SPFT 22: Dinh Nguyen vs. Apila PBP Commentary

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Matt Morgan (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Alexander Feucht (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Feucht has chosen Wherever I May Roam as his entrance music, which hasn't gone down very well with the crowd. Matt Morgan has the better chin. Will he look to stand and bang today?

Morgan
vs
Feucht

190 cm
28
207 lbs
6 - 7 - 0

185 cm
27
205 lbs
3 - 3 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Excellent boxer
Very strong

Decent wrestler
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 6 - 7 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Matt Morgan!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 3 - 3 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Alexander Feucht!
The judges for this bout are Sergei Dronov, Aleksandr Martynov and Igor Prikhodko.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Morgan throws a nice looking combination but Feucht bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Morgan keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.

Feucht scores a trip takedown into side control. Nice.
Feucht wants to control but Morgan is keeping him busy.
Morgan is trying to stand back up. He's worked his way up against the cage but Feucht has just dragged him back down to the mat.
Morgan takes a big shot right to the temple there but he's taken it well.
Feucht scores with a couple of short elbows.
Feucht working the ground and pound from side control.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Morgan is looking to work his way out of this bad position but Feucht is controlling him well.
Morgan is not in a great position here, taking some shots.
Morgan is working hard to escape and get back to his feet. After a battle for position, Feucht asserts his dominance and retains side control.
Feucht scoring with punches and elbows.
Morgan is pushing Feucht's head away, looking to escape. Feucht manages to hold on to the position though.
Feucht scores with a couple of short elbows.

Feucht thinks about going for a far side armbar but bails out and retains the dominant position instead.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Feucht working the head with strikes.
Feucht lands a knee to the body and follows it up with some ground and pound to the head. That will wear Morgan down.
Morgan is putting a lot of effort into getting back to his feet here.
Morgan is breathing heavily.
Feucht advances to mount.
BOOM! Feucht connects with a massive shot to the dome!
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Feucht with the ground and pound from mount.

Morgan is rocked!
Morgan wants to use the cage to get back to his feet here.
Feucht postures up and throws a couple of big shots that have Morgan in real trouble here! The ref calls for Morgan to improve his position which he doesn't do, so the referee has no choice but to end the fight due to the strikes!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:55 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Alexander Feucht!
A victorious Alexander Feucht 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
92%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Milo Stukov (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Anto Mrvelj (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Stukov comes to the cage accompanied by Without God. Anto Mrvelj acknowledges the crowd's support as he enters the cage.

Stukov
vs
Mrvelj

187 cm
23
215 lbs
3 - 4 - 0

192 cm
21
205 lbs
1 - 3 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Good knees
Insanely flexible

BJJ Blue Belt
Decent boxing
Heavy handed

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 3 - 4 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Milo Stukov!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 3 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Anto Mrvelj!
The judges for this bout are Igor Prikhodko, Aleksei Zolotukhin and Valeri Chadov.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Mrvelj looks to land a combination but Stukov avoids it well.
Anto Mrvelj seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.

Stukov clinches with his opponent.
Stukov throws an elbow that misses.
Stukov unloads a knee to the mid-section. Mrvelj lets out a prehistoric sounding urrrrgh.
Stukov stalling the fight.

Mrvelj pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Mrvelj looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Mrvelj has his front leg slapped to the side - a nice low kick landing there from Stukov.

Stukov clinches with his opponent.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Stukov has Mrvelj pushed against the cage.
Stukov lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
Stukov leaning his opponent against the cage.
Mrvelj takes a knee to the side of the body.
Mrvelj looks gassed!

That's one minute gone in the round.
Stukov lands a good knee to the midsection. Mrvelj won't want to take too many of those.
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!
Stukov with a knee to the head.

