RS Friday Fight Night VI PBP Commentary

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Max Falco (ranked 6928 p4p, 680 weight class) and Ivan Budko (ranked 9075 p4p, 765 weight class). Ivan Budko is the more experienced fighter, so let's see if that makes a difference tonight.

Falco
vs
Budko

183 cm
18
201 lbs
1 - 0 - 0

178 cm
18
195 lbs
0 - 1 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Brawler
Cuts easily

BJJ Blue Belt
Decent boxing
Heavy handed

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 Hilo, Max Falco!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 1 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Ivan Budko!
The judges for this bout are Alyssa Summers, Anthony Taglia and Bruno Lombardi.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Budko throws a right hand that Falco ducks under and follows up with a left that Falco also avoids with ease.

Falco fakes a strike and closes the distance, dragging Budko to the ground. Falco is now in Budko's guard.
Falco is in a tricky position. We've heard reports from his gym mates at White's ELITE Fitness Gym that he's been drilling escapes, so let's see if he can get back to his feet.
Budko utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Budko wants to stand up but Falco is controlling him.
Falco trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Falco engaging in some classic timewasting tactics.
Budko wants to get back to his feet but Falco is in a dominant position and won't allow it.
Falco missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Falco missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Falco wants to control from the top but Budko keeps moving.
Falco 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.
Falco won't allow Budko to sweep him here.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Falco wants to control from the top but Budko keeps moving.
Falco in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Falco throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Budko is looking to stand up but Falco isn't so interested in that idea.
The referee wants the fighters to be more active or he's going to reset them on the feet.
Falco won't allow Budko to sweep him here.
Budko working a defensive guard here.

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

Budko forces Falco back against the cage and clinches.
Falco tries to stall but Budko uses the opportunity to gain a better position.
Falco jumps guard but Budko stands there with Falco around his waist. Falco gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch.
Budko keeps control of Falco as he tries to wriggle out of the double underhooks.
Budko doesn't land with the attempted body shot.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.
Budko lands with a right to the head.

Budko escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Budko avoids the body shot from Falco.
Budko tries to clinch there but Falco circles away.
Budko tries to clinch but Falco moves out of range.
Falco ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Budko moves away.
Budko scores with a hook.

Falco closes the distance and gets a double leg, slamming Budko to the mat! Budko manages to get full guard.
Falco throwing strikes from guard but Budko blocks nicely.
Falco working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Falco postures up and lands a big shot to Budko's brow.
Falco in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Falco seems content to control from guard here. He's going to have to remain active though if he doesn't want to get stood back up.
Budko wants to get back to his feet but Falco is in a dominant position and won't allow it.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Falco stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Budko swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Budko working a defensive guard but Falco passes into half guard.

Budko pushes Falco off and gets back to his feet.
Falco misses the body punch
and Budko counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Budko wants to clinch.

Falco closes the distance, clinches up and gets a nice trip takedown into side control. Very smooth.
Budko tries to get back to his feet but has found himself mounted instead. Damn, that's gotta suck.
Budko tries to hold on but Falco pushes him away.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Budko blocking the ground and pound.
Falco is landing with some decent strikes but Budko is trying to advance his position so the referee is letting the fight continue.
Falco avoids the attempt from Budko to control.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Falco throwing sloppy strikes here. Perhaps if he tightened up his striking from such a dominant position, he'd be able to finish easier.
Budko squirming around on the bottom, looking to escape.
Poor strikes thrown by Falco there. More accuracy and less frantic strikes would help!
Falco thuds his fist into the canvas! Oooouch!
Budko is trying desperately to improve position.
Budko wants to get back to his feet.
Budko wriggling around on the bottom manages to avoid the strikes thrown by Falco.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Max Falco 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.

The fighters circling - Budko throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Falco tries to counter with a takedown but Budko is quick to defend against it.

Budko closes the distance and after a bit of a stuggle, scores a takedown into Falco's guard.
Falco working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Budko.
Falco trying to strike off his back.
Budko must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.
Budko wants to control from the top but Falco keeps moving.
Falco seems keen to control rather than go for a submission, at least for now.

Falco is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
Falco lands a beautiful sweep and he's now moved into his opponent's guard.

We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Falco slows down the pace of the fight, as he sits in guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Budko avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Budko trying to keep a closed guard but Falco is proving a slippery customer.
Falco in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Falco controlling from the top position.

Falco postures up as if he's going to throw some strikes but drops back for an ankle! Budko is in big trouble! He looks ready to tap! But no, he's escaped and dives on top of Falco, into his guard.

Budko postures up in Falco's guard and throws a big left but Falco blocks it.

Falco escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Budko gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Falco is working an open guard here, looking to improve his position. No doubt that will leave him open to counters but at least he's being more offensive.
Budko trying to control the position from guard on top but Falco is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Falco is pulling down on Budko's head to control his posture.

