GMMA NYC 4 PBP Commentary

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Henry Kissinger Jr (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Doug Copley (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Henry Kissinger Jr has the better chin. Will he look to stand and bang today?

Kissinger Jr
vs
Copley

182 cm
18
205 lbs
0 - 1 - 0

185 cm
27
200 lbs
1 - 3 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Excellent boxer
Good chin

BJJ Purple Belt
Decent boxing
Very confident

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the light heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 0 - 1 - 0, fighting out of New York, Henry Kissinger Jr!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 3 - 0, fighting out of New York, Doug Copley!
The judges for this bout are Columbo Gatti, David Schapiro and Franklyn Lucas.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Copley closes the distance and clinches.
The fighters are pressed against the cage, as the pace of the fight slows.
Kissinger Jr goes for a takedown attempt but Copley pushes him away and we're back to fighting at a distance.

Kissinger Jr gets taken down but at least he's managed to land in guard.
Copley thows a big elbow that misses.
Copley is working Kissinger Jr over from the guard. He should look to pass the guard and do a little more damage with these strikes.
Copley slips effortlessly into side control - very nice.
Copley tries to score with some ground and pound. Kissinger Jr controls his posture well this time though and the shots don't do any damage.
Copley working away diligently from side control. Landing strikes effectively there - that will score him some points on the judges scorecards.
Copley working the head with strikes.
The fans in attendance giving it up for the two fighters, who have really let it all hang out in the last minute or so!
Kissinger Jr is looking to reverse the position.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Copley working away diligently from side control. Landing strikes effectively there - that will score him some points on the judges scorecards.

Copley is looking to finish here, going for an Americana. Kissinger Jr knows the correct defense though, so he's OK.

Copley decides to stand up, so the ref orders Kissinger Jr to his feet.

A momentary lapse in concentration from Kissinger Jr enables Copley to shoot in and score with a neat double leg. Kissinger Jr manages to secure a closed guard as the fighters hit the mat.
Kissinger Jr preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Copley stands up over Kissinger Jr, holding his feet. He dives back in and lands a decent shot to the head.
Copley passes Kissinger Jr's right leg, so he's now in half guard.
Kissinger Jr is breathing heavily.
Copley works his foot free and advances to mount.
Copley has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!

Copley working for a submission but Kissinger Jr is keeping him at bay.
Copley lands an elbow that was bordering on illegal but the referee lets it go with a warning.
Copley controlling from the full mount.
A big strike lands for Copley! That's really hurt Kissinger Jr and he's turned his back - Copley keeps firing away and the ref dives in to stop the fight! Copley jumps to his feet to celebrate the victory!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:58 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Doug Copley!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
75%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Lance Hawthorne (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Robert Oak (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Chooooooooon! I think Hawthorne might be my favorite fighter, now he's come out to Smells Like Teen Spirit by Nirvana. Lance Hawthorne has the better chin. Will he look to stand and bang today?

Hawthorne
vs
Oak

200 cm
19
211 lbs
2 - 2 - 0

187 cm
23
189 lbs
7 - 4 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Good chin

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
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 New York, Lance Hawthorne!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 7 - 4 - 0, fighting out of New York, Robert Oak!
The judges for this bout are Franklyn Lucas, Bruno Lombardi and Dean Styles.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Oak avoids the head kick by Hawthorne.
Hawthorne tries to grapple but his opponent circles

and Oak lands a stunning uppercut that sends Hawthorne to the mat!

It looks like Lance Hawthorne has been cut.

Oak gets to his feet - back to striking we go!
This has been an exciting period of action!

Oak clinches with his opponent.
Hawthorne jumps guard but Oak stands there with Hawthorne around his waist. Hawthorne gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch.
Oak lands with a light punch inside.
Hawthorne tries to pull guard but Oak won't allow it.
Oak throws a hook to the body. More of an arm punch but it's all scoring with the judges.
Hawthorne is breathing heavily.

Oak breaks the clinch.

Oak fakes an overhand right and shoots for a takedown. Hawthorne sprawls well initially but Oak persists and gets the takedown into half guard.

Hawthorne is rocked!
Oak lands a big elbow from half guard. That looks like it's hurt Hawthorne quite badly. Hawthorne pulls Oak in close trying to recover. Oak postures up and lands two really hard shots that put Hawthorne on queer street! The ref takes a look and decides to call an end to the fight! Possibly an early stoppage but Hawthorne doesn't seem to be complaining too much.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 0:45 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Robert Oak!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
100%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a super heavyweight MMA rules bout between Dutch Schultz (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Bob Galliano (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Both fighters look pumped up here. Let's hope this is a good fight!

