Play by Play - Fighter's Fight Commentary

Event: SPFT #7
Date: Aug 23, 2023

#R1#
Buakaw misses with an uppercut #CL2#
and Soto moves into the clinch.#TD2#
Soto successfully pulls guard.
Soto looking for a sweep. Not yet Soto, not yet.
Soto manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Buakaw manages to get himself to full guard. #REVB#
Buakaw keeping moving, preventing Soto from controlling successfully. #SUB2#
Soto 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.
Soto passes easily into side control. Nice work.#SUB2#
Soto is working to tighten his grip on Buakaw's neck. He's isolated an arm and is working for an arm triangle. Buakaw has recognised the danger and is trying to turn with the submission but Soto is really squeezing tight and eventually Buakaw passes out! Soto breaks the hold and jumps onto the cage to celebrate! Submission of the night, I'd say!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 0:58 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Arm Triangle). Rafael Soto!
Our winner, Rafael Soto, 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: SPFT #3
Date: Jul 30, 2023

#R1#
No luck for Drago with that takedown attempt.
Drago shoots in but Soto avoids the takedown attempt easily.#TD#
Drago gets the takedown into side control.
Soto is moving his hips around well on the bottom and has managed to get back to half guard.
Soto looks more muscular than last time we saw him. He must have been on the weights.#SUB#
Drago seems to be looking for submissions. #SUB#
Drago is trying for a guillotine from the top but the pressure isn't in the right place so Soto is just riding it out for now. Drago eventually gives up the hold.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.#SUB2#
Soto looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.#SUB2#
Soto actively working from the bottom here.#T1##SUB2#
Soto looking for submissions from an awkward position here.#SUB2#
Soto looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.#SUB#
Drago is working for submissions here but there's nothing on. #SUB#
Drago is trying for a kimura here. Soto looks like he's in a lot of pain... and he's tapping out! Drago wins by kimura!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:45 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Kimura). Damian Drago!
Damian Drago took to the microphone after his victory and thanked his sponsors, Nutritional Shaved Ice for their support in the buildup to the fight.

Event: SPFT #1
Date: Jul 16, 2023

#R1#
Soto displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Araujo throws out the jab.
Soto wants to counter with a clinch but Araujo pushes him away.#CL2#
Soto has closed the distance and engaged Araujo in a clinch.
Araujo drops to a knee looking for a takedown but Soto gets the underhooks and prevents it. #TD2#
Soto drags the fight down to the ground.
Araujo trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet. #SUB2#
Soto escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Araujo gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.
Araujo trying to pass the guard. He's being very persistent here but Soto manages to land a sweep and now he's on top! #REVB#
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Soto trying to control but Araujo is working from the bottom.
Soto looks more muscular than last time we saw him. He must have been on the weights.
Araujo wants to sweep but no luck. #SUB#
Araujo looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar. #T1#
Araujo keeping moving, preventing Soto from controlling successfully.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.#SUB2#
Soto thinks about going for a leg but decides against it, in order to maintain the position. #SUB2#
Soto thinks about going for a leg but decides against it, in order to maintain the position.
Araujo trying to keep a closed guard but Soto is proving a slippery customer.
Araujo definitely looks more muscular than last time we saw him fight.
Araujo pulls Soto in close to prevent any damage. #SUB2#
Soto postures up as if he's going to throw some strikes but drops back for an ankle! Araujo is in big trouble! He looks ready to tap! But no, he's escaped and dives on top of Soto, into his guard. #REVR##SUB2#
Araujo avoids a guillotine attempt easily. #T2#
Araujo slips effortlessly into side control - very nice.#SUB#
Araujo is looking for a kimura. He might have it! No, Soto has escaped the position, nice work there.
Soto is trying to control Araujo's posture but Araujo avoids it. #SUB#
Araujo thinks about going for a far side armbar but bails out and retains the dominant position instead.
Araujo looking to punish the body of his opponent here but Soto is avoiding damage well.
Soto is looking to regain half guard here but Araujo keeps moving and retains side control. #T3#
Soto manages to get one leg in to regain half guard.
Araujo works his foot free and advances to mount.
Araujo prevents Soto from getting the reversal.#SUB#
Araujo wants to finish this one by submission but Soto is holding onto his waist, trying to prevent any attacks from Araujo. #SUB#
Araujo goes for an armbar but Soto turns quickly into his guard - lovely anticipation from Soto.
Soto trying to control but Araujo is working from the bottom. #SUB2#
Soto drops back, looking for a kneebar! Araujo looks panicked! The fighters roll across the mat, one looking to finish, one looking to escape. Araujo looks to have wriggled free... Yes, he's got his leg free and he's dived into side control! Good work there from Araujo! #REVR#
Soto is trying to get back to half guard.#T4##SUB#
Araujo swings around for an armbar but Soto sees it coming a mile off and turns beautifully into Araujo's guard.
Araujo wants to sweep here but Soto controlling him for the moment.
Araujo working a defensive guard here.
Soto trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet. #SUB2#
Soto drops back for a leg but he's not going to get it - he lets go and Araujo dives on top into guard.#REVR#
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!#SUB2#
Soto is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Araujo is aware though and is defending well.
Both fighters have adopted an aggressive gameplan on the ground!
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Araujo trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet. #SUB2#
Soto isolates an arm and boxes in a triangle. Araujo stacks Soto on his neck as he steps over and passes to the side. He's now in a much more dominant position where he can look to do some serious damage. Nice move by Araujo!#SUB#
Araujo tries for a kimura. Not really close to a finish though.
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 Jonathas Araujo will probably get the nod.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.#R2#
Araujo scores with a jab to the jaw.#TD#
Araujo closes the distance and gets a trip takedown into side control. Soto quickly recovers to half guard.#SUB#
Soto is defending against the submission attempts here by Araujo. #SUB2#
Soto looking for submissions off his back.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Soto wants to get back to full guard.#SUB2#
Soto actively working from the bottom here.#SUB2#
Soto has guillotine here! It looks pretty tight! Could this be all over! No, Araujo escapes and passes into side control at the same time. Nice work there by Araujo!#T1##SUB#
Araujo looking for an arm triangle but it's way too loose to do anything.
Araujo wants to lay and pray for a moment but Soto keeps working.
Araujo passes to full mount! That's big trouble for Soto!
Araujo throwing strikes here but Soto is writhing around nicely and avoiding any serious damage. #SUB#
Araujo jumps to the side looking to secure the arm triangle…. Ooooh, that looks tight… Soto is gargling but he's managed to escape! Nice work there by Soto and Araujo has given up the dominant position trying to land that submission. #SUB#
Araujo is trying to get an arm triangle but Soto is defending well. #SUB#
Araujo is trying to get an arm triangle but Soto is defending well. #T2##SUB#
Araujo looking for an arm triangle but it's way too loose to do anything.
Soto is looking for a sweep.#SUB#
Araujo is trying to get an arm triangle but Soto is defending well.
Araujo works to advance to full mount. Soto defends for a few seconds but eventually he succumbs.
Soto tries to get back to half guard but can't.
Soto tries to hold on but Araujo pushes him away.
Araujo trying to control but Soto is having none of it.
Araujo is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Soto can do to turn this around?
Araujo is dominating on the ground here - he's now on his opponent's back, looking to sink in the hooks. Soto is in real trouble.
Jonathas Araujo overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.#T3#
You can see the frustration on Soto's face… He knows he is in trouble unless he improves his position sooner rather than later. #SUB#
Araujo looking for the RNC. #SUB#
Araujo looking to break Soto's wrist control so he can sink in the choke. Soto remaining controlled and patient though - he really has to keep calm otherwise Araujo will wrap this one up with the rear naked choke!
Araujo is trying to stick to Soto's back but Soto is turning into Araujo. He's managed to reverse the position - now he's in Araujo's guard. Polite applause from the crowd in appreciation of some nice Jiu Jitsu by Soto.
Araujo tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Soto wants to control from the top but Araujo keeps moving.
Araujo looking for a sweep. Not yet Araujo, not yet. #T4#
Soto looking to pass the guard.
Araujo pulls Soto in to control the position.
Soto stands and throws Araujo's legs to the side, diving into side control.
Araujo tries to improve position but can't.
Araujo can't do much from the bottom here.
Araujo is looking to regain half guard here but Soto keeps moving and retains side control.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.#SUB2#
Soto tries for a kimura but Araujo is defending well.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Jonathas Araujo dominated that second round.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action. Let's get this one finished - here comes the final round!#R3#
Araujo throws out a loose jab but Soto uses good head movement to avoid it. #CL2#
Soto closes the distance and clinches. #TD2#
Soto manages to pull guard. Let's see whether he can land a sub off his back. #SUB2#
Soto had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Araujo defends it easily.#SUB#
Araujo drops back for a leg! It's a sloppy attempt though and Araujo jumps back into guard quickly, to retain the dominant position.
Araujo passes into half guard. #SUB#
Araujo wants to work for an arm triangle but Soto is really keeping half guard well and defending the submission attempt.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.#SUB#
Araujo is working for submissions here but there's nothing on.
Soto wants to control but Araujo is keeping busy. #T1#
Soto won't allow Araujo to pass to mount. #SUB#
Araujo is sneakily working for an arm triangle but Soto sees it coming and defends easily.
Araujo is pressing down on Soto's thigh, looking to free his foot. Soto is holding on for now.
Soto trying to control but Araujo postures up. #SUB2#
Soto looking for submissions off his back.#SUB#
Araujo is looking for a kimura. It's going to be difficult to finish that from half guard though and Soto defends it well.
Araujo frees up his trapped foot and advances to mount.
Rafael Soto has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!#T2#
Araujo fails to advance to Soto's back.
Araujo controlling the position easily from mount.
Araujo takes his opponent's back. Perhaps a chance to lock up a rear naked choke here. #SUB#
Araujo tightening his grip on Soto, looking for the choke.
Soto wants to escape the position. #SUB#
Araujo is remaining active here, looking for the choke. The more discerning members of the crowd will appreciate his efforts. #T3#
Araujo struggling to keep hold of the position. #SUB#
Soto defending nicely against the rear naked choke attempt. #SUB#
Soto showing good submission defense here. #SUB#
Araujo is looking for the choke from the back position but Soto is controlling his hands well.
Soto can't escape the position. #SUB#
Soto defends a rear naked choke attempt by controlling one of Araujo's arms. #SUB#
Araujo is working hard for the rear naked choke here.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.#T4##SUB#
Araujo is working hard for the rear naked choke here. #SUB#
Araujo has his hand under the chin of his opponent looking for the choke. He's nearly got it! This one could be all over! But no, Soto has freed his hand and lives to survive another… well, another couple of seconds at least!
Soto is defending well here and trying to improve his position. #SUB#
Soto defending nicely against the rear naked choke attempt.
Soto tries to escape the position.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!#SUB#
Araujo looking to break Soto's wrist control so he can sink in the choke. Soto remaining controlled and patient though - he really has to keep calm otherwise Araujo will wrap this one up with the rear naked choke!

