Battle Legends 27 PBP Commentary

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Troy Miller (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Rich Marshland (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). I don't know about you partner, but I'm pumped for this one!

Miller
vs
Marshland

160 cm
25
130 lbs
4 - 1 - 0

158 cm
19
139 lbs
2 - 4 - 0

Good wrestling
Brawler
Very quick

Dangerous GnP
Counter striker
Knockout power

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 4 - 1 - 0, fighting out of New York, Troy Miller!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 2 - 4 - 0, fighting out of New York, Rich Marshland!
The judges for this bout are Anthony Taglia, Chad Campbell and Lou da Vinci.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Miller checks a low kick from Marshland.
Marshland has his head slapped from side to side by a 3 punch combination. That must have hurt him.
A head kick misses from Marshland.
Marshland swings away with a leg kick that misses.
Marshland misses with an uppercut
and Marshland takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
An inside leg kick from Marshland misses.

Miller looking to score a takedown here. Marshland is defending well but Miller drives through and ends up in Marshland's guard.
Miller looking to sit in guard and control but Marshland gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top.
Marshland trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Marshland trying to control the position from guard on top but Miller is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Marshland postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Marshland stopping the sweep attempt from Miller.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Marshland is looking to work some ground and pound but Miller has wrist control.
Miller keeping moving, preventing Marshland from controlling successfully.
Miller preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Marshland passes Miller's right leg, so he's now in half guard.
Marshland thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Miller's head.
Miller keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Miller avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Marshland.
Miller is trying to control but can't.
Miller wants to get back to full guard.
Marshland blocks the strikes from Miller.
Miller tries to get to full guard but Marshland has control of the leg.
The referee walks around the fighters to get a better view of the action. Marshland lands a nice short elbow.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Miller is trying to stand back up but Marshland is controlling him
Marshland passes to side control.
Marshland in side control lands a decent elbow.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Miller tries to buck Marshland off but Marshland is having none of it.
Miller on his back here. We all know that wrestlers don't like being on their back so let's see if Miller tries to get out of the position.
Marshland grinds an elbow into Miller's temple.
Miller wants to control but Marshland postures up.
Marshland wants to control but Miller is keeping him busy.
Marshland scoring with punches and elbows.
Miller is trying to control Marshland's posture but Marshland avoids it.
Marshland in side control, trying to ground and pound but not landing this time.
Miller knows he needs to get back to his feet asap. He's simply no match for Marshland on the ground.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
You can see the frustration on Miller's face, being in this tough position on the bottom.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Marshland in side control, throwing shots but Miller defends.
You can see the frustration on Miller's face, being in this tough position on the bottom.
Marshland misses with a strike but at least he's keeping busy, looking to cause some damage - that will still help him when it comes to the judges scorecards.
Marshland throws an elbow but Miller slips to the side and avoids it well.
Miller is trying to work for a sweep but Marshland has mounted him!
Miller is bucking up trying to escape but Marshland cracks him with another couple of good strikes.
Marshland landing strikes from the mount.
Miller really trying hard to get back to half guard here.
Marshland lands a big elbow.
Miller is working to get back to half guard.
Miller tries to hold on but Marshland postures up.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Miller working to try and regain half guard.
Miller's corner are shouting for him to stand up but that's bad cornering - how is he meant to stand up when he's mounted? He should be looking to improve his position on the ground before trying to stand back up.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Miller is wriggling around trying to escape.
Marshland with good strikes from the mount here!

Marshland is in full mount, looking to secure a guillotine but Miller is surviving well by controlling Marshland's body position as best he can.
Marshland looks gassed!
Miller is wriggling around trying to escape.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Marshland won't let Miller get back to his feet... He wants to keep the fight where it is for now.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Rich Marshland dominated that round.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business.

Miller gets the takedown into side control.
Miller wants to lay and pray for a moment but Marshland keeps working.
Miller is going to have to think about doing something other than just controlling because Marshland is managing to avoid having the position dictated to him.
Marshland throws a couple of punches but he's in a bad position and they don't land.

Miller swings around for an armbar but Marshland sees it coming a mile off and turns beautifully into Miller's guard.

Marshland 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.
Miller trying to control the position.
Miller looking to hit a scissor sweep but Marshland is one step ahead there.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Miller is working hard here to advance position.
Marshland is in close to Miller's body, working some short punches and elbows.
Marshland preventing the sweep.
Marshland throws a big elbow that misses.
Miller avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Marshland has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
Miller wants to sweep here but Marshland controlling him for the moment.
Marshland works a leg free and moves into half guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Miller on the receiving end of some nice ground and pound.

