GFL 1 - Beginnings PBP Commentary

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Said Alibekov (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Sebastian Rotmensen (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Both these guys have really solid chins. Will we see a standup war or will they both decide that a knockout is unlikely and try to win the fight elsewhere?

Alibekov
vs
Rotmensen

189 cm
20
196 lbs
0 - 6 - 0

190 cm
25
190 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Basic striking
Good chin

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Solid chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the middleweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 0 - 6 - 0, fighting out of New York, Said Alibekov!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of New York, Sebastian Rotmensen!
The judges for this bout are John Roberts, Chad Campbell and Russell Pearce.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Alibekov shoots in and drives through. Rotmensen sprawls well.

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

Rotmensen stands up from guard. Let's bang!
Rotmensen throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Said Alibekov seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Alibekov fails to land the takedown.

Alibekov shoots in for a takedown and gets it.
Alibekov wants to free his trapped foot but Rotmensen is holding on for dear life with his legs.
Rotmensen is trying to control but can't.
Alibekov is looking to advance position but Rotmensen won't allow it.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Rotmensen trying to hold on to Alibekov's head to control him but Alibekov postures up.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Alibekov is looking to advance position but Rotmensen won't allow it.

Alibekov is working for a submission of some sort.
Rotmensen is holding on to half guard well.
Alibekov missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.
Rotmensen keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Alibekov is pressing down on Rotmensen's thigh, looking to free his foot. Rotmensen is holding on for now.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Alibekov is looking for a kimura but he's never going to get it from there.

Alibekov is trying for a guillotine from the top but the pressure isn't in the right place so Rotmensen is just riding it out for now. Alibekov eventually gives up the hold.
Rotmensen is trying to stand back up but Alibekov is controlling him
Alibekov wants to pass the guard but Rotmensen is defending well.
Alibekov stops Rotmensen from getting back to his feet.
Rotmensen looks gassed!
Alibekov trying to mount his opponent but Rotmensen defends it.

Rotmensen is defending against the submission attempts here by Alibekov.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Alibekov uses his free foot to push down on Rotmensen's thigh. Eventually he works his other foot free and he's advanced to mount - this is trouble for Rotmensen.

Alibekov working to secure an arm triangle but it's not happening for him just yet.
Rotmensen wants to control but Alibekov is having none of it.
Alibekov has his opponent pinned against the cage, landing some nasty ground and pound that is really making a bit of a mess out of Rotmensen's face.
Alibekov landing punches.
Rotmensen is squirming around, avoiding Alibekov's attempts to control the action.

Alibekov jumps to side control looking for an arm triangle but Rotmensen manages to avoid the submission attempt.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Alibekov tries to advance to mount but Rotmensen denies him.

Alibekov is trying to land an Americana. He has the arm isolated but Rotmensen is keeping cool and he's avoided the danger for now.
Alibekov tries to advance to mount but can't.
This has been an exciting period of action!

Alibekov is looking for a kimura. He might have it! No, Rotmensen has escaped the position, nice work there.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
The ground and pound from Alibekov seems to be hitting the mat more than his opponent.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Said Alibekov 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.

Alibekov has a takedown stuffed.
Sebastian Rotmensen is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Rotmensen doesn't manage to clinch there - Alibekov circles away.
Rotmensen keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.

Rotmensen darts in and clinches Alibekov up against the cage.
Alibekov jumps guard but his hands slip and he falls flat on his back. Well, he's made himself look a right mug there, as Rotmensen walks away with a smile on his face. Alibekov gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Said Alibekov. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Alibekov shoots in looking for a takedown but Rotmensen manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Alibekov's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.

Rotmensen scores a takedown into full mount!
Said Alibekov overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Rotmensen scores with a couple of good head shots there.
Alibekov keeping his composure momentarily, calmly looking to get back to half guard.
Alibekov is working hard here to advance position.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Alibekov looking to escape from mount but he's given up his back!