And that's the end of the fight!
Jonathas Araujo showed his dominance in that final round.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Araujo, 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 Paul Gruel scores the fight 30:27
Judge Chris Saunders scores the fight 30:27
Judge Josh West scores the fight 30:27

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Jonathas Araujo!
Our winner, Jonathas Araujo, 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: RISE 171
Date: May 20, 2023

#R1#
Soto slips under a jab from PÃ©rez.
PÃ©rez bobs and weaves and unloads with a good uppercut.
A cross from PÃ©rez lands.
PÃ©rez lunges at Soto with a hook that half lands and is half blocked by Soto's hand.
Soto tries to clinch but PÃ©rez moves away
letting PÃ©rez counter with a right hand.
PÃ©rez sizes up Soto with a pawing jab and scores with a straight right down the middle.
PÃ©rez keeps the fight on the outside.
PÃ©rez throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Soto seemed to be looking to counter by closing the distance.#KD2#
PÃ©rez drops Soto with a beautiful combination! Soto stares up at his opponent, who ushers him back to his feet - PÃ©rez is looking for the KO!#ROC2#Soto is rocked!#CUT2#It looks like Rafael Soto has been cut.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Soto is aggressively charging in as PÃ©rez backs up avoiding any damage. PÃ©rez tosses out a jab and Soto runs right into it face first! Soto is out cold! PÃ©rez dropped down on all fours and is barking in Soto's face like a pit bull in celebration until the ref was finally able to pull him away!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 0:36 of round 1, we have a winner by way of KO (Punch). Ariel PÃ©rez!
During a confident post fight interview, Ariel PÃ©rez thanked all his fans. He seemed very genuine when describing how motivated his fans keep him.

Event: RISE 160
Date: Apr 08, 2023

#R1#
Bandolero throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Soto.
We can't be sure of the tactics at this early stage but we have heard that Soto 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.
Bandolero throws a series of punches but Soto moves out of range.
Bandolero lands a jab to the nose.
Bandolero misses with a few strikes there.
Bandolero fails to land the takedown.
Bandolero works over Soto's head and body with a nice combination.
Soto showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Bandolero. #CL2#
Soto moves into the clinch.#TD2#
Soto jumps into guard, dragging Bandolero to the mat.
Bandolero wants to pass the guard but Soto is keeping the position.#SUB2#
Soto is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!#SUB2#
Bandolero is posturing up here but Soto has hold of an arm and he's gone for an armbar! Bandolero tries to roll out but it's too tight and Bandolero has to tap! Slick submission there by Soto!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:58 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Armbar). Rafael Soto!
A very excited looking Rafael Soto 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: RISE 152
Date: Mar 12, 2023

#R1#
Smith punishes Soto's body with a nice straight punch.#CL#
Soto pushes Smith up against the cage in a clinch.
Smith is trying to break free.
Soto is trying to pull guard but Smith has him pressed against the cage.#TD#
Soto jumps into guard, dragging Smith to the mat. #SUB#
Soto has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Smith can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.
Soto has a closed guard, preventing Smith from standing up. #SUB#
Soto looking for a triangle here. Smith is fighting it but it looks tight! Soto pulls the arm across and this one won't last much longer! Nope, Smith is tapping out - this one is all over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 0:49 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Triangle Choke). Rafael Soto!
Our winner, Rafael Soto, 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: RISE 140
Date: Feb 05, 2023

#R1#
Son digs a good hook to Soto's body.
Son fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss. #CL#
Soto moves into the clinch.
Son taking a break, stalling in the clinch.
Son lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage. #BC2#
Son breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Soto ducks right into an uppercut from Son.
Son catches Soto with a nice straight right. He seems pissed - ooooh, it's on now! On like donkey kong!
Son swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Jab from Son.
Son connects with a crisp jab.
Soto definitely looks more muscular than last time we saw him fight.
Son lands a nice shot that snaps Soto's head back.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!#CL#
Soto gets a clinch.
Son taking a breather.
Son throws a punch but it's blocked by Soto.
Soto tries to jump guard but he falls flat on his backside. Son smiles and moves away.
Son scores with a nice right hand.
Soto shakes his hands off, looking to compose himself, but takes a jab to the jaw whilst he does it.
Soto drops his hands momentarily and Son takes advantage with a crisp shot to the head.
Jab, jab by Son - just one landing. #T1#
Soto tries to clinch but Son is having none of it.
Son works his jab well there, keeping his opponent at a distance.
Son lands a powerful looking uppercut that connected with his opponent's jaw.
That kick from Son tenderised Soto's leg. Soto is trying to keep his angry face on.
Son swings for the body but Soto moves out of range.
Decent striking displayed by Son there.
Son lands with a nice body punch.
Son circles away from the clinch attempt.
Son scores with a decent looking hook.
Son swats away the attempt to clinch by Soto.
Son uses good footwork to get in and out and land a nice right hand before Soto has time to react.
Son has used his reach advantage pretty well so far tonight.
Soto takes a kick to the body and keeps moving.#CL#
Soto moves into the clinch successfully.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Son tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, Son creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
Son scores with a nice hook to the head.
Soto jumps guard but Son turns him against the cage and keeps the fight standing.
Son scores with a shoulder strike. #BC2#
Son pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.#T2#
Son jabs Soto right on the nose. Soto blinks but takes it well.
Son connects with a right hand. Soto shakes it off.
Wingers Son seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Soto ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Soto takes a nice looking leg kick right on the meat of his thigh there.
Soto tries to clinch but Son is having none of it.
Son throws out a counter right but Soto avoids it with no problem.
Son feints a jab promting Soto to slip. Son then demonstrates his capabilities by jabbing again. Soto slips again and ducks right into an uppercut.
Nice uppercut there from Son.#CL#
Soto clinches up against the cage.
Son swings wildly with an uppercut but Soto uses good head movement to avoid it.
Son struggles to land a body shot inside as Soto controls his hands. #BC2#
Son's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Soto ducks right into an uppercut from Son.
Son jabs. That one connects to the head of his opponent.
Son is using his reach advantage to land shots from outside his opponent's range.
Soto on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by Son. Son obviously looking to wear him down.
Son pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Soto tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Son paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Soto wants to clinch up but Son keeps it at a distance.
Jab from Son.#T3#
Soto tries to close the distance and clinch up but Son swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Soto 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.
Son is looking to chop away at Soto's legs.
Son fakes a jab and then connects with a hook.
Soto takes one on the chin but seems OK.
Son lands with an overhand left.
Son lands with a straight right. Soto didn't see that one coming.
Son punishes Soto's body with a nice straight punch.
Son throws a couple of head shots and lands with the final one - a decent hook, which struck Soto on the side of the head.
Son bobs and weaves and throws out a fast jab that snaps Soto's head backwards.
Son feints and then cracks Soto's leading leg with a nice low kick. He's obviously looking to slow Soto down.
Son lands a slapping body shot.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!#CL#
Soto rushes Son and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.#BC2#
Son breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Son chopping away at his opponent's legs.
Son shapes like he's going to throw a leg kick but settles back down.
Soto looks like he's developed a pretty tasty lump over his left eye. He'll need to avoid taking much more damage to that.
Son lands an overhand left. A wild punch that just about connected.
Son scores with a straight right hand, right through his opponent's guard.
Nice shot by Son.
Son scores with a hook.#T4#
The fight stays on the outside here - Soto looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Soto doesn't manage to clinch there - Son circles away.
Soto is looking to clinch but Son is avoiding it.
A little jabbing left from Son on the counter but it doesn't find it's target.
Son connects with a right hand. Soto shakes it off.
Son lands a jab.
Soto with poor footwork there. He got himself in a bit of a tangle, enabling Son to score with a decent uppercut.
Soto tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Son manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Soto fails with an attempt to clinch.
Son with a nice cross.
Son moves into range and connects with a jab.
A left lands for Son.
Son throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Son with a nice looking leg kick. You could hear that one land in a back row.
Son scores with a nice right hand.
Son lands a straight punch to the body, keeping Soto at a distance.
Son scores with a jab. Soto acknowledges it with a nod of the head.
Son dips to his left and cracks Soto with an uppercut!
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Wingers Son 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#
Son lands a straight punch to the body, keeping Soto at a distance.
Son throws a jab but it's blocked by Soto.
Son fakes a head punch and goes low to the body. Nicely done.
Son swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Son lands a jab to the head.
Son has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Son lands with a right hand.
Soto takes one on the button.#CL#
Soto takes the fight into the clinch.
Son stalling the fight.
Soto tries to pull guard but can't drag his opponent to the mat. Son just stands there and leans against the cage.
Son scores with a nice hook to the head.
Son fails to land with a short punch on the inside. #TD#
Soto ties up his opponent against the cage and manages to drag the fight down to the ground. Soto no doubt will be looking to work submissions from his guard.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!#SUB#
Soto has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Son can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.
Son wants to stand but Soto has a closed guard, so he can't escape.
Soto might be looking to lock onto one of his opponent's long limbs for a submission, whilst we're on the ground.#SUB#
Soto looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar. #T1#
Son is looking to stand up but Soto won't let him.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.#SUB#
Son wants to stand up, so he's looking to wriggle free of Soto's closed guard. He's half up but Soto has locked on to an arm! Uh oh! Soto pivots and extends the arm, Son falls face first to the mat and taps??... does he?? YES! He's tapping! Excellent counter grappling there by Soto! Well done that man!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:34 of round 2, we have a winner by way of Submission (Armbar). Rafael Soto!
Our winner, Rafael Soto, 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: RISE 130
Date: Dec 30, 2022

