AMW 2 - Resurrection PBP Commentary

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Josh Lister (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Xavier Highsmith (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). The crowd seem to be enjoying Highsmith's choice of entrance music: Lowdown. We have two fighters making their debuts here, so let's see who comes out of this one with their first professional victory.

Lister
vs
Highsmith

160 cm
19
140 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

158 cm
18
135 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Excellent MT
Good chin

BJJ Purple Belt
Counter fighter
Granite chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the featherweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Sydney, Josh Lister!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Sydney, Xavier Highsmith!
The judges for this bout are Winston Howard, Topper Green and Hugh Johnson.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Highsmith fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.

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

Highsmith is trying to get an arm triangle but Lister is defending well.

Highsmith tries for a kimura but Lister is defending well.

Highsmith is looking to finish here, going for an Americana. Lister knows the correct defense though, so he's OK.
Highsmith trying to control the action but Lister is working from the bottom.

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

Ladies and gentlemen, after 0:52 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Kimura). Xavier Highsmith!
Xavier Highsmith decided to thank the fans in attendance for making a great atmosphere. It seemed to go down pretty well.

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 Jason Diego (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Quick Silver (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the cage.

Diego
vs
Silver

185 cm
22
170 lbs
6 - 0 - 0

189 cm
20
170 lbs
1 - 4 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
KO power

BJJ Blue Belt
Basic striking
Very confident

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 6 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Sydney, Jason Diego!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 4 - 0, fighting out of Sydney, Quick Silver!
The judges for this bout are Ben Hemmingworth, Eliza Hachem and Ben Watson.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Silver uses good footwork to get in and out, landing a nice hook.

Diego looking to shoot here. He's gone for it and he's landed a takedown into side control! Oh, that's bad for Silver!
Silver tries to buck Diego off but Diego is having none of it.
Silver is looking to work his way out of this bad position but Diego is controlling him well.
Silver is trying to get back to half guard.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Diego in side control lands a decent elbow.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Diego is looking to take a break and control but Silver is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Silver is trying to improve his position.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Diego advances to mount.
Silver regains half guard.
Silver blocking the ground and pound attempt from Diego.

Diego is sneakily working for an arm triangle but Silver sees it coming and defends easily.
Silver makes his way to full guard. A much better position for Silver.
Silver is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move.

Diego trying to control here.
Diego on his back here. We all know that wrestlers don't like being on their back so let's see if Diego tries to get out of the position.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Diego is defending against the submission attempts here by Silver.
Silver tries to pass to full mount but Diego defends it.
Silver not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
Silver thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
Diego is looking to escape.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Silver not landing any meaningful shots this time.

Silver is looking for a kimura here.
Diego trying to control here.
Silver tries to pass the half guard into mount. Diego knows what he's doing though and prevents the attempt.
Silver not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are showing their displeasure at the lack of action as loud boos ring out around the arena.

Diego is defending against the submission attempts here by Silver.
Silver looks to land a strike but Diego avoids it nicely and regains full guard.
Diego is controlling Silver's posture.
Diego wants to stand but Silver is controlling the position.

The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Horrible takedown attempt by Silver or perhaps it was just good defense by Diego, which made it look bad.
Silver fails with a takedown attempt.
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 Jason Diego will probably get the nod.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

Silver throws a right and a left that Diego avoids nicely.
Jason Diego is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Diego shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Silver as he jumps to the side.
Silver's corner calls for a 1, 2 combination and Silver duly obliges.
Diego shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Silver but Silver pushes him off and we're back to square one.
A leg kick checked by Diego.
Diego tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Silver swivels and escapes.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Jason Diego. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Silver throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Diego's waist but Diego gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Silver off to one side.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Diego will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
Diego shoots in but Silver avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Diego takes a head kick and shrugs it off.
Silver tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Diego swivels and escapes.

That's one minute gone in the round.
A combination from Silver does no damage.
Diego doesn't manage to clinch there - Silver circles away.
Silver looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Diego is fending him off so far but Silver persists. Nope, Diego circles away and we're back to standing.
Diego fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Silver avoids it really well and circles away.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Silver throws a series of punches but Diego moves out of range.
Diego is looking to take this fight into the clinch.

Diego feints and as Silver raises his hands in defense, Diego changes levels and drives through with a takedown into guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Diego trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Silver tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Jason Diego overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.