Schultz
vs
Galliano

193 cm
18
255 lbs
0 - 3 - 0

195 cm
18
185 lbs
0 - 1 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Excellent MT
KO power

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Enjoys gardening

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the super heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 0 - 3 - 0, fighting out of New York, Dutch Schultz!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 1 - 0, fighting out of New York, Bob Galliano!
The judges for this bout are Columbo Gatti, John Roberts and Jonathan Paton.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Galliano changes levels and drives through with a really nice takedown into side control. Schultz looks really pissed at himself for not defending that better.
Schultz trying to remain calm as Galliano controls from the top position.

Galliano decides to stand back up.

Galliano darts in and lands a nice takedown into half guard.
Galliano is just sitting in half guard, waiting for something to happen.
Galliano moves nicely into side control.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

Galliano stands up and beckons Schultz to his feet.

Galliano throws a loose over hand right and dives in with a double leg takedown. Schultz tries to sprawl but it's too late and the fighters hit the mat. Galliano is in Schultz's guard.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Galliano slips effortlessly into side control - very nice.
Check out the look on Galliano's face as he threw that strike - that's one determined fighter!
Galliano connects with a decent looking elbow from side control that caused Schultz some visible discomfort.
A lull in the action here as Galliano stalls from top position.
Let's hope that Galliano has the urge to step up the pace any second now because for the last 15 or 20 seconds he's just been holding on tight.
Schultz wants to get back to his feet.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Galliano scores with a couple of nice shots to the head there. The referee takes a look at Schultz to see if he's OK.
Galliano moves into full mount!
Galliano content just to control the position here.
Galliano landing shots from mount.
Galliano pausing momentarily but resumes with a couple of decent strikes that do a bit of damage.
Galliano content just to control the position here.
Schultz is trying to stand up.
Galliano lands a big shot there that rocks Schultz but he's holding on and managing to survive for now.
Schultz takes a big shot to the head but keeps on trying to improve his position.
Galliano tucks in and makes sure he doesn't lose the dominant position.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Galliano landing strikes, looking to finish!
Galliano dominating with strikes here.
Galliano takes a little breather and maintains the position. The referee will be looking for him to stay active from such a dominant position though.
Galliano putting on the heat here with some good ground and pound!
Galliano controlling his opponent.
Galliano is a painfully thin specimen of a man. You do wonder whether a good body kick would snap him clean in two.
Galliano is in the full mount, landing strikes.
Both fighters really going for it on the ground here!
Galliano takes a little breather and maintains the position. The referee will be looking for him to stay active from such a dominant position though.
Galliano cracks Schultz with a nasty head shot there - the crowd let out an audible gasp there, as the noise reverberated around the arena.
Galliano postures up and cracks his opponent a couple of times before moving back into close ground control. Schultz looks a forlorn figure.
Galliano lands an elbow that was bordering on illegal but the referee lets it go with a warning.
Galliano with the ground and pound from mount.
Schultz is looking to get back to his feet - it's going to be hard from this position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Galliano lands a big elbow.
Schultz throwing hammer fists to the chest of Galliano. What's that going to do exactly?
Galliano controlling from mount.
Schultz is trying to get to the cage to help him get back to his feet.
Galliano tucks in and makes sure he doesn't lose the dominant position.
Galliano putting on the heat here with some good ground and pound!
Galliano scoring with strikes but Schultz is staying in there.
Galliano landing strikes from the mount and Schultz is in trouble!
Schultz throwing hammer fists to the chest of Galliano. What's that going to do exactly?
Galliano controlling his opponent.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Galliano lands an elbow that was bordering on illegal but the referee lets it go with a warning.
Galliano looking to control and managing it successfully.
Galliano's corner are shouting for him to control the position and he seems happy to oblige.
Schultz is trying desperately to improve position.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Schultz is trying to get to the cage to help him get back to his feet.
Schultz really trying hard to get back to half guard here.
Galliano scoring with strikes but Schultz is staying in there.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Galliano controlling his opponent.
Galliano is still in mount, landing shots to his trapped opponent. Schultz can't stay in a position like this for much longer.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Bob Galliano dominated that round.
That's time! Schultz's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

