SMMA - HW Grand Prix Finals PBP Commentary

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Michael Storm (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Recoome Likum (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Storm comes to the cage accompanied by Meet the Monster by Five Finger Death Punch. Recoome Likum told me before the fight that he's been watching a lot of DVDs so let's see if that helps him in this one! I can't wait to find out!

Storm
vs
Likum

193 cm
21
235 lbs
0 - 2 - 0

199 cm
19
255 lbs
0 - 2 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Big heart

BJJ Blue Belt
Excellent MT
Experienced

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 0 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Michael Storm!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Recoome Likum!
The judges for this bout are Yuuki Gou, Sosuke Kotani and Yasuomi Hirokawa.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Storm closes the distance and lands a one-two.

It looks like Recoome Likum has been cut.
Storm shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Likum as he avoids it easily.
Likum shoots in looking for a takedown but Storm manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Likum's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
Likum is looking to clinch.

Storm moves into the clinch successfully.

Storm pulls Likum into guard.
Likum must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.
Storm is trying to control the position from the bottom.
Likum trying to control but Storm is working from the bottom.
Likum is taking a break and basically stalling. The referee will not allow him to do that for long.
Likum works a leg free and moves into half guard.
Storm has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Likum is working away from the top position though.
The referee must be thinking about standing these guys back up.
Likum tries to pass the half guard into mount. Storm knows what he's doing though and prevents the attempt.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Storm trying to hold on to Likum's head to control him but Likum postures up.

Likum is looking for an arm triangle, whilst trying to pass to side control. Storm doesn't seem that keen to cooperate though. No luck this time Likum.
Storm wants to sweep but Likum has passed to side control!
Likum fails to land a wild elbow strike.
Storm is looking for a sweep.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are getting on the fighters' backs, as the pace has dropped off in the last minute or so.
Storm sneaks a leg under to get back to half guard.
Storm is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Likum is thwarting Storm's attempts to control the position.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Likum tries to pass the half guard into mount. Storm knows what he's doing though and prevents the attempt.
Likum wants to get back to his feet.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Likum is looking to advance position but Storm won't allow it.
Likum is trying to control the action in half guard but Storm is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.
Storm trying to hold on to Likum's head to control him but Likum postures up.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Storm tries to get to full guard but Likum has control of the leg.
Storm wants to control but Likum is keeping busy and won't allow it.

Well, the referee has seen enough. Neither fighter is active enough on the ground so he's stood them back up.
Likum shoots in but no luck this time.
Likum is looking to clinch.
Likum shoots for a double leg takedown but Storm sprawls well. He's pushed Likum's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Michael Storm has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Recoome Likum.
Likum tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Storm swivels and escapes.
Likum fails with the takedown.
Storm fails with the takedown.
A thudding body kick lands there by Storm!
Michael Storm seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Likum looks gassed!
Storm throws a push kick but Likum slaps the foot to one side.
Storm looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.

Storm gets a clinch.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Storm's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Storm shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Likum defends it nicely.
Likum fails in his attempt to clinch.
Storm fails with a takedown attempt.
Likum shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Storm as he avoids it easily.
Storm tries to close the distance and clinch but Likum swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Likum stalks Storm and leaps in with a furious combination of punches. Uppercuts and crosses smash into Storm's face. Storm staggers backwards, shaken.
Likum is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Storm tries to clinch there but Likum circles away.
Storm throws a leg kick

and Likum holds on and brings the fighters into a clinch.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Michael Storm dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Recoome Likum's cut.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.

Storm keeps the fight on the outside.
No luck for Likum with that takedown attempt.
Storm fails with the takedown
and Likum counters with a nice jab to the body that keeps Storm thinking.
Storm looks for a takedown but Likum sprawls well.
Likum shoots and misses

and Storm counters with a shoot takedown into half guard.

Storm is working for submissions here but there's nothing on.
Likum is working for an escape here. He's hooked one of Storm's legs and he's managed to sneak out and take Storm's back!
Likum tries to keep control of the position but Storm is staying busy.
Likum looking to soften up his opponent with punches.
Storm turns into Likum and is now in his guard.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.