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

Budko working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Falco.
Falco postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Budko keeping moving, preventing Falco from controlling successfully.
Budko really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Falco. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.
Budko wants to stand and escape but Falco is having none of it.
Falco showing good wrestling skills to control the position.
Falco with a flurry of punches that miss.
Budko not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
Falco throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Budko works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Budko utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Budko trying to keep a closed guard but Falco is proving a slippery customer.
Budko wants to get back to his feet but Falco is in a dominant position and won't allow it.

The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up. He just wasn't happy with the level of activity.
Ivan Budko is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Budko tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Falco manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
My god... these two guys really need to pick up the pace or everyone will leave to go get a beer.
Budko feints a jab promting Falco to slip. Budko then demonstrates his capabilities by jabbing again. Falco slips again and ducks right into an uppercut.
Budko fails in his attempt to clinch.
Nice straight punches there by Budko. You know Roy Jones Jr respects the hands of Budko.
Ivan Budko seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Budko fails with an attempt to clinch.
Falco throws an off balance right hand
and Budko cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Budko lands a jab to Falco's midsection.

Budko closes the distance and after a bit of a stuggle, scores a takedown into Falco's guard.
Falco pulls Budko in close to prevent any damage.
Max Falco overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Budko wants to control from the top but Falco keeps moving.
Falco has control of Budko's left arm, preventing Budko from doing any damage.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Falco has controlled the position for a good 20 seconds, which will no doubt be starting to frustrate his opponent.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Ivan Budko showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
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!

Budko lands a vicious shot with the stealth of a sniper and the strength of a viper. Are vipers that strong? I can think of lots of things that are stronger than a viper - not many rhyme with sniper though.
Nice shot by Budko.

Budko gets caught napping as Falco dives in and scores a takedown. Budko manages to retain guard.
Budko working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Falco.
Falco 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.
Budko wants to stand but Falco is controlling the position.
Falco trying to control the position from guard on top but Budko is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Budko is looking to get back to his feet but can't, whilst Falco is controlling him.
Falco looking to pass the guard.
Falco sitting in guard here, content to control.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Budko avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Budko avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Budko is trying to control the position from the bottom.
Falco throwing strikes but missing.
Budko wants to stand but Falco is controlling the position.

The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up. He just wasn't happy with the level of activity.
Falco throws a hook but Budko avoids it easily.

Budko drives through with a really nice takedown into side control.
Falco misses with a strike from the bottom.
Falco regains half guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Falco throws a strike from the bottom that misses.
Budko looks to land a strike but Falco avoids it nicely and regains full guard.
Budko trying to control the position from guard on top but Falco is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Budko postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Falco manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Budko manages to get himself to full guard.

Falco looking to control the position here, rather than advance.
Falco working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Falco throws a big right hand that misses.
Budko wants to stand up but Falco is controlling him.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Falco 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.
Budko working a defensive guard here.
Falco loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Falco accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Falco controls the pace of the fight for a moment.
If this pace continues, the referee will definitely step in and force a standup.
Budko trying to strike off his back.

The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up. He just wasn't happy with the level of activity.
Falco moves forwards but Budko connects with a nice, crisp jab.

Budko drops down and drives through with a powerful takedown into guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Budko missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Falco wants to sweep but no luck.
Falco trying to control the position here.
Falco looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Falco is controlling Budko's posture.
Budko throws a big elbow that misses.
Budko trying to control but Falco is working from the bottom.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Falco is avoiding any damage by keeping wrist control.

The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up. He just wasn't happy with the level of activity.
Budko tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Falco paws at him with a jab and circles away.

And that's the end of the fight!
I would just about give that final round to Ivan Budko.
I think Budko 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 Alyssa Summers scores the fight 29:29
Judge Anthony Taglia scores the fight 28:29
Judge Bruno Lombardi scores the fight 28:29

In favor of your winner, by majority decision... Ivan Budko!
Ivan Budko took to the mic after the fight and begged the organizational hierarchy for a shot at the title.

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
37%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Hingle McCringleberry (ranked 5171 p4p, 643 weight class) and Steve Steward (ranked 6707 p4p, 735 weight class). The crowd seem to be enjoying Steward's choice of entrance music: CFO% - Worlds Apart. Well, the cameraman is lingering on a pretty young lady for a bit too long there. Keep your eyes on the prize buddy or you'll miss the fighter intros!

McCringleberry
vs
Steward

192 cm
18
218 lbs
1 - 0 - 0

193 cm
18
208 lbs
1 - 0 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Excellent boxer
Cardio machine

BJJ White Belt
Excellent boxer
Solid chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the light heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Hingle McCringleberry!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of New York, Steve Steward!
The judges for this bout are Dean Styles, Alyssa Summers and Bruno Lombardi.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Steward misses the jab.
McCringleberry misses with a few strikes there.
Steward checks a leg kick nicely.
Steward scores with a jab. McCringleberry acknowledges it with a nod of the head.

