Volume 118 PBP Commentary

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Matteus Saarinen (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Sonny Lopez (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Sonny Lopez is the more experienced fighter, so let's see if that makes a difference tonight.

Saarinen
vs
Lopez

173 cm
25
147 lbs
1 - 0 - 0

170 cm
21
155 lbs
1 - 3 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
KO power

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Granite chin

Malicious Intent Fight Gear

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the featherweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Matteus Saarinen!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Sonny Lopez!
The judges for this bout are Wesley Smith, Alan Glass and Daniel Franklin.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Saarinen shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Saarinen looks for a takedown but Lopez sprawls well.
Saarinen shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Lopez sprawls well. Lopez wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Saarinen gets slowly back to his feet.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Matteus Saarinen. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Lopez throws a left and a right that both miss

and Saarinen counters with a driving takedown into guard. Nice work there by Saarinen.
Lopez throws a couple of weedy looking strikes off his back.
Lopez trying to strike from the bottom but really, it's not the best position to be doing that from!
Lopez keeping moving, preventing Saarinen from controlling successfully.
Saarinen wants to stand but Lopez is controlling his posture from full guard.
Saarinen looking to pass the guard.
Saarinen stopping the sweep attempt from Lopez.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Saarinen trying to control but Lopez is working from the bottom.

The ref stands the fighters back up. Matteus Saarinen wasn't doing enough on the ground.
A head kick by Saarinen misses

and Lopez counters with a single leg into guard. Saarinen didn't expect that.
Lopez trying to control the position from guard on top but Saarinen is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Saarinen is looking to sweep but instead, Lopez has passed into half guard.

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

Lopez is sneakily working for an arm triangle but Saarinen sees it coming and defends easily.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Lopez seems content to maintain position for now, rather than mounting any offense.
Saarinen wants to control but Lopez is keeping busy.
Lopez is figuring out what he wants to do next.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Lopez wants to free his trapped foot but Saarinen is holding on for dear life with his legs.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Saarinen tries to get to full guard but Lopez has control of the leg.
The referee wants the fighters to be more active or he's going to reset them on the feet.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Saarinen connects with a body shot.

Lopez manages to get an easy takedown there - catching Saarinen on his heels. He'll look to pass Saarinen's guard now, I'm sure.
Saarinen looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Saarinen trying to control the position.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Saarinen manages to land a sweep and now he's in mount on top!
Lopez is trying desperately to improve position.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Saarinen raining down hammerfists from mount.
Saarinen trying to control but he's not successful this time.

Saarinen working to secure an arm triangle but it's not happening for him just yet.
Saarinen trying to control but Lopez is having none of it.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Lopez is writhing around trying to get back to his feet.
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 Matteus Saarinen will probably get the nod.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.

Saarinen closes the distance but Lopez moves to the side
and Lopez counters with a big head kick but Saarinen shrugs it off.
Saarinen closes the distance and clinches up with Lopez, looking for a takedown. Saarinen pushes Lopez against the cage but Lopez circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Lopez shoots in looking for a takedown but Saarinen manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Lopez's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.

Lopez closes the distance and pushes Saarinen back into the cage.
Lopez is trying to slow down the pace in the clinch, to catch his breath.
Saarinen tries to jump guard but he falls flat on his backside. Lopez smiles and moves away.
Lopez takes a body punch but keeps moving.

Saarinen gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.

Lopez pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.

That's one minute gone in the round.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Lopez.
Lopez tries for a takedown but Saarinen circles away easily

and Saarinen counters with a shoot takedown into half guard.
Matteus Saarinen has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Sonny Lopez.
Saarinen wants to free his trapped foot but Lopez is holding on for dear life with his legs.
Lopez wants to get back to full guard but Saarinen has passed into side control.
Saarinen controlling the position from side mount.
Lopez tries to bench press Saarinen off him but Saarinen keeps the position.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Lopez sneaks out the side door and pushes Saarinen away - he's back to his feet. The crowd show their appreciation for the escape.
Lopez is breathing heavily.
Lopez tries for a takedown but Saarinen circles away easily

and Saarinen counters into the clinch. Nicely done.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.

Saarinen has managed to pull guard. Let's see whether he can work an aggressive guard. It will also be interesting to see what tactics Lopez uses from the top position.

Saarinen escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Lopez gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.
Saarinen is looking to stand up but Lopez isn't so interested in that idea.