Silver escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Diego gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.
Diego wants to control from the top but Silver keeps moving.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Silver uses the cage to get back to his feet.
Silver pulls out of a head kick attempt.
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!
Diego shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Silver cracks Diego with a hook to the jaw. Both fighters smile at eachother and high-five before getting back down to business.
Silver shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Diego as he jumps to the side.

Silver manages to get an easy takedown there - catching Diego on his heels. He'll look to pass Diego's guard now, I'm sure.
Silver working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Silver throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Diego works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Silver scores with a decent looking elbow strike.
Silver throws a big right hand that misses.
Silver is working Diego over from the guard. He should look to pass the guard and do a little more damage with these strikes.
Diego looking to control.
The referee is pacing around the two fighters - he looks like he's thinking about a standup.
Silver missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Diego wants to stand but Silver is controlling the position.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Silver scores with a nice looking left hook and follows it up with an uppercut!
Silver works Diego's body with a nice hook.
Silver cracks the inside of Diego's front leg.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Silver closes the distance and clinches up, looking for a takedown. He shifts his weight and gets a nice trip into half guard.
Silver throwing shots but Diego is blocking nicely.
Silver sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Diego defending well though.

Silver 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.

Silver is trying to work for a kimura. This could be trouble! No, Diego has managed to free his arm - good work.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Quick Silver showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action. This is the final round!

Silver closes the distance and lands a one-two.
Danga de danga de dang - Silver scores with a four punch combination!
Silver shoots in for a double leg but Diego sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
Silver will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
Silver feints a jab promting Diego to slip. Silver then demonstrates his capabilities by jabbing again. Diego slips again and ducks right into an uppercut.

Diego closes the distance and looks for a trip takedown... aaaand he's got it - Diego lands in his opponent's guard.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Silver working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Diego.
Diego controlling from the top position.
Diego lands a couple of elbows.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Diego throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Diego makes a bit of distance and scores with some ground and pound, still in guard.
Diego trying to control but Silver is working from the bottom.
Diego content to strike from guard, landing some decent shots.
Diego distracts Silver with his right hand and drops a big elbow with his other arm.
Diego throwing strikes from guard but Silver blocks nicely.
Diego distracts Silver with his right hand and drops a big elbow with his other arm.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
My god... these two guys really need to pick up the pace or everyone will leave to go get a beer.
Diego wants to control from the top but Silver keeps moving.

Diego avoids a guillotine attempt easily.
Diego stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Silver swivels though and keeps the full guard.

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

Silver working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Diego doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Diego manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Diego lands a couple of digs.
Diego postures up and scores with a shot to the body and a follow up elbow to the head.
Diego wants to control from the top but Silver keeps moving.
Silver not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
Diego passes Silver's right leg, so he's now in half guard.
Diego seems to be taking a bit of a break to think of his next move. He lands a short punch in the meantime.
Silver trying to control from the bottom.
Diego lands a big shot. The thud that echoes around the arena is like music to the fans' ears.
Diego sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Silver defending well though.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Diego is pressing down on Silver's thigh, looking to free his foot. Silver is holding on for now.
Diego is working hard here to advance position.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Silver pushes Diego off looking to stand but Diego dives back in and keeps control.
Silver is looking to improve his position.

The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.
Silver has been the more effective fighter overall so far.

Silver shoots in and gets a takedown into half guard. Silver showed some decent athleticism there.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Silver passes the guard and advances to mount!

And that's the end of the fight!
I would just about give that final round to Quick Silver.
Well Silver has outworked and out performed his opponent in all aspects of the game today. He was simply too good and the decision should be no more than a formality. 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 Ben Hemmingworth scores the fight 28:29
Judge Eliza Hachem scores the fight 28:30
Judge Ben Watson scores the fight 27:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Quick Silver!
An out of breath Quick Silver thanked his loyal fans in his post fight interview, giving them credit for his success over the course of his career.

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
37%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Killian Murphy (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Matt Payne (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Matt Payne is the more experienced fighter, so let's see if that makes a difference tonight.

Murphy
vs
Payne

181 cm
19
170 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

173 cm
25
174 lbs
1 - 0 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Solid boxing
Cuts easily

Decent wrestler
Brawler
Granite chin

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 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Sydney, Killian Murphy!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Sydney, Matt Payne!
The judges for this bout are Topper Green, Darius Henderson and Bruno Hogan.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Murphy jabs at Payne's body.
Murphy scores with a one two! Payne had his feet all tangled up there and couldn't avoid the strikes.
Murphy fails with an attempt to clinch.