Steward gets a clinch.
Steward looks more muscular than last time we saw him. He must have been on the weights.
Steward tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
McCringleberry avoids the elbow strike from Steward, against the cage.
Steward misses with an elbow strike.
McCringleberry tries to throw a body punch but Steward avoids it by throwing McCringleberry back against the cage.
With the two fighters working up against the cage, Steward just misses with a elbow thrown towards McCringleberry's brow.
McCringleberry definitely looks more muscular than last time we saw him fight.
McCringleberry is trying to work out of this bad position, with his back against the cage.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
McCringleberry dodges an elbow strike from Steward.
Steward misses with a short punch on the inside.
Steward misses with a hook from the clinch.
McCringleberry wants to push off and get back to the center of the mat but Steward has him pressed against the cage.
McCringleberry tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Steward doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
McCringleberry blocks the elbow strike.
McCringleberry blocks an uppercut.
McCringleberry blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Steward has a couple of punches blocked by McCringleberry.
Steward throws a head punch that misses.
Steward can't find room to land a body shot as McCringleberry controls the action.
A frustrated look appears on McCringleberry's face as he tries to break the clinch.
McCringleberry blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.
Steward looking to throw knees to the head but McCringleberry is blocking nicely.
Steward throws an elbow but it's blocked.
Steward lands a body punch.
McCringleberry managing to block the knees to the body from Steward.
Steward tries a body shot but McCringleberry blocks it.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Steward misses with some punches.
McCringleberry working hard to break the clinch.
McCringleberry blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.
McCringleberry blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Steward misses with an elbow strike.
Steward looks to throw an elbow but misses.
McCringleberry looking to slow down the pace here.
Steward putting his Muay Thai to good use. He has McCringleberry in a tight clinch and is doing some damage with knees to the body.
McCringleberry wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.
McCringleberry tries to work over Steward's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Steward is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. McCringleberry is defending well for now.
Steward throws an elbow but it's blocked.
Steward tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Steward misses with a hook from the clinch.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Steward misses with a hook from the clinch.
Steward struggles to land a body shot inside as McCringleberry controls his hands.
Steward tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
McCringleberry wants to push off and get back to the center of the mat but Steward has him pressed against the cage.
Steward lands with a right to the head.
Steward misses with a punch to the body.
McCringleberry takes an elbow to the forehead.
Steward lands a nice elbow from the clinch.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Steward.
Steward tries to work over McCringleberry's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
McCringleberry avoids the elbow strike from Steward, against the cage.
Steward keeps control of McCringleberry as he tries to wriggle out of the double underhooks.
McCringleberry blocks an uppercut.
Steward misses with a short punch on the inside.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Steward misses with the head strike.
Steward looks to throw an elbow but misses.
A short right from Steward.
With the fighters up against the cage, Steward throws an elbow but misses.
Steward unloads a knee to the mid-section.
McCringleberry is trying to push Steward away but Steward has him pressed against the cage, so he's going nowhere.
Steward throws a head punch that misses.
McCringleberry blocks an elbow strike from Steward.
Steward prevents McCringleberry from breaking the clinch.
Steward throws an elbow that misses.
Steward swings away with an uppercut that misses.
McCringleberry throws a punch but it's blocked by Steward.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
McCringleberry blocking some punches.
McCringleberry wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Steve Steward 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.

Steward throws a lazy uppercut
enabling McCringleberry to counter with a crisp jab.

It looks like Steve Steward has been cut.
McCringleberry throws out a leg kick but Steward moves out of range and McCringleberry only half commits.
Steward is trying to avoid his opponent's strikes and get into the clinch.
Steward closes the distance looking to clinch
and McCringleberry counters with a two punch combo.
Steward closes the distance and takes a jab right on the nose as he does so.

Steward closes the distance and clinches.
McCringleberry tries to work over Steward's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Good anti-grappling being displayed by Steward as McCringleberry tries to tie him up.
With the fighters up against the cage, Steward throws an elbow but misses.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Steward struggles to land a body shot inside as McCringleberry controls his hands.
Steward can't find room to land a body shot as McCringleberry controls the action.
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Steward throws an elbow but it's blocked.
McCringleberry avoids a wild elbow strike from Steward.
Steward has been the more effective fighter overall so far.

