MMANIAK 11 PBP Commentary

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Hector Davis (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Robert Sullivan (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Robert Sullivan will no doubt be looking to use his reach advantage to good effect.

Davis
vs
Sullivan

170 cm
26
197 lbs
9 - 7 - 1

215 cm
34
282 lbs
20 - 12 - 0

Great wrestler
Great elbows
Cardio machine

Good wrestler
Dangerous knees
Powerful

KAISER
MayheM sportswear

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 9 - 7 - 1, fighting out of Amsterdam, Hector Davis!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 20 - 12 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Robert Sullivan!
The judges for this bout are Phil Schofield, Steven Brown and Richard Clark.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Sullivan has taken the fight to the clinch.

Sullivan jumps into guard, dragging Davis to the mat.
Sullivan wants to stand up but Davis is controlling him.
Davis trying to control but Sullivan is working from the bottom.
Davis prevents Sullivan from getting back to his feet.
Davis pushes down on Sullivan's leg and manages to get into half guard.
Sullivan is looking to improve his position.
Sullivan is trying to defend against the ground and pound but Davis scores with a couple of nice shots.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Davis trying to mount his opponent but Sullivan defends it.
Sullivan wants to get back to full guard.
Davis working Sullivan over with strikes.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Davis lands with an elbow from half guard - that looked like it hurt.
Davis is trying to control. Sullivan wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.
Davis is figuring out what he wants to do next.
Davis is looking to take a break and control but Sullivan is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Davis is going to have to think about doing something other than just controlling because Sullivan is managing to avoid having the position dictated to him.
Neither fighter is being very active at the moment, with Davis in particular looking to stall.
Davis seems to have a rather negative gameplan on the ground. He seems keen to just score the takedown and hold down Sullivan for as long as he can get away with.
Davis is keeping good posture, landing some ground and pound.
Sullivan trying to hold on to Davis's head to control him but Davis postures up.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Sullivan is not content to let Davis control the position.
Davis lands with a punch from half guard.
Sullivan really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Davis. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.
Davis looks towards his corner to check for any instructions. The corner give him nothing to work with, so he cracks Sullivan with a short hammerfist. I guess that's as good as any advice he could get in this position.
Davis seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Sullivan does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.
Sullivan wants to get back to his feet.
Sullivan is staying active underneath Davis, who seems content to just control the action from this position.
Davis looks to be in better condition than last time we saw him fight. Obviously he's been working hard on his cardio.
Davis wants to pass to mount but Sullivan is defending the position.
Davis lands with an elbow from half guard - that looked like it hurt.
Sullivan is trying to stand up here but Davis is controlling him well.
Davis keeping composed on the top, looking to control the action.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Sullivan wants to get back to his feet.
Davis thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Sullivan's head.
Davis is keen to just control but Sullivan is a slippery customer.
Sullivan wants to get back to his feet.
Davis 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.

Sullivan has managed to escape just enough to sneak back to his feet but Davis is on him like a limpet, forcing Sullivan back against the cage.

Sullivan pulls guard successfully.

Sullivan has scooted to the edge of the canvas and used the cage to get back to his feet. Davis has stuck on his opponent and is forcing him back against the cage.
Sullivan lands a knee to the head.

It looks like Hector Davis has been cut.

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

Davis 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.
Davis might be looking to lock onto one of his opponent's long limbs for a submission, whilst we're on the ground.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Davis is working Sullivan over from the guard. He should look to pass the guard and do a little more damage with these strikes.
Sullivan pulls Davis in close to his closed guard and prevents Davis from doing any damage or advancing position.
Sullivan looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Sullivan doesn't do any damage with a couple of strikes from the bottom.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Davis stops Sullivan from standing up.
Sullivan keeping moving, preventing Davis from controlling successfully.
Davis is in close to Sullivan's body, working some short punches and elbows.

Sullivan scrambles and gets back to his feet.
Davis closes this distance looking for a takedown but Sullivan circles away.
Sullivan tries to score a power double leg takedown but Davis sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Sullivan somewhat.

Sullivan moves into the clinch successfully.
Sullivan holding his opponent close, against the cage.

Davis pulls guard successfully.
Davis lands a beautiful sweep and he's now moved into his opponent's guard.

Davis scores with a decent looking elbow strike.
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 Hector Davis will probably get the nod.
The cut man is working on Hector Davis's cut.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!

Sullivan moves into range and clinches up with Davis.

Sullivan pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Robert Sullivan seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.

Davis gets tackled into the cage by Sullivan. Sullivan maintains the clinch.
Sullivan throws a knee to the head but misses.

Sullivan breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Sullivan has been working on his striking defense in training and it's paying off as Davis is landing a low percentage of strikes.

Davis looking to shoot here. He's gone for it and he's landed a takedown into side control! Oh, that's bad for Sullivan!
Sullivan is trying to stand back up. He's worked his way up against the cage but Davis has just dragged him back down to the mat.
Davis looks up at the clock and then as Sullivan takes his cue and looks up at the clock too, Davis smacks him right in the chops with a big elbow! How rude!
Davis working the ground and pound.
Sullivan can't do much from the bottom here.
Davis advances nicely into full mount.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Sullivan squirming around on the bottom, looking to escape.
Davis trying to control but he's not successful this time.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Davis content just to control the position here.
Davis can't quite control the action as he would like just now, as Sullivan is looking to escape.
Davis putting on the heat here with some good ground and pound!
Davis lands a nice shot to the head.
Sullivan is trying to escape the mount.
Davis lands with some strikes.
Sullivan wants to try and get back to his feet.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Sullivan in a bad spot here, taking shots to the head.
Davis cracks Sullivan with a nasty head shot there - the crowd let out an audible gasp there, as the noise reverberated around the arena.
It really doesn't seem like the step up in weight is hurting Davis here at all. He's more than holding his own against the bigger man.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Davis looking for a guillotine from mount but Sullivan is having none of it.
Davis lands a shot to the body, followed up by a shot to the exposed head of his trapped opponent.

