FF XLI: Piper v Sokolov PBP Commentary

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Sanford Fanning (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Ram Man Rijal (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Both fighters really staring each other down here, as Ram Man Rijal enters the cage!

Fanning
vs
Man Rijal

182 cm
23
216 lbs
3 - 5 - 0

193 cm
23
205 lbs
2 - 9 - 0

Good wrestling
Excellent boxer
Granite chin

Excellent grappler
Great elbows
Granite chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the light heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 3 - 5 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Sanford Fanning!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 2 - 9 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Ram Man Rijal!
The judges for this bout are Don Winkell, Jack Bonds and Frank Antenori.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Fanning chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Rijal can pounce on him.
Rijal shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Fanning as he avoids it easily.
Rijal scores with a shot to the body.
Fanning seems to be moving with more speed, compared to his last bout. He must have been working on that in the gym.
The sound of bone on bone echoes around the arena as Rijal checks a leg kick.
Rijal walks into a left hand.
Rijal lands a slapping body shot.
Fanning stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Fanning wants it to stay on the feet.

Fanning closes the distance and clinches.
Fanning softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
Fanning tries a body shot but Rijal blocks it.
Rijal wants a takedown but no success here.
Sanford Fanning has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Ram Man Rijal.
Rijal drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Rijal is trying to pull guard but being pressed up against the cage enables Fanning to keep the fight standing.
Rijal misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Rijal drops down looking for an ankle pick but Fanning pulls his leg out and moves away.
Rijal lands a nice leg kick that just misses Fanning's sensitive parts.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Fanning lands with a shot to the body.
Fanning connects with a lovely jab that went straight through the gap between Rijal's hands.
Fanning misses with a combination

and Rijal moves into the clinch.
Rijal blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Rijal wants a takedown.
Rijal goes for a takedown in the clinch but Fanning prevents it.

Fanning manages to break the clinch.
Fanning connects with a leg kick. Rijal looked like he was expecting something else and didn't defend it.

Fanning closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the cage.
Fanning tries a body shot but Rijal blocks it.
Rijal tries to land a knee to the head but Fanning blocks with his arms.
Fanning working aggressively here.
Fanning lands an uppercut.
Rijal blocks a punch to the side of the head.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Fanning.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
A head punch on the inside from Rijal fails to land.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Rijal jumps guard but his hands slip and he falls flat on his back. Well, he's made himself look a right mug there, as Fanning walks away with a smile on his face. Rijal gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head.

Fanning has closed the distance and engaged Rijal in a clinch.
Fanning lands with a short head shot on the inside.
Fanning throws a hook to the body. More of an arm punch but it's all scoring with the judges.
Fanning blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.
Rijal tries to jump guard but he falls flat on his backside. Fanning smiles and moves away.
Rijal throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Fanning's waist but Fanning gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Rijal off to one side.
Rijal looks winded!
Rijal fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Fanning manages to avoid it.
Fanning buckles his opponent's knee momentarily with a nice leg kick.

Fanning rushes Rijal and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.
Fanning lands a hook that snaps the head of Rijal backwards.
Fanning misses with a punch to the body.
Fanning misses with some punches.
Fanning working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
Fanning prevents a takedown attempt there.
Rijal has Fanning pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Fanning manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.
Rijal throws an elbow but it's blocked.
Fanning swings wildly with an uppercut but Rijal uses good head movement to avoid it.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Fanning.
Fanning fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Rijal is trying to pull guard but Fanning has him pressed against the cage.
Fanning scores with a hook to the body.
Rijal changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Fanning fights it off and pushes away nicely.
Fanning throws a big shot that misses.
Fanning changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.

Rijal gets tackled into the cage by Fanning. Fanning maintains the clinch.
Fanning pushes Rijal back against the cage and unloads with a body punch.
Fanning lands with a left to the head.
Rijal tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.
Fanning works for underhooks and lands a body shot in the process.
Fanning lands with a left to the head.
Fanning swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Fanning lands a right hand that snaps the head of Rijal backwards.
A shot in the inside from Fanning.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Fanning softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
Fanning works for underhooks and lands a body shot in the process.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Rijal tries to stall but Fanning uses the opportunity to gain a better position.
Fanning lands a shoulder strike.
Fanning lands a right hand.

Rijal is rocked!
Fanning throws a big uppercut that drops Rijal! More strikes from Fanning and the referee jumps in to stop the fight! Rijal lies dazed against the cage as Fanning celebrates with his cornermen!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:18 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Sanford Fanning!
An out of breath Sanford Fanning 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
57%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Dylan Mills (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Jimmy Twos Twos (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Both fighters really staring each other down here, as Jimmy Twos Twos enters the cage!

Mills
vs
Twos Twos

176 cm
23
185 lbs
7 - 5 - 0

190 cm
21
200 lbs
6 - 7 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Good knees
Cardio machine

BJJ Blue Belt
Excellent boxer
Granite chin

V-Mask Clothing (10%)

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the middleweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 7 - 5 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Dylan Mills!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 6 - 7 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Jimmy Twos Twos!
The judges for this bout are Frank Antenori, Timothy Bukovac and Jack Bonds.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Twos throws an off balance right hand

and Mills counters with a nice double leg into guard.

Mills 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.
Mills passes into half guard.
Still in half guard, Mills seems content to control.

Mills seems to be working for a kimura but Twos defends the submission attempt.
Mills trying to control the action but Twos is working from the bottom.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Mills is trying for a guillotine from the top but the pressure isn't in the right place so Twos is just riding it out for now. Mills eventually gives up the hold.

Mills 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.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Twos is defending against the submission attempts here by Mills.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Mills is figuring out what he wants to do next.

Mills is sneakily working for an arm triangle but Twos sees it coming and defends easily.

Mills is trying to work for a kimura. This could be trouble! No, Twos has managed to free his arm - good work.

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.

Mills seems to be working for a kimura but Twos defends the submission attempt.
Mills is looking to pass the guard... He's managed it - he's now in full mount!
Mills looking to control but Twos is working nicely, looking to advance position himself.
Mills is really struggling to control Twos but he's trying to hold on to the position.

Mills wants to finish this one by submission but Twos is holding onto his waist, trying to prevent any attacks from Mills.
Mills controlling the position easily from mount.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Twos blocking the ground and pound.

Mills working for a submission but Twos is keeping him at bay.
Mills trying to control but Twos is having none of it.