That's one minute gone in the round.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Steward.
Steward lands an uppercut.
Steward misses with some punches.
Steward throws an elbow but it's blocked.
Steward misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Steward tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Steward throws an elbow but it's blocked.
McCringleberry working hard to break the clinch.
McCringleberry is trying to break the clinch but Steward is controlling him.
Steward misses with a shot to the kidneys.
McCringleberry tries to break the clinch but Steward is controlling the position.
Steward tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Steward swings wildly with an uppercut but McCringleberry uses good head movement to avoid it.
Steward blocks an uppercut.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
McCringleberry is trying to slow down the pace of the fight but Steward is keeping busy.
McCringleberry tries to circle away but Steward has him pinned against the cage.
Steward swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Knees to the body from Steward.
A bit of stalling here from McCringleberry.
Steward tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
McCringleberry wants to break free. God knows he wants to breaaaak freeee.
Steward misses with a hook to the ribs.
Steward tries to land a knee to the head but misses.
McCringleberry avoids the elbow strike from Steward, against the cage.
Steward tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
McCringleberry misses with a punch to the body.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Steward.
Steward lands a nice uppercut.
McCringleberry is trying to push Steward away but Steward has him pressed against the cage, so he's going nowhere.
Steward swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Steward creates a bit of distance and throws an elbow that only just misses.
Steward struggles to land a body shot inside as McCringleberry controls his hands.
Steward softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
McCringleberry takes a knee to the side of the body.
Steward misses with an elbow strike.
Steward struggles to land a body shot inside as McCringleberry controls his hands.
Steward creates a bit of distance and throws an elbow that only just misses.
Good anti-grappling being displayed by Steward as McCringleberry tries to tie him up.
Steward scores with a nice hook to the head.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
McCringleberry wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.
Steward pushes off an throws an elbow but McCringleberry leans to the side and avoids it. We're back to clinching against the cage.
Steward missing with knees to the body.
Steward lands a nice uppercut.
Steward throws an elbow but it's blocked.
Steward struggles to land a body shot inside as McCringleberry controls his hands.
McCringleberry wants to push off and get back to the center of the mat but Steward has him pressed against the cage.
Steward putting his Muay Thai to good use. He has McCringleberry in a tight clinch and is doing some damage with knees to the body.
McCringleberry working hard to break the clinch.
McCringleberry wants to get back to striking at distance but Steward won't allow it.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Steward working aggressively here.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Steward prevents McCringleberry from breaking the clinch.
McCringleberry wants to break the clinch but can't.
Steward tries to land a knee to the head but misses.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

McCringleberry avoids the body shot from Steward.

Steward closes the distance and clinches.
Knees in the clinch landing for Steward.
Steward lands a knee to the body.
McCringleberry avoids the elbow strike from Steward, against the cage.
Steward gets an overhook and lands an elbow to the side of the head.

It looks like Hingle McCringleberry has been cut.
Knees in the clinch landing for Steward.
Steward landing knees to the body. They look like they could hurt.
Steward struggles to land a body shot inside as McCringleberry controls his hands.
Steward throws an elbow but it misses.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Steward lands a knee to the body.
Steward has McCringleberry pressed against the cage, preventing McCringleberry from circling away and getting back to striking at range.
McCringleberry is trying to break the clinch but Steward has him pressed against the cage.
Steward lands a nice knee to the body.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.

That's one minute gone in the round.
McCringleberry blocks an elbow strike from Steward.
Steward scores a nice knee to the body.
McCringleberry blocks an elbow strike.
Steward unloads a knee to the mid-section.
McCringleberry blocks an uppercut.
McCringleberry is trying to break free.
Steward misses with an elbow over the top.
Steward throws an elbow but it misses.
Kneeeeees! The crowd are calling for knees to the body. Steward obliges.
Steward misses with some punches.
McCringleberry tries to break the clinch but Steward is controlling the position.
Steward fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
McCringleberry dodges an elbow strike from Steward.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Steward swings wildly with an uppercut but McCringleberry uses good head movement to avoid it.
Steve Steward seems to be working more effectively in the clinch in the fight so far.
Steward tries to throw a body punch but McCringleberry avoids it by throwing Steward back against the cage.
Steward missing with knees to the body.
Steward scores a nice knee to the body.
McCringleberry blocking some punches.
McCringleberry dodges an elbow strike from Steward.
McCringleberry blocks an elbow strike from Steward.
Steward misses with a short punch on the inside.
Steward lands a shot to the body.
Steward throws a head punch that misses.
Steward throws a punch but it's blocked by McCringleberry.
Steward throws an elbow but it's blocked.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Steward swings wildly with an uppercut but McCringleberry uses good head movement to avoid it.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
McCringleberry takes an elbow to the forehead.
McCringleberry is trying to break free.
Steward tries to throw a body punch but McCringleberry avoids it by throwing Steward back against the cage.
McCringleberry wants to break free but Steward has control.
Steward throws a nice elbow but it doesn't land.
Steve Steward is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
McCringleberry tries a body shot but Steward blocks it.
McCringleberry is trying to break the clinch but Steward is controlling him.
Steward blocks a body shot from McCringleberry.
McCringleberry has had enough of the clinch and is looking to separate.
Hingle McCringleberry has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.
McCringleberry blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.
McCringleberry can't break the clinch.
Steward landing some nice looking knees to the body.
A frustrated look appears on McCringleberry's face as he tries to break the clinch.
Steward lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
McCringleberry wants to push off and get back to the center of the mat but Steward has him pressed against the cage.
McCringleberry doesn't land with the attempted body shot.

