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Play
by Play - Fighter's Fight Commentary
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Event:
QFC Tournament 1205 Round 3
Date: Sep 25, 2024 |
#R1##CL#
Hughes clinches.
Bird changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Hughes fights it off and pushes away nicely.
#CL2#
Bird moves into the clinch.
Hughes taking a breather.
Bird changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Hughes fights it off and pushes away nicely.
Bird tries to clinch up.
Bird shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Hughes but Hughes pushes him off and we're back to square one.
Hughes attempts a counter takedown but Bird avoids it well and moves away.
Trevin Hughes has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Rashad Bird.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.#CL2#
Bird gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.
Bird taking a breather.
Bird tries to score a body lock takedown but Hughes shows good agility there to stay on his feet.
Hughes managing to block the knees to the body from Bird.
#T1#
Bird is trying to pull guard but Hughes turns him against the cage and we stay in the clinch.
Hughes tries to score a body lock takedown but Bird shows good agility there to stay on his feet.
Bird tries to circle away but Hughes has him pinned against the cage.
The referee is keeping an eye on Bird - much more stalling and he will separate the fighters.
Bird tries to break free but Hughes pushes him back against the cage.
Bird jumps guard but his hands slip and he falls flat on his back. Well, he's made himself look a right mug there, as Hughes walks away with a smile on his face. Bird gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head.
Hughes is trying hard to land a takedown here. Bird sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet. #CL#
Hughes closes the distance and pushes Bird back into the cage.
Hughes really is a fat lump.
Hughes letting Bird take a breather here.
Bird fails to pull guard.
Hughes jumps guard but Bird stands there with Hughes around his waist. Hughes gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch.
Hughes jumps guard but his hands slip and he falls flat on his back. Well, he's made himself look a right mug there, as Bird walks away with a smile on his face. Hughes gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head. #T2#
Bird misses with a takedown attempt #CL#
and Hughes holds on and brings the fighters into a clinch.
Hughes is trying to pull guard but Bird has him pressed against the cage.
Bird is trying to work out of this bad position, with his back against the cage.
Come on Hughes - let's have some action - none of this stalling nonsense.
Hughes stalling here - the referee won't stand for too much of that.
Hughes is trying to break the clinch but Bird has him pressed against the cage.
Bird looking for a takedown.
Hughes fails to pull the fight into his guard.
Bird wants to break free. God knows he wants to breaaaak freeee.
Hughes has dropped down and is looking to force the takedown but it's defended by Bird after a bit of a struggle. #T3#
Hughes gets double underhooks to prevent a takedown attempt from Bird.
#BC#
Hughes escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
#CL#
Hughes gets in close and instigates a clinch. #BC2#
Bird breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Bird changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Hughes tries to avoid it but Bird manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Hughes to the ground. Hughes escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
It looked like Hughes was trying to counter with a body shot coming off that last attack from Bird.
Bird throws a head kick but Hughes moves out of range.
No luck for Hughes with that takedown attempt.
Hughes dodges the punch combination from Bird.
Bird throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Hughes changes levels looking for a counter takedown but doesn't commit.
Bird closes this distance looking for a takedown but Hughes circles away.#T4#
Nice sprawl there from Hughes as Bird shoots in.
Hughes wants to clinch.#CL2#
Bird rushes Hughes and presses him up against the cage.
Hughes has hold of a leg and is looking for a trip takedown. Bird avoids it nicely though and we remain in the clinch.
Hughes has Bird pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Bird manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.
Bird drops down looking for an ankle pick but Hughes pulls his leg out and moves away.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.#CL2#
Bird forces Hughes back against the cage and clinches.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.
A close round but Rashad Bird will probably get the nod.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.#R2#
Bird tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Hughes swivels and escapes.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Bird is defended easily by Hughes.
Hughes fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Hughes tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Bird was well out of range. Poor timing from Hughes.
Bird closes the distance and clinches up with Hughes, looking for a takedown. Bird pushes Hughes against the cage but Hughes circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Trevin Hughes has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Rashad Bird.#CL#
Hughes has managed to clinch.
#TD#
Hughes pulls guard.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Bird pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Hughes is keeping the position for now.
