RFC-1 PBP Commentary

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Strife Rua (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Alexi Laiho (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Laiho has chosen Children of Bodom - Are You Dead Yet? as his entrance music. We have two fighters making their debuts here, so let's see who comes out of this one with their first professional victory.

Rua
vs
Laiho

188 cm
20
185 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Excellent MT
Very strong

BJJ White Belt
Excellent MT
Powerful

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the middleweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Strife Rua!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Alexi Laiho!
The judges for this bout are Mauricio Rocha, Alexandre Firmino and Leandro Rodrigues.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Rua moves in looking to clinch but Laiho pushes him off.
Rua tries to close the distance and clinch but Laiho swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.

Rua looks for a takedown. He's got it. We're now in half guard.

Rua wants to work for an arm triangle but Laiho is really keeping half guard well and defending the submission attempt.
Laiho wants to get back to his feet.
Rua is keen to just control but Laiho is a slippery customer.
Laiho is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Rua takes a deep breath and rests his weight momentarily on top of his opponent, to control the position.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Rua is trying to control the action in half guard but Laiho is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.

The ref stands the fighters back up because Strife Rua just wasn't active enough.
Rua fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Laiho tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Rua on the wrong end of a kick to the body.
Rua throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Laiho keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Laiho connects with a high kick.

It looks like Strife Rua has been cut.
Laiho blocks a head kick by Rua.
Rua swinging wildly here.
Rua showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Laiho.
Rua swinging wildly here.
Rua is looking to clinch.
Nice uppercut there from Laiho.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Laiho misses with an uppercut.
Laiho throws a head kick that misses.
Laiho throws a series of punches but Rua avoids them all with ease.
Rua tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Laiho was well out of range. Poor timing from Rua.
Laiho throws a head kick that misses.
Strife Rua seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Rua doesn't manage to clinch there - Laiho circles away.
Rua throws a sloppy head kick and Laiho moves out of range easily.
Laiho swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Laiho misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Laiho.
Rua misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Rua jabs away that one connects to the head of his opponent.
Laiho slips a jab and a cross from Rua.
Laiho is looking to score with low kicks.
A big right from Rua misses.

Laiho moves into range and clinches up with Rua.

Laiho manages to break the clinch.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Rua goes for a high kick. It partially lands.
Laiho throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Laiho looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Rua scores with a three punch combo!
A leg kick checked by Rua.
Rua tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
A decent looking body kick lands there for Rua.
Rua falls off balance throwing a combination
and Laiho counters with a straight right hand.
Laiho slips in close and lands a nice hook before moving back out of range.
Laiho lands a nice shot to the body.
Rua falls off balance throwing a combination
and Laiho counters with a left and a right that stings Rua.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
A looping hook to the body misses from Rua. Laiho does a little dance to reset his feet.
Rua tries to clinch up

and Laiho counters with a shoot takedown into half guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Rua is trying to maintain the position but Laiho is very close to passing his half guard.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

Laiho decides to stand up.
Laiho lands a head kick!

Laiho darts in and clinches Rua up against the cage.
Laiho keeps the fight in the clinch, despite Rua's efforts to push away.
Rua looks like he'd prefer to be striking at range right now.
Laiho wants to stall.
Laiho wants to push off and get back to the center of the mat but Rua has him pressed against the cage.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.

Rua breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Rua throws a sloppy head kick
and Laiho counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Rua tries to score a power double leg takedown but Laiho sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Rua somewhat.

Laiho moves into range and clinches up with Rua.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Alexi Laiho dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Strife Rua's cut.
That's time! Rua's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

A head kick misses from Laiho.
Rua throws a right and a left that both miss.
Rua moves in looking to clinch but Laiho pushes him off.
Rua tries to close the distance and clinch up but Laiho swats him away and circles back towards the center.
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Rua throws a right and a left that both miss.
A head kick misses from Laiho.
Laiho takes a step back and watches a body kick go sailing past his mid section.
Laiho tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Laiho moves into range and throws a combination. A nice jab followed by a hook to the body.
Rua jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Laiho dips down and scores with a jab to the body.

Rua pushes Laiho up against the cage in a clinch.

Laiho pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Laiho throws a right hand that Rua ducks under and follows up with a left that Rua also avoids with ease.
Rua throws a head kick but Laiho moves out of range.
Rua wants to clinch
and Laiho counters with a stiff right hand.
Strife Rua is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Rua fails with an attempt to clinch.
Laiho is looking to clinch.

That's one minute gone in the round.
No joy there for Rua, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Rua shuffles to his left behind two crisp jabs. Laiho eats them both and turns towards Rua to reposition himself and eats a stinging right hand-left hook combo.
Laiho uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Rua.
Rua throws a head kick that connects with a bit of head and a bit of hand.
Laiho lands a head kick!
Rua with a poor takedown

and Laiho counters with a head kick that drops Rua to the mat! Rua scrambles across the canvas and gets back to his feet, still wobbly!