It looks like Anto Mrvelj has been cut.
Stukov landing knees to the body.
Stukov landing some nice looking knees to the body.
Stukov working Mrvelj over with knees to the body.
Stukov lands a knee to the head.
Stukov has the Thai clinch. He lands a big knee to the head that stumbles Mrvelj - he's in trouble! Another big knee to the head from Stukov, and another! Mrvelj is out on his feet - the ref jumps in to save him and ends the fight!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:33 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Knees). Milo Stukov!

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 Daniel Slaughter (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Mick Spanner (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Spanner has chosen Seven Drunken Nights - The Dubliners as his entrance music. Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the cage.

Slaughter
vs
Spanner

185 cm
26
210 lbs
3 - 2 - 0

185 cm
29
210 lbs
5 - 5 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Solid boxing
Cuts easily

Powerful takedowns
Brawler
Powerful

Meat and Two Veg

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 3 - 2 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Daniel Slaughter!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 5 - 5 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Mick Spanner!
The judges for this bout are Ivan Kurochkin, Illya Tyunina and Viktor Lagutenko.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Slaughter throws a right hand that Spanner ducks under and follows up with a left that Spanner also avoids with ease.
Slaughter lands with a straight right. Spanner didn't see that one coming.
Spanner gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily
and Slaughter counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Slaughter throws a right and a left that Spanner avoids nicely.
Mick Spanner seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Spanner tries for a takedown but Slaughter sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Slaughter lands a jab. Then a cross. Then finally a nice hook to the body. Good work there by Slaughter.
Slaughter lands a head kick!

Spanner darts in and lands a nice takedown into half guard.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Spanner wants to control but Slaughter is keeping him busy.
Spanner prevents Slaughter from improving his position.
Spanner working the head and body with strikes.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Slaughter tries to roll over but Spanner keeps him under control.
Spanner is thwarting Slaughter's attempts to control the position.
Spanner is scoring with some nice ground and pound from the dominant position.
Nice strikes from Spanner there.
Slaughter has hold of Spanner's hands but Spanner slips his arm to the side and lands an elbow.
The two fighters exchange a few words. I couldn't hear what they were saying but maybe it's more fun if you make it up yourself. Spanner connects with a nice short shot to Slaughter's temple.
Slaughter is working for an escape here. He's hooked one of Spanner's legs and he's managed to sneak out and take Spanner's back!
Slaughter is trying to stick to Spanner's back but Spanner is turning into Slaughter. He's managed to reverse the position - now he's in Slaughter's guard. Polite applause from the crowd in appreciation of some nice Jiu Jitsu by Spanner.
Spanner trying to control but Slaughter is working from the bottom.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Spanner pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Slaughter is keeping the position for now.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.

Spanner is holding a leg here, probably looking for an ankle lock - he drops back and goes for it! Slaughter is in trouble! Is it all over??? No! Slaughter has escaped and now he's on top!

The fighters are starting to get a bit slippery now, which will make submissions a bit more difficult.
Spanner looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.

Spanner throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.
Slaughter trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Slaughter throwing strikes but missing.
Slaughter working in close now, lands a nice elbow to the side of Spanner's head.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Slaughter lands a couple of digs.
Slaughter trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Slaughter postures up.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Slaughter accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.

Spanner working for a triangle but Slaughter defends it easily.
Both fighters really going for it on the ground here!
Slaughter stands up over Spanner, holding his feet. He dives back in and lands a decent shot to the head.

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

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:49 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Guillotine). Mick Spanner!
Mick Spanner gave a mention to Meat and Two Veg in his post fight interview. That will please them (and hopefully generate some sales).

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
62%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Freddie Garcia (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Muraki Tunamoto (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Garcia kept the crowd waiting but all that was forgotten when his ring entrance music started. The incomparable musical genius that is In Da Club. Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the cage.

