HFC 119 Liberation PBP Commentary

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between Jackie Chan (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Israel Stephens (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Chan kept the crowd waiting but all that was forgotten when his ring entrance music started. The incomparable musical genius that is Now i know. Israel Stephens has the better chin. Will he look to stand and bang today?

Chan
vs
Stephens

165 cm
24
130 lbs
2 - 2 - 0

225 cm
26
140 lbs
2 - 6 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Solid Muay Thai
Cuts easily

BJJ White Belt
Good kicks
Solid chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the bantamweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 2 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Jackie Chan!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 2 - 6 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Israel Stephens!
The judges for this bout are , Jack Bonds and Timothy Bukovac.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Stephens is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Chan.
Israel Stephens seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Stephens scores with a spinning back kick!
Chan wants to clinch.
Chan blocks a jab.
Stephens throws a sloppy body shot
and Chan counters with a kick to the head that grazes his opponent. Stephens is lucky that one didn't land flush.
Stephens throws a right high kick that is partially blocked by Chan.
Chan will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
Chan gets his head snapped back by a nice shot there.
Chan shoots in for a double leg but Stephens sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
Chan shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Jackie Chan. That's going to take a lot out of him.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Stephens just misses with a punch to the body.
A head kick misses from Stephens.
Stephens tries a head kick but it misses.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Stephens cracks Chan with an open hand slap.
Chan tries to clinch up.
Chan throws a head kick that misses.

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

Chan is rocked!

It looks like Jackie Chan has been cut.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
No luck with that takedown attempt from Chan.
Oh Chan is still all over the place! His legs are completely gone! Will he be able to recover?!!
Stephens dances in with a quick combination. Chan is being worked over with jabs and crosses. Oooh, a right straight from Stephens snaps Chan's head back. Chan stumbles backwards against the cage. Stephens steps forward and delivers a right cross that connects with Chan's jaw, simultaneously knocking him out and sending his mouthpiece into the crowd! There's a worthy souvenir for the fans. This one is over folks. Chan just didn't come prepared.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:27 of round 1, we have a winner by way of KO (Punches). Israel Stephens!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
83%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Robin Convents (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Danila Kormov (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Convents
vs
Kormov

200 cm
37
268 lbs
21 - 30 - 1

182 cm
27
230 lbs
2 - 4 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Solid Muay Thai
KO power

BJJ White Belt
Excellent boxer
Granite chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 21 - 30 - 1, fighting out of Los Angeles, Robin Convents!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 2 - 4 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Danila Kormov!
The judges for this bout are Jack Bonds, Don Winkell and Frank Antenori.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Kormov sees a low kick coming and goes to check it, but it's actually a body kick and it thuds into his unprotected ribs.
Convents is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Kormov takes a body kick right on the floating rib. Ouchie.
Kormov looks winded!
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!

Kormov gets caught napping as Convents dives in and scores a takedown. Kormov manages to retain guard.
Convents chips away with some ground and pound.
Kormov keeping moving, preventing Convents from controlling successfully.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Convents accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Convents is working the ground and pound from guard. He might want to try advancing position though to get more of an impact.
Convents passes into half guard.
Convents uses his free foot to push down on Kormov's thigh. Eventually he works his other foot free and he's advanced to mount - this is trouble for Kormov.
Kormov is squirming around, avoiding Convents's attempts to control the action.

Convents working to secure an arm triangle but it's not happening for him just yet.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Convents working away from the top, dropping strikes.

It looks like Danila Kormov has been cut.

Convents working for a submission here. He's tucked his head under his opponent's arm, looking for an arm triangle. He's hopped off into side control, looking to tighten the submission... is it going to work? He's given up a good position looking for it. Kormov looks OK. Oh, I spoke too soon, he's out! That must have been tighter than I thought! Excellent work there by Convents! Submission of the night perhaps?

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:36 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Arm Triangle). Robin Convents!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
78%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Mamed Khalidovv (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Gordon Wilson (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Khalidovv comes to the cage accompanied by Shamhan Daldaev - Eto Kavkaz . Well, the cameraman is lingering on a pretty young lady for a bit too long there. Keep your eyes on the prize buddy or you'll miss the fighter intros!

Khalidovv
vs
Wilson

183 cm
36
181 lbs
14 - 20 - 1

168 cm
20
175 lbs
2 - 1 - 0

Good wrestling
Excellent boxer
Good chin

BJJ Blue Belt
Excellent boxer
Powerful

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 14 - 20 - 1, fighting out of Los Angeles, Mamed Khalidovv!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 2 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Gordon Wilson!
The judges for this bout are Frank Antenori, Timothy Bukovac and Don Winkell.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Wilson throws a nice looking combination but Khalidovv bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.