Hughes is looking to stand up but Bird isn't so interested in that idea. #T1#
Bird trying to control but Hughes is working from the bottom. #SUB#
Hughes is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
Bird is taking a break and basically stalling. The referee will not allow him to do that for long.
Bird throwing strikes from guard but Hughes blocks nicely.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Bird passes Hughes's left leg - he's now in half guard. #T2#
Neither fighter has done anything of merit for a good minute or two here and the crowd are not happy about it.
Bird trying to mount his opponent but Hughes defends it.
Hughes punching from the bottom.
Bird trying to mount his opponent but Hughes defends it.
Hughes wants to get back to full guard.
Well, if Bird 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.
If this pace continues, the referee will definitely step in and force a standup.
Hughes has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Bird is working away from the top position though.#REF3#
The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.#T3##CL#
Hughes takes the fight into the clinch.
Bird dictating the pace here, as the fighters clinch against the cage.
Trevin Hughes has scored more points in the clinch so far.
The fighters are pressed against the cage, as the pace of the fight slows.
Bird wants to break free. God knows he wants to breaaaak freeee.
Bird has dropped down and is looking to force the takedown but it's defended by Hughes after a bit of a struggle.
Bird has dropped down and is looking to force the takedown but it's defended by Hughes after a bit of a struggle. #BC#
Hughes breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Trevin Hughes is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Bird defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Hughes.
A countering left hand to the body from Bird misses.#T4#
Hughes lands a body shot.
Bird fails in his attempt to clinch.
Nice takedown defense from Hughes. No joy for Bird on that attempt. #CL2#
Bird has taken the fight to the clinch.
#TD#
Hughes jumps guard.
Hughes looking to control.
#ES#
Hughes has butterfly guard. He's looking to stand up here. He pushes Bird off him and springs to his feet nicely. The crowd applauds.
Hughes stuffs the takedown.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Hughes stuffs the takedown attempt from Bird. Bird gets slowly back to his feet.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Hughes slips a straight right by Bird.
Hughes fails with a takedown attempt.
Bird is definitely looking for the counter takedowns here.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.
Trevin Hughes 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. Let's get this one finished - here comes the final round!#R3#
Bird is trying hard to land a takedown here. Hughes sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
Hughes misses with a series of wild punches.
Hughes is looking to clinch.
Bird swats away the attempt to clinch by Hughes.
Hughes shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Bird as he avoids it easily.
Bird will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
Hughes stumbles momentarily as he takes a strong leg kick from Bird.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.#CL2#
Bird moves into range and clinches up with Hughes.
Bird jumps guard but his hands slip and he falls flat on his back. Well, he's made himself look a right mug there, as Hughes walks away with a smile on his face. Bird gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head.
Trevin Hughes has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Rashad Bird.
Bird shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Hughes as he jumps to the side. #T1#
Bird with a poor takedown
and Hughes counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Hughes fails with a takedown attempt.
Hughes avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
It looked like Hughes wanted to counter with a hook but didn't fully commit.#CL2#
Bird clinches up against the cage.
Hughes is looking for a takedown.
Hughes wants to stall.
Bird tries to pull guard but can't drag his opponent to the mat. Hughes just stands there and leans against the cage.#BC#
Hughes manages to break the clinch.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Hughes is defended easily by Bird.#T2#
Hughes tries to check a leg kick but that clearly hurt him.
Bird looks for a takedown but Hughes sprawls well.#CL#
Hughes rushes Bird and presses him up against the cage.
Hughes taking a break, stalling in the clinch.
Bird jumps guard but Hughes turns him against the cage and keeps the fight standing.
Bird stops a takedown attempt from Hughes.
Bird is working for takedown but Hughes is calmly controlling the position for now.#T3#
Bird tries for a takedown. No joy.
Bird tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Hughes avoids it.#TD2#
Bird pulls guard effortlessly.
Bird wants to sweep but no luck.
Bird has control of Hughes's left arm, preventing Hughes from doing any damage.
Hughes pushes down on Bird's leg and manages to get into half guard.
Bird tries to get to full guard but Hughes has control of the leg.
Hughes looking to pass the half guard. Not this time. #T4#
Hughes with a momentary lay and pray from half guard.
Hughes prevents Bird from improving his position.
Hughes missing with the ground and pound from half guard. #SUB2#
Bird looking for submissions off his back.
