QFC Tournament 289 Round 1 PBP Commentary

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between Muay Thai (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Super Emong (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). We have two fighters making their debuts here, so let's see who comes out of this one with their first professional victory.

Thai
vs
Emong

225 cm
25
135 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

167 cm
18
140 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Solid Muay Thai
Self confident

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Heavy handed

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 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of London, Muay Thai!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of London, Super Emong!
The judges for this bout are Paul Tew, James Atkins and Daniel Bishop.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Emong connects with the punch.
Thai swinging wildly here.
Emong scores with a jab to the head.
Thai fails to land the takedown.

Emong gets tackled into the cage by Thai. Thai maintains the clinch.
Thai blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Emong lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Thai backwards.
Emong throws a head punch that misses.

Thai jumps guard and drags Emong to the mat. He's obviously going to be looking for submissions off his back.
Thai really does look like a pencil wearing a pair of gloves. Let's hope he has a gameplan to suit that ridiculous body shape.

Emong has gone for a leg lock! Thai slips out almost immediately though and dives into Emong's guard.
Thai will need to keep those long limbs tucked in whilst he's on the ground, to prevent any submissions.

Emong is active off his back here, looking for submissions.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Thai is stalling in the full guard.

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

That's one minute gone in the round.
Thai stays in close to Emong's body and controls the position.

Thai got a little sloppy there for a moment and Emong has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Thai has managed to get both his arms back between Emong's legs - danger averted.

Thai stands up from Emong's guard - Thai perhaps looking for a knockout.
Thai with a nice looking leg kick. You could hear that one land in a back row.
Thai defending well as Emong loads up on a big left hand.
Thai displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Emong throws out the jab.
Emong slaps away a takedown attempt from Thai, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Emong leaves Thai with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Muay Thai. That's going to take a lot out of him.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Thai moves into the clinch.

Thai has Emong pressed up against the cage. He's trying to work for a single leg takedown. Thai pulls back from the cage and twists to the side, sending Emong tumbling to the mat - Thai dives into Emong's guard.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!

Emong had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Thai defends it easily.
Thai seems content to control from guard here. He's going to have to remain active though if he doesn't want to get stood back up.

Emong throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
The fighters are going at a pretty good pace and they're both starting to sweat now.
Thai is frustrating his opponent with some stalling tactics from top position.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

Emong is looking for a triangle here but Thai uses the submission attempt to pass into side control.
Emong looks winded!
Thai controlling from side mount.

Thai stands up.

Thai darts in and clinches Emong up against the cage.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Thai's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Thai lands with a kick to the ribs.

Excellent takedown into side control there by Thai.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!

Thai stands up and beckons Emong to his feet.
Super Emong seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Thai fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Thai fails with a takedown attempt.

Thai gets a clinch.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.

Thai gets a nice trip takedown into half guard.

Thai is trying a forearm choke… I don't think that's going to do much at this level of the game.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Muay Thai 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.

Thai pushes Emong up against the cage in a clinch.
Emong misses with some punches.
Emong working aggressively here.

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

Thai shoots in with a lovely double leg takedown. Emong manages to land in full guard to minimise the damage.

Emong throws his legs up looking for a submission but Thai uses it to pass to side control.
Emong tries to buck Thai off but Thai is having none of it.
Thai tries to advance to mount but Emong denies him.
Thai misses with an attempted head punch from side control.
Emong is breathing heavily.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Thai throws a knee to the body but it doesn't do much damage.
Emong is trying to get back to half guard.
Thai is putting a hurting on Emong here, landing some big shots from side control.
Emong being controlled for a moment.
Thai moves into full mount!
Emong is in a horrible position here, under a barrage of strikes, he's managing to avoid any damage.
Emong tries to get back to half guard but can't.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Thai controlling the pace for now.
Thai looking to finish with strikes here!

Thai is working on an americana here. Ooh, that looks pretty nasty! Nope, Emong has managed to escape the submission attempt.
Emong avoids a series of strikes thrown by Thai.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Thai has hold of Emong's left arm, perhaps looking for a submission. The two fighters tussle over control of the isolated limb and Emong manages to get his arm back to his side and away from danger.
Emong avoids a series of strikes thrown by Thai.
Thai looking to ground and pound but Emong is blocking nicely.
Thai sitting in mount, just looking to control for the moment.
Thai unloads with some shots from mount but Emong bucks and avoids them well.

Thai working for a submission but Emong is keeping him at bay.

Thai is working for a guillotine from mount but Emong frees his head quite easily.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Emong is wriggling around trying to escape.
Emong gets back to half guard.
Thai throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.

Emong looking for submissions off his back.
Thai looking to pass the half guard. Not this time.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.

Emong looking for submissions from an awkward position here.
Thai looks over to his corner - he wants some instructions but his corner are not responding.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Muay Thai dominated that second 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. This is the final round!

Emong on the wrong end of a kick to the body.
Emong swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Thai takes one on the button.
Thai misses the shot to the body.
Thai lands a leg kick that knocks Emong off balance momentarily.
Emong throws a lazy uppercut
and Thai counters with a good low kick that Emong was not able to check.

Thai has taken the fight to the clinch.

Thai pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Emong throws a hook but Thai avoids it easily.
Emong takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Emong throws an ugly left hook that misses

and Thai counters by clinching up.
Thai's corner are urging him to control the action in the clinch for a moment, rather than mount any serious offense. I'm sure the crowd appreciate those instructions... not.