Garcia
vs
Tunamoto

183 cm
27
220 lbs
8 - 3 - 0

180 cm
23
217 lbs
7 - 5 - 0

Powerful takedowns
Solid boxing
KO power

BJJ White Belt
World class MT
Good gas tank

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 8 - 3 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Freddie Garcia!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 7 - 5 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Muraki Tunamoto!
The judges for this bout are Aleksei Zolotukhin, Valeri Chadov and Vladimir Khabensky.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Tunamoto lands with a kick to the ribs.
Tunamoto stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Tunamoto wants it to stay on the feet.
Garcia moves out of range of the body kick.
Tunamoto throws a right high kick that is partially blocked by Garcia.

It looks like Freddie Garcia has been cut.
This has been an exciting period of action!
No luck for Garcia with that takedown attempt.
Tunamoto fakes the leg kick and cracks Garcia in the body.
Garcia takes a head kick and shrugs it off.
Tunamoto throws a quick head kick that skims the top of Garcia's head.
Garcia avoids the head kick by Tunamoto.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Garcia blocks a head kick by Tunamoto.
Tunamoto keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Freddie Garcia. That's going to take a lot out of him.
A head kick misses from Tunamoto.
Garcia shoots and misses
and Tunamoto counters with a straight right hand.
A head kick misses from Tunamoto.
Garcia throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Tunamoto lands a nice shot that snaps Garcia's head back.
Tunamoto connects with a solid leg kick.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Tunamoto leaves Garcia with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Tunamoto swings for the body but Garcia moves out of range.
Tunamoto throws a leg kick which misses Garcia's front leg but catches the back leg as Garcia tries to avoid it.
Tunamoto feints with a shoulder and throws a nice leg kick to Garcia's calf.

Tunamoto lands a big head kick that sends Garcia tumbling to the mat! Tunamoto takes a step backwards and waves Garcia back to his feet - he wants the finish!

Freddie Garcia's cut is getting worse.
Thud! ouch! good body kick from Tunamoto - that will leave a mark!
Garcia is breathing heavily.
Garcia waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Tunamoto.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Garcia throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Both fighters circling a little - Tunamoto finishes the exchange with a kick to the body.
Tunamoto misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Tunamoto throws a head kick that connects with a bit of head and a bit of hand.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Garcia.
Garcia looks to land a right hand but Tunamoto moved out of range.
Garcia takes an uppercut right on the jaw but it doesn't phase him.

Freddie Garcia's cut is bleeding quite badly. He's got to try and protect it.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Ouch! a nice leg kick from Tunamoto, right into the meat.
Garcia avoids the head kick by Tunamoto.
Tunamoto displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Garcia.

Tunamoto lands a big head kick that sends Garcia tumbling to the mat! Tunamoto takes a step backwards and waves Garcia back to his feet - he wants the finish!

Garcia is rocked!
Tunamoto fakes a head punch and goes low to the body. Nicely done.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
That kick from Tunamoto tenderised Garcia's leg. Garcia is trying to keep his angry face on.
Tunamoto lands a body shot.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Muraki Tunamoto dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Freddie Garcia's cut.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!

Tunamoto cracks Garcia with a big right hand that sends him crashing to the floor. Tunamoto has the opportunity to follow him to the ground but instead he's beckoning Garcia to stand back up!
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Tunamoto throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Tunamoto stuffs the takedown attempt from Garcia. Garcia gets slowly back to his feet.
Tunamoto tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Tunamoto is looking to slow Garcia down with leg kicks.
Tunamoto connects with a jab.

Jeez, Freddie Garcia's cut is really nasty now. The referee must be thinking about getting that checked.
Tunamoto lands a brutal head kick. Garcia looks out on his feet and Tunamoto throws more strikes until the ref is forced to stop the fight!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 0:56 of round 2, we have a winner by way of TKO (Kick and Punches). Muraki Tunamoto!
Muraki Tunamoto seemed lost for words in his post fight interview but he remembered to thank his fans and directed everyone to his website.

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 middleweight MMA rules bout between Robert Smith (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Boris Yurinov (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Yurinov has chosen DJ Vadim - The Terrorist as his entrance music. Robert Smith has the better chin. Will he look to stand and bang today?

