NJMMA 69 PBP Commentary

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Tim Cahill (ranked 8235 p4p, 562 weight class) and Akeen Coker (ranked 8342 p4p, 567 weight class). I don't know about you partner, but I'm pumped for this one!

Cahill
vs
Coker

178 cm
20
175 lbs
0 - 1 - 0

180 cm
21
178 lbs
0 - 1 - 0

BJJ Brown Belt
Excellent MT
Cardio machine

Good wrestler
Excellent MT
Granite chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the welterweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 0 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Tim Cahill!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Akeen Coker!
The judges for this bout are Dean Styles, Steve Montenegro and Joseph Jones.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Cahill buckles his opponent's knee momentarily with a nice leg kick.
Cahill is looking to clinch.
Coker steps in looking to counter with the mid kick but it doesn't connect.
Cahill wants to clinch up but Coker keeps it at a distance.
Coker cracks Cahill with an open hand slap.
We've been hearing reports that Cahill has been drilling takedowns in recent sessions so let's see if that has an impact on the result of this fight.
Cahill blocks the body kick.
Nice uppercut lands for Cahill. That snapped Coker's head back.
Coker uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Cahill.
Coker throws a head kick but Cahill moves out of range.
Cahill tried to counter with a leg kick but Coker avoided it.
Cahill fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Coker manages to avoid it.
A nice side step and Coker releases a counter shot to the body, but it doesn't find it's home.
Cahill throws out a powerful jab.
Tim Cahill seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.

Cahill drives through and clinches with Coker against the cage.

Coker breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Coker throws a body kick that misses.
Cahill blocks a jab.
Coker lands with a cross.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Cahill tries to clinch there but Coker circles away.

Cahill clinches.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Cahill lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
Cahill misses with a body punch.
Cahill swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Cahill swings wildly with an uppercut but Coker uses good head movement to avoid it.

Coker pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Cahill is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Cahill blocks a head kick by Coker.
Cahill tries to clinch there but Coker circles away.
Akeen Coker is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Cahill scores with a jab to the jaw.
Cahill tries to clinch up.
Cahill doesn't manage to clinch there - Coker circles away.
Cahill wants to clinch.
Coker throws a push kick but Cahill slaps the foot to one side.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Coker misses with a low kick as Cahill jumps back.
Coker throws a half hearted mid kick.
Cahill cracks Coker with an open hand slap.
Cahill wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.
Cahill lands a nice hook to Coker's body. Coker takes it in his stride and looks to land his own strikes.
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!
Cahill is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Coker.
Cahill tries to clinch up but Coker circles away and keeps his distance.
The fight stays on the outside here - Cahill looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
The fighters circling - Coker throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Cahill sizes up Coker with a pawing jab and scores with a straight right down the middle.
Cahill throws a low kick but it's checked well by Coker.
A countering left hand to the body from Coker misses.
Coker misses with a body shot.
A big right from Coker misses.
Coker takes a swing at Cahill's ribcage but misses.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Cahill scores a trip takedown into side control. Nice.
Coker tries to buck Cahill off but Cahill is having none of it.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Cahill is looking to take a break and control but Coker is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Coker is trying to control Cahill's posture but Cahill avoids it.
Cahill tries to score with some ground and pound. Coker controls his posture well this time though and the shots don't do any damage.
Cahill throws an elbow but Coker slips to the side and avoids it well.
Coker tries to get back to half guard but can't.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Coker felt the need to train up his defensive grappling in the buildup to the fight. Presumably he was expecting to be in a difficult position like this, so let's see if he can get out of it.
Cahill throws a strike aimed at the side of Coker's head but Coker avoids it well.
Coker wants to control but Cahill postures up.
Cahill throws a strike aimed at the side of Coker's head but Coker avoids it well.
Cahill tries to score with some ground and pound. Coker controls his posture well this time though and the shots don't do any damage.
Cahill throwing strikes but missing, from side control.
Cahill throwing strikes but missing, from side control.
Coker is looking for a sweep.
Coker wants to control but Cahill postures up.
The strikes coming from Cahill are missing the target in this wave of attacks.
Cahill in side control, throwing shots but Coker defends.
Coker struggling a bit here.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Tim Cahill dominated that round.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action.

Cahill throws a body punch but Coker moves out of range.
Thud! ouch! good body kick from Cahill - that will leave a mark!
The fight stays on the outside here - Cahill looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Cahill tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Cahill avoids the head kick by Coker.
Cahill lands a nice shot to the body.
Coker throws a body shot but no joy.
Cahill scores with a jab to the body.
Cahill lands a nice hook to Coker's body. Coker takes it in his stride and looks to land his own strikes.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Cahill throws a body shot but no joy.
Coker uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Cahill.
The fight stays on the outside here - Cahill looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Despite the aggression on Coker's face he doesn't fully commit to the counter.
Coker just misses with a punch to the body.
Cahill is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Coker can do to turn this around?

That's one minute gone in the round.
Cahill misses with a double jab.
Nice body kick from Cahill.
Coker swats away the attempt to clinch by Cahill.
Cahill throws a feint and then finishes with a kick to the body.
Cahill throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Cahill motions for Coker to come forward. Cahill throws a leg kick but it misses it's target.
Coker thinks about the counter body kick.
Cahill misses with a double jab.
Coker takes a jab on the nose there. A little bit of blood seems to be coming out. Hopefully that won't affect his breathing.
Cahill fails with an attempt to clinch.
An inside leg kick from Coker misses.
Coker throws a wild body kick that Cahill sees coming a mile off.
Cahill keeps his opponent at a distance with a nice jab.
Coker connects with a looping left hand that seems like it dazed Cahill momentarily.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Coker misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Cahill.
Cahill lands with a hook. Coker tried to avoid it but it clipped the top of his head.
Tim Cahill is winning the standup battle so far.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
The sound of bone on bone echoes around the arena as Cahill checks a leg kick.
Cahill tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.

