Play by Play - Fighter's Fight Commentary

Event: OFK 396 - Johnson Vs Dudeson
Date: Apr 21, 2024

#R1#
Nice straight punches there by Gomes. You know Roy Jones Jr respects the hands of Gomes.
Rusev dodges the punch combination from Gomes.
Nice body punch from Gomes. #TD#
Rusev scores with a takedown into Gomes's guard.#SUB2#
Gomes working for a triangle but Rusev defends it easily. #SUB2#
Gomes is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Rusev defends well.#SUB2#
Gomes looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.#SUB2#
Gomes escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Rusev gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.
Rusev tries to free his leg and advance position but Gomes is retaining full guard. #SUB2#
Gomes escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Rusev gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.
Rusev might be looking to lock onto one of his opponent's long limbs for a submission, whilst we're on the ground.
Rusev postures up and scores with a shot to the body and a follow up elbow to the head.#T1#
Rusev trying to control the position from guard on top but Gomes is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Rusev is working Gomes over from the guard. He should look to pass the guard and do a little more damage with these strikes.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Rusev trying to control but Gomes is working from the bottom.
Rusev is working Gomes over from the guard. He should look to pass the guard and do a little more damage with these strikes.
Rusev works over Gomes with some ground and pound from guard.#SUB2#
Gomes is looking for a triangle but Rusev pushes his legs off easily.
Rusev keeps in close for a moment and lands a decent shot to the side of Gomes's head.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.#SUB2#
Gomes is looking for a triangle but Rusev pushes his legs off easily.
Rusev passes Gomes's right leg, so he's now in half guard.
Gomes wants to improve his position but Rusev is controlling well. #SUB#
Rusev is looking for a kimura. It's going to be difficult to finish that from half guard though and Gomes defends it well.
Gomes works his way to full guard. Good work.#T2#
Rusev with a couple of shots to the head there. Not particularly brutal.
Rusev working some strikes from top position.
Rusev landing some decent shots from guard. #ROC#Gomes is rocked!#SUB2#
Gomes has an omoplata and is looking to use it perhaps as a submission or perhaps to transition. Rusev is in a bit of discomfort here, but he's managed to free himself and has dived into side control! That didn't work out too well for Gomes.
Gomes is still in real trouble! Can Rusev finish him?
Rusev has knee on belly and moves into mount.
A big strike lands for Rusev! That's really hurt Gomes and he's turned his back - Rusev keeps firing away and the ref dives in to stop the fight! Rusev jumps to his feet to celebrate the victory!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:39 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Alexander Rusev!

Event: Quick Fight Championship
Date: Mar 31, 2024

#R1##CL#
Spence takes the fight into the clinch.
Spence lands with a left to the head.
Rusev tries to pull guard but can't drag his opponent to the mat. Spence just stands there and leans against the cage.
Rusev jumps guard but his hands slip and he falls flat on his back. Well, he's made himself look a right mug there, as Spence walks away with a smile on his face. Rusev gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head.
Rusev swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
A jab from Spence finds it's way through Rusev's defenses.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Rusev is defended easily by Spence .
Alan Spence has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Alexander Rusev.
Rusev fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Rusev shoots in for a takedown but Spence shows good takedown defense.
Spence slaps away a takedown attempt from Rusev, before circling back to the center of the mat.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Rusev on the wrong end of a nice hook.
Rusev goes for a double leg but Spence avoids the attempt and the two fighters end up clinched against the cage as Spence continues to drive forward.
Spence fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Rusev manages to avoid it.
Alexander Rusev seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.#CL#
Spence instigates a clinch.
Rusev is trying to pull guard but Spence turns him against the cage and we stay in the clinch.#T1#
Spence swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Spence manages to get underhooks and slows down the pace for a moment.
A left hand lands to the body for Spence .
Spence makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
Rusev's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
Rusev takes a shot to the head.
Spence gets underhooks to prevent Rusev's takedown attempt.
Rusev fails to pull guard.
Rusev fails to pull guard.
Rusev tries for a takedown. No joy.
Spence lands with a short shot to the head.
Rusev tries to break the clinch but Spence is controlling the position.
A short uppercut from Spence . #BC2#
Rusev breaks the clinch.
Spence scores with a sloppy right hand. Rusev should have avoided that one.
Rusev ducks right into an uppercut from Spence . #T2#
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Spence lands a leg kick and bounces back out of range.
Spence buckles his opponent's knee momentarily with a nice leg kick.
Spence connects with a hook to the side of his opponent's head.
Rusev has his takedown stuffed
and Spence cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Spence is moving around nicely and scores here with a single head shot.
Spence is using his reach advantage well here, landing the more effective single shots from range.#CL#
Rusev gets tackled into the cage by Spence . Spence maintains the clinch.
Spence controlling the action here for a moment.
Spence doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
A battle for position here, against the cage.
Rusev is trying to pull guard but being pressed up against the cage enables Spence to keep the fight standing.
Spence makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
Spence lands a hook that snaps the head of Rusev backwards.
Spence lands a body punch in the clinch.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Spence . #T3#
Spence scores with a nice hook to the head.
Rusev jumps guard but his hands slip and he falls flat on his back. Well, he's made himself look a right mug there, as Spence walks away with a smile on his face. Rusev gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head.
Rusev takes a thudding leg kick, right into the meat of the thigh.
Rusev on the wrong end of a decent looking cross there.
Spence lands an overhand right.
Rusev takes a thudding leg kick, right into the meat of the thigh.
Alan Spence is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
A cross from Spence lands.
Rusev tries for a takedown but Spence sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Spence connects with a right hand. Rusev shakes it off.
Spence throws a body shot but no joy.
Spence throws the kick towards the body but Rusev avoids it.
Rusev with the counter takedown but Spence avoids it easily.
Spence lands a leg kick. The shin dug right into the meat of the thigh.#CL#
Spence drives through and clinches with Rusev against the cage.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Spence misses with some punches.
Rusev fails to pull guard.
Spence lands a left hand that snaps the head of Rusev backwards.
Rusev tries to pull guard but Spence won't allow it.
Spence lands a body shot. #T4#
Rusev is working for takedown but Spence is calmly controlling the position for now.
Rusev tries for a takedown but Spence manages to get underhooks.
Spence lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Rusev backwards.
Spence tries a body shot but Rusev blocks it.
Spence works for underhooks and lands a body shot in the process.
Spence is using his height advantage well here, landing a good percentage of his punches.
Spence gets through Rusev's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
Rusev fails to pull the fight into his guard.
Spence is pushing Rusev up against the cage, for a bit of lean and pray action. Action being used the in the loosest possible sense of the word.
Spence is defending well against a takedown attempt.
Rusev is looking for a takedown.
Rusev tries for a takedown. No joy.
Spence lands with a right to the head.
Spence lands a left hand that snaps the head of Rusev backwards.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Rusev can't get the takedown.
Spence definitely looks more muscular than last time we saw him fight.
Rusev looks winded!
Spence works on Rusev's body with a couple of short punches.
Spence scores with a shoulder strike.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Alan Spence dominated that round.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.#R2#
Rusev with poor footwork there. He got himself in a bit of a tangle, enabling Spence to score with a decent uppercut.
Spence connects with a body shot that sends Rusev's belly button to the back.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Rusev.
Spence slaps away a takedown attempt from Rusev, before circling back to the center of the mat.
No luck for Rusev with that takedown attempt.
Alan Spence has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Alexander Rusev.
Rusev drops his hands momentarily and Spence takes advantage with a crisp shot to the head.
This fight brought to you by 5M nutrition - it's mmmmm tasty. Nice jab by Spence .
Rusev takes a body punch but keeps moving.
Rusev shoots in but doesn't get the takedown
and Spence counters with a straight right hand.
Rusev with a lazy takedown attempt
and Spence counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Spence stuffs the takedown.
Rusev shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Spence as he avoids it easily.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!#TD2#
Excellent takedown into side control there by Rusev.
Rusev is breathing heavily.
Rusev working away.#T1#
Spence stops Rusev from passing to mount.
Spence gets one leg under and gets the fight to half guard.
Rusev thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
Rusev working Spence over with strikes.
Rusev thows a huge punch but Spence dodges it nicely.
Rusev working the head and body with strikes.
Spence is trying to maintain the position but Rusev is very close to passing his half guard.#T2#
Rusev looks to land a strike but Spence avoids it nicely and regains full guard.
Rusev has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
Rusev won't allow Spence to sweep him here.
Rusev prevents Spence from getting back to his feet.
Rusev throws an elbow that misses. Spence uses the momentum to reverse the position. He's now in Rusev's guard. Nice move by Spence !#REVR#
Our spies down at at California Top Team inform us that Rusev has really been working on his submissions in the buildup to this fight. Will it pay off?
Spence content to stall in guard here.
Rusev wants to hit a sweep here but Spence passes into full mount! Oh no, disaster for Rusev there!
Spence will need to keep those long limbs tucked in whilst he's on the ground, to prevent any submissions.
Spence can't quite control the action as he would like just now, as Rusev is looking to escape. #T3#
Spence avoids the attempt from Rusev to control.
Spence looking to control and managing it successfully. #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.
Rusev tries to hold on but Spence postures up.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Spence controlling from mount.
Spence is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Rusev can do to turn this around?
Rusev working to try and regain half guard.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Alan Spence dominated that second round.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action! This is the final round!#R3#
Spence connects with a jab.
Rusev throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Spence 's waist but Spence gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Rusev off to one side.
A counter left hand to the body from Spence misses its target.
Spence connects with a good right hand that stumbles Rusev. Rusev circles away out of range and recomposes himself.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Rusev is defended easily by Spence .
Spence lifts his leg as if looking to counter with a high kick.
Spence looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.
Rusev shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Spence as he jumps to the side.
Alan Spence has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Alexander Rusev.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Rusev fails with the takedown.
It looked like Spence was trying to counter with a body shot coming off that last attack from Rusev.
Spence works his jab well there, keeping his opponent at a distance.
Spence lands a jab to the nose.
The fighters circle momentarily. Spence darts into range and connects with a nice straight punch.
Alexander Rusev is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.#T1#
Spence smiles there as he lands a nice right hand right on the button.
Good leg kick by Spence .
Spence scores with the left hand. Rusev knows he should have avoided that one.
Rusev with a poor takedown
enabling Spence to counter with a crisp jab.
Spence fakes a jab and then connects with a hook.
Horrible takedown attempt by Rusev or perhaps it was just good defense by Spence , which made it look bad.
Rusev shoots in looking for a takedown but Spence manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Rusev's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
Rusev takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Spence defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Rusev.
Rusev shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Spence sprawls well. Spence wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Rusev gets slowly back to his feet.
Spence jabs Rusev to the body, keeping him at a distance.#CL#
Spence moves into the clinch successfully.
Rusev changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Spence fights it off and pushes away nicely.
Rusev walks straight into an uppercut. Luckily it didn't land flush.#T2#
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Spence lands a nice leg kick that just misses Rusev's sensitive parts.
Spence slips in close and lands a nice hook before moving back out of range.
Spence lands a pitter patter jab to the forehead of his opponent.
Rusev shoots for a takedown but Spence saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
A counter left hand to the body from Spence misses its target.
Spence is looking to slow Rusev down with leg kicks.
Rusev fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
Spence smiles there as he lands a nice right hand right on the button.
Rusev shoots in for a takedown but Spence shows good takedown defense.
Spence pushes Rusev away with a front kick.
Alan Spence is winning the standup battle so far.
Rusev closes the distance and clinches up with Spence , looking for a takedown. Rusev pushes Spence against the cage but Spence circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Rusev fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
Nice body punch from Spence .
Alan Spence is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Rusev's leg has a nasty welt from taking a succession of leg kicks. That must be slowing him down.#T3#
Rusev walks into a straight right hand from Spence .
Spence darts in and out, connecting with a jab.
Spence works Rusev's body with a nice hook.
Rusev misses with a takedown
and Spence counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Rusev shoots in for a takedown but Spence shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Spence connects with an inside leg kick.
Rusev has a takedown stuffed.
Spence scores with a sloppy right hand. Rusev should have avoided that one.
Spence throws a right high kick that is partially blocked by Rusev.
Alexander Rusev has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Rusev looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Spence is fending him off so far but Rusev persists. Nope, Spence circles away and we're back to standing.
Spence lunges in with an uppercut that skims his opponent's chin.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Spence keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.#T4#
Rusev tries to close the distance and clinch up but Spence swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Spence scores with a hook to the body. Rusev takes a step back and tries to catch his breath.
A head kick from Spence lands but Rusev takes it in his stride.
Jab by Spence .#ROC#Rusev is rocked!
Rusev closes the distance and takes a jab right on the nose as he does so.
Rusev is still on wobbly legs! Can Spence finish him?
Spence leaves Rusev with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
Rusev takes a shot to the body in his stride.
Rusev seems to have recovered his senses.
Spence scores with a jab to the body.
Spence connects with a single shot there.
Spence moves into range and lands a nice body kick.
Rusev shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Spence defends it nicely.
Spence scores with a jab. Rusev acknowledges it with a nod of the head.