Marshland is working for a kimura but Miller is defending it quite comfortably.
Miller blocking the ground and pound attempt from Marshland.
Marshland is thwarting Miller's attempts to control the position.
Marshland sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Miller defending well though.
Marshland scores with a couple of good hammerfists.
Miller punching from the bottom.
Miller wants to get back to full guard.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Marshland is thwarting Miller's attempts to control the position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Marshland works his foot free and advances to mount.
Marshland raining down shots from the mount!
Miller is trying desperately to improve position.
Rich Marshland has got the better of the ground game so far.
Marshland lands a nice shot to the head.
Marshland looking to ground and pound but Miller is blocking nicely.
Marshland is breathing heavily.
Marshland avoids the attempt from Miller to control.
Miller is looking to get to half guard.
Marshland looking to ground and pound his opponent to a finish here.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Miller is working to get back to half guard.
Marshland dominating with strikes here.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Miller taking shots to the head.
Miller is writhing around trying to get back to his feet.
Miller is in all sorts of trouble here.
Marshland breaks from Miller's wrist control and lands an elbow.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Miller is wriggling around trying to escape.
Marshland throws an elbow from mount that misses. Lucky escape for Miller because Marshland loaded up on that one.
Miller really trying hard to get back to half guard here.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Rich Marshland showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business. This is the final round!

Miller is looking for a takedown here. He's shot in and has managed to get it, finishing up in Marshland's half guard.
Miller wants to lay and pray for a moment but Marshland keeps working.
Marshland pushes Miller off looking to stand but Miller dives back in and keeps control.
Miller blocks the strikes from Marshland.
Marshland flails away from the bottom but he's not doing any damage.

Marshland actively working from the bottom here.
Miller takes a deep breath and rests his weight momentarily on top of his opponent, to control the position.
Marshland tries to strike from the bottom but it doesn't land.
Marshland wants to get back to his feet.
Miller stalling away here and it's allowed Marshland to slip out his trapped foot and regain full guard.
Marshland takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Miller trying to control the position from guard on top but Marshland is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Marshland throws some sloppy strikes off his back.
Miller trying to control the position from guard on top but Marshland is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Miller wants to pass the guard but Marshland is keeping the position.
The referee looks like he's ready to step in and stand the fighters back up.
Miller has decided he wants to stand but the closed guard of Marshland is proving hard to escape from.
Miller controlling from the guard. I say controlling but really, he's stalling.

The ref stands the fighters back up because Troy Miller just wasn't active enough.
Miller takes a head kick and shrugs it off.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Miller feints and as Marshland raises his hands in defense, Miller changes levels and drives through with a takedown into guard.
Miller landing with the ground and pound.
Marshland keeping full guard, as Miller tries to pass.
Miller trying to control but Marshland is working from the bottom.
Miller trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Marshland throwing strikes off his back to little effect.
Miller won't allow Marshland to sweep him here.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Marshland keeping moving, preventing Miller from controlling successfully.
It looks like the ref is thinking about a standup.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Marshland is on top in guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Marshland pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Miller is keeping the position for now.
Miller pulls Marshland in close to prevent any damage.
Marshland stopping the sweep attempt from Miller.
Rich Marshland is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
Marshland wants to pass the guard but Miller is keeping the position.
Miller trying to strike from the bottom but really, it's not the best position to be doing that from!
Miller trying to control the position.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Miller doesn't do any damage with a couple of strikes from the bottom.
Miller is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.
Miller trying to keep a closed guard but Marshland is proving a slippery customer.
Marshland trying to control the position from guard on top but Miller is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

The ref stands the fighters back up. Troy Miller wasn't doing enough on the ground.
Miller stalks Marshland and leaps in with a furious combination of punches. Uppercuts and crosses smash into Marshland's face. Marshland staggers backwards, shaken.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Marshland is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Miller.

Miller is looking for a takedown here. He's shot in and has managed to get it, finishing up in Marshland's half guard.
Troy Miller has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Miller lands strikes from half guard.

And that's the end of the fight!
Troy Miller showed his dominance in that final round.
I think Marshland has won this one but let's see whether the judges agree with me. 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 Anthony Taglia scores the fight 28:29
Judge Chad Campbell scores the fight 28:29
Judge Lou da Vinci scores the fight 28:29

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Rich Marshland!
A pretty intense looking Rich Marshland took the opportunity post-fight to ask for a shot at the title.