And that's the end of the fight!
Steve Steward comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I've got Steward winning every round here. Surely the decision will go his way and he'll pick up a well deserved decision victory. 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 Dean Styles scores the fight 26:30
Judge Alyssa Summers scores the fight 26:30
Judge Bruno Lombardi scores the fight 26:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Steve Steward!
Steve Steward seemed lost for words in his post fight interview but he remembered to thank his fans and directed everyone to his website.

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
37%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Irshaad Sayed (ranked 4588 p4p, 429 weight class) and John McCoy (ranked 4808 p4p, 445 weight class). Both fighter's entrance songs getting the crowd jumping here.

Sayed
vs
McCoy

173 cm
25
150 lbs
1 - 0 - 0

180 cm
25
157 lbs
1 - 0 - 0

Decent wrestler
Excellent MT
Good chin

Powerful takedowns
Counter fighter
Powerful

Sully's Bar & Grill
Aspire Nutrition

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the featherweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Irshaad Sayed!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Sydney, John McCoy !
The judges for this bout are Jorge Garcia, Lou da Vinci and Jonathan Paton.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Sayed fails to land with a series of punches.
McCoy with the counter takedown but Sayed avoids it easily.
McCoy takes a push kick to the midsection and stumbles backwards.
Both fighters are looking to counter, which isn't making for the most exciting fight in the world.
McCoy drops his hands momentarily and Sayed takes advantage with a crisp shot to the head.
Sayed lands a slapping body shot.
McCoy on the wrong end of a nice hook.
Sayed 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.
McCoy doesn't succeed with the takedown
and Sayed counters with an outside leg kick.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
McCoy has his head snapped back a nice jab. A little nod from McCoy there as he acknowledges the shot.
Sayed cracks McCoy with a good shot that sees him stumbling back into the cage.

That's one minute gone in the round.
McCoy fails with the takedown
and Sayed counters with a one-two to the body.
McCoy with a lazy takedown attempt
and Sayed counters with a shot to the ribs. That looked like it hurt.
Irshaad Sayed has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of John McCoy .
McCoy doesn't succeed with the takedown
and Sayed counters with a nice jab to the body that keeps McCoy thinking.
McCoy has his hands up protecting his head but a hook from Sayed finds it's way round the side to connect with McCoy 's head.
McCoy misses with a takedown
and Sayed counters with a straight right hand.
McCoy tries for a takedown but Sayed circles away easily
and Sayed counters with an inside leg kick.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

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

Sayed pushes McCoy off and gets back to his feet.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
The fighters circle momentarily. Sayed darts into range and connects with a nice straight punch.
Sayed ducks low and lands a nice hook to the body of his opponent.
Irshaad Sayed seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Sayed connects with a slap. Keep your fist closed son.
McCoy misses with a takedown attempt
and Sayed counters with a straight punch to the midsection.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Good shot there by Sayed.
Sayed connects with an inside leg kick.
Sayed digs a good body shot into McCoy 's ribs.
Sayed lands a jab to the nose.
Sayed connects with a body shot.
McCoy with a poor takedown
and Sayed makes him pay by landing a thudding low kick.
Sayed is really peppering his opponent's head with punches.
Sayed scores with a nice right hand.
Sayed connects with a nice looking jab.
McCoy tries for a takedown but Sayed circles away easily
and Sayed counters with a lovely straight right hand!

That's four minutes gone in the round.
McCoy with a poor takedown
and Sayed connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Sayed lands a kick to the ribs of his opponent. Nice work there - in and out in a flash.
Sayed lands with a nice body punch.
Sayed darts in and out, connecting with a jab.
Sayed connects with a slap. Keep your fist closed son.
McCoy looks more muscular than last time we saw him. He must have been on the weights.
A lazy left from Sayed finds it's target.
McCoy has his takedown stuffed
enabling Sayed to counter with a crisp jab.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

McCoy takes a jab right on the kisser.
A thudding body kick lands there by Sayed!
Sayed throws a jab to the body, straight down the pipe. Boom. That sent McCoy stumbling backwards but he manages to regain his composure quickly.
McCoy shoots and misses
and Sayed counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Sayed jabs McCoy to the body, keeping him at a distance.
McCoy doesn't succeed with the takedown
and Sayed counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Irshaad Sayed is winning the standup battle so far.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Sayed scores with a slapping inside leg kick.
McCoy fails with the takedown
and Sayed counters with a thumping low kick.
Irshaad Sayed has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of John McCoy .