Rotmensen is working for the choke. He's slipped one arm under the chin. Alibekov has to defend the other arm for all he's worth... but Rotmensen has managed to get that arm free too and he's tightening the choke! Alibekov taps out and looks absolutely disgusted with himself. Rotmensen doesn't care though - he's delighted!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:28 of round 2, we have a winner by way of Submission (RNC). Sebastian Rotmensen!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
88%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Salvatore Franco (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Xavier Jennings (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Jennings has chosen Ruff Ryders' Anthem as his entrance music. Xavier Jennings is the more experienced fighter, so let's see if that makes a difference tonight.

Franco
vs
Jennings

180 cm
25
177 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

185 cm
26
170 lbs
1 - 10 - 0

Decent wrestler
Brawler
Good chin

BJJ Blue Belt
Good kicks
Knockout power

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 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of New York, Salvatore Franco!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 10 - 0, fighting out of New York, Xavier Jennings!
The judges for this bout are Reed Andrews, Steve Montenegro and Joseph Jones.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Jennings shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Franco as he jumps to the side.

Jennings gets tackled into the cage by Franco. Franco maintains the clinch.

Franco pulls guard effortlessly.
The referee is pacing around the two fighters - he looks like he's thinking about a standup.

Franco is edging up against the cage. He's using the cage to get back to his feet. Nice work there - the fighters are clinched.

Jennings breaks the clinch.
Jennings wants to clinch.
Jennings tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Franco throws a left and a right that both miss
and Jennings counters with a three punch combo that has Franco backing up. Franco nods at Jennings to acknowledge the strikes.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Jennings misses with a jab, cross combination.
Franco has a takedown stuffed.
Jennings will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
Jennings shoots in but no luck this time.
Salvatore Franco has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Xavier Jennings.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Franco throws a head kick that half lands.
Jennings shoots in for a double leg but Franco sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
Jennings tries for a takedown but Franco sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Franco.
Franco is breathing heavily.
Franco fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Franco fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Jennings with a lazy takedown attempt

and Franco counters with a nice double leg into side control. Jennings won't be happy with that.
Jennings tries to escape but Franco is in control.

Franco looking for an arm triangle but it's way too loose to do anything.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Franco trying to control the action but Jennings is working from the bottom.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Jennings is looking for a sweep.

Franco is looking to finish here, going for an Americana. Jennings knows the correct defense though, so he's OK.
Jennings tries to get back to half guard but can't.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
The ground and pound from Franco seems to be hitting the mat more than his opponent.
Franco tries to move to mount but Jennings blocks the move with his legs.
Franco scores with a couple of short elbows.
Jennings wants to control but Franco postures up.
Jennings is trying to buck Franco off.
Jennings struggling a bit here.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Franco cracks Jennings with a big right hand but Jennings just smiles back at him and invites him to have another go.

Franco has had enough of the ground for now and decides to stand.
Franco tries to clinch up but Jennings circles away and keeps his distance.
Jennings tries to clinch but Franco is having none of it.

Franco throws the overhand right but ducks down into a quick takedown attempt. Jennings was covering up waiting for the punch and Franco finishes the takedown easily into guard.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Franco passes easily into side control. Nice work.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Jennings throws a sloppy head kick and Franco moves out of range easily.
Jennings lands a leg kick. The shin dug right into the meat of the thigh.
Jennings lands a nice leg kick that just misses Franco's sensitive parts.
Jennings looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
Jennings wants to clinch

and Franco counters with a nice shoot takedown that brings the fighters to the ground.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Franco trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.

Franco drops back looking for a leg! Jennings is in trouble here! The fighters roll with the hold and Jennings manages to kick Franco off! Franco jumps back into Jennings's guard.
Jennings is adopting a defensive guard.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Jennings trying to keep a closed guard but Franco is proving a slippery customer.
Franco stays in close to Jennings's body and controls the position.
Franco tries to free his leg and advance position but Jennings is retaining full guard.
Franco engaging in some classic timewasting tactics.

It looks like we're going to have a standup here. Neither fighter is doing enough on the ground.
Jennings connects with a good right hand that stumbles Franco. Franco circles away out of range and recomposes himself.
Salvatore Franco is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Jennings changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Franco tries to avoid it but Jennings manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Franco to the ground. Franco escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.

Franco looking to score a takedown here. Jennings is defending well but Franco drives through and ends up in Jennings's guard.