Sullivan is rocked!
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Davis looking to finish here with some ground and pound. He lands one big shot that has Sullivan covering up... and two more big strikes land, forcing the referee to step in and put and end to proceedings! This fight is all over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:32 of round 2, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Hector Davis!
Hector Davis thanked the fans post fight for their support.

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
52%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Brandon Couture (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and De Janeiro (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Couture's entrance music is Mama said knock you out. A fine choice. Both these guys have really solid chins. Will we see a standup war or will they both decide that a knockout is unlikely and try to win the fight elsewhere?

Couture
vs
Janeiro

175 cm
49
174 lbs
57 - 36 - 2

180 cm
28
170 lbs
16 - 5 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Excellent boxer
Granite chin

BJJ Brown Belt
Counter fighter
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 57 - 36 - 2, fighting out of London, Brandon Couture!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 16 - 5 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, De Janeiro!
The judges for this bout are Chris Edwards, Phil Schofield and James Atkins.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Nice uppercut lands for Couture. That snapped Janeiro's head back.
Couture lands with a hook. Janeiro tried to avoid it but it clipped the top of his head.
Couture swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Janeiro wants to counter with a clinch but Couture pushes him away.
We can't be sure of the tactics at this early stage but we have heard that Janeiro has been working on his takedowns a lot in the buildup to the fight and we can only assume he's going to look to take this to the mat.
Couture swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
A big right from Couture misses.
Couture swings widly with a right hand

and Janeiro counters with a nice double leg into half guard.

Janeiro is looking for a kimura but Couture is holding onto that half guard position, so it's hard for Janeiro to get the leverage.
Couture is trying to stand up here but Janeiro is controlling him well.

Janeiro seems to be working for a kimura but Couture defends the submission attempt.

Couture has managed to escape just enough to sneak back to his feet but Janeiro is on him like a limpet, forcing Couture back against the cage.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Janeiro blocks a couple of punches on the inside.

Janeiro lands a nice trip takedown into half guard.

Couture is defending against the submission attempts here by Janeiro.
Couture tries to kick Janeiro off but Janeiro keeps his base steady and stays in half guard.
Both fighters have adopted an aggressive gameplan on the ground!

That's one minute gone in the round.

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

Janeiro is working for a submission of some sort.
Janeiro moves into full mount! Couture won't be happy about that!
You get the feeling that Couture really doesn't like being in this position too much.

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

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:58 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Arm Triangle). De Janeiro!
De Janeiro spent the whole post fight interview bigging himself up. It didn't go down that well with the fans after a while as they thought it was a bit arrogant.

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
64%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Tommy Lotus (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Carlos Strikes (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Lotus comes to the cage accompanied by Eye of the tiger. Both fighters look pumped up here. Let's hope this is a good fight!

Lotus
vs
Strikes

186 cm
48
172 lbs
32 - 41 - 2

186 cm
47
180 lbs
37 - 36 - 2

BJJ Purple Belt
Excellent boxer
Granite chin

Good wrestler
Excellent MT
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 32 - 41 - 2, fighting out of London, Tommy Lotus!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 37 - 36 - 2, fighting out of London, Carlos Strikes!
The judges for this bout are William Gold, James Ackerman and Colin Fotheringham.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Strikes closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the cage.
Lotus has had enough of the clinch and is looking to separate.
Knees to the body from Strikes.
Come on Strikes - let's have some action - none of this stalling nonsense.

Strikes breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
A left lands for Strikes.

Strikes shoots in and gets a takedown into Lotus's guard.

Strikes stands up and waves to Lotus to follow him.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Strikes.
No luck for Strikes with that takedown attempt.

Lotus rushes Strikes and presses him up against the cage.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Nice body punch from Strikes.
Lotus wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.
Lotus tries to break free but Strikes pushes him back against the cage.
Lotus tries to break the clinch but Strikes is controlling the position.

Strikes manages to break the clinch.
Lotus swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Strikes is loading up here, looking for a big counter of his own.

Lotus shoots in for a takedown and gets it.

Strikes has managed to escape just enough to sneak back to his feet but Lotus is on him like a limpet, forcing Strikes back against the cage.

Strikes breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Carlos Strikes seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Strikes connects with a leg kick. Lotus looked like he was expecting something else and didn't defend it.
Strikes shoots in but no luck this time.
Lotus seems to be moving with more speed, compared to his last bout. He must have been working on that in the gym.
Tommy Lotus has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Carlos Strikes.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
A combination from Strikes does no damage.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Strikes looking to score a takedown here. Lotus is defending well but Strikes drives through and ends up in Lotus's guard.
Strikes works a leg free and moves into half guard.
Lotus trying to hold on to Strikes's head to control him but Strikes postures up.
Strikes slows the pace down in half guard.

Strikes is working for a kimura but Lotus is defending it quite comfortably.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Strikes looks over to his corner - he wants some instructions but his corner are not responding.

Strikes wants to work for an arm triangle but Lotus is really keeping half guard well and defending the submission attempt.
Lotus is trying to maintain the position but Strikes is very close to passing his half guard.

Lotus is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Strikes pulls his head out easily.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.
Strikes controlling the pace.
Lotus is pressing down on Strikes's left leg trying to get back to full guard. He's managed it.
Strikes is pushing down on Lotus's leg trying to pass to half guard. Lotus is fighting to maintain full guard but Strikes has managed to sneak the leg through.