And that's the end of the fight!
Alan Spence showed his dominance in that final round.
Well Spence has outscored his opponent in every aspect of the fight today. Only a scarily incompetent judge or two will keep him from a well deserved win... Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Andrew Berry scores the fight 30:25
Judge Paul Tew scores the fight 30:25
Judge James Ackerman scores the fight 30:25

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

Event: Quick Fight Championship
Date: Mar 23, 2024

#R1##TD2#
Rusev looks for a takedown. He's got it. We're now in half guard.
Nurbolatov has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Rusev is working away from the top position though.
Rusev throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
Nurbolatov blocking the ground and pound attempt from Rusev.
Nurbolatov is staying active underneath Rusev, who seems content to just control the action from this position. #SUB2#
Rusev is looking for a kimura but Nurbolatov is holding onto that half guard position, so it's hard for Rusev to get the leverage.
Rusev looks towards his corner to check for any instructions. The corner give him nothing to work with, so he cracks Nurbolatov with a short hammerfist. I guess that's as good as any advice he could get in this position. #SUB2#
Rusev is trying to work for a kimura. This could be trouble! No, Nurbolatov has managed to free his arm - good work.
Nurbolatov wants to control but Rusev is keeping busy.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.#SUB#
Nurbolatov looking for submissions off his back.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Rusev is keeping good posture, landing some ground and pound. #T1#
Rusev is scoring with some nice ground and pound from the dominant position.
Rusev is trying to control the action in half guard but Nurbolatov is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.
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. Rusev connects with a nice short shot to Nurbolatov's temple.
Nurbolatov moves into full guard. #SUB#
Nurbolatov is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
Nurbolatov seems to have improved his submission grappling technique since last time we saw him. Let's see if he can pull off a submission.
Rusev slips nicely into half guard.#SUB2#
Rusev is looking for a kimura here.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
The fighters are going at a pretty good pace and they're both starting to sweat now.
Nurbolatov is trying to control but can't. #T2#
Rusev working over Nurbolatov with some ground and pound. Nurbolatov looks like he wants out of this position, which is understandable.
Nurbolatov is trying to control but can't.
Nurbolatov blocking the ground and pound attempt from Rusev.
Nurbolatov gets full guard.#SUB#
Rusev avoids a guillotine attempt easily.
Rusev wants to control from the top but Nurbolatov keeps moving. #SUB#
Nurbolatov throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.
Rusev with a couple of shots to the head there. Not particularly brutal.#T3#
Rusev lands a couple of decent looking shots.
Nurbolatov is trying to control the position but Rusev postures up. #SUB2#
Rusev drops back, looking for a kneebar! Nurbolatov looks panicked! The fighters roll across the mat, one looking to finish, one looking to escape. Nurbolatov looks to have wriggled free... Yes, he's got his leg free and he's dived into side control! Good work there from Nurbolatov! #REVR#
Nurbolatov tries to move into full mount but can't pass Rusev's legs.
Rusev manages to work his way to half guard, despite Nurbolatov's best efforts.
Rusev preventing any damage for now, controlling his opponent's head.
Nurbolatov wants to advance to full mount but Rusev doesn't think that's going to happen and regains full guard instead. #T4#
Rusev has a butterfly guard looking to sweep but Nurbolatov has passed into side control.
The referee asks Nurbolatov politely if he wouldn't mind getting on with it and actually doing something. Nurbolatov prefers to stall for the moment though.
Rusev struggling a bit here.
Nurbolatov trying to control the action but Rusev is working from the bottom.
Rusev felt the need to train up his defensive grappling in the buildup to the fight. Presumably he was expecting to be in a difficult position like this, so let's see if he can get out of it.
Rusev is trying to improve his position.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Rusev struggling a bit here.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Alexander Rusev dominated that round.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!#R2##TD2#
Rusev dives in and scores a takedown into Nurbolatov's guard.
Rusev working from the guard for now, landing some ground and pound.
Rusev trying to control the position from guard on top but Nurbolatov is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can. #SUB#
Nurbolatov isolates an arm and boxes in a triangle. Rusev stacks Nurbolatov 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 Rusev!
Rusev is chipping away with strikes.
Rusev working the ground and pound.
Check out the look on Rusev's face as he threw that strike - that's one determined fighter!
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Rusev landing a few strikes.
Rusev wants to take a breather but Nurbolatov manages to regain guard - a lesson learnt for Rusev. #SUB#
Nurbolatov escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Rusev gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance. #T1#
Rusev throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Rusev with a nice head shot there.
Rusev trying to control but Nurbolatov is working from the bottom.
Rusev keeps in close for a moment and lands a decent shot to the side of Nurbolatov's head.
Rusev postures up.
Rusev slips nicely into half guard.#SUB2#
Rusev is trying for a guillotine from the top but the pressure isn't in the right place so Nurbolatov is just riding it out for now. Rusev eventually gives up the hold.
Nurbolatov slips a foot under and gets full guard. Nice work.#T2##SUB#
Nurbolatov is looking for a triangle but Rusev pushes his legs off easily.
Nurbolatov controls Rusev momentarily but Rusev frees himself.
Rusev trying to control but Nurbolatov is working from the bottom.
Nurbolatov looking to control.
Rusev trying to control the position from guard on top but Nurbolatov is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can. #T3#
Hammerfist, elbow! yells Rusev's corner. There ya go! There ya go!
Rusev postures up and lands some nice ground and pound.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Rusev accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Rusev being controlled here momentarily. #SUB#
Nurbolatov is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
Rusev scoring with punches to the head and body.
Rusev lands a couple of elbows.
Rusev scoring with some ground and pound.
Nurbolatov controls Rusev momentarily but Rusev frees himself. #T4#
Rusev with a nice head shot there.
Rusev content to strike from guard, landing some decent shots.
Rusev has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Rusev with a nice head shot there.
Alexander Rusev has got the better of the ground game so far.
Nurbolatov has his hands on Rusev's head, controlling the position. #SUB#
Nurbolatov looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.
Nurbolatov looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Rusev wants to control from the top but Nurbolatov keeps moving.
Rusev is working the ground and pound from guard. He might want to try advancing position though to get more of an impact.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Alexander Rusev 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. The crowd applaud as we get ready to start the final round!#R3##TD2#
Rusev bobs and weaves into range and then changes levels and scores with a nice takedown into side control.
Nurbolatov is positioning himself to get back to half guard.
Nurbolatov takes an elbow right on the bridge of the nose and winces in pain.
Rusev laying and praying for a moment but Nurbolatov takes advantage and regains half guard.
Nurbolatov is trying to defend against the ground and pound but Rusev scores with a couple of nice shots.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Rusev wants to pass to mount but Nurbolatov is defending the position.
Nurbolatov is trying to control but can't.
Rusev looks to score some points with some ground and pound.#SUB#
Nurbolatov is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Rusev pulls his head out easily. #T1#
Nurbolatov moves his hips nicely and gets into full guard.
Nurbolatov keeping moving, preventing Rusev from controlling successfully.
Rusev working in close now, lands a nice elbow to the side of Nurbolatov's head.
Nurbolatov manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Rusev manages to get himself to full guard. #REVR#
Rusev keeping moving, preventing Nurbolatov from controlling successfully.
Rusev has his hands on Nurbolatov's head, controlling the position. #T2#
Rusev is trying to control the position from the bottom.
Nurbolatov trying to control the position from guard on top but Rusev is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Nurbolatov showing good wrestling skills to control the position.
Nurbolatov trying to control but Rusev is working from the bottom.
Rusev looking to control. #T3#
Connects with an elbow from the bottom, proving to the judges that he's still active off his back.
The referee must be thinking about standing these guys back up.
Rusev keeping moving, preventing Nurbolatov from controlling successfully. #REF3#
The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.#TD#
Nurbolatov changes levels and drives through with a really nice takedown into side control. Rusev looks really pissed at himself for not defending that better.
Nurbolatov advances to full mount.
Rusev is looking to improve his position but Nurbolatov isn't that keen on the idea.
Daniyar Nurbolatov has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Rusev tries to lock up and control but Nurbolatov gives him a forearm to the face and pushes him away.
Rusev gets back to half guard.
Rusev keeping hold of Nurbolatov's head, controlling as best he can.
Rusev missing with punches from the bottom.
Alexander Rusev is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.#T4#
Rusev works his way to full guard. Good work.
Rusev is pulling down on Nurbolatov's head to control his posture.
Nurbolatov throws a strike but Rusev rolls with it and manages to sweep. Now he's in guard on top. #REVB#
Rusev controlling from the top position.
Nurbolatov throws a couple of weedy looking strikes off his back.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Rusev landing with the ground and pound.

And that's the end of the fight!
I would just about give that final round to Alexander Rusev.
Well Rusev 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 Frank Antenori scores the fight 27:30
Judge Jack Bonds scores the fight 27:30
Judge Don Winkell scores the fight 27:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Alexander Rusev!