Hughes wants to lay and pray for a moment but Bird keeps working.
Rashad Bird has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Trevin Hughes is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Bird keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
And that's the end of the fight!
That was a close round. You could make an argument for either fighter but I would give it to Trevin Hughes.
Well Hughes 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 Phil Schofield scores the fight for Trevin Hughes!
Judge Richard Clark scores the fight for Trevin Hughes!
Judge Daniel Bishop scores the fight for Trevin Hughes!
Trevin Hughes wins by unanimous decision! |
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Event:
QFC Tournament 1205 Round 2
Date: Sep 24, 2024 |
#R1#
Bird fails with a takedown attempt.
Bender fails with a takedown attempt from distance.#CL2#
Bender clinches.
Bender goes for a takedown in the clinch but Bird prevents it.
Bird will no doubt start fighting again in a minute but for now he's just having a little rest, leaning Bender up against the cage.
Bird tries to pull guard but Bender won't allow it.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Bender is pressed up against the cage. Bird has hold of a leg and is looking to drag Bender down to the mat. Bender avoids the attempt though and has circled away. We're back to striking at a distance.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Rashad Bird. That's going to take a lot out of him.#CL2#
Bender clinches with his opponent.
Bender is looking for a takedown up against the cage. Bird gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.#TD#
Bird pulls guard successfully.
#T1#
Bender with a flurry of punches that miss.
Bird looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Bender trying to control the position from guard on top but Bird is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Bird trying to control the position here.
Bird controls Bender momentarily but Bender frees himself.
Bird keeping moving, preventing Bender from controlling successfully.
Bird is trying to control the position from the bottom.
It looks like the ref is thinking about a standup.#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.
Bender trying to stand up but can't free himself from Bird's guard.#REF3#
The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Nice takedown defense from Bird. No joy for Bender on that attempt.
Bender shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Bird defends it nicely.
Bender shoots in for a takedown but Bird shows good takedown defense.
Bender shoots in looking for a takedown but Bird manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Bender's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
Bird could do with losing a few pounds - he looks very soft around the mid section, to put it politely.
Bird shoots for a takedown but Bender saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.#CL2#
Bender closes the distance and clinches.
Bird is trying to pull guard but being pressed up against the cage enables Bender to keep the fight standing.#TD#
Bird pulls guard. #T3##SUB#
Bird working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Bender doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Bender manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.
Bird working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Bender. #SUB#
Bird has his foot on Bender's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Bender works his way back into a safe position though.
Bender wants to stand and escape but instead Bird has hit a sweep and he's now on top in guard. #REVR#
Bird trying to control the position from guard on top but Bender is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Bender tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Bender is persisting with the attempt to improve his position.#T4#
Bender trying to keep a closed guard but Bird is proving a slippery customer.
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Bird stopping the sweep attempt from Bender.
Bird in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Bender is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Bender will have to put a bit more behind his punches if he's going to do any damage from this position.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Bender keeping moving, preventing Bird from controlling successfully. #REF3#
The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.
Rashad Bird dominated that round.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare each other down, ready to get back to the action.#R2#
Bender shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Bird as he avoids it easily. #CL#
Bird pushes Bender up against the cage in a clinch.#TD#
Bird manages to pull guard. Let's see whether he can land a sub off his back.
Bender trying to control the position from guard on top but Bird is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Bird preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Bird is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Bender can do to turn this around?
Bird looking to hit a scissor sweep but Bender is one step ahead there. #SU2#
Bender decides to stand up and beckons his opponent to follow.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Bender tries to close the distance and clinch up but Bird swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Bird was looking to counter that move with a punch but didn't quite pull the trigger.#CL#
Bird clinches. #T1#
Bird is trying to pull guard but Bender has him pressed against the cage.
Bird is trying to pull guard but being pressed up against the cage enables Bender to keep the fight standing.#BC#
Bird breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Bender throws a head kick that half lands.
#CUT2#It looks like Rashad Bird has been cut.#CL2#
Bender closes the distance and pushes Bird back into the cage.
Bender has dropped down and is looking to force the takedown but it's defended by Bird after a bit of a struggle. #BC2#
Bender breaks from the clinch.
Bender avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Bird tries to clinch up.
Bender throws a feint and then finishes with a kick to the body.
