Caged Heat 6 - Baconator PBP Commentary

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Celvin Saddleman (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Phil Brooks (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Phil Brooks has the better chin. Will he look to stand and bang today?

Saddleman
vs
Brooks

169 cm
18
175 lbs
1 - 3 - 0

183 cm
18
185 lbs
0 - 1 - 0

Decent wrestler
Counter striker
Cuts easily

Good wrestler
Basic striking
Granite chin

Berserker Nutrition

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the welterweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 1 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Celvin Saddleman!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Phil Brooks!
The judges for this bout are Emerson Jorge, Matheus Silva and Mauricio Rocha.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Saddleman forces Brooks back against the cage and clinches.
Brooks wants a takedown but no success here.
Brooks has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Saddleman is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.
Brooks changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Saddleman fights it off and pushes away nicely.
Celvin Saddleman has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Phil Brooks.
Brooks takes a jab on the nose there. A little bit of blood seems to be coming out. Hopefully that won't affect his breathing.
Brooks throws a body punch but Saddleman moves out of range.
Brooks dodges the punch combination from Saddleman.
Saddleman misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Saddleman throws a jab to the body, straight down the pipe. Boom. That sent Brooks stumbling backwards but he manages to regain his composure quickly.
Brooks tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Saddleman swivels and escapes.
Saddleman drops Brooks with a right and a left! Saddleman comes rushing in but Brooks regains his composure and manages to keep Saddleman in guard.

Brooks is rocked!

It looks like Phil Brooks has been cut.
Brooks looks gassed!
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Saddleman controlling from the top position.
Brooks is still in real trouble! Can Saddleman finish him?
Saddleman content to strike from guard, landing some decent shots.
Saddleman stays in close to Brooks's body and controls the position.
Brooks seems to have recovered his senses.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Saddleman throwing strikes but missing.
Saddleman is looking to work some ground and pound but Brooks has wrist control.
Brooks is working an open guard here, looking to improve his position. No doubt that will leave him open to counters but at least he's being more offensive.
Saddleman trying to control the position from guard on top but Brooks is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Brooks throwing some rather feeble looking strikes off his back.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Brooks shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Saddleman as he jumps to the side.
Saddleman drops Brooks with a left and a right! Oh, Brooks is hurt - Saddleman dives into side control looking to finish!
Saddleman grinds an elbow into Brooks's temple.
Brooks tries to buck Saddleman off but Saddleman is having none of it.
Brooks is letting Saddleman control him for a moment.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Brooks strikes from the bottom but Saddleman takes advantage and advances to full mount!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Brooks is in all sorts of trouble here.
Saddleman lands a couple of nice shots there from mount.
Brooks is desperately trying to improve his position but Saddleman has a good base and remains in mount.
Saddleman is landing with some decent strikes but Brooks is trying to advance his position so the referee is letting the fight continue.
Brooks is trying desperately to improve position.
Saddleman blocks Brooks's feeble attempts to strike from the bottom.
Saddleman could do with loosing a few pounds - he looks very soft around the mid section, to put it politely.
Brooks is desperately trying to improve his position but Saddleman has a good base and remains in mount.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Saddleman scoring with strikes but Brooks is staying in there.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
The fighters are going at a pretty good pace and they're both starting to sweat now.
Brooks regains half guard.
Brooks throws a strike from the bottom that misses.
Brooks tries to strike from the bottom but it doesn't land.

Saddleman is trying to work for a kimura. He's got his hands clasped together - this could be trouble! No, Brooks has managed to free his arm - good work.
Brooks tries to strike from the bottom but it doesn't land.
Brooks works his way to full guard. Good work.
Brooks lands a couple of shots from the bottom.
Brooks looking to hit a scissor sweep but Saddleman is one step ahead there.