Schultz swings widly with a right hand

and Galliano decides to take the opportunity to score a takedown. He's landed in Schultz's guard.
Galliano controlling from the guard. I say controlling but really, he's stalling.
Galliano prevents Schultz from getting back to his feet.
Schultz trying to strike off his back.
Galliano chips away with some ground and pound.
Galliano controlling from the top position.
Schultz wants to stand up but Galliano is controlling him.
Galliano is stalling in the full guard.
Schultz knows he needs to get back to his feet asap. He's simply no match for Galliano on the ground.
We've had a lack of effective grappling in the last minute or so, which could well see a referee standup.
Schultz can't keep his opponent in guard - Galliano advances to half guard, no doubt looking to mount.
The referee calls for the fighters to work.

OK we're going to have a standup here. Bob Galliano hasn't been effective enough on the ground and the referee wants a restart.
Galliano fails to land the takedown.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Schultz jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Schultz throws an ugly left hook that misses

and Galliano counters with a nice double leg into half guard.
Galliano controlling the action here.
Schultz throws a strike from the bottom that misses.
Galliano works his way into side control.
Galliano controlling the position from side mount.
Schultz tries to bench press Galliano off him but Galliano keeps the position.
Galliano content to control the pace. The referee will try and keep them active though.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The referee is asking the fighters to pick up the pace.
Schultz wants to get back to his feet.
Galliano moving around in side mount but really he's just happy to control for now.

OK we're going to have a standup here. Bob Galliano hasn't been effective enough on the ground and the referee wants a restart.
Galliano looks up at the clock. Bad move! Schultz lands a right hand from hell, dropping Galliano. Schultz pounces and finishes the fight with a flurry of punches and elbows.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:34 of round 2, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Dutch Schultz!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
93%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a super heavyweight MMA rules bout between Christian McDermott (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Derrick Bateman (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

McDermott
vs
Bateman

180 cm
22
180 lbs
4 - 2 - 0

190 cm
24
175 lbs
4 - 2 - 0

BJJ Brown Belt
Good kicks
Granite chin

BJJ Purple Belt
Basic striking
Determined

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the super heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 4 - 2 - 0, fighting out of New York, Christian McDermott!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 4 - 2 - 0, fighting out of New York, Derrick Bateman!
The judges for this bout are Jonathan Paton, John Kavanagh and Dean Styles.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Bateman is looking to clinch but McDermott is avoiding it.
McDermott misses with a series of wild punches.
Bateman fails with the takedown

and McDermott counters by clinching up.
McDermott wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.
Bateman misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from McDermott.

Bateman breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
McDermott tries to grapple but his opponent circles
and Bateman counters with an inside leg kick.
Bateman misses with a wild body shot.
McDermott pivots as if he's going to throw a leg kick but stops half way.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Bateman shoots in and gets a takedown into half guard. Bateman showed some decent athleticism there.
McDermott wants to get back to full guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

McDermott actively working from the bottom here.
McDermott moves his hips nicely and gets into full guard.

McDermott is looking for a triangle but Bateman pushes his legs off easily.

McDermott escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Bateman gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.
McDermott trying to keep a closed guard but Bateman is proving a slippery customer.

McDermott is looking for a triangle but Bateman pushes his legs off easily.

McDermott has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Bateman can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.
Bateman tries to free his leg and advance position but McDermott is retaining full guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
McDermott has momentary wrist control but Bateman slips an elbow through the middle.
McDermott keeping moving, preventing Bateman from controlling successfully.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

McDermott has managed to work for a loose triangle. I think Bateman should be able to defend this one pretty easily though. Oh, McDermott has tightened it up now! Bateman should have reacted faster there - he's in big trouble and yes, he's tapped out! This one is all over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:37 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Triangle). Christian McDermott!

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 super heavyweight MMA rules bout between Michal Neos (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Bob Lawblaw (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Neos comes to the cage accompanied by ice cube - Steal The Show. Bob Lawblaw will no doubt be looking to use his reach advantage to good effect.