Bender is trying hard to land a takedown here. Bird sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
Rashad Bird has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Brock Bender.#CL#
Bird clinches up with Bender and pushes him back against the cage.
Bender is trying to pull guard but Bird has him pressed against the cage.#T2##TD#
Bird pulls Bender into guard.
Bender is frustrating his opponent with some stalling tactics from top position.
Bird has Bender pulled in close to control his posture.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Bender trying to control the position from guard on top but Bird is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Bender accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand. #T3#
Bender trying to control but Bird is working from the bottom.
Bender stopping the sweep attempt from Bird.
The referee looks like he's ready to step in and stand the fighters back up.#ES#
Bird manages to wriggle out and sneak his way back up to his feet, so the fighters are now clinched up against the cage.
Bender has dropped down and is looking to force the takedown but it's defended by Bird after a bit of a struggle. #BC#
Bird breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Bird stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Bird wants it to stay on the feet.
Bird closes this distance looking for a takedown but Bender circles away.
Bender is looking to clinch but Bird is avoiding it.
Bird closes this distance looking for a takedown but Bender circles away.#CL2#
Bender moves into range and clinches up with Bird.#T4#
Bender is trying to stall.
Bender has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Bird is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.
Bird tries to pull guard but Bender won't allow it.
#BC#
Bird breaks from the clinch.
Bender shoots in but doesn't get the takedown #CL#
and Bird holds on and brings the fighters into a clinch.
Bird fails to pull the fight into his guard.
Bender is trying to force a seperation but Bird has the dominant position.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Bender goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Bender is trying to push Bird away but Bird has him pressed against the cage, so he's going nowhere.
Bird is trying to drag Bender to the mat but Bender just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.
Rashad Bird dominated that second round.
The cut man is working on Rashad Bird's cut.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action! Ladies and gentlemen, this is the final round!#R3#
Bird fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Bird misses with a head kick.
Bender throws a head kick that half lands.
Bird displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Bender. #CL2#
Bender closes the distance and pushes Bird back into the cage.
Bender scores with a shoulder strike.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Bird with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.
Bird lands a shoulder strike. #BC#
Bird breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Bender keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.#T1#
Bender displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Bird.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Rashad Bird. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Bender is looking to slow Bird down with leg kicks. #CL#
Bird rushes Bender and presses him up against the cage.
Bender wants to get back to striking at distance but Bird won't allow it.
Bird tries to pull guard but Bender forces him back to his feet, against the cage.
Bird tries to throw a body punch but Bender avoids it by throwing Bird back against the cage. #BC#
Bird breaks from the clinch.
#CL2#
Bender moves into the clinch.#BC2#
Bender manages to break the clinch.
Bender has a takedown stuffed.#T2#
Bird keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
Bird stuffs the takedown.
Bender keeps the fight on the outside.
Bird with a nice looking leg kick. You could hear that one land in a back row.
Bird misses with a head kick.
Bird darts in looking for a takedown but Bender gets double underhooks and turns Bird into the cage.
Bird fails to pull guard.
#TD2#
Bender jumps guard.
Bird won't allow Bender to get back to his feet.
Bird loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry. #T3#
Bender wants to sweep here but Bird controlling him for the moment.
Bird wants to control from the top but Bender keeps moving.
Bender trying to strike off his back.
Bender looking to hit a scissor sweep but Bird is one step ahead there.
Bird wants to control from the top but Bender keeps moving. #REF3#
The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.
Bender tries to clinch but Bird moves out of range. #T4#
A few boos can be heard. I'm sure they will multiply if the fighters don't pick up the pace.
Bender tries to score a power double leg takedown but Bird sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Bender somewhat.
Bird wants to take advantage of his opponent's missed offense by moving into the clinch.
Bender tries to clinch up.#CL#
Bird moves into the clinch.#BC#
Bird pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Bender tries to close the distance and clinch but Bird swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away. #CL2#
Bender darts in and clinches Bird up against the cage.
Bender pushes Bird back against the cage and unloads with a body punch.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Bender misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Bender is looking for a takedown up against the cage. Bird gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.
Brock Bender has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Bender tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Bird avoids it.
A head punch on the inside from Bender fails to land.
And that's the end of the fight!
