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Play
by Play - Fighter's Fight Commentary
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Event:
HFA 31
Date: Dec 21, 2024 |
#R1##TD2#
Jones closes the distance and clinches up, looking for a takedown. He shifts his weight and gets a nice trip into half guard.
Messi manages to get to full guard.
Messi knows he needs to get back to his feet asap. He's simply no match for Jones on the ground.
Jones preventing the sweep.
Messi looking to control.
Messi is avoiding any damage by keeping wrist control.
Messi striking off his back but it's not causing Jones any problems.
Jones trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.#SUB#
Messi working for a triangle but Jones defends it easily.
Jones wants to control from the top but Messi keeps moving. #T1#
Jones looking to pass the guard.
Messi working a defensive guard here.
Jones wants to control from the top but Messi keeps moving. #REF3#
The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.
Messi leaves Jones with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
Jones swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.#TD2#
Jones looking for a takedown here - he's got it.
Jones is stalling in the full guard. #T2#
Messi keeping moving, preventing Jones from controlling successfully.
Jones looking to control the position here, rather than advance.
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Messi is trying to keep Jones in close.
Messi pulls Jones in close to prevent any damage.
Messi on his back here. We all know that wrestlers don't like being on their back so let's see if Messi tries to get out of the position.#T3#
Jones controlling from the top position.
It looks like the ref is thinking about a standup.
Jones tries to free his leg and advance position but Messi is retaining full guard. #REF3#
The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up.
Messi tries a head kick but it misses.
Jones throws a body shot but no joy. #TD2#
Jones looking to score a takedown here. Messi is defending well but Jones drives through and ends up in Messi's guard.
Messi trying to strike from the bottom but really, it's not the best position to be doing that from!
Messi looking for a sweep. Not yet Messi, not yet.
Jones controlling from the top position.
Jones stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Messi swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Messi looks to be in better condition than last time we saw him fight. Obviously he's been working hard on his cardio.#T4#
Jones forces his way into half guard.
Messi trying to control here.
#SUB2#
Jones is trying for a guillotine from the top but the pressure isn't in the right place so Messi is just riding it out for now. Jones eventually gives up the hold.
Jones passes the guard and advances to mount!
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.
Midget Mode Jones dominated that round.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business.#R2#
A bone on bone clash there as Messi blocks the leg kick.
Jones throws a lazy head kick #TD#
and Messi counters with a takedown into side control! That could mean trouble for Jones!
Jones tries to buck Messi off but Messi is having none of it.
Jones manages to work his way to half guard, despite Messi's best efforts.
Messi not landing any meaningful shots this time.
Messi not throwing his punches with enough precision this time. #SUB2#
Jones looking for submissions off his back.
Messi works his foot free and advances to mount.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Jones is working to get back to half guard.
#T1#
Jones tries to lock up and control but Messi gives him a forearm to the face and pushes him away.
Messi scoring with some good ground and pound from mount here. Will he manage to finish Jones?
Jones is bucking up trying to escape but Messi cracks him with another couple of good strikes.
Jones is trying to escape the mount.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Messi breaks from Jones's wrist control and lands an elbow.
Jones sneaks a leg back under and regains half guard and is working straight away to try and get back to guard. He hasn't managed just yet though.
Jones trying to control but Messi postures up.
Leonard Messi overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.#T2#
Jones is refusing to be controlled, as Messi sits in half guard.
Jones wants to get back to full guard.
Jones is staying active underneath Messi, who seems content to just control the action from this position.
Jones is looking to improve his position.
We've been informed that Jones has been working hard on his conditioning in the buildup to the fight.
Jones works his way to full guard. Good work.
Messi trying to control but Jones is working from the bottom.
Jones trying to control the position.
#T3##SUB2#
Jones is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
Jones trying to keep a closed guard but Messi is proving a slippery customer.
Jones wants to sweep but no luck. #SUB2#
Jones looking for a guillotine here but Messi defends easily.
Messi postures up in Jones's guard and throws a big left but Jones blocks it. #T4#
There's not a lot going on here and the crowd are letting the fighters know they're not willing to tolerate a lack of action.#SUB2#
Jones is active off his back here, looking for submissions.
Messi lands a nice shot whilst sitting in his opponent's guard.
Jones is trying to control the position from the bottom.
#SUB2#
Jones looking for subs off his back but Messi has passed one foot through into half guard.
Messi wants to lay and pray for a moment but Jones keeps working.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Jones wants to improve his position but Messi is controlling well.
#SUB2#
Jones is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Messi pulls his head out easily.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.
Leonard Messi dominated that second round.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action. And we move into the final round!#R3##TD#
Messi shoots in and gets a takedown into Jones's guard.#SUB2#
Jones has his foot on Messi's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Messi works his way back into a safe position though.#SUB2#
Messi got a little sloppy there for a moment and Jones has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Messi has managed to get both his arms back between Jones's legs - danger averted.
Jones is trying to keep Messi in close.
Messi passes into half guard.
Messi not landing any meaningful shots this time.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Jones wants to control but Messi is keeping busy and won't allow it.
Messi landing with strikes to the body and head, softening up his opponent.
Messi wants to lay and pray for a moment but Jones keeps working. #T1#
Messi tries to pass to full mount but Jones defends it.
Messi wants to lay and pray for a moment but Jones keeps working.
Jones is looking to improve his position.
Jones slips a foot under and gets full guard. Nice work.#SUB2#
Jones has thrown up a leg looking for a triangle. Messi doesn't defend quickly enough and Jones has managed to lock this one up! Can Messi escape?! NO! He's tapping out! Damn, that was a quick submission - congrats to Jones on a fantastic submission victory.
Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:57 of round 3, we have a winner by way of Submission (Triangle). Midget Mode Jones!
The defeated Leonard Messi had this to say: 'I appreciate all my fans, I will come back even stronger'. |
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Event:
HFA 26
Date: Nov 16, 2024 |
#R1#
A punch lands to the side of Messi 's head but he takes it in his stride.
Mora shoots in for a double leg but Messi sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
Well, he's not going to score with shots like that. A lazy body kick attempt from Messi.
Messi misses with a head kick.
#CL#
Mora tries to keep at a distance but Messi has taken the fight into the clinch.
Mora misses with a hook from the clinch.
Mora misses with a hook to the ribs.
Mora swings away with an uppercut that misses.
#TD#
Messi pulls guard successfully.
We could do with one of the fighters taking the initiative a bit more on the ground - they're both waiting to capitalize on a mistake.#SUB#
Messi throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.
Mora is in close to Messi's body, working some short punches and elbows.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Messi looking for a sweep. Not yet Messi, not yet.
Mora working from the guard for now, landing some ground and pound.
Mora landing some decent shots from guard.
Mora lands a nice shot whilst sitting in his opponent's guard.
Messi is in a tricky position. We've heard reports from his gym mates at BANZAI COMBAT ACADEMY HELSINKI that he's been drilling escapes, so let's see if he can get back to his feet.#T1#
Messi pulls Mora in close to prevent any damage.
Messi trying to control the position.
Mora is just sitting in guard, looking to avoid any submissions.
Mora throws a strike but Messi rolls with it and manages to sweep. Now he's in guard on top. #REVR#
Mora is avoiding any damage by keeping wrist control.
Mora working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Messi.
Messi trying to control the position from guard on top but Mora is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Messi throws a big elbow that misses. #T2#
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.
Messi trying to control the position from guard on top but Mora is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Messi showing good wrestling skills to control the position.
Messi has decided he wants to stand but the closed guard of Mora is proving hard to escape from.
Mora keeping moving, preventing Messi from controlling successfully. #SU#
Mora is working an open guard so Messi takes the opportunity to get back to his feet.#T3#
Mora stuffs the takedown attempt from Messi. Messi gets slowly back to his feet.
Messi shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Mora defends it nicely.
Mora misses with a left hand #TD#
and Messi counters with a nice double leg into half guard.
Mora is looking for a sweep. Messi is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Mora won't allow Messi to pass to mount.
Messi scores with a couple of good hammerfists.
Mora 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.#T4#
Messi is trying to advance to mount but he's lost his balance and Mora reverses the position - he's now on top in Messi's guard.
Mora is working Messi over from the guard. He should look to pass the guard and do a little more damage with these strikes.
Mora seems content to control from guard here. He's going to have to remain active though if he doesn't want to get stood back up.
Mora distracts Messi with his right hand and drops a big elbow with his other arm.
Mora scoring with punches to the head and body.
Mora lands a couple of elbows.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Mora looking to pass the guard.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Mora working from the guard for now, landing some ground and pound.
Messi looking for a sweep. Not yet Messi, not yet.
Mora trying to control but Messi is working from the bottom.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.
A close round but Re Mora will probably get the nod.
That's time! Messi's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.#R2##TD#
Messi shoots in and gets a takedown into half guard. Messi showed some decent athleticism there.
