GPC 13 PBP Commentary

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Aristides Cipriano (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Kevin Bale (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Chooooooooon! I think Cipriano might be my favorite fighter, now he's come out to Chico Science e Nação Zumbi - Manguetown. Bale has chosen Kings and Queens as his entrance music. On his way into the cage it seems that Aristides Cipriano has been attacked by a crazed fan! It looks like it might have been the just bleed guy! Luckily Aristides Cipriano seems to be OK! I thought that lunatic was in prison!?

Cipriano
vs
Bale

188 cm
24
170 lbs
4 - 1 - 0

172 cm
20
173 lbs
2 - 2 - 0

BJJ Brown Belt
Counter striker
Experienced

BJJ White Belt
Brawler
Enjoys gardening

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 4 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Aristides Cipriano!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 2 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Kevin Bale!
The judges for this bout are Felipe Paraventi, Paulo Santos and Emerson Jorge.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Bale tries to clinch up but Cipriano circles away and keeps his distance.
Cipriano tries for a takedown but Bale sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.

Cipriano shoots in for a takedown and gets it.
Cipriano works his foot free and advances to mount.

Cipriano has control of Bale's right arm, working for a kimura. It's a bit of a token attempt though and Bale regains control of the situation pretty easily.
Cipriano will need to keep those long limbs tucked in whilst he's on the ground, to prevent any submissions.

Cipriano has isolated one of Bale's arms. Bale looking to fight him off but Cipriano twists into an armbar. It's tight... Will he tap?? YES, he's tapped! This one is all over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 0:48 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Armbar). Aristides Cipriano!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
78%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Joze Oliveira (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Shane Valcone (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Shane Valcone has the eye of the tiger tonight.

Oliveira
vs
Valcone

176 cm
20
176 lbs
1 - 1 - 0

174 cm
20
175 lbs
2 - 2 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Basic striking
KO power

BJJ Brown Belt
Counter striker
Very confident

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 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Joze Oliveira!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 2 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Shane Valcone!
The judges for this bout are Leandro Rodrigues, Paulo Santos and Daniel Cesar.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Oliveira throws a series of punches but Valcone avoids them all with ease.

Oliveira takes the fight into the clinch.
Oliveira throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Valcone blocks it with crossed arms.
Oliveira trying to control the position but instead, Valcone has worked for underhooks and has pushed Oliveira into the cage.
Valcone lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Oliveira backwards.
Valcone fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Valcone misses with a hook from the clinch.
Valcone tries to stall but Oliveira uses the opportunity to gain a better position.
Valcone throws a punch but it's blocked by Oliveira.
Valcone throws a punch but it's blocked by Oliveira.
Oliveira cracks Valcone with a nice body shot.
Oliveira is trying to maintain a safe position but Valcone gets an underhook and turns Oliveira into the cage.

Valcone jumps into guard, dragging Oliveira to the mat.
Oliveira has to be careful here, sitting in the guard of a superior BJJ player.

Valcone is active off his back here, looking for submissions.

Valcone has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Oliveira can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.
Oliveira wanted to stand there but Valcone had control of the position.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Valcone is trying to keep Oliveira in close.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Oliveira would like to get this fight back to the feet but can't get free from the closed guard.
Valcone throwing some rather feeble looking strikes off his back.
Valcone not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
Oliveira knows he needs to get back to his feet asap. He's simply no match for Valcone on the ground.

Valcone looking for subs off his back but Oliveira has passed one foot through into half guard.
Valcone looks gassed!
Oliveira wants to stand but Valcone has hold of a leg and an arm, so he's trapped for now.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.

It looks like we're going to have a standup here. Neither fighter is doing enough on the ground.
Oliveira scores with a one two! Valcone had his feet all tangled up there and couldn't avoid the strikes.
Valcone avoids a punch combination nicely.
A punch combination from Oliveira misses.
Oliveira throws a series of strikes that have Valcone backpedaling.
Valcone doesn't manage to clinch there - Oliveira circles away.
Oliveira doesn't manage to clinch there - Valcone circles away.
Oliveira throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Oliveira throws a nice looking combination but Valcone bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Oliveira looks to land a left hand but Valcone moved out of range nicely.
Some wild striking there from Oliveira.
Valcone keeps the fight on the outside.
Valcone uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Oliveira.

The fight moves into the clinch position.
Valcone doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Valcone avoiding damage.
Oliveira throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Valcone blocks it with crossed arms.
Oliveira looking to slow down the pace here.
Oliveira stays in close to his opponent and throws a right hand to the body.
A head punch on the inside from Valcone fails to land.

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.
A frustrated look appears on Valcone's face as he tries to break the clinch.
Valcone trying to stall but Oliveira improves his position.
Valcone gets through Oliveira's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
Valcone trying to stall but Oliveira improves his position.
A head punch on the inside from Valcone fails to land.
Valcone blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Oliveira with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.
Both fighters working to control the clinch.
Oliveira looks like he'd prefer to be striking at range right now.
Valcone is looking to control Oliveira's arms but Oliveira gets an underhook and turns him. Now Valcone has his back to the cage.
Oliveira tries a knee to the head but Valcone blocks it.
Oliveira has Valcone pressed against the cage, preventing Valcone from circling away and getting back to striking at range.
Valcone tries to pull guard but Oliveira holds him up against the cage and eventually Valcone drops back down to his feet.
Oliveira tries to stall but Valcone uses the opportunity to gain a better position.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Oliveira has Valcone pushed against the cage.
Valcone managing to block the knees to the body from Oliveira.
Oliveira with the Thai clinch, lands a knee to the head.
Oliveira has Valcone pressed against the cage.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Joze Oliveira dominated that round.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

Oliveira looks to clinch

so Valcone counters with a double leg into guard. Good agility.
Valcone throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Oliveira works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Oliveira wants to get back to his feet but Valcone is in a dominant position and won't allow it.
Oliveira keeping moving, preventing Valcone from controlling successfully.
Oliveira is looking to stand up but Valcone isn't so interested in that idea.
Oliveira preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Valcone trying to control but Oliveira is working from the bottom.
Valcone might have to switch it up a bit here because his efforts to control Oliveira kaven't been going to plan, at least at the current moment in time.
Valcone makes a bit of distance and scores with some ground and pound, still in guard.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Valcone wants to control from the top but Oliveira keeps moving.