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
84%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Nicol Abdulgani (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Hoopdy Doopdy (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Nicol Abdulgani has the better chin. Will he look to stand and bang today?

Abdulgani
vs
Doopdy

185 cm
24
155 lbs
0 - 5 - 0

225 cm
19
130 lbs
0 - 3 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Excellent MT
KO power

BJJ White Belt
Dangerous knees
Determined

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 0 - 5 - 0, fighting out of New York, Nicol Abdulgani!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 3 - 0, fighting out of New York, Hoopdy Doopdy!
The judges for this bout are John Roberts, Bruno Lombardi and Eddie Farnsworth.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Doopdy throws a series of punches but Abdulgani moves out of range.
Abdulgani wants to clinch up but Doopdy keeps it at a distance.
Abdulgani fails in his attempt to clinch.
Doopdy closes the distance and clinches up with Abdulgani, looking for a takedown. Doopdy pushes Abdulgani against the cage but Abdulgani circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Abdulgani tries to clinch but Doopdy moves out of range.
Doopdy avoids a punch combination nicely.
Doopdy shoots in but doesn't get the takedown

and Abdulgani counters by clinching up.
Doopdy leaning his opponent against the cage.
Doopdy on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
Abdulgani lands an elbow inside.

It looks like Hoopdy Doopdy has been cut.
With the fighters up against the cage, Abdulgani throws an elbow but misses.
Doopdy is looking to break free of the clinch but Abdulgani has double underhooks.
Abdulgani unloads a knee to the mid-section. Doopdy lets out a prehistoric sounding urrrrgh.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Knees in the clinch landing for Abdulgani.
Doopdy looks gassed!
Abdulgani scores a nice knee to the body.
Abdulgani really does look like a pencil wearing a pair of gloves. Let's hope he has a gameplan to suit that ridiculous body shape.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Abdulgani lands a good knee to the midsection. Doopdy won't want to take too many of those.
A nice glancing elbow lands by Abdulgani.
Abdulgani creates a bit of space for himself and sneaks an elbow through Doopdy's defenses.
Abdulgani lands a glancing elbow in the clinch.
Abdulgani utilising his Muay Thai to score with a knee to the body.
Doopdy takes an elbow to the forehead.
Abdulgani landing knees to the body.
Abdulgani is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Doopdy is defending well for now.
Abdulgani lands an elbow inside that Doopdy shrugs off.

That has opened up Hoopdy Doopdy's cut even more.
Abdulgani creates a bit of space for himself and sneaks an elbow through Doopdy's defenses.

Doopdy is rocked!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Abdulgani putting his Muay Thai to good use. He has Doopdy in a tight clinch and is doing some damage with knees to the body.
Doopdy takes an elbow to the forehead.
Doopdy is still on wobbly legs! Can Abdulgani finish him?
Knees to the body from Abdulgani.
Abdulgani putting his Muay Thai to good use. He has Doopdy in a tight clinch and is doing some damage with knees to the body.
Doopdy seems to have recovered his senses.
Abdulgani landing some nice looking knees to the body.
Abdulgani utilising his Muay Thai to score with a knee to the body.
Doopdy takes an elbow to the forehead.

The cut above Hoopdy Doopdy's eye is starting to cause him problems now.
Abdulgani lands an elbow inside that Doopdy shrugs off.
Abdulgani lands an elbow inside.
Abdulgani lands a glancing elbow in the clinch.

Hoopdy Doopdy's cut is absolute horrible now. This looks like something out of a horror film with blood covering both fighters.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Abdulgani comes over the top with an elbow. That landed flush.

The referee calls the doctor in to look at Hoopdy Doopdy's cut. Oh no, the doctor has called an end to the bout!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:15 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Cut). Nicol Abdulgani!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
67%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Deacon Downs (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Chad Griggs (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Chad Griggs has the better chin. Will he look to stand and bang today?

Downs
vs
Griggs

184 cm
26
218 lbs
4 - 1 - 0

190 cm
23
209 lbs
5 - 1 - 0

Good wrestling
Brawler
Big heart

Good wrestler
Brawler
Determined

BioPharm Nutrition
Happy Pills

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 4 - 1 - 0, fighting out of New York, Deacon Downs!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 5 - 1 - 0, fighting out of New York, Chad Griggs!
The judges for this bout are Eddie Farnsworth, Lou da Vinci and Bruno Lombardi.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Downs has taken the fight to the clinch.
Downs fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Griggs blocks an uppercut.
Griggs tries to score a body lock takedown but Downs shows good agility there to stay on his feet.

