The Beatdown: (LHW/WW) Round 1 PBP Commentary

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Leleo Bassi (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Ryan Griffin (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Rumors backstage are that the fighters have been paid to keep it standing but we know that would never happen in MMA!

Bassi
vs
Griffin

190 cm
25
235 lbs
1 - 0 - 0

195 cm
18
245 lbs
3 - 1 - 0

Good wrestling
Counter fighter
Good chin

BJJ Blue Belt
Basic striking
Solid chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Hilo, Leleo Bassi!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 3 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Hilo, Ryan Griffin!
The judges for this bout are Colin Fray, Paul Gruel and Jeff Smith.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Bassi looks to score with a jab to the body but Griffin is just out of range.
Griffin misses with a jab, cross combination.

Griffin gets taken down but at least he's managed to land in guard.

Griffin had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Bassi defends it easily.
Griffin has a closed guard, preventing Bassi from standing up.

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

Bassi stands and steps away. Griffin gets to his feet too and we're back to the striking game.
Ryan Griffin seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Bassi avoids the body shot from Griffin.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Griffin defending well as Bassi loads up on a big left hand.
It seemed like Griffin was going to counter with the hook but didn't fully commit to it.
Griffin fails to land with a series of punches.
Bassi tries to counter by clinching up but Griffin breaks away and moves out of range.
Griffin looks more muscular than last time we saw him. He must have been on the weights.
Bassi misses with a straight left.
Griffin tries to close the distance and clinch but Bassi swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Bassi uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Griffin.
Bassi keeps the fight on the outside.
Griffin shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
A telegraphed right hand from Griffin misses the target.

Bassi gets a double leg takedown into Griffin's guard.
Bassi has to be careful here, sitting in the guard of a superior BJJ player.

Bassi stands up from guard. Let's bang!
Griffin with a lazy takedown attempt
enabling Bassi to counter with a crisp jab.
Griffin lands a nice shot to the body.
Griffin swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Griffin slips a straight right by Bassi.
Horrible takedown attempt by Griffin or perhaps it was just good defense by Bassi, which made it look bad.
Leleo Bassi has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Ryan Griffin.
Bassi scores with a hook to the body. Griffin takes a step back and tries to catch his breath.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Griffin throws a body shot but no joy.
Griffin slips a jab from Bassi.
Griffin tries to close the distance and clinch but Bassi swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Griffin throws a combination. Bassi tries to block but a couple of punches get through.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Griffin blocks a jab.
Griffin looks for a takedown but Bassi sprawls well.
Griffin walks straight into a jab right on the nose. That one stung - he's blinking and trying to clear his head.
Bassi misses with a wild body shot.

Griffin closes the distance, clinches up and gets a nice trip takedown into side control. Very smooth.

Bassi sneaks out the side door and pushes Griffin away - he's back to his feet. The crowd show their appreciation for the escape.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Griffin is throwing a lot of body shots here, looking to wear down Bassi rather than just go for the knockout.
Bassi avoids a kick to the body.
Griffin wants to clinch.
Bassi defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Griffin.
It looked like Bassi was trying to counter with a body shot coming off that last attack from Griffin.
We've been told by Bassi's head coaches at Cozad MMA Hilo that he's been working on his takedown defense in preparation for this fight.
Griffin closes this distance looking for a takedown but Bassi circles away.
Bassi is trying to close the distance and clinch up, after that failed offence from Griffin.
Griffin looks winded!
Bassi keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Bassi throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Griffin sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Bassi misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Griffin.
Griffin tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Bassi paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Bassi connects with a lovely right hand, straight down the pipe.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A swing and a miss from Bassi.
Griffin takes one on the button.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Griffin is defended easily by Bassi.
Bassi scores with a crisp jab that stopped Griffin in his tracks.
Bassi lands with a hook. Griffin tried to avoid it but it clipped the top of his head.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Griffin throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Griffin tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Bassi was well out of range. Poor timing from Griffin.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Griffin is defended easily by Bassi.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Leleo Bassi dominated that round.
That's time! Back to the action!

Bassi stuffs the takedown attempt from Griffin. Griffin gets slowly back to his feet.
Griffin walks into a straight right hand from Bassi.
Griffin doesn't succeed with the takedown
and Griffin takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Griffin fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Leleo Bassi has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Ryan Griffin.
Bassi keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Bassi throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Griffin.
Griffin with a poor takedown

and Bassi holds on and brings the fighters into a clinch.
Both fighters working to control the clinch.
Bassi gets double underhooks to prevent a takedown attempt from Griffin.
Griffin is breathing heavily.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Bassi wants to break the clinch but can't.
Bassi is looking to break free of the clinch but Griffin has double underhooks.
Griffin looking for a takedown.
Both fighters working to control the clinch.
Bassi is looking to break free of the clinch but Griffin has double underhooks.
Bassi is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Griffin can do to turn this around?

Griffin escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Griffin misses with a combination

and Bassi counters by moving into the clinch. Good anticipation by Bassi.
A frustrated look appears on Bassi's face as he tries to break the clinch.
Griffin keeps control of Bassi as he tries to wriggle out of the double underhooks.
Bassi wants to get back to striking at distance but Griffin won't allow it.

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.