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

That's one minute gone in the round.
Emong throws a big shot that misses.
No joy there for Emong, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Emong misses with an uppercut

and Thai counters with a nice double leg into guard.
Thai sitting in guard here, content to control.

Muay Thai has forced the referee to step in and bring the fight back to the feet.
Emong swings widly with a right hand
and Thai counters with a flying knee. Nice.
Super Emong has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.

Thai bobs and weaves into range and then changes levels and scores with a nice takedown into side control.
An elbow from Thai crashes against the mat.

Thai is trying to get an arm triangle but Emong is defending well.
Emong tries to slip a leg under to move to half guard but Thai presses down on the leg and jumps into full mount!
Thai looking to control and managing it successfully.
Thai throwing sloppy strikes here. Perhaps if he tightened up his striking from such a dominant position, he'd be able to finish easier.
Thai tucks in and makes sure he doesn't lose the dominant position.
Emong manages to regain half guard. Good work.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Emong tries to get to full guard but Thai has control of the leg.

Emong looking for a kimura from the bottom but Thai passes into side control!

Thai decides to stand back up. Thai steps back and let's Emong get back to his feet.
Thai throws a wild combination but nothing lands.

Emong gets tackled into the cage by Thai. Thai maintains the clinch.

Thai has picked Emong up - he's going for a ride! Thai dumps his opponent to the mat with a thud and settles into half guard.
Thai controlling the action here.
Emong wants to get back to full guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Emong keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Thai is figuring out what he wants to do next.
Thai throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Emong gets back to full guard.
Thai is stalling in the full guard.

Thai stands up from Emong's guard - Thai perhaps looking for a knockout.
Muay Thai is winning the standup battle so far.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Emong throws a series of punches but Thai avoids them all with ease.

And that's the end of the fight!
Muay Thai showed his dominance in that final round.
Well Thai 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 Paul Tew scores the fight for Muay Thai!
Judge James Atkins scores the fight for Muay Thai!
Judge Daniel Bishop scores the fight for Muay Thai!

Muay Thai wins by unanimous decision!

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 bantamweight MMA rules bout between Romao Silva (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Aljaybar Samson (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). We have two fighters making their debuts here, so let's see who comes out of this one with their first professional victory.

Silva
vs
Samson

163 cm
20
144 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

193 cm
25
135 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Counter fighter
Big heart

BJJ Purple Belt
Good kicks
Determined

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 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of London, Romao Silva!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of London, Aljaybar Samson!
The judges for this bout are Andrew Berry, Daniel Bishop and Richard Clark.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Silva tries to clinch up.
Silva wants to clinch up but Samson keeps it at a distance.
Samson shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Silva defends it nicely.

Silva gets caught flat footed, as Samson shoots in with a quick takedown into guard.
The referee must be thinking about standing these guys back up.
Samson wants to control from the top but Silva keeps moving.
Silva controlling Samson's posture.
Samson throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Silva works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Samson scoring with some ground and pound.
Silva is avoiding any damage by keeping wrist control.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Samson trying to control the position from guard on top but Silva is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

The referee has ruled that neither fighter is active enough on the ground and has stood them back up.
Samson throws the kick towards the body but Silva avoids it.
Silva tries to clinch but Samson moves out of range.
Samson misses with a low kick.

Silva rushes Samson and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.
Silva tries to pull guard but Samson holds him up against the cage and eventually Silva drops back down to his feet.
Silva tries to pull guard but Samson won't allow it.
Samson blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Samson is stalling here.
Samson is trying to break the clinch but Silva has him pressed against the cage.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Samson is trying to work for a single leg takedown but Silva pulls him back up using the underhooks.

Samson jumps guard and drags Silva to the mat. He's obviously going to be looking for submissions off his back.
Silva slips nicely into half guard.
Still in half guard, Silva seems content to control.
Samson slips a foot under and gets full guard. Nice work.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Silva would like to get this fight back to the feet but can't get free from the closed guard.
Silva passes Samson's left leg - he's now in half guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Silva prevents Samson from standing back up.
Neither fighter is being very active at the moment, with Silva in particular looking to stall.
Silva seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Samson does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.
Neither fighter is being very active at the moment, with Silva in particular looking to stall.

The ref stands the fighters back up. Romao Silva wasn't doing enough on the ground.
Silva misses with a double jab

and Samson counters into the clinch. Nicely done.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Silva jumps guard but Samson turns him against the cage and keeps the fight standing.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Romao Silva. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Samson drops to a knee looking for a takedown but Silva gets the underhooks and prevents it.
Samson is trying to pull guard but being pressed up against the cage enables Silva to keep the fight standing.
Silva wants a takedown.
Silva is looking to control Samson's arms but Samson gets an underhook and turns him. Now Silva has his back to the cage.
Samson is looking for a takedown up against the cage. Silva gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Samson is defending well against a takedown attempt.
Samson wants to break the clinch but can't.

Samson has managed to pull guard. Let's see whether he can work an aggressive guard. It will also be interesting to see what tactics Silva uses from the top position.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close round but I would say that Romao Silva will probably get the nod.
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.