Downs escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Griggs looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
Griggs fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Deacon Downs has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Chad Griggs.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Griggs.
Downs scores with a jab to the jaw of his opponent.

It looks like Chad Griggs has been cut.
Downs is looking to take this fight into the clinch.

Oooooh!!! Downs has knocked Griggs down with a huge combo! Downs steps away and waves a wobbly Griggs back to his feet! This one might not go much longer!

Griggs is rocked!
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Griggs swats away the attempt to clinch by Downs.
The fight stays on the outside here - Downs looks like he's thinking about clinching though.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Griggs shoots in but no luck this time.
Griggs takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.
Griggs uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Downs.
Downs tries to close the distance and clinch but Griggs swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.

Downs has managed to clinch.
Downs tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Downs tries to work over Griggs's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Downs.
Downs is struggling to control the position.
Downs lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
Downs lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Griggs is looking for a takedown up against the cage. Downs gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.
A short uppercut from Downs.
Griggs blocking some punches.
Downs lands with a left to the head.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Downs.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Downs.
Downs scores with an uppercut up the middle.
Downs misses with a short punch on the inside.
Downs stalls.
Downs lands a nice looking hook to the body, against the cage.
Downs swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Downs misses with a hook from the clinch.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Downs lands an uppercut.
Downs tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Griggs's elbow.
Downs tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Downs tries to throw a body punch but Griggs avoids it by throwing Downs back against the cage.
Griggs has Downs pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Downs manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.
Griggs is looking to take this one to the mat.

Downs breaks from the clinch.
Griggs closes the distance and clinches up with Downs, looking for a takedown. Griggs pushes Downs against the cage but Downs circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.

Downs moves into the clinch successfully.
Downs tries a body shot but Griggs blocks it.
A short uppercut from Downs.
Griggs blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Downs lands an uppercut.
Downs misses with a shot to the kidneys.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Downs swings wildly with an uppercut but Griggs uses good head movement to avoid it.
Downs misses with a hook from the clinch.
Downs misses with a hook from the clinch.
Griggs is trying desperately to land a takedown but Downs is having absolutely none of it. This is turning into a bit of a nightmare for Griggs.
Downs lands a hook that snaps the head of Griggs backwards.
Downs tries to throw a body punch but Griggs avoids it by throwing Downs back against the cage.
Griggs wants a takedown but no success here.

Downs pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Downs looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Downs looks to throw the jab but Griggs is out of range.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Griggs with a poor takedown
and Downs counters nicely by changing levels and landing a hook to the body.

Downs moves into the clinch.
Downs tries a body shot but Griggs blocks it.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Deacon Downs dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Chad Griggs's cut.
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.

Downs defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Griggs.
Downs misses with a wild combination.
Downs stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Downs wants it to stay on the feet.
Griggs with a poor takedown

and Downs holds on and brings the fighters into a clinch.
Deacon Downs has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Chad Griggs.
Downs leaning against his opponent.
Nice body punch from Downs.
Downs has a couple of punches blocked by Griggs.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, Downs creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
Downs scores with a nice hook to the head.
Downs swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Griggs is breathing heavily.
Griggs has dropped down and is looking to force the takedown but it's defended by Downs after a bit of a struggle.
A right hand to the body from Downs.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Downs misses with a short punch on the inside.

That's one minute gone in the round.
A body shot lands from Downs.
Downs tries a body shot but Griggs blocks it.
Downs controlling the action here for a moment.
Downs digs a right hand into Griggs's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Griggs's gas tank.
Downs swings wildly with an uppercut but Griggs uses good head movement to avoid it.
Downs throws a head punch that misses.
Downs scores with a shoulder strike.
Griggs prevents a body shot from Downs.
Griggs blocks an uppercut.
Griggs blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Downs misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Deacon Downs has scored more points in the clinch so far.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Downs lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
Downs misses with the head strike.
Downs is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Griggs can do to turn this around?
Griggs blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Downs tries to work over Griggs's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.

