Nice shot by Epolito.#CL2#
Hoca has managed to clinch.
Hoca lands a right hand that snaps the head of Epolito backwards.
Hoca throws a hook to the body. More of an arm punch but it's all scoring with the judges.
Hoca working some nice short punches in the clinch.
A battle for position here, against the cage.
Hoca lands a body shot.
Hoca gets through Epolito's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
Epolito wants to stall.
Hoca blocking some punches.
Epolito tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Hoca's elbow.
Epolito goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Hoca blocks a body shot from Epolito. #T2#
Hoca blocks a punch to the side of the head.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Hoca.
Epolito misses with a hook 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!
Epolito misses with the head strike.
Hoca lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Epolito backwards.
Epolito is stalling here. The referee will be looking to step in if he doesn't pick up the pace.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Epolito.
Hoca blocks a body shot from Epolito.
Nice body punch from Epolito.
Hoca blocks an uppercut.
Hoca blocks a body shot from Epolito.
Hoca works on Epolito's body with a couple of short punches.
Epolito tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Hoca's elbow.
Hoca lands a left hand.
Hoca stays in close to his opponent and throws a right hand to the body.
Hoca lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
Hoca lands with a short punch from the clinch.
Epolito misses with a short punch on the inside. #T3#
Hoca lands a right hand.
Hoca working some nice short punches in the clinch.
Epolito swings wildly with an uppercut but Hoca uses good head movement to avoid it.
Hoca lands with a short shot to the head.
Hoca digs a right hand into Epolito's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Epolito's gas tank.
Hoca lands with a right to the head.
Epolito tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
A battle for position here, against the cage.
A nice right hand lands inside from Hoca.
Epolito misses with a hook to the ribs.
Hoca presses Epolito against the cage and delivers a mid-strength body shot.
Epolito tries to throw a body punch but Hoca avoids it by throwing Epolito back against the cage.
Hoca makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
A head punch on the inside from Epolito fails to land.
Epolito goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Epolito working aggressively here.
Hoca blocking some punches. #T4#
Hoca lands a right hand that snaps the head of Epolito backwards.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Hoca lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Epolito backwards.
Hoca doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Epolito misses with a body punch.
Hoca lands an uppercut.
Hoca lands with a left to the head.
Hoca blocks a body shot from Epolito.
Hoca scores with a nice hook to the head.
Hoca blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Hoca lands a hook to the side of the head.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Hoca.
Epolito is leaning against Hoca and scores with a nice uppercut to the body.
Hoca lands a body shot in the clinch.
Epolito tries to land a knee to the head but misses.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Hoca lands a right hand.
Hoca lands with a short head shot on the inside.
Hoca lands with a light punch inside.
Hoca lands a shot to the body.
Epolito misses with a hook from the clinch.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Necmettin Hoca dominated that round.
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.#R2##CL2#
Hoca takes the fight into the clinch.
Epolito is trying to stall.
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Hoca works for underhooks and lands a body shot in the process.
Epolito misses with some punches.
Epolito misses with a hook to the ribs.
Epolito throws a head punch that misses.
Epolito can't find room to land a body shot as Hoca controls the action.
Epolito's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
Hoca pushes Epolito back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.
Epolito lands on the inside with an uppercut.
Hoca tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Hoca lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
Epolito misses with a punch on the inside.
Epolito swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Hoca works on Epolito's body with a couple of short punches.
Epolito misses with some punches.
Epolito tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked. #T1#
With the fighters clinched against the cage, Hoca creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
Epolito misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Hoca lands a left hand.
Epolito can't find room to land a body shot as Hoca controls the action.
With the two fighters working up against the cage, Epolito just misses with a elbow thrown towards Hoca's brow.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Hoca.
Hoca is leaning against Epolito and scores with a nice uppercut to the body.
Epolito throws a head punch that misses.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Hoca.
Hoca lands with a short punch from the clinch.
Epolito working some nice short punches in the clinch.
Epolito stalling.
Hoca misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Hoca lands a body punch.