#R1#
Soto closes the distance and takes a jab right on the nose as he does so.
Rocket moves into range and throws a combination. A nice jab followed by a hook to the body.
Rocket takes a step towards his opponent and connects with a left hand, before circling away.
Rocket darts in and out, connecting with a jab.
Rocket throws a jab but it's blocked by Soto.
Rocket has been working on his boxing with his coaches at Jeffery Epstein Suicide Center in the buildup to the fight.
Soto tries to close the distance and clinch but Rocket swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Rocket avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Rocket swinging wildly here.
We can't be sure of the tactics at this early stage but we have heard that Soto 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.
Soto looks to clinch
and Rocket counters with a straight right hand.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Soto is looking to clinch.
Rocket lands a head shot.
Soto moves out of range as Rocket strikes.#CL2#
Soto takes the fight into the clinch.
Rocket working aggressively here. #TD2#
Soto jumps into guard, dragging Rocket to the mat.
Rocket trying to control the position from guard on top but Soto is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can. #T1#
Rocket wanted to stand there but Soto had control of the position.
Rocket has to be careful here, sitting in the guard of a superior BJJ player.
Rocket pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Soto is keeping the position for now. #SUB#
Rocket 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. #SUB2#
Soto had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Rocket defends it easily.
Rocket stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Soto swivels though and keeps the full guard.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Rocket trying to control the position from guard on top but Soto is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Rocket is really struggling to control Soto but he's trying to hold on to the position.#T2#
There's not a lot going on here and the crowd are letting the fighters know they're not willing to tolerate a lack of action.#SUB2#
Soto is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Rocket is aware though and is defending well.
Rocket trying to control the position from guard on top but Soto is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Rocket is stalling in the full guard. #SUB2#
Soto looking for submissions from the bottom but instead Rocket passes into half guard. #SUB#
The fighters are starting to get a bit slippery now, which will make submissions a bit more difficult.
Rocket is working for a kimura but Soto is defending it quite comfortably. #T3#
Rocket seems content to maintain position for now, rather than mounting any offense. #SUB#
Rocket seems to be working for a kimura but Soto defends the submission attempt.
Rocket tries to stand and escape but Soto is controlling the position. #SUB2#
Soto looking for submissions off his back.#SUB2#
Soto looking for submissions off his back.#T4#
The crowd are hurling abuse towards the fighters... You can hardly blame them though because there isn't a lot going on in the fight.#SUB2#
Soto is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Rocket pulls his head out easily.
Rocket trying to control the action but Soto is working from the bottom.
Rocket performing his best blanket impression for a moment. #REF3#
The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Soto staying out of range there.
Soto moves to clinch but Rocket breaks away
and Rocket counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Rocket with a hook.
Rocket throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Jab from Rocket.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Pocket Rocket dominated that round.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!#R2#
Rocket circles away from the clinch attempt.
Soto tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Rocket paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Soto on the wrong end of a nice hook.#CL2#
Soto closes the distance and clinches.
Soto tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.
Rocket misses with a body punch.
Soto blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Soto tries to jump guard but he falls flat on his backside. Rocket smiles and moves away.
Rocket avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Soto tries to clinch up but Rocket circles away and keeps his distance.
Rocket throwing a counter right hand but Soto manages to avoid it.
Soto slips a jab from Rocket.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Rocket tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Soto was well out of range. Poor timing from Rocket.
Rocket throws a jab when Soto was well out of range.
Rocket throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Soto wants to counter the offense by Rocket and move into the clinch position.
No joy there for Rocket, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Soto tries to clinch but Rocket is having none of it.
Soto doesn't manage to clinch there - Rocket circles away.
Rocket was looking to counter that last move with a shot to the body but he didn't commit.#T1#
A big right from Rocket misses.
Rocket sets himself, and Soto steps forward looking for the clinch! Rocket avoids it this time.
Rocket cracks Soto with an open hand slap.
Rocket throws a right and a left that Soto avoids nicely.
Soto on the wrong end of a vicious looking body shot.
Soto is looking to clinch.
Soto fails in his attempt to clinch.
Soto tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Rocket manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
An attempted straight right counter from Rocket misses the target.
Soto ducks under a wild hook from Rocket.#CL2#
Soto gets in close and instigates a clinch.
Soto fails to pull the fight into his guard.
Pocket Rocket has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Rafael Soto.
Soto is trying to pull guard but Rocket turns him against the cage and we stay in the clinch.
Rocket tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage. #TD2#
Soto pulls guard effortlessly. #SUB2#
Soto working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Rocket doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Rocket manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.
Rocket engaging in some classic timewasting tactics. #T2#
Rocket is looking to stand up but Soto won't let him.
Rocket wants to control from the top but Soto keeps moving. #SUB#
Rocket drops back for a leg! It's a sloppy attempt though and Rocket jumps back into guard quickly, to retain the dominant position.
Rocket tries to stand but Soto is controlling from the bottom. #REF3#
The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.#T3#
Soto closes the distance looking to clinch
letting Rocket counter with a right hand.
Rocket misses with a looping right.
Rocket is really head hunting here, hardly looking to strike to the body at all.
Soto shakes his hands off, looking to compose himself, but takes a jab to the jaw whilst he does it.
Soto tries to clinch but Rocket moves out of range.
Rocket swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.
Rocket jabs Soto to the body, keeping him at a distance.#CL2#
Soto pushes Rocket up against the cage in a clinch.
Soto tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it. #TD2#
Soto pulls guard. #SUB2#
Soto working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Rocket doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Rocket manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem. #SUB2#
Soto is looking for a triangle but Rocket pushes his legs off easily.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Rocket trying to control the position from guard on top but Soto is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can. #T4#
Rocket controls the pace of the fight for a moment.#SUB2#
Soto working for a triangle but Rocket defends it easily.
Rocket sitting in guard, not really doing much.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.#SUB2#
Rocket avoids a guillotine attempt easily.
Rocket has decided he wants to stand but the closed guard of Soto is proving hard to escape from.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Pocket Rocket 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#
Rocket lands a nice looking body shot.
Soto takes a jab on the nose there. A little bit of blood seems to be coming out. Hopefully that won't affect his breathing. #CL2#
Soto has closed the distance and engaged Rocket in a clinch. #TD2#
Soto drags the fight down to the ground.
Soto has a closed guard, preventing Rocket from standing up.
Rocket is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Soto can do to turn this around?#SUB2#
Soto is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Rocket is aware though and is defending well.
Rocket wanted to stand there but Soto had control of the position. #SUB2#
Soto escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Rocket gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.#SUB2#
Soto has an active guard here but Rocket has managed to pass into half guard.
Soto tries to roll over but Rocket keeps him under control.#T1#
Rocket is trying to control. Soto wants to improve his position but can't escape this time. #SUB#
Rocket is looking for a kimura. It's going to be difficult to finish that from half guard though and Soto defends it well.
Soto wants to improve his position but Rocket is controlling well. #SUB#
Rocket is looking for a kimura here.
Rocket tries to stand but can't do so whilst Soto controls his leg.
Rafael Soto has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Pocket Rocket is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.#T2#
My god... these two guys really need to pick up the pace or everyone will leave to go get a beer.
Soto is trying to maintain the position but Rocket is very close to passing his half guard.
Rocket slows the pace down in half guard.
Soto is not content to let Rocket control the position.
Rocket with a momentary lay and pray from half guard. #REF3#
The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.#CL2#
Soto closes the distance and clinches. #T3##TD2#
Soto manages to pull guard. Let's see whether he can land a sub off his back.
Rocket wanted to stand there but Soto had control of the position. #SUB2#
Soto escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Rocket gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.
Rocket wanted to stand there but Soto had control of the position.
Rocket not doing a lot at the moment. He'll have to show some more aggression or the fight will get stood up.
Rafael Soto has got the better of the ground game so far.#T4#
The crowd are hurling abuse towards the fighters... You can hardly blame them though because there isn't a lot going on in the fight.
The referee claps his hands together and tells the fighters to work.#SUB2#
Soto is looking for a triangle but Rocket pushes his legs off easily.
Rocket is taking a break and basically stalling. The referee will not allow him to do that for long. #SUB2#
Soto is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Rocket defends well.#SUB2#
Soto is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Soto can't keep his opponent in guard - Rocket advances to half guard, no doubt looking to mount.

And that's the end of the fight!
I would just about give that final round to Rafael Soto.
I think Rocket 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 Colin Fotheringham scores the fight 30:28
Judge James Atkins scores the fight 30:27
Judge Steven Brown scores the fight 30:27

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Pocket Rocket!
Pocket Rocket very nearly forgot to thank Urban Fighter amongst all the excitement of his win but just as the interview came to a close, he screamed their name. Hopefully he'll get a few nice freebies in the mail as a thank you.

Event: RISE 122
Date: Dec 04, 2022

#R1##TD#
McBean shoots in looking for a single leg takedown. Soto is trying to defend but McBean finishes it well and ends up in half guard. Let's see if he can advance position further.#SUB#
McBean is trying for a guillotine from the top but the pressure isn't in the right place so Soto is just riding it out for now. McBean eventually gives up the hold.
Soto is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
McBean is working hard to pass the guard. He's done it - he's now in full mount! Trouble for Soto!
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.#SUB#
McBean working for a guillotine from mount but Soto is in no mood to give up. #SUB#
McBean working to secure an arm triangle but it's not happening for him just yet.
Soto gets back to half guard.#T1##SUB2#
Soto looking for submissions from an awkward position here.#SUB#
McBean is looking for a kimura here.
McBean 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.#SUB2#
McBean moves into side control, avoiding a weak kimura attempt from Soto.#SUB#
McBean working hard here to secure a kimura but he's not really in the right position for it.
McBean wants to control but Soto is keeping him busy. #T2#
A few boos can be heard. I'm sure they will multiply if the fighters don't pick up the pace.
Soto is looking to reverse the position.
McBean wants to control but Soto is keeping him busy.
Soto struggling a bit here.#SUB#
McBean tries for a kimura. Not really close to a finish though.
Soto is trying to work for a sweep but McBean has mounted him!#T3#
McBean looking to control and managing it successfully.
Soto tries to reverse the position but McBean maintains control.
Soto wants to hold on but McBean pushes him away.
Soto is trying to escape the mount.
Soto is still trying to improve position.#SUB#
McBean is going oldschool here, as he tries to force Soto to tap using a forearm choke. This isn't 1993 though, so Soto shrugs it off. #SUB#
McBean is thinking about an arm triangle here, looking to tighten it up before moving to side control. Soto can see it coming though and defends well with a couple of strikes to the head and some good arm positioning.
McBean looking to control and managing it successfully. #T4#
Soto regains half guard.#SUB2#
Soto looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
McBean is trying to control. Soto wants to improve his position but can't escape this time. #SUB#
McBean is trying for a guillotine from the top but the pressure isn't in the right place so Soto is just riding it out for now. McBean eventually gives up the hold.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.#SUB#
McBean is sneakily working for an arm triangle but Soto sees it coming and defends easily.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Otto McBean 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#
Soto fails in his attempt to clinch.
McBean shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Soto as he jumps to the side.
McBean looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Soto is fending him off so far but McBean persists. Nope, Soto circles away and we're back to standing.#CL2#
Soto has taken the fight to the clinch.
McBean tries to pull guard but can't drag his opponent to the mat. Soto just stands there and leans against the cage.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Otto McBean. That's going to take a lot out of him.
McBean tries to pull guard but Soto forces him back to his feet, against the cage.
McBean tries to pull guard but Soto holds him up against the cage and eventually McBean drops back down to his feet.
McBean is trying to pull guard but being pressed up against the cage enables Soto to keep the fight standing.#TD2#
Soto pulls McBean into guard. #SUB2#
Soto is active off his back here, looking for submissions.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
McBean sitting in guard, not really doing much.
McBean passes Soto's right leg, so he's now in half guard. #T1#
Soto trying to hold on to McBean's head to control him but McBean postures up. #SUB2#
Soto with the active half guard here but McBean passes nicely into side control.#SUB#
McBean tries for an arm triangle. That looks pretty tight to me. Is this one over!?! Possibly, maybe, no McBean has let go of the choke. Obviously it wasn't as tight as we thought!
McBean wants to lay and pray for a moment but Soto keeps working.
Soto tries to control but McBean manages to take his back.
Soto is trying to break free. #T2#
Soto tries to escape the position - he's now mounted. Is that better or worse? Hard to tell!
McBean is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Soto can do to turn this around?
McBean controlling his opponent. #SUB#
McBean wants to finish this one by submission but Soto is holding onto his waist, trying to prevent any attacks from McBean. #SUB#
McBean has isolated one of Soto's arms. Soto looking to fight him off but McBean twists into an armbar. It's tight... Will he tap?? YES, he's tapped! This one is all over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:51 of round 2, we have a winner by way of Submission (Armbar). Otto McBean!