Messi wants to take a breather but Mora is having none of it.
Mora blocking the ground and pound attempt from Messi.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Messi content to control rather than advance.
Messi scoring with strikes to the body and head.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Mora trying to control here but he's found himself mounted! Oh no!
#T1#
Mora is squirming around, avoiding Messi's attempts to control the action.
Messi is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Mora can do to turn this around?
Messi tries to stand up but he's trapped just for the moment.
Mora is trying desperately 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.
Mora regains half guard.
Mora trying to hold on to Messi's head to control him but Messi postures up.
#SUB#
Messi is working for a kimura but Mora is defending it quite comfortably.
Mora wants to get back to full guard but Messi has mounted him!#T3#
Mora gets back to half guard.
Messi wants to lay and pray for a moment but Mora keeps working.
Leonard Messi overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Mora is looking for a sweep. Messi is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Messi controlling the pace.
Messi tries to pass to full mount but Mora defends it.
Mora is looking to control Messi's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Mora avoid being mounted?#T4#
Neither fighter has done anything of merit for a good minute or two here and the crowd are not happy about it.
Messi trying to control the action but Mora is working from the bottom.
If this pace continues, the referee will definitely step in and force a standup.
Nice strikes from Messi there.
Mora is looking to control Messi's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Mora avoid being mounted?
Mora wants to get back to full guard.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Messi working to pass to mount. He's got his hand pressing down on Mora's thigh. Mora counters though and makes it back to full guard.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.
Leonard Messi dominated that second round.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action. Ladies and gentlemen, this is the final round!#R3#
Messi throws a low kick but Mora avoids it.
Messi fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Mora misses with an uppercut. Messi saw that one coming.
Mora throws a jab to the body, straight down the pipe. Boom. That sent Messi stumbling backwards but he manages to regain his composure quickly.
Mora lands a jab, followed by a cross and another cross, as Messi backs up against the cage.
This fight brought to you by 5M nutrition - it's mmmmm tasty. Nice jab by Mora.
Mora jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Mora lands with a cross.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Messi shoots for a double leg takedown but Mora sprawls well. He's pushed Messi's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Mora changes levels for a counter takedown but doesn't follow through with his attempt.
Messi doesn't manage to clinch there - Mora circles away.
Messi is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Leonard Messi is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Messi slips a straight right by Mora.#T1#
Messi takes a shot right to the bread basket.
Mora scores with a sloppy right hand. Messi should have avoided that one.
Mora lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Messi circles away quickly and effectively.
Messi keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Mora.
Sloppy strikes from Messi. Those never looked like landing.
Messi misses with a body shot.
Mora slips a jab and a cross from Messi.
Messi pivots as if he's going to throw a leg kick but stops half way.
And Mora tries to counter it with a takedown but Messi pushes his down on his head and steps out.#TD#
Messi scores with a takedown into Mora's guard.
Messi preventing the sweep.
Mora manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Messi manages to get himself to full guard.
#REVB##T2#
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Mora is working the ground and pound from guard. He might want to try advancing position though to get more of an impact.
Messi is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Mora landing some decent shots from guard.
Messi on his back here. We all know that wrestlers don't like being on their back so let's see if Messi tries to get out of the position.
Mora with a nice head shot there.
Messi managing to control the position.
Mora makes a bit of distance and scores with some ground and pound, still in guard.
Messi is trying to control the position from the bottom.
Hammerfist, elbow! yells Mora's corner. There ya go! There ya go! #T3#
Mora is looking to work some ground and pound but Messi has wrist control.
Messi wants to stand up but Mora is controlling him.
Mora makes a bit of distance and scores with some ground and pound, still in guard.
Messi has momentary wrist control but Mora slips an elbow through the middle.
Messi working a defensive guard here.
Mora chips away with some ground and pound.
Mora stands up over Messi, holding his feet. He dives back in and lands a decent shot to the head.
Mora is working the ground and pound from guard. He might want to try advancing position though to get more of an impact. #SUB#
Mora avoids a guillotine attempt easily.
Mora postures up and lands a big shot to Messi's brow. #T4#
Mora working from the guard for now, landing some ground and pound.
Mora working in close now, lands a nice elbow to the side of Messi's head.#SUB#
Messi looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Mora landing some decent shots from guard. #ROC2#Messi is rocked!
Mora works over Messi with some ground and pound from guard.
Oh Messi is still in real trouble! Will he be able to recover?!!
Mora showing good wrestling skills to control the position.
Messi seems to have got his legs back now.
Mora working from the guard for now, landing some ground and pound.
Messi working a defensive guard here.
Mora distracts Messi with his right hand and drops a big elbow with his other arm.
Messi 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.
And that's the end of the fight!
Re Mora comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think Mora 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 Colin Fray scores the fight 29:29
Judge Chris Saunders scores the fight 29:28
Judge Roger Salmon scores the fight 28:29
The fight is ruled a draw! |
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Event:
Quick Fight Championship
Date: Oct 29, 2024 |
#R1##TD#
Messi shoots in and gets a takedown into Hong's guard.
Hong looks really tired already! That doesn't bode well for a good, competitive fight!
Messi works a leg free and moves into half guard.
Messi stalling.
Messi lands with an elbow from half guard - that looked like it hurt.
Well, if Messi is going to just lie there, perhaps we should talk about what we're having for dinner tonight… I'm having a ham and pineapple pizza… Yum. Can't wait.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Hong really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Messi. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.
Hong tries to kick Messi off but Messi keeps his base steady and stays in half guard. #T1#
The referee calls for the fighters to work.
Hong looks like he's trying to stand up.
Messi keeping composed on the top, looking to control the action.#SU#
Messi decides to stand up. #TD#
Messi shoots in for a takedown and gets it. Let's see what he's got on the mat.
Hong is looking to stand back up... there's a bit of a scramble and Messi dives into side control.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.#REVB#
We get told so often about how wrestlers don't like to be on their backs. Let's see if Hong can do anything to dispel that myth.#SUB#
Messi has hold of Hong's arm. He's looking for a kimura. Hong seems comfortable defending it but Messi has shifted his position slighty and is cranking on the arm! Hong is real pain and he's forced to tap out! Hong is disgusted with himself for not defending it better but Messi couldn't care less - he's delighted!
Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:40 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Kimura). Leonard Messi!
Leonard Messi very nearly forgot to thank BANZAI NUTRITION amongst all the excitement of his win but just as the interview came to a close, he screamed their name. Hopefully he'll get a few nice freebies in the mail as a thank you. |
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Event:
BANZAI COMBAT 111
Date: Oct 19, 2024 |
#R1#
Chang swinging wildly here.
Messi takes one to the chin there.
Chang lands a nice shot that snaps Messi's head back.
Chang lands a jab to the head.
Messi misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Messi misses with a takedown attempt
enabling Chang to counter with a crisp jab.
Messi tries for a takedown but Chang circles away easily
and Chang cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Messi shoots and misses
enabling Chang to counter with a crisp jab.
Ching Chang has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Leonard Messi.#T1##TD2#
Messi looking to score a takedown here. Chang is defending well but Messi drives through and ends up in Chang's guard.
Chang is looking to stand up but Messi isn't so interested in that idea.
Chang trying desperately to get back to his feet here but he's not having any joy at all. He's going to tire himself out if he's not careful.
Messi wants to pass the guard but Chang is keeping the position.
Chang 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.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Chang is looking to stand up but Messi isn't so interested in that idea.
Chang knows he needs to get back to his feet asap. He's simply no match for Messi on the ground.
Messi pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Chang is keeping the position for now.
Messi postures up.
The referee is asking the fighters to pick up the pace.#T2#
Messi controls the pace of the fight for a moment.#REF3#
The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.#TD2#
Chang gets taken down but at least he's managed to land in guard.
Chang wants to hit a sweep here but Messi passes into full mount! Oh no, disaster for Chang there!
Chang takes a big shot to the head but keeps on trying to improve his position.
Messi fakes a shot to the body and cracks his opponent in the head. Nice ground and pound there!
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Messi takes a little breather and maintains the position. The referee will be looking for him to stay active from such a dominant position though.
Messi prevents Chang from getting the reversal.
Messi with shots to the head and body - Chang looks very uncomfortable down there.
Messi pausing momentarily but resumes with a couple of decent strikes that do a bit of damage.
Chang squirming around on the bottom, looking to escape.
#T3#
Messi takes a little breather and maintains the position. The referee will be looking for him to stay active from such a dominant position though.
BOOM! Messi connects with a massive shot to the dome!
Messi controlling the position easily from mount.
Chang on his back here. We all know that wrestlers don't like being on their back so let's see if Chang tries to get out of the position.
Messi works his way to his opponent's back.
Chang looks to control his opponent's hands but he's not mananging it at the moment.
We've been informed that Messi has been working hard on his conditioning in the buildup to the fight.