Event: RSE 44: Eye-Licker
Date: Jan 31, 2024

#R1#
Rusev shoots in but doesn't get the takedown
enabling Chabazian to counter with a crisp jab.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Rusev.
Rusev shoots in for a takedown but Chabazian shows good takedown defense.
Edmond Chabazian has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Alexander Rusev.
Rusev fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Chabazian shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Rusev defends it nicely.
Rusev fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Chabazian avoids it really well and circles away.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Rusev doesn't succeed with the takedown#TD#
and Chabazian counters with a takedown into side control.
Chabazian lands a knee to the body and follows it up with some ground and pound to the head. That will wear Rusev down. #T1#
Rusev is looking to reverse the position.
Chabazian in side control lands a nice looking series of punches and elbows.
Chabazian wants to control but Rusev is keeping him busy. #SUB#
Chabazian is trying to land an Americana. He has the arm isolated but Rusev is keeping cool and he's avoided the danger for now.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Rusev stops Chabazian from passing to mount.
Rusev is looking for a sweep.
Rusev managing to avoid any damage from the strikes thrown by Chabazian. #SUB#
Chabazian tries for a kimura. Not really close to a finish though. #SUB#
Chabazian swings around for an armbar but Rusev sees it coming a mile off and turns beautifully into Chabazian's guard.#T2#
Chabazian looking to hit a scissor sweep but Rusev is one step ahead there. #SUB#
Chabazian throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.
Chabazian keeping moving, preventing Rusev from controlling successfully.
Chabazian controls Rusev momentarily but Rusev frees himself.
Rusev preventing the sweep. #SUB#
Rusev avoids a guillotine attempt easily.
The fighters are going at a pretty good pace and they're both starting to sweat now.
Rusev won't allow Chabazian to sweep him here.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Rusev accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Rusev working in close now, lands a nice elbow to the side of Chabazian's head.#T3#
Chabazian controls Rusev momentarily but Rusev frees himself.
Rusev stopping the sweep attempt from Chabazian.
Rusev tries to free his leg and advance position but Chabazian is retaining full guard.
Rusev content to strike from guard, landing some decent shots.
Rusev pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Chabazian is keeping the position for now.
Rusev postures up.
Chabazian looking to sweep here. No luck so far. #SUB#
Chabazian has his foot on Rusev's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Rusev works his way back into a safe position though.
Hammerfist, elbow! yells Rusev's corner. There ya go! There ya go!
Rusev working in close now, lands a nice elbow to the side of Chabazian's head.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Rusev is working the ground and pound from guard. He might want to try advancing position though to get more of an impact. #SUB#
Chabazian looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.
Chabazian manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Rusev manages to get himself to full guard. #REVR##T4#
Chabazian with a couple of shots to the head there. Not particularly brutal.
Rusev wants to sweep but no luck.
Rusev is controlling Chabazian's posture.
Chabazian won't allow Rusev to sweep him here.
Chabazian stands up over Rusev, holding his feet. He dives back in and lands a decent shot to the head.
Chabazian will need to keep those long limbs tucked in whilst he's on the ground, to prevent any submissions.
Chabazian scores with a decent looking elbow strike.
Rusev trying to control the position.
Chabazian trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Rusev looking to hit a scissor sweep but Chabazian is one step ahead there.
Rusev is trying to control the position but Chabazian postures up.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Edmond Chabazian dominated that round.
That's time! Back to the action!#R2#
Chabazian slaps away a takedown attempt from Rusev, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Chabazian half commits to a counter takedown before pushing away, out of range.
Chabazian is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Rusev can do to turn this around?
A looping hook to the body misses from Chabazian. Rusev does a little dance to reset his feet.
Chabazian slaps away a takedown attempt from Rusev, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Rusev wants to clinch but Chabazian slips to the side#TD#
and Chabazian decides to take the opportunity to score a takedown. He's landed in Rusev's guard.
Chabazian trying to control the position from guard on top but Rusev is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can. #SUB2#
Rusev working for a triangle but Chabazian defends it easily.
Chabazian postures up and lands a big shot to Rusev's brow.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Chabazian trying to control but Rusev is working from the bottom.
Rusev tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Chabazian has to be careful here, sitting in the guard of a superior BJJ player.#T1#
Rusev can't keep his opponent in guard - Chabazian advances to half guard, no doubt looking to mount.
Chabazian takes advantage of the dominant position to land a couple of big hammer fists.
Chabazian looks to score some points with some ground and pound.
Rusev taking some punishment here, with Chabazian in his half guard.
Chabazian throwing shots but Rusev is blocking nicely. #SUB#
Chabazian is looking for a kimura here.
Chabazian scoring with strikes to the body and head. #SUB2#
Rusev looking for submissions off his back.
Rusev wants to improve his position but Chabazian is controlling well. #T2#
Rusev keeps trying to improve his position.
Chabazian wants to take a breather but Rusev is having none of it. #SUB#
Chabazian is working for a submission of some sort.
Chabazian throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.
Rusev is refusing to be controlled, as Chabazian sits in half guard. #SUB#
Chabazian is working for submissions here but there's nothing on.
Chabazian throwing shots but Rusev is blocking nicely.
Chabazian prevents Rusev from improving his position.#T3#
Rusev manages to get to full guard. #SUB#
Chabazian drops back looking for a heel hook - he quickly realises he's not going to get it but Rusev manages to dive on top of him before he can escape and now Chabazian has Rusev in his guard.#REVB#
Rusev is working Chabazian over from the guard. He should look to pass the guard and do a little more damage with these strikes.
Chabazian is trying to keep Rusev in close.
Rusev postures up and lands some nice ground and pound.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Chabazian is on top in guard. #REVR##SUB2#
Chabazian got a little sloppy there for a moment and Rusev has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Chabazian has managed to get both his arms back between Rusev's legs - danger averted.
Chabazian missing there with some ground and pound from the guard. #T4#
Chabazian advances to half guard. #SUB#
Chabazian seems to be looking for submissions.
Chabazian looks to score some points with some ground and pound.
Rusev is looking to improve his position.
Chabazian throwing shots but Rusev is blocking nicely.
Rusev is trying to control but can't.
Chabazian throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
Rusev is working for an escape here. He's hooked one of Chabazian's legs and he's managed to sneak out and take Chabazian's back!
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Chabazian tries to escape the position - he's now mounted. Is that better or worse? Hard to tell!
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Rusev lands a big elbow.
Rusev landing strikes from the mount.
Chabazian is in all sorts of trouble here.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Edmond Chabazian dominated that second round.
That's the end of the interval. I'm sure that seemed a lot quicker than a minute for our two fighters! Back to the action. This is the final round!#R3#
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Rusev.
Rusev shoots and misses #TD#
and Chabazian counters with a nice double leg into guard.
Rusev is trying to control the position from the bottom.
Chabazian trying to control the position from guard on top but Rusev is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Rusev pulls Chabazian in close to his closed guard and prevents Chabazian from doing any damage or advancing position.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Chabazian sneaks a leg through and gets to half guard. That was like a knife through butter how easily he passed Rusev's guard. #SUB#
Chabazian is trying to work for a kimura. This could be trouble! No, Rusev has managed to free his arm - good work. #T1##SUB#
Chabazian is looking for a kimura. It's pretty deep but Rusev still has the half guard so he's probably OK. Oh, Rusev has exploded into a beautiful escape there and after a quick scramble, he's ended up in side control on top! Nice work!
Chabazian tries to bench press Rusev off him but Rusev keeps the position.
Chabazian is working hard here to advance position.
Rusev trying to control the action but Chabazian is working from the bottom.
Rusev scores with a couple of short elbows.
Rusev working the ground and pound.#SUB2#
Rusev tries for a kimura but Chabazian is defending well.
Chabazian manages to get back to half guard.#T2#
Chabazian taking some punishment here, with Rusev in his half guard.
Chabazian moves his hips nicely and gets into full guard.
Rusev wants to control from the top but Chabazian keeps moving.
Rusev has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
Rusev throws a big elbow that misses.
Chabazian is looking to sweep but instead, Rusev has passed into half guard.
Rusev tries to pass to full mount but Chabazian defends it. #SUB2#
Rusev is looking for a kimura but he's never going to get it from there. #SUB2#
Rusev is looking for a kimura but Chabazian is holding onto that half guard position, so it's hard for Rusev to get the leverage.
Chabazian slips a foot under and gets full guard. Nice work.
Chabazian looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Both fighters have adopted an aggressive gameplan on the ground!#T3#
Chabazian seems keen to control Rusev's posture.
Rusev working in close now, lands a nice elbow to the side of Chabazian's head.
Rusev preventing the sweep.
Rusev stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Chabazian swivels though and keeps the full guard. #SUB#
Chabazian working for a triangle but Rusev defends it easily. #SUB#
Chabazian is looking for a triangle but Rusev pushes his legs off easily.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Hammerfist, elbow! yells Rusev's corner. There ya go! There ya go!
Alexander Rusev has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Chabazian looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Rusev is fighting to break Chabazian's control of his arms but Chabazian is doing a good job of controlling the position at the moment.
Rusev working in close now, lands a nice elbow to the side of Chabazian's head.
Edmond Chabazian overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.#T4#
Rusev lands a nice shot whilst sitting in his opponent's guard.
Chabazian wants to sweep but no luck.
Chabazian manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Rusev manages to get himself to full guard. #REVR#
Chabazian pushing down on Rusev's thigh, trying to pass to half guard. He's managed it... Nice work. #SUB2#
Rusev looking for submissions off his back.
Rusev gets full guard.
Rusev striking from the bottom.
Chabazian chips away with some ground and pound.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Rusev trying to keep a closed guard but Chabazian is proving a slippery customer.
Rusev working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Chabazian.

And that's the end of the fight!
That was a close round. You could make an argument for either fighter but I would give it to Edmond Chabazian.
Well Chabazian has outscored his opponent in every aspect of the fight today. Only a scarily incompetent judge or two will keep him from a well deserved win... Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Illya Tyunina scores the fight 29:28
Judge Viktor Lagutenko scores the fight 30:27
Judge Aleksandr Martynov scores the fight 30:27

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Edmond Chabazian!
A very excited looking Edmond Chabazian 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: RSE 33: Blood Red Throne
Date: Dec 23, 2023