Necmettin Hoca seems to be working more effectively in the clinch in the fight so far.
Good body shot from Hoca.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Hoca slowing the pace effectively.
Hoca lands a body punch.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Epolito tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Hoca's elbow.
Still in the clinch, Hoca scores with a nice short uppercut.#T2#
Hoca working some nice short punches in the clinch.
Hoca lands a hook to the side of the head.
Hoca works on Epolito's body with a couple of short punches.
Hoca has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
A short right from Hoca on the inside.
Hoca softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
Hoca digs a right hand into Epolito's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Epolito's gas tank.
Epolito's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
A right handed body shot lands from Hoca.
A left hand lands to the body for Hoca.
A nice left hand lands by Hoca.
Hoca scores with a shoulder strike.
Hoca scores with a shot to the side of Epolito's head.
A body shot lands from Hoca.
Hoca lands a body shot.
A short left from Hoca.
Hoca lands a shoulder strike.
Hoca lands an uppercut.
Epolito takes a shot to the head.
Hoca lands on the inside with an uppercut. #T3#
A shot in the inside from Hoca.
Hoca blocks a punch to the side of the head.
A short uppercut from Hoca.
Epolito is looking to control Hoca's arms but Hoca gets an underhook and turns him. Now Epolito has his back to the cage.
Hoca lands a left hand.
Hoca cracks Epolito with a nice body shot.
Hoca scores with a nice hook to the head.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, Hoca creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
A nice left hand lands by Epolito.
Hoca lands a body punch - he's looking to wear down Epolito.
Hoca scores with a nice hook to the head.
Hoca lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Epolito backwards.
Hoca lands a nice uppercut.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Hoca working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
Hoca lands a nice looking hook to the body, against the cage.
Hoca lands with a right to the head.
A shot in the inside from Hoca.
Hoca lands a shoulder strike. #T4#
Hoca presses Epolito against the cage and delivers a mid-strength body shot.
Hoca scores with a nice hook to the head.
Hoca lands a right hand that snaps the head of Epolito backwards.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, Hoca creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
Epolito's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
Hoca lands with a light punch inside.
Epolito throws a punch but it's blocked by Hoca.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Epolito.
A body shot lands from Hoca.
Hoca working some nice short punches in the clinch.
Epolito can't find room to land a body shot as Hoca controls the action.
Epolito tries to throw a body punch but Hoca avoids it by throwing Epolito back against the cage.
Hoca lands with a short punch from the clinch.
A short right from Hoca.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Hoca scores with a nice hook to the head.
Epolito tries to throw a body punch but Hoca avoids it by throwing Epolito back against the cage.
Epolito can't break the clinch.
Hoca scores with an uppercut up the middle.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Necmettin Hoca showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business. This is the final round!#R3##CL2#
Hoca moves into the clinch successfully.
Hoca lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Epolito backwards.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Hoca.
Hoca lands with a short head shot on the inside.
Stalling in the clinch from Hoca.
Epolito tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
A short uppercut from Hoca.
Epolito misses with a short punch on the inside.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Hoca.
Hoca lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Hoca.
Hoca lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Epolito backwards.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Hoca blocking some punches.
Hoca blocks a punch to the side of the head.
A nice left hand lands by Hoca.
Epolito lands on the inside with an uppercut.
Hoca gets through Epolito's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
Epolito working aggressively here.
Epolito tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage. #T1#
A right hook to the body lands for Hoca.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Hoca scores with a shoulder strike.
Hoca lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Epolito backwards.
Hoca struggles to land a body shot inside as Epolito controls his hands.
Epolito misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Hoca lands with a short punch from the clinch.
Epolito doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Hoca working some nice short punches in the clinch.
Epolito lands a hook to the body. It's hard to tell if that hurt Hoca or not.
Hoca lands a nice shot to the body.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Hoca.
An uppercut to the body lands inside from Hoca.
Epolito misses with a hook to the ribs.
Epolito looking to slow down the pace here.
Hoca lands an uppercut.