The referee has ruled that neither fighter is active enough on the ground and has stood them back up.
Oliveira tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Oliveira tries to clinch but Valcone moves away

and Valcone counters by moving into the clinch.
Oliveira looking to throw knees to the head but Valcone is blocking nicely.
Oliveira misses with a knee strike.
Valcone jumps guard but Oliveira stands there with Valcone around his waist. Valcone gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch.
Valcone misses with a short punch on the inside.
Valcone tries for a takedown. No joy.
Oliveira throws a knee to the head but misses.
Valcone jumps guard but Oliveira stands there with Valcone around his waist. Valcone gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch.
Joze Oliveira has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Shane Valcone.
Valcone misses with the head strike.
Valcone pushes Oliveira back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.

That's two 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.
Oliveira misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Valcone has Oliveira pressed against the cage, preventing Oliveira from circling away and getting back to striking at range.
Valcone throws a head punch that misses.
Valcone fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Valcone working aggressively here.
Oliveira prevents the takedown attempt.

Oliveira breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Oliveira misses with a jab, cross combination.
Oliveira tries to clinch up

and Valcone counters by moving into the clinch. Good anticipation by Valcone.
Oliveira blocks an uppercut.
Valcone leaning his opponent against the cage.
Oliveira tries a knee to the head but he's missed.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Valcone blocks an uppercut.

Oliveira pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Oliveira is looking to clinch but Valcone is avoiding it.
Oliveira tries to clinch but Valcone is having none of it.
Oliveira tries to close the distance and clinch up but Valcone swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Valcone is looking to clinch.

Oliveira closes the distance and pushes Valcone back into the cage.
Valcone lands on the inside with an uppercut.
Oliveira throws a knee to the head but misses.
Oliveira misses with a knee to the head.
Oliveira wants to push off and get back to the center of the mat but Valcone has him pressed against the cage.
Valcone gets through Oliveira's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
Oliveira throws a head punch that misses.
Oliveira throws an elbow but it misses.
Valcone swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Oliveira has a couple of punches blocked by Valcone.

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.
Valcone taking a breather.
Oliveira gets through Valcone's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
Valcone has a couple of punches blocked by Oliveira.
Valcone effectively controlling the action here.
Valcone lands with a short head shot on the inside.
Valcone is working hard here but doesn't seem to be able to control effectively, up against the cage.
Valcone has a couple of punches blocked by Oliveira.
Oliveira blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Valcone tries to score a body lock takedown but Oliveira shows good agility there to stay on his feet.
Valcone doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Oliveira is looking to control Valcone's arms but Valcone gets an underhook and turns him. Now Oliveira has his back to the cage.
Valcone misses with the head strike.
Valcone blocks an uppercut.
The pace really dropping off here, momentarily.
Oliveira gets an overhook and lands an elbow to the side of the head.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Shane Valcone showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action! This is the final round!

Oliveira fails in his attempt to clinch.
Oliveira wants to clinch

and Valcone counters with a shoot takedown. Oliveira fights it but they end up in guard.
Valcone lands a couple of digs.
Valcone trying to control but Oliveira is working from the bottom.
Oliveira wants to stand but Valcone is controlling the position.
Valcone distracts Oliveira with his right hand and drops a big elbow with his other arm.
Valcone content to strike from guard, landing some decent shots.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Valcone throws a big right hand that misses.
Valcone trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Oliveira wants to stand up but Valcone is controlling him.
Valcone has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
Valcone working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Oliveira wants to stand up but Valcone is controlling him.
Valcone connects with a couple of short punches.
Valcone lands a couple of decent looking shots.
Oliveira is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.

Well, the referee has seen enough. Neither fighter is active enough on the ground so he's stood them back up.

Valcone shoots in for a takedown and gets it.
Oliveira is trying to stand back up but Valcone is controlling him

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Valcone is looking for a kimura but Oliveira is holding onto that half guard position, so it's hard for Valcone to get the leverage.
Valcone winds up and cracks Oliveira with a swinging punch to the side of the head.

Valcone is thinking about going for an arm triangle but he can't free his leg.
Valcone takes advantage of the dominant position to land a couple of big hammer fists.
The two fighters exchange a few words. I couldn't hear what they were saying but maybe it's more fun if you make it up yourself. Valcone connects with a nice short shot to Oliveira's temple.

Valcone 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.
Valcone not landing any meaningful shots this time.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Valcone thows a huge punch but Oliveira dodges it nicely.
Valcone looks over to his corner - he wants some instructions but his corner are not responding.