Franco gets to his feet - Jennings follows without any prompting.
Jennings fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Salvatore Franco has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Xavier Jennings.
A punch combination from Franco misses.
Jennings tries for a takedown but Franco sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.

Franco scores with a nice takedown into half guard. Let's see what he's got on the ground.
Jennings is staying active underneath Franco, who seems content to just control the action from this position.
Jennings is looking to get back to is feet but Franco passes into side control.
Jennings is looking to regain half guard here but Franco keeps moving and retains side control.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Franco has had enough of the ground for now and decides to stand.
Jennings throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Franco's waist but Franco gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Jennings off to one side.
An inside leg kick lands from Franco.
Jennings dives in and grabs Franco's left leg, looking for a takedown. Franco pushes down on Jennings's head and hops out.
Franco misses with an attempted mid kick.
Jennings misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Franco swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.

Franco gets in close and instigates a clinch.
Jennings is working for a takedown up against the cage. He can't get it on this occasion though.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Jennings is trying to break the clinch but Franco is controlling him.
Franco content to slow the pace in the clinch.
Jennings can't break the clinch.
Franco lands a shoulder strike.
Jennings is trying to force a seperation but Franco has the dominant position.
Franco tries to pull guard but can't drag his opponent to the mat. Jennings just stands there and leans against the cage.
Franco is trying to drag Jennings to the mat but Jennings just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.
Jennings goes for a takedown attempt but Franco pushes him away and we're back to fighting at a distance.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Franco with a poor takedown
and Jennings counters with an outside leg kick.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Franco stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Franco wants it to stay on the feet.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Salvatore Franco dominated that second round.
That's time! Back to the action! This is the final round!

Jennings moves into range and throws a lovely three punch combination.
Jennings tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Franco paws at him with a jab and circles away.

Franco manages to get an easy takedown there - catching Jennings on his heels. He'll look to pass Jennings's guard now, I'm sure.
Franco is just sitting in guard, looking to avoid any submissions.
Franco tries to free his leg and advance position but Jennings is retaining full guard.
Franco distracts Jennings with his right hand and drops a big elbow with his other arm.
Franco showing good wrestling skills to control the position.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Franco wants to pass the guard but Jennings is keeping the position.

Salvatore Franco has forced the referee to step in and bring the fight back to the feet.
Franco ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Jennings moves away.
Jennings fails with the takedown.
Jennings will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
No joy there for Jennings, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Franco fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Jennings manages to avoid it.
Jennings fails with an attempt to clinch.
Jennings is looking to take this fight into the clinch.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Franco drives through with a really nice takedown into side control.
Salvatore Franco overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Jennings manages to get one leg in to regain half guard.
Franco is pressing down on Jennings's thigh, looking to free his foot. Jennings is holding on for now.
Franco wants to lay and pray for a moment but Jennings keeps working.
Franco controlling the action here.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Jennings is trying to maintain the position but Franco is very close to passing his half guard.
Jennings wants to get back to full guard.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up, due to lack of activity on the part of Salvatore Franco.

Franco shoots in from a long way out. He's driving through with the takedown attempt and he eventually gets it, landing in Jennings's guard.
Franco sitting in guard, not really doing much.
Franco seems to have a rather negative gameplan on the ground. He seems keen to just score the takedown and hold down Jennings for as long as he can get away with.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The referee looks like he's ready to step in and stand the fighters back up.
Franco is pushing down on Jennings's leg trying to pass to half guard. Jennings is fighting to maintain full guard but Franco has managed to sneak the leg through.
Jennings is looking to escape.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Franco sitting and controlling from the half guard.
Jennings tries to get to full guard but Franco has control of the leg.

And that's the end of the fight!
Salvatore Franco showed his dominance in that final round.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Franco, 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 Reed Andrews scores the fight 30:27
Judge Steve Montenegro scores the fight 30:27
Judge Joseph Jones scores the fight 30:27

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Salvatore Franco!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
55%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Renol Govan (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Dj Stenner (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Stenner comes into a darkened arena with his song building. Escapado - Solange Du Weisst kicks in, the lights come on and the crowd goes wild! What a showman! Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Govan
vs
Stenner

200 cm
18
215 lbs
1 - 0 - 0

190 cm
21
205 lbs
3 - 5 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Basic striking
Self confident

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Granite chin

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 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of New York, Renol Govan!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 3 - 5 - 0, fighting out of New York, Dj Stenner!
The judges for this bout are Joseph Jones, David Schapiro and Jorge Garcia.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Stenner bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Horrible takedown by Stenner or perhaps it was just good defense by Govan which made him look bad.
Stenner defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Govan.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Stenner.