#R1#
Blackwater throws a jab when Rusev was well out of range.
A big left from Blackwater misses.
Rusev feinted with a counter takedown.
Blackwater defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Rusev.
Rusev looks to have improved his striking defense since last time we saw him fight.
Rusev on the wrong end of a nice jab.
Rusev looks shocked there as he takes a right hand to the temple.
Rusev tries to score a power double leg takedown but Blackwater sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Rusev somewhat.
Blackwater misses with a two punch combination.
Blackwater connects nicely with a jab. Noted by the judges no doubt.#TD#
Rusev throws a loose over hand right and dives in with a double leg takedown. Blackwater tries to sprawl but it's too late and the fighters hit the mat. Rusev is in Blackwater's guard.
Rusev missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Rusev postures up in Blackwater's guard and throws a big left but Blackwater blocks it.
Blackwater keeping moving, preventing Rusev from controlling successfully.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Rusev prevents Blackwater from getting back to his feet.
Blackwater 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#
Rusev throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Blackwater works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Rusev lands a couple of digs.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Rusev missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Rusev scoring with punches to the head and body.
Rusev missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Rusev looking to pass the guard.
Rusev throwing strikes from guard but Blackwater blocks nicely.
Rusev looking to pass the guard.
Rusev preventing the sweep. #T2#
Rusev keeps in close for a moment and lands a decent shot to the side of Blackwater's head.
Blackwater utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Rusev 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.
Rusev wants to pass the guard but Blackwater is keeping the position.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Blackwater is on top in guard. #REVB#
Rusev has a closed guard, preventing Blackwater from standing up.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Rusev is on top in guard. #REVR#
Blackwater is avoiding any damage by keeping wrist control. #T3##SUB#
Rusev drops back, looking for a kneebar! Blackwater looks panicked! The fighters roll across the mat, one looking to finish, one looking to escape. Blackwater looks to have wriggled free... Yes, he's got his leg free and he's dived into side control! Good work there from Blackwater! #REVB#
You can see the frustration on Rusev's face, being in this tough position on the bottom.#SU2#
Blackwater stands up and we're back to a striking position.
Blackwater feints a jab promting Rusev to slip. Blackwater then demonstrates his capabilities by jabbing again. Rusev slips again and ducks right into an uppercut.
Blackwater looks to land a combination. Rusev sees it coming but can only parry a couple of the shots.
Blackwater throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Nice takedown defense from Blackwater. No joy for Rusev on that attempt.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Alexander Rusev. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Rusev fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.#T4#
Blackwater thuds a left hand into Rusev's body.
Blackwater throws a good cross that connects.
Lorenz Blackwater is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Rusev doesn't succeed with the takedown
and Blackwater counters with a left to the body.
Blackwater misses with a few strikes there.
Rusev changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Blackwater tries to avoid it but Rusev manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Blackwater to the ground. Blackwater escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Some wild striking there from Blackwater.
Rusev avoids a punch combination nicely. #TD#
Rusev bobs and weaves into range and then changes levels and scores with a nice takedown into side control.#SUB#
Rusev is looking to finish here, going for an Americana. Blackwater knows the correct defense though, so he's OK.
Blackwater is sneaking out the side here. He's bucked Rusev off and has taken his back!
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Lorenz Blackwater dominated that round.
That's time! Back to the action!#R2#
Rusev shoots in but no luck this time.
Blackwater has used his reach advantage pretty well so far tonight.
Rusev tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Alexander Rusev is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Blackwater stuffs the takedown.
Boom, another hit is landed. "You're gunna get knocked out" taunts Blackwater, as that shot connected.
Rusev defending well as Blackwater loads up on a big left hand.
Lorenz Blackwater seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Blackwater scores with a nice head shot.
Rusev on the wrong end of a nice jab.
Blackwater bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Rusev closes the distance and clinches up with Blackwater, looking for a takedown. Rusev pushes Blackwater against the cage but Blackwater circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Alexander Rusev. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Rusev fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
Rusev throws a series of punches but Blackwater avoids them all with ease.
Blackwater tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Rusev was well out of range. Poor timing from Blackwater.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Rusev shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Blackwater as he jumps to the side.
A cross from Blackwater lands.
Rusev showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Blackwater.
Blackwater has been the more effective fighter overall so far.#T1#
Blackwater rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Rusev moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Rusev shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Blackwater as he avoids it easily.
Blackwater connects with a crisp jab.
Blackwater is using his reach advantage to land shots from outside his opponent's range.
Rusev shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Blackwater pinned against the cage. Blackwater gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
Blackwater has been working on his striking defense in training and it's paying off as Rusev is landing a low percentage of strikes.
Blackwater scores with the left hand. Rusev knows he should have avoided that one.
Blackwater misses with an uppercut.
Blackwater misses with a body shot.
Blackwater will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
Rusev shoots in looking for a takedown but Blackwater manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Rusev's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
Rusev slips a jab and a cross from Blackwater.
Rusev dives in for a single leg takedown but Blackwater sprawls and the fighters end up clinched against the cage.#T2#
Rusev has hold of a leg and is looking for a trip takedown. Blackwater avoids it nicely though and we remain in the clinch.
Blackwater gets underhooks to prevent Rusev's takedown attempt. #BC2#
Blackwater breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Blackwater wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.
Blackwater lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Rusev circles away quickly and effectively.
Rusev feinted with a counter takedown.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Rusev fails with the takedown.
Rusev fails in his attempt to clinch.
Rusev uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Blackwater.
Rusev takes a jab on the nose there. A little bit of blood seems to be coming out. Hopefully that won't affect his breathing.
Rusev on the wrong end of an overhand right that came out of nowhere.
Nice defenses there by Rusev.
Rusev looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Blackwater is fending him off so far but Rusev persists. Nope, Blackwater circles away and we're back to standing.
Blackwater lands a head shot.
Blackwater lands a jab. Then a cross. Then finally a nice hook to the body. Good work there by Blackwater.
Blackwater works over Rusev's head and body with a nice combination.#ROC2#Rusev is rocked!#T3#
Rusev showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Blackwater.
Oh Rusev is still all over the place! His legs are completely gone! Will he be able to recover?!!
Rusev shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Blackwater but Blackwater pushes him off and we're back to square one.
Rusev seems to have got his legs back now.
Blackwater scores with a sloppy punch to the body. Not much technique there but it did the business.
Jab by Blackwater.
Rusev misses with a takedown attempt
and Blackwater counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Blackwater misses with a series of wild punches.
Rusev gets caught by a brutal right hook which buckles his knees! Rusev tries to backpedal with his spaghettilegs but Blackwater is headhunting and goes for the kill. A jab and a right hook connect and Rusev buckles badly as his eyes roll back. The referee steps in and saves Rusev!! Rusev is complaining but he was clearly out on his feet. Blackwater throws his mouthpiece into the crowd. Mmmm spit-tastic.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:40 of round 2, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Lorenz Blackwater!
Lorenz Blackwater was full of energy after the big win and talked about how he thinks he can do big things in this sport. The crowd were appreciative of his determination to succeed.

Event: CFC 606
Date: Nov 17, 2023

#R1#
Seto tests Rusev's chin there with a solid looking shot.#TD#
Rusev manages to get an easy takedown there - catching Seto on his heels. He'll look to pass Seto's guard now, I'm sure.
Rusev won't allow Seto to sweep him here. #SUB2#
Seto has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Rusev can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.
Rusev won't allow Seto to sweep him here.
Rusev trying to control the position from guard on top but Seto is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Seto utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Rusev 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.
Seto trying to keep a closed guard but Rusev is proving a slippery customer.
Seto wants to sweep here but Rusev controlling him for the moment. #T1#
Seto trying to control the position. #SUB2#
Seto is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Rusev is aware though and is defending well.
Seto has Rusev pulled in close to control his posture.
Rusev stands and throws Seto's legs to the side, diving into side control. #SUB#
Rusev has an Americana. Seto didn't react quickly enough there and he's in big trouble now! He tries to squirm out but is forced to tap! Rusev is delighted and gyrates in front of the ring girls. They seem to like the attention - it'll be interesting to see if Rusev hooks up with any of them at the after show party.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:49 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Americana). Alexander Rusev!

Event: CFC 598
Date: Oct 20, 2023

#R1#
No luck with that takedown attempt from Rusev.
This fight brought to you by 5M nutrition - it's mmmmm tasty. Nice jab by Leilua.
Leilua scores with a sloppy right hand. Rusev should have avoided that one.
Leilua cracks Rusev with a good shot that sees him stumbling back into the cage.
Leilua's coach down at Combat Wombat Burrow was telling us pre-fight that they have been working on Leilua's balance. Obviously they view that as a key factor in the outcome of this fight.
Rusev takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.#CL2#
Leilua rushes Rusev and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.
Rusev is working for a takedown up against the cage. He can't get it on this occasion though.
Leilua working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
Rusev tries to jump guard but he falls flat on his backside. Leilua smiles and moves away.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Alexander Rusev. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Rusev shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Leilua as he avoids it easily. #CL2#
Rusev gets tackled into the cage by Leilua. Leilua maintains the clinch.
A short uppercut from Leilua.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Rusev tries to pull guard but can't drag his opponent to the mat. Leilua just stands there and leans against the cage.
Leilua lands a shoulder strike.
Rusev is working for a takedown up against the cage. He can't get it on this occasion though.
Leilua lands a right hand.
Rusev jumps guard but Leilua turns him against the cage and keeps the fight standing.
Leilua scores with an uppercut up the middle.#TD#
Rusev has hold of one of Leilua's legs. Leilua is fighting the takedown attempt but Rusev gets the trip and lands the takedown into guard.#T1#
Rusev throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Leilua works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Rusev postures up.
Rusev stopping the sweep attempt from Leilua.
Rusev throws a big right hand that misses.
Rusev throws a big right hand that misses.
Rusev postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Rusev 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.
Rusev not doing a lot at the moment. He'll have to show some more aggression or the fight will get stood up.
Rusev throws a strike but Leilua rolls with it and manages to sweep. Now he's in guard on top. #REVB#
Rusev seems keen to control rather than go for a submission, at least for now.
Rusev 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##T2#
Rusev lands with an elbow from half guard - that looked like it hurt.
Rusev tries to pass to full mount but Leilua defends it.
Rusev thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Leilua's head. #SUB#
Rusev 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.
Rusev not landing any meaningful shots this time. #T3#
Leilua is concentrating on defense, preventing Rusev from advancing position.
Rusev trying to control the action but Leilua is working from the bottom.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Rusev working the head and body with strikes.
Leilua blocking the ground and pound attempt from Rusev.
Rusev throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.
Leilua is trying to defend against the ground and pound but Rusev scores with a couple of nice shots.
Leilua avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Rusev.
Rusev wants to lay and pray for a moment but Leilua keeps working. #T4#
Leilua avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Rusev.
Rusev is nestled in close to Leilua, controlling him well. He's worked in a nice elbow to the side of the head as well, for good measure.
Rusev is trying to control the action in half guard but Leilua is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.
Leilua on the receiving end of some nice ground and pound.
Leilua wants to get back to full guard.
Leilua is not content to let Rusev control the position.
Rusev throwing shots but Leilua is blocking nicely.
Rusev working Leilua over with strikes.
Rusev seems to be taking a bit of a break to think of his next move. He lands a short punch in the meantime.
Rusev throwing shots but Leilua is blocking nicely.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but Kai Leilua will probably get the nod.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!#R2#
Leilua leaves Rusev with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
Rusev changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Leilua tries to avoid it but Rusev manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Leilua to the ground. Leilua escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Horrible takedown attempt by Rusev or perhaps it was just good defense by Leilua, which made it look bad.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Alexander Rusev. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Leilua jabs. That one connects to the head of his opponent.
Leilua slaps away a takedown attempt from Rusev, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Leilua stuffs the takedown attempt from Rusev. Rusev gets slowly back to his feet.
Alexander Rusev is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Leilua cracks Rusev with a good shot that sees him stumbling back into the cage.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Leilua keeps his opponent at a distance with a nice jab.
Leilua throws a nice outside leg kick. #CL2#
Rusev tries to keep at a distance but Leilua has taken the fight into the clinch.
Leilua lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
Still in the clinch, Leilua scores with a nice short uppercut.#T1#
Rusev takes a shot to the head.
Leilua blocks an elbow strike.
A shot in the inside from Leilua.
Leilua throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Rusevs head.
Rusev fails to pull guard.
Leilua lands a damaging elbow.
Rusev is trying to work for a single leg takedown but Leilua pulls him back up using the underhooks.
Leilua lands an elbow inside that Rusev shrugs off. #ROC2#Rusev is rocked!
Leilua gets underhooks to prevent Rusev's takedown attempt.
Oh Rusev is still all over the place! His legs are completely gone! Will he be able to recover?!!
Leilua presses Rusev against the cage and delivers a mid-strength body shot.
Leilua pushes Rusev back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.
Leilua lands with a right to the head.
Rusev takes an elbow to the temple.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Rusev tries for a takedown but Leilua manages to get underhooks.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Leilua lands on the inside with an uppercut.
Leilua has Rusev pressed against the cage. He pushes Rusev back and as he springs towards him off the cage, Leilua throws a beautiful elbow that sends Rusev crashing to the floor! Leilua piles on the pressure with more strikes! Rusev is flailing away but he's not defending himself and the referee steps in to stop the fight!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:53 of round 2, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Kai Leilua!
Kai Leilua decided to thank the fans in attendance for making a great atmosphere. It seemed to go down pretty well.