Samson shoots in and drives through. Silva sprawls well.
Samson fails in his attempt to clinch.
Samson tries for a takedown but Silva circles away easily

and Silva counters with a takedown into side control! That could mean trouble for Samson!
A bit of a lull in the action. I'm sure it will pick up again soon... even if the ref has to physically pick them up and put them back on their feet.
Samson regains half guard.
Samson avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Silva.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Silva trying to advance position but Samson counters by regaining guard.
Silva wants to control from the top but Samson keeps moving.
Silva tries to stand but Samson is controlling from the bottom.
Samson working a defensive guard here.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Samson has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Silva can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.
Samson is looking to get back to his feet but can't, whilst Silva is controlling him.
Samson is breathing heavily.
Hammerfist, elbow! yells Silva's corner. There ya go! There ya go!
Samson wants to sweep but no luck.
Silva is looking to stand up but Samson won't let him.
Silva passes Samson's right leg, so he's now in half guard.
Silva is controlling the pace.
Silva is trying to control. Samson wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Silva trying to pass the guard but Samson defending well.
Silva is looking to take a break and control but Samson is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Samson is looking to improve his position.
Well, if Silva is going to just lie there, perhaps we should talk about what we're having for dinner tonight… I'm having a ham and pineapple pizza… Yum. Can't wait.

Romao Silva has forced the referee to step in and bring the fight back to the feet.

Samson has managed to clinch.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Samson ties up his opponent against the cage and manages to drag the fight down to the ground. Samson no doubt will be looking to work submissions from his guard.
Romao Silva overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Silva slips nicely into half guard.
Silva wants to lay and pray for a moment but Samson keeps working.
Silva is just sitting in half guard, waiting for something to happen.
Silva trying to pass the guard but Samson defending well.
Samson tries to get to full guard but Silva has control of the leg.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Silva controlling the pace.
We must be close to a standup if these guys don't pick up the pace.
Silva trying to control the action but Samson is working from the bottom.

We're going to have a standup here because Romao Silva wasn't active enough for the referee's liking.
Silva tries to clinch but Samson moves out of range.
Samson shoots for a double leg takedown but Silva sprawls well. He's pushed Samson's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Romao Silva has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Aljaybar Samson.
Silva tries to bum rush Samson with a series of wild strikes but Samson uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Samson tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Samson shoots in but no luck this time.

Silva fakes an overhand right and shoots for a takedown. Samson sprawls well initially but Silva persists and gets the takedown into half guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Romao Silva dominated that second round.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action! This is the final round!

Samson has his takedown stuffed

and Silva counters with a nice single leg takedown and he's in Samson's guard now.
Silva sitting in guard here, content to control.

Silva avoids a guillotine attempt easily.
Silva wants to control from the top but Samson keeps moving.
Samson can't do much from the bottom at the moment, as Silva controls the pace.
The referee wants the fighters to be more active or he's going to reset them on the feet.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up, due to lack of activity on the part of Romao Silva.
Samson throws a sloppy head kick and Silva moves out of range easily.
Samson takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Silva tries to clinch up.
Silva shakes his hands off, looking to compose himself, but takes a jab to the jaw whilst he does it.
Silva is looking to take this fight into the clinch.

Samson clinches with his opponent.

Silva breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Samson fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Silva avoids it really well and circles away.

Silva shoots in and gets a takedown into half guard. Silva showed some decent athleticism there.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Samson is looking to improve his position.
Samson is trying to stand back up but Silva is controlling him
Samson is a painfully thin specimen of a man. You do wonder whether a good body kick would snap him clean in two.
Neither fighter is being very active at the moment, with Silva in particular looking to stall.
Samson is trying to get back to full guard.

Silva is trying a forearm choke… I don't think that's going to do much at this level of the game.
Silva passes to side control.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
The referee asks Silva politely if he wouldn't mind getting on with it and actually doing something. Silva prefers to stall for the moment though.
Silva's ground tactics aren't going to win him many fans. Let's hope he's got fireworks for us if he gets back to his feet because he's not doing much on the ground.
Silva trying to control the position but Samson is working away.
You can see the frustration on Samson's face, being in this tough position on the bottom.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Romao Silva has forced the referee to step in and bring the fight back to the feet.

Samson shoots in with a lovely double leg takedown. Silva manages to land in full guard to minimise the damage.
Silva pulls Samson in close to prevent any damage.
Silva controls Samson momentarily but Samson frees himself.
Samson trying to control the position from guard on top but Silva is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Samson is working Silva over from the guard. He should look to pass the guard and do a little more damage with these strikes.

And that's the end of the fight!
Romao Silva showed his dominance in that final round.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Silva, winning every round. Will the judges agree? They are the ones who matter, even if they are often depressingly incompetent. Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Andrew Berry scores the fight for Romao Silva!
Judge Daniel Bishop scores the fight for Romao Silva!
Judge Richard Clark scores the fight for Romao Silva!

Romao Silva wins by unanimous decision!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
42%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between Mohammad Ali (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Lyoto Machida (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). We have two fighters making their debuts here, so let's see who comes out of this one with their first professional victory.

Ali
vs
Machida

150 cm
25
135 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

189 cm
25
135 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Solid Muay Thai
Granite chin

BJJ Blue Belt
Solid Muay Thai
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 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of London, Mohammad Ali!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of London, Lyoto Machida!
The judges for this bout are Chris Edwards, Donald Grub and James Glass.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Machida tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Ali swivels and escapes.
Ali punishes Machida's body with a nice straight punch.
Ali really is a fat lump.
Some wild striking there from Ali.
Machida fails with the takedown.
Ali shoots in for a takedown but Machida shows good takedown defense.
Ali stuffs the takedown.
Mohammad Ali has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Lyoto Machida.
Ali throws a sloppy head kick
and Machida counters with a nice body shot.
Horrible takedown by Ali or perhaps it was just good defense by Machida which made him look bad.
Machida shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Ali sprawls well. Ali wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Machida gets slowly back to his feet.
Machida pushes Ali away with a front kick.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Machida tries to clinch but Ali is having none of it.
Machida takes a swing at Ali's ribcage but misses.
Machida misses with a takedown attempt - Ali sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.