I would just about give that final round to Brock Bender.
I think Bird has won this one but let's see what the judges have to say. Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.
Ladies and gentlemen, after 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Phil Schofield scores the fight for Rashad Bird!
Judge Andrew Berry scores the fight for Rashad Bird!
Judge Donald Grub scores the fight for Rashad Bird!
Rashad Bird wins by unanimous decision! |
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Event:
QFC Tournament 1205 Round 1
Date: Sep 23, 2024 |
#R1#
Mathis tries to close the distance and clinch up but Bird swats him away and circles back towards the center. #TD#
Mathis closes the distance and gets a trip takedown into side control. Bird quickly recovers to half guard.
Bird kicks Mathis off and gets back to his feet.#TD#
Mathis closes the distance and scores a nice trip takedown into half guard. Bird did well to prevent Mathis getting side control.
Bird manages to escape and get back to his feet!
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Bird tries a head kick but it misses.
#TD#
Mathis scores with a takedown into Bird's guard.
Bird wants to get back to his feet but Mathis passes into half guard.
#REVB#
Mathis wants to lay and pray for a moment but Bird keeps working. #ES2#
Bird kicks Mathis off and gets back to his feet.#T1#
Bird looks for a takedown but Mathis sprawls well.
Mathis is looking for a counter combo.
Bird throws a head kick that looked like it stung.
Bird shoots for a double leg takedown but Mathis sprawls well. He's pushed Bird's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Bird misses with a double jab.
Bird shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Mathis defends it nicely.
Blaine Mathis has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Rashad Bird.#TD#
Bird tries to sprawl but Mathis drives through with a takedown into half guard.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Bird is trying to maintain the position but Mathis is very close to passing his half guard.#T2#
Mathis wants to lay and pray for a moment but Bird keeps working.
Bird keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Mathis is looking to take a break and control but Bird is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Bird is looking for a sweep. Mathis is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.#SUB#
Mathis is trying to work for a kimura but Bird is defending well.
Mathis passes the half guard and he's now in mount! Big trouble for Bird! #T3##SUB#
Mathis has hold of Bird's left arm, perhaps looking for a submission. The two fighters tussle over control of the isolated limb and Bird manages to get his arm back to his side and away from danger.
Bird tries to get back to half guard but can't.
Bird gets back to half guard.
Mathis wants to stand but Bird has hold of a leg and an arm, so he's trapped for now. #T4#
Well. There's a bit of a lull in the action here and the crowd are starting to get restless.#SUB#
The fighters are starting to get a bit slippery now, which will make submissions a bit more difficult.
Bird is defending against the submission attempts here by Mathis.
Mathis could do with losing a few pounds - he looks very soft around the mid section, to put it politely.
Mathis seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Bird does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.
Bird is doing well to avoid being mounted. He's controlling the position at the moment.
Bird is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Bird trying to hold on to Mathis's head to control him but Mathis postures up.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.
Rashad Bird dominated that round.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!#R2#
Bird shoots in looking for a takedown but Mathis manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Bird's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
Bird looks for a takedown but Mathis sprawls well.
Mathis throws a big counter combination but Bird scrambles out of danger and avoids any damage.
Mathis fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Bird avoids it really well and circles away.
Mathis throws a feint and then finishes with a kick to the body.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.#CL#
Mathis has closed the distance and engaged Bird in a clinch.
Mathis fails to pull the fight into his guard.
Bird jumps guard but his hands slip and he falls flat on his back. Well, he's made himself look a right mug there, as Mathis walks away with a smile on his face. Bird gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head.
Blaine Mathis has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Rashad Bird.#TD#
Mathis shoots in and gets a takedown into half guard. Mathis showed some decent athleticism there.
Bird manages to create a bit of space in order to work his way back to his feet. Mathis keeps hold of his opponent and drives him back against the cage. #T1#
Bird wants a takedown but no success here.
Mathis leaning against his opponent.
Mathis tries to throw a body punch but Bird avoids it by throwing Mathis back against the cage.
Bird is trying to push Mathis away but Mathis has him pressed against the cage, so he's going nowhere.#TD2#
Bird pulls guard effortlessly.
Bird is doing well to control the posture of his opponent and prevent any damage.