Khalidovv shoots in and bounces Wilson off the cage to secure the takedown into guard.
It looks like the ref is thinking about a standup.
Khalidovv tries to free his leg and advance position but Wilson is retaining full guard.
Wilson lands a beautiful switch and he's in full mount! That could spell trouble for Khalidovv!
Khalidovv working to try and regain half guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Khalidovv is working hard here to advance position.
Khalidovv bucks up and manages to get a nice reversal! He's in guard on the top - nicely done!

That's one minute gone in the round.

Khalidovv thinks about going for a leg but decides against it, in order to maintain the position.
Khalidovv stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Wilson swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Khalidovv will need to keep those long limbs tucked in whilst he's on the ground, to prevent any submissions.
Wilson working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Khalidovv.
Khalidovv showing good wrestling skills to control the position.
Khalidovv trying to control the position from guard on top but Wilson is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Wilson really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Khalidovv. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Khalidovv postures up as if he's going to throw some strikes but drops back for an ankle! Wilson is in big trouble! He looks ready to tap! But no, he's escaped and dives on top of Khalidovv, into his guard.
Wilson controlling from the top position.

Wilson is posturing up here but Khalidovv has hold of an arm and he's gone for an armbar! Wilson tries to roll out but it's too tight and Wilson has to tap! Slick submission there by Khalidovv!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:56 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Armbar). Mamed Khalidovv!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
30%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between John Croak (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Clayton Kosh (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Kosh has chosen You cant stop crazy as his entrance music. Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the cage.

Croak
vs
Kosh

188 cm
25
240 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

194 cm
39
266 lbs
23 - 10 - 0

Good wrestling
Great elbows
Cardio machine

Good wrestler
Decent boxing
Heavy handed

Dynamite

Conviction

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, John Croak!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 23 - 10 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Clayton Kosh!
The judges for this bout are Timothy Bukovac, Frank Antenori and .

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Kosh wants to clinch.

Croak takes the fight into the clinch.
Croak trying to land knees to the body.

Croak breaks from the clinch.
Croak wants to clinch up but Kosh keeps it at a distance.

Kosh darts in and lands a nice takedown into half guard.
Kosh takes a deep breath and rests his weight momentarily on top of his opponent, to control the position.
Kosh is trying to control. Croak wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.
Croak wants to stand back up but Kosh manages to pass into side control.
Croak is trying to stand back up. He's worked his way up against the cage but Kosh has just dragged him back down to the mat.
Croak trying desperately to get back to his feet here but he's not having any joy at all. He's going to tire himself out if he's not careful.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kosh trying to control the position but Croak is working away.

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

Croak throws Kosh to one side and escapes!
Croak darts in trying to clinch
and Kosh counters with a head kick. That will keep Croak thinking before he tries any more sloppy attacks!
Croak ducks under a wild hook from Kosh.
John Croak is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Croak throws a nice looking combination but Kosh bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Croak looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.

Croak tries to sprawl but Kosh drives through with a takedown into half guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Croak is trying to stand.
Croak scrambles, trying to get to his feet, but Kosh manages to mount him!
Croak is not a happy chappy… he wants out of there.
Kosh lands a couple of good shots and Croak has given up his back, trying to escape the position!
Croak knows he needs to get back to his feet asap. He's simply no match for Kosh on the ground.
Kosh wants to control but Croak is keeping busy.
Croak has the hand control, trying to stop the rear naked choke.

Kosh has managed to slip his arm under Croak's chin. This could be all over... yep, Croak is tapping out! Submission win for Kosh.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:45 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (RNC). Clayton Kosh!
Clayton Kosh thanked the fans post fight for their support.

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
55%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Jake Storms (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Bradford Manning (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Storms comes to the cage accompanied by Stratovarius - Stratofortress. Manning has chosen Enter Sandman as his entrance music. Bradford Manning is the more experienced fighter, so let's see if that makes a difference tonight.

Storms
vs
Manning

194 cm
20
251 lbs
2 - 0 - 0

190 cm
25
250 lbs
6 - 10 - 0

Good wrestling
Solid boxing
Very quick

BJJ Blue Belt
Decent boxing
Knockout power

Dynamite
Sex Panther Supplements

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 2 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Jake Storms!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 6 - 10 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Bradford Manning!
The judges for this bout are Don Winkell, and Jack Bonds.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Manning throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Manning throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Storms keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Manning.
Manning fails with the takedown

so Storms counters with a double leg into guard. Good agility.
We may be looking at a referee standup if the pace doesn't pick up soon.
Manning avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Storms is intent on slowing down the pace of the fight, simply looking to control.
Storms postures up and scores with a shot to the body and a follow up elbow to the head.