Valcone wants to work for an arm triangle but Oliveira is really keeping half guard well and defending the submission attempt.
Shane Valcone has got the better of the ground game so far.
Oliveira wants to get back to his feet.
Valcone slips a nice elbow through Oliveira's hands, connecting with Oliveira's forehead.
Valcone wants to control but Oliveira is keeping him busy.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.
Valcone perhaps working for something from half guard, or maybe not. It looks like he's just sitting there.
Oliveira wants to get back to his feet.
Valcone uses his free foot to push down on Oliveira's thigh. Eventually he works his other foot free and he's advanced to mount - this is trouble for Oliveira.

Valcone has hold of Oliveira's left arm, perhaps looking for a submission. The two fighters tussle over control of the isolated limb and Oliveira manages to get his arm back to his side and away from danger.
Oliveira really wants to buck Valcone off and get back to his feet.
Valcone punishing his opponent with strikes.

Valcone jumps to the side looking to secure the arm triangle…. Ooooh, that looks tight… Oliveira is gargling but he's managed to escape! Nice work there by Oliveira and Valcone has given up the dominant position trying to land that submission.
Check out the look on Valcone's face as he threw that strike - that's one determined fighter!

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

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Leandro Rodrigues scores the fight 28:29
Judge Paulo Santos scores the fight 28:29
Judge Daniel Cesar scores the fight 28:29

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Shane Valcone!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
40%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Fernando Antonelli (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Julio Cruz (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). I don't know about you partner, but I'm pumped for this one!

Antonelli
vs
Cruz

173 cm
22
146 lbs
1 - 0 - 0

170 cm
22
152 lbs
2 - 0 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Brawler
Granite chin

Good takedowns
Basic striking
Granite chin

Win Nutritional - proof of quality
Nutrition 101: 20$ EnergyQ141

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the featherweight 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, Fernando Antonelli!
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, Julio Cruz!
The judges for this bout are Alexandre Firmino, Seu Braga and Emerson Jorge.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Cruz gets caught flat footed, as Antonelli shoots in with a quick takedown into guard.
Antonelli tries to stand but Cruz is controlling from the bottom.
Cruz throws some shots to the body, keeping his opponent honest.

Cruz had isolated an arm as going for an omaplata. Antonelli is defending the submission well but is in a very vulnerable position. Cruz Is leaning forward trying to finish the omaplata but decides to abandon it, and take Antonelli's back instead.
Antonelli tries to escape the position - he's now mounted. Is that better or worse? Hard to tell!
Cruz landing strikes, looking to finish!
Antonelli sneaks a leg under to get to half guard.
Cruz throwing shots but Antonelli is blocking nicely.
Antonelli regains full guard. Nicely done.
Cruz has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.

Cruz drops back, looking for a kneebar! Antonelli looks panicked! The fighters roll across the mat, one looking to finish, one looking to escape. Antonelli looks to have wriggled free... Yes, he's got his leg free and he's dived into side control! Good work there from Antonelli!

That's one minute gone in the round.
Cruz is trying to get back to half guard.
Cruz sneaks back into half guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Cruz moves his hips nicely and gets into full guard.

Antonelli decides he's had enough of playing guard and decides to stand. Come on Cruz, up you get!

Antonelli fakes an overhand right and shoots for a takedown. Cruz sprawls well initially but Antonelli persists and gets the takedown into half guard.
Antonelli trying to control from half guard but Cruz is working away.
Cruz trying to control from the bottom.
Antonelli is pressing down on Cruz's thigh, looking to free his foot. Cruz is holding on for now.

Antonelli decides to stand and escape the position.
Cruz dodges the punch combination from Antonelli.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Cruz.

Antonelli looking for a takedown here - he's got it.
Cruz looks gassed!
Antonelli being controlled here momentarily.

Antonelli got a little sloppy there for a moment and Cruz has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Antonelli has managed to get both his arms back between Cruz's legs - danger averted.
Antonelli pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Cruz is keeping the position for now.
Both fighters really going for it on the ground here!
Antonelli wants to stand but Cruz has a closed guard, so he can't escape.

Antonelli stands up from guard. Let's bang!

That's three minutes gone in the round.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Cruz is defended easily by Antonelli.

Antonelli closes the distance and gets a double leg, slamming Cruz to the mat! Cruz manages to get full guard.
Antonelli passes Cruz's left leg - he's now in half guard.
Antonelli prevents Cruz from improving his position.
Cruz has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Antonelli is working away from the top position though.
Cruz is trying to get back to full guard.
Antonelli passes to full mount!

Antonelli looks like he's working for a submission but he's not found anything just yet.
Antonelli with the ground and pound from mount.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Cruz defends a decent attempt at a guillotine from Antonelli.
Cruz tries to hold on but Antonelli postures up.
Cruz tries to get back to half guard but can't.
Cruz regains half guard.
Cruz keeping hold of Antonelli's head, controlling as best he can.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Antonelli working over Cruz with some ground and pound. Cruz looks like he wants out of this position, which is understandable.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Antonelli tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Cruz paws at him with a jab and circles away.

Cruz scores with a nice takedown into half guard. Let's see what he's got on the ground.
Neither fighter is being very active at the moment, with Cruz in particular looking to stall.
Cruz thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Antonelli's head.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Antonelli wants to improve his position but Cruz is controlling well.
Cruz stalling away here and it's allowed Antonelli to slip out his trapped foot and regain full guard.
Cruz thows a big elbow that misses.
Cruz is breathing heavily.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Antonelli looking to sweep using the butterfly guard but Cruz puts pay to that idea as he passes nicely into half guard.
Antonelli is working for an escape here. He's hooked one of Cruz's legs and he's managed to sneak out and take Cruz's back!
Cruz is in bad spot here.
Antonelli struggling to land strikes to the head as Cruz covers up.
Cruz is trying to get back to his feet but Antonelli has full control of the position and if anything, Cruz has just worked his way into a worse spot.
What can Cruz do to escape this position? He's going to have to figure it out pretty quick if he wants to stay in the fight!
Cruz tries to escape the position - he's now mounted. Is that better or worse? Hard to tell!
Antonelli prevents Cruz from getting the reversal.
Antonelli scores with a couple of good head shots there.