Storm is sitting in close to Likum's body. Likum has gone for a guillotine from the bottom. Oh damn, that looks pretty tight! Storm is panicking - it looks like this one could be all over! Yes, Storm is tapping! That was a very nice submission by Likum.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:03 of round 2, we have a winner by way of Submission (Guillotine). Recoome Likum!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
92%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Charlie Pe (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Johnny Bo (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Pe
vs
Bo

190 cm
19
280 lbs
1 - 4 - 0

205 cm
23
280 lbs
0 - 5 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Great elbows
Big right hand

BJJ Blue Belt
Counter striker
Granite chin

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 1 - 4 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Charlie Pe!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 5 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Johnny Bo!
The judges for this bout are Shigeki Fujiwara, Yuuki Gou and Shirou Masuda.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Bo clinches with his opponent.
Pe looks like he'd prefer to be striking at range right now.
Bo using the Thai clinch to land knees to the body.

Bo jumps into guard, dragging Pe to the mat.

Bo is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Pe defends well.
Bo thows some rabbit punches from the bottom but they don't do any damage.
Pe won't allow Bo to sweep him here.
Bo trying to strike from the bottom but really, it's not the best position to be doing that from!
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Bo is on top in guard.
Bo 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.
Pe wants to stand up but Bo is controlling him.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Bo is working Pe over from the guard. He should look to pass the guard and do a little more damage with these strikes.

Bo drops back looking for a submission - "I'm sorry sir, but I'm gunna break your leg" says Bo as he cranks on the unfortunate limb! Pe screams and taps out before any major damage is done! Don't mess with Bo! Nice submission victory there!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:38 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Kneebar). Johnny Bo!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
51%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Kim Ma Cho (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Frank Dux (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Ma Cho
vs
Dux

190 cm
22
211 lbs
2 - 2 - 0

195 cm
18
206 lbs
1 - 0 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Good chin

BJJ Blue Belt
Counter striker
Determined

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 2 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Kim Ma Cho!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Frank Dux!
The judges for this bout are Kenichi Hosakawa, Hirohito Nitta and Taro Takaoka.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Dux gets caught on his heels momentarily as he allows Ma Cho to score an easy takedown into full guard.
Ma Cho with a flurry of punches that miss.
Ma Cho passes Dux's right leg, so he's now in half guard.
Ma Cho looking to pass the half guard. Not this time.
Ma Cho is trying to control. Dux wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.

Ma Cho escapes and gets back to his feet.

Ma Cho has managed to clinch.
Dux stalling in the clinch but Ma Cho improves position.
Dux fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Both guys are working to get underhooks.
Dux wants to break the clinch but can't.
Ma Cho is clearly stalling here... Pick up the pace son.

Ma Cho works for the underhooks and manages to get a trip takedown into guard.
Dux being controlled here, momentarily.

Ma Cho stands up and waves to Dux to follow him.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Ma Cho falls off balance throwing a combination

and Dux counters with a nice double leg into guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Ma Cho avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Dux throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Ma Cho is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Dux works over Ma Cho with some ground and pound from guard.
Dux throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Ma Cho works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Ma Cho seems keen to control rather than go for a submission, at least for now.

Ma Cho pushes Dux off for just long enough to get back to his feet. Very athletic spring there.

Ma Cho shoots in for a takedown and gets it. Let's see what he's got on the mat.

Ma Cho stands and steps away. Dux gets to his feet too and we're back to the striking game.
Kim Ma Cho seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Ma Cho is breathing heavily.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Ma Cho fails with a takedown attempt from distance.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Dux fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Ma Cho is looking to clinch but Dux is avoiding it.
Dux throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Ma Cho throws a sloppy head kick and Dux moves out of range easily.

Ma Cho fakes an overhand right and shoots for a takedown. Dux sprawls well initially but Ma Cho persists and gets the takedown into half guard.
Ma Cho seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Dux does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.

Dux has guillotine here! It looks pretty tight! Could this be all over! No, Ma Cho escapes and passes into side control at the same time. Nice work there by Ma Cho!
Ma Cho wants to control but Dux is keeping him busy.
Dux is trying to escape and get back to his feet.
Dux struggling a bit here.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Dux is putting a lot of effort into getting back to his feet here.