Messi throwing damaging strikes from the back! Chang could be in trouble here!
Messi lands with a couple of good shots - one to the side of the head and one questionable shot that could be viewed as to the back of the head but the referee lets it go.
Chang grimaces as he takes a shot to the body.
I really don't envy Chang right now.
#SUB2#
Messi 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, Chang has freed his hand and lives to survive another… well, another couple of seconds at least!
Chang covers up after taking a massive shot to the side of the head.
#T4#
This has been an exciting period of action!#SUB2#
Chang defends a rear naked choke attempt by controlling one of Messi's arms.
The fighters are starting to get a bit slippery now, which will make submissions a bit more difficult.
A bit of a pause in the action here. Messi controlling the positon.
Chang rolls, trying to escape but Messi keeps control of the position.
I would not like to be Chang right now.
Chang tries to escape but Messi has the hooks in and won't let him break free.
Messi lands a shot to the head.
Messi is riding his opponent, not letting Chang buck him off. #SUB2#
Messi is working for the choke. I would put my money on him to finish from this position. He's rolled onto his back and has dragged Chang with him. Chang is trying to defend but Messi has an arm under the chin now! Chang grimaces and is forced to tap out!
Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:57 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (RNC). Leonard Messi!
Jumping up and down and very excited, Leonard Messi waved his t-shirt featuring BANZAI NUTRITION's logo in front of the cameras. |
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Event:
BANZAI COMBAT 90
Date: Sep 07, 2024 |
#R1#
Messi slips under a jab.
Jackson looks exhausted already! Oh dear, he should have come in in better shape than this!#TD2#
Messi shoots in and gets a takedown into half guard. Messi showed some decent athleticism there.
Messi not landing any meaningful shots this time.
Messi lands with a punch from half guard.
Messi stops Jackson from getting back to his feet.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Messi takes a deep breath and rests his weight momentarily on top of his opponent, to control the position.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.#T1#
Jackson keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Well, if Messi is going to just lie there, perhaps we should talk about what we're having for dinner tonight… I'm having a ham and pineapple pizza… Yum. Can't wait.
The referee is pacing around the two fighters, thinking about a standup.
Messi uses his free foot to push down on Jackson's thigh. Eventually he works his other foot free and he's advanced to mount - this is trouble for Jackson. #SUB2#
Jackson defends a decent attempt at a guillotine from Messi. #T2#
Messi controlling from the full mount.
Let's hope that Messi has the urge to step up the pace any second now because for the last 15 or 20 seconds he's just been holding on tight.
Messi pausing momentarily but resumes with a couple of decent strikes that do a bit of damage.#SUB2#
Messi is working on an americana here. Ooh, that looks pretty nasty! Nope, Jackson has managed to escape the submission attempt.
#T3#
Messi landing strikes from the mount.
BOOM! Messi connects with a massive shot to the dome!
Messi lands a couple of nice shots there from mount.
Messi looking to finish Jackson with some ground and pound. This is bad for Jackson!#SUB2#
Jackson defends a decent attempt at a guillotine from Messi.
Messi unloading with bombs!
Messi with the ground and pound from mount. #T4##SUB2#
Jackson defends a decent attempt at a guillotine from Messi.
Messi looking to control and managing it successfully.
Jackson really does look like a pencil wearing a pair of gloves. Let's hope he has a gameplan to suit that ridiculous body shape.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.
Leonard Messi dominated that round.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!#R2##TD2#
Messi shoots in from a long way out. He's driving through with the takedown attempt and he eventually gets it, landing in Jackson's guard.
Messi showing good wrestling skills to control the position.
Jackson preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Messi postures up and lands some nice ground and pound. #SUB2#
Messi thinks about going for a leg but decides against it, in order to maintain the position.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.#SU2#
Jackson is working an open guard so Messi takes the opportunity to get back to his feet.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.#CL2#
Messi closes the distance and clinches. #T1##BC2#
Messi breaks the clinch.
Duane Jackson is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.#TD2#
Messi scores with a nice takedown into half guard. Let's see what he's got on the ground. #ROC2#Jackson is rocked!
Messi looks over to his corner - he wants some instructions but his corner are not responding.
Oh Jackson is still in real trouble! Will he be able to recover?!!
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. Messi connects with a nice short shot to Jackson's temple.
Ground and pound from Messi.
Messi looks over to his corner - he wants some instructions but his corner are not responding.
Messi is continuing to stall.
We've been informed that Messi has been working hard on his conditioning in the buildup to the fight.#SU2#
Messi stands, ready to strike. The ref makes him back up and allows Jackson to get to his feet. #CL2#
Messi forces Jackson back against the cage and clinches.
Messi has been the more effective fighter overall so far.#T2#
Jackson wants to get back to striking at distance but Messi won't allow it.
#TD2#
Messi drags the fight down to the ground.
Messi is adopting a defensive guard.
Jackson prevents Messi from getting back to his feet.
Messi has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
Messi is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move. #REVB#
Jackson seems to have got his legs back now.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Messi tries to pass the half guard into mount. Jackson knows what he's doing though and prevents the attempt.
Leonard Messi has got the better of the ground game so far.
Messi throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man. #T3#
Messi wants to pass to mount but Jackson is defending the position.
Messi with a momentary lay and pray from half guard. #SUB2#
Messi is working for a submission of some sort.
#T4#
There's not a lot going on here and the crowd are letting the fighters know they're not willing to tolerate a lack of action.
Messi works his way into side control.
Messi working the ground and pound but he's contacting the mat, not the fighter.
Messi is pausing for a moment. What's he doing? It looks like he's clearing his nose. Oh dude! He's shot a load of snot all down Jackson's shoulder. That is not cool.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Messi is working Jackson over with some ground and pound from side control.
Messi tries to move to mount but Jackson blocks the move with his legs.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.
Leonard Messi showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action! So, we enter the final round. Let's see if either fighter can bring us a finish, or whether we're going to the judges scorecards.#R3#
Messi looks for the body kick but Jackson saw that one coming.
Jackson throws a lazy head kick #CL2#
and Messi counters by clinching up.
Messi stalling against the cage.
Messi slows down the pace here.
#TD2#
Messi decides to pull guard.
Jackson won't allow Messi to get back to his feet.
Messi trying to strike from the bottom but really, it's not the best position to be doing that from!
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Messi seems keen to control Jackson's posture.
We get told so often about how wrestlers don't like to be on their backs. Let's see if Messi can do anything to dispel that myth.
Messi looking for a sweep. Not yet Messi, not yet.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.#T1#
Messi trying to control the position here.
Messi bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Jackson's guard. #REVB##SU2#
Messi gets to his feet and steps away from his opponent.
Messi throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Jackson.
Messi lands with a hook. Jackson tried to avoid it but it clipped the top of his head. #CL2#
Messi clinches with his opponent.
#TD2#
Messi works for the underhooks and manages to get a trip takedown into guard.
Jackson wants to get back to his feet but he's too absorbed in his own little project and Messi manages to pass to side control. #T2##REVR##SUB2#
Messi is looking for a kimura. It's going to be difficult to finish that from half guard though and Jackson defends it well.
Messi content to sit in half guard and control for a moment.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.#T3##SUB2#
Messi is looking for a kimura but he's never going to get it from there.
Messi lands a big shot. The thud that echoes around the arena is like music to the fans' ears. #SU2#
Messi gets to his feet - back to striking we go!
Duane Jackson is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.#CL2#
Jackson gets tackled into the cage by Messi. Messi maintains the clinch.
Duane Jackson has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!#T4#
Messi goes for a takedown in the clinch but Jackson prevents it.
#TD2#
Messi is trying to trip Jackson. He has hold of a leg but Jackson is hopping around, keeping his balance for the moment. Messi persists though and gets the takedown into guard.
Messi controls the pace of the fight for a moment.
Messi pushing down on Jackson's thigh, trying to pass to half guard. He's managed it... Nice work.
Messi uses his free foot to push down on Jackson's thigh. Eventually he works his other foot free and he's advanced to mount - this is trouble for Jackson. #SU2#
Messi stands up from mount. Strange move.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.#TD2#
Jackson gets caught on his heels momentarily as he allows Messi to score an easy takedown into full guard.
Messi is standing up over Jackson. Jackson looks to escape but Messi dives into side control.
And that's the end of the fight!
Duane Jackson showed his dominance in that final round.
Well Messi 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 Bruno Hogan scores the fight 28:29
Judge Skip Squint scores the fight 27:29
Judge Winston Howard scores the fight 28:29
In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Leonard Messi!
Leonard Messi opened up his post fight interview with a scream to camera that he wants a title shot! Whether he deserves the shot will be up to the management of the organization, so I guess he'll have to wait and see. |
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Event:
BANZAI COMBAT 74
Date: Aug 10, 2024 |
#R1#
Nice cross by Robinson.
Jamie Robinson seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Robinson scores with a decent looking hook.