That's one minute gone in the round.
McCoy with a lazy takedown attempt
and Sayed counters with a straight punch to the midsection.
Sayed throws a head kick that McCoy semi-blocks.
McCoy doesn't succeed with the takedown
and Sayed counters with a one-two to the body.
Sayed scores with a punch to the gut of his opponent.
A solid leg kick lands there for Sayed.
Sayed lands with a thumping leg kick.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
McCoy shoots in but doesn't get the takedown
and Sayed counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Sayed lands with a thumping leg kick.
McCoy shoots in but doesn't get the takedown
and Sayed connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Sayed digs a good body shot into McCoy 's ribs.
Sayed ducks low and lands a nice hook to the body of his opponent.
McCoy 's hands are dropping dangerously low here and Sayed connects clean with a right hook that sends him down to one knee! McCoy scrambles back to his feet.
McCoy 's leg has a nasty welt from taking a succession of leg kicks. That must be slowing him down.
McCoy shoots in but doesn't get the takedown
and Sayed counters with a three punch combination, finished off with a leg kick. Nice work.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Sayed is moving around nicely and scores here with a single head shot.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from McCoy .
Sayed looks to land a combination. McCoy sees it coming but can only parry a couple of the shots.
McCoy walks straight into a jab right on the nose. That one stung - he's blinking and trying to clear his head.
Sayed punishes McCoy 's body with a nice straight punch.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Sayed lands a leg kick and bounces back out of range.
McCoy shoots in for a takedown but Sayed shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
McCoy doesn't succeed with the takedown
and Sayed counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Sayed lands a straight punch to the body, keeping McCoy at a distance.
Sayed scores with a punch to the head.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
McCoy has his head snapped back a nice jab. A little nod from McCoy there as he acknowledges the shot.
Sayed lands with a nice body punch.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Irshaad Sayed dominated that second round.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action. Let's get this one finished - here comes the final round!

McCoy drops his hands momentarily and Sayed takes advantage with a crisp shot to the head.
Sayed lands with a hook. McCoy tried to avoid it but it clipped the top of his head.
Sayed cracks McCoy with a good shot that sees him stumbling back into the cage.
Jab, jab by Sayed - just one landing.
Sayed pushes forward with a 1-2 combination that forces McCoy back to the cage. Sayed follows up with a solid lead hook to the liver.
Boom, another hit is landed. "You're gunna get knocked out" taunts Sayed, as that shot connected.
McCoy doesn't succeed with the takedown
and Sayed counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Sayed displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from McCoy .

That's one minute gone in the round.
Sayed digs a good hook to McCoy 's body.
Sayed jabs at McCoy 's body.
McCoy with a poor takedown
and Sayed makes him pay by landing a nice hook to the body before moving out of range.
Irshaad Sayed has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of John McCoy .
McCoy misses with a takedown
and Sayed counters with a stiff right hand.
Sayed fakes a head punch and goes low to the body. Nicely done.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Sayed fakes a head shot and lands one to the body.
McCoy has a pretty nasty looking mouse under his right eye.
Sayed lands a nice leg kick that just misses McCoy 's sensitive parts.
Sayed moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
McCoy shoots in but doesn't get the takedown
and Sayed counters with a series of strikes. McCoy will be more careful next time no doubt.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Sayed smiles there as he lands a nice right hand right on the button.
Sayed lands a body shot.

McCoy closes the distance and clinches up, looking for a takedown. He shifts his weight and gets a nice trip into half guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Sayed kicks McCoy off and gets back to his feet.
McCoy takes a solid shot to the body. That one hurt him but he's trying not to show it.
Sayed scores with a one two! McCoy had his feet all tangled up there and couldn't avoid the strikes.
This fight brought to you by 5M nutrition - it's mmmmm tasty. Nice jab by Sayed.
Sayed punishes McCoy 's body with a nice straight punch.
McCoy shoots in for a double leg but Sayed sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
McCoy takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
McCoy walks into a left hand.
Sayed turns his hip over beautifully as he lands a nice leg kick.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
McCoy on the wrong end of a vicious looking body shot.
McCoy takes a shot to the body in his stride.
McCoy misses with a takedown attempt
and Sayed counters with a nice jab to the body that keeps McCoy thinking.
Irshaad Sayed is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Sayed lands a jab, followed by a cross and another cross, as McCoy backs up against the cage.
Jab from Sayed.
Sayed moving in and out of range nicely, whilst landing the scoring shot.
Irshaad Sayed is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
McCoy shoots in but doesn't get the takedown
and Sayed counters with a lovely straight right hand!

And that's the end of the fight!
Irshaad Sayed showed his dominance in that final round.
Well Sayed 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 Jorge Garcia scores the fight 30:24
Judge Lou da Vinci scores the fight 30:24
Judge Jonathan Paton scores the fight 30:24

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Irshaad Sayed!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
62%

Co-main event

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Masamune Date (ranked 5269 p4p, 480 weight class) and Piotr Hermano (ranked 4056 p4p, 393 weight class). Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the cage.