Ma Cho decides to stand back up.
Ma Cho pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Ma Cho tries to score a power double leg takedown but Dux sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Ma Cho somewhat.
Ma Cho throws an ugly left hook that misses
and Dux cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Ma Cho throws a sloppy head kick
and Dux counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Dux attempts a low kick but it misses it's target.
Ma Cho throws a jab, cross combination which is slipped

and Dux holds on and brings the fighters into a clinch.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Ma Cho blocks an elbow strike from Dux.
Dux tries to break the clinch but Ma Cho is controlling the position.
Ma Cho utilising his Muay Thai to score with a knee to the body.
Ma Cho slowing the pace effectively.
Dux wants to get back to striking at distance but Ma Cho won't allow it.

Ma Cho gets double underhooks and manages to take the fight to the ground.
Ma Cho wanted to stand there but Dux had control of the position.
Ma Cho trying to control but Dux is working from the bottom.
Ma Cho in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Ma Cho has decided he wants to stand but the closed guard of Dux is proving hard to escape from.
Ma Cho trying to control but Dux is working from the bottom.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
The referee looks like he's ready to step in and stand the fighters back up.

Dux is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.

Dux has his feet on Ma Cho's thighs here. He's pushed Ma Cho 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! Ma Cho screams in pain and taps out! This one is all over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:58 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Armbar). Frank Dux!

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 middleweight MMA rules bout between Andrew Hahar (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Erkki Mikkola (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Erkki Mikkola struggled to make weight for this fight. He only made it down to 187.9lbs at the first attempt and had to take the additional two hours to make the official bout weight. Let's see how much it's taken out of him. These two fighters really are very evenly matched on the feet - it will be fascinating to see who can assert themselves in that aspect of the fight.

Hahar
vs
Mikkola

190 cm
24
190 lbs
2 - 1 - 0

200 cm
19
200 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

Good takedowns
Counter striker
Cuts easily

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Determined

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the middleweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 2 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Andrew Hahar!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Erkki Mikkola!
The judges for this bout are Taro Takaoka, Shigeki Sano and Tatsuya Matsuyama.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Mikkola looks to clinch

and Hahar counters with a nice double leg into side control. Mikkola won't be happy with that.
We get told so often about how wrestlers don't like to be on their backs. Let's see if Mikkola can do anything to dispel that myth.
Hahar is looking to take a break and control but Mikkola is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.

Hahar wants to work for a kimura but he's foiled early by Mikkola, who protects the arm well.
Mikkola tries to bench press Hahar off him but Hahar keeps the position.

Hahar tries for an arm triangle. That looks pretty tight to me. Is this one over!?! Possibly, maybe, no Hahar has let go of the choke. Obviously it wasn't as tight as we thought!
Hahar has knee on belly and moves into mount.

Hahar is thinking about an arm triangle here, looking to tighten it up before moving to side control. Mikkola can see it coming though and defends well with a couple of strikes to the head and some good arm positioning.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Mikkola swinging wildly from the bottom but he's not landing.

Hahar is in full mount, looking to secure a guillotine but Mikkola is surviving well by controlling Hahar's body position as best he can.

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

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:42 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Armbar). Andrew Hahar!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
52%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Jim Beam (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Aapo Mutenia (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Aapo Mutenia will no doubt be looking to use his reach advantage to good effect.

Beam
vs
Mutenia

195 cm
25
280 lbs
2 - 1 - 0

210 cm
22
250 lbs
2 - 2 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Solid boxing
Big right hand

BJJ Blue Belt
Excellent MT
Granite chin

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 2 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Jim Beam!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 2 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Aapo Mutenia!
The judges for this bout are Ren Mimura, Yasuomi Hirokawa and Taro Takaoka.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Mutenia throws a quick head kick that skims the top of Beam's head.
Beam takes a step towards his opponent and connects with a left hand, before circling away.
Mutenia pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Beam on the wrong end of a kick to the body.
A nice inside leg kick there by Mutenia. That's going to slow Beam down.
A right-left combo lands from Beam.
Mutenia misses with a head kick.
Mutenia scores with a head kick.
Beam shoots and misses
and Mutenia counters with a flying knee. Nice.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Mutenia throws a head kick that Beam semi-blocks.
Mutenia tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Beam just misses with a punch to the body.
Beam avoids the head kick by Mutenia.
Beam misses with a wild combination.
Beam misses with a wild body shot.
Beam misses with a jab, cross combination.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Mutenia misses with a head kick.
Beam misses with a wild combination.
Mutenia pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Beam misses with a hook. Mutenia ducked under it nicely.
Beam is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Mutenia.