Mills looking for a guillotine from mount but Twos is having none of it.
Mills tries to control but Twos wriggling away.
Twos is writhing around trying to get back to his feet.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Mills is working on an americana here. Ooh, that looks pretty nasty! Nope, Twos has managed to escape the submission attempt.

Mills working to secure an arm triangle but it's not happening for him just yet.
Mills thowing strikes but they're hitting the gloves, not doing any damage.
Mills lands a couple of nice shots there from mount.

Mills with some aggressive grappling here. He's looking for submissions here, rather than waiting for the opportunity to counter.
Mills unloading with bombs!
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!
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.

Twos defends a decent attempt at a guillotine from Mills.
Mills is in the full mount, landing strikes.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Dylan Mills dominated that round.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.

Twos misses the jab.

It looks like Jimmy Twos Twos has been cut.
Dylan Mills is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Mills throws a lazy right hand but Twos sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Twos misses with an uppercut. Mills saw that one coming.
Mills looks to have improved his striking defense since last time we saw him fight.

Mills shoots in for a takedown and gets it.

Mills is working for a kimura but Twos is defending it quite comfortably.
Twos is staying active underneath Mills, who seems content to just control the action from this position.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Mills maintaining the dominant position here and is working for a kimura. He's locked it up! Twos could be in real trouble here! He's trying to wriggle out but Mills has cracked it and Twos is screaming in pain - he's tapped out! Great finish by Mills!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 0:59 of round 2, we have a winner by way of Submission (Kimura). Dylan Mills!
In his post fight interview, Dylan Mills started talking himself up. Luckily his charisma kept the crowd on side and gave him a good reception.

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 lightweight MMA rules bout between Julius Birch (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Jurgen Murgen (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Birch
vs
Murgen

180 cm
21
168 lbs
2 - 2 - 0

175 cm
22
153 lbs
4 - 6 - 1

BJJ Brown Belt
Solid boxing
Granite chin

Decent wrestler
Good kicks
Powerful

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the lightweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 2 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Sydney, Julius Birch!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 4 - 6 - 1, fighting out of Helsinki, Jurgen Murgen!
The judges for this bout are , Don Winkell and Jack Bonds.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Birch tries to keep at a distance but Murgen has taken the fight into the clinch.
Murgen misses with a punch to the body.
Birch lands on the inside with an uppercut.
Birch is trying to break the clinch but Murgen is controlling him.
Both guys are working to get underhooks.
Murgen'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.
Murgen lands an elbow inside that Birch shrugs off.
Murgen tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Murgen is struggling to control the position.
Murgen swings away with an uppercut that misses.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Murgen lands a nice elbow.
Birch works on Murgen's body with a couple of short punches.
Birch working hard to break the clinch.

Murgen breaks from the clinch.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Murgen defending well as Birch loads up on a big left hand.
We've been hearing reports that Birch has been drilling takedowns in recent sessions so let's see if that has an impact on the result of this fight.
Birch goes for a double leg but Murgen avoids the attempt and the two fighters end up clinched against the cage as Murgen continues to drive forward.
Murgen tries to close the distance and clinch up but Birch swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Birch avoids the clinch attempt nicely.

Murgen takes the fight into the clinch.
Birch can't find room to land a body shot as Murgen controls the action.
Birch effectively controlling the action here.
A hook to the body from Murgen.
Birch is trying to slow down the pace in the clinch, to catch his breath.
Birch is trying to break the clinch but Murgen is controlling him.
Birch tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.
Birch just leaning against Murgen, taking a breather.
Birch fails to land with a short punch on the inside.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Birch trying to stall but Murgen improves his position.
Birch makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
Murgen lands a right hand that snaps the head of Birch backwards.
Birch pushes Murgen back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.
Come on Birch - let's have some action - none of this stalling nonsense.

Birch breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Birch lands a lovely overhand right.
Birch lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Murgen circles away quickly and effectively.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Murgen tries to clinch there but Birch circles away.

Murgen closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the cage.

Birch breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Birch throws a nice looking combination but Murgen bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Murgen swings away with a counter right hand but no contact made.
A thudding body kick lands there by Murgen!
Murgen is looking to clinch.
Birch throws an ugly left hook that misses
and Murgen counters with a nice uppercut.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Birch moves into range and throws a combination. A nice jab followed by a hook to the body.
Birch throws a body punch but Murgen moves out of range.
Murgen looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Birch is fending him off so far but Murgen persists. Nope, Birch circles away and we're back to standing.
Nice jab there from Murgen.
Murgen uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Birch.
Murgen bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Birch takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.

Murgen closes the distance and clinches.
Murgen is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Birch is defending well for now.
Birch takes a shot to the head.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, Murgen creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
Murgen lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.

Birch manages to pull guard. Let's see whether he can land a sub off his back.
Birch has a closed guard, preventing anything of note from happening. Perhaps he's looking to stall.
Murgen is frustrating his opponent with some stalling tactics from top position.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

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

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

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:46 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Triangle). Julius Birch!
After the fight, Julius Birch was humble in paying tribute to his opponent but made it clear he wants to go on to bigger and better things. It seemed to go down well with the crowd who cheered him loudly.

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
47%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a super heavyweight MMA rules bout between Serge Decker (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Petro Poroshenko (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Petro Poroshenko has the power to score a knockout today if he connects clean with Serge Decker's chin.

Decker
vs
Poroshenko

195 cm
21
300 lbs
5 - 3 - 0

190 cm
23
265 lbs
3 - 1 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Excellent boxer
Cardio machine

Good wrestler
Decent boxing
Good gas tank

Arcticus University: London

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the super heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 5 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Serge Decker!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 3 - 1 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Petro Poroshenko!
The judges for this bout are , Frank Antenori and Don Winkell.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Poroshenko feints and then dives in with a takedown. That was a long way out but the feint bought him enough time to close the distance and complete the takedown. Now we'll play guard for a bit and see who can get the better of that position.
Poroshenko throwing strikes from guard but Decker blocks nicely.
Poroshenko working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Decker keeping moving, preventing Poroshenko from controlling successfully.
Poroshenko not doing a lot at the moment. He'll have to show some more aggression or the fight will get stood up.
Decker is controlling Poroshenko's posture.
Poroshenko is looking to work some ground and pound but Decker has wrist control.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Decker trying to control the position here.
Decker not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.