Event: RISE 118
Date: Nov 20, 2022

#R1#
Soto on the wrong end of a nice jab.
Soto tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Green manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Soto moves to clinch but Green breaks away
and Green counters with a nice uppercut.
Soto moves to clinch but Green breaks away
and Green counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Soto looks more muscular than last time we saw him. He must have been on the weights.#CL2#
Soto closes the distance and pushes Green back into the cage.
Green is leaning against Soto and scores with a nice uppercut to the body.
Soto is trying to pull guard but Green has him pressed against the cage.#BC#
Green breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Rafael Soto seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Green ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Soto moves away.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Green scores with a body shot.
Green swats away the attempt to clinch by Soto.
Jab by Green.#T1#
Soto wants to clinch
and Green connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Soto tries to clinch up
and Green counters with a nice body shot.
Green with a body punch. A glancing blow.
Soto drops his hands momentarily and Green takes advantage with a crisp shot to the head.
Green circles away from the clinch attempt.
Soto takes a shot to the body in his stride.
Green scores with a nice strike.
Soto moves to clinch but Green breaks away
and Green counters with a left to the body. #T2#
Jab by Green.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Green lands a nice shot to the body.
Green circles away from the clinch attempt
and Green counters nicely by changing levels and landing a hook to the body.
Green is using his height advantage well here, landing a good percentage of his punches.
Soto darts in trying to clinch
and Green counters with a nice uppercut.
Green is using his reach advantage well here, landing the more effective single shots from range.
Soto takes a shot to the body in his stride.
Nice uppercut lands for Green. That snapped Soto's head back.
Green is really peppering his opponent's head with punches.
Green throws a hook but Soto avoids it easily.
Soto wants to clinch.#T3#
Soto tries to grapple but his opponent circles
and Green cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
We've been told by Green's head coaches at The Nonce Hunters that he's been working on his takedown defense in preparation for this fight.
Soto closes the distance but Green moves to the side
and Green counters with a right hand to the body.
Soto tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Green paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Soto keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Green connects with the punch.
Soto darts in trying to clinch
and Green counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.#T4#
Soto closes the distance but Green moves to the side
and Green counters nicely by changing levels and landing a hook to the body.
Soto fails in his attempt to clinch.
Jab by Green.
Green throws out a powerful jab.
Soto tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Soto tries to clinch but Green moves out of range.
Soto tries to clinch but Green moves away
and Green counters with a right hand to the body.
The fight stays on the outside here - Soto looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Soto moves to clinch but Green breaks away
and Green counters with a straight right hand.
Soto tries to grapple but his opponent circles
and Green counters with a nice jab to the body that keeps Soto thinking.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Lester Green 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#
A slow jab from Green misses its intended target.
A swing and a miss from Green.
Green connects with a crisp jab.
Soto moves out of range as Green strikes.
Soto tries to clinch up.#CL2#
Soto clinches up against the cage.#BC#
Green breaks the clinch.
Soto tries to clinch
enabling Green to counter with a crisp jab.
Soto darts in trying to clinch
and Green counters with a right hand to the body.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Soto moves his head to the side to avoid a jab but walks straight into a cross.#CL2#
Soto rushes Green and presses him up against the cage.#T1##BC#
Green manages to break the clinch.
Soto is looking to clinch but Green is avoiding it.
Green is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Soto can do to turn this around?
Green's jab looks to have found its range, popping Soto under the eye.
Soto ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Soto is trying to avoid his opponent's strikes and get into the clinch.
Soto tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Green manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Green lands a body shot.
Soto displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Green throws out the jab.
Soto looks to clinch
and Green counters nicely by changing levels and landing a hook to the body.
Jab, jab by Green - just one landing.
Green uses good footwork to get in and out, landing a nice hook.
Soto tries to clinch but fails miserably
and Green counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Green cracks Soto with an open hand slap.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Soto wants to clinch
and Green counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Soto has a pretty nasty looking mouse under his right eye.#T2#
Soto tries to clinch but Green moves away
and Green counters with a nice jab to the body that keeps Soto thinking.
Soto closes the distance looking to clinch
and Green counters with a lovely shot to the body.
Soto tries to clinch up
and Green counters with a stiff right hand.
Soto takes a shot to the body in his stride.
Soto wants to clinch up but Green keeps it at a distance.
Green is looking to counter with a shot to the body.
Soto wants to clinch but Green slips to the side
enabling Green to counter with a crisp jab.
Soto tries to clinch but Green moves away
and Green counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.#T3#
Soto tries to grapple but his opponent circles
and Green counters with a left to the body.
Nice cross by Green.
Soto on the wrong end of a decent looking cross there.
Soto closes the distance looking to clinch
and Green makes him pay by landing a nice hook to the body before moving out of range.
Green lands a slapping body shot.
A looping hook to the body misses from Green. Soto does a little dance to reset his feet.
Soto wants to clinch but Green slips to the side
and Green cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Green avoids the clinch attempt nicely. #T4#
Soto tries to close the distance and clinch up but Green swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Green throwing a counter right hand but Soto manages to avoid it.
Soto is looking to clinch.
Green was looking to counter that move with a punch but didn't quite pull the trigger.
Green scores with a straight right hand, right through his opponent's guard.
Green circles away from the clinch attempt
and Green counters with a nice jab to the body that keeps Soto thinking.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Green is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Soto.
Soto tries to clinch but Green moves away
and Green counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Soto wants to clinch
and Green counters with a straight right hand.
Soto takes a punch to the jaw and another one to the bread basket.
Soto tries to grapple but his opponent circles
and Green counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Lester Green dominated that second 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. This is the final round!#R3#
Green works the jab nicely.
Soto closes the distance looking to clinch
and Green counters with a straight right hand.
Green lands with a nice body punch.
Soto moves out of range as Green strikes.
Green fakes a jab and then connects with a hook.
Green circles away from the clinch attempt
and Green counters with a right hand to the body.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Soto is looking to clinch.
Soto tries to grapple but his opponent circles
and Green counters with a stiff right hand. #T1##CL2#
Green gets tackled into the cage by Soto. Soto maintains the clinch.
Soto tries to pull guard but Green forces him back to his feet, against the cage.
Soto is trying to pull guard but Green turns him against the cage and we stay in the clinch.
Soto fails to pull guard.
Lester Green has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Rafael Soto.
Soto jumps guard but his hands slip and he falls flat on his back. Well, he's made himself look a right mug there, as Green walks away with a smile on his face. Soto gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head.
Soto walks straight into a jab right on the nose. That one stung - he's blinking and trying to clear his head.
Green lands with a straight right. Soto didn't see that one coming.
Soto tries to close the distance and clinch but Green swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Green scores with a jab to the body.
Soto tries to clinch but Green moves away
and Green counters with a right hand to the body.
Soto tries to clinch up.
Soto tries to clinch
letting Green counter with a right hand.
Rafael Soto has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!#T2#
Soto on the wrong end of an overhand right that came out of nowhere.
Green lands a body shot.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Green scores with a big left there. The judges will like that one.#ROC#Soto is rocked!
Green connects with a single shot there.
Soto is still on wobbly legs! Can Green finish him?
Green circles away from the clinch attempt.
Soto seems to have recovered his senses.
Soto closes the distance but Green moves to the side
enabling Green to counter with a crisp jab. #CL2#
Soto fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Green, pushing him back against the cage.
Green lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
Green pushes Soto back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.#BC#
Green pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Soto tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Green paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Green swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.#T3#
Soto takes a jab on the nose. He smiles like he loves it and keeps coming.
Soto wants to clinch
and Green connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Green lands with a straight right. Soto didn't see that one coming.
Soto thows a leg kick but Green checks it
letting Green counter with a right hand.
Green connects with a hook to the side of his opponent's head.
Lester Green is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Green lunges at Soto with a hook that half lands and is half blocked by Soto's hand.
Soto tries to clinch but fails miserably
and Green counters with a right hand to the body.
The crowd cheers as Green lands an impressive looking overhand right. Soto doesn't seem phased though.
Soto tries to clinch but fails miserably
and Green counters with a left to the body.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.#CL2#
Soto gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.#T4#
Soto tries to pull guard but can't drag his opponent to the mat. Green just stands there and leans against the cage.
Soto jumps guard but Green turns him against the cage and keeps the fight standing.
Soto jumps guard but Green turns him against the cage and keeps the fight standing. #BC#
Green breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Green slips in close and lands a nice hook before moving back out of range.
Soto tries to clinch up
and Green counters with a stiff right hand.
Soto wants to clinch but Green slips to the side
and Green counters with a nice uppercut.
Soto misses with a hook
and Green counters with a shot to the ribs. That looked like it hurt.
Lester Green is winning the standup battle so far.
Green works over Soto's head and body with a nice combination.
Soto throws a sloppy head kick
and Green counters with a left to the body.

And that's the end of the fight!
Lester Green showed his dominance in that final round.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Green, 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 David Schapiro scores the fight 30:24
Judge Eddie Farnsworth scores the fight 30:24
Judge Jorge Garcia scores the fight 30:24

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Lester Green!
A relieved looking Lester Green thanked the fans for their support and gave the usual line about them being amazing. They seemed to believe that he actually meant it.