Mutenia instigates a clinch.
Mutenia throws an elbow but it's blocked.

Mutenia pulls guard.
Beam trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Beam throwing strikes from guard but Mutenia blocks nicely.
Mutenia trying to control the position here.
Mutenia really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Beam. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.
Mutenia wants to get back to his feet but he's too absorbed in his own little project and Beam manages to pass to side control.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Mutenia is not content to let Beam control the position.
Mutenia is looking to improve his position.
Mutenia taking some punishment here, with Beam in his half guard.
Beam thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Mutenia's head.
Mutenia wants to control but Beam is keeping busy.
Mutenia keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Beam prevents Mutenia from improving his position.
Mutenia is trying to stand back up but Beam is controlling him
Mutenia looks gassed!

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Beam trying to control from half guard but Mutenia is working away.
Beam could do with loosing a few pounds - he looks very soft around the mid section, to put it politely.

Beam is trying a forearm choke… I don't think that's going to do much at this level of the game.
Mutenia on the receiving end of some nice ground and pound.
Ground and pound from Beam.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Beam missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.
Beam throwing shots but Mutenia is blocking nicely.
Mutenia trying to hold on to Beam's head to control him but Beam postures up.
Beam is trying to control. Mutenia wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Beam not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
Mutenia is not content to let Beam control the position.
Beam sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Mutenia defending well though.
Beam lands strikes from half guard.
Mutenia is not content to let Beam control the position.
Beam missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
Beam scores with a couple of good hammerfists.
Mutenia on the receiving end of some nice ground and pound.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
The referee walks around the fighters to get a better view of the action. Beam lands a nice short elbow.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Beam sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Mutenia defending well though.
Beam is looking to take a break and control but Mutenia is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close round but I would say that Jim Beam will probably get the nod.
That's time! Beam's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

Jab by Beam.
Jim Beam seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Beam avoids the head kick by Mutenia.
Mutenia throws a feint and then finishes with a kick to the body.
Mutenia lands with a head kick! That's gotta hurt.
Beam moves out of range as Mutenia throws a body kick.
Beam tries to bum rush Mutenia with a series of wild strikes but Mutenia uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Mutenia dodges the punch combination from Beam.
A looping hook to the body misses from Beam. Mutenia does a little dance to reset his feet.
Beam throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Beam with a hook.
Mutenia throws a nice head kick!
Beam throws a combination. Mutenia tries to block but a couple of punches get through.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Beam misses with a straight left.
Mutenia is breathing heavily.
Beam misses with a looping left.
Mutenia tries a head kick but it misses.
No joy there for Beam, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Beam goes to the watering hole and comes back with a big thumbs up from the judges as he scores a three punch combo.
Beam throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Beam looks to land a combination. Mutenia sees it coming but can only parry a couple of the shots.
Beam feints a jab promting Mutenia to slip. Beam then demonstrates his capabilities by jabbing again. Mutenia slips again and ducks right into an uppercut.
Beam throws a looping overhand right but Mutenia ducks down to avoid it.
Beam listening to his corner there, landing a nice uppercut.
Beam swings wildly with a couple of big hooks
and Mutenia counters with a nice body kick.
Mutenia moves away from the strike by Beam.
Mutenia dodges the punch combination from Beam.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Beam throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Mutenia.
Jim Beam is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Beam rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Mutenia moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Mutenia misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
A cross from Beam lands.
A combination from Beam does no damage.
Mutenia slips a jab and a cross from Beam.
Beam throws a hook but Mutenia avoids it easily.