The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up. He just wasn't happy with the level of activity.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Poroshenko doesn't succeed with the takedown
and Decker counters with a three punch combo that has Poroshenko backing up. Poroshenko nods at Decker to acknowledge the strikes.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Poroshenko.
Decker is looking to counter with a shot to the body.
Decker attempts a leg kick but it's missed by a good margin.
Despite the aggression on Poroshenko's face he doesn't fully commit to the counter.
Decker swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Poroshenko keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
And Poroshenko tries to counter it with a takedown but Decker pushes his down on his head and steps out.
Decker tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Poroshenko was well out of range. Poor timing from Decker.
Poroshenko is loading up here, looking for a big counter of his own.
Decker tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Poroshenko was well out of range. Poor timing from Decker.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Poroshenko changes levels and drives through with a really nice takedown into side control. Decker looks really pissed at himself for not defending that better.
Poroshenko lands some shots froms side control.
An elbow from Poroshenko crashes against the mat.
Poroshenko working away.
Decker defending against the ground and pound.
Poroshenko lands a knee to the body and follows it up with some ground and pound to the head. That will wear Decker down.

It looks like Serge Decker has been cut.
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!
Decker is trying to control Poroshenko's posture but Poroshenko avoids it.
Decker takes a nasty elbow to the side of the head.
Poroshenko scores with a big shot from side control... and another... and another! Oh Decker is done here - save him referee! More strikes land and eventually the ref does step in and Poroshenko can finally stop beating on his defenseless opponent!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:55 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Petro Poroshenko!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
36%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Xavier Sykes (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Olavo Miranda (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Olavo Miranda acknowledges the crowd's support as he enters the cage.

Sykes
vs
Miranda

190 cm
21
222 lbs
3 - 2 - 0

197 cm
22
217 lbs
4 - 5 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Lethal high kicks
Cardio machine

Good wrestler
Excellent MT
Powerful

GREEN!160

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the light heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 3 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Montreal, Xavier Sykes!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 4 - 5 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Olavo Miranda!
The judges for this bout are Timothy Bukovac, and Don Winkell.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Miranda misses with a jab, cross combination.
Miranda tries to clinch up but Sykes circles away and keeps his distance.

Sykes gets in close and instigates a clinch.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Sykes.
Sykes lands a shot to the body.
Miranda softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
Sykes lands a body shot in the clinch.
Sykes tries to throw a body punch but Miranda avoids it by throwing Sykes back against the cage.
Sykes swings wildly with an uppercut but Miranda uses good head movement to avoid it.
A nice left hand lands by Miranda.
Sykes working aggressively here.
Sykes throws a head punch that misses.
Miranda blocking some punches.
Sykes blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.
Miranda blocking some punches.
Sykes misses with a punch on the inside.
Miranda connects with a knee to the head.

It looks like Xavier Sykes has been cut.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Miranda blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Sykes swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Miranda prevents a body shot from Sykes.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Miranda looking to slow down the pace here.
Sykes misses with a punch on the inside.
Sykes misses with a hook from the clinch.
Sykes lands a hook that snaps the head of Miranda backwards.
Sykes misses with a hook to the ribs.
Miranda misses with a knee strike.
Miranda scores with a knee to the head.
Miranda'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.
Sykes fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Sykes tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Miranda's elbow.
Sykes lands a hook to the body. It's hard to tell if that hurt Miranda or not.
Miranda lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
Sykes has a couple of punches blocked by Miranda.
Miranda blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Sykes lands with a short punch from the clinch.
Sykes struggles to land a body shot inside as Miranda controls his hands.
A head punch on the inside from Sykes fails to land.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Miranda working Sykes over with knees to the body.
A short right from Sykes on the inside.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Miranda doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Sykes scores with an uppercut up the middle.
Miranda lands a body shot in the clinch.
Sykes can't find room to land a body shot as Miranda controls the action.
Miranda blocks an uppercut.
Sykes misses with a hook to the ribs.
Sykes blocking some punches.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Sykes.
Miranda lands with a right to the head.
Sykes blocks an uppercut.
Sykes lands with a short punch from the clinch.
Miranda is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Sykes is defending well for now.
Sykes lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
Miranda looking to throw knees to the head but Sykes is blocking nicely.
Sykes has a couple of punches blocked by Miranda.
Sykes lands a body punch in the clinch.
Miranda lands with a short punch from the clinch.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Sykes wants to break free. God knows he wants to breaaaak freeee.
Sykes gets through Miranda's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Sykes.
Miranda misses with some punches.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Sykes.
Miranda gets through Sykes's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
Sykes pushes Miranda back against the cage and unloads with a body punch.
Sykes misses with the head strike.
Sykes blocks an uppercut.
Sykes tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Sykes misses with a hook from the clinch.
Miranda landing knees to the body.
Miranda throws a knee to the head but misses.
Miranda tries to work over Sykes's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Miranda looking to slow down the pace here.
Miranda blocks an uppercut.
Miranda tries a body shot but Sykes blocks it.
Sykes works for underhooks and lands a body shot in the process.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Sykes lands a hook that snaps the head of Miranda backwards.
Miranda stalling.
Miranda throws a knee to the head but misses.
Miranda blocks an uppercut.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Sykes wants to break the clinch but can't.
Sykes throws a punch but it's blocked by Miranda.
A right hook to the body lands for Miranda.
Sykes tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Miranda blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Sykes lands with a short punch from the clinch.
Miranda misses with the head strike.
Sykes tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Miranda's elbow.
Miranda lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
Miranda tries to land knees in the clinch but Sykes avoids the damage to the body.

Sykes pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Sykes connects with a single shot there.
Wow, both these guys are really going for it!
Miranda tries to close the distance and clinch but Sykes swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Sykes waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Miranda.
Sykes throws the left hand but Miranda avoids the punch easily.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Xavier Sykes dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Xavier Sykes's cut.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

Sykes misses with a hook. Miranda ducked under it nicely.
Miranda throws a nice outside leg kick.
Miranda tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
An attempted straight right counter from Sykes misses the target.

Miranda tries to keep at a distance but Sykes has taken the fight into the clinch.
A head punch on the inside from Miranda fails to land.
Sykes working aggressively here.
Sykes misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Sykes is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Miranda can do to turn this around?
Miranda doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
A body shot lands from Miranda.
Miranda lands with a left to the head.
A short right from Miranda.
Sykes throws a head punch that misses.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Sykes wants to get back to striking at distance but Miranda won't allow it.
Sykes lands a right hand that snaps the head of Miranda backwards.
Miranda lands a hook that snaps the head of Sykes backwards.
Sykes misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Miranda with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.
Sykes lands with a short punch from the clinch.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Sykes misses with a punch on the inside.
Miranda landing knees to the head.
Sykes gets through Miranda's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.