Smith
vs
Yurinov

191 cm
31
191 lbs
7 - 9 - 1

188 cm
23
196 lbs
3 - 0 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Excellent boxer
Very quick

Good wrestler
Good low kicks
Good gas tank

KAISER

Stonewall

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, in the middleweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 7 - 9 - 1, fighting out of St Petersburg, Robert Smith!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 3 - 0 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Boris Yurinov!
The judges for this bout are Dmitry Maklakov, Sergei Dronov and Valeri Chadov.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Yurinov jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Nice body punch from Smith.
Smith takes a hook to the side of the head. I wonder if that's got his ears ringing.
Smith takes an uppercut right on the button but keeps his composure.
Smith looks to throw the jab but Yurinov is out of range.
Smith lands with a two punch combination before moving back out of range.
Yurinov misses with a looping left.
Yurinov swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Yurinov sizes up Smith with a pawing jab and scores with a straight right down the middle.
Yurinov throws a hook but Smith avoids it easily.
Yurinov scores with a slapping inside leg kick.

Yurinov gets a clinch.
Yurinov misses with a punch to the body.
Yurinov lands a nice uppercut.
Yurinov tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Good body shot from Yurinov.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Smith wants to get back to striking at distance but Yurinov won't allow it.
Yurinov tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Yurinov tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Smith wants to break free but Yurinov has control.
Yurinov lands a hook to the side of the head.
A nice left hand lands by Yurinov.
Smith is trying to work out of this bad position, with his back against the cage.
Smith blocks a body shot from Yurinov.
Smith tries to circle away but Yurinov has him pinned against the cage.
A nice right hand lands inside from Yurinov.
Yurinov scores with a nice hook to the head.
Smith takes a shot to the head.

Smith pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Yurinov swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Yurinov lands a nice leg kick that just misses Smith's sensitive parts.
Jab from Yurinov.
Yurinov thows a left - swing and a miss!
Yurinov fakes a jab and throws a low kick but Smith checks it well.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Yurinov waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Smith.
Yurinov looks to land a right hand but Smith moved out of range.
Yurinov throws an overhand right that lands on Smith's shoulder, as Smith tries to avoid the shot.
Yurinov lands a straight punch to the body, keeping Smith at a distance.
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!
Yurinov misses the jab.
Yurinov throws a jab when Smith was well out of range.
Boris Yurinov seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Smith moves out of range of the strikes.
Smith swings for the body but Yurinov moves out of range.

Yurinov scores a takedown into full mount!
Smith is desperately trying to improve his position but Yurinov has a good base and remains in mount.
Yurinov dominating with strikes here.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Yurinov avoids the attempt from Smith to control.
Smith can't escape the position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Smith is trying to stand.
Smith really trying hard to get back to half guard here.
Yurinov with the ground and pound from mount.
Smith wants to hold on but Yurinov pushes him away.
Yurinov scoring with strikes but Smith is staying in there.

Smith is rocked!
Yurinov lands a big elbow - Smith is in trouble! More strikes from the mount and Smith is forced to tap out!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:55 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Strikes). Boris Yurinov!
A less than humble Boris Yurinov misjudged his post fight interview somewhat and came across a little too arrogant whilst trying to hype up his own abilities.

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
63%

Co-main event

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Allan Starsky (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Yaroslav Vasilyev (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Starsky comes to the cage accompanied by Sabaton - 40 : 1. Yaroslav Vasilyev has the power to score a knockout today if he connects clean with Allan Starsky's chin.