Bassi breaks the clinch.
Leleo Bassi is winning the standup battle so far.
Griffin dives in and grabs Bassi's left leg, looking for a takedown. Bassi pushes down on Griffin's head and hops out.
Griffin lands a nice hook to Bassi's body. Bassi takes it in his stride and looks to land his own strikes.
Griffin misses with a wild combination.
Griffin blocks a low kick nicely.
Bassi missing with a left hand there. Griffin was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.

Bassi closes the distance and looks for a trip takedown... aaaand he's got it - Bassi lands in his opponent's guard.

Bassi stands up and waves to Griffin to follow him.
Griffin misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Bassi.
Griffin throws a big shot that misses.
Bassi misses with a double jab.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Bassi moves into range and throws a lovely three punch combination.
Griffin swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Griffin displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Bassi throws out the jab.
Bassi connects with a lovely jab that went straight through the gap between Griffin's hands.
Bassi throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Griffin's waist but Griffin gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Bassi off to one side.
Bassi blocks a head kick by Griffin.
Griffin takes a swing at Bassi's ribcage but misses.
Bassi is looking to counter the offense by Griffin and move into the clinch.
Griffin dives in and grabs Bassi's left leg, looking for a takedown. Bassi pushes down on Griffin's head and hops out.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Griffin.
Ryan Griffin is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Bassi misses with a looping left.
Griffin is loading up here, looking for a big counter of his own.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Bassi looks to land a combination but Griffin avoids it well.
Bassi throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Bassi shoots for a takedown but Griffin saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Griffin.
Griffin closes the distance and clinches up with Bassi, looking for a takedown. Griffin pushes Bassi against the cage but Bassi circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Bassi scores with a jab to the head.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Griffin lands with an overhand left.
A head kick misses from Griffin.
Bassi seemed to be looking to counter by closing the distance.
Bassi misses with a wild body shot.
Jab, jab by Bassi - just one landing.

Bassi gets caught napping as Griffin dives in and scores a takedown. Bassi manages to retain guard.

Bassi has his feet on Griffin's hips. He pushes off and gets to his feet. Nice work.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Leleo Bassi dominated that second round.
That's time! Bassi's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight. Let's hear some noise people - this is the final round!

A looping hook to the body misses from Griffin. Bassi does a little dance to reset his feet.
Griffin looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
Griffin fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Bassi avoids it really well and circles away.
Bassi went nuts there looking for a big combo counter but none of the flurry connected.
Griffin just misses with a punch to the body.
An attempted straight right counter from Bassi misses the target.
Griffin throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Griffin misses with a body kick.
Griffin misses with a hook to the body

and Bassi counters by clinching up.
Bassi wants to break free. God knows he wants to breaaaak freeee.
Griffin keeps the fight in the clinch, despite Bassi's efforts to push away.
Griffin takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Bassi wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Griffin breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Griffin shakes his hands off, looking to compose himself, but takes a jab to the jaw whilst he does it.
Griffin fails with the takedown

and Bassi counters into the clinch. Nicely done.
Leleo Bassi has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Ryan Griffin.
Bassi is trying to push Griffin away but Griffin has him pressed against the cage, so he's going nowhere.
Bassi has had enough of the clinch but Griffin keeps him there for the moment.
Bassi is trying to break the clinch but Griffin is controlling him.
Bassi has had enough of the clinch but Griffin keeps him there for the moment.
Bassi tries to break free but Griffin pushes him back against the cage.

Griffin breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Bassi stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Bassi wants it to stay on the feet.
Leleo Bassi is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Griffin shoots for a double leg takedown but Bassi sprawls well. He's pushed Griffin's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Bassi looks to land a right hand but Griffin moved out of range.
Griffin looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.

Griffin gets caught flat footed, as Bassi shoots in with a quick takedown into guard.

Griffin pushes Bassi off and scrambles back to his feet.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Bassi uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Griffin.
Griffin avoids the body shot from Bassi.
Bassi lands with an uppercut that bounces Griffin off the cage and back into range.
The fight stays on the outside here - Griffin looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Bassi avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
A right-left combo lands from Bassi.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Bassi misses with a combination
and Griffin counters with a left and a right that stings Bassi.

Griffin instigates a clinch.
Griffin is trying to pull guard but Bassi has him pressed against the cage.
Bassi has had enough of the clinch and is looking to separate.
Bassi is trying to break the clinch but Griffin has him pressed against the cage.
Griffin keeps control of Bassi as he tries to wriggle out of the double underhooks.
Bassi is trying to push Griffin away but Griffin has him pressed against the cage, so he's going nowhere.
Griffin has Bassi pressed against the cage, preventing Bassi from circling away and getting back to striking at range.
Bassi can't break the clinch.
Bassi wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Bassi working hard to break the clinch.
Bassi is trying to break the clinch but Griffin is controlling him.
Bassi wants to break the clinch but can't.
Bassi wants to push off and get back to the center of the mat but Griffin has him pressed against the cage.
Griffin is working for takedown but Bassi is calmly controlling the position for now.
Bassi is trying to work out of this bad position, with his back against the cage.
Bassi is trying to force a seperation but Griffin has the dominant position.
Bassi looks like he'd prefer to be striking at range right now.
Bassi wants to push off and get back to the center of the mat but Griffin has him pressed against the cage.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.

Griffin breaks the clinch.
Ryan Griffin has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Griffin throws a head kick that looked like it stung.