Antonelli looking to secure an arm triangle but Cruz defends it well.
Antonelli working the ground and pound effectively.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Cruz tries to hold on but Antonelli pushes him away.
Antonelli controlling from mount.
Antonelli raining down shots from the mount!
Cruz really trying hard to get back to half guard here.
Cruz wants to hold on but Antonelli pushes him away.

Antonelli working for a submission but Cruz is keeping him at bay.
Cruz gets back to half guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Cruz wants to improve his position but Antonelli is controlling well.
Cruz is persisting with the attempt to improve his position.

Antonelli escapes and gets back to his feet.
Antonelli will need to close the distance a bit before he attacks - that leg kick was thrown from too far away.
Antonelli scores with a sloppy right hand. Cruz should have avoided that one.

Antonelli looking for a takedown here - he's got it.
Antonelli throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Cruz works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Cruz trying to control the position.
Antonelli stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Cruz swivels though and keeps the full guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Antonelli wants to control from the top but Cruz keeps moving.
Antonelli throws a big right hand that misses.
Cruz tries to land a sweep but no joy.

It looks like we're going to have a standup here. Neither fighter is doing enough on the ground.

Cruz shoots in and bounces Antonelli off the cage to secure the takedown into guard.

Cruz has gone for a leg lock! Antonelli slips out almost immediately though and dives into Cruz's guard.
Cruz working a defensive guard here.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close second round but I would say that Fernando Antonelli will probably get the nod.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin! This is the final round!

Antonelli wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.
Cruz shoots in but no luck this time.
Cruz swats away the attempt to clinch by Antonelli.

Antonelli drives through with a really nice takedown into side control.
Cruz tries to work a leg under to get back to half guard but Antonelli wriggles his own leg back out and remains in side control.
You can see the frustration on Cruz's face, being in this tough position on the bottom.
Cruz is trying to improve his position.
Fernando Antonelli overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Antonelli is chipping away with strikes.

Antonelli stands up and we're back to a striking position.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.

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

That's one minute gone in the round.
Cruz won't allow Antonelli to pass to mount.
Cruz makes his way to full guard. A much better position for Cruz.

Antonelli stands and steps away. Cruz gets to his feet too and we're back to the striking game.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Cruz.
Cruz fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Antonelli avoids it really well and circles away.
Fernando Antonelli has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Julio Cruz.
Antonelli lands with a straight right. Cruz didn't see that one coming.

Antonelli closes the distance and scores a nice trip takedown into half guard. Cruz did well to prevent Antonelli getting side control.

Cruz looking for submissions from an awkward position here.
The fighters are battling for position here. Cruz manages to regain full guard. Nice work.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Cruz looking to sweep here. No luck so far.

Cruz is remaining active here, looking for the choke. The more discerning members of the crowd will appreciate his efforts.

Cruz looking for the choke but no joy.
Antonelli manages to escape to a better position under a series of strikes. Cruz is now in side control.
Fernando Antonelli is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Cruz has hold of Antonelli's arm. He's looking for a kimura. Antonelli seems comfortable defending it but Cruz has shifted his position slighty and is cranking on the arm! Antonelli is real pain and he's forced to tap out! Antonelli is disgusted with himself for not defending it better but Cruz couldn't care less - he's delighted!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:26 of round 3, we have a winner by way of Submission (Kimura). Julio Cruz!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
74%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Joao Oliveira (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Lancelote Von der Rib (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Oliveira
vs
Von der Rib

185 cm
19
185 lbs
2 - 0 - 0

180 cm
18
197 lbs
2 - 1 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Counter striker
Cuts easily

BJJ Blue Belt
Counter striker
Tends to cut

Win Nutritional - proof of quality

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 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Joao Oliveira!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 2 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Lancelote Von der Rib!
The judges for this bout are Seu Braga, Daniel Cesar and Emerson Jorge.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Oliveira closes the distance and clinches up with Von der Rib, looking for a takedown. Oliveira pushes Von der Rib against the cage but Von der Rib circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Oliveira circles away from the clinch attempt.
Von der Rib leaves Oliveira with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.

Von der Rib gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.
A frustrated look appears on Von der Rib's face as he tries to break the clinch.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Von der Rib breaks the clinch.
Von der Rib lands with an uppercut that bounces Oliveira off the cage and back into rage.
Both fighters are looking to counter, which isn't making for the most exciting fight in the world.
Oliveira steps to his left, right into the path of a big body kick from Von der Rib. That one must have hurt.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Von der Rib lands with a nice body punch.
Von der Rib scores with a nice looking left hook and follows it up with an uppercut!

It looks like Joao Oliveira has been cut.
Von der Rib displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Oliveira.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Joao Oliveira. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Oliveira looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.

Oliveira shoots in for a takedown! He's got it and he's managed to land in full mount! That's better than Oliveira was expecting from the takedown attempt, I'm sure!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Von der Rib wants to hold on but Oliveira pushes him away.

