Play by Play - Fighter's Fight Commentary

Event: Just some fights 1
Date: Nov 30, 2024

#R1#
Illir fakes low and throws an overhand right that catches Calvin on the side of the head.
Illir shoots in for a takedown but Calvin shows good takedown defense. #TD2#
Calvin closes the distance, clinches up and gets a nice trip takedown into side control. Very smooth.
Illir manages to get back to half guard.
Calvin takes advantage of the dominant position to land a couple of big hammer fists.
Calvin looks more muscular than last time we saw him. He must have been on the weights.
Illir slips a foot under and gets full guard. Nice work.
Calvin in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Calvin trying to control but Illir is working from the bottom.
We've been hearing good reports from Illir's training camp. Apparently he has been rolling around with some good quality BJJ practitioners and has been sharpening his skills. Let's see if that has an impact on the fight today.#SUB#
Illir is looking for a triangle here but Calvin uses the submission attempt to pass into side control.
Check out the look on Calvin's face as he threw that strike - that's one determined fighter!
Calvin landing with strikes to the head and body from side control.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Illir is trying to get back to half guard.#T1#
Calvin working the head with strikes.
Illir manages to get one leg in to regain half guard.
Illir makes his way to full guard. A much better position for Illir.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Calvin lands a couple of decent looking shots.
Illir is working an open guard here, looking to improve his position. No doubt that will leave him open to counters but at least he's being more offensive.#SUB#
Illir has his foot on Calvin's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Calvin works his way back into a safe position though.
Calvin lands a couple of digs.
Calvin working from the guard for now, landing some ground and pound.
Calvin content to strike from guard, landing some decent shots.
Calvin postures up in Illir's guard and throws a big left but Illir blocks it.
Illir throws a couple of shots from the bottom but they don't land.
Calvin is sitting in guard, working some ground and pound.
The fighters are going at a pretty good pace and they're both starting to sweat now.
Calvin missing there with some ground and pound from the guard. #T2#
Illir has his hands on Calvin's head, controlling the position.
Calvin must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.
Illir working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Calvin.
Calvin cracks Illir with a solid left hand.
Illir looking to control the pace of the fight rather than finish it.
Calvin throws an elbow that misses. Illir uses the momentum to reverse the position. He's now in Calvin's guard. Nice move by Illir!#REVR#
Calvin looking to control.
Illir prevents Calvin from getting back to his feet.
Calvin is pulling down on Illir's head to control his posture.
Illir postures up.
Illir postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect. #T3#
Illir slips nicely into half guard.#SUB#
Illir is looking for a kimura but Calvin is holding onto that half guard position, so it's hard for Illir to get the leverage.
Illir thows a huge punch but Calvin dodges it nicely.
Calvin trying to control here.
Illir throwing shots but Calvin is blocking nicely.
Well, if Illir is going to just lie there, perhaps we should talk about what we're having for dinner tonight… I'm having a ham and pineapple pizza… Yum. Can't wait.
Calvin is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Neither fighter is being very active at the moment, with Illir in particular looking to stall.
Illir scores with a couple of good hammerfists.#T4#
Illir trying to control the pace.
Illir is keen to just control but Calvin is a slippery customer.
Calvin is looking to improve his position.
Illir is pressing down on Calvin's thigh, looking to free his foot. Calvin is holding on for now.
Calvin is looking to control Illir's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Calvin avoid being mounted?
Illir thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
Illir scores with a couple of good hammerfists.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Calvin is refusing to be controlled, as Illir sits in half guard.
Ground and pound from Illir.
Calvin punching from the bottom.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but Scott Calvin will probably get the nod.
That's time! Back to the action!#R2#
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Illir.#TD2#
Calvin shoots in for a takedown and gets it. Let's see what he's got on the mat.
Illir looking to hit a scissor sweep but Calvin is one step ahead there.
Illir is trying to control the position but Calvin postures up.
Calvin preventing the sweep.
Calvin is looking to pass into half guard but Illir pushes him away with his feet and jumps on top - now Illir is in guard.#REVR#
Calvin seems keen to control Illir's posture.
Calvin lands a beautiful sweep and he's now moved into his opponent's guard.#REVB#
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Calvin pushes down on Illir's leg and manages to get into half guard.
Calvin working the head and body with strikes. #T1#
Illir makes his way to full guard. A much better position for Illir.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.#SUB#
Illir looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.
Calvin is in close to Illir's body, working some short punches and elbows.
Calvin is sitting in guard, working some ground and pound.
Calvin scoring with punches to the head and body.
Calvin trying to control the position from guard on top but Illir is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Illir manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Calvin manages to get himself to full guard. #REVR#
Calvin is working an open guard here, looking to improve his position. No doubt that will leave him open to counters but at least he's being more offensive.
Calvin keeping moving, preventing Illir from controlling successfully. #T2#
Illir slips nicely into half guard.
Illir seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Calvin does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.
Calvin trying to control here.
Illir is keeping good posture, landing some ground and pound.
Calvin keeping control of the position.
Calvin trying to get back to full guard but Illir takes advantage of the position and moves to full mount!
Calvin is desperately trying to get back to half guard.
Illir looking to ground and pound his opponent to a finish here. #T3#
Illir raining down shots from the mount!
Illir in mount throwing good strikes here, bouncing his opponent's head off the canvas.
Illir has been looking to land a fair amount of strikes on the ground. He might be looking to soften his opponent up in order to work for a submission.
Calvin regains half guard.
Calvin makes his way to full guard. A much better position for Calvin.
Illir is in close to Calvin's body, working some short punches and elbows.
Mehdi Illir overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Calvin keeping moving, preventing Illir from controlling successfully.
Illir controlling from the guard. I say controlling but really, he's stalling.
Calvin controls Illir momentarily but Illir frees himself. #T4#
Calvin looking to hit a scissor sweep but Illir is one step ahead there.
Calvin seems keen to control Illir's posture.
Calvin is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Calvin is working an open guard here, looking to improve his position. No doubt that will leave him open to counters but at least he's being more offensive.
Calvin wants to stand but Illir is controlling the position.
Illir trying to control the position from guard on top but Calvin is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Calvin trying to strike off his back.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close second round but I would say that Mehdi Illir will probably get the nod.
That's time! Back to the action! And we move into the final round!#R3#
Illir closes the distance and clinches up with Calvin, looking for a takedown. Illir pushes Calvin against the cage but Calvin circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.#TD2#
Calvin drops down and drives through with a powerful takedown into guard.
Calvin with a couple of shots to the head there. Not particularly brutal.#SUB#
Illir is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Calvin defends well.
Calvin postures up.
Calvin lands a couple of elbows.
Calvin working from the guard for now, landing some ground and pound.
Illir looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Calvin with a nice head shot there.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Calvin throwing strikes from guard but Illir blocks nicely.
Calvin trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Calvin with a flurry of punches that miss. #SUB#
Illir looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar. #T1##SUB#
Illir throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.
Calvin pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Illir is keeping the position for now. #SUB#
Calvin got a little sloppy there for a moment and Illir has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Calvin has managed to get both his arms back between Illir's legs - danger averted.
Calvin throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Calvin looking to sit in guard and control but Illir gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top. #REVR#
Calvin working a defensive guard here.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Calvin is on top in guard. #REVB#
Calvin cracks Illir with a solid left hand.#T2#
Calvin postures up.
Illir has momentary wrist control but Calvin slips an elbow through the middle.
Illir looking for a sweep. Not yet Illir, not yet.
Calvin postures up and scores with a shot to the body and a follow up elbow to the head.
Illir trying to control the position.
Calvin is in close to Illir's body, working some short punches and elbows.
Calvin missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Calvin landing with the ground and pound.
Calvin working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Calvin stands up over Illir, holding his feet. He dives back in and lands a decent shot to the head. #T3##SUB#
Illir escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Calvin gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.
Calvin postures up.
Calvin wants to control from the top but Illir keeps moving.
Illir trying to punch from his back but it's not doing any damage.
Illir has momentary wrist control but Calvin slips an elbow through the middle.
Calvin lands a couple of decent looking shots.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Calvin accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Calvin working in close now, lands a nice elbow to the side of Illir's head.#SUB#
Illir has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Calvin can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.
Calvin trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat. #T4##SUB#
Calvin got a little sloppy there for a moment and Illir has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Calvin has managed to get both his arms back between Illir's legs - danger averted.
Calvin scores with a decent looking elbow strike.#SUB#
Illir looking for a guillotine here but Calvin defends easily.
Calvin looking to sit in guard and control but Illir gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top. #REVR#
Calvin not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Calvin throws a couple of shots from the bottom but they don't land.
Illir is stalling in the full guard.
Illir postures up and scores with a shot to the body and a follow up elbow to the head.

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

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Timothy Bukovac scores the fight 29:29
Judge Jack Bonds scores the fight 28:29
Judge Frank Antenori scores the fight 28:29

In favor of your winner, by majority decision... Scott Calvin!