It looks like Bradford Manning has been cut.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Storms controls from within his opponent's guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Manning utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Storms working some strikes from top position.

Manning is working an open guard so Storms takes the opportunity to get back to his feet.

Storms changes levels and drives through with a really nice takedown into side control. Manning looks really pissed at himself for not defending that better.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Storms working the ground and pound.
Storms working the head with strikes.

That has opened up Bradford Manning's cut even more.
Manning taking punishment in the form of punches.

Manning is rocked!

Storms has hold of Manning's arm. He's looking for a kimura. Manning seems comfortable defending it but Storms has shifted his position slighty and is cranking on the arm! Manning is real pain and he's forced to tap out! Manning is disgusted with himself for not defending it better but Storms couldn't care less - he's delighted!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:21 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Kimura). Jake Storms!
Jake Storms spent the whole post fight interview bigging himself up. It didn't go down that well with the fans after a while as they thought it was a bit arrogant.

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
93%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Krayzie Bone (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Igor Rumble (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Bone comes to the cage accompanied by Niggas In Paris. The crowd seem to be enjoying Rumble's choice of entrance music: J'ai Osé - Keny Arkana. Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the cage.

Bone
vs
Rumble

191 cm
37
206 lbs
24 - 10 - 0

199 cm
25
218 lbs
4 - 2 - 0

Decent wrestler
Solid boxing
KO power

Decent wrestler
Counter fighter
Very confident

Dynamite
Sex Panther Supplements

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 24 - 10 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Krayzie Bone!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 4 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Igor Rumble!
The judges for this bout are Frank Antenori, Don Winkell and .

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Rumble looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Bone is fending him off so far but Rumble persists. Nope, Bone circles away and we're back to standing.
Bone keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
Rumble tries for a takedown but Bone sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Krayzie Bone has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Igor Rumble.
Rumble shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Bone but Bone pushes him off and we're back to square one.
Rumble tries to clinch
and Bone counters with a nice uppercut.
Horrible takedown by Rumble or perhaps it was just good defense by Bone which made him look bad.
Rumble tries for a takedown but Bone circles away easily
and Bone counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Rumble shoots in but doesn't get the takedown
and Bone counters with a straight punch to the midsection.
Rumble looks winded!
Bone keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
Rumble misses with a takedown

and Bone counters with a crisp one two that drops Rumble! Bone thinks about following him to the mat for a moment but instead steps back and waves Rumble to his feet! Rumble is in big trouble!

Rumble is rocked!
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!
Bone connects with a nice cross there... Rumble is looking wobbly and Bone recognises it - he's rushed in and lands two more brutal shots that send Rumble to the canvas, out cold! A brutal finish to the fight - Bone jumps onto the cage to celebrate with the crowd!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:53 of round 1, we have a winner by way of KO (Punches). Krayzie Bone!
A relieved looking Krayzie Bone thanked the fans for their support and gave the usual line about them being amazing. They seemed to believe that he actually meant it.

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
36%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Craig Brown (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and David Peters (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the cage.

Brown
vs
Peters

191 cm
33
225 lbs
18 - 13 - 0

188 cm
29
199 lbs
12 - 10 - 0

Good wrestling
World class boxer
Cardio machine

TWGC Champion
World class boxer
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 18 - 13 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Craig Brown!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 12 - 10 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, David Peters!
The judges for this bout are Timothy Bukovac, and Frank Antenori.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
A nice leg kick lands there from Peters.
Peters throws a series of punches but Brown avoids them all with ease.
Brown tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Peters manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Brown misses with the combination.
A right-left combo lands from Brown.
A kick lands to the mid section there for Brown.
Peters misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Peters lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Brown circles away quickly and effectively.
Peters misses with a straight right.
Peters misses with a series of wild punches.

Brown moves into the clinch successfully.

Peters breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Peters swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Peters throws a jab, cross combination which is slipped
and Brown counters with a big head kick but Peters shrugs it off.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Brown lands a straight punch to the body, keeping Peters at a distance.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Some wild striking there from Peters.
Brown fakes a head punch and goes low to the body. Nicely done.
David Peters seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Peters fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Peters throws a right hand that Brown ducks under and follows up with a left that Brown also avoids with ease.
Brown scores with a head kick.