It looks like we're going to have a standup here. Neither fight is doing enough on the ground.
Saddleman misses with the combination.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Neither fighter has done anything of merit for a good minute or two here and the crowd are not happy about it.
Brooks misses with an uppercut
enabling Saddleman to counter with a crisp jab.
Brooks changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Saddleman tries to avoid it but Brooks manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Saddleman to the ground. Saddleman escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Brooks misses with a combination
enabling Saddleman to counter with a crisp jab.
Brooks looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
Saddleman fails with an attempt to clinch.
Brooks rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Saddleman moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Brooks fails with the takedown
and Saddleman counters with a three punch combo that has Brooks backing up. Brooks nods at Saddleman to acknowledge the strikes.
Brooks fails with a takedown attempt.
Saddleman bobs and weaves and throws out a fast jab that snaps Brooks's head backwards.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Brooks looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
Brooks with a lazy takedown attempt
and Saddleman counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Saddleman drops Brooks with a straight left! Oh this is bad for Brooks! Saddleman dives in and starts dropping bombs - the referee has no choice but to step in and save him!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:55 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (strikes). Celvin Saddleman!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
0%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Crud Bonemeal (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Datu Bayani (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Bayani is bobbing his head along to his entrance song: Falling Out Theme - boysetsfire. Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the cage.

Bonemeal
vs
Bayani

185 cm
21
180 lbs
1 - 2 - 0

168 cm
22
175 lbs
0 - 1 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Brawler
Granite chin

BJJ Purple Belt
Counter striker
Solid chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the welterweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 1 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Crud Bonemeal!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Datu Bayani!
The judges for this bout are Seu Braga, Matheus Silva and Thiago Cunha.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Bonemeal wants to clinch up but Bayani keeps it at a distance.
The fighters circling - Bayani throws out the jab but it was never going to land.

Bonemeal shoots in for a takedown and gets it. Oh and he's advanced to full mount straight away.

Bonemeal has hold of Bayani's left arm, perhaps looking for a submission. The two fighters tussle over control of the isolated limb and Bayani manages to get his arm back to his side and away from danger.

Bayani has left one of his arms exposed and Bonemeal doesn't need a second invitation. He's isolated it and locked on a tight armbar. Bayani screams and taps out, obviously in a lot of pain. Hopefully there isn't permanent damage to that arm.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 0:30 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Armbar). Crud Bonemeal!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
54%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Shade Teixeira (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Afa Semo Jr (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Teixeira's ring entrance music is that housewives' favourite, numero1 - sans pression. Semo Jr has chosen Sepultra - Ludwig Van as his entrance music. Shade Teixeira has the better chin. Will he look to stand and bang today?

Teixeira
vs
Semo Jr

173 cm
18
215 lbs
3 - 0 - 0

193 cm
18
213 lbs
2 - 0 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Good chin

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Intelligent

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 3 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Shade Teixeira!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 2 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Afa Semo Jr!
The judges for this bout are Seu Braga, Luis Engracia and Alexandre Firmino.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Semo Jr tries to clinch there but Teixeira circles away.
Teixeira tries for a takedown but Semo Jr sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.

Teixeira closes the distance and gets a double leg, slamming Semo Jr to the mat! Semo Jr manages to get full guard.
Semo Jr really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Teixeira. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.
Teixeira lands a couple of decent looking shots.

Semo Jr is active off his back here, looking for submissions.

Teixeira drops back for a leg! It's a sloppy attempt though and Teixeira jumps back into guard quickly, to retain the dominant position.
Semo Jr looking for a sweep. Not yet Semo Jr, not yet.
Semo Jr keeping moving, preventing Teixeira from controlling successfully.
Teixeira stands and throws Semo Jr's legs to the side, diving into side control.
Teixeira working the ground and pound.
Teixeira works a knee to the body and follows up with a nice elbow to the head.