Event: CCC 88
Date: Nov 10, 2024

#R1#
Milka tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Illir manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.#TD#
Illir gets a double leg takedown into Milka's guard.

Milka manages to escape and get back to his feet.
Milka tries to close the distance and clinch but Illir swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Milka moves to clinch but Illir breaks away #TD#
and Illir counters with a nice shoot takedown that brings the fighters to the ground.

Milka is edging up against the cage. He's using the cage to get back to his feet. Nice work there - the fighters are clinched.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Milka digs a right hand into Illir's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Illir's gas tank.
Milka misses with a hook from the clinch.
Milka gets through Illir's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
A short uppercut from Milka.
Milka lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Illir backwards.
Milka lands a shoulder strike.
A shot in the inside from Milka. #TD#
Illir ties up his opponent against the cage and manages to drag the fight down to the ground. Illir no doubt will be looking to work submissions from his guard.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Illir looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.#SUB#
Illir escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Milka gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.
Milka trying to stand up but can't free himself from Illir's guard.#T1#
Illir looking to hit a scissor sweep but Milka is one step ahead there. #SU2#
Milka decides he's had enough of playing guard and decides to stand. Come on Illir, up you get!
Illir shoots for a double leg takedown but Milka sprawls well. He's pushed Illir's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily. #TD#
Illir looking to score a takedown here. Milka is defending well but Illir drives through and ends up in Milka's guard.

Milka has his feet on Illir's hips. He pushes off and gets to his feet. Nice work.
Illir has been working on his boxing with his coaches at LA FIGHT BARN in the buildup to the fight.
Illir darts in looking for a takedown but Milka gets double underhooks and turns Illir into the cage.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Illir.
Milka working aggressively here.
Illir takes a shot to the head.
Milka tries to work over Illir's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
A right hand to the body from Milka.
Milka swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Milka misses with some punches.
Illir drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Mehdi Illir. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Milka working some nice short punches in the clinch.#T2#
A nice left hand lands by Milka.
A head punch on the inside from Milka fails to land.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Illir.
Milka lands with a left to the head.
Illir tries to pull guard but can't drag his opponent to the mat. Milka just stands there and leans against the cage.
Illir tries to pull guard but Milka won't allow it.
Illir is looking for a takedown.
Illir blocks an uppercut.
Milka scores with an uppercut up the middle.
Illir's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
Illir tries to pull guard but Milka holds him up against the cage and eventually Illir drops back down to his feet.
Milka gets through Illir's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
Milka lands an uppercut.
Illir jumps guard but his hands slip and he falls flat on his back. Well, he's made himself look a right mug there, as Milka walks away with a smile on his face. Illir gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head.
No luck for Illir with that takedown attempt.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Illir. #T3#
Illir has a takedown stuffed.
Milka is clearly looking to counter with head kicks.
Illir tries to drive through with a takedown attempt but Milka defends well and Illir ends up having to push Milka into the cage where they will battle it out in the clinch.
Illir has hold of a leg and is looking for a trip takedown. Milka avoids it nicely though and we remain in the clinch.
Illir is trying to drag Milka to the mat but Milka just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.
Illir is breathing heavily.
Illir fails to pull the fight into his guard.
Illir is looking for a takedown.
Milka scores with an uppercut up the middle.
Milka gets through Illir's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
Milka works on Illir's body with a couple of short punches.
Milka lands a right hand that snaps the head of Illir backwards.
Milka lands with a short punch from the clinch.
Milka lands with a right to the head.
Milka lands with a right to the head.
Illir is trying to work for a single leg takedown but Milka pulls him back up using the underhooks.
The fighters are going at a pretty good pace and they're both starting to sweat now.
Milka working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Milka lands a right hand.
Nice body punch from Milka - that landed with a thud.
Milka lands on the inside with an uppercut. #T4#
Illir is working for a takedown up against the cage. He can't get it on this occasion though.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Milka.#TD#
Milka is fighting off a takedown attempt but Illir is just too persistent for him and manages to trip Milka to the mat. Milka regains guard as soon as the fighters hit the mat.
Illir loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Illir won't allow Milka to get back to his feet. #ES2#
Milka has butterfly guard. He's looking to stand up here. He pushes Illir off him and springs to his feet nicely. The crowd applauds.
Milka misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Illir shoots and misses
and Illir takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles. #CL2#
Milka darts in and clinches Illir up against the cage.
A short right from Milka.
Milka has a couple of punches blocked by Illir.
Milka scores with a shot to the side of Illir's head.
Milka stays in close to his opponent and throws a right hand to the body.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Milka misses with the head strike.
Still in the clinch, Milka scores with a nice short uppercut.
Milka misses with a body punch.
Milka lands a hook that snaps the head of Illir backwards.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Rico Milka dominated that round.
That's time! Illir's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.#R2#
Illir closes the distance and clinches up with Milka, looking for a takedown. Illir pushes Milka against the cage but Milka circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Milka has his hands up protecting his head but a hook from Illir finds it's way round the side to connect with Milka's head. #CL2#
The fight moves into the clinch position.
A shot in the inside from Milka.
Illir is looking for a takedown up against the cage. Milka gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.
Milka lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Illir backwards.
Milka lands a nice shot to the body.
Milka lands a left hand.
Milka scores with a hook to the body.
Milka lands a hook to the body. It's hard to tell if that hurt Illir or not.
Milka lands a right hand that snaps the head of Illir backwards.
Rico Milka seems to be working more effectively in the clinch in the fight so far.
Milka working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
Milka lands an uppercut.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Milka working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
Milka throws a head punch that misses.
Illir has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Milka is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Mehdi Illir. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Illir changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Milka fights it off and pushes away nicely.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Milka throws a head kick but Illir moves out of range.
Illir drops down looking for a counter takedown but Milka sprawls and moves away.
Milka tries to clinch but Illir moves out of range.
Illir was looking to counter that move with a punch but didn't quite pull the trigger.#T1##CL2#
Milka instigates a clinch.
Milka lands a left hand.
Milka lands a body punch.
Milka tries to throw a body punch but Illir avoids it by throwing Milka back against the cage.
Milka lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
Nice body punch from Milka.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Milka.
Milka lands with a left to the head.
A right hook to the body lands for Milka.
Milka lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
Still in the clinch, Milka scores with a nice short uppercut.
Milka lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Milka misses with the head strike.
Milka scores with a shoulder strike.
Illir tries to throw a body punch but Milka avoids it by throwing Illir back against the cage.
Illir fails to pull the fight into his guard.
Milka lands with a right to the head.
Milka lands an uppercut.
Milka throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Illirs head.
Milka digs a right hand underneath Illir's ribcage. Illir let out a lung full of air as it connected.#T2#
A hook to the body from Milka.
Milka lands with a short punch from the clinch.
Milka lands a shoulder strike.
Milka softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
Milka lands with a light punch inside.
Milka swings wildly with an uppercut but Illir uses good head movement to avoid it.
Milka lands a nice uppercut.
A short left from Milka.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Milka.
Illir doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
A right handed body shot lands from Milka.
A right hand to the body from Milka.
Milka digs a right hand into Illir's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Illir's gas tank.
Milka scores with a shot to the side of Illir's head.
Milka working some nice short punches in the clinch.
Milka has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Milka lands a body shot in the clinch.
Milka lands a right hand. #T3#
Still in the clinch, Milka scores with a nice short uppercut.
A nice left hand lands by Milka.
Milka lands on the inside with an uppercut. #ROC2#Illir is rocked!
Milka throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Illirs head.
Oh Illir is still all over the place! His legs are completely gone! Will he be able to recover?!!
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Illir.
Illir seems to have got his legs back now.
Milka cracks Illir with a nice body shot.
Milka lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Illir backwards.
Milka lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Illir backwards.
Nice body punch from Milka.
Milka scores with a shoulder strike.
Milka makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
Milka throws a hook to the body. More of an arm punch but it's all scoring with the judges.
The fans in attendance giving it up for the two fighters, who have really let it all hang out in the last minute or so!
A nice left hand lands by Milka.
Milka digs a right hand underneath Illir's ribcage. Illir let out a lung full of air as it connected.
Milka makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
Milka stays in close to his opponent and throws a right hand to the body.
A nice left hand lands by Milka.
Milka pushes Illir back against the cage and unloads with a body punch.
Milka lands a nice uppercut.#T4#
Milka scores with a shoulder strike.
Milka lands with a short punch from the clinch.
Milka digs a right hand underneath Illir's ribcage. Illir let out a lung full of air as it connected.
Milka lands a right hand that snaps the head of Illir backwards.
A body shot lands from Milka.
Milka lands a left hand that snaps the head of Illir backwards.
Milka lands a left hand that snaps the head of Illir backwards.
Milka lands a nice uppercut.
Milka scores with a hook to the body.
Illir drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Milka makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
Nice body punch from Milka.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Milka lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Illir backwards.
Illir swings wildly with an uppercut but Milka uses good head movement to avoid it.
Milka lands an uppercut.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Rico Milka showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business. This is the final round!#R3#
Milka throws a sloppy head kick and Illir moves out of range easily.
Wow, both these guys are really going for it!
Milka stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Milka wants it to stay on the feet.
Illir fails with the takedown.
Illir ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Milka doesn't manage to clinch there - Illir circles away.
Milka lets loose with a powerful body kick. Illir will feel that in the morning.
Milka lands a nice leg kick that just misses Illir's sensitive parts.
Milka misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick. #TD#
Milka gets taken down but at least he's managed to land in guard.
Illir trying to control the position from guard on top but Milka is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Illir working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Illir wants to pass the guard but Milka is keeping the position.
Illir working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage. #T1#
Milka is looking to get back to his feet but can't, whilst Illir is controlling him. #SUB#
Illir drops back, looking for a kneebar! Milka looks panicked! The fighters roll across the mat, one looking to finish, one looking to escape. Milka looks to have wriggled free... Yes, he's got his leg free and he's dived into side control! Good work there from Milka! #REVB#
Milka working away.
Milka wants to stand but Illir is controlling his arm.#SU2#
Milka decides to stand back up. Milka steps back and let's Illir get back to his feet.
Illir dives in and grabs Milka's left leg, looking for a takedown. Milka pushes down on Illir's head and hops out.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Mehdi Illir. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Milka tries to clinch but Illir moves out of range. #CL2#
Illir gets tackled into the cage by Milka. Milka maintains the clinch.
Illir goes for a takedown in the clinch but Milka prevents it.
Milka has a couple of punches blocked by Illir.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Milka.
Rico Milka is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.#T2#
Illir fails to pull the fight into his guard.
Illir wants a takedown.
Milka stops a takedown attempt from Illir.
A nice left hand lands by Milka.
Illir jumps guard but his hands slip and he falls flat on his back. Well, he's made himself look a right mug there, as Milka walks away with a smile on his face. Illir gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head. #CL2#
Milka moves into the clinch.
Illir fails to pull the fight into his guard.
Milka pushes Illir back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Milka.
Illir has Milka pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Milka manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Milka. #T3#
Illir tries to jump guard but he falls flat on his backside. Milka smiles and moves away.
Rico Milka is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Milka tries to clinch up.
Milka tries a head kick but it misses.
Milka wants to clinch.
Illir looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
Milka throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Milka lands with a slapping head kick. #CL2#
Milka moves into the clinch.
Milka misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Milka scores with an uppercut up the middle.
Milka lands a nice looking hook to the body, against the cage.
Illir misses with the head strike. #T4#
Illir is trying to pull guard but Milka turns him against the cage and we stay in the clinch.
Illir is trying to pull guard but being pressed up against the cage enables Milka to keep the fight standing.
Illir tries to pull guard but Milka won't allow it.
Milka misses with the head strike.
Illir blocks an uppercut.
Illir fails to pull the fight into his guard.
Milka cracks Illir with a nice body shot.
Milka gets double underhooks to prevent a takedown attempt from Illir.
Illir tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.