Lotus actively working from the bottom here.
Lotus slips a foot under and gets full guard. Nice work.
Strikes won't allow Lotus to sweep him here.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Carlos Strikes dominated that round.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

Lotus with a poor takedown
and Strikes counters with a nice body kick.

Lotus fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Strikes, pushing him back against the cage.

Strikes manages to break the clinch.

Strikes moves into range and clinches up with Lotus.

Lotus breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.

Strikes rushes Lotus and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.

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

Lotus drives through and clinches with Strikes against the cage.
Strikes has Lotus pressed against the cage, preventing Lotus from circling away and getting back to striking at range.
Lotus working hard to break the clinch.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Lotus wants to get back to striking at distance but Strikes won't allow it.
Strikes lands an elbow that stopped Lotus in his tracks for a moment.
A bit of stalling here from Strikes.
Strikes is working Lotus over against the cage.
Strikes with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Lotus wants to break free. God knows he wants to breaaaak freeee.
Lotus tries to circle away but Strikes has him pinned against the cage.
Strikes pushes Lotus back against the cage and unloads with a body punch.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Kneeeeees! The crowd are calling for knees to the body. Strikes obliges.

Strikes breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Strikes scores with a one two! Lotus had his feet all tangled up there and couldn't avoid the strikes.

It looks like Tommy Lotus has been cut.
Strikes shoots in for a takedown but Lotus shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Lotus closes the distance and clinches up with Strikes, looking for a takedown. Lotus pushes Strikes against the cage but Strikes circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Strikes shoots in but Lotus avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Strikes shoots in but no luck this time.
Tommy Lotus has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Carlos Strikes.
Strikes scores with a head kick.
Lotus fails with a takedown attempt.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Strikes moves into range and clinches up with Lotus.
Strikes lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Strikes lands a hook to the body. It's hard to tell if that hurt Lotus or not.
Strikes is working Lotus over against the cage.

Strikes manages to break the clinch.
Strikes fails to land with a series of punches.

Strikes instigates a clinch.
Strikes lands a shoulder strike.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Lotus takes a knee to the side of the body.

Strikes breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Nice takedown defense from Strikes. No joy for Lotus on that attempt.

Strikes changes levels and drives through with a really nice takedown into side control. Lotus looks really pissed at himself for not defending that better.
Lotus is looking to get back to his feet here but Strikes is keeping cool and he's managed to take Lotus's back.
Strikes really has the hooks in deep now - there seems like no escape for Lotus.
Well, with Strikes on his back, surely it's only a matter of time before Lotus is tapping out... Can he escape the position?

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Strikes working from the back looking to end the fight with a rear naked choke. Lotus is doing well to defend. Strikes seems to have got his hand under the chin though and he's sunk the choke in! Lotus is forced to tap and this one is over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:39 of round 2, we have a winner by way of Submission (RNC). Carlos Strikes!
After winning the bout, Carlos Strikes thanked all his fans and promised he'd do even better in his next fight. The crowd seemed to love his humility.

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
50%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Zbigniew Ciosek (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Irvin Ross (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). The crowd giving both fighters a great reception on their way into the arena. That's good to see.

Ciosek
vs
Ross

220 cm
47
277 lbs
31 - 31 - 1

225 cm
27
251 lbs
5 - 4 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
World class MT
Very quick

BJJ Blue Belt
Good kicks
Knockout power

Zenith Nutrition (160q/225$)

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 31 - 31 - 1, fighting out of London, Zbigniew Ciosek!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 5 - 4 - 0, fighting out of London, Irvin Ross!
The judges for this bout are Phil Schofield, Daniel Bishop and Donald Grub.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Ciosek misses with a wild body shot.
Ross looked like he wanted to counter with a punch but didn't throw it.
Ross uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Ciosek.
Ross takes one on the chin but keeps coming.
Ciosek connects with a looping right hand.
Ciosek has been talking about how he's improved his wrestling in the run up to the fight so let's see if that's enough to sway the balance.
Ciosek lands a leg kick. The shin dug right into the meat of the thigh.
Ciosek throws a hook but Ross blocks it.
A countering left hand to the body from Ross misses.
Ciosek throws an overhand right that lands on Ross's shoulder, as Ross tries to avoid the shot.
Ciosek takes a swing at Ross's ribcage but misses.

Ciosek has Ross up against the cage in a clinch.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Ciosek taking a breather.
Ciosek has Ross pressed against the cage, preventing Ross from circling away and getting back to striking at range.
Ross is trying to break free.
Ross is looking to break free of the clinch but Ciosek has double underhooks.
Ross is trying to break the clinch but Ciosek has him pressed against the cage.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Ciosek scores with a knee to the head.

It looks like Irvin Ross has been cut.
Ciosek works on Ross's body with a couple of short punches.
Ross tries to break the clinch but Ciosek is controlling the position.
Ross is trying to work out of this bad position, with his back against the cage.
Ross being controlled against the cage.
Ciosek lands a hook to the side of the head.

Ross is rocked!
Ross is trying to break the clinch but Ciosek has him pressed against the cage.
Ciosek dictating the pace here, as the fighters clinch against the cage.
Stalling in the clinch from Ciosek.

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

Ciosek lands a big right hand that sends Ross crashing to the mat! Ciosek stays standing though and waves Ross back to his feet!
Ross is still on wobbly legs! Can Ciosek finish him?
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Ciosek fires a straight punch through the middle that cracks Ross square on the jaw! Damn, Ross is out cold on his feet and topples face first to the canvas! Wow, I haven't seen a knockout that brutal in a long time!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:50 of round 1, we have a winner by way of KO (Punch). Zbigniew Ciosek!
An out of breath and clearly excited Zbigniew Ciosek thanked Sun-Tzu for their help and support (and free stuff they sent him).