Saarinen looking for a guillotine here but Lopez defends easily.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Lopez slows down the pace of the fight, as he sits in guard.
Saarinen tries to land a sweep but no joy.

Lopez stands and steps away. Saarinen gets to his feet too and we're back to the striking game.
Donk. Lopez catches Saarinen right on the button with a cross.
Lopez looks for a takedown but Saarinen sprawls well.
Lopez with poor footwork there. He got himself in a bit of a tangle, enabling Saarinen to score with a decent uppercut.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Saarinen tries to clinch up.
Saarinen closes the distance and takes a jab right on the nose as he does so.
Saarinen is looking to clinch.
Lopez tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.

Lopez closes the distance and looks for a trip takedown... aaaand he's got it - Lopez lands in his opponent's guard.
Lopez preventing the sweep.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.

Saarinen throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Lopez postures up.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Matteus Saarinen dominated that second round.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business. The crowd applaud as we get ready to start the final round!

Lopez tries to clinch but Saarinen moves away
and Saarinen connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Lopez throws a wild body kick that Saarinen sees coming a mile off.

Lopez moves into range and clinches up with Saarinen.
Lopez fails to pull the fight into his guard.
Saarinen fails to pull the fight into his guard.
Lopez stalling in the clinch.
Saarinen tries to pull guard but Lopez won't allow it.
Lopez lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.

Saarinen breaks the clinch.
Saarinen fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Matteus Saarinen. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Saarinen sees a low kick coming and goes to check it, but it's actually a body kick and it thuds into his unprotected ribs.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Lopez fails with the takedown.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Saarinen throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Lopez's waist but Lopez gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Saarinen off to one side.

Lopez drives through and clinches with Saarinen against the cage.
Lopez is trying to break the clinch but Saarinen has him pressed against the cage.
Lopez tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.
Saarinen wants to break the clinch but can't.
Lopez drops to a knee looking for a takedown but Saarinen gets the underhooks and prevents it.

Lopez works for the underhooks and manages to get a trip takedown into guard.
Lopez trying to control but Saarinen is working from the bottom.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Lopez tries to stand but Saarinen is controlling from the bottom.
Saarinen lands a beautiful switch and he's in full mount! That could spell trouble for Lopez!
Saarinen landing strikes, looking to finish!
Saarinen can't quite control the action as he would like just now, as Lopez is looking to escape.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Saarinen landing punches.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Saarinen landing strikes from the mount.
Lopez is wriggling around trying to escape.

Saarinen jumps to side control looking for an arm triangle but Lopez manages to avoid the submission attempt.
Saarinen is moving around in side control but his primary objective seems to be to maintain the position.
Saarinen wants to control but Lopez is keeping him busy.
Matteus Saarinen overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Lopez is moving his hips around well on the bottom and has managed to get back to half guard.
The referee calls for the fighters to work.

Saarinen wants to work for an arm triangle but Lopez is really keeping half guard well and defending the submission attempt.
Lopez is working for an escape here. He's hooked one of Saarinen's legs and he's managed to sneak out and take Saarinen's back!
Saarinen tries to escape but Lopez has the hooks in and won't let him break free.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Good control from Lopez.
Sonny Lopez has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Matteus Saarinen is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Lopez scores with punches from the back.

And that's the end of the fight!
I would just about give that final round to Sonny Lopez.
I think Saarinen 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 Wesley Smith scores the fight 29:29
Judge Alan Glass scores the fight 29:28
Judge Daniel Franklin scores the fight 29:28

In favor of your winner, by majority decision... Matteus Saarinen!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
61%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Nick Franco (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Stian Rexhaj (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Stian Rexhaj has the eye of the tiger tonight.

Franco
vs
Rexhaj

189 cm
20
205 lbs
1 - 1 - 0

183 cm
25
215 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Good chin

BJJ White Belt
Excellent MT
Determined

Reaper Combatwear

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 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Nick Franco!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Stian Rexhaj!
The judges for this bout are Cecil Peabody, Tiny Johnson and George Francis.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
That kick from Rexhaj tenderised Franco's leg. Franco is trying to keep his angry face on.
Good standup being displayed there by Rexhaj as he connects with a hook.