Teixeira looking for an arm triangle but it's way too loose to do anything.
Semo Jr tries to work a leg under to get back to half guard but Teixeira wriggles his own leg back out and remains in side control.
We get told so often about how wrestlers don't like to be on their backs. Let's see if Semo Jr can do anything to dispel that myth.
Semo Jr is persisting with the attempt to improve his position.
Semo Jr manages to land a sweep and he's now on top! Lovely Jiu Jitsu!
Teixeira slips a foot under and gets full guard. Nice work.
Semo Jr looks gassed!
Semo Jr postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.

That's one minute gone in the round.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Teixeira is on top in guard.
Teixeira wanted to stand there but Semo Jr had control of the position.

Semo Jr working for a triangle but Teixeira defends it easily.
Semo Jr tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Semo Jr is looking to stand up but Teixeira isn't so interested in that idea.
Semo Jr can't keep his opponent in guard - Teixeira advances to half guard, no doubt looking to mount.
Semo Jr missing with punches from the bottom.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Semo Jr is trying to get back to full guard.

Teixeira is trying for a guillotine from the top but the pressure isn't in the right place so Semo Jr is just riding it out for now. Teixeira eventually gives up the hold.

Teixeira is trying a forearm choke… I don't think that's going to do much at this level of the game.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.
Teixeira not landing any meaningful shots this time.
Teixeira wants to stand up but Semo Jr has a hold of him and won't allow it.
Semo Jr tries to get to full guard but Teixeira has control of the leg.
Teixeira scoring with strikes to the body and head.

The referee has ruled that neither fighter is active enough on the ground and has stood them back up.
Nice sprawl there from Semo Jr as Teixeira shoots in.
Teixeira tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Semo Jr swivels and escapes.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Shade Teixeira. That's going to take a lot out of him.

Teixeira scores a trip takedown into side control. Nice.
Teixeira trying to control the position but Semo Jr is working away.
Semo Jr manages to work his way to half guard, despite Teixeira's best efforts.
Teixeira working over Semo Jr with some ground and pound. Semo Jr looks like he wants out of this position, which is understandable.
Teixeira seems to be taking a bit of a break to think of his next move. He lands a short punch in the meantime.
Teixeira wants to control but Semo Jr is keeping him busy.
Semo Jr is trying to get back to full guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Teixeira is trying a forearm choke… I don't think that's going to do much at this level of the game.
Semo Jr throws a strike from the bottom that misses.

Teixeira is trying a forearm choke… I don't think that's going to do much at this level of the game.

Teixeira is working for a submission of some sort.
Semo Jr is looking to control Teixeira's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Semo Jr avoid being mounted?
Teixeira thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Semo Jr's head.
Semo Jr is looking for a sweep. Teixeira is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Semo Jr makes his way to full guard. A much better position for Semo Jr.

Semo Jr escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Teixeira gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Semo Jr working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Teixeira doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Teixeira manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.
Semo Jr throwing some rather feeble looking strikes off his back.
Semo Jr looking to hit a scissor sweep but Teixeira is one step ahead there.

Semo Jr wriggles free and stands up.

Semo Jr closes the distance, clinches up and gets a nice trip takedown into side control. Very smooth.
Semo Jr looks up at the clock and then as Teixeira takes his cue and looks up at the clock too, Semo Jr smacks him right in the chops with a big elbow! How rude!
Teixeira is trying to get back to half guard. He's pushing on Semo Jr's leg. He's managed it. Nice work.
Both fighters really going for it on the ground here!
Teixeira is working for an escape here. He's hooked one of Semo Jr's legs and he's managed to sneak out and take Semo Jr's back!
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Teixeira connects with a series of strikes and the referee is calling for Semo Jr to escape the position.

Teixeira is working really hard to secure the rear naked choke. Semo Jr defends successfully for a significant amount of time. Both fighters are looking very determined.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.