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

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Daniel Bishop scores the fight 26:30
Judge Phil Schofield scores the fight 26:30
Judge Donald Grub scores the fight 26:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Rico Milka!
A relieved looking Rico Milka 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: CCC 81
Date: Oct 12, 2024

#R1#
Illir shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Nishiyama defends it nicely.
Illir slips a jab and a cross from Nishiyama.
Nishiyama leaves Illir with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.#TD#
Illir throws the overhand right but ducks down into a quick takedown attempt. Nishiyama was covering up waiting for the punch and Illir finishes the takedown easily into guard.

Nishiyama has butterfly guard. He's looking to stand up here. He pushes Illir off him and springs to his feet nicely. The crowd applauds.
Nishiyama throws a series of punches but Illir avoids them all with ease.
Nishiyama swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Illir goes for a double leg but Nishiyama avoids the attempt and the two fighters end up clinched against the cage as Nishiyama continues to drive forward.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Mehdi Illir. That's going to take a lot out of him.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Nishiyama misses with a knee to the head.
Illir has Nishiyama pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Nishiyama manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing. #TD2#
Illir is fighting off a takedown attempt but Nishiyama is just too persistent for him and manages to trip Illir to the mat. Illir regains guard as soon as the fighters hit the mat.
We've been hearing good reports from Illir's training camp. Apparently he has been rolling around with some good quality BJJ practitioners and has been sharpening his skills. Let's see if that has an impact on the fight today.
Illir not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
Nishiyama trying to control but Illir is working from the bottom. #T1#
Illir looking to hit a scissor sweep but Nishiyama is one step ahead there.
Nishiyama showing good wrestling skills to control the position.
Illir wants to control here, rather than go for any submissions from the bottom. At least for now.
Nishiyama slows down the pace of the fight for a moment. He'll need to remain active if he doesn't want to see the fight stood back up.
Nishiyama must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.
Illir working a defensive guard here.
The referee looks like he's ready to step in and stand the fighters back up.
Nishiyama pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Illir is keeping the position for now. #REF3#
The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.#T2#
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.
Illir avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
No luck for Illir with that takedown attempt.
Nishiyama is looking for the big counter here.
Mehdi Illir seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.#TD2#
Nishiyama shoots in and bounces Illir off the cage to secure the takedown into guard.
Nishiyama stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Illir swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Illir keeping moving, preventing Nishiyama from controlling successfully.
Nishiyama pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Illir is keeping the position for now.
Nishiyama trying to control but Illir is working from the bottom. #SUB#
Illir had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Nishiyama defends it easily.#T3#
The fighters are going at a pretty good pace and they're both starting to sweat now.
Illir keeping full guard, as Nishiyama tries to pass.
Illir controlling the position.
Illir keeping moving, preventing Nishiyama from controlling successfully.
Nishiyama wants to pass the guard but Illir is keeping the position.
Illir is trying to keep Nishiyama in close. #SU2#
Illir is working an open guard so Nishiyama takes the opportunity to get back to his feet.#TD2#
Nishiyama looking for a takedown here - he's got it.
Illir keeping moving, preventing Nishiyama from controlling successfully. #T4#
Illir is looking to sweep but instead, Nishiyama has passed into half guard.
Illir is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though. #SUB#
Illir looking for submissions from an awkward position here.
Illir is looking for a sweep. Nishiyama is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Illir slips a foot under and gets full guard. Nice work.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Illir looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Illir lands a beautiful sweep and he's now moved into his opponent's guard.#REVR#
Illir postures up.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Kurou Nishiyama dominated that round.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.#R2#
A solid leg kick lands there for Nishiyama. #TD2#
Illir gets caught on his heels momentarily as he allows Nishiyama to score an easy takedown into full guard.
Nishiyama stopping the sweep attempt from Illir.#SU2#
Nishiyama gets to his feet - Illir follows without any prompting.
Some bone on bone action there as Illir checks a low kick. Luckily it wasn't a particularly hard one.
Illir tries to score a power double leg takedown but Nishiyama sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Illir somewhat.
Nishiyama is definitely looking for the counter takedowns here.
Illir misses with a takedown
and Nishiyama counters nicely by changing levels and landing a hook to the body.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Nishiyama lands a kick to the ribs of his opponent. Nice work there - in and out in a flash.
Wow, both these guys are really going for it!
Illir shoots for a double leg takedown but Nishiyama sprawls well. He's pushed Illir's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Mehdi Illir. That's going to take a lot out of him.#TD2#
Nishiyama shoots in with a lovely double leg takedown. Illir manages to land in full guard to minimise the damage.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Nishiyama trying to control the position from guard on top but Illir is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can. #T1#
Nishiyama slips effortlessly into side control - very nice.
Illir looking for a sweep but Nishiyama has passed into full mount! Oh no!
Nishiyama trying to control but he's not successful this time.
Kurou Nishiyama has got the better of the ground game so far.
Nishiyama in mount throwing good strikes here, bouncing his opponent's head off the canvas.
Nishiyama prevents Illir from getting the reversal.
Illir is working hard here to advance position.
Nishiyama controlling the position easily from mount.
Nishiyama landing strikes from the mount and Illir is in trouble! #T2#
Nishiyama scoring with strikes but Illir is staying in there.
Illir slips a leg in and gets back to half guard.#SUB#
Illir looking for submissions from an awkward position here.
Nishiyama tries to stand but his hand is stuck under Illir.
Nishiyama trying to control the action but Illir is working from the bottom.
Illir works his way to full guard. Good work.#SUB#
Illir working for a triangle but Nishiyama defends it easily. #SUB#
Illir looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar. #T3#
Illir thows some rabbit punches from the bottom but they don't do any damage.
Nishiyama content to stall in guard here.
Illir lands a beautiful sweep and he's now moved into his opponent's guard.#REVR#
Illir works over Nishiyama with some ground and pound from guard.
Illir passes into half guard. #SUB#
Nishiyama is defending against the submission attempts here by Illir.
Nishiyama is trying to get back to full guard.#T4#
Illir scores with a couple of good hammerfists.#SUB#
Illir 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.
Illir takes advantage of the dominant position to land a couple of big hammer fists.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.#SUB2#
Nishiyama looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.#SUB#
Illir is working for a submission of some sort.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Kurou Nishiyama showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business. This is the final round!#R3#
Nishiyama thuds his right hand into Illir's forehead from close range. That could be painful for both fighters.
Nishiyama misses with a body shot.
Illir tries to drive through with a takedown attempt but Nishiyama defends well and Illir ends up having to push Nishiyama into the cage where they will battle it out in the clinch.
Nishiyama was about to counter that last move with a leg kick but changes his mind.#BC2#
Nishiyama breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat. #CL2#
Illir tries to keep at a distance but Nishiyama has taken the fight into the clinch.
Nishiyama stalling here - the referee won't stand for too much of that.
Illir drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Illir is looking to control Nishiyama's arms but Nishiyama gets an underhook and turns him. Now Illir has his back to the cage. #BC2#
Nishiyama breaks the clinch. #CL2#
Nishiyama darts in and clinches Illir up against the cage.#BC2#
Nishiyama manages to break the clinch. #T1##TD#
Illir closes the distance and scores a nice trip takedown into half guard. Nishiyama did well to prevent Illir getting side control.
Nishiyama looks like he's trying to stand up.
Nishiyama regains full guard. Nicely done.
Illir content to stall in guard here.
Illir throws a strike but Nishiyama rolls with it and manages to sweep. Now he's in guard on top. #REVB#
Nishiyama stopping the sweep attempt from Illir.
Nishiyama in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Illir is pulling down on Nishiyama's head. It's preventing any offense from Nishiyama, at least for the moment.
Illir keeping moving, preventing Nishiyama from controlling successfully. #T2#
Illir wants to sweep here but Nishiyama controlling him for the moment. #SU2#
Illir is working an open guard so Nishiyama takes the opportunity to get back to his feet.
Illir misses with a takedown attempt
and Nishiyama counters with a low kick, right behind Illir 's knee.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Mehdi Illir. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Illir looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Nishiyama is fending him off so far but Illir persists. Nope, Nishiyama circles away and we're back to standing.
Nishiyama is clearly trying to counter these attacks from Illir with a body shot.#TD#
Illir closes the distance, clinches up and gets a nice trip takedown into side control. Very smooth.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Both fighters take a look at the clock.
Illir working away.
Nishiyama tries to get back to half guard but can't.
Nishiyama is trying to control Illir's posture but Illir avoids it. #T3#
Nishiyama is working hard to escape and get back to his feet. After a battle for position, Illir asserts his dominance and retains side control.
Illir trying to control the position but Nishiyama is working away.
Nishiyama is trying to control Illir's posture but Illir avoids it.
Nishiyama is trying to avoid being dragged into an even worse position than he's already in but Illir is staying active.
Illir throws a knee to the body but it doesn't do much damage.
A bit of a lull in the action here.#T4#
The crowd are getting on the fighters' backs, as the pace has dropped off in the last minute or so.
Check out the look on Illir's face as he threw that strike - that's one determined fighter!
You can see the frustration on Nishiyama's face, being in this tough position on the bottom.
Nishiyama has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
The referee asks Illir politely if he wouldn't mind getting on with it and actually doing something. Illir prefers to stall for the moment though.
Nishiyama struggling a bit here.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Nishiyama takes a nasty elbow to the side of the head.
Mehdi Illir has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Kurou Nishiyama is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
Nishiyama struggling a bit here.