Von der Rib is flailing around, obviously not happy about being mounted. Oliveira locks hold of one of his arms and spins for an armbar. He's got it! Von der Rib is forced to tap!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:39 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Armbar). Joao Oliveira!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
30%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Rodrigo Nogueira (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Andrei Emelianenko (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Nogueira comes to the cage accompanied by Three Days Grace - Animal I Have Become (One-X) . Well, the cameraman is lingering on a pretty young lady for a bit too long there. Keep your eyes on the fighters buddy or you'll miss the fighter intros!

Nogueira
vs
Emelianenko

195 cm
18
255 lbs
3 - 1 - 0

195 cm
21
256 lbs
3 - 1 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Counter striker
Good chin

BJJ Purple Belt
Counter striker
Granite chin

Win Nutritional - proof of quality
Win Nutritional - proof of quality

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 3 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Rodrigo Nogueira!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 3 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Andrei Emelianenko!
The judges for this bout are Felipe Paraventi, Edson Gomes and Luis Engracia.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Nogueira closes the distance and clinches.

Nogueira pulls guard effortlessly.

Nogueira is working for submissions here. He's thrown up his legs looking for a tringle but Emelianenko frees his head nicely. Oh but Nogueira has switched to an armbar! Emelianenko is tapping furiously! Lovely submission there!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 0:21 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Triangle Armbar). Rodrigo Nogueira!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
47%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Gabriel Grohl (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Wrabadub Indatub (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Grohl comes to the cage accompanied by Stricken - Disturbed. Indatub has chosen Bach's Toccata in E minor as his entrance music, which hasn't gone down very well with the crowd. Both fighter's entrance songs getting the crowd jumping here.

Grohl
vs
Indatub

172 cm
19
173 lbs
2 - 0 - 0

150 cm
24
175 lbs
5 - 2 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Counter striker
Granite chin

Good takedowns
Decent boxing
Granite 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 2 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Gabriel Grohl!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 5 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Wrabadub Indatub!
The judges for this bout are Matheus Silva, Daniel Cesar and Edson Gomes.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Indatub changes levels and drives through with a really nice takedown into side control. Grohl looks really pissed at himself for not defending that better.
Indatub working away.

Indatub is looking for a kimura. He might have it! No, Grohl has escaped the position, nice work there.
Grohl is trying to get back to half guard.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

Indatub has had enough of the ground for now and decides to stand.
Indatub fails with a takedown attempt.
We're hearing some news coming in from back stage. It's official - Indatub has eaten all the pies!
Indatub will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
Indatub shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Indatub tries to close the distance and clinch up but Grohl swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Indatub will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
Gabriel Grohl has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Wrabadub Indatub.
Indatub shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.

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

That's one minute gone in the round.

Grohl looking to secure an arm triangle but Indatub defends it well.

Grohl jumps to side control looking for an arm triangle but Indatub manages to avoid the submission attempt.
Indatub prevents Grohl from improving position.
You can see the frustration on Indatub's face, being in this tough position on the bottom.
Grohl trying to control the action but Indatub is working from the bottom.

Grohl is trying to get an arm triangle but Indatub is defending well.
Grohl is breathing heavily.
Indatub tries to bench press Grohl off him but Grohl keeps the position.
Grohl knows he needs to get back to his feet asap. He's simply no match for Indatub on the ground.
Indatub wants to escape from the position here - easier said than done!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.
Grohl working away.

It looks like we're going to have a standup here. Neither fighter is doing enough on the ground.
Indatub moves in looking to clinch but Grohl pushes him off.
Indatub tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Grohl paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Indatub doesn't manage to clinch there - Grohl circles away.
Grohl avoids the clinch attempt nicely.

Indatub shoots in from a long way out. He's driving through with the takedown attempt and he eventually gets it, landing in Grohl's guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Indatub controlling from the top position.

Grohl looking for a guillotine here but Indatub defends easily.

Indatub decides to stand up and beckons his opponent to follow.

Indatub 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.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Indatub is intent on slowing down the pace of the fight, simply looking to control.

Grohl looking for a guillotine here but Indatub defends easily.

Indatub stands and steps away. Grohl gets to his feet too and we're back to the striking game.

Indatub closes the distance and clinches up, looking for a takedown. He shifts his weight and gets a nice trip into half guard.

Indatub in half guard on the top. He's looking for a kimura... He's got it locked and he's managed to free his trapped foot. Grohl tries to escape but it's on too tight and he has to tap! Great BJJ skills there from Indatub!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:01 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Kimura). Wrabadub Indatub!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
60%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Matheus Guandelino (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Ze Minotauro (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Minotauro comes into a darkened arena with his song building. Acid Thunder - Fast Eddie kicks in, the lights come on and the crowd goes wild! What a showman! Matheus Guandelino had real problems making weight for this fight. After initially coming in at 266.1lbs, he had two hours to make the official fight weight. He made it but it will have taken a lot out of him to cut those extra few pounds. Matheus Guandelino has the better chin. Will he look to stand and bang today?