Neos
vs
Lawblaw

187 cm
18
169 lbs
2 - 2 - 0

198 cm
18
290 lbs
1 - 0 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Brawler
Granite chin

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Heavy handed

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the super heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 2 - 2 - 0, fighting out of New York, Michal Neos!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of New York, Bob Lawblaw!
The judges for this bout are Russell Pearce, Lou da Vinci and Dean Styles.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Lawblaw wants to clinch but Neos slips to the side
and Neos counters with a nice uppercut.
Neos rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Lawblaw moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Neos fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Lawblaw with a poor takedown

and Neos counters with a takedown into side control.
Neos is breathing heavily.
Lawblaw manages to get back to half guard.
Lawblaw looks like he's trying to stand up.
Neos throws a strike but Lawblaw avoids it easily and moves to full guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Neos stopping the sweep attempt from Lawblaw.
Lawblaw working a defensive guard here.
Lawblaw wants to stand up but Neos is controlling him.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Lawblaw looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Neos trying to stand up but can't free himself from Lawblaw's guard.
Lawblaw utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.

Lawblaw scrambles and gets back to his feet.
Lawblaw looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Neos is fending him off so far but Lawblaw persists. Nope, Neos circles away and we're back to standing.
Lawblaw throws a right and a left that both miss.
Lawblaw fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Michal Neos has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Bob Lawblaw.
Lawblaw misses with a head kick.
Neos circles away from the clinch attempt.
Lawblaw lands the left hand.
Lawblaw attempts a low kick but it misses it's target.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Lawblaw misses with an attempted mid kick.
Lawblaw comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.
A looping hook to the body misses from Lawblaw. Neos does a little dance to reset his feet.
Lawblaw fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Bob Lawblaw seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
That's a knee to de groin and it's over and out! Lawblaw crumples to the ground after an illegal strike from Neos - the referee stops the clock and Lawblaw gets 5 minutes to recover from that one. "I'm sorry" says Neos. Lawblaw manages to get back to his feet and the fight resumes.
Lawblaw ducks low and lands a nice hook to the body of his opponent.
Lawblaw fails to land with a series of punches.
Lawblaw lands a jab, followed by a cross and another cross, as Neos backs up against the cage.
Neos lands a nice looking body kick.

A momentary lapse in concentration from Lawblaw enables Neos to shoot in and score with a neat double leg. Lawblaw manages to secure a closed guard as the fighters hit the mat.
Neos has to be careful here, sitting in the guard of a superior BJJ player.
Neos stopping the sweep attempt from Lawblaw.
Neos postures up.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Neos looking to pass the guard.
Neos wants to control from the top but Lawblaw keeps moving.

Neos is holding a leg here, probably looking for an ankle lock - he drops back and goes for it! Lawblaw is in trouble! Is it all over??? No! Lawblaw has escaped and now he's on top!
Neos keeping moving, preventing Lawblaw from controlling successfully.

Lawblaw drops back for a leg! It's a sloppy attempt though and Lawblaw jumps back into guard quickly, to retain the dominant position.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Neither fighter has done anything of merit for a good minute or two here and the crowd are not happy about it.
Neos keeping moving, preventing Lawblaw from controlling successfully.
Lawblaw pushes down on Neos's leg and manages to get into half guard.

Lawblaw is trying a forearm choke… I don't think that's going to do much at this level of the game.
Neos is staying active underneath Lawblaw, who seems content to just control the action from this position.
Neos knows he needs to get back to his feet asap. He's simply no match for Lawblaw on the ground.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.

Lawblaw is trying for a kimura here. Neos looks like he's in a lot of pain... and he's tapping out! Lawblaw wins by kimura!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:58 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Kimura). Bob Lawblaw!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
53%

Co-main event

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Josh Matthews (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and James Janos (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Janos has chosen WALK as his entrance music. Josh Matthews has the better chin. Will he look to stand and bang today?

Matthews
vs
Janos

185 cm
25
205 lbs
1 - 0 - 0

185 cm
20
220 lbs
1 - 2 - 0

Good takedowns
Counter striker
Good chin

BJJ Purple Belt
Counter striker
Enjoys gardening

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, for the light heavyweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of New York, Josh Matthews!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 2 - 0, fighting out of New York, James Janos!
The judges for this bout are John Roberts, Columbo Gatti and Jonathan Paton.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Matthews throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Janos wants to clinch