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

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Gregory Folan scores the fight 27:30
Judge Yves DeLean scores the fight 27:30
Judge Dillan Fox scores the fight 27:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Kurou Nishiyama!

Event: CCC 74
Date: Sep 21, 2024

#R1#
Illir connects nicely with a jab. Noted by the judges no doubt.
Illir fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Halvorsen avoids it really well and circles away.#TD#
Illir gets the takedown into side control.
Illir in side control, trying to ground and pound but not landing this time. #SUB#
Illir is trying to get an arm triangle but Halvorsen is defending well. #SUB#
Illir is looking for a kimura. He might have it! No, Halvorsen has escaped the position, nice work there.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Illir misses with the ground and pound.#SUB#
Illir swings around for an armbar but Halvorsen sees it coming a mile off and turns beautifully into Illir's guard.
Illir is working an open guard here, looking to improve his position. No doubt that will leave him open to counters but at least he's being more offensive.#T1#
Halvorsen showing good wrestling skills to control the position.
Illir not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
Illir pulls Halvorsen in close to his closed guard and prevents Halvorsen from doing any damage or advancing position.
Halvorsen showing good wrestling skills to control the position. #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.
Halvorsen won't allow Illir to sweep him here. #SUB#
Illir has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Halvorsen can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself. #SUB#
Illir has managed to work for a loose triangle. I think Halvorsen should be able to defend this one pretty easily though. Oh, Illir has tightened it up now! Halvorsen should have reacted faster there - he's in big trouble and yes, he's tapped out! This one is all over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:42 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Triangle). Mehdi Illir!
An out of breath Mehdi Illir thanked his loyal fans in his post fight interview, giving them credit for his success over the course of his career.

Event: CCC 64 : Creenshaw vs Pyssy
Date: Aug 16, 2024

#R1#
Illir tries to drive through with a takedown attempt but Kaburagi defends well and Illir ends up having to push Kaburagi into the cage where they will battle it out in the clinch.#TD2#
Illir is fighting off a takedown attempt but Kaburagi is just too persistent for him and manages to trip Illir to the mat. Illir regains guard as soon as the fighters hit the mat.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Illir tries to land a sweep but no joy.
We've been hearing good reports from Illir's training camp. Apparently he has been rolling around with some good quality BJJ practitioners and has been sharpening his skills. Let's see if that has an impact on the fight today.
Illir keeping moving, preventing Kaburagi from controlling successfully.
In the pre-fight buildup videos we saw Kaburagi working his ground and pound in the gym. He isn't landing a great percentage of his ground strikes so far though.#SUB#
Illir escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Kaburagi gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.
Illir avoiding any damage from the ground and pound. #SUB#
Illir is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Kaburagi defends well.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Kaburagi connects with a couple of short punches.
Kaburagi tries to free his leg and advance position but Illir is retaining full guard. #T1#
Kaburagi content to strike from guard, landing some decent shots.
Illir will have to put a bit more behind his punches if he's going to do any damage from this position.
Illir tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Kaburagi wants to control from the top but Illir keeps moving.
Kaburagi stopping the sweep attempt from Illir.#SUB#
Illir escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Kaburagi gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.
Illir looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Illir is trying to control the position from the bottom.
Kaburagi throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Illir works some decent striking defense from the bottom. #T2#
The crowd are showing their displeasure at the lack of action as loud boos ring out around the arena.#SUB#
Illir working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Kaburagi doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Kaburagi manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.
Kaburagi preventing the sweep.
Illir is working hard here to advance position.#REF3#
The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.
Kaburagi throws a body punch but Illir moves out of range. #TD2#
Kaburagi feints and then dives in with a takedown. That was a long way out but the feint bought him enough time to close the distance and complete the takedown. Now we'll play guard for a bit and see who can get the better of that position.#SUB#
Illir isolates an arm and boxes in a triangle. Kaburagi stacks Illir 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 Kaburagi!
Check out the look on Kaburagi's face as he threw that strike - that's one determined fighter!
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Illir is positioning himself to get back to half guard.
Kaburagi is looking to take a break and control but Illir is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom. #T3#
Illir struggling a bit here.#SUB2#
Kaburagi wants to work for a kimura but he's foiled early by Illir, who protects the arm well.
Kaburagi connects with a decent looking elbow from side control that caused Illir some visible discomfort.
Illir manages to get back to half guard.
Illir wants to improve his position but Kaburagi is controlling well.
Illir is trying to control but can't. #T4#
There's not a lot going on here and the crowd are letting the fighters know they're not willing to tolerate a lack of action.
Illir wants to sweep but Kaburagi has passed to side control!
Kaburagi trying to control the position but Illir is working away.
Illir can't do much from the bottom here.
Illir tries to improve position but can't. #SUB2#
Kaburagi is trying to get an arm triangle but Illir is defending well.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Illir tries to improve position but can't.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Akira Kaburagi dominated that round.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!#R2#
Illir shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Kaburagi pinned against the cage. Kaburagi gets the underhooks and manages to circle away. #TD2#
Kaburagi looking to score a takedown here. Illir is defending well but Kaburagi drives through and ends up in Illir's guard.
Kaburagi pushing down on Illir's thigh, trying to pass to half guard. He's managed it... Nice work.
Illir slips a foot under and gets full guard. Nice work.#SUB#
Illir has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Kaburagi can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Illir tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Kaburagi with a nice head shot there.#T1#
Kaburagi looking to pass the guard.
Illir controls Kaburagi momentarily but Kaburagi frees himself.
Illir tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Kaburagi trying to control but Illir is working from the bottom.
Illir is working an open guard here, looking to improve his position. No doubt that will leave him open to counters but at least he's being more offensive.
Kaburagi throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Illir works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Kaburagi preventing the sweep. #SUB#
Illir is looking for a triangle but Kaburagi pushes his legs off easily.
Kaburagi is working the ground and pound from guard. He might want to try advancing position though to get more of an impact. #T2#
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.
Kaburagi looking to pass the guard.
Illir looking to hit a scissor sweep but Kaburagi is one step ahead there.
Illir preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage. #REF3#
The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.
Illir darts in looking for a takedown but Kaburagi gets double underhooks and turns Illir into the cage.
Illir is trying to maintain a safe position but Kaburagi gets an underhook and turns Illir into the cage.#TD2#
Illir is fighting off a takedown attempt but Kaburagi is just too persistent for him and manages to trip Illir to the mat. Illir regains guard as soon as the fighters hit the mat.
Illir looking to control.
Illir throws some sloppy strikes off his back.
Illir looking to hit a scissor sweep but Kaburagi is one step ahead there. #T3#
Illir manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Kaburagi manages to get himself to full guard. #REVR#
Kaburagi is trying to control the position but Illir postures up.
Illir trying to control but Kaburagi is working from the bottom.
Illir stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Kaburagi swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Kaburagi lands a beautiful sweep and he's now moved into his opponent's guard.#REVB##SUB#
Illir looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar. #T4#
Illir working a defensive guard here.
Illir is pulling down on Kaburagi's head to control his posture. #SUB#
Illir escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Kaburagi gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.
Kaburagi has been the more effective fighter overall so far.#SUB#
Illir is looking for a triangle here but Kaburagi uses the submission attempt to pass into side control.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Kaburagi is looking to take a break and control but Illir is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Akira Kaburagi showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action. This is the final round!#R3#
Illir throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Kaburagi's waist but Kaburagi gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Illir off to one side.
Kaburagi tries to clinch there but Illir circles away.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Illir.#TD2#
Kaburagi looking to shoot here. He's gone for it and he's landed a takedown into side control! Oh, that's bad for Illir!
Illir tries to work a leg under to get back to half guard but Kaburagi wriggles his own leg back out and remains in side control.
Illir is not content to let Kaburagi control the position.
Illir tries to improve position but can't.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Akira Kaburagi has got the better of the ground game so far.
Illir struggling a bit here.#T1#
Illir is looking to regain half guard here but Kaburagi keeps moving and retains side control.
Kaburagi is looking to take a break and control but Illir is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Illir tries to get back to half guard but can't.
Illir is trying to get back to half guard. He's pushing on Kaburagi's leg. He's managed it. Nice work.
Illir gets full guard.
Illir looking to control the pace of the fight rather than finish it. #T2#
My god... these two guys really need to pick up the pace or everyone will leave to go get a beer.
Illir working a defensive guard here.
Kaburagi keeps in close for a moment and lands a decent shot to the side of Illir's head.
Illir working a defensive guard but Kaburagi manages to pass into side control anyway.
Illir is looking to regain half guard here but Kaburagi keeps moving and retains side control. #T3#
Illir regains half guard.#SUB2#
Kaburagi is working for a kimura but Illir is defending it quite comfortably.
Illir has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Kaburagi is working away from the top position though.#SUB2#
Kaburagi is trying for a guillotine from the top but the pressure isn't in the right place so Illir is just riding it out for now. Kaburagi eventually gives up the hold. #SUB#
Illir looking for submissions off his back.#T4#
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.
Kaburagi looking to pass the half guard. Not this time.
Kaburagi wants to take a breather but Illir is having none of it.
Illir wants to control but Kaburagi is keeping busy and won't allow it.
Illir regains full guard. Nicely done.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Illir thows some rabbit punches from the bottom but they don't do any damage.
Akira Kaburagi is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
Kaburagi stays in close to Illir's body and controls the position. #REF3#
The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Mehdi Illir has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Illir fails with a takedown attempt.