Downs's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Griggs has his takedown stuffed

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

Downs's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Griggs.
Griggs shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Downs pinned against the cage. Downs gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
Deacon Downs is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Downs is looking to clinch but Griggs is avoiding it.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Sloppy strikes from Downs. Those never looked like landing.
Downs lands a jab. Then a cross. Then finally a nice hook to the body. Good work there by Downs.
Griggs shoots in but no luck this time.
Downs tries to clinch but Griggs is having none of it.
Griggs takes a shot to the eye socket. That's gotta hurt.
Downs displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Griggs.
Downs scores with a shot to the body.
Downs scores with a nice one two combo and darts back out of range to avoid anything coming in the opposite direction.
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!
Nice sprawl there from Downs as Griggs shoots in.
Downs tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in the close the distance. Griggs manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Downs lands a jab to Griggs's midsection.
Deacon Downs is winning the standup battle so far.
Downs comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.
Griggs avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Downs tries to clinch up but Griggs circles away and keeps his distance.
Downs tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Griggs paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Griggs with a poor takedown
letting Downs counter with a right hand.
Downs is looking to wear down Griggs with body shots, infact he's throwing more body shots than head shots at the moment.
Downs tries to clinch up.
Griggs gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily

and Downs holds on and brings the fighters into a clinch.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Griggs blocks an uppercut.
Downs dictating the pace here, as the fighters clinch against the cage.
Downs softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Deacon Downs dominated that second round.
The cut man is working on Chad Griggs's cut.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action. This is the final round!

Griggs keeps the fight on the outside.
Downs scores with a nice one two combo and darts back out of range to avoid anything coming in the opposite direction.
Downs tries to close the distance and clinch up but Griggs swats him away and circles back towards the center.

Downs closes the distance and clinches.
Griggs prevents a body shot from Downs.
Downs has Griggs pressed against the cage.
Griggs is working for a takedown up against the cage. He can't get it on this occasion though.
Downs has a couple of punches blocked by Griggs.
Downs working aggressively here.
Downs tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Downs has Griggs pushed against the cage.

Downs manages to break the clinch.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Downs keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.

Downs rushes Griggs and presses him up against the cage.
A nice right hand lands inside from Downs.
Downs tries to work over Griggs's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Downs digs a right hand underneath Griggs's ribcage. Griggs let out a lung full of air as it connected.
Downs tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Griggs blocks an uppercut.
Downs working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
Downs misses with the head strike.
Downs lands with a short shot to the head.
Downs lands on the inside with an uppercut.
Griggs takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
The two fighters are working to gain dominance in the clinch.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Downs has a couple of punches blocked by Griggs.
Griggs blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Downs throws a punch but it's blocked by Griggs.
Griggs tries for a takedown but Downs manages to get underhooks.
Deacon Downs has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Chad Griggs.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Downs lands a right hand that snaps the head of Griggs backwards.
Griggs goes for a takedown attempt but Downs pushes him away and we're back to fighting at a distance.
Downs is looking to clinch.
Griggs avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Downs tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in the close the distance. Griggs manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Griggs shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Downs pinned against the cage. Downs gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Downs misses with a series of wild punches.
Downs lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Griggs circles away quickly and effectively.
Downs wants to clinch up but Griggs keeps it at a distance.
Griggs doesn't succeed with the takedown
and Downs counters with a nice jab to the body that keeps Griggs thinking.
Downs shuffles to his left behind two crisp jabs. Griggs eats them both and turns towards Downs to reposition himself and eats a stinging right hand-left hook combo.
Griggs is still on wobbly legs! Can Downs finish him?
Griggs will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
Griggs seems to have recovered his senses.
Downs doesn't manage to clinch there - Griggs circles away.
Griggs shoots in but doesn't get the takedown

and Downs counters by clinching up.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Downs throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Griggss head.

That has opened up Chad Griggs's cut even more.
Downs lands a shot to the body.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!

Downs breaks the clinch.
Griggs avoids a kick to the body.
Downs lands with a good body shot.
Downs throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Downs tries to clinch there but Griggs circles away.

Downs closes the distance and pushes Griggs back into the cage.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Griggs blocks an uppercut.
Downs lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
Chad Griggs has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Deacon Downs is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Griggs misses with an elbow strike.

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

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Eddie Farnsworth scores the fight 30:27
Judge Lou da Vinci scores the fight 30:27
Judge Bruno Lombardi scores the fight 30:26

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Deacon Downs!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
79%

Co-main event

Main event

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Harper Pool (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Ronaldo Palhares (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Ronaldo Palhares acknowledges the crowd's support as he enters the cage.