Rua is rocked!
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.

Rua gets tackled into the cage by Laiho. Laiho maintains the clinch.
Oh Rua is still all over the place! His legs are completely gone! Will he be able to recover?!!
Laiho throws a knee to the head but misses.
Rua wants to push off and get back to the center of the mat but Laiho has him pressed against the cage.
Rua seems to have got his legs back now.
Rua jumps guard but his hands slip and he falls flat on his back. Well, he's made himself look a right mug there, as Laiho walks away with a smile on his face. Rua gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head.
Rua tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Rua throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Rua tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in the close the distance. Laiho manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Rua throws a sloppy head kick
and Laiho connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Rua just misses with a punch to the body.
Laiho lands a nice looking kick to the body. Rua takes a step back to recover.
Laiho lands with a shot to the body.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Rua lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Laiho circles away quickly and effectively.
Rua is looking to wear down Laiho with body shots, infact he's throwing more body shots than head shots at the moment.
Laiho throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.

Laiho feints and then dives in with a takedown. That was a long way out but the feint bought him enough time to close the distance and complete the takedown. Now we'll play guard for a bit and see who can get the better of that position.

Laiho gets to his feet. Rua looking to butt scoot but the ref puts an end to that. On your feet son!
Rua rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Laiho moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Laiho tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.

Laiho gets a takedown into half guard.

Laiho stands, ready to strike. The ref makes him back up and allows Rua to get to his feet.
Rua takes a jab right on the kisser.

Strife Rua's cut is getting worse.
Rua throws a body kick despite being completely out of range
and Laiho counters with a stiff right hand.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Laiho lands a leg kick that knocks Rua off balance momentarily.
Laiho checks a leg kick nicely.
Laiho takes a thudding leg kick, right into the meat of the thigh.
Rua tries to clinch but fails miserably
and Laiho counters with a nice jab to the body that keeps Rua thinking.
Rua drops his hands momentarily and Laiho takes advantage with a crisp shot to the head.
Laiho slips a jab and a cross from Rua.
Laiho moves away from the strike by Rua.
Laiho misses with a double jab.
Rua tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Laiho was well out of range. Poor timing from Rua.
Laiho has a takedown stuffed.
Laiho connects with a right hand. Rua shakes it off.
Rua takes a nice looking leg kick right on the meat of his thigh there.
Laiho jabs Rua to the body, keeping him at a distance.
Nice shot by Laiho.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Laiho throws a sloppy head kick and Rua moves out of range easily.
Laiho checks a low kick. Bone on bone - not my idea of a good time.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Nice body punch from Laiho.
Laiho misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Alexi Laiho seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Rua is looking to clinch but Laiho is avoiding it.
A head kick by Rua misses
and Laiho counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Laiho misses with the combination.

Laiho lands a big head kick that sends Rua tumbling to the mat! Laiho takes a step backwards and waves Rua back to his feet - he wants the finish!
A lazy body kick from Rua

and Laiho counters into the clinch. Nicely done.
Rua tries a knee to the head but he's missed.

Laiho breaks the clinch.
Laiho scores with a sloppy punch to the body. Not much technique there but it did the business.
Laiho misses with a head kick.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Rua throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Laiho's waist but Laiho gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Rua off to one side.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Strife Rua. That's going to take a lot out of him.

Laiho lands a big head kick that sends Rua tumbling to the mat! Laiho takes a step backwards and waves Rua back to his feet - he wants the finish!

Strife Rua's cut is bleeding quite badly. He's got to try and protect it.
Laiho throws a body kick that sends a sickening thudding noise reverberating around the arena.
Laiho has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Laiho throws a right and a left that Rua avoids nicely.
Laiho slips a jab from Rua.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Alexi Laiho showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The cut man is working on Strife Rua's cut.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action. This is the final round!

Laiho cracks Rua with an open hand slap.
Rua looks for the body kick but Laiho saw that one coming.
A head kick by Rua misses
and Laiho counters with a three punch combination, finished off with a leg kick. Nice work.
Rua looks for a takedown but Laiho sprawls well.
Rua takes one on the chin but keeps coming.
Rua throws a leg kick but he was too far away and it doesn't land.
Laiho tries to clinch but Rua moves out of range.
Decent striking displayed by Laiho there.
Rua misses with a double jab.
Laiho lands with an overhand left.
Laiho throws a front kick that sends Rua stumbling back into the cage.
Laiho throws an overhand right that has Rua reeling! Laiho follows up with more punches and Rua is out cold! This one is all over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 0:48 of round 3, we have a winner by way of KO (Punches). Alexi Laiho!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
100%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Apollo Creed (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Mano daRua (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). The crowd seem to be enjoying daRua's choice of entrance music: Swedish House Mafia - 'One' (Instrumental Version) Official Video (HD). The key to victory for Apollo Creed has got to be keeping the fight on the feet.