Mathis tries to free his leg and advance position but Bird is retaining full guard. #T2#
Bird keeping moving, preventing Mathis from controlling successfully.
Mathis stopping the sweep attempt from Bird.
Mathis wanted to stand there but Bird had control of the position.
Bird wants to sweep but no luck. #REF3#
The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.#TD#
Mathis closes the distance, clinches up and gets a nice trip takedown into side control. Very smooth.
Mathis throwing shots but missing, from side control. #T3#
Bird is looking to reverse the position.
Bird has one of Mathis's arms on lockdown, trying to prevent him from doing any damage.
Bird is trying to get back to half guard. He's pushing on Mathis's leg. He's managed it. Nice work.
Mathis wants to take a breather but Bird is having none of it.
Bird trying to control from the bottom.
#T4#
The crowd are hurling abuse towards the fighters... You can hardly blame them though because there isn't a lot going on in the fight.#SUB2#
Bird actively working from the bottom here.
Bird trying to hold on to Mathis's head to control him but Mathis postures up.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Mathis wants to stand but Bird has hold of a leg and an arm, so he's trapped for now. #SU#
Mathis decides to return to a standing position.
Bird misses with a head kick.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.#CL#
Mathis has managed to clinch.
Bird has had enough of the clinch and is looking to separate.
Mathis lands with a short punch from the clinch.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.
That was a close second round but I would say that Blaine Mathis will probably get the nod.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action! Let's hear some noise people - this is the final round!#R3##TD#
Mathis fakes an overhand right and shoots for a takedown. Bird sprawls well initially but Mathis persists and gets the takedown into half guard.
Bird makes some distance and scrambles quickly back to his feet. Nice work!#CL2#
Bird clinches with his opponent.
Bird has Mathis pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Mathis manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing. #TD2#
Bird decides to pull guard.
Mathis preventing the sweep.
Mathis trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Mathis wants to get up but he can't break Bird's closed guard. He needs to be careful trying to break the legs open, as he's open to submissions here.
Mathis stopping the sweep attempt from Bird.
Bird working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Mathis.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Bird managing to control the position. #T1#
Mathis preventing the sweep.
Mathis trying to control the position from guard on top but Bird is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can. #REF3#
The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up.
Mathis is trying hard to land a takedown here. Bird sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
Bird misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Bird takes a nice looking leg kick right on the meat of his thigh there.
Mathis looks to throw the jab but Bird is out of range.
Mathis shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.#CL#
Mathis fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Bird, pushing him back against the cage.
Bird landing knees to the head.
Mathis tries a knee to the head but Bird blocks it.
#T2##BC2#
Bird breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
#CL#
Mathis instigates a clinch.
Bird tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.
Mathis is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Bird is defending well for now.#BC#
Mathis breaks from the clinch.
Mathis lands with an uppercut that bounces Bird off the cage and back into range.
Mathis fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Blaine Mathis. That's going to take a lot out of him.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Mathis with a poor takedown
and Bird counters with a nice body shot.
Mathis throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Mathis moves out of the way of the counter high kick fromBird.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Mathis slaps away a takedown attempt from Bird, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Mathis is looking to counter the offense by Bird and move into the clinch.#T3#
Bird keeps the fight on the outside.
Bird scores to the head and body with a nice combination!
Bird fails with the takedown.
Mathis attempts a counter takedown but Bird avoids it well and moves away.
Bird fails with a takedown attempt.
Mathis lands a jab-cross combination.
Bird is looking to clinch.
Bird fails with a takedown attempt.#T4#
Bird shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Mathis defends it nicely.
Mathis stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Mathis wants it to stay on the feet.#TD#
Mathis decides to change it up a bit and drives through with a nice takedown into half guard.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Mathis thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
Bird avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Mathis.
Mathis wants to control but Bird is keeping him busy.
Mathis trying to mount his opponent but Bird defends it.
Bird is looking to escape.
And that's the end of the fight!
That was a close round. You could make an argument for either fighter but I would give it to Blaine Mathis.
I think Mathis has won this one but let's see what the judges have to say. Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.
Ladies and gentlemen, after 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge William Gold scores the fight for Rashad Bird!
Judge Donald Grub scores the fight for Blaine Mathis!
Judge Paul Tew scores the fight for Rashad Bird!
Rashad Bird wins by split decision! |
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