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
54%

Co-main event

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Buvaisar Hamidovich Saitiev (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Tiago Mendez (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Mendez has chosen Trap Door as his entrance music, which hasn't gone down very well with the crowd. Tiago Mendez will no doubt be trying to keep this one on the feet, where he has a distinct advantage.

Hamidovich Saitiev
vs
Mendez

183 cm
32
185 lbs
15 - 12 - 0

184 cm
48
180 lbs
36 - 31 - 0

Good wrestling
Basic striking
Cardio machine

BJJ Brown Belt
Excellent MT
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 15 - 12 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Buvaisar Hamidovich Saitiev!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 36 - 31 - 0, fighting out of London, Tiago Mendez!
The judges for this bout are Colin Fotheringham, Andrew Berry and Sam Margolis.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Hamidovich Saitiev rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
and Mendez counters with a left and a right that stings Hamidovich Saitiev.
Mendez looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.

Mendez fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Hamidovich Saitiev, pushing him back against the cage.

Mendez breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.

Hamidovich Saitiev throws the overhand right but ducks down into a quick takedown attempt. Mendez was covering up waiting for the punch and Hamidovich Saitiev finishes the takedown easily into guard.

The fighters are working up against the cage. Mendez manages to wriggle his way back to his feet, so the fighters are now clinched against the cage.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Mendez prevents a takedown attempt there.

Mendez breaks from the clinch.

Mendez fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Hamidovich Saitiev, pushing him back against the cage.

Mendez breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
A good leg kick by Mendez.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Hamidovich Saitiev drops down and drives through with a powerful takedown into guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Hamidovich Saitiev stands up over Mendez, holding his feet. He dives back in and lands a decent shot to the head.
Hamidovich Saitiev lands a nice shot whilst sitting in his opponent's guard.

Mendez has an omoplata and is looking to use it perhaps as a submission or perhaps to transition. Hamidovich Saitiev is in a bit of discomfort here, but he's managed to free himself and has dived into side control! That didn't work out too well for Mendez.
Mendez takes an elbow right on the bridge of the nose and winces in pain.
Mendez struggling a bit here.
Mendez tries to buck Hamidovich Saitiev off but Hamidovich Saitiev is having none of it.
Mendez is moving his hips around well on the bottom and has managed to get back to half guard.
Hamidovich Saitiev looks towards his corner to check for any instructions. The corner give him nothing to work with, so he cracks Mendez with a short hammerfist. I guess that's as good as any advice he could get in this position.

Mendez looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Hamidovich Saitiev working some ground and pound from close in. He's looking to maintain this position and strike for a while by the looks of things... although he'll probably advance to full mount in a minute now I've said that.
Hamidovich Saitiev trying to control the action but Mendez is working from the bottom.
Hamidovich Saitiev drops an elbow to the side of Mendez's head.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Hamidovich Saitiev lands with an elbow from half guard - that looked like it hurt.
Hamidovich Saitiev controlling the pace.
Mendez tries to regain full guard. Instead though, Hamidovich Saitiev has advanced to mount. Uh oh.
Mendez is wriggling around trying to escape.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
The crowd growing excited in anticipation of a finish here! Right on cue, Hamidovich Saitiev cracks his opponent with a massive right hand that draws loud cheers!
Mendez keeping his composure momentarily, calmly looking to get back to half guard.
Hamidovich Saitiev scoring with strikes but Mendez is staying in there.
Mendez slips a leg in and gets back to half guard.
Hamidovich Saitiev is nestled in close to Mendez, controlling him well. He's worked in a nice elbow to the side of the head as well, for good measure.
Hamidovich Saitiev stops Mendez from getting back to his feet.
Mendez wants to control but Hamidovich Saitiev passes into side.
Mendez is not content to let Hamidovich Saitiev control the position.
Hamidovich Saitiev working away.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Mendez is trying to get back to half guard.
Hamidovich Saitiev landing a few strikes.
Hamidovich Saitiev lands an elbow.
Mendez is trying to get back to half guard. He's pushing on Hamidovich Saitiev's leg. He's managed it. Nice work.
Hamidovich Saitiev lands with an elbow from half guard - that looked like it hurt.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Hamidovich Saitiev drops an elbow to the side of Mendez's head.
Hamidovich Saitiev lands with a punch from half guard.
Hamidovich Saitiev is keeping good posture, landing some ground and pound.
Mendez is trying to stand.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Mendez tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Hamidovich Saitiev paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Hamidovich Saitiev changes levels looking for a counter takedown but doesn't commit.
We've been informed that Mendez has been working hard on his conditioning in the buildup to the fight.
Mendez tries to score a power double leg takedown but Hamidovich Saitiev sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Mendez somewhat.
Hamidovich Saitiev keeps the fight on the outside.
Hamidovich Saitiev defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Mendez.
Mendez throws a head kick that misses.
Mendez wants to clinch.
Hamidovich Saitiev changes levels looking for a counter takedown but doesn't commit.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Hamidovich Saitiev shoots in and gets a takedown into Mendez's guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Mendez looking for a guillotine here but Hamidovich Saitiev defends easily.
Hamidovich Saitiev trying to control the position from guard on top but Mendez is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Hamidovich Saitiev lands a nice shot whilst sitting in his opponent's guard.
Hamidovich Saitiev trying to control but Mendez is working from the bottom.
Buvaisar Hamidovich Saitiev overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.

Hamidovich Saitiev avoids a guillotine attempt easily.
Mendez not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
Mendez pulls Hamidovich Saitiev in close to prevent any damage.