Mutenia shoots in looking for a single leg takedown. Beam is trying to defend but Mutenia finishes it well and ends up in half guard. Let's see if he can advance position further.
Beam wants to get back to full guard but Mutenia has mounted him!
Beam has been looking to land a fair amount of strikes on the ground. He might be looking to soften his opponent up in order to work for a submission.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Beam tries to reverse the position but Mutenia maintains control.
Mutenia thuds his fist into the canvas! Oooouch!
Mutenia can't quite control the action as he would like just now, as Beam is looking to escape.
Beam is looking to improve his position but Mutenia isn't that keen on the idea.
Beam tries to control Mutenia's body but Mutenia pushes him off. Beam squirms to his side and now Mutenia has his back!
You know, I was talking to some of our celebrities at ringside tonight and they were split right down the middle on who was going to win this fight.

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.
Mutenia gets his hands free as Beam looks to control.
Mutenia is trying to stick to Beam's back but Beam is turning into Mutenia. He's managed to reverse the position - now he's in Mutenia's guard. Polite applause from the crowd in appreciation of some nice Jiu Jitsu by Beam.
Beam thows a big elbow that misses.
Mutenia is trying to control the position from the bottom.
Beam keeps in close for a moment and lands a decent shot to the side of Mutenia's head.
Beam trying to control but Mutenia is working from the bottom.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Jim Beam dominated that second round.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action. This is the final round!

Beam misses with a few strikes there.
Mutenia ducks under a wild hook from Beam.
Beam misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Beam swinging wildly here.
Beam misses with a jab, cross combination.
Mutenia avoids a punch combination nicely.
A combination from Beam does no damage.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Mutenia dodges the punch combination from Beam.
Beam throws a right and a left that both miss.
A punch combination from Beam misses.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Beam misses with a wild body shot.
Beam swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Beam misses with a combination

and Mutenia counters with a shoot takedown. Beam fights it but they end up in guard.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Mutenia advances position into side control!

Mutenia stands up and beckons Beam to his feet.
Beam paws at his opponent with the jab and then lunges in with a straight, right on the button.
A punch combination from Beam misses.
Mutenia stuffs the takedown.
Jim Beam is winning the standup battle so far.
Beam throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Mutenia.
Aapo Mutenia has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Mutenia throws a head kick that looked like it stung.
Beam misses with a two punch combination.
Beam misses with a straight right.
Beam swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Mutenia tries a head kick but it misses.
Beam swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Beam falls off balance throwing a combination

and Mutenia counters with a driving takedown into guard. Nice work there by Mutenia.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Beam wants to sweep here but Mutenia controlling him for the moment.
Mutenia throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.

Beam is looking for a triangle but Mutenia pushes his legs off easily.
Aapo Mutenia has got the better of the ground game so far.
Mutenia slows down the pace of the fight, as he sits in guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Mutenia's corner are shouting for him to control the position and he seems happy to oblige.
Mutenia with a flurry of punches that miss.
Mutenia tries to free his leg and advance position but Beam is retaining full guard.
Mutenia trying to control but Beam is working from the bottom.
Beam bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Mutenia's guard.
Mutenia wants to get back to his feet but Beam is in a dominant position and won't allow it.

That's four 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.
Beam landing with the ground and pound.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Beam wants to control from the top but Mutenia keeps moving.
Beam stands and throws Mutenia's legs to the side, diving into side control.

Beam has hold of Mutenia's arm here. He's working for an Americana. It looks like he might have it! Mutenia tries to escape but he's just digging himself in deeper - Beam cranks the arm and Mutenia screams in pain! The ref makes a decision and ends the fight before the tap - no complains from Mutenia, who is just happy to have his arm attached to his body.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:49 of round 3, we have a winner by way of Submission (Americana). Jim Beam!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
70%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Robert Thompson (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and BumbleBee Man (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Man is bobbing his head along to his entrance song: Why can't we be friends?. Robert Thompson has the better chin. Will he look to stand and bang today?

Thompson
vs
Man

180 cm
25
185 lbs
2 - 0 - 1

180 cm
25
195 lbs
1 - 0 - 1

Good wrestling
Counter striker
Big heart

Good takedowns
Brawler
Very confident

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 - 1, fighting out of Tokyo, Robert Thompson!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 0 - 1, fighting out of Tokyo, BumbleBee Man!
The judges for this bout are Kenichi Hosakawa, Shirou Masuda and Yukihiro Shimada.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Man digs a good body shot into Thompson's ribs.
Thompson looks exhausted already! Oh dear, he should have come in in better shape than this!