A momentary lapse in concentration from Murphy enables Payne to shoot in and score with a neat double leg. Murphy manages to secure a closed guard as the fighters hit the mat.
Murphy wants to stand but Payne is controlling the position.
Murphy trying to control the position.
Murphy working a defensive guard but Payne manages to pass into side control anyway.
Payne wants to stand but Murphy has his arm trapped.

Payne is trying to land an Americana. He has the arm isolated but Murphy is keeping cool and he's avoided the danger for now.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Payne lands a knee to the body and a forearm to the face.
Payne tries to get to his feet but he's trapped momentarily.
Murphy trying to remain calm as Payne controls from the top position.
Payne lands a few punches from side control.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Murphy is trying to get back to half guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are getting on the fighters' backs, as the pace has dropped off in the last minute or so.
Payne moves into full mount!
Payne controlling the pace for now.
BOOM! Payne connects with a massive shot to the dome!
Murphy is in a horrible position here. Payne smacks him with another shot as he tries to escape the position.
Payne punishing his opponent with strikes.

Payne wants to finish this one by submission but Murphy is holding onto his waist, trying to prevent any attacks from Payne.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Payne looking to control and managing it successfully.
Payne working the ground and pound effectively.

It looks like Killian Murphy has been cut.
Payne looking to control and managing it successfully.
It looks like Payne might be adopting somewhat of a lay and pray gameplan here, which I'm sure won't go down too well with the paying fans in attendance... Or the ring announcers come to think of it.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Murphy is desperately trying to improve his position but Payne has a good base and remains in mount.
Murphy is not a happy chappy… he wants out of there.
Payne with the ground and pound from mount.
Payne looking to control and managing it successfully.
Payne scoring with strikes but Murphy is staying in there.
Payne has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Murphy tries to hold on but Payne postures up.
Murphy is going to have to think about doing something other than just controlling because Payne is managing to avoid having the position dictated to him.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Matt Payne dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Killian Murphy's cut.
That's time! Murphy's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

Murphy tries to clinch but fails miserably

and Payne counters with a nice double leg into guard.
Payne looking to control the position here, rather than advance.
Payne stopping the sweep attempt from Murphy.
Payne stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Murphy swivels though and keeps the full guard.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

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

Payne drops back for a leg but he's not going to get it - he lets go and Murphy dives on top into guard.

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

That's one minute gone in the round.
Murphy throwing strikes from guard but Payne blocks nicely.
Murphy trying to control the position from guard on top but Payne is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
We get told so often about how wrestlers don't like to be on their backs. Let's see if Payne can do anything to dispel that myth.

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

Payne trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are getting on the fighters' backs, as the pace has dropped off in the last minute or so.
Murphy being controlled here, momentarily.

Murphy has thrown up a leg looking for a triangle. Payne doesn't defend quickly enough and Murphy has managed to lock this one up! Can Payne escape?! NO! He's tapping out! Damn, that was a quick submission - congrats to Murphy on a fantastic submission victory.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:56 of round 2, we have a winner by way of Submission (Triangle). Killian Murphy!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
31%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Pawel Slowinski (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Purist Thunderwrath (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). The fight MMA fans around the world have waited their entire lives for!

Slowinski
vs
Thunderwrath

191 cm
26
240 lbs
3 - 1 - 0

208 cm
25
266 lbs
1 - 0 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Dangerous knees
Very strong

Good wrestler
Brawler
Solid 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 3 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Sydney, Pawel Slowinski!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Sydney, Purist Thunderwrath!
The judges for this bout are Darius Henderson, Chris Dean and Steve Erwin.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Slowinski tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Thunderwrath paws at him with a jab and circles away.