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

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Andrew Berry scores the fight 27:30
Judge James Glass scores the fight 27:30
Judge Colin Fotheringham scores the fight 27:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Akira Kaburagi!
After the fight, Akira Kaburagi was humble in paying tribute to his opponent but made it clear he wants to go on to bigger and better things. It seemed to go down well with the crowd who cheered him loudly.

Event: TOF 61
Date: Dec 16, 2023

#R1#
Illir fails with the takedown
and Wolf counters with a lovely shot to the body.#TD#
Illir looks for a takedown. He's got it. We're now in half guard.#SUB2#
Wolf is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Illir pulls his head out easily.
Illir trying to control from half guard but Wolf is working away. #SUB2#
Wolf actively working from the bottom here.#SUB#
Illir seems to be working for a kimura but Wolf defends the submission attempt.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Illir tries to pass the half guard into mount. Wolf knows what he's doing though and prevents the attempt.
Illir controlling the pace.
Illir is looking to take a break and control but Wolf is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom. #T1##SUB#
Illir is trying a forearm choke… I don't think that's going to do much at this level of the game.
Wolf is trying to control but Illir manages to pass to mount!
Illir scoring with strikes but Wolf is staying in there.
Wolf gets back to half guard.
Illir trying to control the action but Wolf is working from the bottom. #SUB#
Illir is looking for an arm triangle, whilst trying to pass to side control. Wolf doesn't seem that keen to cooperate though. No luck this time Illir.
Illir throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man. #T2#
Wolf is looking to improve his position. #SUB2#
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Wolf is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Illir pulls his head out easily. #SUB#
Illir is looking for a kimura. It's going to be difficult to finish that from half guard though and Wolf defends it well.
Illir slows the pace down in half guard. #SUB#
Illir 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.
The fighters are battling for position here. Wolf manages to regain full guard. Nice work. #T3#
Illir keeps in close for a moment and lands a decent shot to the side of Wolf's head.
Illir trying to control the position from guard on top but Wolf is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can. #SUB2#
Wolf looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.
Wolf is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
A real slowdown in the pace of the fight for a moment, as Wolf holds on and takes a little breather.
Illir working some strikes from top position.#T4#
Neither fighter has done anything of merit for a good minute or two here and the crowd are not happy about it.
Illir working in close now, lands a nice elbow to the side of Wolf's head.
Illir advances position into side control!#SUB#
Illir tries for a kimura. Not really close to a finish though.
A bit of a lull in the action. I'm sure it will pick up again soon... even if the ref has to physically pick them up and put them back on their feet.
Wolf sneaks back into half guard.
Wolf trying to hold on to Illir's head to control him but Illir postures up.
We've been hearing good reports from Illir's training camp. Apparently he has been rolling around with some good quality BJJ practitioners and has been sharpening his skills. Let's see if that has an impact on the fight today.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Wolf trying to control here but he's found himself mounted! Oh no!
Illir scoring with some good ground and pound from mount here. Will he manage to finish Wolf? #T5#
Wolf tries to hold on but Illir pushes him away.
Illir in mount throwing good strikes here, bouncing his opponent's head off the canvas.
Illir lands a heavy elbow.
Illir postures up and cracks his opponent a couple of times before moving back into close ground control. Wolf looks a forlorn figure. #SUB#
Illir is working on an americana here. Ooh, that looks pretty nasty! Nope, Wolf has managed to escape the submission attempt.
Wolf tries to hold on but Illir postures up.
Wolf might have to switch it up a bit here because his efforts to control Illir haven't been going to plan, at least at the current moment in time.
Wolf sneaks a leg under to get to half guard.
Wolf is looking to improve his position.
Wolf trying to control here but he's found himself mounted! Oh no! #T6#
Illir trying to control but Wolf is having none of it.
Wolf wants to hold on but Illir pushes him away.
Wolf is working to get back to half guard.
Wolf tries to hold on but Illir postures up.#T7#
Illir controlling the pace for now.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Wolf is in all sorts of trouble here.
Illir is still in mount, landing shots to his trapped opponent. Wolf can't stay in a position like this for much longer.
Wolf is squirming around, avoiding Illir's attempts to control the action. #SUB#
Illir working for a guillotine from mount but Wolf is in no mood to give up.
Illir in mount throwing good strikes here, bouncing his opponent's head off the canvas.
Illir controlling his opponent.
Illir lands a nice shot to the head.
Illir controlling from the full mount. #SUB#
Illir is looking to secure an arm. He's managed it! He's pivoting for an armbar - that looks tight! But Wolf has managed to get out of it and now he's in a dominant position. Nice work from Wolf! #T8#
Illir wants to sweep but no luck.
Illir keeping full guard, as Wolf tries to pass. #SUB#
Illir has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Wolf can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.
Wolf seems content to control from guard here. He's going to have to remain active though if he doesn't want to get stood back up.
Illir is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move. #REVR#
This has been an exciting period of action!
Illir is nestled in close to Wolf, controlling him well. He's worked in a nice elbow to the side of the head as well, for good measure.
Wolf gets full guard.#T9#
Wolf looking to control.
Illir working some strikes from top position.
Illir slows down the pace of the fight, as he sits in guard. #SUB2#
Wolf has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Illir can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself. #SUB2#
Wolf looking for submissions from the bottom but instead Illir passes into half guard.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
The referee calls for the fighters to work.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Mehdi Illir dominated that round.
That's time! Illir's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.#R2#
Illir changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Wolf tries to avoid it but Illir manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Wolf to the ground. Wolf escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Wolf connects with a body shot.
Illir shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Wolf but Wolf pushes him off and we're back to square one.
Illir shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Wolf defends it nicely.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Mehdi Illir. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Illir looks for a takedown but Wolf sprawls well.
Wolf defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Illir.
Wolf lands a jab to Illir's midsection.
Illir shoots in but no luck this time.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Illir shoots in but doesn't get the takedown
and Wolf counters with a stiff right hand.
Illir is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Wolf can do to turn this around?
Wolf missing with a left hand there. Illir was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Illir fails with a takedown attempt. #T1#
Wolf stuffs the takedown.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Wolf cracks Illir with a good shot that sees him stumbling back into the cage.
Wolf connects with a body shot that sends Illir's belly button to the back.
Illir shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Wolf but Wolf pushes him off and we're back to square one.
Wolf feints the counter takedown.
Illir fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Wolf avoids it really well and circles away.
Wolf drops down looking to force a counter takedown but Illir defends it well.
Illir shoots in for a takedown but Wolf shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Wolf throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Illir sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Illir takes a really solid shot there but just smiles back and shrugs his shoulders.
Wolf has been working on his striking defense in training and it's paying off as Illir is landing a low percentage of strikes.
Illir slips a straight right by Wolf.
Wolf digs a good hook to Illir's body.
Wolf wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.
Illir walks straight into an uppercut. Luckily it didn't land flush.
Illir misses with a takedown attempt - Wolf sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.#T2#
Wolf leaves Illir with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
Wolf throws a solid leg kick but Illir takes the impact on his shin and smiles at Wolf.
Illir appears to be looking for a counter punch to the body.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Illir shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Wolf defends it nicely.
Illir shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Wolf defends it nicely.
Wolf throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Illir sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Illir shoots in but no luck this time.