Machida tries to sprawl but Ali drives through with a takedown into half guard.
The referee is asking the fighters to pick up the pace.
Ali missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
Ali throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.
Ali tries to pass to full mount but Machida defends it.
Ali throwing shots but Machida is blocking nicely.
Machida is a painfully thin specimen of a man. You do wonder whether a good body kick would snap him clean in two.
Machida is looking to control Ali's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Machida avoid being mounted?
Ali thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Ali trying to control from half guard but Machida is working away.
Ali not landing any meaningful shots this time.
Ali frees up his trapped foot and advances to mount.
Ali wants to take Machida's back but he can't do it this time.
Machida tries to hold on but Ali postures up.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Ali misses with a head shot.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Ali wants to control the pace but Machida is squirming around nicely.
Machida sneaks a leg under to get to half guard.
Ali stalling away here and it's allowed Machida to slip out his trapped foot and regain full guard.
Ali throws a big elbow that misses.

Machida is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Ali is aware though and is defending well.
Ali seems content to control from guard here. He's going to have to remain active though if he doesn't want to get stood back up.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Machida trying to keep a closed guard but Ali is proving a slippery customer.
Machida tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Ali being controlled here momentarily.

Well, the referee has seen enough. Neither fighter is active enough on the ground so he's stood them back up.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Machida is defended easily by Ali.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Machida stuffs the takedown.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Mohammad Ali dominated that round.
That's time! Back to the action!

Machida looks for the body kick but Ali saw that one coming.
Horrible takedown by Ali or perhaps it was just good defense by Machida which made him look bad.
Ali shoots in for a takedown but Machida shows good takedown defense.
Machida misses with a leg kick.

Machida has Ali up against the cage in a clinch.

Ali breaks from the clinch.
Machida shoots in looking for a takedown but Ali manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Machida's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.

Ali gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.
Machida has dropped down and is looking to force the takedown but it's defended by Ali after a bit of a struggle.
Machida manages to get underhooks and slows down the pace for a moment.
Machida changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Ali fights it off and pushes away nicely.
Mohammad Ali has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Lyoto Machida.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Machida feints and as Ali raises his hands in defense, Machida changes levels and drives through with a takedown into guard.

Ali is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
Ali keeping moving, preventing Machida from controlling successfully.
Ali wants to control the position but Machida says "no thanks buddy" and passes to half guard.
Machida is keen to just control but Ali is a slippery customer.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Machida sitting and controlling from the half guard.

The ref stands the fighters back up, due to lack of action by Lyoto Machida.
Ali stuffs the takedown.
Ali tries to clinch but Machida moves out of range.
Horrible takedown by Ali or perhaps it was just good defense by Machida which made him look bad.

Machida gets a clinch.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Machida is trying to work for a single leg takedown but Ali pulls him back up using the underhooks.
Ali tries to pull guard but Machida forces him back to his feet, against the cage.

Ali jumps into guard, dragging Machida to the mat.
Ali trying to strike from the bottom but really, it's not the best position to be doing that from!
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Ali is on top in guard.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Machida wants to get back to his feet but Ali is in a dominant position and won't allow it.
Machida is breathing heavily.
Machida keeping moving, preventing Ali from controlling successfully.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Machida being controlled here, momentarily.
We've had a lack of effective grappling in the last minute or so, which could well see a referee standup.
Ali throwing strikes but missing.
Ali trying to stand up but can't free himself from Machida's guard.

We're going to have a standup here because Mohammad Ali wasn't active enough for the referee's liking.
Machida works his jab well there, keeping his opponent at a distance.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Machida wants to clinch.
Machida keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close second round but Lyoto Machida will probably get the nod - 10:9.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin! This is the final round!

Ali stuffs the takedown.
Ali shoots in looking for a takedown but Machida manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Ali's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
Machida dives in for a single leg takedown but Ali sprawls and the fighters end up clinched against the cage.
Ali looks to throw an elbow but misses.
Ali looking for a takedown.
Machida drops down looking for an ankle pick but Ali pulls his leg out and moves away.
Mohammad Ali has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Lyoto Machida.
Ali tries to score a power double leg takedown but Machida sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Ali somewhat.
Ali keeps the fight on the outside.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Ali tries to clinch there but Machida circles away.
Ali pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Machida blocks a head kick by Ali.
Ali shoots for a double leg takedown but Machida sprawls well. He's pushed Ali's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Machida dives in and grabs Ali's left leg, looking for a takedown. Ali pushes down on Machida's head and hops out.
Ali looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
Lyoto Machida seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Nice takedown defense from Ali. No joy for Machida on that attempt.
Machida dives in for a single leg takedown but Ali sprawls and the fighters end up clinched against the cage.
Ali keeps control of Machida as he tries to wriggle out of the double underhooks.
Machida is looking for a takedown.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Ali fails to pull guard.

Ali breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Machida lands a kick to the ribs of his opponent. Nice work there - in and out in a flash.
Nice defenses there by Ali.
Machida will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.

The fight moves into the clinch position.
Machida misses with a punch on the inside.
Ali tries to score a body lock takedown but Machida shows good agility there to stay on his feet.

Machida breaks the clinch.
Machida wants to clinch.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Ali rushes Machida and presses him up against the cage.
Ali utilising his Muay Thai to score with a knee to the body.
Machida misses with an elbow over the top.
Ali is stalling here. The referee will be looking to step in if he doesn't pick up the pace.