Messi misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Robinson throws a right and a left that Messi avoids nicely.
Robinson scores with a punch to the head.
Messi shoots in for a double leg but Robinson sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
Messi tries to clinch up
and Robinson connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Robinson misses with a series of wild punches.
Messi shoots in but Robinson avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Donk. Robinson catches Messi right on the button with a cross.
Messi dives in and grabs Robinson's left leg, looking for a takedown. Robinson pushes down on Messi's head and hops out.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Leonard Messi. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Robinson digs a good body shot into Messi's ribs.
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!#TD#
Messi throws the overhand right but ducks down into a quick takedown attempt. Robinson was covering up waiting for the punch and Messi finishes the takedown easily into guard. #T1#
Robinson 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.#SUB2#
Robinson has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Messi can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.
Messi has to be careful here, sitting in the guard of a superior BJJ player.
Robinson is controlling Messi's posture.#SUB2#
Robinson has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Messi can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.
Robinson lands a beautiful sweep and he's now moved into his opponent's guard.#REVB##T2#
Messi keeping moving, preventing Robinson from controlling successfully.
Messi wants to sweep here but Robinson controlling him for the moment.
Robinson tries to free his leg and advance position but Messi is retaining full guard.
Messi might be looking to lock onto one of his opponent's long limbs for a submission, whilst we're on the ground.
Messi wants to get back to his feet but Robinson is in a dominant position and won't allow it.
Robinson tries to free his leg and advance position but Messi is retaining full guard.
Robinson wants to control from the top but Messi keeps moving.
Messi looks to be in better condition than last time we saw him fight. Obviously he's been working hard on his cardio.#SUB#
Messi escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Robinson gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance. #T3#
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Robinson wants to control from the top but Messi keeps moving.
Messi wants to sweep here but Robinson controlling him for the moment.
Messi seems keen to control rather than go for a submission, at least for now. #SU2#
Robinson gets to his feet - Messi follows without any prompting.
Robinson scores with a nice one two combo and darts back out of range to avoid anything coming in the opposite direction.
Messi moves forwards but Robinson connects with a nice, crisp jab.
Robinson has used his reach advantage pretty well so far tonight.
Robinson scores with the left hand. Messi knows he should have avoided that one. #T4#
Robinson misses with a double jab.
Robinson moving in and out of range nicely, whilst landing the scoring shot.
Messi scores with a nice strike.
Messi shoots in looking for a takedown. Robinson tries to sprawl out of it but Messi keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Robinson manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Robinson lands a powerful looking uppercut that connected with his opponent's jaw.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Robinson scores with the left hand. Messi knows he should have avoided that one.
Jamie Robinson is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
A right-left combo lands from Robinson.
Messi drops his hands and takes a jab to the jaw for his troubles.
Messi darts in trying to clinch
and Robinson counters with a nice leg kick.
Robinson tests Messi's chin there with a solid looking shot.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.
Jamie Robinson dominated that round.
That's time! Messi's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.#R2#
A looping hook to the body misses from Robinson. Messi does a little dance to reset his feet.
Messi shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Robinson as he avoids it easily.
Messi showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Robinson.
Messi bobs and weaves and unloads with a good uppercut.
Robinson throws a good cross that connects.
Robinson throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd.
Robinson has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Messi walks into a straight right hand from Robinson.
Messi is looking to clinch.
Robinson looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
A combination from Messi does no damage.
Robinson ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Messi moves away.
Robinson leaves Messi with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
Messi needs to keep his hands up - Robinson had a free shot at his head there.
Leonard Messi is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.#T1#
Robinson connects with a looping right hand.
Robinson lands a jab. Then a cross. Then finally a nice hook to the body. Good work there by Robinson.
Messi tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Robinson manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Robinson tests Messi's chin there with a solid looking shot.#TD#
Robinson gets taken down but at least he's managed to land in guard.
Robinson bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Messi's guard. #REVB#
Robinson trying to control but Messi is working from the bottom.
Robinson tries to free his leg and advance position but Messi is retaining full guard.
Robinson has decided he wants to stand but the closed guard of Messi is proving hard to escape from.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.#SU2#
Robinson gets to his feet and steps away from his opponent. #T2#
Messi misses with a takedown attempt - Robinson sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Leonard Messi. That's going to take a lot out of him.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Horrible takedown attempt by Messi or perhaps it was just good defense by Robinson, which made it look bad.
Robinson is using his reach advantage to land shots from outside his opponent's range.
Messi is on the wrong end of a nice combination from Robinson.
Messi looks like he's developed a pretty tasty lump over his left eye. He'll need to avoid taking much more damage to that.
No joy there for Robinson, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Messi showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Robinson.
Jab, jab by Robinson - just one landing.
Messi gets cracked with a nice right hand there by Robinson.
Messi drops his hands momentarily and Robinson takes advantage with a crisp shot to the head.
A left and a right from Robinson both land. Nice combination. #T3#
Robinson ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Messi moves away.
Messi fails to land with a series of punches.
Robinson connects with a single shot there.
Robinson swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Robinson defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Messi.#CL#
Messi gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.
Messi stalling.
Messi looking to slow down the pace here.
Messi trying to land knees to the body.
#BC2#
Robinson escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Donk. Robinson catches Messi right on the button with a cross.
Robinson lands a jab followed by a nice looking cross.
Messi throws a leg kick but Robinson sees it coming and checks it nicely.
A right-left combo lands from Robinson. #T4#
This has been an exciting period of action!
Robinson avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Robinson connects nicely with a jab. Noted by the judges no doubt.
Robinson will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
Jamie Robinson seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Robinson avoids a low kick by using good footwork.
Robinson scores to the head and body with a nice combination!
Robinson dips to his left and cracks Messi with an uppercut!
Robinson throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Messi takes a shot to the body in his stride.
A telegraphed right hand from Robinson misses the target.
Robinson dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Robinson connects with a good right hand that stumbles Messi. Messi circles away out of range and recomposes himself.
Robinson bobs and weaves and unloads with a good uppercut.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Decent striking displayed by Robinson there.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.
Jamie Robinson showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action! This is the final round!#R3#
Robinson stuffs the takedown attempt from Messi. Messi gets slowly back to his feet.
Messi tries for a takedown but Robinson sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Robinson throws a hook but Messi blocks it.
Robinson swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Robinson scores with a jab to the jaw of his opponent.
Messi takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.
Robinson connects nicely with a jab. Noted by the judges no doubt.
Robinson digs a good hook to Messi's body.
Robinson takes a shot to the body in his stride.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.#CL#
The fight moves into the clinch position.
Robinson can't break the clinch.
Messi is trying to pull guard but being pressed up against the cage enables Robinson to keep the fight standing.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Leonard Messi. That's going to take a lot out of him.#BC2#
Robinson's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.#T1#
Robinson comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.
Robinson fakes and then throws a beautiful body shot. Messi looks a bit winded and takes a step backwards to take a breath.
Messi takes one on the chin but seems OK.
Messi changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Robinson tries to avoid it but Messi manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Robinson to the ground. Robinson escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
A combination from Robinson does no damage.
Robinson swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Robinson with a hook.
Messi takes a solid shot to the body. That one hurt him but he's trying not to show it.
Robinson misses the jab.
Jab, cross, leg kick. Nice combination by Robinson!
Robinson connects with a body shot.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!#CL#
Messi has managed to clinch.
#BC#
Messi breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat. #CL#
Messi fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Robinson, pushing him back against the cage.#BC#
Messi breaks the clinch.
#T2#
Robinson swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Messi tries to move into range but Robinson moves to the side and lands with a nice right hand.
Messi wants to clinch up but Robinson keeps it at a distance.
Messi has his hands up protecting his head but a hook from Robinson finds it's way round the side to connect with Messi's head.
Robinson misses with an uppercut. Messi saw that one coming.
A shot to the liver by Robinson. Beautiful body shot.
Robinson fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Messi manages to avoid it.
Robinson fakes and then throws a beautiful body shot. Messi looks a bit winded and takes a step backwards to take a breath.
Some wild striking there from Robinson.
Robinson scores with a reasonable looking shot to the body. Messi doesn't seem bothered though.
Messi plants his feet and lands a nice head kick!
Robinson throws a right and a left that both miss.#T3#
Messi takes a jab right on the nose. That must have hurt but he shrugs his shoulders and looks to return the favor.
Robinson lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Messi circles away quickly and effectively.
Robinson takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Messi ducks under a wild hook from Robinson.
Robinson goes to the watering hole and comes back with a big thumbs up from the judges as he scores a three punch combo.
Robinson cracks Messi with a right hand to the side of the head.
Robinson throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Robinson slaps away a takedown attempt from Messi, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Messi shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Robinson pinned against the cage. Robinson gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
Robinson dips down and scores with a jab to the body.#T4#
Robinson catches Messi with a nice straight right. He seems pissed - ooooh, it's on now! On like donkey kong!