Miranda is rocked!
Sykes makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
Miranda is still on wobbly legs! Can Sykes finish him?
Miranda misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Sykes.
Sykes on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
Sykes tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Miranda working aggressively here.
Miranda blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Miranda tries to land a knee to the head but Sykes blocks with his arms.
Sykes lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
Miranda connects with a knee to the head.
Miranda misses with a body punch.
Sykes misses with a hook from the clinch.
Sykes blocks an uppercut.
Sykes misses with a hook from the clinch.
Sykes has a couple of punches blocked by Miranda.
Miranda blocking some punches.
Xavier Sykes has scored more points in the clinch so far.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Sykes swings wildly with an uppercut but Miranda uses good head movement to avoid it.
Miranda tries to land a knee to the head but Sykes blocks with his arms.
Miranda misses with a knee to the head.
Sykes dips a shoulder and cracks Miranda with a mighty uppercut! Miranda falls back against the cage and Sykes unloads with a barrage of strikes! Miranda is completely out with his eyes open, only supported by the cage! Save him ref! Eventually the ref decides to do his job and jumps in - Sykes screams abuse at the incompetent official before going over to celebrate with his corner. Brutal stuff!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:50 of round 2, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Xavier Sykes!
In defeat, Olavo Miranda stepped up to the mic, saying 'Foi uma grande luta. Ele foi melhor. Agora ficam as lições aprendidas para que eu possa melhorar na proxima'.

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
65%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between JJ Lakes (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Paco Gutierrez (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Lakes comes into the arena with Suffa by Hed Pe blaring out of the sound system. JJ Lakes has a significant reach advantage - let's see if he can make it count.

Lakes
vs
Gutierrez

182 cm
26
192 lbs
4 - 1 - 0

170 cm
22
192 lbs
7 - 4 - 0

Abu Dhabi Champ
Counter fighter
Big heart

Decent wrestler
Decent boxing
Good gas tank

Dauntless
Voodoo Nutrition

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the middleweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 4 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, JJ Lakes!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 7 - 4 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Paco Gutierrez!
The judges for this bout are Don Winkell, Timothy Bukovac and .

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Gutierrez lands with a nice body punch.
Gutierrez with a hook.

It looks like JJ Lakes has been cut.
Gutierrez clobbers Lakes with an overhand right that has the crowd gasping. That made a horrendous noise.
Lakes on the wrong end of a nice hook.

Lakes is rocked!
Lakes shoots in but Gutierrez avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Oh Lakes is still all over the place! His legs are completely gone! Will he be able to recover?!!
Gutierrez dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Lakes seems to have got his legs back now.

Gutierrez tries to keep at a distance but Lakes has taken the fight into the clinch.

Gutierrez has dropped down and is working for a takedown. Lakes is trying to keep an underhook but Gutierrez manages to get the takedown into half guard.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!

Lakes actively working from the bottom here.
Lakes has hold of Gutierrez's hands but Gutierrez slips his arm to the side and lands an elbow.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Gutierrez is thwarting Lakes's attempts to control the position.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Lakes pushes Gutierrez off looking to stand but Gutierrez dives back in and keeps control.
Gutierrez lands with a punch from half guard.

Lakes actively working from the bottom here.
Gutierrez is taking a breather. Lakes 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.
The referee walks around the fighters to get a better view of the action. Gutierrez lands a nice short elbow.
Lakes trying to hold on to Gutierrez's head to control him but Gutierrez postures up.
Lakes wants to improve his position but Gutierrez is controlling well.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Gutierrez working Lakes over with strikes.
Lakes is controlling Gutierrez's position as best he can from this difficult position.

Lakes looking for submissions from an awkward position here.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Lakes has hold of Gutierrez's hands but Gutierrez slips his arm to the side and lands an elbow.
Gutierrez trying to pass the guard but Lakes defending well.
Gutierrez working over Lakes with some ground and pound. Lakes looks like he wants out of this position, which is understandable.

Lakes looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
Gutierrez really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Lakes. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.
Gutierrez looks over to his corner - he wants some instructions but his corner are not responding.
Gutierrez looks to score some points with some ground and pound.
Lakes wants to get back to his feet.
Gutierrez missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
Gutierrez scoring with strikes to the body and head.
Lakes taking some punishment here, with Gutierrez in his half guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Lakes pushes Gutierrez off looking to stand but Gutierrez dives back in and keeps control.
Gutierrez working to pass to mount. He's got his hand pressing down on Lakes's thigh. Lakes counters though and makes it back to full guard.
Hammerfist, elbow! yells Gutierrez's corner. There ya go! There ya go!

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

Lakes working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Gutierrez doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Gutierrez manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.
In the pre-fight buildup videos we saw Gutierrez working his ground and pound in the gym. So far it seems to be working well.
Gutierrez postures up and scores with a shot to the body and a follow up elbow to the head.
Lakes will need to keep those long limbs tucked in whilst he's on the ground, to prevent any submissions.

Lakes is looking for a triangle but Gutierrez pushes his legs off easily.
Gutierrez postures up and scores with a shot to the body and a follow up elbow to the head.

Lakes looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.
Gutierrez lands a couple of digs.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Gutierrez gets to his feet and stands over Lakes, holding his ankles. He dives in with a big left hand that connects! Lakes felt that one! Gutierrez unloads more punches and elbows and this one is over! The ref has dived in to save Lakes from any more punishment!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:21 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Paco Gutierrez!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
40%

Co-main event

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Geoffrey Barbossa (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Edward Kenway (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Geoffrey Barbossa has the edge in experience - let's see if he can make that count tonight.

Barbossa
vs
Kenway

170 cm
23
160 lbs
11 - 2 - 0

175 cm
23
154 lbs
4 - 0 - 0

Good wrestling
World class MT
Cardio machine

BJJ Purple Belt
World class MT
Good gas tank

DC Unrivaled
Perkele!