Stenner tries to keep at a distance but Govan has taken the fight into the clinch.
Govan looking to throw knees to the head but Stenner is blocking nicely.
Stenner tries a knee to the head but Govan blocks it.

Stenner's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Stenner moves out of range as Govan throws a body kick.

Stenner shoots in for a takedown and gets it. Let's see what he's got on the mat.
The referee claps his hands together and tells the fighters to work.

Stenner drops back for a leg! It's a sloppy attempt though and Stenner jumps back into guard quickly, to retain the dominant position.
Stenner content to stall in guard here.
Stenner in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Govan is edging up against the cage. He's using the cage to get back to his feet. Nice work there - the fighters are clinched.
Stenner is working for takedown but Govan is calmly controlling the position for now.
Renol Govan has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Dj Stenner.
Govan lands a knee to the head there! That was nasty!
Stenner is looking for a takedown up against the cage. Govan gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.
Stenner fails to pull guard.
Govan landing some nice looking knees to the body.
Stenner wants a takedown but no success here.
Stenner wants a takedown.
Stenner wants to break free but Govan has control.
Govan misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Stenner.
Govan trying to land knees to the body.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Govan utilising his Muay Thai to score with a knee to the body.
Stenner blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.
Govan is pressed up against the cage. Stenner has hold of a leg and is looking to drag Govan down to the mat. Govan avoids the attempt though and has circled away. We're back to striking at a distance.
Stenner tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Govan swivels and escapes.
Govan misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
Stenner defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Govan.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Stenner shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Govan sprawls well. Govan wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Stenner gets slowly back to his feet.
No luck for Govan with that takedown attempt.

Stenner gets taken down but at least he's managed to land in guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Stenner is trying to control the position from the bottom.
Govan controls from within his opponent's guard.
Govan trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Stenner being controlled here, momentarily.
We must be close to a standup if these guys don't pick up the pace.

The ref stands the fighters back up because Renol Govan just wasn't active enough.
Some wild striking there from Stenner.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Govan looks to land a body kick but Stenner moved away.
Govan throws a nice head kick!
Stenner changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Govan tries to avoid it but Stenner manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Govan to the ground. Govan escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Govan shoots for a takedown but Stenner saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
Govan is breathing heavily.
Stenner dives in and grabs Govan's left leg, looking for a takedown. Govan pushes down on Stenner's head and hops out.
Govan shoots in but no luck this time.
Stenner avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Nice takedown defense from Govan. No joy for Stenner on that attempt.

Govan pushes Stenner up against the cage in a clinch.
Govan lands an elbow inside.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Stenner tries for a takedown but Govan sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.

Stenner drops Govan with a beautiful combination! Govan stares up at his opponent, who ushers him back to his feet - Stenner is looking for the KO!

It looks like Renol Govan has been cut.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Govan is trying hard to land a takedown here. Stenner sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
Govan tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Stenner swivels and escapes.
Stenner shoots in but no luck this time.

Govan has taken the fight to the clinch.
The fighters are going at a pretty good pace and they're both starting to sweat now.
Stenner is working for takedown but Govan is calmly controlling the position for now.
Renol Govan has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Dj Stenner.
Govan with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.
Govan looking to throw knees to the head but Stenner is blocking nicely.
Govan throws a knee to the head but misses.
Stenner managing to block the knees to the body from Govan.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Govan keeps control of Stenner as he tries to wriggle out of the double underhooks.
Stenner on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
Stenner is looking for a takedown up against the cage. Govan gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Stenner has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Govan is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.
Stenner drops down looking for an ankle pick but Govan pulls his leg out and moves away.