Creed
vs
daRua

188 cm
25
195 lbs
2 - 3 - 0

188 cm
23
190 lbs
1 - 1 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Basic striking
Granite chin

Good takedowns
Brawler
Solid chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the middleweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 2 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Apollo Creed!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Mano daRua!
The judges for this bout are Alexandre Firmino, Thiago Cunha and Matheus Silva.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Creed throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Creed fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.

daRua shoots in for a takedown and gets it. Oh and he's advanced to full mount straight away.
Creed tries to hold on but daRua postures up.
daRua can't quite control the action as he would like just now, as Creed is looking to escape.
daRua won't let Creed get back to his feet... He wants to keep the fight where it is for now.
Creed is working to get back to half guard.

daRua get's back to his feet.
Nice sprawl there from Creed as daRua shoots in.
Creed cracks a nice hook into daRua's ribs.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from daRua.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Creed wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.
Creed fakes high and swings low for a body shot but daRua manages to avoid it.
Creed swinging wildly here.

Excellent takedown into side control there by Creed.
Creed throws a strike aimed at the side of daRua's head but daRua avoids it well.
Creed fails to land a wild elbow strike.

Creed working hard here to secure a kimura but he's not really in the right position for it.
daRua is trying to control Creed's posture but Creed avoids it.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Creed throws a strike aimed at the side of daRua's head but daRua avoids it well.

Creed is trying to land an Americana. He has the arm isolated but daRua is keeping cool and he's avoided the danger for now.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Creed misses with the ground and pound.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
daRua is looking to reverse the position.
daRua dodges the ground and pound from Creed.
Creed misses with a strike but at least he's keeping busy, looking to cause some damage - that will still help him when it comes to the judges scorecards.
Creed creates some space and throws a big elbow, but daRua sees it coming and moves his head just enough to avoid the strike.
daRua pushes Creed away and creates a bit of space to escape. He's almost out here... but no, Creed gets a good hold of his legs and remains firmly in side control.
Creed sitting in side control, looking to soften his opponent up with elbows and hammerfists but daRua is avoiding damage well and looking to escape the position.
daRua regains half guard.
Creed has been looking to land a fair amount of strikes on the ground. He might be looking to soften his opponent up in order to work for a submission.
Creed thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed daRua's head.
daRua looks like he's trying to stand up.
Creed thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Creed seems to be working for a kimura but daRua defends the submission attempt.
Creed passes to full mount!
Creed throwing strikes but daRua recovers to half guard. A much better position.
daRua keeps control of the position for the meantime.

Creed is working for submissions here but there's nothing on.
daRua misses with some strikes from the bottom.
Creed thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
Creed prevents daRua from standing back up.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.
Creed moves nicely into side control.
daRua is positioning himself to get back to half guard.

Creed thinks about going for a far side armbar but bails out and retains the dominant position instead.
Creed throwing strikes but missing, from side control.

Creed tries for a kimura. Not really close to a finish though.
We get told so often about how wrestlers don't like to be on their backs. Let's see if daRua can do anything to dispel that myth.
daRua is looking for a sweep.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Apollo Creed dominated that round.
That's the end of the interval. I'm sure that seemed a lot quicker than a minute for our two fighters! Back to the action.

No joy there for Creed, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
daRua misses the shot to the body.
daRua on the wrong end of a nice hook.

daRua darts in and lands a nice takedown into half guard.
daRua is taking a breather. Creed 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.
daRua's corner are shouting for him to control the position and he seems happy to oblige.
We may be looking at a referee standup if the pace doesn't pick up soon.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Creed wants to get back to his feet.

The ref stands the fighters back up, due to lack of action by Mano daRua.
Creed jabs at daRua's body.
A punch lands to the side of daRua 's head but he takes it in his stride.
Creed looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
Creed lets the fists fly and connects with a left straight followed by a right hook.
Creed throws a one two combo.
Creed works over daRua's head and body with a nice combination.
daRua tries to close the distance and clinch up but Creed swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Creed lands a slapping body shot.

daRua is looking for a takedown here. He's shot in and has managed to get it, finishing up in Creed's half guard.
Neither fighter is being very active at the moment, with daRua in particular looking to stall.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Creed has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. daRua is working away from the top position though.
daRua is just sitting in half guard, waiting for something to happen.
Creed wants to control but daRua is keeping busy and won't allow it.