Teixeira working from the back looking to end the fight with a rear naked choke. Semo Jr is doing well to defend. Teixeira seems to have got his hand under the chin though and he's sunk the choke in! Semo Jr is forced to tap and this one is over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:55 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (RNC). Shade Teixeira!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
74%

Undercard bout

Co-main event

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between David Gracie (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Jesse The Devil (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Jesse The Devil has the better chin. Will he look to stand and bang today?

Gracie
vs
The Devil

185 cm
19
185 lbs
1 - 0 - 0

175 cm
18
190 lbs
1 - 0 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Counter striker
Big heart

BJJ Purple Belt
Counter striker
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 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, David Gracie!
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, Jesse The Devil!
The judges for this bout are Thiago Cunha, Seu Braga and Mauricio Rocha.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Gracie swats away the attempt to clinch by The Devil.

The Devil shoots in for a takedown and gets it.
The Devil thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
The Devil lands with a punch from half guard.
Gracie trying to control but The Devil postures up.

The Devil wants to work for an arm triangle but Gracie is really keeping half guard well and defending the submission attempt.
Gracie is working for an escape here. He's hooked one of The Devil's legs and he's managed to sneak out and take The Devil's back!
The Devil tries to escape the position - he's now mounted. Is that better or worse? Hard to tell!
The Devil tries to get back to half guard but can't.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Gracie avoids the attempt from The Devil to control.
The Devil manages to regain half guard. Good work.

That's one minute gone in the round.
The Devil trying to control from the bottom.
Gracie is breathing heavily.
The Devil missing with punches from the bottom.
The Devil slips a foot under and gets full guard. Nice work.

Gracie thinks about going for a leg but decides against it, in order to maintain the position.
The Devil wants to sweep here but Gracie controlling him for the moment.
The Devil not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.

The Devil is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
The Devil has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.

The Devil has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Gracie can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.

The Devil working for a triangle but Gracie defends it easily.
Gracie preventing the sweep.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The Devil working a defensive guard here.
The Devil keeping moving, preventing Gracie from controlling successfully.

The Devil has his foot on Gracie's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Gracie works his way back into a safe position though.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.

The Devil is working an open guard so Gracie takes the opportunity to get back to his feet.

Gracie scores with a takedown into The Devil's guard.
Gracie is sitting in guard, working some ground and pound.

The Devil is looking for a triangle but Gracie pushes his legs off easily.

The Devil has his foot on Gracie's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Gracie works his way back into a safe position though.
Gracie postures up.
The Devil looking for a sweep. Not yet The Devil, not yet.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

The Devil working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Gracie doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Gracie manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.
Gracie pushes down on The Devil's leg and manages to get into half guard.
The Devil is looking to improve his position.
Gracie is tying to control. The Devil wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.

The Devil looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
The Devil gets back to full guard.
Gracie in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.

The Devil escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Gracie gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.
Gracie trying to control but The Devil is working from the bottom.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Gracie passes The Devil's left leg - he's now in half guard.

Gracie is looking for a kimura but he's never going to get it from there.
The Devil regains full guard. Nicely done.
Gracie tries to stand but The Devil is controlling from the bottom.

The Devil working for a triangle but Gracie defends it easily.
Gracie seems content to control from guard here. He's going to have to remain active though if he doesn't want to get stood back up.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.

The Devil is active off his back here, looking for submissions.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Gracie lets the fists fly and connects with a left straight followed by a right hook.

Gracie gets taken down but at least he's managed to land in guard.
The Devil advances position into side control!

The Devil tries for a kimura but Gracie is defending well.
The Devil trying to control the action but Gracie is working from the bottom.
The Devil should think about turning a few of those tyres round his middle into muscle if he wants people to take him seriously as an athlete.

The Devil thinks about going for a far side armbar but bails out and retains the dominant position instead.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.

The Devil looking for an arm triangle but it's way too loose to do anything.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
The Devil trying to control the action but Gracie is working from the bottom.

That's one minute gone in the round.