Guandelino
vs
Minotauro

200 cm
23
280 lbs
3 - 1 - 0

185 cm
23
255 lbs
2 - 0 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Decent elbows
Granite chin

Powerful takedowns
Brawler
Powerful

Win Nutritional - proof of quality

Tesla Apparel [Everything $15]
Crashforce Voodoo Labs

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 3 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Matheus Guandelino!
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, Ze Minotauro!
The judges for this bout are Edson Gomes, Leandro Rodrigues and Thiago Cunha.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Minotauro throws the overhand right but ducks down into a quick takedown attempt. Guandelino was covering up waiting for the punch and Minotauro finishes the takedown easily into guard.
Minotauro works a leg free and moves into half guard.
Minotauro not doing much here.
Minotauro moves into full mount! Guandelino won't be happy about that!
Minotauro looking to control and managing it successfully.
Guandelino is looking to get back to his feet - it's going to be hard from this position.
Minotauro lands a shot to the body, followed up by a shot to the exposed head of his trapped opponent.
Minotauro takes a little breather and maintains the position. The referee will be looking for him to stay active from such a dominant position though.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

Minotauro is giving the impression that he's looking to ground and pound but he switches suddenly into a beautiful far side armbar! Guandelino is forced to tap! Great finish!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:01 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Armbar). Ze Minotauro!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
70%

Co-main event

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Denis Fraga (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Scott Roman (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Scott Roman is the more experienced fighter, so let's see if that makes a difference tonight.

Fraga
vs
Roman

180 cm
23
182 lbs
4 - 1 - 0

182 cm
19
170 lbs
4 - 2 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Brawler
Granite chin

BJJ Purple Belt
Basic striking
Solid chin

Win Nutritional - proof of quality

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the welterweight 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, Denis Fraga!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 4 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Scott Roman!
The judges for this bout are Thiago Cunha, Alexandre Firmino and Seu Braga.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Roman scores with a nice takedown into half guard. Let's see what he's got on the ground.

Roman is working for submissions here but there's nothing on.

Roman is working for submissions here but there's nothing on.
Fraga moves his hips nicely and gets into full guard.

Roman drops back looking for a heel hook - he quickly realises he's not going to get it but Fraga manages to dive on top of him before he can escape and now Roman has Fraga in his guard.

Roman throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.
Roman keeping moving, preventing Fraga from controlling successfully.
Fraga pushes down on Roman's leg and manages to get into half guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Fraga takes advantage of the dominant position to land a couple of big hammer fists.

Roman looking for submissions from an awkward position here.

Roman looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
Roman looks gassed!

Roman is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Fraga pulls his head out easily.
Roman is staying active underneath Fraga, who seems content to just control the action from this position.

Fraga stands up from half guard.
Fraga throws a right hand that Roman ducks under and follows up with a left that Roman also avoids with ease.
Roman dodges the punch combination from Fraga.

Fraga drops down and drives through with a powerful takedown into guard.

Fraga decides he's had enough of playing guard and decides to stand. Come on Roman, up you get!

The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
The fight moves into the clinch position.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Fraga breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Fraga dances in quickly and lands a nice inside leg kick on Roman. That did some damage!
Roman fails to land the takedown.

Fraga closes the distance and scores a nice trip takedown into half guard. Roman did well to prevent Fraga getting side control.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Fraga throwing shots but Roman is blocking nicely.

Roman looking for submissions off his back.

Roman actively working from the bottom here.

Roman looking for submissions from an awkward position here.
Roman is trying to get back to full guard.

Roman actively working from the bottom here.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Roman actively working from the bottom here.
Fraga scores with a couple of good hammerfists.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Fraga fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Roman avoids it really well and circles away.

Roman decides to change it up a bit and drives through with a nice takedown into half guard.
Fraga keeping hold of Roman's head, controlling as best he can.

Roman wants to work for an arm triangle but Fraga is really keeping half guard well and defending the submission attempt.
Fraga is concentrating on defense, preventing Roman from advancing position.

Roman is looking for a kimura. It's going to be difficult to finish that from half guard though and Fraga defends it well.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Roman 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.
Fraga looks like he's trying to stand up.

Roman is trying to work for a kimura but Fraga is defending well.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Fraga has his hands clasped together around Roman's back. He's all about the action.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Denis Fraga 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.

Roman scores with a takedown into Fraga's guard.
Fraga is looking to stand up but Roman isn't so interested in that idea.

Roman 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.

Roman drops back looking for a heel hook - he quickly realises he's not going to get it but Fraga manages to dive on top of him before he can escape and now Roman has Fraga in his guard.

Roman working for a triangle but Fraga defends it easily.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.

Fraga gets to his feet. Roman looking to butt scoot but the ref puts an end to that. On your feet son!

That's one minute gone in the round.
Fraga fails to land with a series of punches.
Roman shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Fraga as he avoids it easily.
Roman shoots in for a double leg but Fraga sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Roman.
Denis Fraga has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Scott Roman.
Like a baseball bat into the meat of his leg there - nice leg kick by Fraga.

Fraga shoots in from a long way out. He's driving through with the takedown attempt and he eventually gets it, landing in Roman's guard.

Roman working for a triangle but Fraga defends it easily.

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

Roman has an omoplata and is looking to use it perhaps as a submission or perhaps to transition. Fraga is in a bit of discomfort here, but he's managed to free himself and has dived into side control! That didn't work out too well for Roman.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Fraga working the body and head with strikes.
Fraga advances nicely into full mount.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Roman tries to get back to half guard but can't.
Roman is persisting with the attempt to improve his position.

Fraga looking to secure an arm triangle but Roman defends it well.
Fraga prevents Roman from getting the reversal.
Fraga manages to capitalize on a mistake by Roman to take his back!

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Fraga really has the hooks in deep now - there seems like no escape for Roman.
Roman tries to escape the position - he's now mounted. Is that better or worse? Hard to tell!

Fraga get's back to his feet.

Fraga has taken the fight to the clinch.

Fraga breaks the clinch.

Roman scores with a takedown into Fraga's guard.
Fraga trying to control the position.
Roman preventing the sweep.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Roman is looking to improve his position.
Fraga lands with an elbow from half guard - that looked like it hurt.