Neither fighter is doing enough for the referee's liking and he's decided to stand them back up.
Creed is moving around nicely and scores here with a single head shot.
Creed throws a hook but daRua avoids it easily.
Apollo Creed is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Creed looks to land a combination. daRua sees it coming but can only parry a couple of the shots.
daRua looks to land a body kick but Creed moved away.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
No joy there for Creed, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Good work by Creed as he checks the leg kick.
Creed throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Creed misses the shot to the body.
Creed uses good footwork to get in and out and land a nice right hand before daRua has time to react.
Creed misses with a jab, cross combination.
Creed fails with the takedown

and daRua counters with a driving takedown into guard. Nice work there by daRua.
daRua controlling from the top position.
Creed wants to sweep but no luck.
daRua looking to control the position here, rather than advance.
Creed wants to control but instead he gets his guard passed and daRua is now in half guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Creed is trying to stand.
daRua controlling the action here.
daRua thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Creed's head.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Mano daRua showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
That's time! Back to the action! Let's hear some noise people - this is the final round!

Creed tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but daRua was well out of range. Poor timing from Creed.
daRua is looking to clinch.
Creed throws a hook but daRua blocks it.
Creed fails to land with a series of punches.
Creed cracks daRua with an open hand slap.
Creed throws a right and a left that daRua avoids nicely.
daRua takes a shot right to the bread basket.
Creed slaps away a takedown attempt from daRua, before circling back to the center of the mat.
A shot to the liver by Creed. Beautiful body shot.
Creed scores with a body shot.
Creed lands with a shot to the body.
Creed scores with a straight right hand, right through his opponent's guard.
Creed scores with a nice one two combo and darts back out of range to avoid anything coming in the opposite direction.
Creed throws a one two combo.
Creed is looking to wear down daRua with body shots, infact he's throwing more body shots than head shots at the moment.
Creed keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
Creed misses with a takedown attempt - daRua sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
This fight brought to you by 5M nutrition - it's mmmmm tasty. Nice jab by Creed.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Creed keeps the fight on the outside.
Creed lands with a cross to side of his opponent's head.

Creed feints and then dives in with a takedown. That was a long way out but the feint bought him enough time to close the distance and complete the takedown. Now we'll play guard for a bit and see who can get the better of that position.
daRua working a defensive guard here.
Creed is looking to work some ground and pound but daRua has wrist control.
Creed passes daRua's right leg, so he's now in half guard.
Creed wants to pass the guard but daRua is defending well.

Creed seems to be looking for submissions.

Creed 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.
Creed stops daRua from getting back to his feet.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
daRua trying to hold on to Creed's head to control him but Creed postures up.
Creed throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
Creed thows a huge punch but daRua dodges it nicely.
Creed wants to free his trapped foot but daRua is holding on for dear life with his legs.
daRua is trying to stand up here but Creed is controlling him well.
Creed is looking to pass the guard... He's managed it - he's now in full mount!
daRua tries to hold on but Creed postures up.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Creed looking to secure an arm triangle but daRua defends it well.
A nice elbow there by Creed.
daRua is wriggling around trying to escape.

Creed working for a submission but daRua is keeping him at bay.
daRua is writhing around trying to get back to his feet.
daRua slips a leg in and gets back to half guard.
daRua misses with some strikes from the bottom.
Creed trying to pass the guard but daRua defending well.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Creed throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
Creed thows a big elbow that misses, also allowing daRua to regain full guard.
daRua is looking to stand up but Creed isn't so interested in that idea.
daRua takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Creed slips effortlessly into side control - very nice.
An elbow from Creed crashes against the mat.
Creed lands a decent elbow from side control.
daRua is in a bad spot here and he knows it... just holding on for now.

Creed looking for an arm triangle but it's way too loose to do anything.
daRua tries to buck Creed off but Creed is having none of it.

And that's the end of the fight!
Apollo Creed showed his dominance in that final round.
I think Creed 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 Alexandre Firmino scores the fight 29:28
Judge Thiago Cunha scores the fight 29:28
Judge Matheus Silva scores the fight 29:28

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Apollo Creed!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
55%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Josh Koscheck (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Cajo Melo (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Well, I have no idea who's going to take this one!

Koscheck
vs
Melo

155 cm
24
184 lbs
1 - 1 - 0

187 cm
20
189 lbs
2 - 4 - 0

Good wrestling
Brawler
Very quick

BJJ Blue Belt
Counter striker
Determined

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the middleweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 1 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Josh Koscheck!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 2 - 4 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Cajo Melo!
The judges for this bout are Daniel Cesar, Felipe Paraventi and Seu Braga.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Melo shoots in for a takedown! He's got it and he's managed to land in full mount! That's better than Melo was expecting from the takedown attempt, I'm sure!
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.
Koscheck is squirming around, avoiding Melo's attempts to control the action.
Melo might have to switch it up a bit here because his efforts to control Koscheck kaven't been going to plan, at least at the current moment in time.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Koscheck manages to regain half guard. Good work.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Melo wants to pass to mount but Koscheck is defending the position.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are getting on the fighters' backs, as the pace has dropped off in the last minute or so.
Koscheck wants to get back to full guard.
Melo controlling the action here.
Melo thows a big elbow that misses, also allowing Koscheck to regain full guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Koscheck keeping moving, preventing Melo from controlling successfully.
Melo throwing strikes but missing.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Well. There's a bit of a lull in the action here and the crowd are starting to get restless.
Koscheck keeping moving, preventing Melo from controlling successfully.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Cajo Melo dominated that round.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

Melo shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Koscheck pinned against the cage. Koscheck gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.