Peters is rocked!
Brown thows a body kick. Peters tries to catch it but that hurt him.
Peters is still on wobbly legs! Can Brown finish him?
Brown plants his feet and throws a 3 punch combo. Miss, miss, boom! The third punch, a big right hook, connects right on the temple and drops Peters to the mat, unconscious! This fight is all over! Peters just couldn't keep out of the way of the whole flurry of punches!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:36 of round 1, we have a winner by way of KO (Punches). Craig Brown!
After winning the bout, Craig Brown thanked all his fans and promised he'd do even better in his next fight. The crowd seemed to love his humility.

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
69%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Eskobar Andersson (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Will Messinger (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Messinger has chosen Huckleberry by Ichabod as his entrance music. Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the cage.

Andersson
vs
Messinger

182 cm
31
167 lbs
23 - 13 - 0

170 cm
37
160 lbs
16 - 25 - 0

Good wrestling
Dangerous knees
Cardio machine

Good wrestler
Excellent MT
Fast

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the lightweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 23 - 13 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Eskobar Andersson!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 16 - 25 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Will Messinger!
The judges for this bout are Frank Antenori, Don Winkell and Jack Bonds.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Andersson slips a jab from Messinger.

Messinger gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.
Andersson tries a knee to the head but he's missed.
Messinger is trying to work for a single leg takedown but Andersson pulls him back up using the underhooks.
Messinger throws a knee to the head but misses.
Andersson landing some nice looking knees to the body.
A nice right hand lands inside from Messinger.

Andersson breaks the clinch.
Messinger throws out a loose jab but Andersson uses good head movement to avoid it.
Messinger looks to land a right hand but Andersson moved out of range.

Messinger clinches with his opponent.
Messinger has had enough of the clinch but Andersson keeps him there for the moment.

Messinger breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Messinger misses with a low kick as Andersson jumps back.

Messinger feints and as Andersson raises his hands in defense, Messinger changes levels and drives through with a takedown into guard.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Messinger being controlled here momentarily.
Andersson trying to control the position.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Messinger throws an elbow that misses. Andersson uses the momentum to reverse the position. He's now in Messinger's guard. Nice move by Andersson!
Andersson trying to control but Messinger is working from the bottom.
Messinger throwing some rather feeble looking strikes off his back.
Messinger wants to sweep here but Andersson controlling him for the moment.
Messinger has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
Messinger keeping moving, preventing Andersson from controlling successfully.
Both fighters really going for it on the ground here!

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up, due to lack of activity on the part of Eskobar Andersson.
Messinger does a little shimmy and throws a leg kick. The leg kick missed by a considerable margin though, making him look a little bit silly for doing the shimmy.
Messinger throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Messinger throws a lazy head kick
and Andersson counters with a three punch combination, finished off with a leg kick. Nice work.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
A low kick from Messinger is predictable there
and Andersson counters with a right hand to the body.
Messinger fails with an attempt to clinch.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Messinger is defended easily by Andersson.
Messinger fails with an attempt to clinch.
Messinger swings wildly with a couple of big hooks

and Andersson counters with a head kick that drops Messinger to the mat! Messinger scrambles across the canvas and gets back to his feet, still wobbly!

Messinger is rocked!
Messinger throws a quick inside leg kick.
Messinger is still on wobbly legs! Can Andersson finish him?
Will Messinger seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.

Andersson drives through with a takedown into Messinger's guard. Let's see what he can do from the top position.
Andersson controlling from the guard. I say controlling but really, he's stalling.

Messinger is active off his back here, looking for submissions.

Messinger has his foot on Andersson's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Andersson works his way back into a safe position though.
Messinger seems to have recovered his senses.
Messinger utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Andersson won't allow Messinger to sweep him here.
Messinger utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Messinger looking to sweep here. No luck so far.

Andersson decides to stand up and beckons his opponent to follow.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Messinger misses with a body shot
and Andersson counters with a head kick that crumples his opponent - he's in a world of trouble! Andersson looks at the referee who does nothing so Andersson lands a crushing right that sends Messinger to the floor! This time the ref steps in to end the fight.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:08 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Eskobar Andersson!
Eskobar Andersson retains his lightweight title!
A victorious Eskobar Andersson 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
86%

Co-main event

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Orion Cook (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Jimmy Bjj (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Cook
vs
Bjj