And that's the end of the fight!
That was a close round. You could make an argument for either fighter but I would give it to Leleo Bassi.
Well Bassi has outscored his opponent in every aspect of the fight today. Only a scarily incompetent judge or two will keep him from a well deserved win... Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Colin Fray scores the fight 30:27
Judge Paul Gruel scores the fight 30:27
Judge Jeff Smith scores the fight 30:28

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Leleo Bassi!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
49%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Michael Carter (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Razor Ramon (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). 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.

Carter
vs
Ramon

186 cm
18
188 lbs
1 - 0 - 0

187 cm
18
187 lbs
0 - 2 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Basic striking
Granite chin

BJJ Brown Belt
Brawler
Granite chin

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 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of New York, Michael Carter!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Razor Ramon!
The judges for this bout are Josh West, Colin Fray and Jeff Smith.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Carter looks to throw the jab but Ramon is out of range.
Carter paws at his opponent with the jab and then lunges in with a straight, right on the button.
A jab from Carter misses.
Carter lands with a good body shot.
Carter cracks Ramon with a good jab.
Carter jabbing away but nothing is landing.

Carter moves into the clinch.
A short right from Carter on the inside.
Ramon tries to pull guard but Carter won't allow it.
Carter stays in close to his opponent and throws a right hand to the body.
Carter is struggling to control the position.
Nice body punch from Carter.
Ramon is trying to break free.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Carter.
Carter dictating the pace here, as the fighters clinch against the cage.
Ramon tries to jump guard but he falls flat on his backside. Carter smiles and moves away.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Carter uses good footwork to get in and out, landing a nice hook.
A shot to the liver by Carter. Beautiful body shot.
Carter cracks Ramon with a good jab.
Ramon has his takedown stuffed
and Carter counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Michael Carter has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Razor Ramon.
Ramon just misses with a punch to the body.
Carter lands a jab to the head.
Carter throws a lazy right hand but Ramon sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.

Ramon shoots in for a takedown! He's got it and he's managed to land in side control! That's better than Ramon was expecting from the takedown attempt, I'm sure!
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Carter is trying to get back to half guard.
Carter on his back here. We all know that wrestlers don't like being on their back so let's see if Carter tries to get out of the position.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Carter is working hard here to advance position.
Carter sneaks a leg under to get back to half guard.
Ramon trying to control the action but Carter is working from the bottom.
Ramon wants to get back to his feet.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Carter wants to control but Ramon is keeping busy and won't allow it.
Carter tries to roll over but Ramon keeps him under control.
Carter trying to hold on to Ramon's head to control him but Ramon postures up.
Carter is looking for a sweep. Ramon is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
A jab from Carter finds it's way through Ramon's defenses.
Ramon takes a shot to the nose. Hopefully that hasn't broken it.

Carter rushes Ramon and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.
Carter lands a shoulder strike.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Carter manages to get underhooks and slows down the pace for a moment.
Carter is stalling here. The referee will be looking to step in if he doesn't pick up the pace.
Carter cracks Ramon with a nice body shot.
Carter keeps the fight in the clinch, despite Ramon's efforts to push away.
A short uppercut from Carter.
A nice right hand lands inside from Carter.
Carter lands a nice shot to the body.
A right hook to the body lands for Carter.
Carter lands with a short shot to the head.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Carter lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
Ramon wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.
Carter lands a body punch in the clinch.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Carter lands a powerful looking uppercut that connected with his opponent's jaw.
Michael Carter seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Carter connects with a body shot that sends Ramon's belly button to the back.

Ramon closes the distance and after a bit of a stuggle, scores a takedown into Carter's guard.

Carter escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Ramon gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.
Carter is trying to control the position from the bottom.

Carter is looking for a triangle but Ramon pushes his legs off easily.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Ramon trying to control but Carter is working from the bottom.

Carter is looking for a triangle but Ramon pushes his legs off easily.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Carter is trying to control the position but Ramon postures up.

Carter is trying to control the position here. Ramon has hold of a guillotine from the top though... oh, that looks naaaaasty, will Carter tap? Yes he will! The fight is all over! Ramon jumps to his feet and is applauded loudly by the crowd.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:33 of round 2, we have a winner by way of Submission (Guillotine). Razor Ramon!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
44%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Mason Roth (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Anthony Nickoson (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). 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.

Roth
vs
Nickoson

174 cm
25
175 lbs
1 - 0 - 0

185 cm
18
178 lbs
0 - 1 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Solid boxing
Intelligent

BJJ White Belt
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 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Sydney, Mason Roth!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Anthony Nickoson!
The judges for this bout are Jeff Smith, Micheangelo Fripello and Chris Saunders.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Nickoson rushes Roth and presses him up against the cage.

Roth gets the body lock takedown. After a quick scramble, Nickoson regains guard.
Roth controls from within his opponent's guard.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Roth postures up and lands a big shot to Nickoson's brow.
Roth missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Roth showing good wrestling skills to control the position.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Roth is sitting in guard, working some ground and pound.
Roth scoring with some ground and pound.
Roth might be looking to lock onto one of his opponent's long limbs for a submission, whilst we're on the ground.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Roth sitting in guard here, content to control.
Roth lands a nice shot whilst sitting in his opponent's guard.
Roth scoring with punches to the head and body.
Roth landing some decent shots from guard.