Hoca lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Hoca lands with a right to the head. #T2#
Hoca digs a right hand into Epolito's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Epolito's gas tank.
Hoca lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
A head punch on the inside from Epolito fails to land.
A nice left hand lands by Hoca.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, Hoca creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
Still in the clinch, Hoca scores with a nice short uppercut.
Hoca blocking some punches.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, Hoca creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
Epolito takes a shot to the head.
Hoca scores with an uppercut up the middle.
Hoca lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards. #ROC2#Epolito is rocked!
A nice right hand lands inside from Hoca.
Oh Epolito is still all over the place! His legs are completely gone! Will he be able to recover?!!
Epolito tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Hoca's elbow.
Epolito seems to have got his legs back now.
Hoca works for underhooks and lands a body shot in the process.
Necmettin Hoca is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
Hoca working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
A nice right hand lands inside from Hoca. #T3#
A shot in the inside from Epolito.
Epolito misses with a punch on the inside.
Hoca lands a body shot in the clinch.
Epolito tries a body shot but Hoca blocks it.
A head punch on the inside from Epolito fails to land.
Epolito swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Hoca lands with a short head shot on the inside.
Hoca lands a body punch.
Epolito misses with a hook from the clinch.
Hoca pushes Epolito back against the cage and unloads with a body punch.
Hoca cracks Epolito with a nice body shot.
Hoca lands with a light punch inside.
Epolito tries to work over Hoca's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Hoca blocks an uppercut. #T4#
Epolito has a couple of punches blocked by Hoca.
Hoca lands a hook to the body. It's hard to tell if that hurt Epolito or not.
Epolito tries to circle away but Hoca has him pinned against the cage.
A shot in the inside from Epolito.
Hoca lands a hook to the body. It's hard to tell if that hurt Epolito or not.
Epolito misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Hoca presses Epolito against the cage and delivers a mid-strength body shot.
Anthony Epolito has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
This has been an exciting period of action!
Hoca lands a body shot.
Epolito throws a punch but it's blocked by Hoca.
Hoca leaning his opponent against the cage.
A head punch on the inside from Epolito fails to land.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Epolito fails to land with a short punch on the inside.

And that's the end of the fight!
Necmettin Hoca comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I've got Hoca winning every round here. Surely the decision will go his way and he'll pick up a well deserved decision victory. 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 Daniel Franklin scores the fight 27:30
Judge Peter Branson scores the fight 27:30
Judge Dirk Anderson scores the fight 27:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Necmettin Hoca!

Event: IXF XVIII
Date: Apr 25, 2021

#R1#
Carpenter has his takedown stuffed
and Hoca connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Hoca connects with a hook to the side of his opponent's head.
Carpenter has his takedown stuffed
and Hoca counters with a left to the body.
Carpenter shoots in but doesn't get the takedown
and Hoca counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Hoca 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.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Mike Carpenter . That's going to take a lot out of him.
Carpenter fails with the takedown
and Hoca counters with a right hand to the body.
Carpenter with a poor takedown
enabling Hoca to counter with a crisp jab.
Carpenter is breathing heavily.
Carpenter gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily
and Hoca counters with a left to the body.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!#KD2#
Hoca lands a big uppercut and Carpenter crumbles to the floor! The ref thinks about stopping the fight but Carpenter looks OK. Hoca waves Carpenter back to his feet!
Hoca dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Hoca lands a jab to Carpenter 's midsection.
Hoca drops Carpenter with a straight left! Oh this is bad for Carpenter ! Hoca dives in and starts dropping bombs - the referee has no choice but to step in and save him!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:57 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Necmettin Hoca!

Event: IXF XI
Date: Apr 07, 2021

#R1#
Peccorino wants to clinch but Hoca slips to the side
and Hoca counters with a nice uppercut.
Peccorino tries to clinch
and Hoca counters with a nice uppercut.
Hoca misses with an uppercut. Peccorino saw that one coming.
Peccorino connects with a good right hand that stumbles Hoca. Hoca circles away out of range and recomposes himself.
Nice defenses there by Peccorino .