Roman actively working from the bottom here.

Fraga decides to return to a standing position.

Roman scores with a nice takedown into half guard. Let's see what he's got on the ground.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.

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

Roman is trying a forearm choke… I don't think that's going to do much at this level of the game.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Fraga gets caught on his heels momentarily as he allows Roman to score an easy takedown into full guard.

Roman drops back, looking for a kneebar! Fraga looks panicked! The fighters roll across the mat, one looking to finish, one looking to escape. Fraga looks to have wriggled free... Yes, he's got his leg free and he's dived into side control! Good work there from Fraga!
Fraga wants to lay and pray for a moment but Roman keeps working.
Denis Fraga overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Roman is looking to reverse the position.
Both fighters really going for it on the ground here!
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Fraga scoring with punches from side control.
Fraga moves into full mount!
Fraga sitting in mount, just looking to control for the moment.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Fraga is going olschool here, as he tries to force Roman to tap using a forearm choke. This isn't 1993 though, so Roman shrugs it off.
Roman is wriggling around trying to escape.
Fraga lands a nice shot to the head.
Fraga landing strikes, looking to finish!
Roman is wriggling around trying to escape.
Fraga tries to control but Roman wriggling away.
Roman is looking to get to half guard.

That's two 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.
Fraga can't quite control the action as he would like just now, as Roman is looking to escape.
Roman is looking to improve his position but Fraga isn't that keen on the idea.

Fraga is standing up, even though he is in mount.
Roman misses with a takedown

and Fraga counters with a takedown into full mount! That could mean trouble for Roman!
Fraga takes his opponent's back. Perhaps a chance to lock up a rear naked choke here.
Fraga is trying to stick to Roman's back but Roman is turning into Fraga. He's managed to reverse the position - now he's in Fraga's guard. Polite applause from the crowd in appreciation of some nice Jiu Jitsu by Roman.
Fraga looking for a sweep. Not yet Fraga, not yet.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Roman 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.

Roman has gone for a leg lock! Fraga slips out almost immediately though and dives into Roman's guard.

Roman is looking to sinch up a triangle. Fraga throws the leg off to one side though and gets in tight to Roman's body to avoid the submission. Roman has instead reached around Fraga's neck and now has a guillotine! Oh, this is biiiig trouble! Roman arches his back and squeezes and forces the tap from his hapless opponent.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:37 of round 3, we have a winner by way of Submission (Guillotine). Scott Roman!
Scott Roman is the new welterweight champion!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
86%

Main event

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Mo Rashid (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Raphael Dias (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Rashid comes to the cage accompanied by i kill people. Both fighters really staring eachother down here, as Raphael Dias enters the cage!

Rashid
vs
Dias

190 cm
23
260 lbs
5 - 3 - 0

194 cm
20
240 lbs
3 - 0 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Experienced

BJJ Brown Belt
Counter striker
Solid chin

TechNutri - HIGHEST quality with LOWEST price.

[JMFC] Blueprint Clothing
Mundo Green - World Verde

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the heavyweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 5 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Mo Rashid!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 3 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Raphael Dias!
The judges for this bout are Paulo Santos, Daniel Cesar and Mauricio Rocha.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Horrible takedown by Dias or perhaps it was just good defense by Rashid which made him look bad.
Rashid tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Rashid throws a head kick but Dias moves out of range.
Jab by Rashid.
Dias is looking to clinch.
Rashid avoids the body shot from Dias.
Rashid pivots as if he's going to throw a leg kick but stops half way.
Dias fails with an attempt to clinch.
Nice combo by Rashid! Oh, that's hurt him - Dias falls to the canvas and Rashid follows him into side control.

It looks like Raphael Dias has been cut.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Rashid trying to control the action but Dias is working from the bottom.
Dias taking a bit of punishment here - Rashid scoring with strikes.
What's Dias going to do here then? He's in a bit of a pickle.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Dias struggling a bit here.

Rashid has had enough of the ground for now and decides to stand.

Rashid pushes Dias up against the cage in a clinch.
Dias letting Rashid take a breather here.
The crowd are getting pretty annoyed with Rashid for his constant stalling in the clinch and are voicing their displeasure.

Rashid manages to pull guard.

Rashid has butterfly guard. He's looking to stand up here. He pushes Dias off him and springs to his feet nicely. The crowd applauds.
Dias throws a low kick but his opponent is out of range.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A combination from Rashid does no damage.

Dias feints and as Rashid raises his hands in defense, Dias changes levels and drives through with a takedown into guard.
Dias stops Rashid from standing up.
Dias looking to pass the guard.
Rashid keeping moving, preventing Dias from controlling successfully.
Rashid trying to control the position.
Dias forces his way into half guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Rashid is refusing to be controlled, as Dias sits in half guard.
Dias wants to pass to mount but Rashid is defending the position.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Rashid scores with a jab.
Dias looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Rashid is fending him off so far but Dias persists. Nope, Rashid circles away and we're back to standing.
Dias takes one to the chin there.
Rashid avoids the body shot from Dias.
Rashid doesn't manage to clinch there - Dias circles away.
Rashid feints with a shoulder and throws a nice leg kick to Dias's calf.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Rashid fails in his attempt to clinch.
Rashid throws a mid kick that lands with a slap.
Mo Rashid seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Dias looks gassed!
Rashid slaps away a takedown attempt from Dias, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Mo Rashid has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Raphael Dias.
Rashid connects with a good right hand that stumbles Dias. Dias circles away out of range and recomposes himself.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Rashid moving in and out of range nicely, whilst landing the scoring shot.