The Devil is looking to finish here, going for an Americana. Gracie knows the correct defense though, so he's OK.
Gracie is sneaking out the side here. He's bucked The Devil off and has taken his back!
The Devil rolls and manages to get back to half guard. Nicely done.
The Devil is looking to control Gracie's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can The Devil avoid being mounted?
The Devil is trying to get back to full guard.
The Devil works his way to full guard. Good work.

The Devil has his feet on Gracie's thighs here. He's pushed Gracie off and worked for a very quick armbar from the bottom! He's flipped onto his stomach and he's cranking hard on the arm! Gracie screams in pain and taps out! This one is all over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:02 of round 2, we have a winner by way of Submission (Armbar). Jesse The Devil!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
100%

Main event

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Kenny Blankenship (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Rickson Paiva (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Blankenship's ring entrance music is that housewives' favourite, Dare to be Stupid. Paiva is bobbing his head along to his entrance song: 2001 : Oddysey. I don't know about you partner, but I'm pumped for this one!

Blankenship
vs
Paiva

186 cm
21
196 lbs
3 - 1 - 0

180 cm
22
195 lbs
4 - 0 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Counter striker
Granite chin

BJJ Brown Belt
Counter striker
Solid chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, for the middleweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 3 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Kenny Blankenship!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 4 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Rickson Paiva!
The judges for this bout are Luis Engracia, Emerson Jorge and Thiago Cunha.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Blankenship misses with the combination.
Blankenship connects with a single shot there.
Blankenship throws a solid leg kick but Paiva takes the impact on his shin and smiles at Blankenship.
Kenny Blankenship seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Blankenship tries to bum rush Paiva with a series of wild strikes but Paiva uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
A head kick misses from Blankenship.
Blankenship misses the shot to the body.
Paiva has his head snapped back a nice jab. A little nod from Paiva there as he acknowledges the shot.
Blankenship misses with a two punch combination.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Paiva takes one on the chin but keeps coming.
Blankenship scores with a jab to the body.
Blankenship throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Paiva.
Blankenship misses with a straight right.
Blankenship throws a right and a left that both miss.
A big right from Blankenship misses.
Paiva bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Blankenship swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Paiva looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
Blankenship stuffs the takedown.
Blankenship jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Blankenship misses with a looping right.
Some wild striking there from Blankenship.
Blankenship jabbing away but nothing is landing.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Paiva looks for a takedown but Blankenship sprawls well.
Kenny Blankenship has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Rickson Paiva.
Blankenship throws a right and a left that both miss.
Paiva tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Blankenship swivels and escapes.
Horrible takedown by Paiva or perhaps it was just good defense by Blankenship which made him look bad.
Blankenship looks to land a left hand but Paiva moved out of range nicely.
Blankenship misses the shot to the body.

That's four 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.
Paiva shoots for a takedown but Blankenship saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
Blankenship swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Blankenship is breathing heavily.
Paiva shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Blankenship as he avoids it easily.
Blankenship throws a hook to the side of Paiva's head but Paiva sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.

Paiva changes levels and drives through with a really nice takedown into side control. Blankenship looks really pissed at himself for not defending that better.
Paiva sitting in side control, looking to soften his opponent up with elbows and hammerfists but Blankenship is avoiding damage well and looking to escape the position.
Paiva cracks Blankenship with a big elbow.
Blankenship knows he needs to get back to his feet asap. He's simply no match for Paiva on the ground.

Paiva looking for an arm triangle but it's way too loose to do anything.
Blankenship manages to get back to half guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Kenny Blankenship 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.