Thunderwrath shoots in for a takedown from distance. He catches Slowinski napping and manages to drive through into side control!
Slowinski dodges the ground and pound from Thunderwrath.
Slowinski is not in a great position here, taking some shots.
Thunderwrath cracks Slowinski with a big elbow.
Thunderwrath fails to land a wild elbow strike.
Thunderwrath cracks Slowinski with a big right hand but Slowinski just smiles back at him and invites him to have another go.
Slowinski is breathing heavily.
Check out the look on Thunderwrath's face as he threw that strike - that's one determined fighter!
Thunderwrath scoring with punches and elbows.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Thunderwrath cracks Slowinski with a big right hand but Slowinski just smiles back at him and invites him to have another go.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Thunderwrath cracks Slowinski with a big right hand but Slowinski just smiles back at him and invites him to have another go.
Thunderwrath has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
Slowinski is working to avoid the ground and pound but Thunderwrath connects with a decent elbow.
Thunderwrath in side control lands a nice looking series of punches and elbows.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Thunderwrath in side control lands a nice looking series of punches and elbows.

Slowinski is rocked!
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Thunderwrath tries to land with some ground and pound but misses.
Thunderwrath working the ground and pound from side control.
Oh Slowinski is still in real trouble! Will he be able to recover?!!
Slowinski takes an elbow right on the bridge of the nose and winces in pain.
Thunderwrath working the ground and pound.
An elbow from Thunderwrath crashes against the mat.
Slowinski seems to have got his legs back now.
Thunderwrath creates a bit of distance and throws down some hard shots.
Thunderwrath connects with a decent looking elbow from side control that caused Slowinski some visible discomfort.
Thunderwrath lands a huge shot from side control! Slowinski is out cold! This one is all over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:55 of round 1, we have a winner by way of KO (Strikes). Purist Thunderwrath!

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 light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Steven NZonzi (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Larry Monthan (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Both these guys have solid standup skills and neither is particularly fantastic on the ground, so let's hope for a nice standup war!

NZonzi
vs
Monthan

197 cm
25
214 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

198 cm
25
213 lbs
0 - 0 - 1

BJJ Blue Belt
Excellent MT
Inexperienced

BJJ Blue Belt
Excellent boxer
Heavy handed

Kangaroo Punch (Formally Happy Pills) - Laundry 90

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the light heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Sydney, Steven NZonzi!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 1, fighting out of Sydney, Larry Monthan!
The judges for this bout are Hugh Johnson, Bruno Hogan and Ron Honeybunn.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Monthan on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by NZonzi. NZonzi obviously looking to wear him down.
Monthan takes a kick to the body and keeps moving.
Monthan chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before NZonzi can pounce on him.
NZonzi lands a leg kick. The shin dug right into the meat of the thigh.
Monthan misses with a low kick.
Monthan throws a leg kick but NZonzi sees it coming and moves out of range.

Monthan closes the distance and clinches.
Monthan has NZonzi pressed against the cage, preventing NZonzi from circling away and getting back to striking at range.
Monthan fails to pull guard.
Monthan tries to jump guard but he falls flat on his backside. NZonzi smiles and moves away.
Monthan walks forward, straight into a front kick from NZonzi.
Steven NZonzi seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
NZonzi feints and then cracks Monthan's leading leg with a nice low kick. He's obviously looking to slow Monthan down.
NZonzi throws a head kick that half lands.
NZonzi throws a nice inside leg kick.
NZonzi throws a low kick, looking for Monthan's leg but Monthan calmly moves out of range.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Monthan decides to change it up a bit and drives through with a nice takedown into half guard.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
NZonzi moves into full guard.
Monthan really doesn't want to stay on the ground with NZonzi. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.
Monthan wants to control from the top but NZonzi keeps moving.
Monthan trying to stand up but can't free himself from NZonzi's guard.
Monthan stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. NZonzi swivels though and keeps the full guard.
NZonzi manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Monthan manages to get himself to full guard.

Monthan working a defensive guard here.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
NZonzi trying to control but Monthan is working from the bottom.
NZonzi works a leg free and moves into half guard.
Monthan trying to control from the bottom.
NZonzi missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.
Monthan is refusing to be controlled, as NZonzi sits in half guard.
Monthan tries to get to full guard but NZonzi has control of the leg.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
NZonzi seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Monthan does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.

NZonzi seems to be working for a kimura but Monthan defends the submission attempt.
Monthan looks like he's trying to stand up.

NZonzi 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.

NZonzi has hold of the far side arm. He's working for the Kimura, can Monthan defend it? NZonzi steps over the head and cranks it - Monthan is tapping out! That was textbook stuff right there - nice submission victory for NZonzi!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:50 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Kimura). Steven NZonzi!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
35%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Desean Bryant (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Reesalo Cherubim (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Both fighters really staring each other down here, as Reesalo Cherubim enters the cage!