Robinson lands an overhand left. A wild punch that just about connected.
Messi uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Robinson.
Robinson lands an overhand left. A wild punch that just about connected.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Robinson scores with a hook to the body. Messi takes a step back and tries to catch his breath.
Messi fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Robinson avoids it really well and circles away.
Jamie Robinson is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
Robinson catches Messi with a nice straight right. He seems pissed - ooooh, it's on now! On like donkey kong!
Messi dodges the punch combination from Robinson.
Leonard Messi has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Messi doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
And that's the end of the fight!
Jamie Robinson comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I've got Robinson winning every round here. Surely the decision will go his way and he'll pick up a well deserved decision victory. Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.
Ladies and gentlemen, after 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Patrick Alders scores the fight 27:30
Judge Nard Betker scores the fight 27:30
Judge Albert Achterberg scores the fight 27:30
In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Jamie Robinson!
Jamie Robinson really struggled to get his t-shirt on before his hand was raised. Making sure that BANZAI NUTRITION logo gets some air time is pretty tricky when you're all sweaty.
The defeated Leonard Messi had this to say: 'I appreciate all my fans, I will come back even stronger'. |
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Event:
BANZAI COMBAT 47
Date: Jun 22, 2024 |
#R1#
Jones loads up on a big right hand but Messi slips the punch.
Messi tries a head kick but it misses.
Jones jabs Messi right on the nose. Messi blinks but takes it well.#CL#
Jones rushes Messi and presses him up against the cage.
Jones pushes Messi back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.
Jones misses with a punch on the inside.
Messi tries to break free but Jones pushes him back against the cage.
Messi is trying to pull guard but being pressed up against the cage enables Jones to keep the fight standing.
Jones pushes off an throws an elbow but Messi leans to the side and avoids it. We're back to clinching against the cage.
Jones misses with a hook to the ribs.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Messi.
Jones working aggressively here.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Jones swings wildly with an uppercut but Messi uses good head movement to avoid it.
Jones tries to throw a body punch but Messi avoids it by throwing Jones back against the cage.
Messi tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.
Messi has had enough of the clinch but Jones keeps him there for the moment.
Jones lands a left hand.
#T1#
Jones lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Messi backwards.
Jones misses with the head strike.
A battle for position here, against the cage.
Jones swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Messi blocking some punches.
Jones throws a head punch that misses.
A short right from Jones.
Messi has had enough of the clinch and is looking to separate.
Messi is trying to force a seperation but Jones has the dominant position.#BC2#
Messi breaks the clinch.
Jackson Jones seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.#CL#
Jones moves into range and clinches up with Messi.
Jones tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Jones misses with some punches.
Jones has a couple of punches blocked by Messi.
Messi blocking some punches.
#TD2#
Messi tightens his grip and picks Jones up, before dumping him to the ground. Jones manages to land in guard.
Jones is pulling down on Messi's head. It's preventing any offense from Messi, at least for the moment.#T2##SUB#
Jones looking for subs off his back but Messi has passed one foot through into half guard.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.#SUB2#
Messi is looking for a kimura but he's never going to get it from there.
Jones tries to roll over but Messi keeps him under control.
Jones has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Messi is working away from the top position though.
Jones is trying to get back to full guard.#T3#
Jones trying to control but Messi postures up.
#SUB#
Jones looking for submissions from an awkward position here.
Jones avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Messi.
Jones tries to kick Messi off but Messi keeps his base steady and stays in half guard. #ES#
Jones makes some distance and scrambles quickly back to his feet. Nice work!
Messi jabs at Jones's body.
Messi takes a jab on the nose. He smiles like he loves it and keeps coming.
Jones tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Messi paws at him with a jab and circles away.#T4#
Messi throws a sloppy head kick
and Jones connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Jones tries to close the distance and clinch but Messi swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Jones wants to clinch up but Messi keeps it at a distance.
Messi throws a counter combo.#CL#
Jones clinches with his opponent.
Jones swings wildly with an uppercut but Messi uses good head movement to avoid it.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, Jones creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
Jones lands a nice looking hook to the body, against the cage.
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!
Jones misses with the head strike.
Messi is working for takedown but Jones is calmly controlling the position for now.
Jackson Jones has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Leonard Messi.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Jones.
Jones looks to be in better condition than last time we saw him fight. Obviously he's been working hard on his cardio.
Jones lands with a short shot to the head.
Jones misses with the head strike.
Jones misses with the head strike.
Messi is trying to break the clinch but Jones is controlling him.
Jones fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
#TD2#
Messi ties up his opponent against the cage and manages to drag the fight down to the ground. Messi no doubt will be looking to work submissions from his guard.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.
Jackson Jones dominated that round.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business.#R2##CL#
Jones clinches up with Messi and pushes him back against the cage.
Jones throws an elbow that misses.
Jackson Jones has scored more points in the clinch so far.
Jones throws a punch but it's blocked by Messi.
Jones fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Messi working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
Jones lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Messi backwards.
Jones misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Messi blocking some punches.
Jones scores with a shot to the side of Messi's head.
Jones misses with some punches.
Jones takes a shot to the head.
Jones fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Messi blocking some punches.
Messi blocks an uppercut.
Messi goes for a takedown in the clinch but Jones prevents it.
Jones throws a punch but it's blocked by Messi.
Messi is working hard here but doesn't seem to be able to control effectively, up against the cage. #T1#
Jones has a couple of punches blocked by Messi.
Jones misses with the head strike.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Messi.
Jones lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Messi backwards.
Jones throws a punch but it's blocked by Messi.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Jones.
Jones has a couple of punches blocked by Messi.
#TD2#
Messi is trying to trip Jones. He has hold of a leg but Jones is hopping around, keeping his balance for the moment. Messi persists though and gets the takedown into guard.#SUB2#
Messi is trying to work a guillotine from the top, or something like that? Don't know how he thinks he's going to get a finish from there. #SUB#
Messi got a little sloppy there for a moment and Jones has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Messi has managed to get both his arms back between Jones's legs - danger averted.
Messi trying to control the position from guard on top but Jones is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can. #T2#
Messi looking to pass the guard.
Messi with a flurry of punches that miss. #SUB#
Jones looking for a triangle here. Messi is fighting it but it looks tight! Jones pulls the arm across and this one won't last much longer! Nope, Messi is tapping out - this one is all over!
Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:41 of round 2, we have a winner by way of Submission (Triangle Choke). Jackson Jones!
In defeat, Leonard Messi stepped up to the mic, saying 'I appreciate all my fans, I will come back even stronger'. |
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Event:
BANZAI COMBAT 33
Date: May 18, 2024 |
#R1##TD2#
Messi fakes an overhand right and shoots for a takedown. Gracie sprawls well initially but Messi persists and gets the takedown into half guard.
Gracie looks exhausted already! Oh dear, he should have come in in better shape than this!
Messi controlling the pace.
Messi really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Gracie. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.
Messi landing with strikes to the body and head, softening up his opponent.
Gracie is trying to maintain the position but Messi is very close to passing his half guard.
Messi looks towards his corner to check for any instructions. The corner give him nothing to work with, so he cracks Gracie with a short hammerfist. I guess that's as good as any advice he could get in this position.
Messi seems content to maintain position for now, rather than mounting any offense.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Gracie has hold of Messi's hands but Messi slips his arm to the side and lands an elbow.
Messi controlling the action here. #T1#
Gracie wants to control but Messi is keeping busy.
Messi slips a nice elbow through Gracie's hands, connecting with Gracie's forehead.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Messi is just sitting in half guard, waiting for something to happen.#SUB#
Gracie looking for submissions off his back.
Messi content to sit in half guard and control for a moment. #T2#
My god... these two guys really need to pick up the pace or everyone will leave to go get a beer.
Messi wants to stand up but Gracie has a hold of him and won't allow it.
Messi lands a big shot. The thud that echoes around the arena is like music to the fans' ears.
Messi looking to pass the half guard. Not this time.
The fighters are going at a pretty good pace and they're both starting to sweat now.
Gracie wants to improve his position but Messi is controlling well.
Messi tries to stand but his arm is trapped. #SUB2#
Messi 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.
Messi wants to stand but Gracie has hold of a leg and an arm, so he's trapped for now. #REF3#
The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.#T3##CL2#
Messi moves into the clinch successfully.
#BC2#
Messi breaks the clinch.
Messi throws out a powerful jab.#TD2#
Messi shoots in for a takedown from distance. He catches Gracie napping and manages to drive through into side control!
Gracie is in a tricky position but he's been working on his transitions down at Bigfoot BJJ, so we'll see if he gets out of it.
Gracie is letting Messi control him for a moment. #T4#
Messi in side control lands a nice looking series of punches and elbows.
Messi controls the position from side control.
Messi lands a decent elbow from side control.