Date
vs
Hermano

176 cm
25
150 lbs
0 - 1 - 0

168 cm
25
150 lbs
2 - 0 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Excellent MT
Good chin

Good wrestler
Brawler
Solid chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the featherweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 0 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Masamune Date!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 2 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Hilo, Piotr Hermano!
The judges for this bout are Jorge Garcia, Steve Montenegro and Bruno Lombardi.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Hermano shapes like he's going to throw a leg kick but settles back down.
Date throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Hermano is definitely looking for the counter takedowns here.
Date wants to clinch.
Hermano with the counter takedown but Date avoids it easily.
Hermano circles away from the clinch attempt.
Date tries to close the distance and clinch up but Hermano swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Hermano throws a body shot but no joy.
Date lands with a slapping head kick.
Date wants to clinch.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Date looking for a takedown here - he's got it.
Date throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Hermano has a closed guard, preventing anything of note from happening. Perhaps he's looking to stall.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Hermano is on top in guard.

Date is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.
Hermano stays in close to Date's body and controls the position.
Date is looking to stand up but Hermano isn't so interested in that idea.
Hermano seems content to control from guard here. He's going to have to remain active though if he doesn't want to get stood back up.
Date knows he needs to get back to his feet asap. He's simply no match for Hermano on the ground.
Date is looking to get back to his feet but can't, whilst Hermano is controlling him.

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.

Hermano thinks about going for a leg but decides against it, in order to maintain the position.
Hermano looking to pass the guard.
Hermano lands a couple of digs.
Hermano with a couple of shots to the head there. Not particularly brutal.
Date is wriggling around but Hermano manages to pass to half guard.
Hermano is taking a breather. Date says something to him but it's hard to make out. Perhaps he's telling him to get on with it and actually do something.
Hermano is working hard to pass the guard. He's done it - he's now in full mount! Trouble for Date!
Hermano looking to finish Date with some ground and pound. This is bad for Date!
Hermano lands a heavy elbow.
Date's corner are shouting for him to stand up but that's bad cornering - how is he meant to stand up when he's mounted? He should be looking to improve his position on the ground before trying to stand back up.
Hermano landing strikes from the mount.
Date tries to buck Hermano off but he can't manage it.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Hermano is still in mount, landing shots to his trapped opponent. Date can't stay in a position like this for much longer.
Date really wants to buck Hermano off and get back to his feet.
Date in a bad spot here, taking shots to the head.
Hermano has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
Hermano raining down shots from the mount!
The fighters are starting to get a bit slippery now, which will make submissions a bit more difficult.
Date is trying to get to the cage to help him get back to his feet.
Hermano controlling from the full mount.
Hermano is still in mount, landing shots to his trapped opponent. Date can't stay in a position like this for much longer.
Hermano with a couple of short strikes.

Date is rocked!
Hermano connects with a bit shot that sees Date covering up! More strikes from Hermano and the referee jumps in to stop the fight! Hermano is our winner by TKO!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:56 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Piotr Hermano!
Our winner, Piotr Hermano, 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.

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
43%

Main event

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Tsulmani Diakite (ranked 4528 p4p, 522 weight class) and Shawn Jones (ranked 4961 p4p, 550 weight class). 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?

Diakite
vs
Jones

176 cm
25
190 lbs
2 - 0 - 0

185 cm
27
185 lbs
8 - 9 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Excellent MT
Granite chin

BJJ Purple Belt
Counter fighter
Good gas tank

Spartan Nutrition

Amped Performance

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 2 - 0 - 0, fighting out of London, Tsulmani Diakite!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 8 - 9 - 0, fighting out of Sydney, Shawn Jones!
The judges for this bout are Eddie Farnsworth, Dean Styles and Columbo Gatti.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
A head kick from Diakite lands but Jones takes it in his stride.
Diakite could do with losing a few pounds - he looks very soft around the mid section, to put it politely.
Jones looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
Diakite looks to throw the jab but Jones is out of range.
Diakite tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Jones was well out of range. Poor timing from Diakite.
And Jones tries to counter it with a takedown but Diakite pushes his down on his head and steps out.
Diakite looks to land a body kick but Jones moved away.
Jones shoots in for a takedown but Diakite shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
The fight stays on the outside here - Jones looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Jones shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Diakite but Diakite pushes him off and we're back to square one.
Tsulmani Diakite has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Shawn Jones.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Jones looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Diakite is fending him off so far but Jones persists. Nope, Diakite circles away and we're back to standing.
Jones steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Diakite.
Diakite circles away from the clinch attempt
and Diakite counters with a one-two to the body.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Jones tries for a takedown but Diakite sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Jones tries to move into range but Diakite moves to the side and lands with a nice right hand.
Diakite jabs at Jones's body.
Jones checks a leg kick.
Jones looks more muscular than last time we saw him. He must have been on the weights.