Ali pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Machida tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Machida tries to clinch there but Ali circles away.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Ali fails to land the takedown.
Machida lands a leg kick. The shin dug right into the meat of the thigh.
Ali wants to clinch up but Machida keeps it at a distance.
Machida is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Machida takes a step back and watches a body kick go sailing past his mid section.
Ali is looking to clinch.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.

Ali clinches with his opponent.
Machida tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Ali's elbow.
Ali has Machida pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Machida manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.

And that's the end of the fight!
That was a close round. You could make an argument for either fighter but I would give it to Mohammad Ali.
I think Ali has won this one but let's see what the judges have to say. Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Chris Edwards scores the fight for Mohammad Ali!
Judge Donald Grub scores the fight for Mohammad Ali!
Judge James Glass scores the fight for Mohammad Ali!

Mohammad Ali wins by unanimous decision!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
42%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between Jigoro Kano (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Ulama Aru (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). We have two fighters making their debuts here, so let's see who comes out of this one with their first professional victory.

Kano
vs
Aru

180 cm
25
140 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

190 cm
25
135 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Solid Muay Thai
Intelligent

BJJ Blue Belt
Decent boxing
Determined

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 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of London, Jigoro Kano!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of London, Ulama Aru!
The judges for this bout are Paul Tew, Andrew Berry and Colin Fotheringham.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Kano misses with a wild body shot.
Aru tries to clinch up.
Good work by Kano as he checks the leg kick.
Kano connects with an inside leg kick.
Kano moves into range and lands a nice body kick.
Aru shoots for a double leg takedown but Kano sprawls well. He's pushed Aru's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Aru shoots in for a double leg but Kano sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
Kano avoids the head kick by Aru.
A head kick misses from Kano.
Jab, cross, leg kick. Nice combination by Aru!
Kano throws a body kick that digs right into the meat.
Ulama Aru seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Aru fails with an attempt to clinch.
Nice takedown defense from Kano. No joy for Aru on that attempt.
Jigoro Kano has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Ulama Aru.

Kano closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the cage.
Kano avoiding damage.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kano blocks a body shot from Aru.
Aru is looking to break free of the clinch but Kano has double underhooks.
Aru fails to pull guard.
Come on Kano - let's have some action - none of this stalling nonsense.
Aru is trying to pull guard but being pressed up against the cage enables Kano to keep the fight standing.
A body shot lands from Kano.
Kano gets double underhooks to prevent a takedown attempt from Aru.
Kano really does look like a pencil wearing a pair of gloves. Let's hope he has a gameplan to suit that ridiculous body shape.
Aru goes for a takedown attempt but Kano pushes him away and we're back to fighting at a distance.
Kano looks to score with a jab to the body but Aru is just out of range.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Aru tries to clinch but Kano is having none of it.
Kano lands a leg kick. The shin dug right into the meat of the thigh.
Kano pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Kano moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
Aru looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Kano is fending him off so far but Aru persists. Nope, Kano circles away and we're back to standing.
Kano throws a head kick that misses.
Some bone on bone action there as Kano checks a low kick. Luckily it wasn't a particularly hard one.
Kano throws a push kick but Aru slaps the foot to one side.
Kano tries a head kick but it misses.
Aru avoids the head kick by Kano.
Kano jabs Aru right on the nose. Aru blinks but takes it well.
Aru fails to land with a series of punches.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kano throws a jab when Aru was well out of range.
Aru dives in for a single leg takedown but Kano sprawls and the fighters end up clinched against the cage.
Some stalling of biblical proportions here from Kano.
Aru is trying to push Kano away but Kano has him pressed against the cage, so he's going nowhere.
Kano lands a left hand.
Kano swings wildly with an uppercut but Aru uses good head movement to avoid it.
Kano lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
Kano working aggressively here.
Kano scores with a shoulder strike.
Kano manages to get underhooks and slows down the pace for a moment.
Aru effectively controlling the action here.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kano lands a left hand.

Kano pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Kano scores with a jab.
Both fighters circling a little - Kano finishes the exchange with a kick to the body.
Kano lands a nice looking kick to the body. Aru takes a step back to recover.
Kano swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Aru tries to score a power double leg takedown but Kano sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Aru somewhat.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Aru chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Kano can pounce on him.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Jigoro Kano 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.

Aru tries to score a power double leg takedown but Kano sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Aru somewhat.
Kano defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Aru.
Kano fakes a jab and scores with a low kick.
Kano swings for the body but Aru moves out of range.
Ulama Aru is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Nice takedown defense from Kano. No joy for Aru on that attempt.
Jigoro Kano has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Ulama Aru.
Aru shoots in looking for a takedown. Kano tries to sprawl out of it but Aru keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Kano manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Kano throws a lazy uppercut
and Aru counters with a nice jab to the body that keeps Kano thinking.
Kano thuds a mid kick into his opponent's body. That will wear on Aru if he has to take too many more of those.
Aru fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Aru is breathing heavily.
Kano throws a series of strikes that have Aru backpedaling.
Aru moves out of range as Kano throws a body kick.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Aru is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Kano tries a head kick but it misses.
Aru closes the distance looking to clinch
and Kano counters with a body kick.
Aru avoids the head kick by Kano.
Kano throws a front kick that sends Aru stumbling back into the cage.
Kano keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
Aru looks to clinch
and Kano counters with a big head kick but Aru shrugs it off.
Aru fails miserably with a takedown attempt.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kano throws a head kick that misses.