Roth drops back for a leg! It's a sloppy attempt though and Roth jumps back into guard quickly, to retain the dominant position.
Hammerfist, elbow! yells Roth's corner. There ya go! There ya go!
Roth is just sitting in guard, looking to avoid any submissions.
Roth with a couple of shots to the head there. Not particularly brutal.
Roth sitting in guard, not really doing much.

Roth stands and steps away. Nickoson gets to his feet too and we're back to the striking game.
Anthony Nickoson is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Roth rushes Nickoson and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.
Some stalling of biblical proportions here from Roth.
Nickoson misses with an elbow strike.
Nickoson lands a glancing elbow in the clinch.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Roth.
Roth blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Roth fails to pull the fight into his guard.
Nickoson misses with a hook from the clinch.

Roth has picked Nickoson up - he's going for a ride! Roth dumps his opponent to the mat with a thud and settles into half guard.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Neither fighter is being very active at the moment, with Roth in particular looking to stall.

Roth is working for a kimura but Nickoson is defending it quite comfortably.
The referee calls for the fighters to work.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Roth has controlled the position for a good 20 seconds, which will no doubt be starting to frustrate his opponent.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Roth 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.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A few boos can be heard. I'm sure they will multiply if the fighters don't pick up the pace.
Nickoson taking some punishment here, with Roth in his half guard.
The referee walks around the fighters to get a better view of the action. Roth lands a nice short elbow.
Roth slows the pace down in half guard.
This is a sustained period of stalling by Roth.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.

Roth is working for a kimura but Nickoson is defending it quite comfortably.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Roth gets tackled into the cage by Nickoson. Nickoson maintains the clinch.
Roth is trying to drag Nickoson to the mat but Nickoson just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.
Roth is trying to pull guard but Nickoson has him pressed against the cage.
Nickoson working aggressively here.
Nickoson is pressed up against the cage. Roth has hold of a leg and is looking to drag Nickoson down to the mat. Nickoson avoids the attempt though and has circled away. We're back to striking at a distance.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Mason Roth. That's going to take a lot out of him.

Nickoson moves into the clinch.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Nickoson missing with knees to the body.
Roth working hard to break the clinch.
Nickoson using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Roth has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
Roth jumps guard but Nickoson turns him against the cage and keeps the fight standing.
Roth fails to pull guard.
Roth drops to a knee looking for a takedown but Nickoson gets the underhooks and prevents it.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Nickoson lands a nice knee to the body.
Roth takes an elbow to the temple.

It looks like Mason Roth has been cut.
Both guys are working to get underhooks.
Nickoson lands a nice knee to the body.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Nickoson stops a takedown attempt from Roth.
Nickoson creates a bit of space for himself and sneaks an elbow through Roth's defenses.
Roth tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Nickoson avoids it.
Nickoson tries to stall but Roth uses the opportunity to gain a better position.
Roth is trying to pull guard but Nickoson has him pressed against the cage.
Nickoson landing knees to the head.
Nickoson lands a knee to the head there! That was nasty!
Nickoson crunches a lovely knee into Roth's ribcage.
Nickoson lands a nice knee to the body.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Nickoson lands a knee to the head.
Nickoson looking to slow down the pace here.
Roth tries to pull guard but Nickoson won't allow it.
We've been informed that Nickoson has been working hard on his conditioning in the buildup to the fight.
Nickoson avoiding damage.
Nickoson connects with a knee to the head.
Roth wants a takedown but no success here.
Roth takes an elbow to the forehead.
Nickoson lands an elbow that stopped Roth in his tracks for a moment.
Nickoson with the Thai clinch, lands a knee to the head.

Roth has clasped his hands together around Nickoson's back... aaand, he's got a takedown into side control. Nicely done.
Roth is staying tight to Nickoson's torso, preventing him from escaping.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Roth looking for an arm triangle but it's way too loose to do anything.
Nickoson really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Roth. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.
Roth working the body and head with strikes.
Nickoson is trying to improve his position.
Roth lands a nice forearm strike.
Roth controls the position from side control.
Nickoson takes a big shot right to the temple there but he's taken it well.
Nickoson struggling a bit here.
Roth has knee on belly and moves into mount.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Roth controlling the pace for now.
Roth landing strikes from the mount.
Roth is still in mount, landing shots to his trapped opponent. Nickoson can't stay in a position like this for much longer.
Roth controlling the pace for now.
Roth continues to hold on tight.
Roth avoids the attempt from Nickoson to control.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Anthony Nickoson showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The cut man is working on Mason Roth's cut.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin! Let's hear some noise people - this is the final round!

Roth scores with a hook to the body. Nickoson takes a step back and tries to catch his breath.
Roth stalks Nickoson and leaps in with a furious combination of punches. Uppercuts and crosses smash into Nickoson's face. Nickoson staggers backwards, shaken.

Roth has Nickoson up against the cage in a clinch.
Roth can't get the takedown.
Nickoson is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Roth is defending well for now.
Anthony Nickoson seems to be working more effectively in the clinch in the fight so far.
Roth tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Nickoson tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Nickoson misses with a punch to the body.
Nickoson trying to land knees to the body.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Nickoson trying to land knees to the body.
Nickoson lands a glancing elbow in the clinch.
Nickoson tries to land a knee to the head but Roth blocks with his arms.
Nickoson takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.