GREEN!160

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the lightweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 11 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Geoffrey Barbossa!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 4 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Montreal, Edward Kenway!
The judges for this bout are Timothy Bukovac, Jack Bonds and Don Winkell.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Barbossa avoids the head kick by Kenway.
Kenway feints and then cracks Barbossa's leading leg with a nice low kick. He's obviously looking to slow Barbossa down.
Barbossa tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Barbossa lands with a straight right. Kenway didn't see that one coming.
Barbossa looks for the body kick but Kenway saw that one coming.
Barbossa throws a half hearted mid kick.
Kenway wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.
Kenway misses with a body kick.
Barbossa misses with a hook. Kenway ducked under it nicely.
Kenway swings away with a counter right hand but no contact made.
Barbossa lands with a right hand.

Barbossa closes the distance and clinches.
Barbossa misses with a punch on the inside.

Kenway breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Kenway throws a jab when Barbossa was well out of range.
Kenway misses with a jab to the body
and Barbossa counters with a nice jab to the body that keeps Kenway thinking.
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!

Barbossa clinches with his opponent.
Barbossa gets through Kenway's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
Kenway pushes Barbossa back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.
Barbossa misses with a shot to the kidneys.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Barbossa lands with a short head shot on the inside.
Kenway blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Barbossa goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
I was talking to Barbossa's coach per-fight and he was telling me that they'd been working on the clinch in the runup to this fight.
Barbossa digs a right hand into Kenway's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Kenway's gas tank.
Kenway throws a head punch that misses.

Barbossa escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Kenway fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Barbossa manages to avoid it.
Barbossa throws a low kick but Kenway moves out of range easily.
Kenway is trying to counter with his kicks.

Barbossa rushes Kenway and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.
Kenway pushes Barbossa back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.
Barbossa lands a left hand that snaps the head of Kenway backwards.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Barbossa.
Kenway misses with the head strike.
Kenway goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
A short right from Kenway on the inside.
Kenway misses with a short punch on the inside.
Barbossa lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Kenway backwards.
This has been an exciting period of action!

Barbossa manages to break the clinch.

Barbossa instigates a clinch.
Kenway lands with a light punch inside.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Barbossa.
Kenway tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Kenway wants to push off and get back to the center of the mat but Barbossa has him pressed against the cage.
Barbossa working aggressively here.
A right hook to the body lands for Kenway.
Kenway is trying to break free.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Kenway.
Kenway has been looking to improve his clinch game in recent weeks. Barbossa seems to have the measure of him in the clinch so far, so let's see if Kenway can turn it around.
Barbossa has a couple of punches blocked by Kenway.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Kenway.
A short right from Barbossa on the inside.
Kenway lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
Kenway lands an uppercut.
Barbossa tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Kenway's elbow.
Kenway tries to throw a body punch but Barbossa avoids it by throwing Kenway back against the cage.
Barbossa struggles to land a body shot inside as Kenway controls his hands.
Kenway lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.

Kenway manages to break the clinch.
Barbossa wants to clinch.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Barbossa thuds his right hand into Kenway's forehead from close range. That could be painful for both fighters.
Barbossa ducks under a wild hook from Kenway.
Barbossa throws a counter high kick but Kenway was just alert enough to avoid it.
Edward Kenway seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Barbossa throws a body shot but no joy.
Kenway fakes a jab and then connects with a hook.
Kenway scores with a jab to the body.
Barbossa throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Kenway.
Kenway misses with a body shot
and Barbossa counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Kenway thuds his shin into the meat of Barbossa's side.
Kenway misses with a looping right.
A little feinted left hand from Barbossa on the counter but he doesn't commit to it.
Barbossa looks to land a left hand but Kenway moved out of range nicely.
Barbossa throws a leg kick but Kenway checks it.
Barbossa moves out of range as Kenway throws a body kick.
Kenway loads up on a big right hand but Barbossa slips the punch.
Kenway fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Kenway connects with a crisp jab.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Kenway tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
An attempted straight right counter from Barbossa misses the target.
Barbossa feints and then cracks Kenway's leading leg with a nice low kick. He's obviously looking to slow Kenway down.
Barbossa fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Kenway manages to avoid it.
Kenway was about to counter that last move with a leg kick but changes his mind.
Kenway scores with a jab.
Kenway fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Barbossa manages to avoid it.
Barbossa swings for the body but Kenway moves out of range.
Barbossa tries to land a leg kick but Kenway saw it coming and moves away.
Kenway shuffles to his left behind two crisp jabs. Barbossa eats them both and turns towards Kenway to reposition himself and eats a stinging right hand-left hook combo.
Kenway swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Barbossa swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.
Kenway throws a lazy uppercut
enabling Barbossa to counter with a crisp jab.
Barbossa tries to check a leg kick but that clearly hurt him.
Kenway misses with an attempted mid kick.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Barbossa tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Kenway paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Kenway counters with a body kick.
Barbossa wants to clinch.
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 Geoffrey Barbossa will probably get the nod.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!