Kano moves into the clinch.
Aru wants a takedown.

Kano escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Aru blocks the body kick.
Kano misses with a head kick.
Kano throws a mid kick that lands with a slap.

Kano tries to keep at a distance but Aru has taken the fight into the clinch.
Kano tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Aru's elbow.
Kano prevents Aru from breaking the clinch.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
The referee is keeping an eye on Kano - much more stalling and he will separate the fighters.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, Kano creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
Kano lands an uppercut.
Kano throws a hook to the body. More of an arm punch but it's all scoring with the judges.
Kano misses with a short punch on the inside.
Aru takes a shot to the head.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, Kano creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
Kano tries a body shot but Aru blocks it.

Aru has managed to pull guard. Let's see whether he can work an aggressive guard. It will also be interesting to see what tactics Kano uses from the top position.
We've had a lack of effective grappling in the last minute or so, which could well see a referee standup.

Aru manages to escape and get back to his feet.
Kano throws a hook to the side of Aru's head but Aru sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Kano misses with a left hand
and Aru counters with a one-two to the body.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Aru tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Kano paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Aru shoots in for a takedown but Kano shows good takedown defense.
Aru blocks a head kick by Kano.
Aru shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Kano defends it nicely.
Aru is pinned up against the cage taking some big shots here. The referee is looking closely deciding whether he should stop the fight.
Aru has a takedown stuffed.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Kano connects with a body shot.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Jigoro Kano dominated that second round.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action! Let's hear some noise people - this is the final round!

Kano misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Aru shoots for a takedown but Kano saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
Kano throws a head kick but Aru moves out of range.
Aru misses with a low kick as Kano jumps back.
Aru shoots in but no luck this time.
Kano throws a hook to the side of Aru's head but Aru sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Aru is looking to clinch but Kano is avoiding it.
Aru tries a head kick but it misses.
Aru on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by Kano. Kano obviously looking to wear him down.
A lazy body kick from Aru
and Kano counters with a big head kick but Aru shrugs it off.
Aru shoots in and drives through. Kano sprawls well.
Jigoro Kano has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Ulama Aru.
Aru takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Kano throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Aru blocks a head kick by Kano.
Aru throws a shot from downtown. Kano moves away and avoids it.
Aru has developed a nice purple lump on his ribcage, as a result of some heavy body kicks from Kano.
The fight stays on the outside here - Aru looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Aru throws a head kick that misses
and Kano counters with a flying knee. Nice.
An inside leg kick lands from Kano.
Kano swings for the body but Aru moves out of range.
Aru shoots in for a double leg but Kano sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
Kano looks to score with a jab to the body but Aru is just out of range.
Kano throws a head kick that misses.
Aru shoots in for a takedown but Kano shows good takedown defense.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Aru will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
Kano throws a nice inside leg kick.
Kano throws a right high kick that is partially blocked by Aru.
Jigoro Kano is winning the standup battle so far.
Aru looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Kano is fending him off so far but Aru persists. Nope, Kano circles away and we're back to standing.
Kano dances in quickly and lands a nice inside leg kick on Aru. That did some damage!
Aru on the wrong end of a kick to the body.
Aru blocks a head kick by Kano.
Kano will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
Aru fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
Kano throws a sloppy head kick and Aru moves out of range easily.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kano takes a shot to the nose. Hopefully that hasn't broken it.
Aru ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Aru doesn't manage to clinch there - Kano circles away.
Kano avoids a kick to the body.
Aru has a takedown stuffed.
Crunch! Kano slams his shin into Aru's torso.
Kano throws a right high kick that is partially blocked by Aru.
Jigoro Kano is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Kano stuffs the takedown attempt from Aru. Aru gets slowly back to his feet.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kano lands with a slapping head kick.
Kano cracks the inside of Aru's front leg.
Aru gets cracked with a nice right hand there by Kano.
Nice sprawl there from Kano as Aru shoots in.
Aru ducks under a wild hook from Kano.
Kano connects with a high kick.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Kano takes a punch to the jaw and another one to the bread basket.
Kano connects with a high kick.
Ulama Aru has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Aru closes the distance but Kano moves to the side
and Kano counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.

And that's the end of the fight!
Jigoro Kano showed his dominance in that final round.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Kano, winning every round. Will the judges agree? They are the ones who matter, even if they are often depressingly incompetent. Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Paul Tew scores the fight for Jigoro Kano!
Judge Andrew Berry scores the fight for Jigoro Kano!
Judge Colin Fotheringham scores the fight for Jigoro Kano!

Jigoro Kano wins by unanimous decision!

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 bantamweight MMA rules bout between Uthred Osbert (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Anthony Pettis (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Pettis has chosen The Climb-Mylie Cyrus as his entrance music, which hasn't gone down very well with the crowd. We have two fighters making their debuts here, so let's see who comes out of this one with their first professional victory.

Osbert
vs
Pettis

170 cm
25
145 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

190 cm
25
135 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

Good takedowns
Counter fighter
Good chin

Good takedowns
Brawler
Granite 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 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of London, Uthred Osbert!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of London, Anthony Pettis!
The judges for this bout are Daniel Bishop, James Atkins and Chris Edwards.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Osbert drops down and drives through with a powerful takedown into guard.
Pettis is trying to control the position but Osbert postures up.
Osbert postures up and scores with a shot to the body and a follow up elbow to the head.
Osbert is just sitting in guard, looking to avoid any submissions.
Osbert wants to pass the guard but Pettis is keeping the position.
Osbert engaging in some classic timewasting tactics.
Osbert throwing strikes but missing.
Osbert pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Pettis is keeping the position for now.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Pettis tries to strike from the bottom.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Osbert prevents Pettis from getting back to his feet.
Osbert keeps in close for a moment and lands a decent shot to the side of Pettis's head.
Osbert tries to free his leg and advance position but Pettis is retaining full guard.
Pettis is trying to control the position but Osbert postures up.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Osbert stops Pettis from standing up.