Rashid fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Dias, pushing him back against the cage.
With the fighters up against the cage, Rashid throws an elbow but misses.

Rashid lands a takedown into guard.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Dias working a defensive guard here.
Rashid has decided he wants to stand but the closed guard of Dias is proving hard to escape from.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Mo Rashid dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Raphael Dias's cut.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

Rashid shoots in looking for a single leg takedown. Dias is trying to defend but Rashid finishes it well and ends up in half guard. Let's see if he can advance position further.
Dias is not content to let Rashid control the position.
Dias trying to control but Rashid postures up.
Rashid is trying to get back to his feet now but his leg is trapped.
Dias is refusing to be controlled, as Rashid sits in half guard.
Dias wants to control but Rashid is keeping busy.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Rashid not doing much here.

Dias looking for submissions off his back.

Neither fighter is doing enough for the referee's liking and he's decided to stand them back up.
Dias with a lazy takedown attempt
and Rashid counters with a three punch combo that has Dias backing up. Dias nods at Rashid to acknowledge the strikes.
Dias is breathing heavily.
Rashid lands a nice hook to Dias's body. Dias takes it in his stride and looks to land his own strikes.
Rashid lands a vicious shot with the stealth of a sniper and the strength of a viper. Are vipers that strong? I can think of lots of things that are stronger than a viper - not many rhyme with sniper though.
Dias fails with the takedown
letting Rashid counter with a right hand.
Rashid is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Dias can do to turn this around?

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Rashid wants to clinch.
Mo Rashid is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Rashid misses with a wild combination.
Like a baseball bat into the meat of his leg there - nice leg kick by Rashid.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Dias with a poor takedown
and Rashid counters with a left and a right that stings Dias.
Mo Rashid has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Raphael Dias.
Rashid cracks Dias with a hook to the jaw. Both fighters smile at eachother and high-five before getting back down to business.

Rashid shoots in from a long way out. He's driving through with the takedown attempt and he eventually gets it, landing in Dias's guard.

Rashid stands and steps away. Dias gets to his feet too and we're back to the striking game.
Rashid scores with a head kick.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Dias tries to check the leg kick but that clearly hurt him.
Dias misses with a takedown
and Rashid counters with a two punch combo.
Rashid throws a right high kick that is partially blocked by Dias.
Dias with a poor takedown

and Rashid counters with a nice double leg into side control. Dias won't be happy with that.

Rashid decides to stand back up.
Rashid slips a jab from Dias.
Dias tries for a takedown but Rashid circles away easily
and Rashid counters with a left and a right that stings Dias.

That has opened up Raphael Dias's cut even more.
Dias gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily
and Rashid counters with an outside leg kick.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Rashid throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Dias.
Dias shoots in but doesn't get the takedown
and Dias takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Dias steps to his left, right into the path of a big body kick from Rashid. That one must have hurt.
Rashid lands with a thumping leg kick.
Dias tries to clinch there but Rashid circles away.
A jab from Rashid finds it's way through Dias's defenses.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Dias fails with the takedown

and Rashid counters with a nice double leg into half guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Mo Rashid dominated that second round.
The cut man is working on Raphael Dias's cut.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business.

Dias with a poor takedown
and Rashid counters with a nice uppercut.

Dias gets caught flat footed, as Rashid shoots in with a quick takedown into guard.
Rashid has to be careful here, sitting in the guard of a superior BJJ player.
Rashid trying to control but Dias is working from the bottom.
Dias trying to control the position.
Rashid looking to sit in guard and control but Dias gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top.

Dias stands and steps away. Rashid gets to his feet too and we're back to the striking game.

Rashid drives through and clinches with Dias against the cage.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Rashid controlling the action here for a moment.
Dias is trying to drag Rashid to the mat but Rashid just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.
Dias tries to pull guard but Rashid holds him up against the cage and eventually Dias drops back down to his feet.
Mo Rashid has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Raphael Dias.
Dias blocks the elbow strike.
Rashid pressing his opponent against the cage.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
My god... these two guys really need to pick up the pace or everyone will leave to go get a beer.

Rashid's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Dias keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Rashid.
Rashid scores with a nice looking left hook and follows it up with an uppercut!

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

Rashid kicks off Dias and gets to his feet.
Dias scoring well with a low kick there.
Dias tries for a takedown but Rashid circles away easily
and Rashid counters with a left and a right that stings Dias.
Rashid swats away the attempt to clinch by Dias.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Dias throws a series of punches but Rashid moves out of range.
Rashid misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Rashid tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Dias paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Dias fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
Dias misses with a takedown
and Rashid counters with a head kick.
Nice uppercut lands for Rashid. That snapped Dias's head back.

Dias scores a trip takedown into side control. Nice.
Rashid is looking for a sweep.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Dias tries for a kimura but Rashid is defending well.
Mo Rashid overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Rashid is trying to control Dias's posture but Dias avoids it.
Rashid is looking for a sweep.
Rashid is working hard to escape and get back to his feet. After a battle for position, Dias asserts his dominance and retains side control.
Rashid is trying to get back to half guard.

Dias has hold of Rashid's arm. He's looking for a kimura. Rashid seems comfortable defending it but Dias has shifted his position slighty and is cranking on the arm! Rashid is real pain and he's forced to tap out! Rashid is disgusted with himself for not defending it better but Dias couldn't care less - he's delighted!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:58 of round 3, we have a winner by way of Submission (Kimura). Raphael Dias!
Raphael Dias is the new heavyweight champion!