Hoca fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Peccorino unleashes a big counter combination but Hoca bobs and weaves and avoids any damage.
Don Peccorino seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Hoca avoids the head kick by Peccorino .
Peccorino throws a left and a right that both miss
and Hoca connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
A jab from Hoca misses.
Peccorino takes a body punch but keeps moving.
Peccorino is looking to clinch but Hoca is avoiding it. #CL#
Hoca gets a clinch.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Peccorino trying to land knees to the body.
Hoca lands a nice uppercut.
Hoca digs a right hand underneath Peccorino 's ribcage. Peccorino let out a lung full of air as it connected.
Hoca lands a right hand that snaps the head of Peccorino backwards.
A right handed body shot lands from Hoca. #T1#
Peccorino tries to score a body lock takedown but Hoca shows good agility there to stay on his feet.
Hoca stops a takedown attempt from Peccorino .
Hoca is working Peccorino over against the cage.
Hoca lands with a short shot to the head.
Hoca digs a right hand underneath Peccorino 's ribcage. Peccorino let out a lung full of air as it connected.
Hoca gets underhooks to prevent Peccorino 's takedown attempt.
Necmettin Hoca has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Don Peccorino .
Peccorino looks winded!
Hoca gets through Peccorino 's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
Hoca lands a right hand that snaps the head of Peccorino backwards.
A body shot lands from Hoca.
Hoca lands an uppercut.
Hoca scores with a shot to the side of Peccorino 's head.
Hoca lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Peccorino backwards.
Nice body punch from Hoca - that landed with a thud.
A nice left hand lands by Hoca.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
A short right from Hoca. #T2#
Hoca lands with a short punch from the clinch. #ROC#Peccorino is rocked!
Hoca working some nice short punches in the clinch.
Peccorino is still on wobbly legs! Can Hoca finish him?
Hoca lands a body shot.
Peccorino seems to have recovered his senses.
A short right from Hoca.
Peccorino misses with a hook to the ribs.
An uppercut to the body lands inside from Hoca.
Hoca throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Peccorino s head.
Hoca lands with a left to the head.
Hoca lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
Peccorino 's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
Hoca lands a left hand.
Hoca lands with a light punch inside.
Hoca lands with a short shot to the head.
Peccorino can't break the clinch. #T3#
Hoca gets through Peccorino 's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
Hoca definitely looks more muscular than last time we saw him fight.
Still in the clinch, Hoca scores with a nice short uppercut.
A right handed body shot lands from Hoca.
Hoca lands on the inside with an uppercut.
Peccorino tries to break free but Hoca pushes him back against the cage.
Hoca working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
Hoca lands with a light punch inside.
Hoca working some nice short punches in the clinch.
Hoca digs a right hand underneath Peccorino 's ribcage. Peccorino let out a lung full of air as it connected.
Peccorino takes a shot to the head.
Peccorino is working for a takedown up against the cage. He can't get it on this occasion though.
Hoca lands a hook to the side of the head.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Hoca lands with a short punch from the clinch.
Hoca gets through Peccorino 's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
Hoca pushes Peccorino against the cage. Hoca is working some dirty boxing. Hoca pushes off with a quick right hook! Peccorino goes down! Peccorino tries to stand but stumbles back to his kness! Hoca moves in to finish and the ref steps in to prevent any more damage!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:55 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Necmettin Hoca!

Event: IXF VII
Date: Mar 27, 2021

#R1##TD2#
Russell changes levels and drives through with a really nice takedown into side control. Hoca looks really pissed at himself for not defending that better.#SUB2#
Russell is trying to land an Americana. He has the arm isolated but Hoca is keeping cool and he's avoided the danger for now. #SUB2#
Russell is looking to finish here, going for an Americana. Hoca knows the correct defense though, so he's OK. #SUB2#
Russell is trying to get an arm triangle but Hoca is defending well.