Koscheck looking for a takedown here - he's got it.
The fighters are starting to get a bit slippery now, which will make submissions a bit more difficult.
Koscheck with a flurry of punches that miss.
Koscheck trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Koscheck working some strikes from top position.
Melo wants to stand up but Koscheck is controlling him.
Koscheck passes into half guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Melo is not content to let Koscheck control the position.
Melo tries to kick Koscheck off but Koscheck keeps his base steady and stays in half guard.
Koscheck passes the guard and advances to mount!
Koscheck raining down hammerfists from mount.
Melo is breathing heavily.
Koscheck controlling from mount.
We get told so often about how wrestlers don't like to be on their backs. Let's see if Melo can do anything to dispel that myth.
Koscheck scoring with strikes but Melo is staying in there.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Koscheck scores with a couple of good head shots there.
The referee warns Melo that he has to improve his position here as he takes two more clean shots to the head.

Melo is rocked!
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Koscheck lands a big elbow - Melo is in trouble! More strikes from the mount and Melo is forced to tap out!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:48 of round 2, we have a winner by way of Submission (Strikes). Josh Koscheck!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
23%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Julian Jose (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Ralph Diaz (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Ralph Diaz will no doubt be looking to use his reach advantage to good effect.

Jose
vs
Diaz

175 cm
20
200 lbs
0 - 2 - 0

186 cm
20
215 lbs
1 - 4 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Solid boxing
Granite chin

BJJ Blue Belt
Good kicks
Powerful

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the light heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 0 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Julian Jose!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 4 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Ralph Diaz!
The judges for this bout are Leandro Rodrigues, Paulo Santos and Seu Braga.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Jose clinches with his opponent.
Jose tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.
Jose wants to break the clinch but can't.
Jose wants a takedown but no success here.
Jose looking for a takedown.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Julian Jose. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Diaz wants a takedown but no success here.
Diaz wants to break the clinch but can't.
Jose looks like he'd prefer to be striking at range right now.
Jose wants to break free. God knows he wants to breaaaak freeee.

Diaz escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Jose.
Diaz throws a nice inside leg kick.
Jose could do with loosing a few pounds - he looks very soft around the mid section, to put it politely.
No joy there for Diaz, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Diaz misses with a body shot.
Diaz fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Diaz throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Diaz lands a jab, followed by a cross and another cross, as Jose backs up against the cage.

It looks like Julian Jose has been cut.
Jose is breathing heavily.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Nice body kick there by Diaz.
Diaz lands with an uppercut that bounces Jose off the cage and back into rage.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Diaz connects with a solid leg kick.

A big head kick from Diaz and Jose is sent sprawling to the canvas!
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Jose is wriggling around but Diaz manages to pass to half guard.

Diaz stands up from half guard... He's had enough of that ground malarky for the time being.
Diaz digs a good hook to Jose's body.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Jose takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.
Diaz misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Diaz connects with a nice looking jab.

Diaz connects with a vicious head kick that knocks Jose to the floor! Diaz dives in looking for the finish!

Jose is rocked!
Jose on his back here. We all know that wrestlers don't like being on their back so let's see if Jose tries to get out of the position.

Diaz postures up and decides to stand up, from the half guard. The ref calls for Jose to stand up.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Diaz throws an overhand right that has Jose reeling! Diaz follows up with more punches and Jose is out cold! This one is all over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:09 of round 1, we have a winner by way of KO (Punches). Ralph Diaz!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
100%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Ralph Jakort (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Bernardo berka (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). This should be a great matchup!

Jakort
vs
berka

185 cm
26
220 lbs
4 - 2 - 0

190 cm
26
204 lbs
1 - 0 - 0

Dangerous GnP
Brawler
Granite chin

BJJ Purple Belt
Excellent boxer
Heavy handed

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the light heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 4 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Ralph Jakort!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Bernardo berka!
The judges for this bout are Seu Braga, Daniel Cesar and Mauricio Rocha.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Jakort closes the distance and gets a double leg, slamming berka to the mat! berka manages to get full guard.
berka looks really tired already! That doesn't bode well for a good, competitive fight!
berka looking to hit a scissor sweep but Jakort is one step ahead there.

Jakort stands up from guard. Let's bang!

Jakort scores with a takedown into berka's guard.

Jakort 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.

Jakort thinks about going for a leg but decides against it, in order to maintain the position.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Jakort pushes down on berka's leg and manages to get into half guard.

Jakort is looking for a kimura but berka is holding onto that half guard position, so it's hard for Jakort to get the leverage.