Thompson throws a loose over hand right and dives in with a double leg takedown. Man tries to sprawl but it's too late and the fighters hit the mat. Thompson is in Man's guard.
Man has Thompson pulled in close to control his posture.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Thompson postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Man has Thompson pulled in close to control his posture.
Man is looking to stand up but Thompson isn't so interested in that idea.
Thompson throws and elbow that misses. Man uses the momentum to reverse the position. He's now in Thompson's guard. Nice move by Man!
Man trying to control the position from guard on top but Thompson is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Man wants to pass the guard but Thompson is keeping the position.
Thompson on his back here. We all know that wrestlers don't like being on their back so let's see if Thompson tries to get out of the position.

Man thinks about going for a leg but decides against it, in order to maintain the position.
Man trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Man wants to control from the top but Thompson keeps moving.

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.
Man cracks Thompson with a solid left hand.
Man sitting in guard, not really doing much.
Man pushes down on Thompson's leg and manages to get into half guard.
Man trying to control from half guard but Thompson is working away.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Man is looking for a kimura but Thompson is holding onto that half guard position, so it's hard for Man to get the leverage.
Man passes the half guard and he's now in mount! Big trouble for Thompson!
Man controlling the position easily from mount.
Man throwing strikes here but Thompson is writhing around nicely and avoiding any serious damage.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.
Man punching from mount but Thompson doing a good job of avoiding damage.
Man with good strikes from the mount here!
Man sitting in mount, just looking to control for the moment.
Man with shots to the head and body - Thompson looks very uncomfortable down there.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

BumbleBee Man dominated that round.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!

Man darts in and lands a nice takedown into half guard.
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Man controlling the action here.
Man is trying to control the action in half guard but Thompson is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.
Man sitting and controlling from the half guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Man is trying to control the action in half guard but Thompson is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
We've had a lack of effective grappling in the last minute or so, which could well see a referee standup.

Man is looking for a kimura but he's never going to get it from there.
Man working over Thompson with some ground and pound. Thompson looks like he wants out of this position, which is understandable.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are showing their displeasure at the lack of action as loud boos ring out around the arena.
The referee calls for the fighters to work.
Man throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
Man wants to pass the guard but Thompson is defending well.

Man is looking for a kimura but he's never going to get it from there.
Man tries to pass the half guard into mount. Thompson knows what he's doing though and prevents the attempt.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Man trying to control the action but Thompson is working from the bottom.
Thompson is in trouble now - Man has advanced to mount!
Man unloading with bombs!

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.
Man controlling from the full mount.
Man wants to control the pace but Thompson is squirming around nicely.
Man lands a big shot there that rocks Thompson but he's holding on and managing to survive for now.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Man thowing strikes but they're hitting the gloves, not doing any damage.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

BumbleBee Man showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
That's time! Back to the action! So, we enter the final round. Let's see if either fighter can bring us a finish, or whether we're going to the judges scorecards.

Man fakes an overhand right and shoots for a takedown. Thompson sprawls well initially but Man persists and gets the takedown into half guard.
Man is looking to take a break and control but Thompson is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.

Man is looking for a kimura but Thompson is holding onto that half guard position, so it's hard for Man to get the leverage.
Man is figuring out what he wants to do next.
BumbleBee Man has got the better of the ground game so far.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Man wants to lay and pray for a moment but Thompson keeps working.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Man controlling the action here.

BumbleBee Man has forced the referee to step in and restart the fight on the feet.

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

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Man lands a couple of elbows.
Thompson can't keep his opponent in guard - Man advances to half guard, no doubt looking to mount.

Man wants to work for an arm triangle but Thompson is really keeping half guard well and defending the submission attempt.
Man is looking to pass the guard... He's managed it - he's now in full mount!
Man sitting in mount, just looking to control for the moment.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Man working for a guillotine from mount but Thompson is in no mood to give up.
Man controlling from the full mount.