Jones clinches up against the cage.
A body shot lands from Diakite.

Diakite pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Some wild striking there from Jones.
Diakite keeps the fight on the outside.
Tsulmani Diakite is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Diakite tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Jones was well out of range. Poor timing from Diakite.
Jones gets cracked there but stands up to it.
Sloppy strikes from Jones. Those never looked like landing.
Diakite tried to counter with a leg kick but Jones avoided it.
Diakite throws a leg kick that is checked

and Jones counters with a nice shoot takedown that brings the fighters to the ground.
Diakite knows he needs to get back to his feet asap. He's simply no match for Jones on the ground.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!

Jones thinks about going for a leg but decides against it, in order to maintain the position.
Jones trying to control but Diakite is working from the bottom.

Jones stands up and waves to Diakite to follow him.
Diakite lands a powerful looking uppercut that connected with his opponent's jaw.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Diakite looks to land a right hand but Jones moved out of range.

Jones moves into the clinch successfully.
Jones trying to stall but Diakite improves his position.
Jones prevents a body shot from Diakite.
The fighters are pressed against the cage, as the pace of the fight slows.

Diakite breaks from the clinch.
Diakite stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Diakite wants it to stay on the feet.
Jones looks to land a combination but Diakite avoids it well.
Jones on the wrong end of a nice hook.
Shawn Jones seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Jones steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Diakite.
Jones tries to counter with a clinch but Diakite shakes him off and moves away.
Diakite throws a leg kick

and Jones counters with a single leg into guard. Diakite didn't expect that.
Diakite trying to keep a closed guard but Jones is proving a slippery customer.

Jones gets to his feet - Diakite follows without any prompting.
A looping hook to the body misses from Diakite. Jones does a little dance to reset his feet.
Jones wants to clinch.
Jones shoots for a double leg takedown but Diakite sprawls well. He's pushed Jones's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
This has been an exciting period of action!

Jones forces Diakite back against the cage and clinches.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Tsulmani Diakite dominated that round.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!

Diakite throws a chopping leg kick but Jones manages to avoid taking any serious damage.
Shawn Jones is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Jones with a lazy takedown attempt
and Diakite counters with a right hand to the body.
Diakite connects with an inside leg kick.
Diakite scoring well with a low kick there.
Jones misses with a takedown attempt - Diakite sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Jones throws a right and a left that Diakite avoids nicely.
Diakite tries to score with a leg kick but it misses it's target.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Diakite throws a leg kick

and Jones counters with a takedown into side control! That could mean trouble for Diakite!

Diakite bucks up and manages to escape back to his feet!
Diakite is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Jones can do to turn this around?
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!

Jones drives through and clinches with Diakite against the cage.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Diakite lands a right hand that snaps the head of Jones backwards.

Diakite breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.

Jones changes levels and drives through with a really nice takedown into side control. Diakite looks really pissed at himself for not defending that better.
Diakite on his back here. We all know that wrestlers don't like being on their back so let's see if Diakite tries to get out of the position.
Diakite pushes Jones away and creates a bit of space to escape. He's almost out here... but no, Jones gets a good hold of his legs and remains firmly in side control.
Shawn Jones has got the better of the ground game so far.

Jones stands up and we're back to a striking position.
Diakite throws a sloppy head kick

and Jones counters with a takedown into side control.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Jones trying to control the position but Diakite is working away.

Jones stands up and we're back to a striking position.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Jones.
It looked like Diakite wanted to counter with a hook but didn't fully commit.
Tsulmani Diakite has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Shawn Jones.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Jones steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Diakite.
Jones lets it all go there with a big combo counter but none of the punches connected.
Some wild striking there from Diakite.
Jones checks the leg kick.
Diakite circles away from the clinch attempt.
Jones fails with a takedown attempt.
A little feinted left hand from Diakite on the counter but he doesn't commit to it.
Diakite stuffs the takedown.
Jones tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Diakite swivels and escapes.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Diakite lands with a cross to side of his opponent's head.
Diakite throws a leg kick

and Jones counters with a driving takedown into guard. Nice work there by Jones.
Jones controlling from the top position.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Diakite keeping moving, preventing Jones from controlling successfully.

Diakite wants to control position but Jones is using a can opener to pass guard... He's turned it into a full on guillotine from mount now! Big trouble for Diakite here! He's turning a lovely shade of purple and yep! He's tapping out! I would say world class Jiu Jitsu but is it really? It was nice but let's not get silly about it.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:57 of round 2, we have a winner by way of Submission (Guillotine). Shawn Jones!
An out of breath and clearly excited Shawn Jones thanked KnockOut for their help and support (and free stuff they sent him).