Jakort has hold of the far side arm. He's working for the Kimura, can berka defend it? Jakort steps over the head and cranks it - berka is tapping out! That was textbook stuff right there - nice submission victory for Jakort!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:37 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Kimura). Ralph Jakort!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
66%

Co-main event

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Antonio Nogueira (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Russ Lehr (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Antonio Nogueira had a look across the cage there at his opponent. He definitely means business

Nogueira
vs
Lehr

187 cm
26
205 lbs
4 - 1 - 0

185 cm
22
205 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Basic striking
Big heart

Good wrestler
Basic striking
Determined

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the light heavyweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 4 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Antonio Nogueira!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Russ Lehr!
The judges for this bout are Felipe Paraventi, Daniel Cesar and Alexandre Firmino.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Lehr fails with the takedown.
Lehr is looking to clinch.

Lehr closes the distance and gets a trip takedown into side control. Nogueira quickly recovers to half guard.
Lehr seems content to maintain position for now, rather than mounting any offense.
Lehr trying to control from half guard but Nogueira is working away.
Lehr controlling the pace.
The referee must be thinking about standing these guys back up.
Lehr is stalling here. Nogueira is in no mood to hang around though. He's locked up a kimura from the bottom! Lehr seems to be keeping calm but he's forced to roll out of the hold and Nogueira has ended up in side control on the top. Nice work.

Nogueira wants to work for a kimura but he's foiled early by Lehr, who protects the arm well.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Lehr manages to get one leg in to regain half guard.
Lehr controlling the position for now.

Nogueira is trying a forearm choke… I don't think that's going to do much at this level of the game.
Nogueira prevents Lehr from improving his position.
Lehr gets back to full guard.
Nogueira wants to control from the top but Lehr keeps moving.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A few boos can be heard. I'm sure they will multiply if the fighters don't pick up the pace.
Lehr has Nogueira pulled in close to control his posture.

Neither fighter is doing enough for the referee's liking and he's decided to stand them back up.
Nogueira keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
Lehr fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
Antonio Nogueira has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Russ Lehr.
Nogueira throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
No luck for Lehr with that takedown attempt.

Lehr scores with a takedown into Nogueira's guard.
Lehr wants to pass the guard but Nogueira is keeping the position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Lehr throws and elbow that misses. Nogueira uses the momentum to reverse the position. He's now in Lehr's guard. Nice move by Nogueira!
Lehr controlling the position.
Let's hope that Lehr 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.
Lehr tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Nogueira postures up.

Russ Lehr has forced the referee to step in and restart the fight on the feet.
Nogueira throws a nice looking combination but Lehr bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Nogueira cracks the inside of Lehr's front leg.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Lehr closes the distance and scores a nice trip takedown into half guard. Nogueira did well to prevent Lehr getting side control.
Nogueira tries to kick Lehr off but Lehr keeps his base steady and stays in half guard.
Nogueira regains full guard, whilst avoiding punches from Lehr.
Lehr trying to control the position from guard on top but Nogueira is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Lehr is looking to advance position but Nogueira has hit a scissor sweep - now he's on top in mount!
Nogueira tries to push Lehr's head away but Lehr is holding on tight.
Nogueira trying to control but he's not successful this time.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Russ Lehr dominated that round.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!

No luck with that takedown attempt from Lehr.
Nogueira defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Lehr.
Some wild striking there from Nogueira.
Nogueira lands a head kick!

Lehr feints and as Nogueira raises his hands in defense, Lehr changes levels and drives through with a takedown into guard.
Lehr is stalling in the full guard.
Lehr tries to free his leg and advance position but Nogueira is retaining full guard.
Lehr looking to sit in guard and control but Nogueira gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top.
Lehr controlling the position.

That's one minute gone in the round.
The referee looks like he's ready to step in and stand the fighters back up.

The ref calls for a clean break and stands the fighters back up. Russ Lehr wasn't active enough on the ground.
Lehr shoots in for a takedown but Nogueira shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Antonio Nogueira has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Russ Lehr.
Lehr shoots in but Nogueira avoids the takedown attempt easily.

Lehr shoots in looking for a single leg takedown. Nogueira is trying to defend but Lehr finishes it well and ends up in half guard. Let's see if he can advance position further.
Lehr is breathing heavily.
Nogueira looks like he's trying to stand up.

Nogueira kicks off Lehr and gets to his feet.
Russ Lehr seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A telegraphed right hand from Nogueira misses the target.
Nogueira lands a jab. Then a cross. Then finally a nice hook to the body. Good work there by Nogueira.

Lehr scores with a takedown into Nogueira's guard.
Nogueira keeping moving, preventing Lehr from controlling successfully.
Lehr must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.
Nogueira is looking to stand up but Lehr isn't so interested in that idea.

Nogueira pushes Lehr off and gets back to his feet.