Event: CFC 584
Date: Sep 01, 2023

#R1#
The fight stays on the outside here - Kelly looks like he's thinking about clinching though.#TD2#
Kelly gets caught flat footed, as Rusev shoots in with a quick takedown into guard.
Rusev working in close now, lands a nice elbow to the side of Kelly's head.
Rusev trying to control the position from guard on top but Kelly is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Rusev scoring with punches to the head and body.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Rusev distracts Kelly with his right hand and drops a big elbow with his other arm.
Rusev throwing strikes but missing.
Rusev wants to control from the top but Kelly keeps moving.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Rusev makes a bit of distance and scores with some ground and pound, still in guard.#T1#
Rusev wants to control from the top but Kelly keeps moving.
Rusev working some strikes from top position.
Kelly knows he needs to get back to his feet asap. He's simply no match for Rusev on the ground.
Rusev postures up and lands some nice ground and pound.
Rusev lands a nice shot whilst sitting in his opponent's guard.
Kelly avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Rusev connects with a couple of short punches.
Rusev has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Rusev accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Kelly is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Rusev scoring with punches to the head and body.
Kelly has momentary wrist control but Rusev slips an elbow through the middle.#SUB2#
Rusev thinks about going for a leg but decides against it, in order to maintain the position.
Hammerfist, elbow! yells Rusev's corner. There ya go! There ya go! #T2#
Rusev stands up over Kelly, holding his feet. He dives back in and lands a decent shot to the head.
Rusev with a nice head shot there.
Kelly can't keep his opponent in guard - Rusev advances to half guard, no doubt looking to mount.
Kelly is in a tricky position. We've heard reports from his gym mates at Bloody death gym that he's been drilling escapes, so let's see if he can get back to his feet.
Kelly on the receiving end of some nice ground and pound.
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. Rusev connects with a nice short shot to Kelly's temple.
Rusev is nestled in close to Kelly, controlling him well. He's worked in a nice elbow to the side of the head as well, for good measure.
Rusev works his way into full mount!
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!
Rusev raining down shots from the mount!
Rusev cracks Kelly with a nasty head shot there - the crowd let out an audible gasp there, as the noise reverberated around the arena. #ROC2#Kelly is rocked!#T3#
A big strike lands for Rusev! That's really hurt Kelly and he's turned his back - Rusev keeps firing away and the ref dives in to stop the fight! Rusev jumps to his feet to celebrate the victory!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:21 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Alexander Rusev!

Event: CFC 574
Date: Jul 29, 2023

#R1##TD#
Rusev closes the distance and scores a nice trip takedown into half guard. Kalama did well to prevent Rusev getting side control.

Kalama has managed to escape just enough to sneak back to his feet but Rusev is on him like a limpet, forcing Kalama back against the cage.#BC2#
Kalama breaks the clinch.
Rusev looks to have improved his striking defense since last time we saw him fight.
Kalama works the jab nicely.
Kalama defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Rusev.#TD#
Rusev drives through with a takedown into Kalama's guard. Let's see what he can do from the top position.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Kalama is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Kalama controlling Rusev's posture.
Kalama preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Rusev trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Rusev postures up in Kalama's guard and throws a big left but Kalama blocks it.
Rusev might be looking to lock onto one of his opponent's long limbs for a submission, whilst we're on the ground.
Rusev working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage. #T1#
Rusev trying to control the position from guard on top but Kalama is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Rusev tries to free his leg and advance position but Kalama is retaining full guard.
Rusev throwing strikes from guard but Kalama blocks nicely.
Rusev missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Rusev trying to control but Kalama is working from the bottom.
We get told so often about how wrestlers don't like to be on their backs. Let's see if Kalama can do anything to dispel that myth.
Rusev postures up in Kalama's guard and throws a big left but Kalama blocks it. #SUB#
Rusev is trying to work a guillotine from the top, or something like that? Don't know how he thinks he's going to get a finish from there.
Rusev throws a big elbow that misses. #T2#
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.
Rusev with a nice head shot there.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Rusev throwing strikes but missing.
Kalama controls Rusev momentarily but Rusev frees himself.
Rusev prevents Kalama from getting back to his feet. #REF3#
The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.
Rusev doesn't succeed with the takedown
and Kalama connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Kalama stuffs the takedown.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Alexander Rusev. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Kalama pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Rusev changes levels looking for a counter takedown but doesn't commit.
Kalama cracks Rusev with a good shot that sees him stumbling back into the cage.
Kalama is using his reach advantage to land shots from outside his opponent's range.
Rusev tries for a takedown but Kalama circles away easily
and Kalama counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Rusev tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Kalama swivels and escapes.#T3#
Rusev looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
Kalama steps in looking to clinch after the strikes miss from Rusev.
Roy Kalama is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Kalama waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Rusev.
Rusev shoots for a double leg takedown but Kalama sprawls well. He's pushed Rusev's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Jab by Kalama.
Kalama has used his reach advantage pretty well so far tonight.#KD2#
Kalama sends Rusev crashing to the mat with a devastating uppercut! Kalama is motioning to the referee to let Rusev up. He wants to try and finish this one on the feet!#ROC2#Rusev is rocked!
Rusev shoots for a takedown but Kalama saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
Oh Rusev is still all over the place! His legs are completely gone! Will he be able to recover?!!
Rusev shoots for a takedown but Kalama saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Rusev closes this distance looking for a takedown but Kalama circles away.
Kalama looks like he wants to counter punch here.
Kalama throws a monster overhand right that drops Rusev! Kalama follows up with more strikes from mount and the fight is all over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:36 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Roy Kalama!
After winning the bout, Roy Kalama thanked all his fans and promised he'd do even better in his next fight. The crowd seemed to love his humility.

Event: CFC 567
Date: Jul 01, 2023

#R1##TD2#
Rusev throws a loose over hand right and dives in with a double leg takedown. Rodriguez tries to sprawl but it's too late and the fighters hit the mat. Rusev is in Rodriguez 's guard.
Rusev wants to control from the top but Rodriguez keeps moving.
Rusev postures up and lands a big shot to Rodriguez 's brow.
Rusev throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Rodriguez on his back here. We all know that wrestlers don't like being on their back so let's see if Rodriguez tries to get out of the position.
Rusev is fighting to break Rodriguez 's control of his arms but Rodriguez is doing a good job of controlling the position at the moment.
Rusev lands a couple of elbows.
Rodriguez is looking to stand back up but Rusev counters by passing into half guard. Oops... bit sloppy there by Rodriguez . #SUB2#
Rusev is trying to work for a kimura but Rodriguez is defending well.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.#SU2#
Rusev stands up from half guard... He's had enough of that ground malarky for the time being.
We've been told by Rodriguez 's head coaches at Canadian Combat Academy that he's been working on his takedown defense in preparation for this fight.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Rusev.
Frankie Rodriguez is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.#T1#
Rusev fails with the takedown#CL#
and Rodriguez moves into the clinch.
Rodriguez lands a body punch in the clinch. #BC#
Rodriguez breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance. #CL#
Rodriguez clinches up with Rusev and pushes him back against the cage.
Rusev is trying to pull guard but Rodriguez has him pressed against the cage.
Frankie Rodriguez has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Alexander Rusev.
Rodriguez prevents a takedown attempt there.
Rusev is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Rodriguez is defending well for now.
Rodriguez digs a right hand into Rusev's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Rusev's gas tank. #BC#
Rodriguez breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Rodriguez scores with a body shot.
Rusev shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Rodriguez as he avoids it easily.
Rusev fails to land the takedown.
Rodriguez wants to take advantage of his opponent's missed offense by moving into the clinch.#T2#
Rusev shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Rodriguez as he jumps to the side.
Rusev throws a hook but Rodriguez avoids it easily.
Rodriguez wants to take advantage of his opponent's missed offense by moving into the clinch.
Rusev tries to move into range but Rodriguez moves to the side and lands with a nice right hand.
Rusev shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Rodriguez defends it nicely.
Rodriguez scores with a big left there. The judges will like that one.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Rodriguez ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Rusev moves away.
Rusev shoots in looking for a takedown. Rodriguez tries to sprawl out of it but Rusev keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Rodriguez manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing. #CL#
Rodriguez clinches with his opponent. #T3#
Rusev fails to pull guard.
An uppercut to the body lands inside from Rodriguez .
Rusev jumps guard but Rodriguez stands there with Rusev around his waist. Rusev gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch.
Rodriguez misses with a punch to the body.
Rusev drops down looking for an ankle pick but Rodriguez pulls his leg out and moves away.
Rusev shakes his hands off, looking to compose himself, but takes a jab to the jaw whilst he does it.
Rodriguez uses good footwork to get in and out and land a nice right hand before Rusev has time to react.
Rusev fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Rodriguez scores with a jab to the jaw of his opponent.
Rodriguez keeps his opponent at a distance with a nice jab.
Alexander Rusev seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Rodriguez lands a jab-cross combination. #T4#
Rusev will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
Rusev shoots in but no luck this time.
Rodriguez is using his reach advantage well here, landing the more effective single shots from range.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!#CL#
Rodriguez closes the distance and clinches.
Rusev jumps guard but Rodriguez stands there with Rusev around his waist. Rusev gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch. #BC#
Rodriguez 's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Rodriguez wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.
Rusev closes the distance and clinches up with Rodriguez , looking for a takedown. Rusev pushes Rodriguez against the cage but Rodriguez circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.#CL2#
Rusev fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Rodriguez , pushing him back against the cage.
Rusev drops to a knee looking for a takedown but Rodriguez gets the underhooks and prevents it. #TD2#
Rusev ties up his opponent against the cage and manages to drag the fight down to the ground. Rusev no doubt will be looking to work submissions from his guard.
Rodriguez will need to keep those long limbs tucked in whilst he's on the ground, to prevent any submissions.
Rodriguez preventing the sweep.
Rodriguez trying to control the position from guard on top but Rusev is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Frankie Rodriguez dominated that round.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!#R2#
Rodriguez with a nice looking leg kick. You could hear that one land in a back row.
Rodriguez throws a wild body kick that Rusev sees coming a mile off.#TD2#
Rusev shoots in looking for a single leg takedown. Rodriguez is trying to defend but Rusev finishes it well and ends up in half guard. Let's see if he can advance position further.