Kenway throws a mid kick that lands with a slap.
Barbossa keeps his opponent at a distance with a nice jab.
Kenway misses with a looping left.
Kenway misses with a looping right.
Barbossa loads up on a big right hand but Kenway slips the punch.
Kenway takes one on the button.
Oooooooooooh, not good. A low kick from Barbossa lands where it shouldn't have, right in the... well, you know what he did? He kicked him in the penis. He's injured, injured bad. The referee sends both fighters to their corners and Kenway has 5 minutes to recover. He's OK now though... a thumbs up from Kenway and we're back underway with a touch of gloves.
Kenway falls off balance throwing a combination
and Barbossa counters with a thumping low kick.
Barbossa is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Kenway.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Barbossa swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Kenway bobs and weaves and then throws a good body kick.
Kenway scores with a big left there. The judges will like that one.
Kenway misses with a right hand
and Barbossa counters with a nice leg kick.
Barbossa misses with a body shot.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kenway throws the kick towards the body but Barbossa avoids it.
A slow jab from Barbossa misses its intended target.
Barbossa throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Barbossa shapes like he's going to throw a leg kick but settles back down.
Kenway turns his hip over beautifully as he lands a nice leg kick.
Barbossa will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
Kenway misses with an attempted mid kick.
Barbossa looked to counter that last move with a leg kick but didn't pull the trigger.
Barbossa lands a nice leg kick that just misses Kenway's sensitive parts.
The fighters circling - Barbossa throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Barbossa is looking to clinch.
Good exchange - Barbossa coming out on top.
Kenway takes a swing at Barbossa's ribcage but misses.
Like a baseball bat into the meat of his leg there - nice leg kick by Barbossa.
Kenway ducks under a wild hook from Barbossa.
Barbossa throws a looping overhand right but Kenway ducks down to avoid it.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Barbossa throws a sloppy head kick and Kenway moves out of range easily.
Kenway throws a counter combo.
The fighters are going at a pretty good pace and they're both starting to sweat now.
Nice cross by Barbossa.
Kenway bobbing and weaving, closes the distance and lands a hook to the side of Barbossa's head.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Kenway thuds his shin into the meat of Barbossa's side.
Kenway feints with a shoulder and throws a nice leg kick to Barbossa's calf.
Nice defenses there by Barbossa.
Barbossa misses with a wild body shot.
A solid body kick from Kenway.
Barbossa throws a body shot but no joy.
Kenway tries a quick counter leg kick but Barbossa is wise to it.
Barbossa ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Kenway moves away.
Kenway lets loose with a powerful body kick. Barbossa will feel that in the morning.
Nice shot lands for Barbossa.
Barbossa drops his hands and takes a jab to the jaw for his troubles.
Barbossa ducks under a wild hook from Kenway.
A swing and a miss from Kenway.
Kenway tries to score with a leg kick but it misses it's target.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Barbossa throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Kenway throws an overhand right that lands on Barbossa's shoulder, as Barbossa tries to avoid the shot.
Barbossa misses with a low kick.
Kenway scores with a straight right hand, right through his opponent's guard.
Jab by Barbossa.
Barbossa throws an off balance right hand
and Kenway counters with a stiff right hand.
Kenway throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Barbossa is looking to counter punch.
Barbossa looks to score with a jab to the body but Kenway is just out of range.
Kenway steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Barbossa.
Barbossa takes a kick to the side of the head.
Barbossa misses with a straight left.
Barbossa swinging wildly here.
Sloppy strikes from Barbossa. Those never looked like landing.
Barbossa slips a straight right by Kenway.
Barbossa feints with a shoulder and throws a nice leg kick to Kenway's calf.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
A cross from Barbossa lands.
Barbossa scores with a straight right hand, right through his opponent's guard.
Kenway steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Barbossa.
Ooooh, nice body kick lands from Kenway. Barbossa shrugs it off though.
Kenway misses with a double jab.
Kenway clobbers Barbossa with an overhand right that has the crowd gasping. That made a horrendous noise.
Barbossa throws the left hand but Kenway avoids the punch easily.
Kenway steps in looking to counter with the mid kick but it doesn't connect.
Kenway ducks under a wild hook from Barbossa.
Kenway moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
Kenway tries a head kick but it misses.
Edward Kenway seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Kenway looks to land a left hand but Barbossa moved out of range nicely.
Kenway throws a half hearted mid kick.
Barbossa feints a straight left to the body, then turns around with a flashy move and hits Kenways jaw with a dramatic spinning back fist!
Kenway throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Barbossa tries to counter by clinching up but Kenway breaks away and moves out of range.
Kenway keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Barbossa steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Kenway.
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 Geoffrey Barbossa will probably get the nod.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!