and Matthews counters with a nice single leg takedown and he's in Janos's guard now.
Matthews throws a big right hand that misses.
Matthews is sitting in guard, working some ground and pound.
Matthews cracks Janos with a solid left hand.
Matthews working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Matthews landing with the ground and pound.
Matthews working some strikes from top position.
Matthews is looking to work some ground and pound but Janos has wrist control.
Matthews throws a big right hand that misses.
Janos preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Janos working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Matthews.
Janos tries to land a sweep but no joy.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Matthews looking to control the position here, rather than advance.
Janos avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Janos is trying to control the position from the bottom.
Matthews postures up and lands some nice ground and pound.
Matthews missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Matthews scores with a decent looking elbow strike.
Matthews working in close now, lands a nice elbow to the side of Janos's head.
Matthews throws a big right hand that misses.
Matthews with a nice head shot there.
Matthews controls from within his opponent's guard.
Matthews is looking to work some ground and pound but Janos has wrist control.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Matthews with a couple of shots to the head there. Not particularly brutal.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Matthews is taking a break and basically stalling. The referee will not allow him to do that for long.
Janos utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Matthews working some strikes from top position.
Matthews working in close now, lands a nice elbow to the side of Janos's head.
Matthews trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Matthews is taking a break and basically stalling. The referee will not allow him to do that for long.
Janos working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Matthews.
Matthews landing with the ground and pound.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Matthews accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Matthews throws a big right hand that misses.
Matthews landing with the ground and pound.
Matthews connects with a couple of short punches.
Matthews keeps in close for a moment and lands a decent shot to the side of Janos's head.
Matthews trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Matthews sitting in guard here, content to control.
Matthews stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Janos swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Matthews distracts Janos with his right hand and drops a big elbow with his other arm.
Janos looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Janos utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Matthews lands a couple of digs.
Matthews lands a couple of digs.
Matthews missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Janos being controlled here, momentarily.
Matthews is breathing heavily.
Janos tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Matthews throws and elbow that misses. Janos uses the momentum to reverse the position. He's now in Matthews's guard. Nice move by Janos!
Janos wants to control from the top but Matthews keeps moving.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Matthews wants to stand and escape but Janos is having none of it.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Josh Matthews dominated that round.
That's time! Back to the action!

Janos misses with a takedown

and Matthews decides to take the opportunity to score a takedown. He's landed in Janos's guard.
Matthews with a nice head shot there.
Matthews postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Matthews working in close now, lands a nice elbow to the side of Janos's head.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Janos is on top in guard.
Janos tries to free his leg and advance position but Matthews is retaining full guard.
Matthews utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.

Matthews kicks Janos off and gets to his feet.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Janos with a lazy takedown attempt

and Matthews decides to take the opportunity to score a takedown. He's landed in Janos's guard.
Matthews missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Matthews scoring with some ground and pound.
Janos has momentary wrist control but Matthews slips an elbow through the middle.
Matthews missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Matthews is sitting in guard, working some ground and pound.
Janos preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Matthews makes a bit of distance and scores with some ground and pound, still in guard.
Matthews throws a big right hand that misses.
Matthews is in close to Janos's body, working some short punches and elbows.
Janos not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Janos is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move.

Matthews makes some distance and scrambles quickly back to his feet. Nice work!
Janos fails with the takedown

and Matthews counters with a nice double leg into guard.
Josh Matthews has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of James Janos.
The fans in attendance giving it up for the two fighters, who have really let it all hang out in the last minute or so!
Matthews postures up in Janos's guard and throws a big left but Janos blocks it.
Matthews is looking to work some ground and pound but Janos has wrist control.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Janos is on top in guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Janos wants to control from the top but Matthews keeps moving.

Matthews has his feet on Janos's hips. He pushes off and gets to his feet. Nice work.
Matthews keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
Matthews defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Janos.

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.
Janos tries to clinch up

and Matthews counters with a nice shoot takedown that brings the fighters to the ground.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Janos preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Matthews trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Janos wants to sweep here but Matthews controlling him for the moment.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Josh Matthews dominated that second round.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action! This is the final round!

Matthews circles away from the clinch attempt.

Matthews drops down and drives through with a powerful takedown into guard.
Janos wants to sweep but no luck.
Janos is persisting with the attempt to improve his position.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Matthews accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Janos wants to sweep here but Matthews controlling him for the moment.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Matthews throws and elbow that misses. Janos uses the momentum to reverse the position. He's now in Matthews's guard. Nice move by Janos!

That's one minute gone in the round.

Matthews kicks Janos off and gets to his feet.