Govan fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Stenner, pushing him back against the cage.
Govan throws a knee to the head but misses.
Govan tries to land a knee to the head but misses.
Stenner is looking for a takedown up against the cage. Govan gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.
Stenner tries for a takedown but Govan manages to get underhooks.
Govan tries to land a knee to the head but misses.
Govan is pressed up against the cage. Stenner has hold of a leg and is looking to drag Govan down to the mat. Govan avoids the attempt though and has circled away. We're back to striking at a distance.

Govan clinches up with Stenner and pushes him back against the cage.
Govan is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Stenner is defending well for now.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Govan is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Stenner is defending well for now.
Stenner tries to score a body lock takedown but Govan shows good agility there to stay on his feet.
Govan tries to land a knee to the head but misses.
Govan throws an elbow but it misses.
Stenner is trying to work for a single leg takedown but Govan pulls him back up using the underhooks.
Govan misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Stenner.
Govan is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Stenner is defending well for now.
Stenner jumps guard but his hands slip and he falls flat on his back. Well, he's made himself look a right mug there, as Govan walks away with a smile on his face. Stenner gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head.
Stenner shoots in for a takedown but Govan shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
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!

Stenner shoots in for a takedown from distance. He catches Govan napping and manages to drive through into side control!
Govan wants to get back to his feet but Stenner drags him back down.

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

Stenner is looking for a kimura. He might have it! No, Govan has escaped the position, nice work there.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Govan is working hard to escape and get back to his feet. After a battle for position, Stenner asserts his dominance and retains side control.
Stenner creates a bit of distance and throws down some hard shots.

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

Stenner tries for a kimura but Govan is defending well.

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

Stenner thinks about going for a far side armbar but bails out and retains the dominant position instead.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Govan is trying to get back to his feet.

Stenner in side control, working for a kimura. He's got hold of an arm and he's torquing it... Govan is tapping! That's the end of the fight!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:58 of round 2, we have a winner by way of Submission (Kimura). Dj Stenner!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
34%

Co-main event

Main event

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Fusion Weapon (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Demian Maiyizzle (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Weapon comes to the cage accompanied by Run This Town Tonight. Fusion Weapon has the edge in experience - let's see if he can make that count tonight.

Weapon
vs
Maiyizzle

175 cm
24
153 lbs
7 - 9 - 0

158 cm
24
154 lbs
1 - 2 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Solid boxing
Experienced

ADCC Champion
Decent boxing
Heavy handed

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 7 - 9 - 0, fighting out of New York, Fusion Weapon!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 2 - 0, fighting out of New York, Demian Maiyizzle!
The judges for this bout are Chad Campbell, Dean Styles and Jonathan Paton.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Weapon tries to score a power double leg takedown but Maiyizzle sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Weapon somewhat.
Weapon throws a combination that misses
and Weapon takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Maiyizzle tries to score a power double leg takedown but Weapon sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Maiyizzle somewhat.
Maiyizzle jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Weapon misses with the combination.
Sloppy strikes from Weapon. Those never looked like landing.
Weapon throws a leg kick but Maiyizzle sees it coming and checks it nicely.
Weapon misses with the combination.
Weapon lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Maiyizzle circles away quickly and effectively.
Weapon fails to land with a series of punches.
Maiyizzle throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Weapon sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Weapon throws a hook but Maiyizzle avoids it easily.

That's one minute gone in the round.
A punch lands to the side of Weapon 's head but he takes it in his stride.
A slow jab from Maiyizzle misses its intended target.
Weapon staying out of range there.