Messi controlling the position from side mount.
Gracie is trying to work for a sweep but Messi has mounted him!
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Messi takes a little breather and maintains the position. The referee will be looking for him to stay active from such a dominant position though.
We've been informed that Messi has been working hard on his conditioning in the buildup to the fight.
Messi landing strikes from the mount and Gracie is in trouble!
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.
Leonard Messi dominated that round.
That's time! Back to the action!#R2#
Messi jabs at Gracie's body.
Gracie walks straight into a jab right on the nose. That one stung - he's blinking and trying to clear his head.#CL2#
Messi moves into the clinch.
Messi digs a right hand underneath Gracie's ribcage. Gracie let out a lung full of air as it connected.
Gracie avoiding damage as Messi throws knees to the body.
#TD2#
Messi works for the underhooks and manages to get a trip takedown into guard.
Messi has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Messi wants to get up but he can't break Gracie's closed guard. He needs to be careful trying to break the legs open, as he's open to submissions here.
Messi postures up and scores with a shot to the body and a follow up elbow to the head.
Messi looking to control the position here, rather than advance.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Messi works a leg free and moves into half guard.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.#T1#
Gracie taking some punishment here, with Messi in his half guard.
Messi not doing much here.
Messi trying to pass the guard but Gracie defending well.
Nice strikes from Messi there.
Messi stalling. #T2#
My god... these two guys really need to pick up the pace or everyone will leave to go get a beer.
Messi tries to pass the half guard into mount. Gracie knows what he's doing though and prevents the attempt. #SUB2#
Messi seems to be looking for submissions.
Messi is just sitting in half guard, waiting for something to happen.#SUB#
Gracie looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
Messi working some ground and pound from close in. He's looking to maintain this position and strike for a while by the looks of things... although he'll probably advance to full mount in a minute now I've said that. #T3#
Messi with a momentary lay and pray from half guard.
Gracie taking some punishment here, with Messi in his half guard.
Messi tries to stand but his arm is trapped.
Gracie taking some punishment here, with Messi in his half guard. #SUB2#
Messi is trying for a guillotine from the top but the pressure isn't in the right place so Gracie is just riding it out for now. Messi eventually gives up the hold.
Messi with a momentary lay and pray from half guard. #T4#
A few boos can be heard. I'm sure they will multiply if the fighters don't pick up the pace.#REF3#
The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.
Messi scores with a hook to the body. Gracie takes a step back and tries to catch his breath.
Messi lands a slapping body shot.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!#TD2#
Messi shoots in for a takedown from distance. He catches Gracie napping and manages to drive through into side control!#SUB2#
Messi wants to work for a kimura but he's foiled early by Gracie, who protects the arm well.
Messi staying calm.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.
Leonard Messi showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action! This is the final round!#R3##TD2#
Messi darts in and lands a nice takedown into half guard.
Messi controlling the pace.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Messi trying to pass the guard but Gracie defending well.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Messi keeping composed on the top, looking to control the action.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.#T1#
Messi working over Gracie with some ground and pound. Gracie looks like he wants out of this position, which is understandable.
Messi content to control rather than advance.
Messi is looking to pass the guard... He's managed it - he's now in full mount!
Gracie in a bad spot here, taking shots to the head. #SUB2#
Messi looking to secure an arm triangle but Gracie defends it well.
Messi tucks in and makes sure he doesn't lose the dominant position. #T2#
Messi fakes a shot to the body and cracks his opponent in the head. Nice ground and pound there!
Messi is landing with some decent strikes but Gracie is trying to advance his position so the referee is letting the fight continue.
Messi controlling from the full mount.
Let's hope that Messi has the urge to step up the pace any second now because for the last 15 or 20 seconds he's just been holding on tight.
Gracie tries to hold on but Messi pushes him away. #SUB2#
Messi is working for a guillotine from mount but Gracie frees his head quite easily.
Messi looking to control and managing it successfully. #T3##SU2#
Messi stands up from mount. Strange move. #CL2#
Messi moves into the clinch.#TD2#
Messi drags the fight down to the ground.
Messi wants to sweep but no luck.
Gracie looking to sit in guard and control but Messi gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top. #REVB#
Messi lands a couple of decent looking shots.
Messi controls from within his opponent's guard.
Messi's corner are shouting for him to control the position and he seems happy to oblige.#T4#
Messi passes Gracie's left leg - he's now in half guard.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Messi is keeping good posture, landing some ground and pound.
And that's the end of the fight!
Leonard Messi comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
Well Messi 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 Yasuomi Hirokawa scores the fight 24:30
Judge Kenichi Hosakawa scores the fight 24:30
Judge Yukihiro Yamamoto scores the fight 24:30
In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Leonard Messi! |
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Event:
QFC Tournament 1187 Round 4
Date: Apr 24, 2024 |
#R1#
Messi shoots in looking for a takedown but Laxson manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Messi's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.#TD2#
Laxson shoots in with a lovely double leg takedown. Messi manages to land in full guard to minimise the damage.#SUB#
Messi looking for a guillotine here but Laxson defends easily.
Laxson wants to control from the top but Messi keeps moving.
Laxson is sitting in guard, working some ground and pound.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.#SUB#
Messi working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Laxson doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Laxson manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.
Laxson trying to control the position from guard on top but Messi is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can. #T1#
Laxson slips effortlessly into side control - very nice.#SUB2#
Laxson tries for a kimura but Messi is defending well.
Laxson is looking to take a break and control but Messi is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Messi regains half guard.#T2#
A few boos can be heard. I'm sure they will multiply if the fighters don't pick up the pace.
Laxson is trying to control. Messi wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.
Messi holds on for dear life, maintaining half guard for now. #SUB2#
Laxson is looking for an arm triangle, whilst trying to pass to side control. Messi doesn't seem that keen to cooperate though. No luck this time Laxson.
Messi landing a few short strikes.
Messi trying to control from the bottom.
Messi regains full guard, whilst avoiding punches from Laxson. #T3#
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Laxson is frustrating his opponent with some stalling tactics from top position.
Messi has his hands on Laxson's head, controlling the position. #REF3#
The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.#TD#
Messi shoots in for a takedown from distance. He catches Laxson napping and manages to drive through into side control!
Laxson is working to avoid the ground and pound but Messi connects with a decent elbow.
Messi landing strikes.
Laxson tries to bench press Messi off him but Messi keeps the position. #T4#
Laxson taking punishment in the form of punches.
Messi landing strikes.
Laxson is moving his hips around well on the bottom and has managed to get back to half guard.#SUB#
Messi is looking for a kimura but Laxson is holding onto that half guard position, so it's hard for Messi to get the leverage.
Messi content to control rather than advance.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.
That was a close round but I would say that Leonard Messi will probably get the nod.
That's time! Messi's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.#R2##TD#
Messi closes the distance and scores a nice trip takedown into half guard. Laxson did well to prevent Messi getting side control.
Laxson is trying to escape back to his feet but Messi uses the scramble to pass into side control.
Messi is putting a hurting on Laxson here, landing some big shots from side control.
Messi trying to control the action but Laxson is working from the bottom.
Messi controls the position.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Messi creates a bit of distance and throws down some hard shots.
Messi trying to control the action but Laxson is working from the bottom.
Messi wants to stand but Laxson has his arm trapped. #T1#
A lull in the action here as Messi stalls from top position.
Leonard Messi overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Laxson is looking for a sweep.
Laxson is still trying to improve position.
Laxson taking punishment in the form of punches.
Messi is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Laxson can do to turn this around?
Laxson tries to improve position but can't. #T2#
My god... these two guys really need to pick up the pace or everyone will leave to go get a beer.#SUB#
Messi is looking for a kimura. He might have it! No, Laxson has escaped the position, nice work there.
Laxson is trying to control Messi's posture but Messi avoids it.
Laxson is looking to regain half guard here but Messi keeps moving and retains side control.
Messi scoring with punches and elbows.
Messi wants to stand but Laxson has his arm trapped.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.#T3#
Laxson wants to get back to his feet.
The referee wants the fighters to be more active or he's going to reset them on the feet.
Laxson is looking for a sweep.#REF3#
The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Messi avoids the head kick by Laxson.
#TD2#
Laxson gets a double leg takedown into Messi's guard.
Laxson is breathing heavily.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Messi is on top in guard.
#REVR#
Messi wants to stand but Laxson has a closed guard, so he can't escape. #T4#
Messi sitting in guard, not really doing much.
Messi pushing down on Laxson's thigh, trying to pass to half guard. He's managed it... Nice work.
Messi trying to control the pace.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Messi passes to side control.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.
Leonard Messi dominated that second round.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business. Ladies and gentlemen, this is the final round!#R3#
Some wild striking there from Laxson.
Messi is trying to close the distance and clinch up, after that failed offence from Laxson.
Laxson fails with a takedown attempt.
Leonard Messi is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.#CL#
Messi gets a clinch.