Event: RISE 109: Soto v Lee
Date: Oct 21, 2022

#R1##CL#
Soto gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.
Lee works for underhooks and lands a body shot in the process.
Soto tries to pull guard but Lee holds him up against the cage and eventually Soto drops back down to his feet. #BC2#
Lee breaks the clinch.
Soto tries to clinch up but Lee circles away and keeps his distance.
Lee swings away with a counter right hand but no contact made.
Lee throws a hook but Soto avoids it easily.
Soto seemed to be looking to counter by closing the distance.
Soto wants to clinch.
Lee misses with a hook. Soto ducked under it nicely. #CL#
Soto moves into range and clinches up with Lee.
Lee lands an uppercut.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Lee lands with a short shot to the head.
Soto tries to pull guard but Lee won't allow it.
Lee lands with a short head shot on the inside.
Lee misses with some punches.
Lee has Soto pushed against the cage.
Soto jumps guard but Lee stands there with Soto around his waist. Soto gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Rafael Soto. That's going to take a lot out of him.#T1#
Soto jumps guard but Lee stands there with Soto around his waist. Soto gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch.
Lee lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Soto backwards.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Lee.
Soto jumps guard but Lee stands there with Soto around his waist. Soto gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch.
Soto tries to pull guard but Lee holds him up against the cage and eventually Soto drops back down to his feet.
Soto is trying to pull guard but Lee turns him against the cage and we stay in the clinch.
Soto definitely looks more muscular than last time we saw him fight.
Soto fails to pull guard.
Lee lands a left hand.
Lee lands a hook that snaps the head of Soto backwards.
Lee gets through Soto's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
Soto fails to pull guard.
Soto's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
Soto jumps guard but his hands slip and he falls flat on his back. Well, he's made himself look a right mug there, as Lee walks away with a smile on his face. Soto gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head. #T2#
Soto's hands are dropping dangerously low here and Lee connects clean with a right hook that sends him down to one knee! Soto scrambles back to his feet.
Lee connects with the punch.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Soto uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Lee.
Soto tries to counter by moving into the clinch but Lee manages to circle out of the way.
Lee lands a powerful looking uppercut that connected with his opponent's jaw.
Soto moves in looking to clinch but Lee pushes him off.
Soto tries to close the distance and clinch but Lee swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Lee throws out a counter right but Soto avoids it with no problem.
Soto ducks under a wild hook from Lee.
Soto slips a straight right by Lee.
Soto is looking to counter the offense by Lee and move into the clinch.
Lee throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Soto is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Lee throws out a loose jab but Soto uses good head movement to avoid it.
Lee 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.
Soto is pinned up against the cage taking some big shots here. The referee is looking closely deciding whether he should stop the fight.
Soto tries to clinch up
and Lee counters with a lovely straight right hand!#T3#
No joy there for Lee, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Lee scores with a jab. Soto acknowledges it with a nod of the head.
Soto fails in his attempt to clinch.
Lee lands with a straight right. Soto didn't see that one coming.
Soto tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Lee manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Lee connects with a looping right hand.
Soto fails in his attempt to clinch.
Soto moves out of range of the strikes.
Lee jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Lee misses with a straight right.
Nice shot lands for Lee.
Soto moves to clinch but Lee breaks away
and Lee counters with a straight right hand.
Soto fails with an attempt to clinch.
Lee is landing a lot of head punches in this opening round! Soto had better start moving his head a bit unless he wants his face to turn into mush.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Soto moves away from the strike by Lee.
Lee pushing out the jab but it's not landing. #T4#
Lee lands a nice shot that snaps Soto's head back.
Soto slips under a jab from Lee.
Lee cracks Soto with a good shot that sees him stumbling back into the cage.
Lee misses with a straight left.
Soto tries to clinch up.
Lee throws an overhand right that lands on Soto's shoulder, as Soto tries to avoid the shot.
Soto tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Lee paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Lee avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Decent striking displayed by Lee there.
Soto fails with an attempt to clinch.
Nice shot lands for Lee.
Soto is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Soto fails with an attempt to clinch.
Soto moves to clinch but Lee breaks away
and Lee connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Zombie Lee 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#
Lee darts in and out, connecting with a jab.
Soto tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Soto takes a jab on the nose. He smiles like he loves it and keeps coming.
Soto bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Lee has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Lee connects with a hook to the side of his opponent's head.#ROC2#Soto is rocked!
A slow jab from Lee misses its intended target.
Oh Soto is still all over the place! His legs are completely gone! Will he be able to recover?!!
Soto slips a jab from Lee.
Soto seems to have got his legs back now.
Soto takes a body punch but keeps moving.
Lee fakes low and throws an overhand right that catches Soto on the side of the head.#KD2#
Lee drops Soto with a hook right on the temple. He thinks about going to the ground but Soto looks back up at him and smiles so Lee waves him back to his feet - he obviously thinks he can knock him out after that shot landed.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Lee throws a jab but it's blocked by Soto.
BOOM! Lee lands a beautiful left hook that drops Soto. Soto tries to recover but Lee is having none of it, landing more punishing shots from mount. One final crushing shot and Soto lies motionless on the canvas. The fight is over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 0:48 of round 2, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Zombie Lee!
A less than humble Zombie Lee misjudged his post fight interview somewhat and came across a little too arrogant whilst trying to hype up his own abilities.

Event: RISE 101: Parker v Garotinho
Date: Sep 23, 2022

#R1#
Breaker tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Soto swivels and escapes.#CL2#
Soto takes the fight into the clinch.
Breaker is trying to pull guard but being pressed up against the cage enables Soto to keep the fight standing.#TD2#
Soto pulls guard successfully. #SUB2#
Soto has his foot on Breaker's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Breaker works his way back into a safe position though.
Breaker trying to control but Soto is working from the bottom.
Soto looks more muscular than last time we saw him. He must have been on the weights.
Breaker throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Soto utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound. #SUB2#
Soto has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Breaker can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Breaker trying to control the position from guard on top but Soto is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.#SUB2#
Breaker avoids a guillotine attempt easily.
Breaker with a flurry of punches that miss. #T1##SUB2#
Soto is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Breaker is aware though and is defending well.
Breaker trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet. #SUB2#
Soto is looking for a triangle but Breaker pushes his legs off easily.
Breaker trying to control the position from guard on top but Soto is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can. #SUB2#
Soto had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Breaker defends it easily.
Breaker throws a big elbow that misses. #SUB2#
Soto working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Breaker doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Oh but Soto is tightening it up a little... Breaker has to be careful here... He's got his foot tucked under now, this looks tight! Breaker reacted too slowly and this one could be over in a matter of seconds! YES! Breaker taps out! Nice BJJ there by Soto!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:59 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Triangle Choke). Rafael Soto!
An out of breath Rafael Soto thanked his loyal fans in his post fight interview, giving them credit for his success over the course of his career.

Event: VFC 70 Thibs vs Dinklage
Date: Apr 22, 2022

#R1##CL#
Soto clinches up against the cage.
Soto is trying to pull guard but Hall turns him against the cage and we stay in the clinch.
Hall stalling in the clinch but Soto improves position.
Soto is trying to pull guard but Hall has him pressed against the cage.
A real battle for position is taking place between these two warriors.
Soto tries to pull guard but Hall holds him up against the cage and eventually Soto drops back down to his feet.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Rafael Soto. That's going to take a lot out of him.#TD2#
Hall pulls guard.
Hall manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Soto manages to get himself to full guard. #REVB##SUB#
Soto isolates an arm and boxes in a triangle. Hall stacks Soto on his neck as he steps over and passes to the side. He's now in a much more dominant position where he can look to do some serious damage. Nice move by Hall!
Hall looks more muscular than last time we saw him. He must have been on the weights.
Hall wants to lay and pray for a moment but Soto keeps working.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Hall controlling the position from side mount.
Soto struggling a bit here.#T1#
Soto tries to control the position but he's not in luck - Hall easily slips into full mount!
Hall seems to be looking to move to his opponent's back but Soto is holding on tight.
Soto wants to hold on but Hall pushes him away.
Hall trying to control but he's not successful this time.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Soto is controlling an arm, preventing Hall from taking his back. Although keeping him in mount is no better to be honest.
Soto reaches up to try and control the position but Hall seems to have an arm triangle now! Uh oh! Soto rolls and tries to escape and now Hall has his back! #SUB2#
Hall is staying calm and holding on to the back position, whilst working on a rear naked choke. Soto is defending well though. Hall let's go of the attempt for now.
Hall gets his hands free as Soto looks to control. #T2##SUB2#
Soto defending nicely against the rear naked choke attempt.
Soto wants to control his opponent's hands but Hall gets his hands free. #SUB2#
Hall has the hooks in and he's looking for a rear naked choke here. Soto is defending well but eventually Hall manages to get an arm under the chin and he's locked on the RNC! Soto has no choice but to tap now! He does! This one is all over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:47 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (RNC). Richard Hall!
Richard Hall is the new bantamweight champion!
Richard Hall was full of energy after the big win and talked about how he thinks he can do big things in this sport. The crowd were appreciative of his determination to succeed.