Roth has moved round to his opponent's back and is looking for a suplex! Oh snap! He's tossed Nickoson clear over his head and slammed him to the mat!
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!
Roth lands shots from the back.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Nickoson is being controlled on the ground here - he must escape this position otherwise surely the end is near.
Roth is landing with strikes. Nickoson can't take much more of this.
Oooh a big shot gets through from Roth. Many more shots like that and the referee will have to think about stepping in!
Roth loading up with punches from the back mount - how long can Nickoson hold on?
Roth is working the ground and pound. Can Nickoson escape?
Roth is controlling his opponent, waiting for an opportunity to finish.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Roth is cranking Nickoson's head sideways - that looks painful. He's managed to get his other arm under the chin and this looks bad for Nickoson! He's tightened the choke and Nickoson is tapping out!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:20 of round 3, we have a winner by way of Submission (RNC). Mason Roth!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
54%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Dan Tasker (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Joseph Murray (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Dan Tasker looks tired to me. Hopefully he has got enough gas left in the tank to put in a good performance.

Tasker
vs
Murray

183 cm
18
173 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

172 cm
20
170 lbs
1 - 0 - 0

Good wrestling
Brawler
Granite chin

BJJ White Belt
Dangerous knees
Solid chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the welterweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Hilo, Dan Tasker!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Hilo, Joseph Murray!
The judges for this bout are Ryoma Takatsuka, Paul Gruel and Colin Fray.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Tasker shoots in looking for a takedown but Murray manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Tasker's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.

Tasker shoots in from a long way out. He's driving through with the takedown attempt and he eventually gets it, landing in Murray's guard.
Tasker slows down the pace of the fight for a moment. He'll need to remain active if he doesn't want to see the fight stood back up.
Murray preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Tasker trying to control the position from guard on top but Murray is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Murray is trying to control the position but Tasker postures up.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Tasker will need to keep those long limbs tucked in whilst he's on the ground, to prevent any submissions.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Tasker is intent on slowing down the pace of the fight, simply looking to control.
Murray is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.

The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.
Decent striking displayed by Murray there.
Murray lands with a kick to the ribs.
Murray throws a jab to the body, straight down the pipe. Boom. That sent Tasker stumbling backwards but he manages to regain his composure quickly.
A head kick from Murray lands but Tasker takes it in his stride.
Murray takes a swing at Tasker's ribcage but misses.
Murray has tried to improve his agility in the runup to this fight.

A momentary lapse in concentration from Murray enables Tasker to shoot in and score with a neat double leg. Murray manages to secure a closed guard as the fighters hit the mat.
Tasker tries to free his leg and advance position but Murray is retaining full guard.

Tasker 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.
Tasker is stalling in the full guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Murray controlling the position.
Tasker postures up.
The referee must be thinking about standing these guys back up.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Tasker not doing a lot at the moment. He'll have to show some more aggression or the fight will get stood up.
Murray is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.

The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.
Tasker changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Murray tries to avoid it but Tasker manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Murray to the ground. Murray escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Murray throws a body kick that sends a sickening thudding noise reverberating around the arena.
Murray looks to throw the jab but Tasker is out of range.
Murray lets loose with a powerful body kick. Tasker will feel that in the morning.
Murray throws a head kick that connects with a bit of head and a bit of hand.
Tasker takes a shot to the body in his stride.
Tasker with a lazy takedown attempt
and Murray cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Dan Tasker. That's going to take a lot out of him.

Tasker fakes a strike and closes the distance, dragging Murray to the ground. Tasker is now in Murray's guard.
Tasker is breathing heavily.
Murray preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Murray looking to control.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Murray can't do much from the bottom at the moment, as Tasker controls the pace.
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Murray has Tasker pulled in close to control his posture.
Tasker controlling from the guard. I say controlling but really, he's stalling.

The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Tasker shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Murray let fly with a counter punch to the body but it didn't land.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Joseph Murray dominated that round.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business.

A kick lands to the mid section there for Murray.
Tasker misses with a takedown attempt
and Murray counters with a thumping low kick.
Tasker takes a head kick and shrugs it off.
Tasker shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Nice takedown defense from Murray. No joy for Tasker on that attempt.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Dan Tasker. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Tasker has his takedown stuffed
enabling Murray to counter with a crisp jab.
Murray thows a body kick. Tasker tries to catch it but that hurt him.
Tasker shoots in but Murray avoids the takedown attempt easily.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Murray lands with an uppercut that bounces Tasker off the cage and back into range.
A kick lands to the mid section there for Murray.
Tasker will be looking to protect his midsection after taking some solid kicks to the body.
Tasker takes a shot to the eye socket. That's gotta hurt.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Tasker with a lazy takedown attempt
and Murray counters with a slapping leg kick.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Tasker with a poor takedown
and Murray counters with a flying knee. Nice.
Joseph Murray seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Murray scores with a slapping inside leg kick.
Donk. Murray catches Tasker right on the button with a cross.
Tasker shoots in but no luck this time.
Murray connects with the punch.
Joseph Murray is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Tasker takes a head kick and keeps coming.