That's two 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.

Hamidovich Saitiev avoids a guillotine attempt easily.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Hamidovich Saitiev working some strikes from top position.
Hamidovich Saitiev cracks Mendez with a solid left hand.
Hamidovich Saitiev scoring with some ground and pound.
Hamidovich Saitiev lands a nice shot whilst sitting in his opponent's guard.
Mendez looking to sweep here. No luck so far.

Mendez has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Hamidovich Saitiev can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.
Hamidovich Saitiev lands a nice shot whilst sitting in his opponent's guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Hamidovich Saitiev working from the guard for now, landing some ground and pound.
Mendez looking to control but Hamidovich Saitiev passes into half guard.
Hamidovich Saitiev lands strikes from half guard.

Mendez is rocked!
Mendez makes his way to full guard. A much better position for Mendez.
Mendez is still in real trouble! Can Hamidovich Saitiev finish him?
Mendez has momentary wrist control but Hamidovich Saitiev slips an elbow through the middle.

Mendez is active off his back here, looking for submissions.
Mendez seems to have recovered his senses.
Hamidovich Saitiev lands a couple of elbows.
Mendez wants to sweep but no luck.
Mendez wants to get back to his feet but he's too absorbed in his own little project and Hamidovich Saitiev manages to pass to side control.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Hamidovich Saitiev controlling the pace.
Hamidovich Saitiev drops an elbow to the side of Mendez's head.
Mendez slips a foot under and gets full guard. Nice work.
Hamidovich Saitiev working in close now, lands a nice elbow to the side of Mendez's head.
Hamidovich Saitiev is working the ground and pound from guard. He might want to try advancing position though to get more of an impact.

Mendez looking for a guillotine here but Hamidovich Saitiev defends easily.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Mendez looking to control.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Buvaisar Hamidovich Saitiev dominated that second round.
That's the end of the interval. I'm sure that seemed a lot quicker than a minute for our two fighters! Back to the action. This is the final round!

Mendez tries to clinch but fails miserably

and Hamidovich Saitiev counters with a takedown into side control.
Hamidovich Saitiev in side control lands a decent elbow.
Hamidovich Saitiev lands a strong strike to the head of Mendez. That's dazed him! Hamidovich Saitiev looking to finish here. Mendez is waving his arms around trying to block but he's hurt badly - Hamidovich Saitiev lands more strikes and the referee steps in to end the fight!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 0:28 of round 3, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Buvaisar Hamidovich Saitiev!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
52%

Main event

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Sakazuki Akainu (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Maksymilian Gracie (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). The crowd seem to be enjoying Gracie's choice of entrance music: Blur - Song 2. These two fighters really are very evenly matched on the feet - it will be fascinating to see who can assert themselves in that aspect of the fight.

Akainu
vs
Gracie

188 cm
25
280 lbs
9 - 4 - 1

194 cm
26
227 lbs
9 - 4 - 1

Good wrestling
Excellent boxer
Granite chin

Excellent grappler
Excellent boxer
Granite chin

King of Fists

THE END 32
Sydney Fight Gear

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, in the heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 9 - 4 - 1, fighting out of Tokyo, Sakazuki Akainu!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 9 - 4 - 1, fighting out of London, Maksymilian Gracie!
The judges for this bout are Colin Fotheringham, James Ackerman and Donald Grub.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Akainu avoids the body shot from Gracie.
Gracie misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Akainu.
Gracie moves out of range of the strikes.
Akainu is moving around nicely and scores here with a single head shot.
Gracie avoids a kick to the body.
Gracie tries to bum rush Akainu with a series of wild strikes but Akainu uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Akainu throws a lazy uppercut
and Gracie counters with a two punch combo.
A head kick misses from Akainu.
That kick from Akainu tenderised Gracie's leg. Gracie is trying to keep his angry face on.
Sloppy strikes from Gracie. Those never looked like landing.
Akainu lands a leg kick and bounces back out of range.
Gracie dives in and grabs Akainu's left leg, looking for a takedown. Akainu pushes down on Gracie's head and hops out.
Akainu looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
A swing and a miss from Akainu.
Akainu tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Sakazuki Akainu seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Akainu tries a low kick but Gracie avoids it.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Gracie fails with a takedown attempt.
Gracie ducks right into an uppercut from Akainu.

It looks like Maksymilian Gracie has been cut.
Akainu throws a quick inside leg kick.
Akainu misses the jab.
Akainu chopping away at his opponent's legs.
Gracie will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
Sakazuki Akainu has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Maksymilian Gracie.
Akainu misses with a straight left.
Akainu throws a sloppy head kick and Gracie moves out of range easily.
The fighters circling - Akainu throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
A nice inside leg kick there by Akainu. That's going to slow Gracie down.
Akainu pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Akainu throws a sloppy head kick
letting Gracie counter with a right hand.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Gracie 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.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Gracie wants to control from the top but Akainu keeps moving.
Gracie in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Akainu avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Akainu working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Gracie.
Akainu is controlling Gracie's posture.
Gracie content to strike from guard, landing some decent shots.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Gracie stands up over Akainu, holding his feet. He dives back in and lands a decent shot to the head.
Gracie postures up and lands a big shot to Akainu's brow.
Gracie is pushing down on Akainu's leg trying to pass to half guard. Akainu is fighting to maintain full guard but Gracie has managed to sneak the leg through.

Gracie seems to be working for a kimura but Akainu defends the submission attempt.
Akainu trying to control but Gracie postures up.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Akainu keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Akainu trying to control from the bottom.
Akainu keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.