Matthews scores with a nice takedown into half guard. Let's see what he's got on the ground.
Matthews missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.
Matthews sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Janos defending well though.
Janos works his way to full guard. Good work.
Janos is trying to control the position but Matthews postures up.
Janos wants to sweep here but Matthews controlling him for the moment.
Janos not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Janos is in a good position here but he's just trying to control... And he's not even managing to do that successfully.
Josh Matthews overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
The referee is pacing around the two fighters - he looks like he's thinking about a standup.
Matthews throwing strikes from guard but Janos blocks nicely.

OK we're going to have a standup here. James Janos hasn't been effective enough on the ground and the referee wants a restart.
Janos is looking to clinch.
James Janos has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Janos is trying hard to land a takedown here. Matthews sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Janos tries to clinch but fails miserably

and Matthews counters with a nice double leg into half guard.
Janos trying to control but Matthews postures up.
Matthews missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.
Matthews thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
Matthews missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.
Matthews throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.
Matthews not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
Janos blocking the ground and pound attempt from Matthews.
Janos trying to hold on to Matthews's head to control him but Matthews postures up.
Matthews prevents Janos from improving his position.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Matthews not landing any meaningful shots this time.
Matthews not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
Matthews throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
Matthews throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
Matthews thows a huge punch but Janos dodges it nicely.
Matthews throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.
Matthews missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.
Janos looks like he's trying to stand up.
Matthews working Janos over with strikes.

And that's the end of the fight!
Josh Matthews showed his dominance in that final round.
Well Matthews has outscored his opponent in every aspect of the fight today. Only a scarily incompetent judge or two will keep him from a well deserved win... Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge John Roberts scores the fight 30:26
Judge Columbo Gatti scores the fight 30:26
Judge Jonathan Paton scores the fight 30:26

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

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
50%

Main event

Coming up we have a super heavyweight MMA rules bout between Iron Horse (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Charalabos Koukodimos (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Koukodimos is bouncing up and down as he enters the arena, backed by Astarte - Mutter Astarte. Iron Horse has the better chin. Will he look to stand and bang today?

Horse
vs
Koukodimos

197 cm
18
278 lbs
0 - 2 - 0

185 cm
29
198 lbs
10 - 4 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Solid boxing
Granite chin

Good wrestler
Decent boxing
Powerful

Absolution 159 ($79)

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the super heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 0 - 2 - 0, fighting out of New York, Iron Horse!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 10 - 4 - 0, fighting out of New York, Charalabos Koukodimos!
The judges for this bout are Dean Styles, John Roberts and Chad Campbell.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
A head kick by Horse misses
enabling Koukodimos to counter with a crisp jab.
Horse moves forwards but Koukodimos connects with a nice, crisp jab.
Koukodimos connects with a good right hand that stumbles Horse. Horse circles away out of range and recomposes himself.
Horse tries to clinch but Koukodimos moves away
enabling Koukodimos to counter with a crisp jab.
Horse is breathing heavily.
Horse with a poor takedown

and Koukodimos counters with a driving takedown into guard. Nice work there by Koukodimos.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Koukodimos landing some decent shots from guard.
Koukodimos with a nice head shot there.
Koukodimos with a couple of shots to the head there. Not particularly brutal.
Koukodimos cracks Horse with a solid left hand.
Horse can't keep his opponent in guard - Koukodimos advances to half guard, no doubt looking to mount.
Koukodimos lands with a punch from half guard.
Koukodimos looks to score some points with some ground and pound.
Koukodimos sitting and controlling from the half guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Koukodimos passes to side control.
Koukodimos lands a decent elbow from side control.
Koukodimos in side control lands a decent elbow.
Koukodimos has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
Horse is working to avoid the ground and pound but Koukodimos connects with a decent elbow.

Koukodimos is trying to get an arm triangle but Horse is defending well.
Horse knows he needs to get back to his feet asap. He's simply no match for Koukodimos on the ground.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Koukodimos lands a decent elbow from side control.
Koukodimos landing a few strikes.

Horse is rocked!
Koukodimos works a knee to the body and follows up with a nice elbow to the head.
Oh Horse is still in real trouble! Will he be able to recover?!!
Koukodimos lands a strong strike to the head of Horse. That's dazed him! Koukodimos looking to finish here. Horse is waving his arms around trying to block but he's hurt badly - Koukodimos lands more strikes and the referee steps in to end the fight!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:03 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Charalabos Koukodimos!