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#
Russell wants to work for a kimura but he's foiled early by Hoca, who protects the arm well. #T1##SUB2#
Russell has an Americana. Hoca didn't react quickly enough there and he's in big trouble now! He tries to squirm out but is forced to tap! Russell is delighted and gyrates in front of the ring girls. They seem to like the attention - it'll be interesting to see if Russell hooks up with any of them at the after show party.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:22 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Americana). George Russell!
George Russell tried to hype himself up post fight but didn't word it too well and it ended up with him sounding like a bit of a tool.

Event: IXF II
Date: Mar 13, 2021

#R1#
Luciano looks to throw the jab but Hoca is out of range.
Luciano throws a hook to the side of Hoca's head but Hoca sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Luciano has his hands up protecting his head but a hook from Hoca finds it's way round the side to connect with Luciano's head.
Hoca misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Luciano.
Luciano misses with a hook. Hoca ducked under it nicely.
Hoca fakes a head shot and lands one to the body.
Luciano seems to be moving with more speed, compared to his last bout. He must have been working on that in the gym.
Hoca tries to clinch
and Hoca takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Hoca looks to clinch
and Hoca takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Hoca misses with a right hand
and Luciano cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Hoca fails with an attempt to clinch.
A little feinted left hand from Luciano on the counter but he doesn't commit to it.
Nice jab there from Luciano.
A low kick from Luciano misses #CL2#
and Hoca counters into the clinch. Nicely done.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Hoca swings wildly with an uppercut but Luciano uses good head movement to avoid it.
Luciano is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Hoca is defending well for now.#T1#
Hoca goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Hoca lands a left hand that snaps the head of Luciano backwards.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Hoca.
Hoca misses with a shot to the kidneys. #BC#
Luciano's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Hoca connects with a body shot that sends Luciano's belly button to the back.
Hoca looks shocked there as he takes a right hand to the temple.
Necmettin Hoca seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Hoca with a body punch. A glancing blow.
Hoca throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Luciano.
Hoca tries to clinch there but Luciano circles away.
Hoca throws a lazy uppercut
and Luciano connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.#CL2#
Hoca rushes Luciano and presses him up against the cage.
Hoca digs a right hand underneath Luciano's ribcage. Luciano let out a lung full of air as it connected.
Luciano fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Hoca lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards. #T2#
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Luciano blocks a body shot from Hoca.
Hoca throws a punch but it's blocked by Luciano.
A nice left hand lands by Hoca.
Hoca tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Luciano's elbow.
Hoca lands with a short head shot on the inside.
Hoca lands a body punch in the clinch.
Luciano wants to break free but Hoca has control.
Luciano blocks an uppercut. #BC#
Luciano breaks the clinch.
Luciano takes a jab on the nose there. A little bit of blood seems to be coming out. Hopefully that won't affect his breathing.
Hoca fails in his attempt to clinch.
Luciano jinks towards his opponent looking like he wants to counter with a mid kick but doesn't commit.
Hoca throws a lazy uppercut
and Luciano counters nicely by changing levels and landing a hook to the body.
Luciano keeps the fight on the outside.
Hoca ducks low and lands a nice hook to the body of his opponent.
Hoca misses with a right hand
letting Luciano counter with a right hand.
Hoca misses with a left hand
and Luciano counters with a lovely straight right hand!#T3#
Luciano throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Hoca throws a jab to the body, straight down the pipe. Boom. That sent Luciano stumbling backwards but he manages to regain his composure quickly.
Luciano misses with a looping left.
Luciano throws a body punch but Hoca moves out of range.
Luciano gets cracked there but stands up to it.
Hoca throws a right hand that misses
and Luciano counters with a body kick that brings a smile to the face of both fighters.
Hoca fails in his attempt to clinch.
Luciano swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Hoca lunges in with an uppercut that skims his opponent's chin.
Hoca throws an off balance right hand
and Luciano counters with a nice body shot.
Hoca ducks under a wild hook from Luciano.
Hoca throws a right hand that misses
and Luciano cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.#T4#
Luciano closes the distance and takes a jab right on the nose as he does so.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Hoca throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Luciano sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Hoca avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Hoca has his hands up protecting his head but a hook from Luciano finds it's way round the side to connect with Hoca's head.