Akainu looking for submissions off his back.
Akainu keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Akainu is looking for a sweep. Gracie is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Akainu is looking to control Gracie's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Akainu avoid being mounted?
The fighters are starting to get a bit slippery now, which will make submissions a bit more difficult.
Akainu is staying active underneath Gracie, who seems content to just control the action from this position.
Akainu is trying to defend against the ground and pound but Gracie scores with a couple of nice shots.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Gracie wants to control but Akainu is keeping him busy.
Gracie thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
Gracie sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Akainu defending well though.
The two fighters exchange a few words. I couldn't hear what they were saying but maybe it's more fun if you make it up yourself. Gracie connects with a nice short shot to Akainu's temple.
The referee walks around the fighters to get a better view of the action. Gracie lands a nice short elbow.
Gracie winds up and cracks Akainu with a swinging punch to the side of the head.
Akainu is trying to defend against the ground and pound but Gracie scores with a couple of nice shots.

Gracie is trying to work for a kimura but Akainu is defending well.
Gracie has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
Gracie drops an elbow to the side of Akainu's head.
Akainu is looking to control Gracie's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Akainu avoid being mounted?
Akainu is looking to improve his position.

Gracie is working for a submission of some sort.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Maksymilian Gracie dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Maksymilian Gracie's cut.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!

Akainu is looking to score with low kicks.
Gracie doesn't fully commit to the body shot counter.
Gracie takes a nice looking leg kick right on the meat of his thigh there.
That kick from Akainu tenderised Gracie's leg. Gracie is trying to keep his angry face on.
Gracie takes a step back and watches a body kick go sailing past his mid section.
A jab from Gracie misses.
Gracie looks to land a left hand but Akainu moved out of range nicely.
Gracie moves out of range of the body kick from Akainu.
A countering left hand to the body from Gracie misses.
Gracie scores with a big left there. The judges will like that one.
Akainu throws a head kick that misses.
It seemed like Gracie was going to counter with the hook but didn't fully commit to it.
Gracie ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Gracie appeared to try and counter that last move with a leg kick.
Gracie tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Akainu was well out of range. Poor timing from Gracie.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Gracie steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Akainu.
Akainu missing with a left hand there. Gracie was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Gracie is clearly trying to counter these attacks from Akainu with a body shot.
Gracie's leg has a nasty welt from taking a succession of leg kicks. That must be slowing him down.
Gracie blocks a low kick nicely.
Gracie throws a lazy right hand but Akainu sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Akainu ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Ouch! a nice leg kick from Akainu, right into the meat.
Gracie throws a hook but Akainu avoids it easily.
Gracie moves out of range of the leg kick from Akainu.
Akainu connects with a leg kick. Gracie looked like he was expecting something else and didn't defend it.
Akainu throws an ugly left hook that misses
and Gracie counters with a left and a right that stings Akainu.
Gracie looks to score with a jab to the body but Akainu is just out of range.
Gracie connects with a single shot there.
Gracie stumbles momentarily as he takes a strong leg kick from Akainu.
A looping hook to the body misses from Gracie. Akainu does a little dance to reset his feet.
Akainu walks forward and throws out a flicking leg kick. Gracie checks it nicely though, as he moves to the side.
Gracie misses with a few strikes there.
Akainu tries to land a front kick but Gracie steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed.
A slapping leg kick lands for Akainu.
Akainu throws a nice inside leg kick.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Jab, jab by Akainu - just one landing.
Gracie will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
Maksymilian Gracie is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Gracie sizes up Akainu with a pawing jab and scores with a straight right down the middle.
Sakazuki Akainu is winning the standup battle so far.
Gracie checks a low kick from Akainu.
Gracie scores with a three punch combo!
Gracie swings wildly with a couple of big hooks
and Akainu counters with a lovely straight right hand!
A left lands for Gracie.
Gracie takes a nice looking leg kick right on the meat of his thigh there.
Gracie avoids the head kick by Akainu.
Gracie takes a swing at Akainu's ribcage but misses.
The sound of bone on bone echoes around the arena as Gracie checks a leg kick.
A punch lands to the side of Akainu 's head but he takes it in his stride.
Akainu lunges in with an uppercut that skims his opponent's chin.
Akainu throws a nice outside leg kick.
Gracie has his front leg slapped to the side - a nice low kick landing there from Akainu.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Gracie tries to close the distance and clinch up but Akainu swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Gracie looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
You can see that Gracie has visibly slowed down as a result of the leg kicks
Gracie misses with a low kick.
Gracie checks a leg kick nicely.
Akainu lands an overhand left. A wild punch that just about connected.
Akainu tries to score with a low kick but Gracie moves his leg out of the way.
Gracie unleashes a big counter combination but Akainu bobs and weaves and avoids any damage.
Gracie ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Gracie just misses with a punch to the body.
Gracie throws the left hand but Akainu avoids the punch easily.
Gracie moves out of range of the body kick.
Gracie tried to score with a low kick but Akainu checks it.
Akainu doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
Akainu throws a lazy right hand but Gracie sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
A little jabbing left from Gracie on the counter but it doesn't find it's target.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Gracie throws a leg kick
and Akainu counters with a straight right hand.
Akainu misses with an attempted mid kick.
A punch lands to the side of Gracie 's head but he takes it in his stride.
Sakazuki Akainu is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Gracie bobs and weaves and throws out a fast jab that snaps Akainu's head backwards.
A slow jab from Akainu misses its intended target.
Gracie only half commits to the counter leg kick.
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!
Gracie throws a leg kick that misses.
Akainu misses with a straight left.
Gracie tries a quick counter leg kick but Akainu is wise to it.
The fighters circling - Akainu throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
It seemed like Gracie was going to counter with the hook but didn't fully commit to it.
Gracie wants to slow Akainu down by chopping away at his legs.
Gracie keeping at a good range here, avoiding a leg kick.
Akainu takes a nice looking leg kick right on the meat of his thigh there.
Nice jab there from Akainu.
Akainu takes one on the chin but keeps coming.
Horrible takedown attempt by Gracie or perhaps it was just good defense by Akainu, which made it look bad.
Akainu thinks about countering with a body kick.
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 Sakazuki Akainu will probably get the nod.
The cut man is working on Maksymilian Gracie's cut.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