It looks like Nick Franco has been cut.
Franco misses with a takedown attempt
and Rexhaj counters with a good low kick that Franco was not able to check.
Rexhaj lands a leg kick. The shin dug right into the meat of the thigh.
Franco is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Franco avoids the head kick by Rexhaj.
Rexhaj tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
This fight brought to you by 5M nutrition - it's mmmmm tasty. Nice jab by Rexhaj.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Rexhaj fakes a couple of low kicks, before throwing one on the third attempt. It connects and Franco has to reset his feet before getting ready to engage.
Franco throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Franco is trying hard to land a takedown here. Rexhaj sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
Franco wants to clinch but Rexhaj slips to the side
and he gets countered with a snapping leg kick.
Franco is breathing heavily.
Rexhaj lands with a nice body kick.

Rexhaj lands a big head kick that sends Franco tumbling to the mat! Rexhaj takes a step backwards and waves Franco back to his feet - he wants the finish!
Rexhaj throws a body kick that digs right into the meat.
Rexhaj lands a kick to the ribs of his opponent. Nice work there - in and out in a flash.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Look low, kick high! Rexhaj uses the oldest trick in the book to send Franco tumbling to the canvas, in a truly brutal knockout! Rexhaj is absolutely delighted - when Franco wakes up, I doubt he'll be quite so happy!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:09 of round 1, we have a winner by way of KO (Head Kick). Stian Rexhaj!

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 welterweight MMA rules bout between Ran Caleb (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Pancracio Papelito (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Papelito comes into a darkened arena with his song building. Wanderlei kicks in, the lights come on and the crowd goes wild! What a showman! Ran Caleb could well score a knockout today. He has the power to get to Pancracio Papelito's chin.

Caleb
vs
Papelito

177 cm
20
180 lbs
1 - 0 - 0

170 cm
18
175 lbs
0 - 1 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Excellent boxer
Good in bed

BJJ White Belt
Decent boxing
Enjoys gardening

[GTI] Divine Clothing (FREE SPONSORS FOR NOOBS)

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the welterweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Ran Caleb!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Pancracio Papelito!
The judges for this bout are George Francis, Stewart Dunkirk and Robert Twigg.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Papelito fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Caleb throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Papelito should think about turning a few of those tyres round his middle into muscle if he wants people to take him seriously as an athlete.
Papelito misses with a takedown
and Caleb counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Sloppy strikes from Caleb. Those never looked like landing.
Caleb lands a jab, followed by a cross and another cross, as Papelito backs up against the cage.
Caleb goes to the watering hole and comes back with a big thumbs up from the judges as he scores a three punch combo.
Caleb looks to land a combination. Papelito sees it coming but can only parry a couple of the shots.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Caleb misses with a combination

and Papelito counters with a shoot takedown. Caleb fights it but they end up in guard.
We've had a lack of effective grappling in the last minute or so, which could well see a referee standup.
Caleb utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Caleb seems keen to control Papelito's posture.
Caleb wants to stand up but Papelito is controlling him.

Papelito drops back looking for a heel hook - he quickly realises he's not going to get it but Caleb manages to dive on top of him before he can escape and now Papelito has Caleb in his guard.
Papelito wants to sweep here but Caleb controlling him for the moment.
Caleb looking to control the position here, rather than advance.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Papelito wants to get back to his feet but Caleb is in a dominant position and won't allow it.
Caleb wants to control from the top but Papelito keeps moving.
Caleb content to stall in guard here.

We're going to have a standup here because Ran Caleb wasn't active enough for the referee's liking.
Papelito is looking to clinch.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Papelito shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Caleb as he jumps to the side.
Ran Caleb has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Pancracio Papelito.
A combination from Caleb does no damage.
Caleb swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Caleb misses the shot to the body.
Nice jab there from Caleb.
Caleb defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Papelito.
Caleb scores with a hook.
Papelito with a poor takedown
and Caleb counters with a one-two to the body.
Papelito looks gassed!

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Caleb goes to the watering hole and comes back with a big thumbs up from the judges as he scores a three punch combo.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Papelito tries to grapple but his opponent circles
and Caleb counters with a straight right hand.
Caleb is working the combinations to good effect here.
Caleb fakes a head punch and goes low to the body. Nicely done.
Caleb throws a two punch combo that lands nicely.

Papelito is rocked!
Caleb ducks down and throws a hook to the body.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Caleb goes to the watering hole and comes back with a big thumbs up from the judges as he scores a three punch combo.
Papelito is still on wobbly legs! Can Caleb finish him?
Caleb misses with a few strikes there.
Caleb throws a one two combo.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Ran Caleb 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.