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.
Man with good strikes from the mount here!
Man unloads with some shots from mount but Thompson bucks and avoids them well.
Man controlling the position easily from mount.

And that's the end of the fight!
BumbleBee Man comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
Well Man has outworked and out performed his opponent in all aspects of the game today. He was simply too good and the decision should be no more than a formality. Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Kenichi Hosakawa scores the fight 27:30
Judge Shirou Masuda scores the fight 27:30
Judge Yukihiro Shimada scores the fight 27:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... BumbleBee Man!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
25%

Co-main event

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Mark Aronoff (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Adolf Hitla (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Aronoff's ring entrance music is that housewives' favourite, Here Comes the Pain by Slayer. These two fighters really are very evenly matched on the feet - it will be fascinating to see who can assert themselves in that aspect of the fight.

Aronoff
vs
Hitla

180 cm
29
245 lbs
17 - 13 - 0

194 cm
27
280 lbs
6 - 4 - 0

BJJ Brown Belt
Basic striking
Good chin

BJJ Purple Belt
Decent boxing
Knockout power

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 17 - 13 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Mark Aronoff!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 6 - 4 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Adolf Hitla!
The judges for this bout are Yuuki Gou, Sosuke Kotani and Taro Takaoka.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Aronoff darts in trying to clinch

and Hitla counters with a nice single leg takedown and he's in Aronoff's guard now.
Hitla wants to control from the top but Aronoff keeps moving.
Hitla wanted to stand there but Aronoff had control of the position.

Aronoff has thrown up a leg looking for a triangle. Hitla doesn't defend quickly enough and Aronoff has managed to lock this one up! Can Hitla escape?! NO! He's tapping out! Damn, that was a quick submission - congrats to Aronoff on a fantastic submission victory.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 0:42 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Triangle). Mark Aronoff!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
56%

Main event

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Jimmy Karlsson (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Nasty Fart (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Nasty Fart will no doubt be looking to use his reach advantage to good effect.

Karlsson
vs
Fart

188 cm
25
223 lbs
5 - 3 - 0

200 cm
22
255 lbs
8 - 6 - 0

BJJ Brown Belt
Solid boxing
Experienced

BJJ Blue Belt
Decent boxing
Powerful

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 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 Tokyo, Jimmy Karlsson!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 8 - 6 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Nasty Fart!
The judges for this bout are Sosuke Kotani, Taro Takaoka and Yuuki Gou.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Fart fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Karlsson manages to avoid it.

Karlsson scores a takedown into full mount!

Karlsson looking for a guillotine from mount but Fart is having none of it.
Karlsson lands with some strikes.
Karlsson looking to finish with strikes here!
Fart is in a horrible position here, under a barrage of strikes, he's managing to avoid any damage.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Karlsson goes for an armbar but Fart turns quickly into his guard - lovely anticipation from Fart.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

Karlsson has his foot on Fart's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Fart works his way back into a safe position though.
Karlsson has a butterfly guard looking to sweep but Fart has passed into side control.
Karlsson sneaks a leg under to get back to half guard.
Karlsson wants to get back to full guard but Fart has passed into side control.
Fart tucks in and makes sure he doesn't lose the dominant position.
Karlsson is wriggling around trying to escape.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Karlsson wants to control but Fart is having none of it.
Karlsson can't escape the position.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Karlsson is working hard here to advance position.
Karlsson wants to hold on but Fart pushes him away.
Karlsson is trying desperately to improve position.
The fighters are starting to get a bit slippery now, which will make submissions a bit more difficult.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Karlsson tries to hold on but Fart pushes him away.
Karlsson is trying to escape the mount.
Karlsson is writhing around trying to get back to his feet.
Karlsson is working to get back to half guard.
Karlsson slips a leg in and gets back to half guard.

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.
Karlsson makes his way to full guard. A much better position for Karlsson.
Karlsson trying to keep a closed guard but Fart is proving a slippery customer.

Karlsson working for a triangle but Fart defends it easily.
Karlsson bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Fart's guard.
Fart working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Karlsson.
Karlsson loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Jimmy Karlsson 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.

Fart's jab looks to have found its range, popping Karlsson under the eye.