184 cm
38
197 lbs
16 - 10 - 0

185 cm
27
202 lbs
12 - 5 - 0

Good wrestling
Excellent boxer
Cardio machine

BJJ Brown Belt
World class boxer
Good gas tank

Dragon

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 16 - 10 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Orion Cook!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 12 - 5 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Jimmy Bjj!
The judges for this bout are Frank Antenori, Don Winkell and Jack Bonds.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Cook uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Bjj.
Bjj misses with a wild combination.
Bjj is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Cook.
Cook takes a hook to the side of the head. I wonder if that's got his ears ringing.
Bjj misses the jab.
Cook steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Bjj.
Bjj tries to clinch but Cook moves out of range.
A cross from Bjj lands.
Bjj missing with a left hand there. Cook was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Bjj misses with a right hand
and Cook counters with a nice uppercut.
Bjj tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Cook was well out of range. Poor timing from Bjj.
Bjj misses with a body punch
and Cook connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Cook closes this distance looking for a takedown but Bjj circles away.
Bjj dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Bjj misses with an uppercut. Cook saw that one coming.
Bjj lands with a cross to side of his opponent's head.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Bjj thows a body shot but no joy.
Jimmy Bjj seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Bjj swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Bjj feints a straight left to the body, then turns around with a flashy move and hits Cooks jaw with a dramatic spinning back fist!

Bjj has closed the distance and engaged Cook in a clinch.

Bjj pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Bjj swings for the body but Cook moves out of range.
Cook uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Bjj.
Bjj tries to clinch but fails miserably
and Cook counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Bjj bobs and weaves and unloads with a good uppercut.
A big right from Bjj misses.
Bjj slips under a jab from Cook.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Bjj looks to land a left hand but Cook moved out of range nicely.
Cook circles away from the clinch attempt.
Bjj misses with an uppercut. Cook saw that one coming.
Bjj misses with an uppercut
enabling Cook to counter with a crisp jab.

It looks like Jimmy Bjj has been cut.
Bjj throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Cook is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Bjj.
Jab from Bjj.
A shot to the body from Bjj misses

and Cook counters with a takedown into side control! That could mean trouble for Bjj!

That's four 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!
We may be looking at a referee standup if the pace doesn't pick up soon.

Cook tries for an arm triangle. That looks pretty tight to me. Is this one over!?! Possibly, maybe, no Cook has let go of the choke. Obviously it wasn't as tight as we thought!
Bjj tries to buck Cook off but Cook is having none of it.
Cook in side control, throwing shots but Bjj defends.

Cook thinks about going for a far side armbar but bails out and retains the dominant position instead.
Cook in side control lands a nice looking series of punches and elbows.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
An elbow from Cook crashes against the mat.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but Jimmy Bjj will probably get the nod.
The cut man is working on Jimmy Bjj'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.

Bjj throws a lazy right hand but Cook sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Bjj digs a good body shot into Cook's ribs.
Cook takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.
Bjj scores with a reasonable looking shot to the body. Cook doesn't seem bothered though.
Bjj jabs at Cook's body.
Bjj just misses with a punch to the body.
Nice cross by Bjj.
A combination from Bjj does no damage.
Cook looks to land a left hand but Bjj moved out of range nicely.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Cook cracks Bjj with a hook to the jaw. Both fighters smile at eachother and high-five before getting back down to business.
Bjj swings for the body but Cook moves out of range.
Bjj lands a lovely overhand right.
Bjj looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Cook looks to land a right hand but Bjj moved out of range.
A left lands for Bjj.
Bjj wants to clinch up but Cook keeps it at a distance.
Jimmy Bjj seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Cook loads up on a big right hand but Bjj slips the punch.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Cook uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Bjj.
Cook misses with a looping left.
Bjj tries to close the distance and clinch but Cook swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Cook takes a hook to the side of the head. I wonder if that's got his ears ringing.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Bjj tries to clinch up.
A swing and a miss from Bjj.
Cook with poor footwork there. He got himself in a bit of a tangle, enabling Bjj to score with a decent uppercut.
Cook misses with a takedown attempt
and Bjj cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
A jab lands there for Bjj.
Bjj throws a hook but Cook blocks it.
Bjj scores with a jab.
Cook throws a lazy right hand but Bjj sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.

Bjj closes the distance and pushes Cook back into the cage.
Cook changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Bjj fights it off and pushes away nicely.
Bjj misses with a wild body shot.
Cook is really head hunting here, hardly looking to strike to the body at all.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Cook uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Bjj.
Bjj tries to clinch up.
Bjj pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Nice straight punches there by Bjj. You know Roy Jones Jr respects the hands of Bjj.
Cook looks to throw the jab but Bjj is out of range.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Bjj tries to score with a low kick but Cook moves his leg out of the way.
Cook displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Bjj throws out the jab.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Jimmy Bjj showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The cut man is working on Jimmy Bjj's cut.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin! Let's get this one finished - here comes the final round!