Hoca on the wrong end of a decent looking cross there.
Luciano lands a front kick.
Hoca misses with a body punch
and Hoca takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Luciano keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Hoca moves in looking to clinch but Luciano pushes him off.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Hoca misses the shot to the body.
Luciano throws a good cross that connects.
Luciano on the wrong end of an overhand right that came out of nowhere.
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 Ricky Luciano will probably get the nod.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business.#R2#
Hoca slips under a jab.
Luciano rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
and Hoca counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Hoca ducks down and throws a hook to the body.
Luciano moves away from the strike by Hoca. #CL2#
Hoca moves into range and clinches up with Luciano.
Hoca presses Luciano against the cage and delivers a mid-strength body shot.
Luciano wants to break free. God knows he wants to breaaaak freeee.
Luciano working aggressively here.
Luciano missing with knees to the body.
Luciano wants to break free. God knows he wants to breaaaak freeee.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.#BC#
Luciano breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Hoca throws a body shot but no joy.
Hoca misses with a left hand
and Luciano counters with a straight right hand.
Hoca throws an ugly left hook that misses
and Luciano counters with a nice low kick that buckles Hoca's knee momentarily.
Luciano throws a half hearted mid kick.#T1#
Hoca lands a nice shot to the body.
Hoca misses the body punch
and Luciano counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.#CL2#
Hoca rushes Luciano and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.#BC#
Luciano's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Luciano lands with a cross.
Hoca throws a jab when Luciano was well out of range.
Luciano jabs at Hoca's body.#CL2#
Luciano gets tackled into the cage by Hoca. Hoca maintains the clinch.
Luciano blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Hoca scores with an uppercut up the middle.
Hoca tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Hoca lands a nice uppercut.
This has been an exciting period of action!#BC#
Luciano escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Nice shot lands for Luciano.#T2#
Hoca tries to clinch but Luciano moves away
and Luciano makes him pay by landing a nice hook to the body before moving out of range.
Hoca misses with a lunging right hand
and Luciano counters with a nice uppercut.
Hoca throws a looping overhand right but Luciano ducks down to avoid it.
Ricky Luciano is winning the standup battle so far.
Luciano throws a wild body kick that Hoca sees coming a mile off.
Hoca wants to clinch up but Luciano keeps it at a distance.
Luciano thinks about countering with a body kick.
Hoca misses with a shot to the body
and Luciano counters with a leg kick that reverborates around the arena.
Luciano misses with a body kick.
Hoca walks into a left hand.
Hoca fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Luciano manages to avoid it.
Luciano misses with a body shot.
Luciano keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Luciano was looking to counter that move with a punch but didn't quite pull the trigger.#T3#
Hoca is on the wrong end of a nice combination from Luciano.
Hoca misses with a telegraphed body shot
and Luciano cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Hoca misses with a body shot
letting Luciano counter with a right hand. #CL2#
Hoca rushes Luciano and presses him up against the cage.
Luciano is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Hoca is defending well for now.
Hoca softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, Luciano creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
Luciano tries to throw a body punch but Hoca avoids it by throwing Luciano back against the cage.
Luciano blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Hoca tries to work over Luciano's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Hoca lands with a short punch from the clinch.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Hoca works on Luciano's body with a couple of short punches.
Luciano blocking some punches.
Hoca blocking some punches. #BC#
Luciano breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Hoca swings and misses with a hook to the body. #T4#
Hoca lands a pitter patter jab to the forehead of his opponent.
Luciano wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.
Luciano moves into range and throws a lovely three punch combination.#CUT#It looks like Necmettin Hoca has been cut.
Luciano scores with a nice right hand.
Hoca tries to clinch
and Hoca takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Luciano on the wrong end of a nice hook.
Luciano takes a jab right on the kisser.
Nice uppercut lands for Hoca. That snapped Luciano's head back.
A decent looking cross lands there for Hoca.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Hoca tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Ricky Luciano dominated that second round.