Weapon closes the distance, clinches up and gets a nice trip takedown into side control. Very smooth.
Maiyizzle is moving his hips around well on the bottom and has managed to get back to half guard.
Maiyizzle is pressing down on Weapon's left leg trying to get back to full guard. He's managed it.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Weapon throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Maiyizzle is trying to keep Weapon in close.
Weapon throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Maiyizzle works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Weapon stands and throws Maiyizzle's legs to the side, diving into side control.
Maiyizzle can't do much from the bottom here.
Weapon sitting in side control, looking to soften his opponent up with elbows and hammerfists but Maiyizzle is avoiding damage well and looking to escape the position.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Weapon advances to full mount.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Weapon connects with a couple of good shots from mount.
Weapon misses with a head shot.
Weapon lands a nice shot to the head.
Weapon lands a big elbow.
Weapon knows he needs to get back to his feet asap. He's simply no match for Maiyizzle on the ground.
Weapon sends his fist crashing into the mat - the crowd let out a collective ooooooh. Let's hope he's not broken it!
Maiyizzle blocking the ground and pound.
Maiyizzle wriggling around on the bottom manages to avoid the strikes thrown by Weapon.
Maiyizzle is in all sorts of trouble here.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Weapon throwing strikes but Maiyizzle recovers to half guard. A much better position.
Weapon trying to mount his opponent but Maiyizzle defends it.
Weapon looks to land a strike but Maiyizzle avoids it nicely and regains full guard.
Weapon postures up and scores with a shot to the body and a follow up elbow to the head.

Maiyizzle is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Weapon is aware though and is defending well.
Weapon postures up in Maiyizzle's guard and throws a big left but Maiyizzle blocks it.
Maiyizzle avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Weapon thows a big elbow that misses.
Weapon landing some decent shots from guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Weapon is just sitting in guard, looking to avoid any submissions.
Weapon trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Weapon sneaks a leg through and gets to half guard. That was like a knife through butter how easily he passed Maiyizzle's guard.
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!
Maiyizzle trying to control from the bottom.
Weapon thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
Weapon throwing shots but Maiyizzle is blocking nicely.
Maiyizzle is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Maiyizzle looks gassed!
Weapon is looking to take a break and control but Maiyizzle is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Maiyizzle is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Weapon.
Weapon misses with a few strikes there.
Maiyizzle avoids a punch combination nicely.
Weapon fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Maiyizzle dodges the punch combination from Weapon.
Weapon shoots in for a takedown but Maiyizzle shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Maiyizzle dodges the punch combination from Weapon.
Weapon rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Maiyizzle moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Weapon throws a jab, cross combination which is slipped
and Maiyizzle finishes the little exchange by landing a big kick to the body.
Weapon swings away with a leg kick that misses.
Weapon fails miserably with a takedown attempt.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Weapon avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Weapon misses with a double jab
and Maiyizzle counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Weapon throws a nice looking combination but Maiyizzle bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Weapon swings wildly with a couple of big hooks
and Maiyizzle counters with a nice jab to the body that keeps Weapon thinking.
Weapon takes one to the side of the head.
Maiyizzle throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Weapon.
Weapon throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Maiyizzle's waist but Maiyizzle gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Weapon off to one side.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Fusion Weapon. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Weapon throws a jab, cross combination which is slipped
letting Maiyizzle counter with a right hand.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Some wild striking there from Weapon.
Weapon misses with a two punch combination.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Maiyizzle throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Weapon sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Weapon misses with a double jab
and Maiyizzle counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Weapon swings wildly with a couple of big hooks
and Maiyizzle counters with a three punch combo that has Weapon backing up. Weapon nods at Maiyizzle to acknowledge the strikes.
Weapon slips under a jab from Maiyizzle.
Nice shot by Maiyizzle.
Weapon throws a jab, cross combination which is slipped
and Maiyizzle counters with a three punch combination, finished off with a leg kick. Nice work.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
No joy there for Weapon, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
A punch combination from Weapon misses.
Weapon throws a right hand that Maiyizzle ducks under and follows up with a left that Maiyizzle also avoids with ease.
Weapon misses with a series of wild punches.
Weapon misses with a double jab
enabling Maiyizzle to counter with a crisp jab.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Weapon throws a series of punches but Maiyizzle avoids them all with ease.
Maiyizzle catches Weapon with a nice straight right. He seems pissed - ooooh, it's on now! On like donkey kong!
Fusion Weapon is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Maiyizzle misses with an uppercut.
Maiyizzle is on the wrong end of a nice combination from Weapon.
Weapon misses with the combination.
Weapon misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Maiyizzle fails to land with a series of punches.
Weapon misses with a jab, cross combination.
Weapon misses with a few strikes there.
Weapon will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Weapon misses with a combination
letting Maiyizzle counter with a right hand.
Maiyizzle showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Weapon.
Weapon misses with a wild combination.
Some wild striking there from Weapon.
Nice takedown defense from Maiyizzle. No joy for Weapon on that attempt.
Maiyizzle slips a jab and a cross from Weapon.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Maiyizzle misses with a straight left.
Weapon throws a jab, cross combination which is slipped
and Maiyizzle counters with a nice uppercut.
Weapon shoots in for a takedown but Maiyizzle shows good takedown defense.
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 Fusion Weapon will probably get the nod.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business. This is the final round!