It looks like Jimmy Karlsson has been cut.
Fart throws a combination that misses

so Karlsson counters with a double leg into guard. Good agility.
Karlsson throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Fart works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Karlsson throws a strike but Fart rolls with it and manages to sweep. Now he's in guard on top.
Karlsson might be looking to lock onto one of his opponent's long limbs for a submission, whilst we're on the ground.
Karlsson not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
Fart must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.

Karlsson is active off his back here, looking for submissions.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.

Karlsson working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Fart doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Fart manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.
Karlsson looking for a sweep. Not yet Karlsson, not yet.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Karlsson manages to land a sweep and now he's in mount on top!
Fart tries to get back to half guard but can't.

Karlsson looking to secure an arm triangle but Fart defends it well.
A nice elbow there by Karlsson.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Fart is in a horrible position here. Karlsson smacks him with another shot as he tries to escape the position.

It looks like Nasty Fart has been cut.
Karlsson looking to finish Fart with some ground and pound. This is bad for Fart!
Fart wriggling around on the bottom manages to avoid the strikes thrown by Karlsson.
Fart avoids a series of strikes thrown by Karlsson.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Karlsson misses with a head shot.
Karlsson breaks from Fart's wrist control and lands an elbow.
Fart wants to control but Karlsson is having none of it.

Karlsson goes for an armbar but Fart turns quickly into his guard - lovely anticipation from Fart.
Karlsson manages to land a sweep and now he's in mount on top!
Jimmy Karlsson overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Karlsson thuds his fist into the canvas! Oooouch!

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Karlsson throws a sloppy strike and Fart uses the opportunity to reverse the position! A bit of a scramble here and Fart has ended up in Karlsson's guard.
Karlsson is trying to control the position but Fart postures up.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Karlsson bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Fart's guard.
Karlsson tries to free his leg and advance position but Fart is retaining full guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Jimmy Karlsson dominated that second round.
Both fighters have cut men working on them during the interval.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action! This is the final round!

Karlsson fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Fart manages to avoid it.
Fart darts in trying to clinch

and Karlsson counters with a nice double leg into guard.
Karlsson postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Karlsson passes Fart's left leg - he's now in half guard.
Fart really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Karlsson. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.

Karlsson is thinking about going for an arm triangle but he can't free his leg.
Fart pushes Karlsson off looking to stand but Karlsson dives back in and keeps control.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Karlsson is pressing down on Fart's thigh, looking to free his foot. Fart is holding on for now.

Karlsson is looking for a kimura here.
Karlsson with the ground and pound but Fart uses the opportunity to regain guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A few boos can be heard. I'm sure they will multiply if the fighters don't pick up the pace.
Karlsson trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Karlsson trying to control but Fart is working from the bottom.
Fart preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.

Karlsson 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.
Karlsson pushing down on Fart's thigh, trying to pass to half guard. He's managed it... Nice work.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Fart has one foot on Karlsson's thigh - he pushes off and manages to get back to his feet.
Fart misses with a series of wild punches.
Fart moves to clinch but Karlsson breaks away
and Karlsson cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Fart takes a jab on the nose. He smiles like he loves it and keeps coming.
Karlsson looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Fart is fending him off so far but Karlsson persists. Nope, Fart circles away and we're back to standing.
Karlsson scores with a reasonable looking shot to the body. Fart doesn't seem bothered though.
Jimmy Karlsson is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Fart takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Karlsson shoots in and drives through. Fart sprawls well.
Karlsson circles away from the clinch attempt

and Karlsson counters with a shoot takedown into half guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Fart regains full guard. Nicely done.
Karlsson postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Karlsson trying to control the position from guard on top but Fart is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Karlsson postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Fart avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Nasty Fart has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Jimmy Karlsson is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Karlsson trying to control but Fart is working from the bottom.

And that's the end of the fight!
Jimmy Karlsson showed his dominance in that final round.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Karlsson, 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 Sosuke Kotani scores the fight 30:27
Judge Taro Takaoka scores the fight 30:27
Judge Yuuki Gou scores the fight 30:27

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Jimmy Karlsson!
Jimmy Karlsson is the new heavyweight champion!