The cut man is working on Necmettin Hoca's cut.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action! Let's get this one finished - here comes the final round!#R3#
Hoca loads up on a big right hand but Luciano slips the punch.
Hoca takes one on the chin but keeps coming.
Hoca connects with a slap. Keep your fist closed son.
Hoca closes the distance looking to clinch
enabling Luciano to counter with a crisp jab.
Luciano throws out a loose jab but Hoca uses good head movement to avoid it.
Hoca tries to clinch up but Luciano circles away and keeps his distance.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Luciano circles away from the clinch attempt.
Hoca takes a jab on the nose. He smiles like he loves it and keeps coming.
Hoca misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Luciano.
Hoca looks to score with a jab to the body but Luciano is just out of range.#T1#
Hoca lands the left hand.
Hoca tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
A little feinted left hand from Luciano on the counter but he doesn't commit to it.
Nice shot lands for Luciano.
Hoca tries to clinch but Luciano moves away
and Luciano cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Hoca walks into a straight right hand from Luciano.#ROC#Hoca is rocked!
A bone on bone clash there as Hoca blocks the leg kick.
Hoca is still on wobbly legs! Can Luciano finish him?
Hoca throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd.
Hoca seems to have recovered his senses.
Hoca swings for the body but Luciano moves out of range.
A counter left hand to the body from Luciano misses its target.
Hoca has a pretty nasty looking mouse under his right eye.
Hoca misses with a right hand
and Luciano counters with a nice uppercut.
Luciano clobbers Hoca with an overhand right that has the crowd gasping. That made a horrendous noise.
Hoca is moving around nicely and scores here with a single head shot.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Hoca on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by Luciano. Luciano obviously looking to wear him down. #T2#
The crowd cheers as Luciano lands an impressive looking overhand right. Hoca doesn't seem phased though.
Hoca doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
Hoca throws a jab when Luciano was well out of range.
Luciano scores with a punch to the head.
Hoca tries to clinch up.
Luciano feinted there with a counter leg kick.
Luciano dips to his left and cracks Hoca with an uppercut!
Luciano uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Hoca.
Hoca swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Luciano appeared to be looking to counter that last move with a leg kick.
Luciano cracks Hoca with a right hand to the side of the head.
Hoca tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Luciano manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Necmettin Hoca has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Luciano is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Hoca can do to turn this around?
Luciano takes a shot to the body in his stride.
Hoca connects with a looping right hand. #T3#
Hoca misses with an uppercut
and Luciano counters with a stiff right hand.
Luciano jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Luciano staying out of range there.
Hoca uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Luciano.#KD#
Luciano sends Hoca crashing to the mat with a devastating uppercut! Luciano is motioning to the referee to let Hoca up. He wants to try and finish this one on the feet!
Ricky Luciano is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Hoca misses with a lunging right hand
and Luciano counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Hoca misses with a hook. Luciano ducked under it nicely.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Hoca misses with a right hand
letting Luciano counter with a right hand.
Hoca sizes up Luciano with a pawing jab and scores with a straight right down the middle.
Luciano throws a big shot that misses.
Hoca walks into a stiff left hand from Luciano.#T4#
Hoca misses with a hook
and Luciano counters with a straight right hand.
Hoca throws a hook to the side of Luciano's head but Luciano sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Hoca swings widly with a right hand
and Luciano counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Luciano scores with a jab.
The fight stays on the outside here - Hoca looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Hoca closes the distance but Luciano moves to the side
and Hoca takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Hoca fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Luciano manages to avoid it.
Hoca closes the distance looking to clinch
and Luciano counters with a straight right hand.

And that's the end of the fight!
Ricky Luciano showed his dominance in that final round.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Luciano, 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 Peter Branson scores the fight 30:27
Judge Michael Johnstone scores the fight 30:27
Judge Sandra Marshall scores the fight 30:27

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Ricky Luciano!
Ricky Luciano tried to hype himself up post fight but didn't word it too well and it ended up with him sounding like a bit of a tool.

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