Event: VFC 58 Soto vs Hilton
Date: Apr 01, 2022

#R1##CL#
Hilton Jr tries to keep at a distance but Soto has taken the fight into the clinch.#TD#
Soto pulls guard successfully.
Hilton Jr trying to control the position from guard on top but Soto is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can. #SUB#
Soto is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Hilton Jr is aware though and is defending well.#SUB#
Soto looking for a guillotine here but Hilton Jr defends easily.
Hilton Jr is looking to stand up but Soto won't let him.
Hilton Jr throws a big right hand that misses. #SUB#
Soto is active off his back here, looking for submissions.
Soto definitely looks more muscular than last time we saw him fight.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Hilton Jr trying to control the position from guard on top but Soto is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Soto is on top in guard. #REVR##SUB2#
Hilton Jr working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Soto doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Soto manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem. #T1#
Hilton Jr wants to control but instead he gets his guard passed and Soto is now in half guard. #SUB#
Soto is looking for a kimura but he's never going to get it from there. #SUB2#
Hilton Jr actively working from the bottom here.#SUB2#
Hilton Jr looking for submissions off his back.#SUB#
Soto seems to be looking for submissions.
Hilton Jr has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Soto is working away from the top position though.
Hilton Jr slips a foot under and gets full guard. Nice work.#T2#
Soto tries to free his leg and advance position but Hilton Jr is retaining full guard.
Soto trying to control the position from guard on top but Hilton Jr is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Soto looking to control the position here, rather than advance.
Soto pushes down on Hilton Jr's leg and manages to get into half guard.#SUB#
Soto is thinking about going for an arm triangle but he can't free his leg. #SUB#
Soto seems to be working for a kimura but Hilton Jr defends the submission attempt.
Hilton Jr trying to control but Soto postures up. #T3#
Hilton Jr is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though. #SUB#
Soto is thinking about going for an arm triangle but he can't free his leg.
Hilton Jr trying to control but Soto postures up.
Hilton Jr tries to get to full guard but Soto has control of the leg. #SUB#
Soto is working for submissions here but there's nothing on. #SUB#
Soto is trying to work for a kimura but Hilton Jr is defending well. #T4#
The crowd are showing their displeasure at the lack of action as loud boos ring out around the arena.#SUB2#
Hilton Jr actively working from the bottom here.#SUB#
Soto is working for a submission of some sort.
Hilton Jr has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Soto is working away from the top position though.#SUB#
Soto is sneakily working for an arm triangle but Hilton Jr sees it coming and defends easily.#SUB#
Soto is working for a submission of some sort.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Hilton Jr is trying to maintain the position but Soto is very close to passing his half guard.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Rafael Soto dominated that round.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!#R2##CL#
Soto rushes Hilton Jr and presses him up against the cage.
Hilton Jr trying to land knees to the body. #TD#
Soto has managed to pull guard. Let's see whether he can work an aggressive guard. It will also be interesting to see what tactics Hilton Jr uses from the top position. #SUB#
Soto escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Hilton Jr gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.
Soto not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
Hilton Jr trying to control but Soto is working from the bottom.
Hilton Jr trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Hilton Jr working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage. #SUB#
Soto is looking for a triangle but Hilton Jr pushes his legs off easily. #SUB#
Soto has an omoplata and is looking to use it perhaps as a submission or perhaps to transition. Hilton Jr is in a bit of discomfort here, but he's managed to free himself and has dived into side control! That didn't work out too well for Soto.#T1#
Hilton Jr trying to control the position but Soto is working away.
Soto manages to land a sweep and he's now on top! Lovely Jiu Jitsu!
Hilton Jr moves into full guard. #SUB#
Soto thinks about going for a leg but decides against it, in order to maintain the position.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Soto trying to control the position from guard on top but Hilton Jr is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Hilton Jr seems keen to control rather than go for a submission, at least for now. #SUB#
Soto drops back for a leg but he's not going to get it - he lets go and Hilton Jr dives on top into guard.#REVB##SUB#
Hilton Jr avoids a guillotine attempt easily.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.#T2##SUB#
Soto working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Hilton Jr doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Hilton Jr manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.
Soto keeping moving, preventing Hilton Jr from controlling successfully. #SUB#
Soto has an active guard here but Hilton Jr has managed to pass into half guard.
Soto trying to control from the bottom.
Hilton Jr trying to control from half guard but Soto is working away. #SUB#
Soto looking for submissions from an awkward position here.#T3#
Soto wants to control but Hilton Jr is keeping busy. #SUB#
Soto looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.#SUB#
Soto actively working from the bottom here.
Soto is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Hilton Jr can do to turn this around?#SUB#
Soto actively working from the bottom here.#SUB#
Soto actively working from the bottom here.
Hilton Jr working some ground and pound from close in. He's looking to maintain this position and strike for a while by the looks of things... although he'll probably advance to full mount in a minute now I've said that.
Soto is staying active underneath Hilton Jr, who seems content to just control the action from this position. #T4#
A few boos can be heard. I'm sure they will multiply if the fighters don't pick up the pace.
Soto trying to control from the bottom. #SUB#
Soto actively working from the bottom here.#SUB#
Soto actively working from the bottom here.
Hilton Jr thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Soto's head.
Hilton Jr passes to full mount!
Soto is looking to improve his position but Hilton Jr isn't that keen on the idea.
Hilton Jr lands an elbow that was bordering on illegal but the referee lets it go with a warning.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Hilton Jr with the ground and pound from mount.
Soto really trying hard to get back to half guard here.
Soto wants to control but Hilton Jr is having none of it.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

A close second round but Davey Hilton Jr will probably get the nod - 10:9.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!#R3##CL#
Soto instigates a clinch. #TD#
Soto drags the fight down to the ground. #SUB#
Soto has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Hilton Jr can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself. #SUB#
Soto looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.
Hilton Jr trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet. #SUB#
Soto escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Hilton Jr gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.#SUB#
Hilton Jr got a little sloppy there for a moment and Soto has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Hilton Jr has managed to get both his arms back between Soto's legs - danger averted.
Hilton Jr trying to control the position from guard on top but Soto is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can. #T1##SUB#
Soto escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Hilton Jr gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance. #SUB#
Hilton Jr avoids a guillotine attempt easily.
Soto keeping moving, preventing Hilton Jr from controlling successfully. #SUB#
Soto has an omoplata and is looking to use it perhaps as a submission or perhaps to transition. Hilton Jr is in a bit of discomfort here, but he's managed to free himself and has dived into side control! That didn't work out too well for Soto.
Soto regains half guard.
Hilton Jr seems content to maintain position for now, rather than mounting any offense.
Soto tries to roll over but Hilton Jr keeps him under control.#T2##SUB#
Soto looking for submissions from an awkward position here.#SUB#
Soto actively working from the bottom here.#SUB#
Soto looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.#SUB2#
Soto is defending against the submission attempts here by Hilton Jr.
Hilton Jr passes to full mount! #T3#
BOOM! Hilton Jr connects with a massive shot to the dome!
Hilton Jr tries to control but Soto wriggling away.
Hilton Jr avoids the attempt from Soto to control.
Hilton Jr trying to control but Soto is having none of it.
Hilton Jr controlling from mount.
Soto is wriggling around trying to escape.
Hilton Jr throwing sloppy strikes, which aren't doing any damage.
Soto really trying hard to get back to half guard here. #T4#
Hilton Jr lands a big shot there that rocks Soto but he's holding on and managing to survive for now.
Soto is wriggling around trying to escape.
Soto tries to lock up and control but Hilton Jr gives him a forearm to the face and pushes him away.
Soto tries to reverse the position but Hilton Jr maintains control.
Soto is working hard here to advance position.
Soto has given up his back.
Soto is defending well here and trying to improve his position.
Rafael Soto overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.#SUB2#
Hilton Jr is remaining active here, looking for the choke. The more discerning members of the crowd will appreciate his efforts.
I really don't envy Soto right now.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Hilton Jr trying desperately to keep hold of the dominant position.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Davey Hilton Jr really 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.#R4##CL#
Soto drives through and clinches with Hilton Jr against the cage.
Hilton Jr missing with knees to the body.
Soto managing to block the knees to the body from Hilton Jr. #TD#
Soto jumps into guard, dragging Hilton Jr to the mat.
Hilton Jr trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet. #SUB#
Soto isolates an arm and boxes in a triangle. Hilton Jr stacks Soto on his neck as he steps over and passes to the side. He's now in a much more dominant position where he can look to do some serious damage. Nice move by Hilton Jr!#SUB2#
Hilton Jr thinks about going for a far side armbar but bails out and retains the dominant position instead.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Soto tries to get back to half guard but can't.
We've been informed that Hilton Jr has been working hard on his conditioning in the buildup to the fight.
Hilton Jr misses with an attempted head punch from side control. #T1#
Soto tries to get back to half guard but can't.
Hilton Jr is looking to take a break and control but Soto is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Soto parries the strikes from Hilton Jr easily there. Hilton Jr is wary of posturing up too much because it might enable Soto to escape.
Soto is trying to improve his position.
Hilton Jr looking to control but instead Soto has slipped a leg in, to regain half guard.
Soto moves into full guard. #SUB#
Soto escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Hilton Jr gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.
Hilton Jr advances to half guard. #T2##SUB#
Soto is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Hilton Jr pulls his head out easily.
Hilton Jr trying to control from half guard but Soto is working away.
Soto is looking for a sweep. Hilton Jr is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Hilton Jr wants to free his trapped foot but Soto is holding on for dear life with his legs. #SUB#
Soto is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Hilton Jr pulls his head out easily.
Hilton Jr prevents Soto from improving his position.#SUB2#
Hilton Jr looking for a kimura but he'll have to free his other leg if he wants to finish that. Perhaps he's just using it as a distraction technique. #T3##SUB#
Soto actively working from the bottom here.
Hilton Jr works his way into side control.
Hilton Jr landing strikes. #SUB2#
Hilton Jr wants to work for a kimura but he's foiled early by Soto, who protects the arm well.
Soto wants to control but Hilton Jr postures up.#T4#
The crowd are showing their displeasure at the lack of action as loud boos ring out around the arena.
Soto is looking for a sweep.
You can see the frustration on Soto's face, being in this tough position on the bottom.#SUB2#
Hilton Jr is trying to land an Americana. He has the arm isolated but Soto is keeping cool and he's avoided the danger for now.
Soto is looking to reverse the position.
Hilton Jr trying to control the position but Soto is working away.
Hilton Jr is in a good position here but he's just trying to control... And he's not even managing to do that successfully.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Soto is sneaking out the side here. He's bucked Hilton Jr off and has taken his back!
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

A close fourth round but Davey Hilton Jr will probably get the nod - 10:9.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action! This is the final round!#R5##CL#
Soto gets in close and instigates a clinch. #TD#
Soto manages to pull guard. Let's see whether he can land a sub off his back. #SUB#
Soto is active off his back here, looking for submissions.
Hilton Jr looking to control the position here, rather than advance.
Hilton Jr trying to control but Soto is working from the bottom. #SUB#
Soto throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.#SUB#
Soto has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Hilton Jr can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself. #T1#
Hilton Jr pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Soto is keeping the position for now.
Hilton Jr loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Hilton Jr looking to pass the guard. #SUB#
Soto working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Hilton Jr doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Oh but Soto is tightening it up a little... Hilton Jr has to be careful here... He's got his foot tucked under now, this looks tight! Hilton Jr reacted too slowly and this one could be over in a matter of seconds! YES! Hilton Jr taps out! Nice BJJ there by Soto!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:45 of round 5, we have a winner by way of Submission (Triangle Choke). Rafael Soto!
Rafael Soto retains his bantamweight title!
During a confident post fight interview, Rafael Soto thanked all his fans. He seemed very genuine when describing how motivated his fans keep him.