A telegraphed right hand from Cook misses the target.
Cook throws a hook but Bjj avoids it easily.
Bjj tries to clinch but Cook is having none of it.

Cook drives through with a takedown into Bjj's guard. Let's see what he can do from the top position.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Cook accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Cook trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Cook accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Cook lands a couple of decent looking shots.
Bjj trying to control the position.
Cook is in close to Bjj's body, working some short punches and elbows.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Cook throws a big right hand that misses.
Cook missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Cook is working the ground and pound from guard. He might want to try advancing position though to get more of an impact.
Cook has been looking to land a fair amount of strikes on the ground. He might be looking to soften his opponent up in order to work for a submission.
Cook passes Bjj's left leg - he's now in half guard.
Cook thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Bjj's head.

Cook seems to be looking for submissions.
Cook sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Bjj defending well though.

Cook is working for submissions here but there's nothing on.
Orion Cook has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Bjj wants to get back to his feet.
Cook sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Bjj defending well though.

Cook looking for a kimura but he'll have to free his other leg if he wants to finish that. Perhaps he's just using it as a distraction technique.
Bjj keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Cook is trying to work for a kimura. This could be trouble! No, Bjj has managed to free his arm - good work.
Cook misses with a head shot. Bjj uses the momentum to regain guard.
Cook postures up in Bjj's guard and throws a big left but Bjj blocks it.
Bjj avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Cook throws a big elbow that misses.

Cook has gone for a leg lock! Bjj slips out almost immediately though and dives into Cook's guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Cook bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Bjj's guard.
Cook pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Bjj is keeping the position for now.
Bjj looking to control.
Cook in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Cook accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Cook throwing strikes from guard but Bjj blocks nicely.
Cook works over Bjj with some ground and pound from guard.

And that's the end of the fight!
Orion Cook showed his dominance in that final round.
I think Bjj 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 Frank Antenori scores the fight 28:29
Judge Don Winkell scores the fight 28:29
Judge Jack Bonds scores the fight 28:29

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Jimmy Bjj!
Jimmy Bjj managed to slip a mention for his sponsors, Sex Panther Supplements, into his post fight interview.

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
57%

Main event

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Tong Van damm (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Maricue Russel (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Van damm comes to the cage accompanied by Life Goes On. These two fighters really are very evenly matched on the feet - it will be fascinating to see who can assert themselves in that aspect of the fight.

Van damm
vs
Russel

198 cm
31
200 lbs
24 - 17 - 0

190 cm
24
200 lbs
9 - 4 - 0

Abu Dhabi Champ
World class MT
Cardio machine

Olympic wrestler
Excellent boxer
Good gas tank

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the middleweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 24 - 17 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Tong Van damm!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 9 - 4 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Maricue Russel!
The judges for this bout are , Don Winkell and Frank Antenori.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Van damm tests Russel's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Van damm stuffs the takedown attempt from Russel. Russel gets slowly back to his feet.

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

Van damm got a little sloppy there for a moment and Russel has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Van damm has managed to get both his arms back between Russel's legs - danger averted.
Van damm working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Van damm postures up.
Russel keeping full guard, as Van damm tries to pass.
Van damm won't allow Russel to sweep him here.

Van damm drops back looking for a heel hook - he quickly realises he's not going to get it but Russel manages to dive on top of him before he can escape and now Van damm has Russel in his guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Russel trying to control but Van damm is working from the bottom.
Russel looking to sit in guard and control but Van damm gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top.