A momentary lapse in concentration from Nogueira enables Lehr to shoot in and score with a neat double leg. Nogueira manages to secure a closed guard as the fighters hit the mat.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Lehr in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Lehr pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Nogueira is keeping the position for now.
Nogueira wants to stand and escape but Lehr is having none of it.
Lehr not doing a lot at the moment. He'll have to show some more aggression or the fight will get stood up.

Lehr gets to his feet - Nogueira follows without any prompting.

Lehr shoots in and gets a takedown into half guard. Lehr showed some decent athleticism there.
Lehr scores with a couple of good hammerfists.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Lehr trying to mount his opponent but Nogueira defends it.
Lehr seems content to maintain position for now, rather than mounting any offense.
Lehr drops an elbow to the side of Nogueira's head.
Nogueira is trying to stand.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Lehr looks over to his corner - he wants some instructions but his corner are not responding.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Russ Lehr showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
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.

Lehr scores a trip takedown into side control. Nice.
Lehr is looking to take a break and control but Nogueira is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Russ Lehr has got the better of the ground game so far.
Lehr might have to switch it up a bit here because his efforts to control Nogueira kaven't been going to plan, at least at the current moment in time.
Lehr throwing ground and pound but whilst doing so, he forgets to control position and Nogueira works his way back to half guard. Good composure under pressure.
Lehr is figuring out what he wants to do next.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Russ Lehr has forced the referee to step in and restart the fight on the feet.

Lehr gets the takedown into side control.
Lehr is trying to ground and pound but Nogueira uses the momentary lack of control by Lehr to regain half guard.
Lehr thows a big elbow that misses, also allowing Nogueira to regain full guard.
Lehr looking to sit in guard and control but Nogueira gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top.
Nogueira wants to control from the top but Lehr keeps moving.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Nogueira is going to have to think about doing something other than just controlling because Lehr is managing to avoid having the position dictated to him.
Lehr looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Lehr is persisting with the attempt to improve his position.
Nogueira is fighting to break Lehr's control of his arms but Lehr is doing a good job of controlling the position at the moment.
Nogueira trying to control the position from guard on top but Lehr is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

Neither fighter is doing enough for the referee's liking and he's decided to stand them back up.

Lehr darts in and lands a nice takedown into half guard.
Lehr wants to pass to mount but Nogueira is defending the position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Nogueira keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Nogueira is trying to stand.
Lehr controlling the action here.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.

Lehr is thinking about going for an arm triangle but he can't free his leg.
Nogueira tries to kick Lehr off but Lehr keeps his base steady and stays in half guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are getting on the fighters' backs, as the pace has dropped off in the last minute or so.
Lehr thows a huge punch but Nogueira dodges it nicely.
The referee calls for the fighters to work.
Lehr's corner are shouting for him to control the position and he seems happy to oblige.

The ref stands the fighters back up, due to lack of action by Russ Lehr.

Lehr is looking for a takedown here. He's shot in and has managed to get it, finishing up in Nogueira's half guard.
Lehr looks to land a strike but Nogueira avoids it nicely and regains full guard.
Lehr stays in close to Nogueira's body and controls the position.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Russ Lehr really dominated that round.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!

Lehr shoots in with a lovely double leg takedown. Nogueira manages to land in full guard to minimise the damage.
Lehr won't allow Nogueira to get back to his feet.
Lehr sitting in guard, not really doing much.
Nogueira keeping moving, preventing Lehr from controlling successfully.
If this pace continues, the referee will definitely step in and force a standup.
Lehr makes a bit of distance and scores with some ground and pound, still in guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Nogueira wants to stand and escape but Lehr is having none of it.
Lehr trying to move into half guard but instead Nogueira has managed to sweep!
Lehr looking for a sweep. Not yet Lehr, not yet.
Lehr really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Nogueira. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.
Lehr pulls Nogueira in close to prevent any damage.
Nogueira wants to control from the top but Lehr keeps moving.
It's got to the stage where if one of these guys blows hard enough, the other might fall over.
Lehr manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Nogueira manages to get himself to full guard.
Nogueira keeping moving, preventing Lehr from controlling successfully.
Lehr stops Nogueira from standing up.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.
Lehr trying to control the position from guard on top but Nogueira is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Nogueira keeping full guard, as Lehr tries to pass.
Lehr controls the pace of the fight for a moment.

The ref stands the fighters back up. Russ Lehr was stalling too much, according to the referee.
Nogueira misses with a body kick.
Lehr fails with the takedown.
Nogueira throws a head kick but Lehr moves out of range.

Lehr shoots in for a takedown and gets it. Let's see what he's got on the mat.
Lehr works a leg free and moves into half guard.
Nogueira is not content to let Lehr control the position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Lehr throwing shots but Nogueira is blocking nicely.
Lehr missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.
Lehr trying to control the pace.
Lehr with the ground and pound but Nogueira uses the opportunity to regain guard.
Lehr trying to control the position from guard on top but Nogueira is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Lehr pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Nogueira is keeping the position for now.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
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.
Nogueira keeping moving, preventing Lehr from controlling successfully.
The referee is asking the fighters to pick up the pace.
Lehr stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Nogueira swivels though and keeps the full guard.