Tasker closes the distance and after a bit of a stuggle, scores a takedown into Murray's guard.
Tasker wants to control from the top but Murray keeps moving.
Murray trying to control the position.
Murray really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Tasker. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Tasker trying to control the position from guard on top but Murray is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Murray not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
Tasker passes into half guard.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Murray is trying to control but Tasker passes into side control!
Murray can't do much from the bottom here.
Tasker passes to full mount! That's big trouble for Murray!

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Murray is looking to improve his position but Tasker isn't that keen on the idea.
The crowd growing excited in anticipation of a finish here! Right on cue, Tasker cracks his opponent with a massive right hand that draws loud cheers!
Tasker sends his fist crashing into the mat - the crowd let out a collective ooooooh. Let's hope he's not broken it!
Murray tries to lock up and control but Tasker gives him a forearm to the face and pushes him away.
Tasker tucks in and makes sure he doesn't lose the dominant position.
Tasker landing strikes, looking to finish!

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Tasker is in the full mount, landing strikes.
Tasker takes a little breather and maintains the position. The referee will be looking for him to stay active from such a dominant position though.
Tasker manages to capitalize on a mistake by Murray to take his back!
Tasker controls the position.
Murray just trying to survive but Tasker is wriggling into a better position, looking to finish.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Murray tries to roll but Tasker sticks to his back.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Joseph Murray showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business. So, we enter the final round. Let's see if either fighter can bring us a finish, or whether we're going to the judges scorecards.

Tasker with a poor takedown
and Murray counters with a good, hard body kick but Tasker shrugs it off.
Murray cracks Tasker with an open hand slap.

Tasker dives in and scores a takedown into Murray's guard.
Tasker pushes down on Murray's leg and manages to get into half guard.

Tasker seems to be working for a kimura but Murray defends the submission attempt.
Tasker thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
The referee walks around the fighters to get a better view of the action. Tasker lands a nice short elbow.

Tasker is working for a submission of some sort.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Tasker controlling the action here.
Murray wants to improve his position but Tasker is controlling well.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A few boos can be heard. I'm sure they will multiply if the fighters don't pick up the pace.
Tasker moves nicely into side control.
Murray avoids any damage from the ground and pound of Tasker.
Tasker controlling from side mount.

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

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Tasker tries to cartwheel into mount but he doesn't manage it.
Tasker is staying tight to Murray's torso, preventing him from escaping.
Murray is trying to improve his position.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.
Tasker remains in side control and seems content to stay there. It's a versatile position from which he can work both strikes and submissions, whilst maintaining that control, so maybe he'll sit here for a while.

The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up. He just wasn't happy with the level of activity.
Tasker misses with a takedown
and Murray counters with a solid body kick.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Tasker misses with a takedown attempt
and Murray counters with a kick to the head that grazes his opponent. Tasker is lucky that one didn't land flush.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Dan Tasker. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Tasker shoots in but doesn't get the takedown
and Murray counters with a thumping low kick.
Tasker takes a kick to the side of the head.

Murray gets caught flat footed, as Tasker shoots in with a quick takedown into guard.
Murray being controlled here, momentarily.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Tasker stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Murray swivels though and keeps the full guard.

And that's the end of the fight!
Dan Tasker showed his dominance in that final round.
I think Murray has won this one but let's see whether the judges agree with me. Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Ryoma Takatsuka scores the fight 28:29
Judge Paul Gruel scores the fight 28:29
Judge Colin Fray scores the fight 28:29

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Joseph Murray!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
35%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Sam Williams (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Yacob Nilsen (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Fingers crossed for an exciting fight - I'm sure both fighters are looking for a nice under the table bonus!

Williams
vs
Nilsen

198 cm
24
213 lbs
1 - 0 - 0

188 cm
20
207 lbs
0 - 1 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Decent elbows
Granite chin

Good wrestler
Decent boxing
Good gas tank

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 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of New York, Sam Williams!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Hilo, Yacob Nilsen!
The judges for this bout are Paul Gruel, Ryoma Takatsuka and Josh West.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Williams takes one to the chin there.
Nilsen keeps his opponent at a distance with a nice jab.

It looks like Sam Williams has been cut.
Williams has his hands up protecting his head but a hook from Nilsen finds it's way round the side to connect with Williams's head.
Nilsen dodges the punch combination from Williams.
Nilsen keeps his opponent at a distance with a nice jab.
Williams looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Nilsen keeps the fight on the outside.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Nilsen! But no joy.
Sam Williams seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Nilsen comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.
Nilsen keeps the fight on the outside.
A nice side step and Nilsen releases a counter shot to the body, but it doesn't find it's home.
Williams takes a big uppercut there. He seems a bit wobbly but no, he's OK.
Williams throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
A jab from Nilsen finds it's way through Williams's defenses.
Nilsen avoids a lazy jab quite easily.

Nilsen closes the distance and clinches.
Nilsen is leaning against Williams and scores with a nice uppercut to the body.
Williams is breathing heavily.
Nilsen is working Williams over against the cage.
A short uppercut from Nilsen.

Sam Williams's cut is getting worse.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Nilsen softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
Still in the clinch, Nilsen scores with a nice short uppercut.

Nilsen drops Williams onto one knee with a big uppercut from the clinch! Williams is propped up by the cage and works his way back to his feet!