Messi is struggling to control the position.
Laxson stops a takedown attempt from Messi.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.#TD#
Messi successfully pulls guard.
Laxson not doing a lot at the moment. He'll have to show some more aggression or the fight will get stood up.
Messi is avoiding any damage by keeping wrist control.
Messi on his back here. We all know that wrestlers don't like being on their back so let's see if Messi tries to get out of the position.#T1#
Messi is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.#SUB#
Messi had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Laxson defends it easily.
Laxson trying to control the position from guard on top but Messi is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Laxson postures up in Messi's guard and throws a big left but Messi blocks it. #T2#
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.
Messi has his hands on Laxson's head, controlling the position. #REF3#
The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.
Laxson leaves Messi with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
Messi shoots in for a takedown but Laxson shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Leonard Messi. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Messi tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Laxson swivels and escapes.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Laxson missing with a left hand there. Messi was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Laxson is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Messi.
Laxson throws a quick inside leg kick.
Messi misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
Laxson appears to be waiting to throw a counter punch to the body.
Laxson swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Messi stuffs the takedown attempt from Laxson. Laxson gets slowly back to his feet. #T3##CL#
Messi darts in and clinches Laxson up against the cage.#BC#
Messi escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Laxson shoots for a double leg takedown but Messi sprawls well. He's pushed Laxson's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily. #CL#
Messi rushes Laxson and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.#BC#
Messi breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Nice takedown defense from Laxson. No joy for Messi on that attempt.
Horrible takedown attempt by Laxson or perhaps it was just good defense by Messi, which made it look bad. #CL#
Messi fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Laxson, pushing him back against the cage.#T4#
Laxson wants to break the clinch but can't.
Laxson takes a knee right on the jaw!
#TD#
Messi manages to pull guard. Let's see whether he can land a sub off his back.
Laxson trying to control the position from guard on top but Messi is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Messi trying to keep a closed guard but Laxson is proving a slippery customer.
#SUB2#
Laxson drops back, looking for a kneebar! Messi looks panicked! The fighters roll across the mat, one looking to finish, one looking to escape. Messi looks to have wriggled free... Yes, he's got his leg free and he's dived into side control! Good work there from Messi! #REVR#
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Messi tries to stand but Laxson is controlling his head.
And that's the end of the fight!
Leonard Messi showed his dominance in that final round.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Messi, 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 Yuuki Gou scores the fight for Leonard Messi!
Judge Taro Takaoka scores the fight for Leonard Messi!
Judge Tatsuya Matsuyama scores the fight for Leonard Messi!
Leonard Messi wins by unanimous decision! |
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Event:
QFC Tournament 1187 Round 3
Date: Apr 23, 2024 |
#R1#
Kormier throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
#TD2#
Messi closes the distance and clinches up, looking for a takedown. He shifts his weight and gets a nice trip into half guard.
Messi is looking to advance position but Kormier won't allow it.
Kormier is looking to escape.#SUB2#
Messi is trying to work for a kimura. This could be trouble! No, Kormier has managed to free his arm - good work.
Messi performing his best blanket impression for a moment.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Kormier is trying to stand back up but Messi is controlling him
#T1#
Messi looks towards his corner to check for any instructions. The corner give him nothing to work with, so he cracks Kormier with a short hammerfist. I guess that's as good as any advice he could get in this position.
Messi trying to mount his opponent but Kormier defends it.
Messi is keen to just control but Kormier is a slippery customer.
Kormier trying to control here.
Kormier regains full guard. Nicely done.
Messi won't allow Kormier to get back to his feet.
Kormier working a defensive guard here.
We've had a lack of effective grappling in the last minute or so, which could well see a referee standup.
Messi chips away with some ground and pound.#T2#
My god... these two guys really need to pick up the pace or everyone will leave to go get a beer.
Messi wants to get up but he can't break Kormier's closed guard. He needs to be careful trying to break the legs open, as he's open to submissions here.
Kormier wants to sweep but no luck. #REF3#
The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.
Kormier misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
Messi slaps away a takedown attempt from Kormier, before circling back to the center of the mat.#CL#
Kormier moves into the clinch successfully.
Both guys are working to get underhooks. #TD#
Kormier is working on a single leg takedown against the cage. Messi can't fight it off and eventually Kormier manages to take the fight to the floor. Messi looks annoyed but at least he's managed to land in guard.#SUB2#
Messi is working actively from the bottom, looking for submissions. He's escaped his hips to the side and he's going for an armbar! Kormier has his hands clasped together but Messi extends and breaks Kormier's desperate grasp, forcing a tap out due to armbar! Nice BJJ displayed there by Messi.
Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:56 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Armbar). Leonard Messi! |
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Event:
QFC Tournament 1187 Round 2
Date: Apr 22, 2024 |
#R1#
Esparza misses with a jab, cross combination.
Messi blocks a head kick by Esparza.
Esparza fails with a takedown attempt.
Esparza throws a sloppy head kick and Messi moves out of range easily.
Messi misses with a head kick.
Esparza drops down looking to force a counter takedown but Messi defends it well.
Esparza misses with a takedown #CL#
and Messi moves into the clinch.#TD#
Messi pulls Esparza into guard.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Messi pulls Esparza in close to prevent any damage.
Esparza won't allow Messi to sweep him here. #T1#
Messi controlling Esparza's posture.
Esparza must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.
Esparza has decided he wants to stand but the closed guard of Messi is proving hard to escape from.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.#SUB#
Messi is active off his back here, looking for submissions.
#SUB#
Messi looking for a guillotine here but Esparza defends easily.
Esparza is fighting to break Messi's control of his arms but Messi is doing a good job of controlling the position at the moment.#T2##SUB#
Messi is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle. #SUB#
Messi is active off his back here, looking for submissions.
Messi is adopting a defensive guard.
Messi looking to sweep here. No luck so far. #T3#
Messi pulls Esparza in close to prevent any damage.
Esparza won't allow Messi to get back to his feet.
Messi trying to control the position.
Messi pulls Esparza in close to prevent any damage. #SUB#
Messi looking for a guillotine here but Esparza defends easily.
Messi is trying to control the position from the bottom.
#T4#
The crowd are showing their displeasure at the lack of action as loud boos ring out around the arena.
Messi manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Esparza manages to get himself to full guard.
#REVR##SUB2#
Esparza is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Messi defends well.
Messi sitting in guard, not really doing much.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Messi prevents Esparza from getting back to his feet.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.
Leonard Messi dominated that round.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.#R2##CL#
Esparza gets tackled into the cage by Messi. Messi maintains the clinch.
Esparza wants to break free but Messi has control.
Esparza fails to pull guard.
Messi is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Esparza can do to turn this around?#TD#
Messi has double underhooks and is working for a body lock takedown. He's got it. The fighters land in half guard but Esparza regains guard immediately.
Messi controls the pace of the fight for a moment.
Esparza wants to stand and escape but Messi is having none of it.
Messi is stalling in the full guard.
We get told so often about how wrestlers don't like to be on their backs. Let's see if Esparza can do anything to dispel that myth.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Esparza wants to hit a sweep here but Messi passes into full mount! Oh no, disaster for Esparza there! #T1#
Esparza is wriggling around here but as he tries to escape, Messi has taken his back.
Esparza is trying to stand back up. #SUB#
Esparza preventing the rear naked choke attempt from Messi.
Leonard Messi overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.#T2#
Esparza wants to escape the position.
Messi is working the ground and pound. Can Esparza escape?
Esparza really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Messi. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.
Esparza wants to control his opponent's hands but Messi gets his hands free.
Messi has the hooks sunk in and you can see the will to fight slowly draining out of Esparza's body.
#SUB#
Esparza showing good submission defense here.
Messi throwing damaging strikes from the back! Esparza could be in trouble here!
#T3##SUB#
Esparza is displaying good submission defense - not really looking in danger of submitting to the rear naked choke at the moment. That could change in an instant of course if Messi gets his way!
I would not like to be Esparza right now.
#SUB#
Messi patiently working for the choke. Which fighter will keep their nerve here?
Messi is riding his opponent, not letting Esparza buck him off.
Esparza just trying to survive but Messi is wriggling into a better position, looking to finish.
Messi is looking cool and calm here, just waiting for a good opportunity to attack and finish the fight from this dominant position.
#T4#
Esparza tries to escape the position.
You know, I was talking to some of our celebrities at ringside tonight and they were split right down the middle on who was going to win this fight.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!#SUB#
Messi working for a RNC but it's not happening just yet.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.
Leonard Messi 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. And we move into the final round!#R3##TD2#
Esparza fakes an overhand right and shoots for a takedown. Messi sprawls well initially but Esparza persists and gets the takedown into half guard.
Esparza missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.
Messi regains full guard. Nicely done.
Esparza tries to stand but Messi is controlling from the bottom.