Bryant
vs
Cherubim

169 cm
24
153 lbs
1 - 1 - 0

178 cm
23
154 lbs
2 - 0 - 0

Good wrestling
Counter fighter
Hates pizza

BJJ Blue Belt
Basic striking
Solid chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the featherweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 1 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Desean Bryant!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 2 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Sydney, Reesalo Cherubim!
The judges for this bout are Summer Carpenter, Darius Henderson and Ben Watson.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Cherubim lands with a good body shot.
Bryant displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Cherubim.
Cherubim tries to score a power double leg takedown but Bryant sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Cherubim somewhat.
Cherubim throws a big shot that misses.
Bryant lands a powerful looking uppercut that connected with his opponent's jaw.
Cherubim pivots as if he's going to throw a leg kick but stops half way.
Bryant smiles there as he lands a nice right hand right on the button.
Bryant misses with a body shot.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Cherubim tries to close the distance and clinch up but Bryant swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Cherubim throws a leg kick but Bryant moved away.
Good standup being displayed there by Bryant as he connects with a hook.
Bryant swats away the attempt to clinch by Cherubim.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Cherubim goes for a double leg but Bryant avoids the attempt and the two fighters end up clinched against the cage as Bryant continues to drive forward.
Desean Bryant has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Reesalo Cherubim.
Cherubim tries a knee to the head but Bryant blocks it.
Bryant displaying some good clinch control by pressing Cherubim up against the cage.
Cherubim tries to circle away but Bryant has him pinned against the cage.
Cherubim has Bryant pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Bryant manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.

Bryant lands a takedown into guard.
Bryant is sitting in guard, working some ground and pound.
Bryant stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Cherubim swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Bryant not doing a lot at the moment. He'll have to show some more aggression or the fight will get stood up.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Cherubim wants to stand up but Bryant is controlling him.
Bryant wants to pass the guard but Cherubim is keeping the position.
Bryant makes a bit of distance and scores with some ground and pound, still in guard.
Bryant content to strike from guard, landing some decent shots.
Bryant scores with a decent looking elbow strike.
Bryant scoring with some ground and pound.
Cherubim really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Bryant. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.
Bryant sitting in guard here, content to control.
Bryant keeps in close for a moment and lands a decent shot to the side of Cherubim's head.

Cherubim looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.
Our spies down at at Reflection Of Perfection MMA ($150) inform us that Cherubim has really been working on his submissions in the buildup to this fight. Will it pay off?
Bryant with a couple of shots to the head there. Not particularly brutal.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Bryant trying to control but Cherubim is working from the bottom.
Cherubim wants to sweep here but Bryant controlling him for the moment.
Bryant working from the guard for now, landing some ground and pound.
Bryant is stalling in the full guard.
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Bryant content to strike from guard, landing some decent shots.
Bryant lands a couple of elbows.
We've been hearing that Bryant has been drilling a lot of ground and pound in training, so let's see if he get the finish.
Bryant trying to control but Cherubim is working from the bottom.
Bryant connects with a couple of short punches.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Bryant makes a bit of distance and scores with some ground and pound, still in guard.
Cherubim striking off his back but it's not causing Bryant any problems.
Bryant chips away with some ground and pound.
Cherubim pulls Bryant in close to prevent any damage.
Cherubim can't keep his opponent in guard - Bryant advances to half guard, no doubt looking to mount.
Bryant wants to lay and pray for a moment but Cherubim keeps working.
Bryant looks towards his corner to check for any instructions. The corner give him nothing to work with, so he cracks Cherubim with a short hammerfist. I guess that's as good as any advice he could get in this position.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Bryant winds up and cracks Cherubim with a swinging punch to the side of the head.
Ground and pound from Bryant.
Bryant scoring with strikes to the body and head.
Cherubim is trying to escape back to his feet but Bryant uses the scramble to pass into side control.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Desean Bryant dominated that 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.

Cherubim ducks right into an uppercut from Bryant.
Bryant jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Bryant lands with a cross to side of his opponent's head.
Cherubim on the wrong end of a decent looking cross there.
Cherubim looks to clinch
and Bryant counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Bryant swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Bryant punishes Cherubim's body with a nice straight punch.
Cherubim takes a big uppercut there. He seems a bit wobbly but no, he's OK.
Cherubim tries to clinch there but Bryant circles away.
Cherubim throws a nice outside leg kick.