Rodriguez manages to create a bit of space in order to work his way back to his feet. Rusev keeps hold of his opponent and drives him back against the cage.
Rusev is working on a leg, looking for a takedown but Rodriguez is defending well.
Rodriguez lands a body punch in the clinch.
Rusev goes for a takedown attempt but Rodriguez pushes him away and we're back to fighting at a distance.
Rodriguez works the jab nicely.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Rodriguez pushes forward with a 1-2 combination that forces Rusev back to the cage. Rodriguez follows up with a solid lead hook to the liver.
Rodriguez displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Rusev.
Frankie Rodriguez has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Alexander Rusev.#T1#
Rusev shoots and misses #CL#
and Rodriguez holds on and brings the fighters into a clinch.
Rodriguez pressing his opponent against the cage. #BC#
Rodriguez breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Alexander Rusev is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Rusev shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Rodriguez but Rodriguez pushes him off and we're back to square one.#CL#
Rusev tries to keep at a distance but Rodriguez has taken the fight into the clinch.
Rusev fails to pull guard.
Rodriguez is stalling here. The referee will be looking to step in if he doesn't pick up the pace.
Rusev fails to pull the fight into his guard. #TD2#
Rusev jumps guard and drags Rodriguez to the mat. He's obviously going to be looking for submissions off his back.
Alexander Rusev has got the better of the ground game so far.#T2#
Rodriguez lands a couple of digs.#SUB2#
Rusev is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
Rusev lands a beautiful sweep and he's now moved into his opponent's guard.#REVB#
Rusev has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
Rodriguez preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Rodriguez trying to keep a closed guard but Rusev is proving a slippery customer.
Rodriguez is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Rusev can do to turn this around?
Rusev throwing strikes but missing.
Rusev postures up and lands some nice ground and pound. #T3#
Rodriguez has his hands on Rusev's head, controlling the position.
Rusev 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.
Rusev throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Rodriguez works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Rusev scores with a decent looking elbow strike.
Rodriguez preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Rusev postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Rodriguez wants to stand up but Rusev is controlling him.
Rodriguez knows he needs to get back to his feet asap. He's simply no match for Rusev on the ground.#T4#
My god... these two guys really need to pick up the pace or everyone will leave to go get a beer.
Rusev working from the guard for now, landing some ground and pound.
Rusev is in close to Rodriguez 's body, working some short punches and elbows.
Rusev working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Rusev throws a big elbow that misses.
Rusev with a flurry of punches that miss. #REF3#
The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up.
Rusev looks for a takedown but Rodriguez sprawls well.
Rusev misses with a takedown attempt #CL#
and Rodriguez moves into the clinch.
Rusev jumps guard but his hands slip and he falls flat on his back. Well, he's made himself look a right mug there, as Rodriguez walks away with a smile on his face. Rusev gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head.
Rodriguez stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Rodriguez wants it to stay on the feet.#CL#
Rodriguez has Rusev up against the cage in a clinch.
Rusev tries to pull guard but Rodriguez won't allow it.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Frankie Rodriguez dominated that second round.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin! This is the final round!#R3##CL#
Rodriguez instigates a clinch.
Rodriguez lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
Rusev has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Rodriguez is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.
Nice elbow from Rodriguez . #BC#
Rodriguez breaks the clinch.
Rusev on the wrong end of a decent looking cross there.
Rodriguez scores with a three punch combo!
Rusev fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
Rusev fails with the takedown.
Frankie Rodriguez has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Alexander Rusev.
Rusev shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Rodriguez sprawls well. Rodriguez wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Rusev gets slowly back to his feet.
Rodriguez is trying to close the distance and clinch up, after that failed offence from Rusev.
Rodriguez fakes with a right hand and throws a good leg kick, right into the thigh. That had to hurt Rusev.#T1##CL#
Rodriguez moves into the clinch successfully.
Rusev is trying to pull guard but Rodriguez turns him against the cage and we stay in the clinch.
Rodriguez putting his Muay Thai to good use. He has Rusev in a tight clinch and is doing some damage with knees to the body.
Rusev is trying to pull guard but Rodriguez has him pressed against the cage.
Rusev jumps guard but Rodriguez turns him against the cage and keeps the fight standing.
Rusev takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Rodriguez prevents the takedown attempt.
Rodriguez lands a nice looking hook to the body, against the cage.
Rodriguez stalling here - the referee won't stand for too much of that.
The two fighters are working to gain dominance in the clinch.
The crowd are getting pretty annoyed with Rodriguez for his constant stalling in the clinch and are voicing their displeasure.
Rodriguez pressing his opponent against the cage.
Frankie Rodriguez has scored more points in the clinch so far.
Rusev tries to pull guard but Rodriguez forces him back to his feet, against the cage.#T2#
Rodriguez misses with a body punch.
Rusev tries to pull guard but Rodriguez forces him back to his feet, against the cage.
Rodriguez has Rusev pressed against the cage.
Rusev is looking to take this one to the mat.
Rusev tries to pull guard but can't drag his opponent to the mat. Rodriguez just stands there and leans against the cage.
Rodriguez connects with a nasty looking knee right to Rusev's face.
Come on Rodriguez - let's have some action - none of this stalling nonsense.
Nice body punch from Rodriguez .
Some stalling of biblical proportions here from Rodriguez .
Rusev is trying to pull guard but Rodriguez has him pressed against the cage.
Nice body punch from Rodriguez .
Rodriguez makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
Rodriguez is using his height advantage well here, landing a good percentage of his punches.
Rusev letting Rodriguez take a breather here.#T3#
Rodriguez has Rusev pushed against the cage.
The ref breaks the fighters up, due to lack of action by Frankie Rodriguez .
Rodriguez scores with a nice looking left hook and follows it up with an uppercut!
Rusev shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Rodriguez scores with a kick to the midsection.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Rusev.
Rodriguez with a hook.
Rodriguez connects with a jab.
Rusev shoots and misses #CL#
and Rodriguez holds on and brings the fighters into a clinch.
Alexander Rusev has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!#TD2#
Rusev ties up his opponent against the cage and manages to drag the fight down to the ground. Rusev no doubt will be looking to work submissions from his guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Rusev 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.#T4#
Rodriguez throws a big right hand that misses.
Rodriguez not doing a lot at the moment. He'll have to show some more aggression or the fight will get stood up.
Rusev trying to control the position.
Rodriguez trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Rodriguez looking to sit in guard and control but Rusev gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top. #REVB#
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Rusev scoring with punches to the head and body.
Frankie Rodriguez is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Rodriguez tries to land a sweep but no joy.

And that's the end of the fight!
Frankie Rodriguez showed his dominance in that final round.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Rodriguez , winning every round. Will the judges agree? They are the ones who matter, even if they are often depressingly incompetent. Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.

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

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Frankie Rodriguez !

Event: CFC contenders 1 NY
Date: Jun 03, 2023

#R1#
Rusev lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Battuga circles away quickly and effectively.#TD2#
Rusev drives through with a takedown into Battuga's guard. Let's see what he can do from the top position.
Rusev won't allow Battuga to sweep him here.
Rusev throws a big right hand that misses.
Battuga keeping full guard, as Rusev tries to pass.
Rusev throws an elbow that misses. Battuga uses the momentum to reverse the position. He's now in Rusev's guard. Nice move by Battuga!#REVR#
Battuga knows he needs to get back to his feet asap. He's simply no match for Rusev on the ground.
Battuga is just sitting in guard, looking to avoid any submissions.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Rusev thows some rabbit punches from the bottom but they don't do any damage.
Battuga forces his way into half guard.#T1#
Rusev trying to hold on to Battuga's head to control him but Battuga postures up.
Battuga tries to pass to full mount but Rusev defends it.
Battuga is figuring out what he wants to do next.
Rusev is looking to control Battuga's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Rusev avoid being mounted?
Rusev tries to roll over but Battuga keeps him under control.
Rusev is still trying to improve position.#T2#
My god... these two guys really need to pick up the pace or everyone will leave to go get a beer.
Battuga content to sit in half guard and control for a moment.
Rusev felt the need to train up his defensive grappling in the buildup to the fight. Presumably he was expecting to be in a difficult position like this, so let's see if he can get out of it.
Rusev is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though. #SUB2#
Rusev looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
Battuga sitting and controlling from the half guard. #REF3#
The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.#T3#
Rusev moves forwards but Battuga connects with a nice, crisp jab.
Rusev takes a jab on the nose. He smiles like he loves it and keeps coming.
Rusev misses with a takedown
and Battuga counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Rusev fails with the takedown
and Battuga counters with a left to the body.
Rusev misses with a takedown attempt
and Battuga makes him pay by landing a nice hook to the body before moving out of range.
Ardahan Battuga has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Alexander Rusev.
Battuga comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.
Rusev fails with the takedown
enabling Battuga to counter with a crisp jab. #T4#
Rusev misses with a takedown attempt
and Battuga counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Rusev misses with a takedown attempt
and Battuga counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.#ROC#Rusev is rocked!
Rusev looks winded!
Battuga closes the distance and lands a vicious right hand that drops Rusev! Battuga dives in looking to finish! Rusev is still trying to defend himself but he's taking too many shots and the referee has no choice but to stop the fight!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:16 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Ardahan Battuga!
Ardahan Battuga retains his welterweight title!

Event: CFC 552
Date: May 13, 2023

#R1##TD2#
Rusev changes levels and drives through with a really nice takedown into side control. Seto looks really pissed at himself for not defending that better.
Rusev working the body and head with strikes.
Seto is looking for a sweep.
Seto is trying to control Rusev's posture but Rusev avoids it.
Rusev is putting a hurting on Seto here, landing some big shots from side control.
Seto is trying to control Rusev's posture but Rusev avoids it.
Seto is in a bad position, trying to hold on for dear life but he is really struggling to maintain any sort of control.
Seto avoids any damage from the ground and pound of Rusev.
Seto is moving his hips around well on the bottom and has managed to get back to half guard.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Rusev seems to be taking a bit of a break to think of his next move. He lands a short punch in the meantime.
Rusev thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Seto's head.
Rusev is thwarting Seto's attempts to control the position.
Seto is looking for a sweep. Rusev is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.#T1#
Rusev is nestled in close to Seto, controlling him well. He's worked in a nice elbow to the side of the head as well, for good measure.
Seto wants to get back to full guard.
Seto is pressing down on Rusev's left leg trying to get back to full guard. He's managed it.
Rusev loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Rusev working from the guard for now, landing some ground and pound. #SUB#
Seto is active off his back here, looking for submissions.
Seto looking for a sweep. Not yet Seto, not yet.
Rusev wants to pass the guard but Seto is keeping the position.
Rusev connects with a couple of short punches.
Seto utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Rusev throws a big right hand that misses.
Seto pulls Rusev in to control the position.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Seto is on top in guard. #REVR##T2#
Seto throwing strikes but missing.
Seto trying to control the position from guard on top but Rusev is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Seto postures up.
Seto working from the guard for now, landing some ground and pound.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.#SUB#
Seto postures up as if he's going to throw some strikes but drops back for an ankle! Rusev is in big trouble! He looks ready to tap! But no, he's escaped and dives on top of Seto, into his guard. #REVB#
Seto pulls Rusev in close to prevent any damage.
Rusev postures up and lands some nice ground and pound. #T3#
Seto has momentary wrist control but Rusev slips an elbow through the middle.
Seto tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Seto trying to keep a closed guard but Rusev is proving a slippery customer.
Seto definitely looks more muscular than last time we saw him fight.
Rusev stopping the sweep attempt from Seto.
Seto is controlling Rusev's posture.
Seto looking to hit a scissor sweep but Rusev is one step ahead there.
Rusev postures up and scores with a shot to the body and a follow up elbow to the head.
Rusev has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
Rusev landing with the ground and pound. #T4#
Seto looking to hit a scissor sweep but Rusev is one step ahead there.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Rusev missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Seto controlling the position.
Rusev keeps in close for a moment and lands a decent shot to the side of Seto's head.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Rusev accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Seto looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Rusev is fighting to break Seto's control of his arms but Seto is doing a good job of controlling the position at the moment.
Rusev looking to sit in guard and control but Seto gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top. #REVR#
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Alexander Rusev dominated that round.
That's time! Seto's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.#R2##TD2#
Rusev looking to shoot here. He's gone for it and he's landed a takedown into side control! Oh, that's bad for Seto!
Seto regains half guard.
Seto is looking for a sweep. Rusev is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Rusev not landing any meaningful shots this time.
Seto wants to improve his position but Rusev is controlling well.
Seto is pressing down on Rusev's left leg trying to get back to full guard. He's managed it.
Rusev lands a couple of digs.
Rusev lands a nice shot whilst sitting in his opponent's guard.
Seto will need to keep those long limbs tucked in whilst he's on the ground, to prevent any submissions.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Rusev postures up and lands some nice ground and pound.
Seto is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Rusev won't allow Seto to sweep him here. #SUB#
Seto working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Rusev doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Rusev manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem. #T1#
Seto is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Seto is going to have to think about doing something other than just controlling because Rusev is managing to avoid having the position dictated to him.
Rusev content to strike from guard, landing some decent shots.
Rusev scoring with some ground and pound.
Rusev postures up in Seto's guard and throws a big left but Seto blocks it.
Seto is trying to keep Rusev in close.
Rusev has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Seto has momentary wrist control but Rusev slips an elbow through the middle.#T2#
The crowd are getting on the fighters' backs, as the pace has dropped off in the last minute or so.#SUB#
Seto working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Rusev doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Rusev manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Rusev accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Rusev lands a nice shot whilst sitting in his opponent's guard.
Rusev scoring with some ground and pound.
Rusev wants to stand but Seto has a closed guard, so he can't escape.
Rusev stands and throws Seto's legs to the side, diving into side control.
Seto is trying to get back to half guard.
Seto struggling a bit here.
Seto tries to get back to half guard but can't.#T3#
Seto looks to move to half guard but instead Rusev has passed into mount! Damn!#SUB2#
Rusev has control of Seto's right arm, working for a kimura. It's a bit of a token attempt though and Seto regains control of the situation pretty easily.
Seto working to try and regain half guard.
Rusev tries to control but Seto wriggling away.
Seto can't escape the position.
Rusev in mount throwing good strikes here, bouncing his opponent's head off the canvas. #T4#
Seto is trying to escape the mount.
Alexander Rusev has got the better of the ground game so far.
Rusev raining down shots from the mount!
Seto takes a big shot to the dome and his eyes have rolled back in his head! Rusev's killer instinct has kicked in as he finishes the fight with more strikes. Impressive finish.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:35 of round 2, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Alexander Rusev!