Event: VFC 49 New Blood
Date: Mar 18, 2022

#R1##CL2#
Brown clinches with his opponent.
Soto definitely looks more muscular than last time we saw him fight.
Brown fails to pull guard.
Brown looks more muscular than last time we saw him. He must have been on the weights.#TD2#
Brown has managed to pull guard. Let's see whether he can work an aggressive guard. It will also be interesting to see what tactics Soto uses from the top position. #SUB#
Soto drops back for a leg! It's a sloppy attempt though and Soto jumps back into guard quickly, to retain the dominant position. #SUB#
Soto 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. #SUB#
Soto 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. #SUB2#
Brown has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Soto can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself. #SUB2#
Brown working for a triangle but Soto defends it easily. #SUB#
Soto drops back looking for a leg! Brown is in trouble here! The fighters roll with the hold and Brown manages to kick Soto off! Soto jumps back into Brown's guard.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Brown is doing well to control the posture of his opponent and prevent any damage. #T1##SUB#
Soto drops back looking for a leg! Brown is in trouble here! The fighters roll with the hold and Brown manages to kick Soto off! Soto jumps back into Brown's guard.
Soto wants to control from the top but Brown keeps moving. #SUB2#
Brown has his foot on Soto's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Soto works his way back into a safe position though.
Soto tries to free his leg and advance position but Brown is retaining full guard. #SUB#
Soto 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.
Brown really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Soto. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.#SUB2#
Brown is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle. #SUB#
Soto thinks about going for a leg but decides against it, in order to maintain the position.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.#SUB#
Soto thinks about going for a leg but decides against it, in order to maintain the position.
Soto looking to pass the guard. #T2#
Well. There's a bit of a lull in the action here and the crowd are starting to get restless.#SUB2#
Soto avoids a guillotine attempt easily. #SUB2#
Soto got a little sloppy there for a moment and Brown has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Soto has managed to get both his arms back between Brown's legs - danger averted.
Brown is trying to control the position but Soto postures up.
Soto passes into half guard.
Brown is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Brown trying to control from the bottom. #SUB#
Soto is trying to work for a kimura but Brown is defending well.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Brown is looking to improve his position. #T3#
Brown wants to control but Soto is keeping busy.
Soto trying to control from half guard but Brown is working away.
Brown wants to improve his position but Soto is controlling well.
Brown works his way to full guard. Good work.#SUB2#
Brown working for a triangle but Soto defends it easily.
Soto stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Brown swivels though and keeps the full guard. #SUB#
Soto drops back looking for a leg! Brown is in trouble here! The fighters roll with the hold and Brown manages to kick Soto off! Soto jumps back into Brown's guard. #SUB2#
Brown working for a triangle but Soto defends it easily. #T4#
The crowd are getting on the fighters' backs, as the pace has dropped off in the last minute or so.#SUB2#
Brown escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Soto gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.
Soto trying to control but Brown is working from the bottom.
Soto works a leg free and moves into half guard. #SUB#
Soto is trying to work for a kimura. This could be trouble! No, Brown has managed to free his arm - good work. #SUB#
Soto is looking for a kimura but he's never going to get it from there.
Brown trying to control but Soto postures up.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Brown works his way to full guard. Good work.#SUB#
Soto 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.
Brown is trying to keep Soto in close.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Rafael Soto dominated that round.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!#R2##CL2#
Brown darts in and clinches Soto up against the cage.
Brown tries to pull guard but Soto won't allow it. #TD2#
Brown ties up his opponent against the cage and manages to drag the fight down to the ground. Brown no doubt will be looking to work submissions from his guard.
Soto works a leg free and moves into half guard. #SUB#
Soto is looking for a kimura here.
Brown trying to control here. #SUB#
Soto is thinking about going for an arm triangle but he can't free his leg.
We get told so often about how wrestlers don't like to be on their backs. Let's see if Brown can do anything to dispel that myth.#SUB2#
Brown looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Soto passes into side control, despite Brown's attempt to control the position. #SUB#
Soto is looking to finish here, going for an Americana. Brown knows the correct defense though, so he's OK. #T1##SUB#
Soto looking for an arm triangle but it's way too loose to do anything. #SUB#
Soto is trying to get an arm triangle but Brown is defending well. #SUB#
Soto thinks about going for a far side armbar but bails out and retains the dominant position instead.
Brown is looking to regain half guard here but Soto keeps moving and retains side control. #SUB#
Soto working hard here to secure a kimura but he's not really in the right position for it.
Soto trying to control the action but Brown is working from the bottom. #T2#
The crowd are showing their displeasure at the lack of action as loud boos ring out around the arena.
Brown wants to control but Soto postures up.
Rafael Soto overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Brown manages to get back to half guard.
Soto is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Brown can do to turn this around?
Brown trying to control but Soto postures up. #SUB#
Soto is trying to work for a kimura but Brown is defending well.
Brown is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though. #SUB#
Soto is looking for a kimura but Brown is holding onto that half guard position, so it's hard for Soto to get the leverage. #SUB#
Soto is looking for a kimura. It's going to be difficult to finish that from half guard though and Brown defends it well.
Brown is controlling Soto's position as best he can from this difficult position.
Brown trying to control but Soto postures up. #SUB#
Soto is thinking about going for an arm triangle but he can't free his leg. #T3##SUB#
Soto is working for submissions here but there's nothing on. #SUB#
Soto is looking for a kimura but he's never going to get it from there. #SUB#
Brown is defending against the submission attempts here by Soto. #SUB2#
Brown looking for submissions from an awkward position here.#SUB#
Soto is trying a forearm choke… I don't think that's going to do much at this level of the game. #SUB2#
Brown actively working from the bottom here.
Soto with a momentary lay and pray from half guard. #T4#
The crowd are showing their displeasure at the lack of action as loud boos ring out around the arena.
Brown is trying to control but can't. #SUB2#
Brown looking for submissions from an awkward position here.
Brown moves his hips nicely and gets into full guard.
Brown is trying to control the position from the bottom.
Soto trying to control the position from guard on top but Brown is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can. #SUB2#
Soto got a little sloppy there for a moment and Brown has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Soto has managed to get both his arms back between Brown's legs - danger averted.#SUB#
Soto thinks about going for a leg but decides against it, in order to maintain the position.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!#SUB2#
Brown looks to be working for a triangle here. Oh, it looks like he might have it! Soto has picked Brown up and slammed him! Brown can't keep hold of the triangle and Soto manages to pass to side control!
Soto gets to mount! Brown was on the offensive and wasn't defending properly.
Soto forces the positional change into back control.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Rafael Soto dominated that second round.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!#R3##CL2#
Brown instigates a clinch. #TD#
Soto pulls guard successfully.
Soto can't keep his opponent in guard - Brown advances to half guard, no doubt looking to mount. #SUB#
Soto looking for submissions off his back.
Soto is not content to let Brown control the position.
Brown thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.#SUB#
Soto looking for submissions off his back.
Soto won't allow Brown to pass to mount. #T1#
Soto is looking to control Brown's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Soto avoid being mounted?
Brown sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Soto defending well though. #SUB2#
Brown is looking for a kimura. It's going to be difficult to finish that from half guard though and Soto defends it well.
Soto is refusing to be controlled, as Brown sits in half guard. #SUB#
Soto looking for submissions from an awkward position here.
Soto is looking to improve his position. #SUB#
Soto is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Brown pulls his head out easily. #T2#
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.
Soto wants to control but Brown is keeping busy and won't allow it. #SUB2#
Brown is looking for an arm triangle, whilst trying to pass to side control. Soto doesn't seem that keen to cooperate though. No luck this time Brown. #SUB#
Soto looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.#SUB2#
Brown seems to be working for a kimura but Soto defends the submission attempt.
Brown wants to control but Soto is keeping him busy. #T3##SUB#
Soto looking for submissions off his back.
Brown looking to pass the half guard. Not this time. #SUB#
Soto looking for submissions off his back.
Soto is looking to improve his position. #SUB#
Soto looking for submissions off his back.
Brown thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Soto's head. #T4#
My god... these two guys really need to pick up the pace or everyone will leave to go get a beer.
Brown wants to free his trapped foot but Soto is holding on for dear life with his legs.
Soto is trying to maintain the position but Brown is very close to passing his half guard.#REF3#
The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.#CL2#
Soto tries to keep at a distance but Brown has taken the fight into the clinch.#TD2#
Brown ties up his opponent against the cage and manages to drag the fight down to the ground. Brown no doubt will be looking to work submissions from his guard. #SUB2#
Brown has an omoplata and is looking to use it perhaps as a submission or perhaps to transition. Soto is in a bit of discomfort here, but he's managed to free himself and has dived into side control! That didn't work out too well for Brown.#SUB#
Soto is trying to get an arm triangle but Brown is defending well.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!#SUB#
Soto tries for a kimura. Not really close to a finish though.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Colby Brown really dominated that round.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.#R4##CL2#
Brown closes the distance and clinches.
Soto tries to pull guard but Brown won't allow it. #TD2#
Brown successfully pulls guard.
Brown is trying to control the position from the bottom. #SUB2#
Brown looking for a guillotine here but Soto defends easily.
Soto trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.#SUB#
Soto drops back for a leg! It's a sloppy attempt though and Soto jumps back into guard quickly, to retain the dominant position. #SUB2#
Brown looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening. #SUB2#
Brown had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Soto defends it easily.#T1#
Soto stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Brown swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Brown can't keep his opponent in guard - Soto advances to half guard, no doubt looking to mount. #SUB#
Soto is looking for a kimura. It's going to be difficult to finish that from half guard though and Brown defends it well.
Brown is trying to control but can't. #SUB#
Brown is defending against the submission attempts here by Soto.
Brown is pressing down on Soto's left leg trying to get back to full guard. He's managed it.#SUB#
Soto 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.
Brown not looking particularly offensive just at the moment. #T2#
Brown is in a good position here but he's just trying to control... And he's not even managing to do that successfully.#SUB2#
Brown is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Soto is aware though and is defending well.#SUB#
Soto drops back looking for a leg! Brown is in trouble here! The fighters roll with the hold and Brown manages to kick Soto off! Soto jumps back into Brown's guard. #SUB#
Soto thinks about going for a leg but decides against it, in order to maintain the position.
It's got to the stage where if one of these guys blows hard enough, the other might fall over.
Soto stands and throws Brown's legs to the side, diving into side control.
Brown regains half guard.
Brown wants to control but Soto is keeping busy and won't allow it. #SUB2#
Brown looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.#SUB2#
Brown looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.#T3#
Soto wants to control but Brown is keeping him busy. #SUB2#
Brown looking for submissions from an awkward position here.#SUB#
Soto is trying to work for a kimura. This could be trouble! No, Brown has managed to free his arm - good work.
Brown tries to roll over but Soto keeps him under control.
Brown wants to control but Soto is keeping busy and won't allow it.
Soto is trying to control the action in half guard but Brown is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard. #SUB2#
Brown is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Soto pulls his head out easily. #SUB#
Soto looking for a kimura but he'll have to free his other leg if he wants to finish that. Perhaps he's just using it as a distraction technique.
Soto is pressing down on Brown's thigh, looking to free his foot. Brown is holding on for now. #T4#
The crowd are getting on the fighters' backs, as the pace has dropped off in the last minute or so.#SUB2#
Brown looking for submissions off his back.#SUB#
Soto seems to be looking for submissions. #SUB#
Soto is sneakily working for an arm triangle but Brown sees it coming and defends easily.#SUB#
Soto is sneakily working for an arm triangle but Brown sees it coming and defends easily.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!#SUB2#
Brown looking for submissions off his back.
Brown controlling the leg, holding on to half guard.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Rafael Soto had his way with Colby Brown in that 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!#R5##CL#
Soto instigates a clinch. #TD#
Soto manages to pull guard. Let's see whether he can land a sub off his back. #SUB#
Soto working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Brown doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Oh but Soto is tightening it up a little... Brown has to be careful here... He's got his foot tucked under now, this looks tight! Brown reacted too slowly and this one could be over in a matter of seconds! YES! Brown taps out! Nice BJJ there by Soto!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 0:35 of round 5, we have a winner by way of Submission (Triangle Choke). Rafael Soto!
Rafael Soto retains his bantamweight title!
Our winner, Rafael Soto, 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: VFC 40 Murder in March
Date: Mar 04, 2022

#R1##CL#
Caetano tries to keep at a distance but Soto has taken the fight into the clinch.
Caetano tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.
Caetano changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Soto fights it off and pushes away nicely. #CL#
Soto closes the distance and pushes Caetano back into the cage.
Caetano throws a head punch that misses. #TD2#
Caetano jumps guard and drags Soto to the mat. He's obviously going to be looking for submissions off his back.
Soto trying to control the position from guard on top but Caetano is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Caetano manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Soto manages to get himself to full guard. #REVB##SUB#
Soto working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Caetano doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Oh but Soto is tightening it up a little... Caetano has to be careful here... He's got his foot tucked under now, this looks tight! Caetano reacted too slowly and this one could be over in a matter of seconds! YES! Caetano taps out! Nice BJJ there by Soto!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 0:56 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Triangle Choke). Rafael Soto!
Rafael Soto retains his bantamweight title!
Rafael Soto decided to thank the fans in attendance for making a great atmosphere. It seemed to go down pretty well.