Starsky
vs
Vasilyev

187 cm
22
185 lbs
4 - 1 - 0

170 cm
20
190 lbs
3 - 0 - 0

Decent wrestler
Excellent boxer
Cardio machine

Good wrestler
Basic striking
Solid chin

Fossington & Blythe: Gentlemen's Fight Attire

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 4 - 1 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Allan Starsky!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 3 - 0 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Yaroslav Vasilyev!
The judges for this bout are Sergei Dronov, Konstantin Menshow and Vladimir Khabensky.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Vasilyev needs to keep his hands up - Starsky had a free shot at his head there.
Starsky stuns Vasilyev with a nice body shot, before stepping back out of range.
Starsky connects with the punch.
Starsky lands a slapping body shot.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Starsky with a nice cross.
Starsky lands a slapping body shot.
Starsky fakes and then throws a beautiful body shot. Vasilyev looks a bit winded and takes a step backwards to take a breath.
Vasilyev shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Starsky as he avoids it easily.
Vasilyev shoots for a takedown but Starsky saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
Vasilyev looks gassed!
Starsky uses good footwork to get in and out and land a nice right hand before Vasilyev has time to react.
Wow, both these guys are really going for it!
Starsky thuds a left hand into Vasilyev's body.
Starsky is looking to wear down Vasilyev with body shots, infact he's throwing more body shots than head shots at the moment.
Vasilyev loses concentration momentarily and Starsky pounces with a three punch combo! Right, left, right! Vasilyev crashes face first to the mat, out cold! Starsky finishes this one with a fantastically precise combo! Great stuff.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 0:34 of round 1, we have a winner by way of KO (Punches). Allan Starsky!
A very excited looking Allan Starsky made sure he remembered to thank all the fans both in the arena and on the internet. He said all the coolest people spend all day on MMA websites, which got a big reaction.

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
100%

Main event

Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between Van Dinh Nguyen (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Ville Apila (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Nguyen's entrance music is Rolling Stones - Paint it Black . A fine choice. Apila has chosen Distance ( OF OUR SKILLS) as his entrance music. Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the cage.

Dinh Nguyen
vs
Apila

173 cm
22
146 lbs
8 - 2 - 0

175 cm
32
142 lbs
21 - 12 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Excellent MT
Very quick

Good wrestler
Decent boxing
Good gas tank

Balco Boys - Hilo

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, for the bantamweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 8 - 2 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Van Dinh Nguyen!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 21 - 12 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Ville Apila!
The judges for this bout are Vladimir Khabensky, Fedor Mirinova and Valeri Chadov.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Apila shoots in from a long way out. He's driving through with the takedown attempt and he eventually gets it, landing in Nguyen's guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
It looks like the ref is thinking about a standup.
Nguyen avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Apila controls the pace of the fight for a moment.
Nguyen has Apila pulled in close to control his posture.
Apila trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Nguyen wants to sweep but no luck.
Apila postures up and lands a big shot to Nguyen's brow.
A real slowdown in the pace of the fight for a moment, as Nguyen holds on and takes a little breather.
Nguyen is looking to sweep but instead, Apila has passed into half guard.
Apila is thwarting Nguyen's attempts to control the position.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Apila is keen to just control but Nguyen is a slippery customer.
Nguyen is looking to improve his position.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Nguyen is working hard here to advance position.
Apila is thwarting Nguyen's attempts to control the position.

Apila is working for a kimura but Nguyen is defending it quite comfortably.
Nguyen tries to kick Apila off but Apila keeps his base steady and stays in half guard.
Nguyen is controlling Apila's trapped leg to prevent Apila from advancing to side control.
Nguyen gets back to full guard.
Apila stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Nguyen swivels though and keeps the full guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Apila showing good wrestling skills to control the position.

Apila thinks about going for a leg but decides against it, in order to maintain the position.
Apila stays in close to Nguyen's body and controls the position.
Apila is looking to work some ground and pound but Nguyen has wrist control.
Nguyen has control of Apila's left arm, preventing Apila from doing any damage.
Apila won't allow Nguyen to sweep him here.
Apila prevents Nguyen from getting back to his feet.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Apila postures up.