Event: CFC 545
Date: Apr 15, 2023

#R1#
Horrible takedown attempt by Rusev or perhaps it was just good defense by Chabazian, which made it look bad.
Rusev shoots in looking for a takedown but Chabazian manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Rusev's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
Rusev shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Chabazian as he avoids it easily.
Edmond Chabazian has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Alexander Rusev.#TD#
Rusev gets caught napping as Chabazian dives in and scores a takedown. Rusev manages to retain guard.
Chabazian pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Rusev is keeping the position for now.
Chabazian throws a big right hand that misses.
Chabazian trying to control the position from guard on top but Rusev is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Rusev pulls Chabazian in close to prevent any damage.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Chabazian tries to free his leg and advance position but Rusev is retaining full guard.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Chabazian trying to control the position from guard on top but Rusev is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Chabazian stands up over Rusev, holding his feet. He dives back in and lands a decent shot to the head. #T1#
Rusev trying to control the position.
Chabazian looking to pass the guard.
Chabazian has to be careful here, sitting in the guard of a superior BJJ player.#SUB2#
Rusev is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
Rusev tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Chabazian passes Rusev's left leg - he's now in half guard.
Rusev is doing well to avoid being mounted. He's controlling the position at the moment.#SUB#
Chabazian is looking for a kimura. It's going to be difficult to finish that from half guard though and Rusev defends it well.
Rusev is trying to control but can't. #T2#
The crowd are showing their displeasure at the lack of action as loud boos ring out around the arena.
Chabazian takes advantage of the dominant position to land a couple of big hammer fists.#SUB2#
Rusev actively working from the bottom here.
Chabazian trying to control the action but Rusev is working from the bottom.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Rusev trying to hold on to Chabazian's head to control him but Chabazian postures up.
Chabazian passes to side control.
Chabazian misses with a strike but at least he's keeping busy, looking to cause some damage - that will still help him when it comes to the judges scorecards.
Chabazian misses with a strike but at least he's keeping busy, looking to cause some damage - that will still help him when it comes to the judges scorecards. #SUB#
Chabazian is trying to get an arm triangle but Rusev is defending well.
Rusev is trying to get back to half guard.#T3#
You can see the frustration on Rusev's face, being in this tough position on the bottom.
Chabazian wants to lay and pray for a moment but Rusev keeps working.
Chabazian throwing shots but missing, from side control.
Chabazian landing a few strikes. #SUB#
Chabazian tries for a kimura but Rusev is defending well.
Chabazian works to advance to full mount. Rusev defends for a few seconds but eventually he succumbs.
Chabazian controlling the position easily from mount.
Rusev is trying to escape the mount.
Chabazian wants to take his opponent's back but he's not managed it. #T4#
Chabazian moves to the back position.
Chabazian is hanging on to Rusev's back as he tries to escape. #SUB#
Chabazian has his hand under the chin of his opponent looking for the choke. He's nearly got it! This one could be all over! But no, Rusev has freed his hand and lives to survive another… well, another couple of seconds at least!
Chabazian keeps control of the position as Rusev tries to break free.
Rusev is trying to stand back up. #SUB#
Chabazian working for a RNC but it's not happening just yet.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.#SUB#
Chabazian looking for the RNC.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Edmond Chabazian dominated that round.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!#R2#
Rusev shoots for a takedown but Chabazian saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
Chabazian shoots in but no luck this time.
Chabazian throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Rusev's waist but Rusev gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Chabazian off to one side.
Rusev tries to score a power double leg takedown but Chabazian sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Rusev somewhat.#TD#
Chabazian throws the overhand right but ducks down into a quick takedown attempt. Rusev was covering up waiting for the punch and Chabazian finishes the takedown easily into guard.
Chabazian wants to control from the top but Rusev keeps moving.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Chabazian will need to keep those long limbs tucked in whilst he's on the ground, to prevent any submissions.
Rusev lands a beautiful sweep and he's now moved into his opponent's guard.#REVB##T1#
Rusev is in close to Chabazian's body, working some short punches and elbows.#SUB#
Chabazian is active off his back here, looking for submissions.
Rusev preventing the sweep.
Rusev trying to control but Chabazian is working from the bottom.
Rusev throwing strikes from guard but Chabazian blocks nicely.
Edmond Chabazian overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.#SUB#
Rusev avoids a guillotine attempt easily.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Chabazian is on top in guard. #REVR#
Chabazian tries to free his leg and advance position but Rusev is retaining full guard. #T2#
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Rusev is on top in guard. #REVB#
Chabazian 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.
Rusev is just sitting in guard, looking to avoid any submissions. #SUB#
Chabazian has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Rusev can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.
Rusev keeps in close for a moment and lands a decent shot to the side of Chabazian's head.
Rusev is sitting in guard, working some ground and pound.
Chabazian looking to hit a scissor sweep but Rusev is one step ahead there.
Rusev connects with a couple of short punches.
Rusev is working the ground and pound from guard. He might want to try advancing position though to get more of an impact. #T3#
Chabazian bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Rusev's guard. #REVR#
Chabazian is pushing down on Rusev's leg trying to pass to half guard. Rusev is fighting to maintain full guard but Chabazian has managed to sneak the leg through.
Chabazian is pressing down on Rusev's thigh, looking to free his foot. Rusev is holding on for now.
Rusev wants to control but Chabazian is keeping busy.
Rusev gets full guard.
Rusev striking off his back but it's not causing Chabazian any problems.
Chabazian trying to control the position from guard on top but Rusev is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Chabazian is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Rusev can do to turn this around?
Rusev is trying to control the position but Chabazian postures up.
Chabazian is looking to work some ground and pound but Rusev has wrist control.
Chabazian trying to control but Rusev is working from the bottom.
Rusev looking to control. #T4#
Chabazian wants to pass the guard but Rusev is keeping the position.
Chabazian wants to control from the top but Rusev keeps moving. #SUB#
Chabazian has gone for a leg lock! Rusev slips out almost immediately though and dives into Chabazian's guard.#REVB#
Chabazian looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Chabazian avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Rusev preventing the sweep.
Rusev lands a couple of digs.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

A close second round but Alexander Rusev will probably get the nod - 10:9.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business. Let's hear some noise people - this is the final round!#R3#
Rusev closes this distance looking for a takedown but Chabazian circles away.
As Rusev looks to move away, Chabazian throws a big counter combo but Rusev just gets out of the way.
Rusev misses with a takedown attempt #TD#
and Chabazian counters with a shoot takedown. Rusev fights it but they end up in guard.
Rusev 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.
Chabazian stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Rusev swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Chabazian is working hard here to advance position.
Chabazian postures up.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Chabazian trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Rusev bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Chabazian's guard. #REVB#
Rusev postures up and lands a big shot to Chabazian's brow.
Rusev with a couple of shots to the head there. Not particularly brutal.#T1#
Chabazian looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Chabazian is trying to control the position from the bottom.
Rusev stopping the sweep attempt from Chabazian.
Chabazian working a defensive guard here.
Rusev throwing strikes but missing.
Rusev makes a bit of distance and scores with some ground and pound, still in guard.
Rusev lands a couple of elbows.
Chabazian looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Rusev postures up and lands a big shot to Chabazian's brow. #T2#
Chabazian wants to sweep here but Rusev controlling him for the moment.
Chabazian preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Hammerfist, elbow! yells Rusev's corner. There ya go! There ya go!
Rusev keeps in close for a moment and lands a decent shot to the side of Chabazian's head.
Rusev stopping the sweep attempt from Chabazian.
Chabazian is adopting a defensive guard.
Rusev throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Chabazian trying to control the position.
Chabazian has momentary wrist control but Rusev slips an elbow through the middle.
Chabazian has momentary wrist control but Rusev slips an elbow through the middle.#ROC2#Chabazian is rocked!
Rusev wants to control from the top but Chabazian keeps moving.
Oh Chabazian is still in real trouble! Will he be able to recover?!!#T3#
Rusev preventing the sweep.
Chabazian seems to have got his legs back now.
Rusev is working Chabazian over from the guard. He should look to pass the guard and do a little more damage with these strikes.
Rusev throwing strikes but missing.
Chabazian looking to control but Rusev passes into half guard.
Chabazian is pressing down on Rusev's left leg trying to get back to full guard. He's managed it.
Chabazian keeping moving, preventing Rusev from controlling successfully. #SUB#
Chabazian had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Rusev defends it easily.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Hammerfist, elbow! yells Rusev's corner. There ya go! There ya go!
Chabazian 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.#T4#
Rusev scoring with punches to the head and body.
Chabazian looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Rusev scoring with punches to the head and body.
Rusev with a couple of shots to the head there. Not particularly brutal.
Rusev with a couple of shots to the head there. Not particularly brutal.
Rusev preventing the sweep.
Rusev with a couple of shots to the head there. Not particularly brutal.
Chabazian trying to control the position.
Rusev tries to free his leg and advance position but Chabazian is retaining full guard.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Chabazian manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Rusev manages to get himself to full guard. #REVR#
Chabazian trying to pass the guard. He's being very persistent here but Rusev manages to land a sweep and now he's on top! #REVB#
Rusev is working Chabazian over from the guard. He should look to pass the guard and do a little more damage with these strikes.