Messi is pulling down on Esparza's head. It's preventing any offense from Esparza, at least for the moment.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.#T1#
Messi wants to sweep but no luck.
Messi seems keen to control rather than go for a submission, at least for now. #REF3#
The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up.
Esparza misses with a kick to the body.
Messi was looking to counter that move with a punch but didn't quite pull the trigger.
Messi avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Messi was looking to counter that move with a punch but didn't quite pull the trigger.
Esparza moves out of range of the strikes.#CL#
Messi fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Esparza, pushing him back against the cage.
Messi trying to land knees to the body.
#BC#
Messi breaks the clinch.
Messi drops his hands and takes a jab to the jaw for his troubles.
Esparza shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Messi defends it nicely.#T2#
Esparza goes for a spinning back kick but it misses. #TD2#
Esparza closes the distance and scores a nice trip takedown into half guard. Messi did well to prevent Esparza getting side control.
Messi preventing any damage for now, controlling his opponent's head.
Messi tries to strike from the bottom but it doesn't land.
Messi is doing well to avoid being mounted. He's controlling the position at the moment.
Messi makes his way to full guard. A much better position for Messi.#T3#
Messi keeping moving, preventing Esparza from controlling successfully.
Messi is avoiding any damage by keeping wrist control.
Esparza wanted to stand there but Messi had control of the position. #SUB#
Messi throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.
Esparza throws a big elbow that misses. #T4#
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.#SUB#
Messi has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Esparza can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.
Messi 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##SUB2#
Esparza has guillotine here! It looks pretty tight! Could this be all over! No, Messi escapes and passes into side control at the same time. Nice work there by Messi!
The referee tells the fighters to keep busy.
And that's the end of the fight!
Leonard Messi showed his dominance in that final round.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Messi, 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 Shigeki Fujiwara scores the fight for Leonard Messi!
Judge Yasuomi Hirokawa scores the fight for Leonard Messi!
Judge Taro Takaoka scores the fight for Leonard Messi!
Leonard Messi wins by unanimous decision! |
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Event:
QFC Tournament 1187 Round 1
Date: Apr 21, 2024 |
#R1##CL#
Messi closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the cage.
Both fighters working to control the clinch. #BC#
Messi breaks the clinch.
Garcia throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
#TD2#
Garcia decides to change it up a bit and drives through with a nice takedown into half guard.
Messi controlling the position for now.
Messi trying to control but Garcia postures up.
Garcia stalling away here and it's allowed Messi to slip out his trapped foot and regain full guard.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Messi controlling the position.
Garcia stops Messi from standing up. #T1#
Garcia postures up.
We may be looking at a referee standup if the pace doesn't pick up soon.
Garcia won't allow Messi to sweep him here. #REF3#
The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.#CL#
Messi has taken the fight to the clinch.
Garcia being controlled against the cage.
Garcia gets double underhooks to prevent a takedown attempt from Messi.
#BC#
Messi breaks from the clinch.
#TD#
Messi drives through with a takedown into guard. #T2#
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Messi accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Garcia keeping full guard, as Messi tries to pass.
Garcia pulls Messi in close to prevent any damage.
Garcia has a closed guard, preventing Messi from standing up.
Messi preventing the sweep.
Garcia is trying to control the position from the bottom.
Messi tries to stand but Garcia is controlling from the bottom. #REF3#
The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.#T3##CL#
Messi has taken the fight to the clinch.
#BC2#
Garcia breaks the clinch.
#TD#
Messi shoots in from a long way out. He's driving through with the takedown attempt and he eventually gets it, landing in Garcia's guard.
Garcia wants to get back to his feet but Messi passes into half guard.
#REVB#
Garcia looks like he's trying to stand up.
Garcia tries to get to full guard but Messi has control of the leg. #T4#
Garcia on the receiving end of some nice ground and pound.
Messi wants to lay and pray for a moment but Garcia keeps working.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Garcia wants to control but Messi is keeping busy.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Messi is taking a breather. Garcia says something to him but it's hard to make out. Perhaps he's telling him to get on with it and actually do something.
Messi is trying to control the action in half guard but Garcia is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Messi controlling the action here.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.
Leonard Messi dominated that round.
That's time! Back to the action!#R2#
Garcia walks straight into a jab right on the nose. That one stung - he's blinking and trying to clear his head.
Nice takedown defense from Messi. No joy for Garcia on that attempt.
Messi feinted with a counter takedown.#TD2#
Garcia throws a loose over hand right and dives in with a double leg takedown. Messi tries to sprawl but it's too late and the fighters hit the mat. Garcia is in Messi's guard.
Garcia prevents Messi from getting back to his feet.
Garcia trying to control but Messi is working from the bottom.
Messi is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Garcia can do to turn this around?
Messi lands some strikes from the bottom.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Garcia looking to pass the guard.
Messi managing to control the position. #T1#
Garcia stopping the sweep attempt from Messi.
Garcia throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent. #REF3#
The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.#TD2#
Garcia drops down and drives through with a powerful takedown into guard.
Garcia postures up.
Messi is pulling down on Garcia's head to control his posture.
Garcia wants to control from the top but Messi keeps moving. #T2#
Messi bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Garcia's guard. #REVR#
Messi sneaks a leg through and gets to half guard. That was like a knife through butter how easily he passed Garcia's guard.
Garcia wants to sweep but Messi has passed to side control!
Garcia is breathing heavily.
Messi controls the position.
Messi is looking to take a break and control but Garcia is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom. #T3#
Garcia tries to get back to half guard but can't.
Garcia striking from the bottom but nothing landed.
#SUB#
Messi is trying to get an arm triangle but Garcia is defending well.
Leonard Messi overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Garcia manages to work his way to half guard, despite Messi's best efforts.
We get told so often about how wrestlers don't like to be on their backs. Let's see if Garcia can do anything to dispel that myth.#T4#
There's not a lot going on here and the crowd are letting the fighters know they're not willing to tolerate a lack of action.
Messi working some ground and pound from close in. He's looking to maintain this position and strike for a while by the looks of things... although he'll probably advance to full mount in a minute now I've said that.
Garcia is trying to maintain the position but Messi is very close to passing his half guard.
Messi seems content to maintain position for now, rather than mounting any offense. #SUB#
Garcia is defending against the submission attempts here by Messi.
Messi working some ground and pound from close in. He's looking to maintain this position and strike for a while by the looks of things... although he'll probably advance to full mount in a minute now I've said that.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.
Leonard Messi dominated that second round.
That's time! Back to the action! This is the final round!#R3#
Garcia closes this distance looking for a takedown but Messi circles away.
Nice sprawl there from Garcia as Messi shoots in.
Messi tries to score with a low kick but Garcia moves his leg out of the way.
Garcia shoots for a takedown but Messi saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.#TD#
Messi closes the distance and clinches up, looking for a takedown. He shifts his weight and gets a nice trip into half guard.
Garcia wants to stand back up but Messi manages to pass into side control.
Messi tries to get to his feet but he's trapped momentarily.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.#SUB#
Messi wants to work for a kimura but he's foiled early by Garcia, who protects the arm well.
Messi content to control the pace. The referee will try and keep them active though. #T1#
Messi wants to stand but Garcia has his arm trapped.
Messi trying to control the action but Garcia is working from the bottom.
You can see the frustration on Garcia's face as Messi controls the position. #T2#
There's not a lot going on here and the crowd are letting the fighters know they're not willing to tolerate a lack of action.
Garcia is looking for a sweep.#SUB#
Messi looking for an arm triangle but it's way too loose to do anything.
Garcia manages to land a sweep and he's now on top! Lovely Jiu Jitsu!
Messi trying to control here.
Garcia lands with an elbow from half guard - that looked like it hurt.
Well, if Garcia is going to just lie there, perhaps we should talk about what we're having for dinner tonight… I'm having a ham and pineapple pizza… Yum. Can't wait.
#T3#
Garcia is stalling here. Messi is in no mood to hang around though. He's locked up a kimura from the bottom! Garcia seems to be keeping calm but he's forced to roll out of the hold and Messi has ended up in side control on the top. Nice work.
Messi tries to stand but Garcia is controlling his head.
Garcia tries to control but end up mounted... ooooh, that's bad.
Messi controlling his opponent. #T4#
Garcia regains half guard.
Messi sitting and controlling from the half guard.
Garcia is looking to control Messi's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Garcia avoid being mounted?
Garcia takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Messi is looking to advance position but Garcia won't allow it.
Russell Garcia has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Leonard Messi is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Garcia misses with some strikes from the bottom.
And that's the end of the fight!
Leonard Messi showed his dominance in that final round.
Well Messi 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 Kenichi Hosakawa scores the fight for Leonard Messi!
Judge Shirou Masuda scores the fight for Leonard Messi!
Judge Yasuomi Hirokawa scores the fight for Leonard Messi!
Leonard Messi wins by unanimous decision! |
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