Event: VFC 22 Go Big
Date: Feb 19, 2022

#R1#
Soto looks to clinch
and French connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Soto seems to be moving with more speed, compared to his last bout. He must have been working on that in the gym.
Soto is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Soto closes the distance looking to clinch
and French counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Soto is looking to clinch but French is avoiding it.
French looks like he wants to counter punch here.
Soto tries to clinch up but French circles away and keeps his distance.
French throws a lazy right hand but Soto sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
French throws the left hand but Soto avoids the punch easily.
Soto on the wrong end of a nice hook.
Soto wants to clinch
and French counters with a straight right hand.#T1#
Soto tries to clinch but French is having none of it. #CL#
French tries to keep at a distance but Soto has taken the fight into the clinch.#BC2#
French breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
French has used his reach advantage pretty well so far tonight.
Soto tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but French paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Decent striking displayed by French there.
French avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Soto wants to clinch up but French keeps it at a distance.
Soto tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but French paws at him with a jab and circles away.
French looks to land a right hand but Soto moved out of range.
Soto is looking to take this fight into the clinch.#T2#
French scores with a jab to the body.#CL#
Soto forces French back against the cage and clinches.#TD#
Soto drags the fight down to the ground. #SUB#
French got a little sloppy there for a moment and Soto has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, French has managed to get both his arms back between Soto's legs - danger averted.
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!#SUB#
Soto escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. French gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance. #SUB#
Soto looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar. #SUB#
French is posturing up here but Soto has hold of an arm and he's gone for an armbar! French tries to roll out but it's too tight and French has to tap! Slick submission there by Soto!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:58 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Armbar). Rafael Soto!
Rafael Soto retains his bantamweight title!
After winning the bout, Rafael Soto thanked all his fans and promised he'd do even better in his next fight. The crowd seemed to love his humility.

Event: VFC 15 Feb is Fight Month
Date: Feb 04, 2022

#R1#
A punch lands to the side of Soto 's head but he takes it in his stride.#CL#
Soto forces Seagull back against the cage and clinches.
Seagull is trying to force a seperation but Soto has the dominant position.#TD#
Soto manages to pull guard. Let's see whether he can land a sub off his back.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.#SUB#
Soto is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Seagull is aware though and is defending well.#SUB#
Soto looking for submissions from the bottom but instead Seagull passes into half guard. #SUB#
Soto looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
It looks like Seagull is going to stand back up.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Seagull trying to control the action but Soto is working from the bottom.
Seagull takes advantage of the dominant position to land a couple of big hammer fists.
Seagull trying to control the action but Soto is working from the bottom. #T1#
Seagull might have to switch it up a bit here because his efforts to control Soto haven't been going to plan, at least at the current moment in time.
Seagull wants to pass to mount but Soto is defending the position. #SUB#
Soto actively working from the bottom here.
Seagull is trying to control. Soto wants to improve his position but can't escape this time. #SUB#
Soto looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.#SUB#
Soto looking for submissions off his back.
Seagull controlling the action here. #T2#
The crowd are hurling abuse towards the fighters... You can hardly blame them though because there isn't a lot going on in the fight.#SUB#
Soto looking for submissions from an awkward position here.
Soto definitely looks more muscular than last time we saw him fight.
Soto tries to get to full guard but Seagull has control of the leg. #SUB#
Seagull moves into side control, avoiding a weak kimura attempt from Soto.
Soto is looking for a sweep.
Seagull controlling the position.
Soto is positioning himself to get back to half guard.
Soto is trying to escape the position but Seagull is controlling the position. #T3#
Soto defending against the ground and pound.
Soto manages to land a sweep and he's now on top! Lovely Jiu Jitsu!#SUB#
Soto is thinking about going for an arm triangle but he can't free his leg.
Seagull is doing well to avoid being mounted. He's controlling the position at the moment.#SUB#
Soto is working for a kimura but Seagull is defending it quite comfortably. #SUB#
Soto is sneakily working for an arm triangle but Seagull sees it coming and defends easily.#SUB#
Soto is trying for a guillotine from the top but the pressure isn't in the right place so Seagull is just riding it out for now. Soto eventually gives up the hold. #T4#
Seagull trying to control from the bottom.
Soto is trying to control the action in half guard but Seagull is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.
Seagull tries to roll over but Soto keeps him under control.
Seagull gets full guard.
Seagull is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Seagull is pulling down on Soto's head. It's preventing any offense from Soto, at least for the moment.#SUB#
Soto thinks about going for a leg but decides against it, in order to maintain the position.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Seagull is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move. #REVB#
We've been informed that Seagull has been working hard on his conditioning in the buildup to the fight.
Seagull controlling the action here.
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 Rafael Soto will probably get the nod.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!#R2#
Seagull misses with an uppercut.
Soto walks straight into an uppercut. Luckily it didn't land flush.
Soto tries to close the distance and clinch but Seagull swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Seagull now looks to counter with a shot at the body.
Seagull throws an overhand right that lands on Soto's shoulder, as Soto tries to avoid the shot.
Soto tries to clinch but Seagull moves out of range.
Soto wants to clinch.
Seagull doesn't fully commit to the body shot counter.
Seagull misses with a hook.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Soto fails in his attempt to clinch.
Seagull jabs at Soto's body.
Seagull lands a straight punch to the body, keeping Soto at a distance.
Soto tries to clinch there but Seagull circles away.
Rafael Soto seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Soto tries to close the distance and clinch up but Seagull swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Seagull has been the more effective fighter overall so far.#T1#
Soto doesn't manage to clinch there - Seagull circles away.
Seagull scores with a body shot.
Seagull jabs. That one connects to the head of his opponent.
Soto keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Seagull scores with a jab to the head. #CL#
Soto drives through and clinches with Seagull against the cage.
Soto blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Seagull is looking to break free of the clinch but Soto has double underhooks. #TD#
Soto jumps guard and drags Seagull to the mat. He's obviously going to be looking for submissions off his back. #SUB#
Soto has his feet on Seagull's thighs here. He's pushed Seagull off and worked for a very quick armbar from the bottom! He's flipped onto his stomach and he's cranking hard on the arm! Seagull screams in pain and taps out! This one is all over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:56 of round 2, we have a winner by way of Submission (Armbar). Rafael Soto!
Rafael Soto retains his bantamweight title!
A relieved looking Rafael Soto thanked the fans for their support and gave the usual line about them being amazing. They seemed to believe that he actually meant it.

Event: VFC Kumite
Date: Jan 21, 2022

#R1#
Caetano throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Soto is trying to close the distance and clinch up, after that failed offence from Caetano.#CL#
Soto rushes Caetano and presses him up against the cage.
Caetano tries to jump guard but he falls flat on his backside. Soto smiles and moves away. #CL#
Soto has managed to clinch.
A head punch on the inside from Caetano fails to land. #TD#
Soto pulls guard successfully. #SUB#
Soto has thrown up a leg looking for a triangle. Caetano doesn't defend quickly enough and Soto has managed to lock this one up! Can Caetano escape?! NO! He's tapping out! Damn, that was a quick submission - congrats to Soto on a fantastic submission victory.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 0:47 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Triangle). Rafael Soto!
Rafael Soto retains his bantamweight title!
A victorious Rafael Soto thanked his army of followers in his post fight interview, telling people to make sure they follow him on Twitter.

Event: VFC 5 Legends are Born
Date: Jan 12, 2022

#R1##CL#
Johnson instigates a clinch.
Soto is trying to pull guard but Johnson turns him against the cage and we stay in the clinch.
Johnson is trying to force a seperation but Soto has the dominant position.
Johnson has had enough of the clinch but Soto keeps him there for the moment.#TD2#
Soto pulls guard successfully. #SUB2#
Johnson is posturing up here but Soto has hold of an arm and he's gone for an armbar! Johnson tries to roll out but it's too tight and Johnson has to tap! Slick submission there by Soto!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 0:31 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Armbar). Rafael Soto!
Rafael Soto is the new bantamweight champion!
Rafael Soto decided to thank the fans in attendance for making a great atmosphere. It seemed to go down pretty well.
Demetrious Johnson was interviewed post fight and said 'I don't like to disrespect people or my opponents. Anything can happen'.

Event: VFC 1 It Has Begun
Date: Dec 25, 2021

#R1#
Seagull scores with a nice right hand.
Soto uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Seagull.
Soto tries to counter with a clinch but Seagull shakes him off and moves away.
Seagull scores with a slapping inside leg kick.#CL2#
Seagull tries to keep at a distance but Soto has taken the fight into the clinch.
Soto is trying to pull guard but being pressed up against the cage enables Seagull to keep the fight standing.#TD2#
Soto manages to pull guard. Let's see whether he can land a sub off his back.
Seagull is looking to work some ground and pound but Soto has wrist control.#SUB2#
Seagull got a little sloppy there for a moment and Soto has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Seagull has managed to get both his arms back between Soto's legs - danger averted.
Soto not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
Seagull postures up in Soto's guard and throws a big left but Soto blocks it. #SUB2#
Soto is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Seagull defends well.#SUB2#
Soto is active off his back here, looking for submissions.
Seagull working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage. #SUB2#
Soto working for a triangle but Seagull defends it easily.
Soto looking to sweep here. No luck so far. #T1#
Seagull landing with the ground and pound. #SUB2#
Soto is looking for a triangle but Seagull pushes his legs off easily.
Soto preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage. #SUB2#
Soto looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.
Seagull in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time. #SUB2#
Seagull stands over his opponent and dives in with a flying punch! Soto throws up his legs and catches Seagull in a triangle! Oh this looks tight! Seagull tries to escape but he's forced to tap! Wow, fantastic work there by Soto! That came out of nowhere!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:56 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Triangle Choke). Rafael Soto!
A very excited looking Rafael Soto 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.

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