Barbossa bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Barbossa half committed to a counter leg kick.
Kenway waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Barbossa.
A swing and a miss from Barbossa.
Kenway misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Barbossa.
Kenway looks to land a right hand but Barbossa moved out of range.
Kenway misses with a wild body shot.
Kenway throws a right hand that misses
and Barbossa counters with a stiff right hand.
Barbossa tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Kenway was well out of range. Poor timing from Barbossa.
Kenway misses with a series of wild punches.
Barbossa swung with a counter punch to the body but it didn't connect.
Kenway steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Barbossa.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Jab by Kenway.
Barbossa ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
An attempted straight right counter from Barbossa misses the target.
Barbossa fakes with a right hand and throws a good leg kick, right into the thigh. That had to hurt Kenway.
Kenway scores with a slapping inside leg kick.
Kenway throws a front kick aimed at Barbossa's knee but Barbossa avoids it well.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Barbossa throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Kenway loads up on a big right hand but Barbossa slips the punch.
Barbossa looks to score with a jab to the body but Kenway is just out of range.
Barbossa takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.
Nice straight punches there by Kenway. You know Roy Jones Jr respects the hands of Kenway.
Barbossa feints with a shoulder and throws a nice leg kick to Kenway's calf.
Barbossa misses with a right hand
and Kenway counters with a thumping low kick.
Barbossa scores with a punch to the head.
Barbossa takes a push kick to the midsection and stumbles backwards.
Barbossa looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.
Kenway misses with a leg kick
and Barbossa counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Barbossa slips under a jab from Kenway.
Kenway throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
A jab from Kenway does it's job there.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Barbossa misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Kenway.
Kenway cracks Barbossa with a hook to the jaw. Both fighters smile at eachother and high-five before getting back down to business.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kenway misses with a hook.
Kenway steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Barbossa.
Kenway's leg has a nasty welt from taking a succession of leg kicks. That must be slowing him down.
Kenway throws a body punch but Barbossa moves out of range.
A telegraphed right hand from Kenway misses the target.
Kenway throws a body kick despite being completely out of range
and he gets countered with a snapping leg kick.
Barbossa doesn't manage to clinch there - Kenway circles away.
Kenway scores with a decent looking hook.
Barbossa looks to clinch
letting Kenway counter with a right hand.
Barbossa throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Barbossa jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Kenway throws a leg kick that misses.
Barbossa appears to be looking for a counter punch to the body.
Barbossa will be looking to protect his midsection after taking some solid kicks to the body.
Barbossa moves into range and throws a combination. A nice jab followed by a hook to the body.
Kenway throws an ugly left hook that misses
letting Barbossa counter with a right hand.
Barbossa slips under a jab.
Kenway swings away with a body shot that misses
and Kenway takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kenway uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Barbossa.
Barbossa throws a lazy uppercut
enabling Kenway to counter with a crisp jab.
The fighters circling - Kenway throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Kenway ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Barbossa moves away.
Barbossa was looking to counter that move with a punch but didn't quite pull the trigger.
Kenway stuns Barbossa with a nice body shot, before stepping back out of range.
Barbossa avoids a kick to the body.
A little feinted left hand from Barbossa on the counter but he doesn't commit to it.
A chopping leg kick lands by Kenway.
Barbossa misses with a straight left.
Kenway dances in quickly and lands a nice inside leg kick on Barbossa. That did some damage!
Barbossa is looking to clinch but Kenway is avoiding it.
Kenway misses with a left hand
and Barbossa counters with a nice jab to the body that keeps Kenway thinking.
Barbossa lands with a good body shot.
Kenway slips under a jab from Barbossa.
Kenway fakes with a right hand and throws a good leg kick, right into the thigh. That had to hurt Barbossa.
Barbossa looks to score with a jab to the body but Kenway is just out of range.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Barbossa on the wrong end of an overhand right that came out of nowhere.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
A head kick misses from Kenway.
Kenway throws a push kick but Barbossa slaps the foot to one side.
Kenway tries to land a leg kick but Barbossa saw it coming and moves away.
Kenway throws a lazy right hand but Barbossa sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
A little feinted left hand from Barbossa on the counter but he doesn't commit to it.
Kenway avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Kenway plants his feet and lands a nice head kick!
Kenway lands an overhand left. A wild punch that just about connected.
Kenway misses with the body kick
and Barbossa connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Kenway slips a straight right by Barbossa.
Kenway wants to slow Barbossa down by chopping away at his legs.
Kenway avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Kenway stalks Barbossa and leaps in with a furious combination of punches. Uppercuts and crosses smash into Barbossa's face. Barbossa staggers backwards, shaken.
Kenway checks a leg kick nicely.
Barbossa connects nicely with a jab. Noted by the judges no doubt.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Barbossa looks to land a body kick but Kenway moved away.
A clash of legs there as Barbossa blocks the low kick.
Kenway throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Barbossa ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
A telegraphed right hand from Barbossa misses the target.
Kenway uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Barbossa.
Kenway misses with a body kick.
Barbossa swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.
Kenway tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Barbossa was well out of range. Poor timing from Kenway.
Kenway scores with a sloppy punch to the body. Not much technique there but it did the business.
Barbossa misses with an uppercut
and Kenway counters with a left and a right that stings Barbossa.
Barbossa waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Kenway.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Barbossa throws out a powerful jab.
Kenway cracks Barbossa with a nice right hand that draws applause from the crowd.
Barbossa tries a head kick but it misses.
Kenway has a pretty nasty looking mouse under his right eye.
Barbossa misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Barbossa tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Barbossa throws a head kick but Kenway moves out of range.
Kenway throws a nice outside leg kick.
Kenway throws a leg kick but Barbossa sees it coming and checks it nicely.
Barbossa is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Kenway.
Barbossa ducks under a wild hook from Kenway.
Barbossa waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Kenway.
Kenway throws out a loose jab but Barbossa uses good head movement to avoid it.
Barbossa uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Kenway.
Barbossa takes a head kick and shrugs it off.
Kenway misses with a double jab
and Barbossa counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Barbossa bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
A solid leg kick lands there for Kenway.
Barbossa throws a looping overhand right but Kenway ducks down to avoid it.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kenway scores with a jab to the body.
Barbossa lands a nice hook to Kenway's body. Kenway takes it in his stride and looks to land his own strikes.
Kenway moves out of range of the strikes.
Barbossa is looking to clinch.
Barbossa throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Kenway avoids the body shot from Barbossa.
Barbossa attempts a low kick but it misses it's target.
Donk. Barbossa catches Kenway right on the button with a cross.
Kenway tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Barbossa was well out of range. Poor timing from Kenway.
Kenway throws a sloppy head kick and Barbossa moves out of range easily.
Barbossa closes the distance and takes a jab right on the nose as he does so.
Kenway displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Barbossa throws out the jab.
The crowd cheers as Barbossa lands an impressive looking overhand right. Kenway doesn't seem phased though.
Kenway connects with a leg kick. He turned his hip over nicely there.
Barbossa throws a nice outside leg kick.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Barbossa throws a low kick, looking for Kenway's leg but Kenway calmly moves out of range.
Barbossa takes a kick to the body and keeps moving.
Barbossa checks a low kick from Kenway.
Kenway feints a straight left to the body, then turns around with a flashy move and hits Barbossas jaw with a dramatic spinning back fist!
Barbossa throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Kenway flicks out a counter leg kick but Barbossa steps away.
Kenway lands with a nice body punch.
Kenway throws a quick inside leg kick.
Barbossa misses with a head kick.
Barbossa misses with a body shot.
Barbossa takes a really solid shot there but just smiles back and shrugs his shoulders.
Barbossa sees a low kick coming and goes to check it, but it's actually a body kick and it thuds into his unprotected ribs.
Kenway looking to land some kicks to the body here.
Kenway misses with a hook
and Barbossa counters with a nice uppercut.
Barbossa misses with a straight right.
Barbossa is moving around nicely and scores here with a single head shot.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Barbossa misses with a straight right.
Barbossa lands a nice leg kick that just misses Kenway's sensitive parts.
Barbossa uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Kenway.
Barbossa keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Kenway.
Barbossa uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Kenway.
Kenway circles away from the clinch attempt.
Kenway ducks right into an uppercut from Barbossa.
Kenway slips a straight right by Barbossa.
Kenway throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Barbossa sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Barbossa misses with a body shot.
Kenway punishes Barbossa's body with a nice straight punch.
A big left from Barbossa misses.
Kenway scores with a jab.
Barbossa throws a right and a left that Kenway avoids nicely.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close fourth round but Edward Kenway will probably get the nod - 10:9.
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 hear some noise people - this is the final round!