Williams is rocked!
Nilsen lands a shot to the body.
A left hand lands to the body for Nilsen.
A body shot lands from Nilsen.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Nilsen lands a hook to the body. It's hard to tell if that hurt Williams or not.
Nilsen digs a right hand underneath Williams's ribcage. Williams let out a lung full of air as it connected.
A nice left hand lands by Nilsen.
Nilsen stays in close to his opponent and throws a right hand to the body.

Nilsen drops Williams onto one knee with a big uppercut from the clinch! Williams is propped up by the cage and works his way back to his feet!
Oh Williams is still all over the place! His legs are completely gone! Will he be able to recover?!!
Nilsen lands a body shot in the clinch.
Williams seems to have got his legs back now.
Nilsen lands an uppercut.
A right handed body shot lands from Nilsen.
Nilsen lands on the inside with an uppercut.

Sam Williams's cut is bleeding quite badly. He's got to try and protect it.
Nilsen lands with a light punch inside.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Nilsen lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
Nilsen creates a little bit of space and unloads with a massive uppercut! Williams drops to the mat, out cold! Wow, that was brutal! What a knockout!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:14 of round 1, we have a winner by way of KO (Punch). Yacob Nilsen!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
87%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Noam Dar (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Nevil Hawk (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). The crowd seem to be enjoying Hawk's choice of entrance music: Ruleta. On his way into the cage it seems that Noam Dar has been attacked by a crazed fan! It looks like it might have been the just bleed guy! Luckily Noam Dar seems to be OK! I thought that lunatic was in prison!?

Dar
vs
Hawk

175 cm
23
178 lbs
1 - 2 - 0

188 cm
18
170 lbs
0 - 1 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Counter fighter
Good chin

BJJ White Belt
Brawler
Determined

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 1 - 2 - 0, fighting out of London, Noam Dar!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 1 - 0, fighting out of New York, Nevil Hawk!
The judges for this bout are Roger Salmon, Josh West and Ryoma Takatsuka.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Dar fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
Dar slips under a jab.
Dar half commits to a counter takedown before pushing away, out of range.
Dar shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Hawk defends it nicely.
Dar misses with a takedown
and Hawk counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Noam Dar. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Hawk throws a hook but Dar avoids it easily.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Dar.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Hawk throws a lazy right hand but Dar sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Hawk throws a big shot that misses.
Dar closes this distance looking for a takedown but Hawk circles away.
Hawk throws a jab when Dar was well out of range.
A telegraphed right hand from Hawk misses the target.
Nevil Hawk is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.

That's one minute gone in the round.
A big left from Hawk misses.
Dar feinted with a counter takedown.
Nice takedown defense from Hawk. No joy for Dar on that attempt.
Dar shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Hawk throws the left hand but Dar avoids the punch easily.
Dar moves out of range as Hawk strikes.
Hawk takes a swing at Dar's ribcage but misses.
Hawk swings for the body but Dar moves out of range.
A swing and a miss from Hawk.
Hawk scores with a big left there. The judges will like that one.
Hawk misses with a right hand

and Dar counters by moving into the clinch.
Dar changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Hawk fights it off and pushes away nicely.
Dar slips a jab from Hawk.
Dar moves out of range as Hawk strikes.
Hawk swings wildly with a hook that is half blocked by Dar.
Hawk scores with a hook to the body. Dar takes a step back and tries to catch his breath.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Hawk misses the jab.
Nice takedown defense from Hawk. No joy for Dar on that attempt.
Dar is breathing heavily.
Dar avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Hawk thows a left - swing and a miss!
Hawk scores with a straight right hand, right through his opponent's guard.
Dar avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Hawk misses with a hook. Dar ducked under it nicely.
Dar slips a straight right by Hawk.
Dar shoots in but Hawk avoids the takedown attempt easily.
A decent looking cross lands there for Hawk.
Hawk throws a right hand that misses

and Dar moves into the clinch.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Dar keeps control of Hawk as he tries to wriggle out of the double underhooks.
Dar dictating the pace here, as the fighters clinch against the cage.
Hawk working hard to break the clinch.
Dar changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Hawk fights it off and pushes away nicely.
Hawk lands with an overhand left.
Hawk throws a hook but Dar blocks it.
A telegraphed right hand from Hawk misses the target.
Dar feinted with a counter takedown.
Dar walks into a stiff left hand from Hawk.
We've been informed that Hawk has been working hard on his conditioning in the buildup to the fight.
Hawk cracks Dar with a nice right hand that draws applause from the crowd.
Dar keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Hawk.
Hawk might want to mix his strikes up a bit more. He's just going for head shots at the moment and that can become a bit predictable.
Dar uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Hawk.
Dar slips a jab from Hawk.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Hawk throws a poor cross that misses

and Dar counters with a takedown into side control.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Dar taking a breather here.
Hawk is looking to work his way out of this bad position but Dar is controlling him well.
Dar has knee on belly and moves into mount.
Hawk is trying to stand but he's just given Dar his back.
Dar slows the pace down here. Having a little breather whilst he's in a dominant position, looking to rest and regain some energy, ready to go for the finish.
Hawk really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Dar. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.
Dar's ground tactics aren't going to win him many fans. Let's hope he's got fireworks for us if he gets back to his feet because he's not doing much on the ground.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Dar has managed to clinch.
Dar wants a takedown but no success here.
Dar stalling here - the referee won't stand for too much of that.
Hawk wants to get back to striking at distance but Dar won't allow it.