Paiva keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
A combination from Blankenship does no damage.
Blankenship misses with a body shot.
Paiva shoots in but no luck this time.
Paiva keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Blankenship throws out a loose jab but Paiva uses good head movement to avoid it.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Blankenship throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Blankenship throws out a loose jab but Paiva uses good head movement to avoid it.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Blankenship misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Paiva.
Paiva fails to land the takedown.
Paiva showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Blankenship.
Paiva shoots in looking for a takedown. Blankenship tries to sprawl out of it but Paiva keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Blankenship manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Kenny Blankenship has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Rickson Paiva.
Blankenship scores with a three punch combo!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Neither fighter has done anything of merit for a good minute or two here and the crowd are not happy about it.
Blankenship tests Paiva's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Blankenship moves into range and throws a combination. A nice jab followed by a hook to the body.
Blankenship waving his hands out infront of him, looking to distract Paiva.
Blankenship misses with a wild combination.
Blankenship misses with a head kick.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Paiva drives through with a takedown into guard.
Paiva passes Blankenship's left leg - he's now in half guard.
Paiva works his foot free and advances to mount.

Paiva looking for an armbar but decides to keep the dominant position instead.
Blankenship trying desperately to get to his feet.
Blankenship tries to get back to half guard but can't.

Paiva swings around for an armbar but it's a sloppy attempt and Blankenship is now in Paiva's guard. A big mistake from Paiva there, giving up the dominant position!
Paiva wants to sweep but no luck.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Paiva looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.

Blankenship gets to his feet and steps away from his opponent.
Blankenship throws a series of punches but Paiva avoids them all with ease.
Paiva shoots for a takedown but Blankenship saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
Paiva shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Blankenship but Blankenship pushes him off and we're back to square one.
Blankenship swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Blankenship throws a looping overhand right but Paiva ducks down to avoid it.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Kenny Blankenship dominated that second round.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business. This is the final round!

Blankenship pivots as if he's going to throw a leg kick but stops half way.
Blankenship throws a head kick but Paiva moves out of range.
Blankenship will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
Blankenship stuffs the takedown attempt from Paiva. Paiva gets slowly back to his feet.
Blankenship attempts a low kick but it misses it's target.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Boom, another hit is landed. "You're gunna get knocked out" taunts Blankenship, as that shot connected.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Paiva avoids a punch combination nicely.
Kenny Blankenship is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Blankenship connects with a jab.

Paiva drives through with a takedown into guard.
Paiva stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Blankenship swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Paiva throws a big right hand that misses.

Paiva 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.
Blankenship wants to stand and escape but Paiva is having none of it.
Paiva advances to half guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Paiva is working for a submission of some sort.

Paiva is thinking about going for an arm triangle but he can't free his leg.

Paiva is looking for a kimura. It's pretty deep but Blankenship still has the half guard so he's probably OK. Oh, Blankenship has exploded into a beautiful escape there and after a quick scramble, he's ended up in side control on top! Nice work!

Blankenship stands up.

Paiva darts in and lands a nice takedown into half guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Paiva is working for a submission of some sort.
Paiva wants to pass the guard but Blankenship is defending well.
Paiva throws a strike but Blankenship avoids it easily and moves to full guard.
Paiva prevents Blankenship from getting back to his feet.
Paiva tries to free his leg and advance position but Blankenship is retaining full guard.
Blankenship wants to stand up but Paiva is controlling him.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are showing their displeasure at the lack of action as loud boos ring out around the arena.
Paiva is looking to work some ground and pound but Blankenship has wrist control.

Paiva has gone for a leg lock! Blankenship slips out almost immediately though and dives into Paiva's guard.
Blankenship is just sitting in guard, looking to avoid any submissions.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Blankenship slips nicely into half guard, despite the strikes coming from Paiva.

Blankenship postures up and decides to stand up, from the half guard. The ref calls for Paiva to stand up.
Blankenship walks forward and throws out a flicking leg kick. Paiva checks it nicely though, as he moves to the side.
Rickson Paiva has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Blankenship throws a lazy right hand but Paiva sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.

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

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Luis Engracia scores the fight 30:27
Judge Emerson Jorge scores the fight 30:27
Judge Thiago Cunha scores the fight 30:27

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Kenny Blankenship!
Kenny Blankenship is the new middleweight champion!