Illir shoots in looking for a takedown. Wolf tries to sprawl out of it but Illir keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Wolf manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Wolf keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.#T3#
Illir takes an uppercut right on the button but keeps his composure.
Illir shoots in looking for a takedown. Wolf tries to sprawl out of it but Illir keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Wolf manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Wolf looking to throw a kick but he's pulled out of it.
Illir with a lazy takedown attempt
enabling Wolf to counter with a crisp jab.
Illir slips under a jab.
Illir misses with a takedown attempt
and Wolf counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Decent striking displayed by Wolf there.
Some wild striking there from Wolf.
A shot to the liver by Wolf. Beautiful body shot.
Illir shoots in looking for a takedown but Wolf manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Illir's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
Wolf lets it all go there with a big combo counter but none of the punches connected.
Wolf misses with a hook.#T4#
Illir ducks under a wild hook from Wolf.
Illir staying out of range there.
Illir appears to be looking for a counter takedown.
Illir shoots in for a double leg but Wolf sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
Illir shoots in for a double leg but Wolf sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
Wolf swings and misses with a hook to the body.
The fans in attendance giving it up for the two fighters, who have really let it all hang out in the last minute or so!
Wolf throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
A big right from Wolf misses.
Wolf fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Illir manages to avoid it.
Wolf throws a lazy right hand but Illir sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Wolf lands with a cross to side of his opponent's head.
Nice takedown defense from Wolf. No joy for Illir on that attempt.
Wolf appears to be waiting to throw a counter punch to the body.
Jero Wolf seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Illir ducks under a wild hook from Wolf.#CL2#
Wolf gets a clinch.
Wolf lands a right hand.
Wolf lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Illir backwards.
Wolf lands with a right to the head. #T5#
A nice right hand lands inside from Wolf.
Wolf throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Illirs head.
A short left from Wolf.
Wolf lands a shot to the body.
Illir tries to pull guard but Wolf forces him back to his feet, against the cage.
Wolf scores with a hook to the body.
Wolf lands on the inside with an uppercut.
Wolf lands with a short punch from the clinch.
Illir jumps guard but his hands slip and he falls flat on his back. Well, he's made himself look a right mug there, as Wolf walks away with a smile on his face. Illir gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head.
A lazy left from Wolf finds it's target.
Illir shoots in and drives through. Wolf sprawls well.
Wolf slips in close and lands a nice hook before moving back out of range.
Illir with a lazy takedown attempt
enabling Wolf to counter with a crisp jab.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Wolf throws a body punch but Illir moves out of range.
Wolf slaps away a takedown attempt from Illir, before circling back to the center of the mat.#T6##TD2#
Wolf gets a double leg takedown into Illir's guard.
Wolf trying to control the position from guard on top but Illir is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Wolf lands a nice shot whilst sitting in his opponent's guard.#SUB#
Illir throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.
Wolf looking to control the position here, rather than advance.
Illir looking to hit a scissor sweep but Wolf is one step ahead there. #T7#
Wolf scoring with punches to the head and body.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Illir is on top in guard. #REVR##SUB2#
Wolf has his foot on Illir's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Illir works his way back into a safe position though.#SUB2#
Wolf is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Illir is aware though and is defending well.
Wolf is controlling Illir's posture.
Illir trying to control but Wolf is working from the bottom.
Illir pushes down on Wolf's leg and manages to get into half guard.
Illir is keeping good posture, landing some ground and pound. #T8#
Illir is trying to control. Wolf wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.
Illir is really struggling to control Wolf but he's trying to hold on to the position.
Mehdi Illir overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Wolf is trying to control but can't. #SUB2#
Wolf actively working from the bottom here.
Wolf trying to control here.
Illir trying to control the action but Wolf is working from the bottom.
Illir trying to pass the guard but Wolf defending well.
Wolf tries to roll over but Illir keeps him under control.#T9##SUB#
Illir 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.
Illir is figuring out what he wants to do next.
Wolf tries to get to full guard but Illir has control of the leg. #SUB#
Illir is looking for a kimura. It's going to be difficult to finish that from half guard though and Wolf defends it well. #SUB2#
Wolf looking for submissions off his back.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Jero Wolf showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
That's time! Illir's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight. This is the final round!#R3#
Illir keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Illir looks for a takedown but Wolf sprawls well.
Illir with a lazy takedown attempt
and Wolf counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Illir shoots in but Wolf avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Wolf feints the counter takedown.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Mehdi Illir. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Wolf misses with a straight right.
Illir attempts a counter takedown but Wolf avoids it well and moves away.
Wolf with a hook.#TD#
Illir drives through with a takedown into Wolf's guard. Let's see what he can do from the top position.
Wolf is trying to control the position from the bottom.
Illir sitting in guard, not really doing much.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.#SUB2#
Wolf is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Illir defends well.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.#T1#
Illir postures up and lands some nice ground and pound.
Illir trying to control the position from guard on top but Wolf is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Wolf looking for a sweep. Not yet Wolf, not yet.
Illir pushes down on Wolf's leg and manages to get into half guard.
Illir not doing much here.
Wolf keeping control of the leg, stopping his opponent passing to mount.
Wolf wants to improve his position but Illir is controlling well. #T2#
Neither fighter has done anything of merit for a good minute or two here and the crowd are not happy about it.
Illir is figuring out what he wants to do next.
Illir thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
Wolf on the receiving end of some nice ground and pound.
Illir wants to pass to mount but Wolf is defending the position.
Wolf is looking for a sweep. Illir is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Illir not landing any meaningful shots this time. #SUB2#
Wolf looking for submissions off his back.
Wolf is trying to get back to full guard.#T3#
Illir works his way into full mount!
Illir lands a big shot there that rocks Wolf but he's holding on and managing to survive for now. #SUB#
Illir with some aggressive grappling here. He's looking for submissions here, rather than waiting for the opportunity to counter.
Wolf is writhing around trying to get back to his feet. #T4#
Wolf tries to reverse the position but Illir maintains control.
Illir looking to control but Wolf is working nicely, looking to advance position himself.
Illir is still in mount, landing shots to his trapped opponent. Wolf can't stay in a position like this for much longer.
A nice elbow there by Illir.
Wolf tries to hold on but Illir pushes him away.
Wolf regains half guard.
Illir landing with strikes to the body and head, softening up his opponent.
Illir frees up his trapped foot and advances to mount.
Wolf regains half guard.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Illir trying to control from half guard but Wolf is working away. #T5#
Wolf is trying to control but can't.
Illir tries to pass the half guard into mount. Wolf knows what he's doing though and prevents the attempt.
Wolf is trying to get back to full guard.
Illir is looking to take a break and control but Wolf is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Illir is just sitting in half guard, waiting for something to happen.
Illir trying to control the action but Wolf is working from the bottom. #T6#
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.
Wolf has hold of Illir's hands but Illir slips his arm to the side and lands an elbow.
Wolf is staying active underneath Illir, who seems content to just control the action from this position.
Wolf is looking for a sweep. Illir is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Illir wants to free his trapped foot but Wolf is holding on for dear life with his legs. #SUB#
Illir is working for submissions here but there's nothing on. #SUB#
Wolf is trying to control Illir's posture. Illir takes advantage of the lull and advances to side control. He also appears to have an arm triangle here! Uh oh, big trouble for Wolf! Illir is rotating here... this could be the end... Wolf is out! Illir has ended this one emphatically! Great submission!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 7:59 of round 3, we have a winner by way of Submission (Arm Triangle). Mehdi Illir!
During a confident post fight interview, Mehdi Illir thanked all his fans. He seemed very genuine when describing how motivated his fans keep him.