Bryant drives through with a takedown into guard.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Cherubim working a defensive guard here.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Bryant scoring with punches to the head and body.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Cherubim looking for a sweep. Not yet Cherubim, not yet.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Bryant won't allow Cherubim to get back to his feet.
Bryant 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.
Bryant landing some decent shots from guard.

Cherubim looking for submissions from the bottom but instead Bryant passes into half guard.
Bryant drops an elbow to the side of Cherubim's head.
Bryant is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Cherubim can do to turn this around?
Bryant keeping composed on the top, looking to control the action.
Cherubim is not content to let Bryant control the position.
Bryant looks to score some points with some ground and pound.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Bryant is trying to control. Cherubim wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.
The referee walks around the fighters to get a better view of the action. Bryant lands a nice short elbow.
Cherubim tries to roll over but Bryant keeps him under control.
Bryant slips a nice elbow through Cherubim's hands, connecting with Cherubim's forehead.
Bryant seems to be taking a bit of a break to think of his next move. He lands a short punch in the meantime.
Bryant looks towards his corner to check for any instructions. The corner give him nothing to work with, so he cracks Cherubim with a short hammerfist. I guess that's as good as any advice he could get in this position.
Cherubim regains full guard. Nicely done.

Bryant thinks about going for a leg but decides against it, in order to maintain the position.
Bryant scoring with punches to the head and body.

Cherubim looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.
Cherubim looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Cherubim is breathing heavily.
Bryant is working Cherubim over from the guard. He should look to pass the guard and do a little more damage with these strikes.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Bryant content to stall in guard here.
Cherubim keeping moving, preventing Bryant from controlling successfully.

Cherubim has his foot on Bryant's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Bryant works his way back into a safe position though.
Cherubim tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Bryant wants to control from the top but Cherubim keeps moving.
The referee looks like he's ready to step in and stand the fighters back up.
Bryant chips away with some ground and pound.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Neither fighter has done anything of merit for a good minute or two here and the crowd are not happy about it.
Bryant postures up and lands a big shot to Cherubim's brow.
Cherubim is looking to stand up but Bryant isn't so interested in that idea.
Bryant cracks Cherubim with a solid left hand.
Bryant cracks Cherubim with a solid left hand.

Cherubim is looking for a triangle but Bryant pushes his legs off easily.
Bryant content to strike from guard, landing some decent shots.

Bryant is trying to work a guillotine from the top, or something like that? Don't know how he thinks he's going to get a finish from there.
Bryant trying to control but Cherubim is working from the bottom.
Bryant chips away with some ground and pound.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Desean Bryant dominated that second 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. Let's get this one finished - here comes the final round!

Cherubim misses with a head kick.
Cherubim misses with a lunging right hand

and Bryant counters with a takedown into side control! That could mean trouble for Cherubim!
A lull in the action here as Bryant stalls from top position.
Bryant lands a knee to the body and follows it up with some ground and pound to the head. That will wear Cherubim down.
Cherubim is looking to work his way out of this bad position but Bryant is controlling him well.
Bryant scores with a couple of short elbows.
Cherubim is working to avoid the ground and pound but Bryant connects with a decent elbow.
Cherubim can't do much from the bottom here.
Cherubim takes a big shot right to the temple there but he's taken it well.
Desean Bryant overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Bryant working the head and body with strikes.
Cherubim prevents Bryant from improving position.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Cherubim takes a big shot right to the temple there but he's taken it well.
Bryant slows the pace down.
Bryant working away diligently from side control. Landing strikes effectively there - that will score him some points on the judges scorecards.
Bryant working the ground and pound.
Cherubim is pushing Bryant's head away, looking to escape. Bryant manages to hold on to the position though.
Cherubim tries to control but Bryant manages to take his back.
Bryant punishes Cherubim with strikes from the back mount.
The referee is taking a good look at Cherubim as he is on the wrong end of some big shots from Bryant!
Cherubim trying to control but he's just got himself in more trouble.
Cherubim takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Bryant is punishing Cherubim with strikes - can he finish him?!
I would not like to be Cherubim right now.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Bryant lands with a couple of good shots - one to the side of the head and one questionable shot that could be viewed as to the back of the head but the referee lets it go.
Cherubim is trying to get back to his feet but he's not managed it yet.
The referee is taking a good look at Cherubim as he is on the wrong end of some big shots from Bryant!
This has been an exciting period of action!
Cherubim is trapped and Bryant is scoring with shots to the head and body.
Bryant biding his time, looking for the opening.
Bryant punishes Cherubim with strikes from the back mount.
Bryant has Cherubim flattened out and is raining down punches.
Bryant lands punches and elbows.