Caleb connects with a stiff jab that staggers Papelito - oh and he follows up with a huge uppercut that knocks him out cold! Man, that was brutal!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 0:05 of round 2, we have a winner by way of KO (Punches). Ran Caleb!
A victorious Ran Caleb thanked his army of followers in his post fight interview, telling people to make sure they follow him on Twitter.

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 light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Einar Einarson (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Hanibal Lector (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). This should be fireworks!

Einarson
vs
Lector

175 cm
24
205 lbs
0 - 1 - 0

185 cm
25
205 lbs
0 - 1 - 0

Decent wrestler
Basic striking
Granite chin

BJJ White Belt
Dangerous knees
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 Las Vegas, Einar Einarson!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Hanibal Lector!
The judges for this bout are Chris Downing, Stewart Dunkirk and Robert Twigg.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Lector lets the fists fly and connects with a left straight followed by a right hook.

Einarson feints and then dives in with a takedown. That was a long way out but the feint bought him enough time to close the distance and complete the takedown. Now we'll play guard for a bit and see who can get the better of that position.
Einarson connects with a couple of short punches.
Einarson cracks Lector with a solid left hand.
Einarson keeps in close for a moment and lands a decent shot to the side of Lector's head.
Einarson keeps in close for a moment and lands a decent shot to the side of Lector's head.
Einarson scoring with punches to the head and body.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Lector is trying to control the position but Einarson postures up.
Lector looks gassed!
Einarson lands a couple of decent looking shots.
Einarson lands a couple of decent looking shots.
Einarson postures up and scores with a shot to the body and a follow up elbow to the head.
Einarson postures up and lands a big shot to Lector's brow.
Einarson is stalling in the full guard.
Einarson working from the guard for now, landing some ground and pound.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Einarson distracts Lector with his right hand and drops a big elbow with his other arm.
Einarson content to stall in guard here.
Einarson postures up and lands some nice ground and pound.
Einarson lands a nice shot whilst sitting in his opponent's guard.
Einarson postures up and lands some nice ground and pound.
Einarson cracks Lector with a solid left hand.

Lector is rocked!
Einarson not doing a lot at the moment. He'll have to show some more aggression or the fight will get stood up.
Lector is still in real trouble! Can Einarson finish him?
Einarson scoring with some ground and pound.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Einarson keeps in close for a moment and lands a decent shot to the side of Lector's head.
Einarson working in close now, lands a nice elbow to the side of Lector's head.
Einarson postures up from his opponent's guard, before exploding into some vicious ground and pound! Lector covers up, he's hurt! Einarson keeps throwing the strikes, glancing at the referee... Will he stop it?? One more big shot from Einarson and the ref steps in to end the fight! Einarson can't hide his delight as he celebrates with his corner.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:32 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Einar Einarson!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
66%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Bobo James (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Magnus Aconte (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Magnus Aconte has the better chin. Will he look to stand and bang today?

James
vs
Aconte

177 cm
20
160 lbs
2 - 1 - 0

180 cm
18
165 lbs
0 - 1 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Self confident

BJJ Brown Belt
Counter striker
Granite chin

Malicious Intent Fight Gear

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the lightweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 2 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Bobo James!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Magnus Aconte!
The judges for this bout are Alan Glass, Chris Downing and Wesley Smith.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Aconte shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as James sprawls well. James wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Aconte gets slowly back to his feet.

James has closed the distance and engaged Aconte in a clinch.

James breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.

James moves into the clinch successfully.

James turns his back and goes for a hip toss. It's a bit messy but it gets the job done and James manages to end up in side control.
The referee wants the fighters to be more active or he's going to reset them on the feet.
James tries to land with some ground and pound but misses.
Aconte is not content to let James control the position.
Aconte sneaks back into half guard.

Aconte actively working from the bottom here.

James is looking for a kimura but Aconte is holding onto that half guard position, so it's hard for James to get the leverage.

Aconte actively working from the bottom here.
James lands with a punch from half guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
James is trying to get back to his feet now but his leg is trapped.
James sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Aconte defending well though.
James is looking to take a break and control but Aconte is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
James thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
Both fighters really going for it on the ground here!
James trying to pass the guard but Aconte defending well.

Aconte is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but James pulls his head out easily.
The fighters are battling for position here. Aconte manages to regain full guard. Nice work.

Aconte has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but James can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.
James preventing the sweep.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!

Aconte looking for a guillotine here but James defends easily.
James tries to free his leg and advance position but Aconte is retaining full guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Aconte had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. James defends it easily.