Gracie closes the distance and clinches up with Akainu, looking for a takedown. Gracie pushes Akainu against the cage but Akainu circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Akainu throws a leg kick that misses.
Gracie shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Akainu as he jumps to the side.
Akainu dodges the punch combination from Gracie.
Gracie defending well as Akainu loads up on a big left hand.
Akainu throws an ugly left hook that misses
and Gracie counters with a nice jab to the body that keeps Akainu thinking.
Sloppy strikes from Gracie. Those never looked like landing.
Akainu misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Decent striking displayed by Gracie there.
Akainu is looking to slow Gracie down with leg kicks.
Akainu throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Akainu throws a head kick that misses
and Gracie counters with a straight right hand.
Akainu fakes with a right hand and throws a good leg kick, right into the thigh. That had to hurt Gracie.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Gracie looks to land a combination but Akainu avoids it well.
Akainu is looking to counter the offense by Gracie and move into the clinch.
Gracie thuds his right hand into Akainu's forehead from close range. That could be painful for both fighters.
Akainu misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Gracie.
Gracie has been working his punching technique in the buildup to the fight and it appears to be paying off.
Gracie tries to close the distance and clinch but Akainu swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.

Gracie instigates a clinch.
Gracie drops down looking for an ankle pick but Akainu pulls his leg out and moves away.
Sakazuki Akainu has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Maksymilian Gracie.
An inside leg kick lands from Akainu.
Akainu misses with a head kick.
Akainu thuds a left hand into Gracie's body.
Gracie misses with an uppercut. Akainu saw that one coming.
Gracie throws a big shot that misses.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Gracie throws a predictable looking body shot
and Akainu counters with a nice low kick that buckles Gracie's knee momentarily.
Akainu thows a body kick. Gracie tries to catch it but that hurt him.
Gracie takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Gracie throws a sloppy body shot
and Akainu counters with a slapping leg kick.
Akainu is looking to chop away at Gracie's legs.
Gracie checks the leg kick.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Akainu cracks Gracie with a hook to the jaw. Both fighters smile at eachother and high-five before getting back down to business.
Akainu throws a looping overhand right but Gracie ducks down to avoid it.
Gracie swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
An attempted straight right counter from Akainu misses the target.
Gracie blocks a head kick by Akainu.
Gracie looks to land a combination but Akainu avoids it well.
Some wild striking there from Gracie.
Gracie darts in looking for a takedown but Akainu gets double underhooks and turns Gracie into the cage.
Akainu lands with a thumping leg kick.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Gracie moves out of range of the body kick.
Gracie slips under a jab.
Akainu avoids the body shot from Gracie.
Akainu drops down looking for a counter takedown but Gracie sprawls and moves away.
Jab, jab by Akainu - just one landing.
Akainu finds nothing but air with that leg kick attempt.
Gracie looks like he wants to counter punch here.
Akainu keeps his opponent at a distance with a nice jab.
Gracie connects with a looping right hand.
A nice inside leg kick there by Akainu. That's going to slow Gracie down.
Gracie fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Akainu avoids it really well and circles away.
No luck for Gracie with that takedown attempt.
Akainu plants his feet and lands a nice head kick!

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Gracie blocks a head kick by Akainu.
Gracie misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
Gracie misses with a straight right.
Akainu was looking to counter that move with a punch but didn't quite pull the trigger.
Gracie will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Gracie shakes his hands off, looking to compose himself, but takes a jab to the jaw whilst he does it.
Akainu throws a hook but Gracie blocks it.
Gracie flicks out a counter leg kick but Akainu steps away.
Akainu throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Gracie swings for the body but Akainu moves out of range.
Akainu pulls out of a head kick attempt.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Sakazuki Akainu clearly takes that round.
The cut man is working on Maksymilian Gracie's cut.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action.