OK we're going to have a standup here. Russ Lehr hasn't been effective enough on the ground and the referee wants a restart.
Nogueira throws a right and a left that both miss.

Lehr scores with a nice takedown into half guard. Let's see what he's got on the ground.
Lehr trying to control from half guard but Nogueira is working away.
Lehr is trying to advance to mount but he's lost his balance and Nogueira reverses the position - he's now on top in Lehr's guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Russ Lehr dominated that fourth round.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin! This is the final round!

Lehr scores a takedown into full mount!
Nogueira is squirming around, avoiding Lehr's attempts to control the action.
Lehr throws some wild stikes that Nogueira manages to avoid easily.
Nogueira is squirming around, avoiding Lehr's attempts to control the action.
Nogueira avoids a strike by Lehr and manages to complete a very nice reversal in the process, to end up in Lehr's guard! Fantastic escape!
Nogueira advances position into side control!
We get told so often about how wrestlers don't like to be on their backs. Let's see if Lehr can do anything to dispel that myth.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Nogueira tries for a kimura. Not really close to a finish though.
Both of our modern day gladiators look out of it here - an gruelling 5 rounds of action taking it's toll on them, no doubt.
Lehr is trying to control Nogueira's posture but Nogueira avoids it.
Lehr sneaks a leg under to get back to half guard.
Lehr is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.

Nogueira 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.
Lehr desperately trying to maintain half guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A few boos can be heard. I'm sure they will multiply if the fighters don't pick up the pace.
Lehr is looking for a sweep. Nogueira is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Nogueira slows the pace down in half guard.
Lehr tries to get to full guard but Nogueira has control of the leg.
Lehr moves into full guard.
Lehr trying to control the position here.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Lehr keeping moving, preventing Nogueira from controlling successfully.

Neither fighter is doing enough for the referee's liking and he's decided to stand them back up.
Nogueira fails with the takedown.

Lehr closes the distance and scores a nice trip takedown into half guard. Nogueira did well to prevent Lehr getting side control.
Lehr stops Nogueira from getting back to his feet.
The referee walks around the fighters to get a better view of the action. Lehr lands a nice short elbow.
Lehr throwing shots but Nogueira is blocking nicely.
Lehr is just sitting in half guard, waiting for something to happen.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Nogueira keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Lehr lands strikes from half guard.
Russ Lehr is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Lehr throws a strike but Nogueira avoids it easily and moves to full guard.
Lehr looking to pass the guard.
Nogueira can't do much from the bottom at the moment, as Lehr controls the pace.

And that's the end of the fight!
Russ Lehr comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I've got Lehr 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 5 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Felipe Paraventi scores the fight 45:50
Judge Daniel Cesar scores the fight 45:50
Judge Alexandre Firmino scores the fight 45:50

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Russ Lehr!
Russ Lehr is the new light heavyweight champion!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
61%

Main event

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Experiment Two (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Junior Dos Santos (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). I'm sure you'll be fascinated to know that I was talking to some pointless Z list celebrity before the fight and he thought that Junior Dos Santos was going to win. Let's see if he was right.

Two
vs
Dos Santos

189 cm
25
187 lbs
5 - 0 - 0

185 cm
22
190 lbs
2 - 0 - 0

Good takedowns
Counter striker
KO power

BJJ Blue Belt
Counter striker
Very confident

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the middleweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 5 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Experiment Two!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 2 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Junior Dos Santos!
The judges for this bout are Daniel Cesar, Paulo Santos and Emerson Jorge.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Two misses with a hook. Dos Santos ducked under it nicely.
Dos Santos scores with a hook.
Both fighters are looking to counter, which isn't making for the most exciting fight in the world.
Dos Santos avoids the body shot from Two.
Dos Santos tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Experiment Two seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Two throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.

Dos Santos rushes Two and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Dos Santos is trying to wear down his opponent with knees to the body.
Two blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.
Dos Santos lands a knee to the head there! That was nasty!

It looks like Experiment Two has been cut.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Dos Santos with the Thai clinch, lands a knee to the head.
Two is breathing heavily.
Dos Santos landing some nice looking knees to the body.
Dos Santos connects with a nasty looking knee right to Two's face.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kneeeeees! The crowd are calling for knees to the body. Dos Santos obliges.
Knees to the body from Dos Santos.
Dos Santos landing knees to the head.

Two is rocked!
Dos Santos jerks Two's head down, straight into the path of a devastating knee! Two drops to the floor in a crumpled heap! Dos Santos goes to throw a finishing haymaker but pulls out - good sportsmanship from Dos Santos because Two was completely out of it. That was a nice finish - just the right level of brutality to send everyone home happy.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:18 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Knee). Junior Dos Santos!
Junior Dos Santos is the new middleweight champion!