Aconte looking for a guillotine here but James defends easily.

Aconte had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. James defends it easily.
James throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Aconte is working an open guard here, looking to improve his position. No doubt that will leave him open to counters but at least he's being more offensive.
James trying to control the position from guard on top but Aconte is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

Aconte is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and James defends well.

Aconte looks to be working for a triangle here. Oh, it looks like he might have it! James has picked Aconte up and slammed him! Aconte can't keep hold of the triangle and James manages to pass to side control!
James trying to control the position but Aconte is working away.
James connects with a decent looking elbow from side control that caused Aconte some visible discomfort.

James looking for an arm triangle but it's way too loose to do anything.
James tries to stand but Aconte controls the position and pulls James into his guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
James is looking to stand up but Aconte won't let him.

Aconte throws his legs up looking for a submission but James uses it to pass to side control.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Aconte sneaks back into half guard.

Aconte looking for submissions off his back.

Aconte is working on a guillotine. He's managed to get to full guard and he's really squeezing tight! James is tapping! Great win for Aconte!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:36 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Guillotine). Magnus Aconte!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
72%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Jose Silva (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Nathan Hunt (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Silva kept the crowd waiting but all that was forgotten when his ring entrance music started. The incomparable musical genius that is Jose Silva Lock And Submit. Hunt is bobbing his head along to his entrance song: my butthole. Nathan Hunt will no doubt be trying to keep this one on the feet, where he has a distinct advantage.

Silva
vs
Hunt

176 cm
25
141 lbs
1 - 1 - 0

178 cm
20
138 lbs
1 - 0 - 0

Good takedowns
Counter striker
Cuts easily

BJJ White Belt
Decent boxing
Tends to cut

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the featherweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 1 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Jose Silva!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Nathan Hunt!
The judges for this bout are Frank Dennis, Robert Twigg and Tiny Johnson.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Hunt gets caught flat footed, as Silva shoots in with a quick takedown into guard.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Silva accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.

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

Silva drops back for a leg! It's a sloppy attempt though and Silva jumps back into guard quickly, to retain the dominant position.
Silva wants to control from the top but Hunt keeps moving.
Silva is really struggling to control Hunt but he's trying to hold on to the position.

Silva 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.
Hunt wants to stand up but Silva is controlling him.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Silva won't allow Hunt to sweep him here.
Hunt keeping moving, preventing Silva from controlling successfully.
Silva is pushing down on Hunt's leg trying to pass to half guard. Hunt is fighting to maintain full guard but Silva has managed to sneak the leg through.

Silva wants to work for an arm triangle but Hunt is really keeping half guard well and defending the submission attempt.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Silva wants to control but Hunt is keeping him busy.
Hunt wants to control but Silva is keeping busy.

Silva is trying to work for a kimura but Hunt is defending well.
Both fighters really going for it on the ground here!
Hunt holds on for dear life, maintaining half guard for now.
Hunt is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Hunt tries to kick Silva off but Silva keeps his base steady and stays in half guard.
Silva wants to control but Hunt is keeping him busy.
Hunt is looking to escape.
Silva wants to take a breather but Hunt is having none of it.

It looks like we're going to have a standup here. Neither fighter is doing enough on the ground.
Hunt tries to bum rush Silva with a series of wild strikes but Silva uses good footwork to avoid the assault.

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

Hunt gets caught flat footed, as Silva shoots in with a quick takedown into guard.
Silva wants to control from the top but Hunt keeps moving.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Silva loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Silva stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Hunt swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Silva postures up in Hunt's guard and throws a big left but Hunt blocks it.
Hunt wants to sweep but no luck.
Hunt is trying to keep Silva in close.
Silva stands and throws Hunt's legs to the side, diving into side control.
Hunt looks gassed!
The strikes coming from Silva are missing the target in this wave of attacks.
Silva throwing shots but missing, from side control.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Hunt is not content to let Silva control the position.

Silva is working to tighten is grip on Hunt's neck. He's isolated an arm and is working for an arm triangle. Hunt has recognised the danger and is trying to turn with the submission but Silva is really squeezing tight and eventually Hunt passes out! Silva breaks the hold and jumps onto the cage to celebrate! Submission of the night, I'd say!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:25 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Arm Triangle). Jose Silva!
Jose Silva got down on his knees post fight and begged the management for a title shot. 'Please, I want that title shot so bad! Give it to me!'