Event: Bounty Tournament 3
Date: Jul 16, 2023

#R1#
Illir shoots in looking for a takedown. Little tries to sprawl out of it but Illir keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Little manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Little misses with a head kick.
And Illir tries to counter it with a takedown but Little pushes his down on his head and steps out.#TD2#
Illir gets a takedown into half guard.
Illir is pressing down on Little's thigh, looking to free his foot. Little is holding on for now. #SUB2#
Illir is working for a kimura but Little is defending it quite comfortably.
Little has his hands clasped together around Illir's back. He's all about the action.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Illir looks to land a strike but Little avoids it nicely and regains full guard.#T1#
Illir stops Little from standing up.
Illir tries to free his leg and advance position but Little is retaining full guard.
Little wants to get back to his feet but Illir is in a dominant position and won't allow it.
Little working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Illir.
Illir sitting in guard here, content to control.
Illir missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Illir stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Little swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Illir throwing strikes from guard but Little blocks nicely.
Illir throwing strikes from guard but Little blocks nicely. #T2#
Well. There's a bit of a lull in the action here and the crowd are starting to get restless.
Little wants to stand but Illir is controlling the position. #REF3#
The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.
A nice leg kick from Little, right into the meat of the thigh.
Little scores with a jab. Illir acknowledges it with a nod of the head. #TD2#
Illir shoots in with a lovely double leg takedown. Little manages to land in full guard to minimise the damage.
Illir's corner is telling him to maintain position.
Little wants to stand up but Illir is controlling him.
Little can't keep his opponent in guard - Illir advances to half guard, no doubt looking to mount.
Little keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound. #T3##SUB2#
Illir is trying a forearm choke… I don't think that's going to do much at this level of the game.
Illir wants to free his trapped foot but Little is holding on for dear life with his legs. #SUB2#
Illir is working for submissions here but there's nothing on.
Illir 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.
Illir is taking a breather. Little says something to him but it's hard to make out. Perhaps he's telling him to get on with it and actually do something.
Illir throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man. #T4##SUB2#
Illir is looking for a kimura but he's never going to get it from there.
Illir throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.
Illir seems to be taking a bit of a break to think of his next move. He lands a short punch in the meantime.
Illir is taking a breather. Little says something to him but it's hard to make out. Perhaps he's telling him to get on with it and actually do something.
Illir working over Little with some ground and pound. Little looks like he wants out of this position, which is understandable.#SUB2#
Illir is looking for a kimura here.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.#SUB2#
Illir is trying to work for a kimura but Little is defending well.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Mehdi Illir dominated that round.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!#R2#
Little misses with a straight left. #TD2#
Illir darts in and lands a nice takedown into half guard.
Little blocking the ground and pound attempt from Illir.
Mehdi Illir has got the better of the ground game so far.
Little keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Illir missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.
Little is looking to escape.
Illir keeping composed on the top, looking to control the action.
Illir is pressing down on Little's thigh, looking to free his foot. Little is holding on for now.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Illir thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
Illir wants to advance to full mount but Little doesn't think that's going to happen and regains full guard instead.
Little being controlled here, momentarily. #T1#
Illir landing some decent shots from guard.
Illir passes easily into side control. Nice work.#SUB2#
Illir is trying to get an arm triangle but Little is defending well.
Little wants to get back to his feet.
Little defending against the ground and pound. #T2#
Illir throwing shots but missing, from side control.
A bit of a lull in the action. I'm sure it will pick up again soon... even if the ref has to physically pick them up and put them back on their feet.
Illir is continuing to stall.#SUB2#
Illir is in a dominant position here, looking for a kimura. Little looks calm but he's in trouble here. Illir gets his leg over his opponent's head and yanks on the arm. Little is tapping like a morse code operator on the titanic! SOS! SOS! Illir lets go of the hold and Little can pop his arm back in it's socket.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:41 of round 2, we have a winner by way of Submission (Kimura). Mehdi Illir!
A victorious Mehdi Illir thanked his army of followers in his post fight interview, telling people to make sure they follow him on Twitter.

Event: HFC 88: Ilmarinen vs Holly
Date: Jun 24, 2023

#R1#
Illir circles away from the clinch attempt.
Illir looks shocked there as he takes a right hand to the temple.
Decent striking displayed by Armando there.
Armando keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.#TD2#
Illir throws a loose over hand right and dives in with a double leg takedown. Armando tries to sprawl but it's too late and the fighters hit the mat. Illir is in Armando's guard.
Armando can't keep his opponent in guard - Illir advances to half guard, no doubt looking to mount.
Illir controlling the action here.#SUB2#
Illir is working for an americana but Armando has been sneaky and has managed to get back to half guard, whilst Illir was thinking about the submission.
Illir is intent on slowing down the pace of the fight, simply looking to control.#T1#
Armando can't keep his opponent in guard - Illir advances to half guard, no doubt looking to mount.
Illir perhaps working for something from half guard, or maybe not. It looks like he's just sitting there.
Armando is trying to get back to full guard.
Illir is just content to waste time from the top position. Armando takes advantage of the situation and regains full guard.
Illir postures up.
Armando wants to stand but Illir is controlling the position.
Illir tries to free his leg and advance position but Armando is retaining full guard.
Illir trying to pass the guard. He's being very persistent here but Armando manages to land a sweep and now he's on top! #REVR##SUB2#
Illir is active off his back here, looking for submissions. #T2#
Armando preventing the sweep.
Illir throws a couple of weedy looking strikes off his back.
Armando wants to stand but Illir is controlling his posture from full guard.
Illir managing to control the position.
Illir looking to hit a scissor sweep but Armando is one step ahead there.
Armando wants to stand and escape but instead Illir has hit a sweep and he's now on top in guard. #REVB#
Armando is trying to control the position from the bottom. #T3#
Illir content to stall in guard here. #SUB2#
Illir drops back for a leg! It's a sloppy attempt though and Illir jumps back into guard quickly, to retain the dominant position.
Illir cracks Armando with a solid left hand.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Illir controlling from the top position.
Illir trying to control but Armando is working from the bottom.
Illir slows down the pace of the fight for a moment. He'll need to remain active if he doesn't want to see the fight stood back up. #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.
Armando wants to sweep here but Illir controlling him for the moment.
Illir passes into half guard.
Armando is not content to let Illir control the position.
Armando keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Illir trying to mount his opponent but Armando defends it.
Illir is persisting with the attempt to improve his position.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Illir looks over to his corner - he wants some instructions but his corner are not responding.
Illir lands with an elbow from half guard - that looked like it hurt.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Mehdi Illir dominated that round.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!#R2#
Illir has his takedown stuffed
enabling Armando to counter with a crisp jab.
Illir gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily
and Armando counters with a nice uppercut.
Illir with a poor takedown
and Armando counters with a nice body shot.
Diego Armando has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Mehdi Illir.
Illir walks into a jab.
Illir tries for a takedown but Armando circles away easily
and Armando connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Illir misses with a takedown attempt
and Armando counters with a right hand to the body. #TD2#
Illir shoots in from a long way out. He's driving through with the takedown attempt and he eventually gets it, landing in Armando's guard.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Illir won't allow Armando to get back to his feet.
Illir passes Armando's right leg, so he's now in half guard.
Illir looking to pass the half guard. Not this time.
Armando is trying to stand up here but Illir is controlling him well. #T1#
Illir wants to take a breather but Armando is having none of it.
Illir with a momentary lay and pray from half guard.
Illir trying to control from half guard but Armando is working away. #SUB2#
Illir is looking for an arm triangle, whilst trying to pass to side control. Armando doesn't seem that keen to cooperate though. No luck this time Illir.
Neither fighter is being very active at the moment, with Illir in particular looking to stall.
Armando wants to improve his position but Illir is controlling well. #T2#
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.
Illir wants to pass the guard but Armando is defending well.
Illir trying to control the action but Armando is working from the bottom.
My spies in Pablo inform me that Illir has been getting involved in the gym's BJJ sparring sessions. Let's see whether that pays dividends!
Armando trying to control but Illir postures up.
Illir trying to control from half guard but Armando is working away.
The referee is asking the fighters to pick up the pace.
Illir missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.
Still in half guard, Illir seems content to control.
Armando pushes Illir off looking to stand but Illir dives back in and keeps control. #REF3#
The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.
Illir with a poor takedown
and Armando counters with a left to the body. #T3##TD2#
Illir looking to score a takedown here. Armando is defending well but Illir drives through and ends up in Armando's guard.
Illir postures up.
Illir not doing a lot at the moment. He'll have to show some more aggression or the fight will get stood up.
Illir wants to pass the guard but Armando is keeping the position.
Armando on his back here. We all know that wrestlers don't like being on their back so let's see if Armando tries to get out of the position.
Illir is fighting to break Armando's control of his arms but Armando is doing a good job of controlling the position at the moment.
Illir looking to pass the guard.
Illir wants to control from the top but Armando keeps moving.
Illir is taking a break and basically stalling. The referee will not allow him to do that for long. #T4#
Armando keeping full guard, as Illir tries to pass. #REF3#
The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up.#TD2#
Illir shoots in from a long way out. He's driving through with the takedown attempt and he eventually gets it, landing in Armando's guard.
Illir is standing up over Armando. Armando looks to escape but Illir dives into side control. #REVR##SUB2#
Illir is trying to get an arm triangle but Armando is defending well.
Illir wants to control but Armando is keeping him busy.
You can see the frustration on Armando's face, being in this tough position on the bottom.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Armando is looking to work his way out of this bad position but Illir is controlling him well.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