And that's the end of the fight!
Alexander Rusev comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think Rusev has won this one but let's see whether the judges agree with me. Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Trevor Gratis scores the fight 28:29
Judge Gregory Folan scores the fight 28:29
Judge Dillan Fox scores the fight 29:29

In favor of your winner, by majority decision... Alexander Rusev!

Event: CFC 537
Date: Mar 18, 2023

#R1#
Rusev has his takedown stuffed
and Battuga counters with a right hand to the body.
Rusev misses with a takedown attempt #CL2#
and Battuga holds on and brings the fighters into a clinch.
Battuga scores with a nice hook to the head.
Battuga lands with a left to the head.
A right handed body shot lands from Battuga.
Battuga lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
Battuga works for underhooks and lands a body shot in the process.
Rusev tries to score a body lock takedown but Battuga shows good agility there to stay on his feet.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Alexander Rusev. That's going to take a lot out of him.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Battuga.
Battuga content to slow the pace in the clinch.
Battuga lands with a right to the head.
A nice right hand lands inside from Battuga.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Battuga lands with a short punch from the clinch.
Battuga gets through Rusev's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
Battuga makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
Rusev has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Battuga is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.
Battuga stops a takedown attempt from Rusev.
Battuga lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
Battuga lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Rusev backwards. #ROC2#Rusev is rocked!#T1#
Battuga lands a right hand that snaps the head of Rusev backwards.
Oh Rusev is still all over the place! His legs are completely gone! Will he be able to recover?!!
Battuga lands a right hand.
Battuga throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Rusevs head.
A hook to the body from Battuga.
Rusev is breathing heavily.
Rusev wants a takedown but no success here.
Battuga throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Rusevs head.
Battuga lands a shot to the body.
Battuga lands a nice uppercut.
Battuga pushes Rusev back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.
Still in the clinch, Battuga scores with a nice short uppercut.
Battuga throws a big uppercut that drops Rusev! More strikes from Battuga and the referee jumps in to stop the fight! Rusev lies dazed against the cage as Battuga celebrates with his cornermen!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:37 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Ardahan Battuga!

Event: Quick Fight Championship
Date: Mar 01, 2023

#R1#
Rusev fails with a takedown attempt.
Shredder looks exhausted already! Oh dear, he should have come in in better shape than this!
Rusev changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Shredder tries to avoid it but Rusev manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Shredder to the ground. Shredder escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet. #TD2#
Rusev shoots in for a takedown and gets it.
Rusev passes the guard and advances to mount!
Rusev postures up and cracks his opponent a couple of times before moving back into close ground control. Shredder looks a forlorn figure. #CUT2#It looks like Scott Shredder has been cut.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Rusev putting on the heat here with some good ground and pound!
Rusev in mount throwing good strikes here, bouncing his opponent's head off the canvas. #ROC2#Shredder is rocked!
Rusev postures up and throws a couple of big shots that have Shredder in real trouble here! The ref calls for Shredder to improve his position which he doesn't do, so the referee has no choice but to end the fight due to the strikes!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:59 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Alexander Rusev!

Event: Quick Fight Championship
Date: Feb 22, 2023

#R1#
Rusev fails with a takedown attempt.
Despite the aggression on Patterson's face he doesn't fully commit to the counter.
Rusev closes this distance looking for a takedown but Patterson circles away.
Patterson tries for a takedown but Rusev sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.#TD#
Patterson gets caught on his heels momentarily as he allows Rusev to score an easy takedown into full guard.#SUB2#
Patterson is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle. #SUB2#
Patterson has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Rusev 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.
Rusev passes easily into side control. Nice work.
Rusev landing with strikes to the head and body from side control.
Rusev 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.
Patterson struggling a bit here.
Patterson is looking to regain half guard here but Rusev keeps moving and retains side control. #T1##SUB#
Rusev looking for an arm triangle but it's way too loose to do anything.
Patterson is working to avoid the ground and pound but Rusev connects with a decent elbow.
Patterson tries to work a leg under to get back to half guard but Rusev wriggles his own leg back out and remains in side control.
Patterson is not in a great position here, taking some shots.
Check out the look on Rusev's face as he threw that strike - that's one determined fighter!
Patterson wants to control but Rusev postures up.
Patterson taking punishment in the form of punches.
Patterson struggling a bit here.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Rusev in side control lands a nice looking series of punches and elbows. #ROC#Patterson is rocked!
Rusev lands a decent elbow from side control.
Patterson is still in real trouble! Can Rusev finish him?
Rusev cracks Patterson with a big elbow. Oh, he's hurt! Rusev immediately mounts and start dropping bombs! Patterson is done! The referee jumps in and saves him from any more punishment - a quick and decisive finish by Rusev!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:58 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Alexander Rusev!

Event: CFC 528
Date: Feb 18, 2023

#R1##TD2#
Ruotolo closes the distance and gets a double leg, slamming Rusev to the mat! Rusev manages to get full guard.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Rusev wants to sweep but no luck.
Ruotolo sitting in guard here, content to control.
Ruotolo won't allow Rusev to sweep him here.
Ruotolo trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Ruotolo sitting in guard, not really doing much. #SUB#
Rusev is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Ruotolo wants to pass the guard but Rusev is keeping the position.#T1#
Ruotolo trying to control the position from guard on top but Rusev is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Ruotolo controlling from the top position.
Rusev keeping full guard, as Ruotolo tries to pass.
Rusev looking for a sweep. Not yet Rusev, not yet.
Rusev trying to control the position here.
Ruotolo pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Rusev is keeping the position for now. #T2#
The crowd are getting on the fighters' backs, as the pace has dropped off in the last minute or so.
Ruotolo keeps trying to improve his position.#REF3#
The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.
Rusev misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
Rusev shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Ruotolo as he jumps to the side. #TD2#
Ruotolo shoots in for a takedown and gets it.
Ruotolo is controlling the pace.
Ruotolo is looking to pass Rusev's guard but actually Rusev recovers to full guard.
Ruotolo really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Rusev. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.#T3##SUB#
Rusev has managed to work for a loose triangle. I think Ruotolo should be able to defend this one pretty easily though. Oh, Rusev has tightened it up now! Ruotolo 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 3:29 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Triangle). Alexander Rusev!

Event: CFC 516
Date: Jan 07, 2023

#R1#
A head kick from Tremendous Jr lands but Rusev takes it in his stride.
That kick from Tremendous Jr tenderised Rusev's leg. Rusev is trying to keep his angry face on.
Tremendous Jr explodes with a nice body kick and back out of range. Nice work.
Rusev tries to score a power double leg takedown but Tremendous Jr sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Rusev somewhat.
Rusev shoots in but no luck this time.
A chopping leg kick lands by Tremendous Jr.
Rusev dives in and grabs Tremendous Jr's left leg, looking for a takedown. Tremendous Jr pushes down on Rusev's head and hops out.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Alexander Rusev. That's going to take a lot out of him.#TD#
Tremendous Jr gets caught flat footed, as Rusev shoots in with a quick takedown into guard.
Tremendous Jr 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.
Tremendous Jr utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Rusev being controlled here momentarily.
Both fighters have adopted an aggressive gameplan on the ground!
Rusev throws a big elbow that misses.
Tremendous Jr looks more muscular than last time we saw him. He must have been on the weights.
Tremendous Jr is controlling Rusev's posture.
Rusev stopping the sweep attempt from Tremendous Jr.#T1#
Tremendous Jr manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Rusev manages to get himself to full guard. #REVB#
Tremendous Jr not doing a lot at the moment. He'll have to show some more aggression or the fight will get stood up.
Tremendous Jr wants to pass the guard but Rusev is keeping the position.
Tremendous Jr is just sitting in guard, looking to avoid any submissions.
Rusev keeping moving, preventing Tremendous Jr from controlling successfully.
Rusev can't do much from the bottom at the moment, as Tremendous Jr controls the pace.
Tremendous Jr looking to pass the guard.
Tremendous Jr sitting in guard, not really doing much.
Rusev controls Tremendous Jr momentarily but Tremendous Jr frees himself. #T2#
Tremendous Jr's corner is telling him to maintain position.
Tremendous Jr must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.#SUB#
Tremendous Jr got a little sloppy there for a moment and Rusev has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Tremendous Jr has managed to get both his arms back between Rusev's legs - danger averted.
Tremendous Jr content to stall in guard here.
Tremendous Jr is continuing to stall.
Rusev controlling the position.
Tremendous Jr controls from within his opponent's guard.
Tremendous Jr wants to control from the top but Rusev keeps moving. #T3#
Tremendous Jr controls from within his opponent's guard.
The adventures of Tremendous Jr the control monster continue. Boring.#REF3#
The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.
Rusev chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Tremendous Jr can pounce on him.
Rusev on the wrong end of a nice low kick. He's acting like it's no big deal but he doesn't want to take many more of those.
Rusev shoots for a double leg takedown but Tremendous Jr sprawls well. He's pushed Rusev's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Tremendous Jr wants to counter the offense by Rusev and move into the clinch position.
Rusev with a poor takedown #CL2#
and Tremendous Jr counters into the clinch. Nicely done.
Tremendous Jr lands a good knee to the midsection. Rusev won't want to take too many of those.
Tremendous Jr with a knee to the head.
Tremendous Jr connects with a knee to the head.
Rusev goes for a takedown in the clinch but Tremendous Jr prevents it.
Tremendous Jr is trying to wear down his opponent with knees to the body.#T4#
Rusev has dropped down and is looking to force the takedown but it's defended by Tremendous Jr after a bit of a struggle.
Tremendous Jr connects with a knee to the head.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Rusev is looking for a takedown.
Tremendous Jr landing knees to the head.
Rusev looking for a takedown.
Tremendous Jr connects with a knee to the head. #ROC2#Rusev is rocked!
Tremendous Jr with a knee to the head.
Oh Rusev is still all over the place! His legs are completely gone! Will he be able to recover?!!
Rusev tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.
Tremendous Jr stops a takedown attempt from Rusev.
Tremendous Jr lands a good knee to the midsection. Rusev won't want to take too many of those.
Rusev is breathing heavily.
Tremendous Jr has Rusev pressed up against the cage in a tight Thai clinch. Rusev is arching his back, trying to avoid the knees but a big one sneaks through from Tremendous Jr - that's hurt Rusev badly! Oh, another knee lands and Rusev is covering up! The referee steps in to save him - possibly a bit early but Rusev doesn't seem to be complaining.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:45 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Knees). Rex Tremendous Jr!
An out of breath Rex Tremendous Jr thanked his loyal fans in his post fight interview, giving them credit for his success over the course of his career.

Event: Quick Fight Championship
Date: Nov 15, 2022

#R1##TD2#
Test One shoots in for a takedown from distance. He catches Ravencroft napping and manages to drive through into side control!
Ravencroft tries to buck Test One off but Test One is having none of it.
Ravencroft is working hard here to advance position.
Test One working the body and head with strikes.
Test One in side control here. He's dropped a big elbow there and Ravencroft looks hurt! Oh, he is hurt! Test One turns on the heat and pounds him out for a TKO victory! Good killer instinct there!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 0:31 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Winter Test One!

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