Dar jumps guard and drags Hawk to the mat. He's obviously going to be looking for submissions off his back.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Hawk trying to stand up but can't free himself from Dar's guard.

Dar looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.
Hawk would like to get this fight back to the feet but can't get free from the closed guard.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Dar throwing some rather feeble looking strikes off his back.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Dar has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Hawk can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.
Hawk wants to stand but Dar is controlling his posture from full guard.
Dar might be looking to lock onto one of his opponent's long limbs for a submission, whilst we're on the ground.
Dar is doing well to control the posture of his opponent and prevent any damage.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

Dar is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Hawk is aware though and is defending well.

Dar looking for a guillotine here but Hawk defends easily.

Dar escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Hawk gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Hawk wants to get up but he can't break Dar's closed guard. He needs to be careful trying to break the legs open, as he's open to submissions here.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Hawk must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.

Dar looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.
Hawk tries to stand but Dar is controlling from the bottom.
Hawk wants to stand and escape but instead Dar has hit a sweep and he's now on top in guard.

This has been an exciting period of action!
Hawk wants to get back to his feet but Dar passes into half guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Dar wants to pass to mount but Hawk is defending the position.
Hawk tries to kick Dar off but Dar keeps his base steady and stays in half guard.
Hawk is staying active underneath Dar, who seems content to just control the action from this position.
Dar wants to pass the guard but Hawk is defending well.
Dar prevents Hawk from standing back up.
Noam Dar overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Hawk keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Hawk scrambles, trying to get to his feet, but Dar manages to mount him!
Hawk is really trying hard to get back to his feet.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Dar get's back to his feet.
Dar staying out of range there.
Hawk misses with a double jab

and Dar counters with a takedown into side control.
Hawk is looking to get back to his feet here but Dar is keeping cool and he's managed to take Hawk's back.
Hawk is trying to stand back up.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.

Dar is working the back position looking for the choke. Oh, he's slid into an armbar! Beautiful transition and Hawk taps out! Fantastic Jiu Jitsu from Dar.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:56 of round 2, we have a winner by way of Submission (Armbar). Noam Dar!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
49%

Undercard bout

Co-main event

Main event

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Ben Wallace (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Midnight Rider (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). 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.

Wallace
vs
Rider

188 cm
24
212 lbs
1 - 0 - 0

190 cm
25
214 lbs
1 - 0 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Solid boxing
KO power

BJJ Purple Belt
Good kicks
Tends to cut

Vikai Gear

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 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Hilo, Ben Wallace!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Hilo, Midnight Rider!
The judges for this bout are Micheangelo Fripello, Colin Fray and Ryoma Takatsuka.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Rider tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Wallace manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Wallace was looking to counter that last move with a shot to the body but he didn't commit.
Wallace uses good footwork to get in and out and land a nice right hand before Rider has time to react.

It looks like Midnight Rider has been cut.
Wallace swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Rider wants to counter the offense by Wallace and move into the clinch position.
Rider tries to close the distance and clinch up but Wallace swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Rider ducks under a wild hook from Wallace.
Rider tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Wallace manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Wallace 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.

The fight moves into the clinch position.

Rider ties up his opponent against the cage and manages to drag the fight down to the ground. Rider no doubt will be looking to work submissions from his guard.
Our spies down at at 10th Planet Tycoon inform us that Rider has really been working on his submissions in the buildup to this fight. Will it pay off?
Wallace has to be careful here, sitting in the guard of a superior BJJ player.

Rider looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.
Wallace is intent on slowing down the pace of the fight, simply looking to control.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

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

Rider looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.
Wallace sitting in guard, not really doing much.

That's one minute gone in the round.

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

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

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

Rider looks to be working for a triangle here. Oh, it looks like he might have it! Wallace has picked Rider up and slammed him! Rider can't keep hold of the triangle and Wallace manages to pass to side control!
Rider is trying to improve his position.
Rider looks winded!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Wallace staying calm.

Wallace decides to take the fight back to the feet.
Rider displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Wallace throws out the jab.
Rider keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Wallace throws an ugly left hook that misses

and Rider counters by moving into the clinch. Good anticipation by Rider.
Rider is trying to pull guard but being pressed up against the cage enables Wallace to keep the fight standing.
Rider tries to pull guard but Wallace won't allow it.
A frustrated look appears on Wallace's face as he tries to break the clinch.
A real battle for position is taking place between these two warriors.

Rider pulls Wallace into guard.

Rider looking for submissions from the bottom but instead Wallace passes into half guard.
Wallace wants to free his trapped foot but Rider is holding on for dear life with his legs.
Wallace knows he needs to get back to his feet asap. He's simply no match for Rider on the ground.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Rider is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Wallace pulls his head out easily.
Wallace controlling the action here.

Rider looking for submissions off his back.
Wallace wants to get back to his feet.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Wallace sitting and controlling from the half guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Neither fighter has done anything of merit for a good minute or two here and the crowd are not happy about it.

Rider looking for submissions from an awkward position here.

Rider has hold of a guillotine but he's not going to be able to crank on it really with only half guard, so it's no trouble for Wallace. Oh but Rider has got full guard now! Oh boy! This one could be over very soon! Wallace goes limp - he's gone! Rider jumps up and celebrates with the crowd - fantastic submission finish!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:42 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Guillotine). Midnight Rider!