A close second round but Mehdi Illir will probably get the nod - 10:9.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin! This is the final round!#R3#
Armando lands a beauty of a right hand that gets the crowd cheering.
Illir fails with the takedown
and Armando counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.#TD2#
Illir looks for a takedown. He's got it. We're now in half guard.
Illir working over Armando with some ground and pound. Armando looks like he wants out of this position, which is understandable.
Illir not landing any meaningful shots this time.
Armando trying to control from the bottom.
Neither fighter is being very active at the moment, with Illir in particular looking to stall.
Armando is refusing to be controlled, as Illir sits in half guard.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Illir frees up his trapped foot and advances to mount.
Illir tries to control but Armando wriggling away. #T1#
Armando is in a horrible position here. Illir smacks him with another shot as he tries to escape the position.
Armando tries to get back to half guard but can't.
Illir scoring with strikes but Armando is staying in there. #SUB2#
Illir looking for an armbar but decides to keep the dominant position instead.
Armando is wriggling around trying to escape. #SUB2#
Illir with some aggressive grappling here. He's looking for submissions here, rather than waiting for the opportunity to counter.
Illir lands a couple of nice shots there from mount.
Illir wants to control the pace but Armando is squirming around nicely. #T2##SUB2#
Illir has control of Armando's right arm, working for a kimura. It's a bit of a token attempt though and Armando regains control of the situation pretty easily.
Armando tries to reverse the position but Illir maintains control.
The fans in attendance giving it up for the two fighters, who have really let it all hang out in the last minute or so!
A nice elbow there by Illir.
Illir takes a little breather and maintains the position. The referee will be looking for him to stay active from such a dominant position though.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.#T3#
Illir trying to control but Armando is having none of it.
Illir connects with a couple of good shots from mount.
Illir looking to control and managing it successfully.
Illir scoring with some good ground and pound from mount here. Will he manage to finish Armando?
Armando knows he needs to get back to his feet asap. He's simply no match for Illir on the ground.
Illir trying to control but he's not successful this time. #SUB2#
Illir is in full mount, looking to secure a guillotine but Armando is surviving well by controlling Illir's body position as best he can.
Armando wants to hold on but Illir pushes him away.#T4#
Armando is wriggling around trying to escape.
Illir trying to control but he's not successful this time.
Illir lands a couple of nice shots there from mount.
Illir raining down shots from the mount!
You get the feeling that Armando really doesn't like being in this position too much.
Illir content just to control the position here. #SUB2#
Illir jumps to the side looking to secure the arm triangle…. Ooooh, that looks tight… Armando is gargling but he's managed to escape! Nice work there by Armando and Illir has given up the dominant position trying to land that submission.
Mehdi Illir has got the better of the ground game so far.
Illir content to control the pace. The referee will try and keep them active though.

And that's the end of the fight!
Mehdi Illir comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I've got Illir winning every round here. Surely the decision will go his way and he'll pick up a well deserved decision victory. Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Alec Ball scores the fight 27:30
Judge Robert Douchet scores the fight 28:30
Judge Trevor Gratis scores the fight 27:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Mehdi Illir!
Our winner, Mehdi Illir, 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: ICE 10:
Date: Feb 18, 2023

#R1#
Backpack thuds a left hand into Illir's body.
We can't be sure of the tactics at this early stage but we have heard that Illir 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.
Backpack connects with a good right hand that stumbles Illir. Illir circles away out of range and recomposes himself.#TD2#
Illir shoots in for a takedown from distance. He catches Backpack napping and manages to drive through into side control!
Backpack is looking for a sweep.
Backpack can't do much from the bottom here.
Illir taking a breather here.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.#T1##SUB2#
Illir is working to tighten his grip on Backpack's neck. He's isolated an arm and is working for an arm triangle. Backpack has recognised the danger and is trying to turn with the submission but Illir is really squeezing tight and eventually Backpack passes out! Illir breaks the hold and jumps onto the cage to celebrate! Submission of the night, I'd say!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:30 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Arm Triangle). Mehdi Illir!
A very excited looking Mehdi Illir 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: ICE 5: UA KUDALAIA
Date: Jan 14, 2023

#R1#
Backpack looking to throw a kick but he's pulled out of it.#TD#
Backpack tries to sprawl but Illir drives through with a takedown into half guard.
Backpack is looking to improve his position.
Backpack keeps trying to improve his position.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Illir keeping composed on the top, looking to control the action.
Backpack is looking for a sweep. Illir is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Illir uses his free foot to push down on Backpack's thigh. Eventually he works his other foot free and he's advanced to mount - this is trouble for Backpack.
Illir controlling from the full mount.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Illir's ground tactics aren't going to win him many fans. Let's hope he's got fireworks for us if he gets back to his feet because he's not doing much on the ground.
Backpack squirming around on the bottom, looking to escape. #SUB#
Backpack defends a decent attempt at a guillotine from Illir. #T1#
Backpack is trying to escape the mount.
Illir tucks in and makes sure he doesn't lose the dominant position.
Backpack really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Illir. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.
Backpack is looking to get to half guard.
Illir tucks in and makes sure he doesn't lose the dominant position. #SUB#
Illir looking to secure an arm triangle but Backpack defends it well.
Illir controlling his opponent. #T2##SUB#
Illir is thinking about an arm triangle here, looking to tighten it up before moving to side control. Backpack can see it coming though and defends well with a couple of strikes to the head and some good arm positioning.
Illir forces the positional change into back control.
Backpack is in a world of trouble here. He's outmatched on the ground here and he'd better get Illir off his back sharpish unless he wants to be submitted.#SUB#
Backpack is staying cool under pressure, defending well against the rear naked choke attempt from his opponent. #SUB#
Illir sinks in the hooks and is looking for the choke. He's got it! Backpack taps out!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:59 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (RNC). Mehdi Illir!

Event: Quick Fight Championship
Date: Jun 18, 2022

#R1##CL2#
Nordin moves into the clinch.#TD2#
Nordin has Illir pressed up against the cage. He's trying to work for a single leg takedown. Nordin pulls back from the cage and twists to the side, sending Illir tumbling to the mat - Nordin dives into Illir's guard.
Illir trying to keep a closed guard but Nordin is proving a slippery customer.
Illir avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Nordin slips nicely into half guard.
Illir is looking for a sweep. Nordin is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Nordin looks to score some points with some ground and pound.
Illir on his back here. We all know that wrestlers don't like being on their back so let's see if Illir tries to get out of the position.
Nordin looks towards his corner to check for any instructions. The corner give him nothing to work with, so he cracks Illir with a short hammerfist. I guess that's as good as any advice he could get in this position.
Ground and pound from Nordin .
Illir is concentrating on defense, preventing Nordin from advancing position.
The two fighters exchange a few words. I couldn't hear what they were saying but maybe it's more fun if you make it up yourself. Nordin connects with a nice short shot to Illir's temple.
Nordin moves into full mount! Illir won't be happy about that!
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Nordin dominating with strikes here.
Nordin lands a big shot there that rocks Illir but he's holding on and managing to survive for now.
Illir wants to hold on but Nordin pushes him away.#T1#
Illir is looking to improve his position but Nordin isn't that keen on the idea.
Nordin in mount throwing good strikes here, bouncing his opponent's head off the canvas.
Illir really trying hard to get back to half guard here.
Nordin pausing momentarily but resumes with a couple of decent strikes that do a bit of damage.
Nordin lands a big shot there that rocks Illir but he's holding on and managing to survive for now. #ROC2#Illir is rocked!
Nordin loads up with a big shot that hurts Illir! He's pulled Nordin in close but Nordin has postured up and lands more strikes. Can Illir survive? More strikes from Nordin and Illir is out! The ref jumps in to save him! Brutal ground and pound!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:42 of round 1, we have a winner by way of KO (Strikes). Franz Nordin !

Home

What is MMA Tycoon?

Forgot Details

MMA Affiliate Program