Russel has his foot on Van damm's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Van damm works his way back into a safe position though.
Van damm slows down the pace of the fight, as he sits in guard.
Van damm lands a nice shot whilst sitting in his opponent's guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Van damm accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Van damm stands up over Russel, holding his feet. He dives back in and lands a decent shot to the head.
Van damm slows down the pace of the fight, as he sits in guard.
Van damm throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Russel works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Van damm wants to pass the guard but Russel is keeping the position.
Van damm throws a strike but Russel rolls with it and manages to sweep. Now he's in guard on top.
Van damm is trying to control the position from the bottom.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Van damm keeping full guard, as Russel tries to pass.
Russel postures up in Van damm's guard and throws a big left but Van damm blocks it.
Van damm has momentary wrist control but Russel slips an elbow through the middle.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Russel throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Russel throws a strike but Van damm rolls with it and manages to sweep. Now he's in guard on top.
Russel keeping moving, preventing Van damm from controlling successfully.
Van damm pushes down on Russel's leg and manages to get into half guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Van damm is pressing down on Russel's thigh, looking to free his foot. Russel is holding on for now.
Van damm working Russel over with strikes.
Russel is looking for a sweep. Van damm is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Russel on the receiving end of some nice ground and pound.
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.
Van damm thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
Russel tries to roll over but Van damm keeps him under control.
Van damm is pressing down on Russel's thigh, looking to free his foot. Russel is holding on for now.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Van damm looking for a takedown here - he's got it.
Van damm trying to control but Russel is working from the bottom.
Russel keeping full guard, as Van damm tries to pass.
Van damm trying to control the position from guard on top but Russel is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Russel looking to hit a scissor sweep but Van damm is one step ahead there.
Russel has a butterfly guard looking to sweep but Van damm has passed into side control.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Russel dodges the ground and pound from Van damm.
The strikes coming from Van damm are missing the target in this wave of attacks.
Van damm working the ground and pound but he's contacting the mat, not the fighter.

Van damm is looking to finish here, going for an Americana. Russel knows the correct defense though, so he's OK.
Russel manages to land a sweep and he's now on top! Lovely Jiu Jitsu!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Van damm keeps control of the position for the meantime.
Van damm trying to hold on to Russel's head to control him but Russel postures up.
Van damm is doing well to avoid being mounted. He's controlling the position at the moment.

Russel is looking for a kimura but he's never going to get it from there.
Van damm blocking the ground and pound attempt from Russel.
Russel looks towards his corner to check for any instructions. The corner give him nothing to work with, so he cracks Van damm with a short hammerfist. I guess that's as good as any advice he could get in this position.
Russel wants to advance to full mount but Van damm doesn't think that's going to happen and regains full guard instead.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Van damm wants to sweep here but Russel controlling him for the moment.
Van damm working a defensive guard here.
Russel postures up in Van damm's guard and throws a big left but Van damm blocks it.
Tong Van damm overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Russel throws a strike but Van damm rolls with it and manages to sweep. Now he's in guard on top.
Van damm won't allow Russel to sweep him here.
Russel keeping moving, preventing Van damm from controlling successfully.
Van damm chips away with some ground and pound.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Van damm being controlled here momentarily.
Van damm postures up.
Van damm won't allow Russel to sweep him here.
Van damm in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Van damm trying to control the position from guard on top but Russel is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Van damm throws a big elbow that misses.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Tong Van damm dominated that second round.
That's time! Van damm's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

Van damm lands a body shot.
That kick from Van damm tenderised Russel's leg. Russel is trying to keep his angry face on.
Van damm goes for a spinning back kick but it misses.
Russel on the wrong end of a decent looking cross there.
Russel gets cracked with a nice right hand there by Van damm.
Russel moves his head to the side to avoid a jab but walks straight into a cross.
Van damm tries for a takedown but Russel sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Russel takes a push kick to the midsection and stumbles backwards.
A punch lands to the side of Russel 's head but he takes it in his stride.
Russel shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Van damm as he avoids it easily.
Russel fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Van damm avoids it really well and circles away.
Russel takes a body kick right on the floating rib. Ouchie.
Russel takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Van damm cracks the inside of Russel's front leg.
Van damm fakes with a right hand and throws a good leg kick, right into the thigh. That had to hurt Russel.
Van damm lands with a kick to the temple. Russel shrugs as if to say "is that all you've got?"
Van damm connects with an inside leg kick.

Van damm shoots in and bounces Russel off the cage to secure the takedown into guard.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Russel keeping moving, preventing Van damm from controlling successfully.
Russel looking to sweep here. No luck so far.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Van damm trying to control the position from guard on top but Russel is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Van damm trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.

Russel looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.
Van damm passes Russel's left leg - he's now in half guard.
Van damm looks over to his corner - he wants some instructions but his corner are not responding.
Van damm wants to take a breather but Russel is having none of it.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Russel slips a foot under and gets full guard. Nice work.
Van damm is looking to work some ground and pound but Russel has wrist control.
Russel looking to hit a scissor sweep but Van damm is one step ahead there.
Van damm wants to control from the top but Russel keeps moving.
Van damm in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Russel wants to hit a switch here but Van damm passes into full mount! Oh no, disaster for Russel there!