Maiyizzle connects with a lovely right hand, straight down the pipe.
Maiyizzle tries for a takedown but Weapon sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Weapon misses with a double jab
and Maiyizzle counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Weapon closes the distance and lands a one-two.
Maiyizzle might want to mix his strikes up a bit more. He's just going for head shots at the moment and that can become a bit predictable.
Maiyizzle showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Weapon.
Weapon throws a combination that misses
enabling Maiyizzle to counter with a crisp jab.
Weapon scores with a sloppy right hand. Maiyizzle should have avoided that one.
Weapon keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Maiyizzle.
Fusion Weapon is winning the standup battle so far.
Maiyizzle takes a swing at Weapon's ribcage but misses.
Weapon throws a left and a right that both miss
and Maiyizzle counters with a two punch combo.
Maiyizzle takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Weapon bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Weapon misses with a double jab.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Weapon shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Maiyizzle but Maiyizzle pushes him off and we're back to square one.
Weapon has his takedown stuffed
and Maiyizzle counters with a nice kick to the body.
Weapon misses with a few strikes there.
A left lands for Maiyizzle.
Fusion Weapon seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Weapon misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Weapon staying out of range there.
Maiyizzle swings wildly with a hook that is half blocked by Weapon.
Some wild striking there from Weapon.
Weapon throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Maiyizzle takes a step towards his opponent and connects with a left hand, before circling away.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Weapon walks into a straight right hand from Maiyizzle.
Danga de danga de dang - Maiyizzle scores with a four punch combination!
Weapon fails to land with a series of punches.
Weapon lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Maiyizzle circles away quickly and effectively.
Maiyizzle scores with a straight right hand, right through his opponent's guard.
Sloppy strikes from Weapon. Those never looked like landing.
Weapon has his takedown stuffed
and Maiyizzle counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Fusion Weapon. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Maiyizzle showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Weapon.
Weapon walks into a jab.
Weapon looks like he's developed a pretty tasty lump over his left eye. He'll need to avoid taking much more damage to that.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Weapon swings wildly with a couple of big hooks
and Maiyizzle connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Weapon throws a combination that misses
and Maiyizzle counters with a series of strikes. Weapon will be more careful next time no doubt.
Weapon swings wildly with a couple of big hooks
and Maiyizzle counters with a straight punch to the midsection.
Maiyizzle listening to his corner there, landing a nice uppercut.
Weapon slips a straight right by Maiyizzle.
Weapon throws a right and a left that Maiyizzle avoids nicely.
Maiyizzle shoots in for a takedown but Weapon shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Demian Maiyizzle has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Maiyizzle throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Maiyizzle fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
Maiyizzle throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Weapon lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Maiyizzle circles away quickly and effectively.
Weapon swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Weapon misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
A right-left combo lands from Maiyizzle.
Weapon shuffles to his left behind two crisp jabs. Maiyizzle eats them both and turns towards Weapon to reposition himself and eats a stinging right hand-left hook combo.
Sloppy strikes from Weapon. Those never looked like landing.
Weapon checks a leg kick nicely.
Maiyizzle ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Weapon moves away.
Weapon misses with a double jab.
Weapon falls off balance throwing a combination
and Maiyizzle counters with a two punch combo.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Maiyizzle showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Weapon.
Weapon misses with a few strikes there.

And that's the end of the fight!
Demian Maiyizzle comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think Weapon has won this one but let's see what the judges have to say. Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Chad Campbell scores the fight 29:28
Judge Dean Styles scores the fight 28:29
Judge Jonathan Paton scores the fight 29:28

In favor of your winner, by split decision... Fusion Weapon!