Cherubim is rocked!
Cherubim is trying to break free.
Cherubim is still in real trouble! Can Bryant finish him?
Cherubim trying to control the position but Bryant manages to sink in the hooks.
Cherubim seems to have recovered his senses.
Cherubim wants to escape the position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Bryant lands a couple of good shots to his opponent's body and a final shot to the head. Good little attack there by Bryant.
Cherubim is trying to stand back up.
Bryant is looking to finish with some ground and pound!
Bryant scores with a nice shot to the head of his opponent. Cherubim is looking for a way out.
Cherubim looking very determined here, making life difficult for Bryant.
Bryant scores with punches to the body.
Bryant punishes Cherubim with strikes from the back mount.
Bryant just keeping the dominant position. He can't wait too long though, otherwise the referee will stand them back up.
Cherubim is in bad spot here.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Cherubim is covering up but some of the strikes from Bryant are getting through and doing damage.
Bryant cracks Cherubim with a big shot to body and one to the head - really punishing Cherubim from the back mount here, looking to soften him up.
Cherubim rolls, trying to escape but Bryant keeps control of the position.
Cherubim covers up after that shot from Bryant.
This has been an exciting period of action!

Bryant is working really hard to secure the rear naked choke. Cherubim defends successfully for a significant amount of time. Both fighters are looking very determined.
Bryant gets his hooks in and is throwing strikes.
Reesalo Cherubim has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Bryant is working the ground and pound. Can Cherubim escape?
Cherubim is trapped and Bryant is scoring with shots to the head and body.
Cherubim is keeping busy.
Bryant cracks Cherubim with a big right hand from the back mount! Cherubim immediately covers up and the referee dives in to save him under a barrage of more strikes! Bryant takes this one by TKO!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:56 of round 3, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Desean Bryant!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
61%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Chase Barrett (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Bogdan Baniak (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Bogdan Baniak has the better chin. Will he look to stand and bang today?

Barrett
vs
Baniak

179 cm
25
170 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

187 cm
25
183 lbs
4 - 0 - 0

Good wrestling
Counter fighter
KO power

BJJ White Belt
Excellent boxer
Heavy handed

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 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Sydney, Chase Barrett!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 4 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Sydney, Bogdan Baniak!
The judges for this bout are Winston Howard, Ben Watson and Francis DeMontford.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
No luck with that takedown attempt from Barrett.
Barrett dives in and grabs Baniak's left leg, looking for a takedown. Baniak pushes down on Barrett's head and hops out.
Both fighters are looking to counter, which isn't making for the most exciting fight in the world.
Barrett wants to clinch up but Baniak keeps it at a distance.
Chase Barrett seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Barrett misses with a shot to the body

and Baniak decides to take the opportunity to score a takedown. He's landed in Barrett's guard.

Barrett pushes Baniak off and scrambles back to his feet.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Baniak stuffs the takedown attempt from Barrett. Barrett gets slowly back to his feet.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Chase Barrett. That's going to take a lot out of him.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Barrett goes for a double leg but Baniak avoids the attempt and the two fighters end up clinched against the cage as Baniak continues to drive forward.
Baniak wants to take the fight to the mat but Barrett manages to get underhooks and keep the fight in the clinch.
Baniak's coach down at Finch Farm was telling us pre-fight that they have been working on Baniak's balance. Obviously they view that as a key factor in the outcome of this fight.
Baniak is defending well against a takedown attempt.
Baniak is looking to take this one to the mat.
Baniak has Barrett pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Barrett manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.
Barrett gets double underhooks to prevent a takedown attempt from Baniak.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are showing their displeasure at the lack of action as loud boos ring out around the arena.
Barrett prevents the takedown attempt.
Baniak is looking for a takedown.