Gracie shoots in looking for a takedown. Akainu tries to sprawl out of it but Gracie keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Akainu manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Akainu misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Gracie throws out a counter right but Akainu avoids it with no problem.
Gracie throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Akainu.
Akainu scores with a kick to the body.
Akainu scores with a jab to the jaw of his opponent.
Akainu walks into a stiff left hand from Gracie.
Akainu connects with a solid leg kick.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Akainu scores with a head kick. Gracie tried to block it but didn't get his arm up in time.
Akainu connects with a high kick.
Akainu tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Akainu tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Akainu slips in close and lands a nice hook before moving back out of range.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Gracie lands a jab to the head.
Akainu thows a left - swing and a miss!
Akainu waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Gracie.
A big left from Akainu misses.
Akainu takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
Gracie will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
Gracie misses with a double jab.
Gracie throws a leg kick but he was too far away and it doesn't land.
Akainu scores with a slapping inside leg kick.
Akainu misses the shot to the body.
Gracie misses with a series of wild punches.
Gracie tries to clinch up but Akainu circles away and keeps his distance.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Akainu with a nice looking leg kick. You could hear that one land in a back row.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Gracie.
Sakazuki Akainu has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Maksymilian Gracie.
Akainu connects with a single shot there.
Akainu throws a hook to the side of Gracie's head but Gracie sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Akainu misses with an uppercut.
That kick from Akainu tenderised Gracie's leg. Gracie is trying to keep his angry face on.
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!
Gracie closes the distance looking to clinch
and Akainu counters with a nice low kick that buckles Gracie's knee momentarily.
Gracie gets cracked there but stands up to it.
Gracie misses with a jab, cross combination.
As Gracie backs away, Akainu returns fire with a leg kick that just misses.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Ooooh, nice body kick lands from Akainu. Gracie shrugs it off though.
Gracie gets his head snapped back by a nice shot there.
Akainu feints with a shoulder and throws a nice leg kick to Gracie's calf.
Akainu blocks a jab.
Akainu goes for a high kick. It partially lands.
Gracie tries to drive through with a takedown attempt but Akainu defends well and Gracie ends up having to push Akainu into the cage where they will battle it out in the clinch.
Akainu moves into range and connects with a jab.
Gracie tries to close the distance and clinch but Akainu swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Some bone on bone action there as Gracie checks a low kick. Luckily it wasn't a particularly hard one.
Gracie dips to his left and cracks Akainu with an uppercut!
Gracie misses with an uppercut.
Akainu lunges at Gracie with a hook that half lands and is half blocked by Gracie's hand.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Akainu fakes with a right hand and throws a good leg kick, right into the thigh. That had to hurt Gracie.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Akainu does a little shimmy and throws a leg kick. The leg kick missed by a considerable margin though, making him look a little bit silly for doing the shimmy.
Gracie on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by Akainu. Akainu obviously looking to wear him down.
Akainu scores with a slapping inside leg kick.
Gracie takes a swing at Akainu's ribcage but misses.
Akainu slips under a jab from Gracie.
Well, he's not going to score with shots like that. A lazy body kick attempt from Akainu.
Gracie throws an overhand right that lands on Akainu's shoulder, as Akainu tries to avoid the shot.
Nice defenses there by Gracie.
Gracie tries to clinch up.
Akainu tried to score with a low kick but Gracie checks it.
Akainu is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Gracie can do to turn this around?
Gracie throws a body kick that misses.
Gracie tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Akainu paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Gracie throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Sakazuki Akainu had his way with Maksymilian Gracie in that round.
The cut man is working on Maksymilian Gracie's cut.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business. This is the final round!

Gracie shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Akainu sprawls well. Akainu wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Gracie gets slowly back to his feet.
A lazy left from Akainu finds it's target.
Akainu attempts a low kick but it misses it's target.
Gracie flicks out a counter leg kick but Akainu steps away.
Gracie misses with a lunging right hand
and Akainu counters with a stiff right hand.
Akainu throws a feint and then finishes with a kick to the body.
Good leg kick by Akainu there. It's the ones that make that thud noise that hurt and that was an almighty thud.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Gracie checks a low kick from Akainu.
Some wild striking there from Gracie.
Gracie throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Akainu sees it coming and avoids it easily.

That's one minute gone in the round.
A solid leg kick lands there for Akainu.
A swing and a miss from Akainu.
Akainu throws a looping overhand right but Gracie ducks down to avoid it.
Gracie fails with a takedown attempt.
Akainu leaves Gracie with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
Sakazuki Akainu has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Maksymilian Gracie.
Akainu tests Gracie's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Gracie takes a jab right on the kisser.
Akainu connects with a leg kick. Gracie looked like he was expecting something else and didn't defend it.
Sakazuki Akainu is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Gracie loads up on a big right hand but Akainu slips the punch.
An inside leg kick lands from Akainu.
Gracie on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by Akainu. Akainu obviously looking to wear him down.
Akainu moves out of range of the leg kick from Gracie.
Akainu slips under a jab.
Akainu connects with a solid leg kick.
Akainu lands a pitter patter jab to the forehead of his opponent.
Akainu paws at his opponent with the jab and then lunges in with a straight, right on the button.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Akainu throws a leg kick which misses Gracie's front leg but catches the back leg as Gracie tries to avoid it.
Gracie thows a left - swing and a miss!
Akainu misses with a body kick.
Akainu moves out of range as Gracie strikes.
Gracie misses with a wild combination.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Akainu connects with a jab.
Gracie fails with the takedown.
Gracie pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Akainu keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
Akainu thuds his right hand into Gracie's forehead from close range. That could be painful for both fighters.
Gracie misses with a few strikes there.
Gracie ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Gracie! But no joy.
A big left from Gracie misses.
Gracie blocks a head kick by Akainu.
Maksymilian Gracie has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Akainu looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Gracie.
Akainu seemed to be looking to counter by closing the distance.
Some wild striking there from Gracie.
Gracie checks a low kick. Bone on bone - not my idea of a good time.
Gracie fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Akainu manages to avoid it.
Gracie avoids the head kick by Akainu.
Akainu looks to throw the jab but Gracie is out of range.
Gracie takes a shot to the eye socket. That's gotta hurt.
Akainu's corner calls for a 1-2. Akainu obliges with the 1 part as he scores the single shot and moves back out of range.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Gracie is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Akainu.
A decent looking cross lands there for Akainu.
Akainu's corner calls for a 1-2. Akainu obliges with the 1 part as he scores the single shot and moves back out of range.

And that's the end of the fight!
Sakazuki Akainu showed his dominance in that final round.
I think Akainu has won this one but let's see what the judges have to say. Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 5 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Colin Fotheringham scores the fight 49:46
Judge James Ackerman scores the fight 49:47
Judge Donald Grub scores the fight 49:46

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Sakazuki Akainu!
Our winner, Sakazuki Akainu, made sure he spent some time buttering up the crowd during his post fight interview, which will no doubt bring him a few more fans.