Kenway scores with a leg kick.
A jab from Kenway misses.
Barbossa takes a shot to the body in his stride.
Kenway tests Barbossa's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Kenway throws a half hearted mid kick.
Barbossa misses the jab.
Barbossa misses with a body shot
and Barbossa takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Barbossa lands with a hook. Kenway tried to avoid it but it clipped the top of his head.
A jab from Barbossa misses.
Barbossa throws a lazy uppercut
enabling Kenway to counter with a crisp jab.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Barbossa throws a nice inside leg kick.
Kenway throws a good cross that connects.
Barbossa waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Kenway.
Barbossa swings away with a leg kick that misses.
Barbossa misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Kenway.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kenway looks to land a right hand but Barbossa moved out of range.
A telegraphed right hand from Kenway misses the target.
Kenway smiles there as he lands a nice right hand right on the button.
A jab from Barbossa misses.
Barbossa misses with a looping left.
Barbossa misses with a low kick.
Kenway swings away with a counter right hand but no contact made.
Kenway throws a body shot but no joy.
Kenway throws a body kick but he wasn't in range.
Kenway scores with a jab to the head.
Barbossa misses with a low kick.
Kenway scores with a punch to the gut of his opponent.
Barbossa steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Kenway.
Kenway misses with a body kick.
Barbossa throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Kenway connects with the punch.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kenway uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Barbossa.
Kenway appears to be waiting to throw a counter punch to the body.
Kenway throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Kenway connects with the punch.
Kenway misses the jab.
Barbossa throws a body punch but Kenway moves out of range.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Kenway throws a feint and then finishes with a kick to the body.
Barbossa throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Kenway sees it coming and avoids it easily.
A head kick misses from Barbossa.
Oooooooooooh, not good. A low kick from Kenway lands where it shouldn't have, right in the... well, you know what he did? He kicked him in the penis. He's injured, injured bad. The referee sends both fighters to their corners and Barbossa has 5 minutes to recover. He's OK now though... a thumbs up from Barbossa and we're back underway with a touch of gloves.
Barbossa avoids the body shot from Kenway.
Barbossa avoids the body shot from Kenway.
Barbossa takes one on the chin but seems OK.
Barbossa misses with a straight right.
Kenway flicks out a counter leg kick but Barbossa steps away.
Kenway defending well as Barbossa loads up on a big left hand.
It seemed like Kenway was going to counter with the hook but didn't fully commit to it.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Barbossa takes a step towards his opponent and connects with a left hand, before circling away.
Barbossa scores with a jab to the body.
Barbossa throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Decent striking displayed by Kenway there.
Kenway scores with the left hand. Barbossa knows he should have avoided that one.
Kenway scores with a nice right hand.
Barbossa wants to clinch up but Kenway keeps it at a distance.
Barbossa throws a low kick, looking for Kenway's leg but Kenway calmly moves out of range.
Barbossa avoids the body shot from Kenway.
The crowd cheers as Barbossa lands an impressive looking overhand right. Kenway doesn't seem phased though.
Kenway throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Barbossa throwing a counter right hand but Kenway manages to avoid it.
Kenway sees a low kick coming and goes to check it, but it's actually a body kick and it thuds into his unprotected ribs.
Kenway uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Barbossa.
Barbossa lands a head kick!
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
An inside leg kick from Barbossa misses.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kenway walks forward and throws out a flicking leg kick. Barbossa checks it nicely though, as he moves to the side.
Barbossa swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.
Kenway darts in and out, connecting with a jab.
Barbossa just misses with a punch to the body.
Barbossa misses with an uppercut. Kenway saw that one coming.
Barbossa moves out of range as Kenway strikes.
Barbossa misses the jab.
Kenway on the wrong end of a nice hook.
Kenway moves out of range as Barbossa throws a body kick.
Kenway lands with a good body shot.
Barbossa takes a big uppercut there. He seems a bit wobbly but no, he's OK.
Kenway throws a mid kick that lands with a slap.
Barbossa misses with a looping left.
Kenway throws a low kick but Barbossa avoids it.
Barbossa throws a wild combination but nothing lands.

And that's the end of the fight!
Edward Kenway comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think Kenway has won this one but let's see whether the judges agree with me. Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 5 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Timothy Bukovac scores the fight 47:48
Judge Jack Bonds scores the fight 48:48
Judge Don Winkell scores the fight 48:48

The fight is ruled a majority draw!
Geoffrey Barbossa retains his title. It's always disappointing when a championship fight ends as a draw but that's what happens when you leave the fight in the judges hands!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
78%

Main event

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Genesis Piper (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Artyom Sokolov (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Piper comes into the arena with Ride Out-Kid Ink, Tyga blaring out of the sound system. Artyom Sokolov has the better chin. Will he look to stand and bang today?

Piper
vs
Sokolov

194 cm
23
212 lbs
9 - 1 - 0

193 cm
23
222 lbs
8 - 4 - 0

BJJ Brown Belt
Excellent boxer
Very strong

Good wrestler
Lethal high kicks
Good gas tank

Sun-Tzu

MMA Hype Apparel
Sun-Tzu

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 9 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Genesis Piper!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 8 - 4 - 0, fighting out of New York, Artyom Sokolov!
The judges for this bout are Timothy Bukovac, Frank Antenori and .

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Piper throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Genesis Piper seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Sokolov throws a jab to the body, straight down the pipe. Boom. That sent Piper stumbling backwards but he manages to regain his composure quickly.
This fight brought to you by 5M nutrition - it's mmmmm tasty. Nice jab by Piper.
Piper misses with a looping right.
Sokolov tries a quick counter leg kick but Piper is wise to it.
Piper misses the jab.
Piper throws a jab, cross combination which is slipped
and Sokolov counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Donk. Piper catches Sokolov right on the button with a cross.

It looks like Artyom Sokolov has been cut.
Piper takes a swing at Sokolov's ribcage but misses.
Despite the aggression on Sokolov's face he doesn't fully commit to the counter.
Piper jabs Sokolov to the body, keeping him at a distance.
Piper lands a jab to Sokolov's midsection.
Piper closes the distance and takes a jab right on the nose as he does so.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Sokolov scores with a hook to the body. Piper takes a step back and tries to catch his breath.
Sokolov throws a series of punches but Piper moves out of range.
Sokolov turns his hip over beautifully as he lands a nice leg kick.
A slapping leg kick lands for Sokolov.
Piper stooping low to avoid any incoming strikes and then lunges in with an uppercut come cross that lands flush.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Piper throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Sokolov throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd.
Sokolov moves forwards but Piper connects with a nice, crisp jab.
Piper lunges at Sokolov with a hook that half lands and is half blocked by Sokolov's hand.
Sokolov thuds a left hand into Piper's body.
Piper misses with a shot to the body
and Sokolov counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.

Piper is rocked!
Piper backs away from a small jab... but Sokolov lunges forward with a huge superman punch! Piper crumples to the ground as his mouth piece is sent flying! Sokolov with a spectacular finish!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:33 of round 1, we have a winner by way of KO (Superman Punch). Artyom Sokolov!
Artyom Sokolov seemed lost for words in his post fight interview but he remembered to thank his fans and directed everyone to his website.
The defeated Genesis Piper had this to say: 'My debut in Future Fighting did not go as planned but setbacks are a part of the game and I'm the type off guy who learns from his mistakes. I'll be back for sure'.