Van damm is looking to secure an arm. He's managed it! He's pivoting for an armbar - that looks tight! But Russel has managed to get out of it and now he's in a dominant position. Nice work from Russel!
Russel throws a big right hand that misses.
Van damm looking to hit a scissor sweep but Russel is one step ahead there.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Russel wants to stand but Van damm has a closed guard, so he can't escape.
Van damm trying to keep a closed guard but Russel is proving a slippery customer.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Tong Van damm clearly takes that round.
That's time! Van damm's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

Russel tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.

Russel gets a takedown into half guard.
Russel sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Van damm defending well though.
Russel passes to side control.
Van damm can't do much from the bottom here.

Russel is looking to finish here, going for an Americana. Van damm knows the correct defense though, so he's OK.
Van damm is positioning himself to get back to half guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Van damm struggling a bit here.
Russel wants to control but Van damm is keeping him busy.
Van damm sneaks back into half guard.

Russel is looking for an arm triangle, whilst trying to pass to side control. Van damm doesn't seem that keen to cooperate though. No luck this time Russel.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Van damm is trying to get back to full guard.

Russel seems to be looking for submissions.
Russel is keen to just control but Van damm is a slippery customer.

Russel is trying to work for a kimura. This could be trouble! No, Van damm has managed to free his arm - good work.
The fighters are battling for position here. Van damm manages to regain full guard. Nice work.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Van damm wants to sweep here but Russel controlling him for the moment.
Van damm is trying to keep Russel in close.
Russel preventing the sweep.

Van damm looking for a guillotine here but Russel defends easily.
Russel won't allow Van damm to sweep him here.
Russel throws a big right hand that misses.
Russel postures up and lands a big shot to Van damm's brow.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Van damm working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Russel.
Russel wants to control from the top but Van damm keeps moving.
Van damm looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Russel postures up and scores with a shot to the body and a follow up elbow to the head.

Van damm looking for a guillotine here but Russel defends easily.
Russel passes Van damm's right leg, so he's now in half guard.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Van damm slips a foot under and gets full guard. Nice work.
Van damm seems keen to control rather than go for a submission, at least for now.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Maricue Russel dominated that fourth round.
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!

Russel throws out a loose jab but Van damm uses good head movement to avoid it.
Russel fakes a head shot and lands one to the body.
Russel looks for a takedown but Van damm sprawls well.
Russel moves out of range of the body kick.
Maricue Russel is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Good leg kick by Van damm there. It's the ones that make that thud noise that hurt and that was an almighty thud.
Russel connects with a looping right hand.
Van damm bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Russel misses with a body kick.
Russel misses with a straight right.
Van damm ducks under a wild hook from Russel.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Van damm is looking to slow Russel down with leg kicks.
Van damm keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
Russel is wobbling all over the place through exhaustion. Will he make it to the final bell?

Russel shoots in for a takedown from distance. He catches Van damm napping and manages to drive through into side control!
Van damm is positioning himself to get back to half guard.
Russel wants to lay and pray for a moment but Van damm keeps working.
Van damm manages to work his way to half guard, despite Russel's best efforts.
Van damm trying to control here.
Van damm on the receiving end of some nice ground and pound.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Van damm has hold of Russel's hands but Russel slips his arm to the side and lands an elbow.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Russel not landing any meaningful shots this time.
Russel tries to pass the half guard into mount. Van damm knows what he's doing though and prevents the attempt.
Van damm trying to control from the bottom.
Russel wants to take a breather but Van damm is having none of it.
Russel seems to be taking a bit of a break to think of his next move. He lands a short punch in the meantime.
Russel thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Van damm's head.
Van damm avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Russel.
Russel prevents Van damm from improving his position.
Van damm is working hard here to advance position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Russel lands with an elbow from half guard - that looked like it hurt.
Van damm is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Russel missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.
Russel trying to control from half guard but Van damm is working away.

Russel is trying for a guillotine from the top but the pressure isn't in the right place so Van damm is just riding it out for now. Russel eventually gives up the hold.
Maricue Russel has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Russel thows a huge punch but Van damm dodges it nicely.
Tong Van damm is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Russel not landing any meaningful shots this time.
Ground and pound from Russel.
Russel prevents Van damm from improving his position.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.

Russel is looking for submissions but instead, Van damm has regained full guard.
Russel wants to control from the top but Van damm keeps moving.

And that's the end of the fight!
Maricue Russel comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
Well Van damm 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 5 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Percy O'Donnell scores the fight 48:47
Judge Don Winkell scores the fight 48:47
Judge Frank Antenori scores the fight 48:47

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Tong Van damm!
Tong Van damm is the new middleweight champion!
A relieved looking Tong Van damm thanked the fans for their support and gave the usual line about them being amazing. They seemed to believe that he actually meant it.