Pettis looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.
Osbert's corner is telling him to maintain position.
Osbert throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Pettis works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Osbert makes a bit of distance and scores with some ground and pound, still in guard.
Osbert stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Pettis swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Pettis keeping moving, preventing Osbert from controlling successfully.
Pettis is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Osbert landing some decent shots from guard.
Osbert 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!
Pettis keeping moving, preventing Osbert from controlling successfully.
Pettis is looking to get back to his feet but can't, whilst Osbert is controlling him.
Pettis is a painfully thin specimen of a man. You do wonder whether a good body kick would snap him clean in two.
Pettis tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Osbert makes a bit of distance and scores with some ground and pound, still in guard.

Osbert got a little sloppy there for a moment and Pettis has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Osbert has managed to get both his arms back between Pettis's legs - danger averted.
Osbert slows down the pace of the fight, as he sits in guard.
Osbert has to be careful here, sitting in the guard of a superior BJJ player.
Osbert preventing the sweep.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Osbert trying to control but Pettis is working from the bottom.
Osbert might be looking to lock onto one of his opponent's long limbs for a submission, whilst we're on the ground.
Pettis looking to control.
Pettis throwing strikes off his back to little effect.
Osbert working in close now, lands a nice elbow to the side of Pettis's head.
Osbert tries to free his leg and advance position but Pettis is retaining full guard.
Pettis is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Osbert trying to control but Pettis is working from the bottom.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Osbert accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Osbert content to strike from guard, landing some decent shots.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Osbert is stalling in the full guard.
Pettis is working an open guard here, looking to improve his position. No doubt that will leave him open to counters but at least he's being more offensive.
Osbert scores with a decent looking elbow strike.
Pettis doesn't do any damage with a couple of strikes from the bottom.
Osbert with a couple of shots to the head there. Not particularly brutal.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Pettis trying to control the position.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Osbert is in close to Pettis's body, working some short punches and elbows.
Osbert stopping the sweep attempt from Pettis.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Uthred Osbert 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.

Pettis tries to score a power double leg takedown but Osbert sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Pettis somewhat.
Osbert defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Pettis.
Pettis tries to clinch up.
Pettis ducks down and throws a hook to the body.

Osbert shoots in and scores a nice double leg takedown into half guard.
Pettis has hold of Osbert's hands but Osbert slips his arm to the side and lands an elbow.
Pettis wants to get back to his feet.
Osbert is taking a breather. Pettis says something to him but it's hard to make out. Perhaps he's telling him to get on with it and actually do something.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Osbert scoring with strikes to the body and head.
Osbert passes the guard and advances to mount!
Pettis is writhing around trying to get back to his feet.
Osbert landing strikes from the mount.
Osbert lands a heavy elbow.
Pettis is breathing heavily.
Osbert connects with a couple of good shots from mount.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Pettis wants to get back to his feet.
Pettis can't escape the position.
Osbert drops a big elbow. That's hurt Pettis! More shots from Osbert and the ref steps in! The fight is over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:56 of round 2, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Uthred Osbert!
In defeat, Anthony Pettis stepped up to the mic, saying 'I have a little mistake.! Thankz funs!'.

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
55%

Co-main event

Main event

Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between Bernard Cornwell (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Anthony Pettis (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). We have two fighters making their debuts here, so let's see who comes out of this one with their first professional victory.

Cornwell
vs
Pettis

175 cm
25
145 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

188 cm
25
135 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

Good takedowns
Counter fighter
Cuts easily

BJJ Blue Belt
Solid Muay Thai
Inexperienced

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 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of London, Bernard Cornwell!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of London, Anthony Pettis!
The judges for this bout are James Ackerman, Phil Schofield and Chris Edwards.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Cornwell has a takedown stuffed.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Pettis is defended easily by Cornwell.
Pettis fails with the takedown
and Cornwell counters with a left and a right that stings Pettis.
Cornwell throws a lazy head kick
enabling Pettis to counter with a crisp jab.
Cornwell stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Cornwell wants it to stay on the feet.
Bernard Cornwell has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Anthony Pettis.

Cornwell looks for a takedown. He's got it. We're now in half guard.
If this pace continues, the referee will definitely step in and force a standup.

Cornwell is looking for a kimura but Pettis is holding onto that half guard position, so it's hard for Cornwell to get the leverage.
Cornwell sitting and controlling from the half guard.
Cornwell's ground tactics aren't going to win him many fans. Let's hope he's got fireworks for us if he gets back to his feet because he's not doing much on the ground.
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.
Pettis wants to control but Cornwell is keeping busy.
Pettis avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Cornwell.
Cornwell content to control rather than advance.

The ref stands the fighters back up because Bernard Cornwell just wasn't active enough.
Cornwell changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Pettis tries to avoid it but Cornwell manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Pettis to the ground. Pettis escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Jab, cross, leg kick. Nice combination by Pettis!