Pool
vs
Palhares

181 cm
21
175 lbs
3 - 7 - 0

178 cm
20
185 lbs
2 - 0 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Basic striking
Good chin

BJJ Brown Belt
Counter striker
Granite chin

KAISER
Happy Pills

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 3 - 7 - 0, fighting out of New York, Harper Pool!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 2 - 0 - 0, fighting out of New York, Ronaldo Palhares!
The judges for this bout are John Roberts, Eddie Farnsworth and Russell Pearce.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Pool moves into the clinch successfully.
Pool leaning his opponent against the cage.
Palhares is looking to break free of the clinch but Pool has double underhooks.
Pool has Palhares pressed against the cage, preventing Palhares from circling away and getting back to striking at range.
Palhares trying to stall but Pool improves his position.

Pool's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Palhares throws a big shot that misses.
A looping hook to the body misses from Palhares. Pool does a little dance to reset his feet.

Pool closes the distance and clinches up, looking for a takedown. He shifts his weight and gets a nice trip into half guard.
We could do with one of the fighters taking the initiative a bit more on the ground - they're both waiting to capitalize on a mistake.
The referee wants the fighters to be more active or he's going to reset them on the feet.
Palhares tries to get to full guard but Pool has control of the leg.
Pool passes to full mount!

That's one minute gone in the round.
Palhares tries to reverse the position but Pool maintains control.
Palhares gets back to half guard.
Palhares is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Pool seems to be taking a bit of a break to think of his next move. He lands a short punch in the meantime.

Pool decides to stand up and try his luck on the feet.
Pool tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Palhares paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Palhares throws a jab, cross combination which is slipped

and Pool counters into the clinch. Nicely done.
Good anti-grappling being displayed by Pool as Palhares tries to tie him up.

Pool successfully pulls guard.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Palhares stands and throws Pool's legs to the side, diving into side control.
Pool is trying to get back to half guard.

Palhares looking for an arm triangle but it's way too loose to do anything.
Pool knows he needs to get back to his feet asap. He's simply no match for Palhares on the ground.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Palhares working away.

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

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

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Palhares wants to work for a kimura but he's foiled early by Pool, who protects the arm well.
Palhares is looking to take a break and control but Pool is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Palhares lands a knee to the body and a forearm to the face.
Sloppy strikes there by Palhares.

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

Palhares working hard here to secure a kimura but he's not really in the right position for it.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Pool sneaks back into half guard.
Pool is looking for a sweep. Palhares is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Pool blocking the ground and pound attempt from Palhares.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.

Palhares is looking for a kimura here.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Palhares prevents Pool from standing back up.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

A head kick by Palhares misses
and Pool counters with a three punch combination, finished off with a leg kick. Nice work.

Palhares gets caught flat footed, as Pool shoots in with a quick takedown into guard.

Palhares looking for a guillotine here but Pool defends easily.

Pool avoids a guillotine attempt easily.
Pool trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!

Palhares has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Pool can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.

Palhares looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Palhares working for a triangle but Pool defends it easily.
Pool forces his way into half guard.
Pool tries to stand and escape but Palhares is controlling the position.
Palhares gets back to full guard.
Palhares manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Pool manages to get himself to full guard.
Pool is looking to get back to his feet but can't, whilst Palhares is controlling him.
Pool keeping moving, preventing Palhares from controlling successfully.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Palhares throws a strike but Pool rolls with it and manages to sweep. Now he's in guard on top.

Palhares throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.
This has been an exciting period of action!

Palhares is looking for a triangle but Pool pushes his legs off easily.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Palhares will have to put a bit more behind his punches if he's going to do any damage from this position.

Palhares looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.

Palhares working for a triangle but Pool defends it easily.

Palhares escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Pool gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.

Palhares looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.
Palhares wants to sweep but no luck.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Palhares not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!

Palhares looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.
Palhares trying to keep a closed guard but Pool is proving a slippery customer.

Palhares is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
Palhares keeping moving, preventing Pool from controlling successfully.

Palhares is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!

Palhares is looking for a triangle but Pool pushes his legs off easily.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Ronaldo Palhares showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action! The crowd applaud as we get ready to start the final round!

Palhares tries to keep at a distance but Pool has taken the fight into the clinch.

Pool has double underhooks and is working for a body lock takedown. He's got it. The fighters land in half guard but Palhares regains guard immediately.
Palhares working a defensive guard here.

Palhares is actively looking for submissions from his back. He's worked himself a little space on the bottom and seems to be going for a triangle. No, he's switched into an armbar! That was slick! Pool rolls with it to try and escape but Palhares cranks on the arm and Pool is forced to tap out! This one is aaaaaaaaall over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 0:51 of round 3, we have a winner by way of Submission (Armbar). Ronaldo Palhares!
A very excited looking Ronaldo Palhares 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.