Barrett has picked Baniak up - he's going for a ride! Barrett dumps his opponent to the mat with a thud and settles into half guard.
Barrett wants to pass the guard but Baniak is defending well.
Barrett is figuring out what he wants to do next.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Baniak wants to get back to his feet.
Barrett sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Baniak defending well though.
Barrett throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
Barrett wants to pass to mount but Baniak is defending the position.
Barrett perhaps working for something from half guard, or maybe not. It looks like he's just sitting there.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
My god... these two guys really need to pick up the pace or everyone will leave to go get a beer.
Barrett seems to have a rather negative gameplan on the ground. He seems keen to just score the takedown and hold down Baniak for as long as he can get away with.
Barrett'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.
Barrett missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
The referee is asking the fighters to pick up the pace.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Chase Barrett dominated that round.
That's time! Back to the action!

Barrett looks to clinch

and Baniak counters with a single leg into guard. Barrett didn't expect that.

Barrett is edging up against the cage. He's using the cage to get back to his feet. Nice work there - the fighters are clinched.
Baniak is working on a leg, looking for a takedown but Barrett is defending well.
Baniak is pressed up against the cage. Barrett has hold of a leg and is looking to drag Baniak down to the mat. Baniak avoids the attempt though and has circled away. We're back to striking at a distance.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Barrett drives through with a takedown into Baniak's guard. Let's see what he can do from the top position.
Barrett won't allow Baniak to get back to his feet.

That's one minute gone in the round.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Baniak can't do much from the bottom at the moment, as Barrett controls the pace.
Baniak is looking to stand up but Barrett isn't so interested in that idea.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Well. There's a bit of a lull in the action here and the crowd are starting to get restless.
Baniak avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Barrett 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.
Baniak wants to get back to his feet but Barrett is in a dominant position and won't allow it.
Baniak is using up a lot of energy trying to get back to his feet. Perhaps he should improve his position first.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Baniak circles away from the clinch attempt

and Baniak counters with a single leg into guard. Barrett didn't expect that.

Barrett has scooted to the edge of the canvas and used the cage to get back to his feet. Baniak has stuck on his opponent and is forcing him back against the cage.
Barrett tries to score a body lock takedown but Baniak shows good agility there to stay on his feet.
Baniak prevents a takedown attempt there.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Chase Barrett. That's going to take a lot out of him.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Barrett prevents the takedown attempt.
Barrett wants to take the fight to the mat but Baniak manages to get underhooks and keep the fight in the clinch.
Baniak wants a takedown.
Baniak is pressed up against the cage. Barrett has hold of a leg and is looking to drag Baniak down to the mat. Baniak avoids the attempt though and has circled away. We're back to striking at a distance.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Barrett fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Barrett tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close second round but I would say that Chase Barrett will probably get the nod.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action! This is the final round!

Baniak displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Barrett.
Barrett moves to clinch but Baniak breaks away

and Baniak counters with a nice shoot takedown that brings the fighters to the ground.
Barrett wants to get back to his feet but he's too absorbed in his own little project and Baniak manages to pass to side control.
Baniak wants to get back to his feet.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Barrett manages to create a bit of space in order to work his way back to his feet. Baniak keeps hold of his opponent and drives him back against the cage.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Barrett has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Baniak is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.
Baniak stops a takedown attempt from Barrett.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Chase Barrett. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Baniak drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Baniak tries for a takedown. No joy.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Well. There's a bit of a lull in the action here and the crowd are starting to get restless.
Barrett goes for a takedown attempt but Baniak pushes him away and we're back to fighting at a distance.
Barrett wants to clinch but Baniak slips to the side

and Baniak decides to take the opportunity to score a takedown. He's landed in Barrett's guard.
Baniak wants to stand but Barrett is controlling his posture from full guard.
Barrett wants to stand and escape but Baniak is having none of it.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Baniak wants to stand but Barrett has a closed guard, so he can't escape.

Barrett pushes Baniak off and gets back to his feet.
Barrett darts in looking for a takedown but Baniak gets double underhooks and turns Barrett into the cage.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Barrett has moved round to his opponent's back and is looking for a suplex! Oh snap! He's tossed Baniak clear over his head and slammed him to the mat!
So, who will make the next big move? In this position it could be crucial.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Baniak wants to get back to his feet.

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 Chase Barrett.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Barrett, 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 Winston Howard scores the fight 28:29
Judge Ben Watson scores the fight 28:29
Judge Francis DeMontford scores the fight 30:28

In favor of your winner, by split decision... Bogdan Baniak!
A very excited looking Bogdan Baniak made sure he remembered to thank all the fans both in the arena and on the internet. He said all the coolest people spend all day on MMA websites, which got a big reaction.