Van Dinh Nguyen has forced the referee to step in and bring the fight back to the feet.
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Apila misses with a wild combination.
Nguyen throws a leg kick which misses Apila's front leg but catches the back leg as Apila tries to avoid it.
Apila looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Nguyen is fending him off so far but Apila persists. Nope, Nguyen circles away and we're back to standing.
Apila moves out of range of the body kick from Nguyen.
Nguyen scores with a kick to the body.
Nguyen fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Apila manages to avoid it.
Apila lands a jab-cross combination.

It looks like Van Dinh Nguyen has been cut.
Apila looks to throw the jab but Nguyen is out of range.
Van Dinh Nguyen is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Apila shoots in but no luck this time.
Nguyen explodes with a nice body kick and back out of range. Nice work.
A decent looking body kick lands there for Nguyen.
A solid leg kick lands there for Nguyen.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
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!
Apila blocks the body kick.
Nguyen throws a body kick that misses.
Nguyen lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Apila circles away quickly and effectively.
The sound of bone on bone echoes around the arena as Apila checks a leg kick.
Apila is trying hard to land a takedown here. Nguyen sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
Van Dinh Nguyen has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Ville Apila.
Apila moves in looking to clinch but Nguyen pushes him off.
Nguyen throws the kick towards the body but Apila avoids it.
Nguyen misses with a body kick.
Nguyen lands with a nice low kick. That'll leave a bruise.
Nguyen looking to throw a kick but he's pulled out of it.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Apila takes an uppercut right on the button but keeps his composure.
Nguyen throws a hook but Apila blocks it.
Nguyen throws the kick towards the body but Apila avoids it.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Van Dinh Nguyen dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Van Dinh Nguyen's cut.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!

Well, he's not going to score with shots like that. A lazy body kick attempt from Nguyen.
A nice combination there by Nguyen.
Nguyen connects with a leg kick. Apila looked like he was expecting something else and didn't defend it.
Nguyen throws a chopping leg kick but Apila manages to avoid taking any serious damage.
Nguyen is looking to land body kicks.

Apila shoots in for a takedown and gets it. Let's see what he's got on the mat.
Nguyen seems keen to control rather than go for a submission, at least for now.
Apila throws a big right hand that misses.
Nguyen wants to get back to his feet but Apila is in a dominant position and won't allow it.
Apila with a flurry of punches that miss.
Apila lands a couple of elbows.
Apila tries to free his leg and advance position but Nguyen is retaining full guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Apila trying to control the position from guard on top but Nguyen is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Nguyen trying to control the position here.
Apila preventing the sweep.
Nguyen trying to keep a closed guard but Apila is proving a slippery customer.
Ville Apila has got the better of the ground game so far.

We're going to have a standup here because Van Dinh Nguyen wasn't active enough for the referee's liking.
Nguyen throws a nice outside leg kick.
Ooooh, nice body kick lands from Nguyen. Apila shrugs it off though.
Apila is looking to clinch.
Apila tries to clinch up.
Nguyen misses with a body kick.
Apila will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Apila takes a step back and watches a body kick go sailing past his mid section.
Nguyen tries to clinch there but Apila circles away.
Nguyen pivots as if he's going to throw a leg kick but stops half way.
Nguyen throws a body punch but Apila moves out of range.
Apila checks a low kick from Nguyen.
Apila throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Nguyen sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Nguyen thumps Apila with a low kick.
Van Dinh Nguyen is winning the standup battle so far.
Nguyen throws a body kick that digs right into the meat.
Van Dinh Nguyen seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Nguyen throws the kick towards the body but Apila avoids it.
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!
Apila looks to land a combination but Nguyen avoids it well.
Nguyen swings and misses with a shot to the body
and Apila connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Nguyen throws a low kick but his opponent is out of range.
Apila takes a swing at Nguyen's ribcage but misses.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Nguyen looks to land a body kick but Apila moved away.
Nguyen moves away from the strike by Apila.