Cornwell manages to get an easy takedown there - catching Pettis on his heels. He'll look to pass Pettis's guard now, I'm sure.
Cornwell engaging in some classic timewasting tactics.
Pettis is a painfully thin specimen of a man. You do wonder whether a good body kick would snap him clean in two.
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.
Pettis wants to sweep but no luck.
Pettis can't keep his opponent in guard - Cornwell advances to half guard, no doubt looking to mount.
This has been an exciting period of action!

Cornwell is working for an americana but Pettis has been sneaky and has managed to get back to half guard, whilst Cornwell was thinking about the submission.
Cornwell looking to pass the guard.
Pettis can't do much from the bottom at the moment, as Cornwell controls the pace.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Pettis looking to hit a scissor sweep but Cornwell is one step ahead there.
Cornwell controlling from the top position.

We're going to have a standup here because Bernard Cornwell wasn't active enough for the referee's liking.

Excellent takedown into side control there by Cornwell.

Cornwell wants to work for a kimura but he's foiled early by Pettis, who protects the arm well.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Cornwell trying to control the position but Pettis is working away.
Pettis is trying to control Cornwell's posture but Cornwell avoids it.
Cornwell content to control the pace. The referee will try and keep them active though.
Pettis wants to control but Cornwell postures up.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Pettis might have to switch it up a bit here because his efforts to control Cornwell haven't been going to plan, at least at the current moment in time.

Cornwell tries for a kimura. Not really close to a finish though.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.

Cornwell is looking to finish here, going for an Americana. Pettis knows the correct defense though, so he's OK.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Bernard Cornwell dominated that round.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

Cornwell goes for a double leg but Pettis avoids the attempt and the two fighters end up clinched against the cage as Pettis continues to drive forward.
Cornwell trying to stall but Pettis improves his position.
Pettis lands with a light punch inside.
Cornwell goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Pettis is looking to take this one to the mat.
Pettis is trying to pull guard but being pressed up against the cage enables Cornwell to keep the fight standing.
Pettis wants to break free but Cornwell has control.
Cornwell fails to pull guard.

Pettis manages to pull guard.
Cornwell sitting in guard, not really doing much.
Cornwell pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Pettis is keeping the position for now.
Pettis really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Cornwell. 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 one minute gone in the round.
Cornwell wants to control from the top but Pettis keeps moving.
Pettis trying to keep a closed guard but Cornwell is proving a slippery customer.
Cornwell trying to control the position from guard on top but Pettis is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
The referee is asking the fighters to pick up the pace.

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

Pettis drives through and clinches with Cornwell against the cage.
Cornwell jumps guard but Pettis stands there with Cornwell around his waist. Cornwell gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Bernard Cornwell. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Cornwell fails to pull the fight into his guard.
Cornwell tries to pull guard but Pettis forces him back to his feet, against the cage.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Pettis is trying to push Cornwell away but Cornwell has him pressed against the cage, so he's going nowhere.

Pettis's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.

Cornwell feints and as Pettis raises his hands in defense, Cornwell changes levels and drives through with a takedown into guard.
Cornwell trying to control but Pettis is working from the bottom.
Pettis looking to hit a scissor sweep but Cornwell is one step ahead there.
Cornwell seems content to control from guard here. He's going to have to remain active though if he doesn't want to get stood back up.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!

Cornwell thinks about going for a leg but decides against it, in order to maintain the position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Cornwell tries to free his leg and advance position but Pettis is retaining full guard.
Pettis can't do much from the bottom at the moment, as Cornwell controls the pace.
Cornwell might be looking to lock onto one of his opponent's long limbs for a submission, whilst we're on the ground.
Cornwell advances position into side control!
Cornwell staying calm.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Cornwell throwing shots but missing, from side control.
A lull in the action here.
Pettis is trying to stand back up. He's worked his way up against the cage but Cornwell has just dragged him back down to the mat.
Cornwell trying to control the position but Pettis is working away.
Cornwell controls the position from side control.
Cornwell sitting in side control, looking to soften his opponent up with elbows and hammerfists but Pettis is avoiding damage well and looking to escape the position.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.

Cornwell thinks about going for a far side armbar but bails out and retains the dominant position instead.
Cornwell throws a knee to the body but it doesn't do much damage.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Pettis catches Cornwell with a nice straight right. He seems pissed - ooooh, it's on now! On like donkey kong!
Pettis lands a nice leg kick that just misses Cornwell's sensitive parts.

Cornwell tries to keep at a distance but Pettis has taken the fight into the clinch.
Cornwell is trying to stall.

Pettis jumps guard.
Cornwell sitting in guard here, content to control.
Cornwell postures up in Pettis's guard and throws a big left but Pettis blocks it.
Cornwell advances position into side control!
Cornwell working away.
Pettis is being controlled here.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Cornwell is looking to take a break and control but Pettis is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.

Cornwell tries for a kimura but Pettis is defending well.

Cornwell is looking to finish here, going for an Americana. Pettis knows the correct defense though, so he's OK.
Bernard Cornwell overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Pettis defending against the ground and pound.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Cornwell controls the position from side control.
Cornwell lands a knee to the body and a forearm to the face.
Cornwell controlling the position from side mount.
Pettis tries to work a leg under to get back to half guard but Cornwell wriggles his own leg back out and remains in side control.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Pettis is being controlled here.
The referee must be thinking about standing these guys back up.
Pettis is positioning himself to get back to half guard.
Pettis takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.

Cornwell is working for what looks like an arm triangle here. Pettis is trying to escape and Cornwell transitions quickly into an armbar! He's slapped it on tight and Pettis is forced to tap! Nice work there by Cornwell! Very nice indeed!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:44 of round 3, we have a winner by way of Submission (Armbar). Bernard Cornwell!