Apila tries to keep at a distance but Nguyen has taken the fight into the clinch.
Apila blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.
Apila is trying to pull guard but Nguyen turns him against the cage and we stay in the clinch.
A nice left hand lands by Nguyen.
Nguyen with an attempt at a knee that misses.

Nguyen escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.

Apila darts in and lands a nice takedown into half guard.
Nguyen trying to control but Apila postures up.

Apila seems to be working for a kimura but Nguyen defends the submission attempt.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Nguyen is trying to get back to full guard.
Nguyen has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Apila is working away from the top position though.

Apila is trying a forearm choke… I don't think that's going to do much at this level of the game.
Nguyen wants to control but Apila is keeping busy and won't allow it.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Nguyen tries to roll over but Apila keeps him under control.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Van Dinh Nguyen dominated that second round.
The cut man is working on Van Dinh Nguyen's cut.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business. Ladies and gentlemen, this is the final round!

Apila shoots in for a takedown but Nguyen shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Apila takes a kick to the side of the head.
Nguyen buckles his opponent's knee momentarily with a nice leg kick.
Nguyen goes for a spinning back kick but it misses.
Apila shoots in for a takedown but Nguyen shows good takedown defense.
Nguyen misses with a low kick.

Apila looks for a takedown. He's got it. We're now in half guard.
Nguyen trying to control but Apila postures up.
Nguyen tries to roll over but Apila keeps him under control.
Apila seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Nguyen does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Apila is looking for an arm triangle, whilst trying to pass to side control. Nguyen doesn't seem that keen to cooperate though. No luck this time Apila.
Nguyen trying to control but Apila postures up.
Nguyen is not content to let Apila control the position.
Apila working Nguyen over with strikes.
Nguyen tries to roll over but Apila keeps him under control.
Nguyen regains full guard. Nicely done.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Nguyen pulls Apila in close to his closed guard and prevents Apila from doing any damage or advancing position.
Nguyen wants to sweep but no luck.
Nguyen keeping moving, preventing Apila from controlling successfully.
Nguyen not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
Apila sneaks a leg through and gets to half guard. That was like a knife through butter how easily he passed Nguyen's guard.
Apila wants to control but Nguyen is keeping him busy.
Nguyen gets back to full guard.
Apila trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Nguyen trying to keep a closed guard but Apila is proving a slippery customer.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Apila trying to control but Nguyen is working from the bottom.
Apila is pushing down on Nguyen's leg trying to pass to half guard. Nguyen is fighting to maintain full guard but Apila has managed to sneak the leg through.
Apila passes into side control, despite Nguyen's attempt to control the position.
Ville Apila has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Apila is looking to take a break and control but Nguyen is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Nguyen is looking to regain half guard here but Apila keeps moving and retains side control.

Apila thinks about going for a far side armbar but bails out and retains the dominant position instead.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
You can see the frustration on Nguyen's face, being in this tough position on the bottom.
Nguyen is trying to get back to half guard. He's pushing on Apila's leg. He's managed it. Nice work.
Nguyen is looking to control Apila's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Nguyen avoid being mounted?

Apila is looking for a kimura but he's never going to get it from there.
Nguyen has his hands clasped together around Apila's back. He's all about the action.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.

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

And that's the end of the fight!
I would just about give that final round to Ville Apila.
I think Nguyen 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 Vladimir Khabensky scores the fight 29:28
Judge Fedor Mirinova scores the fight 29:28
Judge Valeri Chadov scores the fight 29:28

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Van Dinh Nguyen!
Van Dinh Nguyen retains his bantamweight title!
Van Dinh Nguyen looked relieved post fight as he said the following; 'I trained very hard for this fight and took my opponent very seriously. I know he wanted to take it to the ground and I did my best to keep it on my feet. I wanted to thank my BJJ sparring parters Yourn Rotterdam and Chico Esquela for preparing me for my BJJ sub defense!'.