The fight moves into the clinch position.
Coker wants to break the clinch but can't.

Coker escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Coker uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Cahill.
Cahill misses with a low kick.
Cahill tries to clinch but Coker is having none of it.
Cahill throws an overhand right that lands on Coker's shoulder, as Coker tries to avoid the shot.
Coker is loading up here, looking for a big counter of his own.
Coker lands a leg kick that knocks Cahill off balance momentarily.
Coker swats away the attempt to clinch by Cahill.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Cahill tries to clinch up but Coker circles away and keeps his distance.
Coker ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Cahill moves away.
Cahill misses the shot to the body.
Cahill misses with a jab to the body
and Coker counters with a nice body kick.
Cahill lands with a nice body punch.
Cahill digs a good hook to Coker's body.
Coker misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Coker throws a head kick that looked like it stung.
Cahill with a nice looking leg kick. You could hear that one land in a back row.
Cahill catches Coker with a nice straight right. He seems pissed - ooooh, it's on now! On like donkey kong!
Boom, another hit is landed. "You're gunna get knocked out" taunts Cahill, as that shot connected.
Cahill tries to close the distance and clinch up but Coker swats him away and circles back towards the center.
And Coker responds with a good body kick, but Cahill manages to step out the way in time.
Cahill misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Coker.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Coker attempts a leg kick but it's missed by a good margin.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Cahill misses with a low kick.
Cahill throws a body shot but no joy.
Coker throws out a counter right but Cahill avoids it with no problem.
Cahill ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Coker moves away.
Cahill tries to clinch but Coker is having none of it.
Coker replies with a solid counter kick to the body but Cahill blocks it well.
Cahill looks to land a body kick but Coker moved away.
Cahill throws a jab to the body, straight down the pipe. Boom. That sent Coker stumbling backwards but he manages to regain his composure quickly.
Cahill cracks Coker with a good jab.
Cahill connects with a leg kick. Coker looked like he was expecting something else and didn't defend it.
Cahill cracks Coker with a good jab.
Coker checks a low kick. Bone on bone - not my idea of a good time.
Coker swats away the attempt to clinch by Cahill.
Cahill doesn't manage to clinch there - Coker circles away.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Cahill throws a low kick but it's checked well by Coker.
Cahill misses with a body shot.
Coker darts in and out, connecting with a jab.
Coker takes a shot to the nose. Hopefully that hasn't broken it.
Coker keeping at a good range here, avoiding a leg kick.
Coker walks into a jab.
Well, he's not going to score with shots like that. A lazy body kick attempt from Coker.

Cahill moves into range and clinches up with Coker.
Cahill lands an uppercut.
Cahill throws a head punch that misses.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Cahill lands an uppercut.
Cahill misses with some punches.
Cahill lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Cahill.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Cahill tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Coker blocks an uppercut.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Nice body punch from Coker.
Coker's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
Cahill tries a body shot but Coker blocks it.
Cahill misses with a short punch on the inside.
Cahill lands an uppercut.
Tim Cahill has scored more points in the clinch so far.
Cahill's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
Coker lands with a light punch inside.
Coker pressing his opponent against the cage.
Coker is trying to force a seperation but Cahill has the dominant position.
Cahill lands a left hand.
Cahill tries a body shot but Coker blocks it.
Coker misses with some punches.
Cahill goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Coker blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Cahill misses with a short punch on the inside.
Cahill tries to work over Coker's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Akeen Coker has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Coker.

Coker escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Cahill throws a body punch but Coker moves out of range.
Coker sees a low kick coming and goes to check it, but it's actually a body kick and it thuds into his unprotected ribs.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Coker misses with a body shot.
Cahill connects with an inside leg kick.
Cahill is looking to wear down Coker with body shots, infact he's throwing more body shots than head shots at the moment.
Coker misses with a wild body shot.
Cahill fails to land with a series of punches.
Cahill just misses with a punch to the body.
Coker now looks to counter with a shot at the body.
Cahill just misses with a punch to the body.
Coker throws a half hearted mid kick.
As Coker tries to get set, Cahill tries to push him back and clinch up but Coker manages to avoid the attempt.
Cahill takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
Coker pivots as if he's going to throw a leg kick but stops half way.
As Coker tries to get set, Cahill tries to push him back and clinch up but Coker manages to avoid the attempt.
No joy there for Coker, who threw a few shots but didn't land.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Coker avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Coker steps in looking to counter with the mid kick but it doesn't connect.
Coker scores with a nice body kick.
A head kick misses from Coker.
Cahill is looking to clinch.
Cahill tries to clinch there but Coker circles away.
A looping hook to the body misses from Coker. Cahill does a little dance to reset his feet.
Cahill keeps his opponent at a distance with a nice jab.
Cahill misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Coker.
Oooooooooooh, not good. A low kick from Coker lands where it shouldn't have, right in the... well, you know what he did? He kicked him in the penis. He's injured, injured bad. The referee sends both fighters to their corners and Cahill has 5 minutes to recover. He's OK now though... a thumbs up from Cahill and we're back underway with a touch of gloves.
Coker avoids a punch combination nicely.
Coker just misses with a punch to the body.
Cahill jabbing away but nothing is landing.
A little jabbing left from Coker on the counter but it doesn't find it's target.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Coker avoids the body shot from Cahill.
Coker follows through with a counter body kick but it doesn't land.
Cahill works his jab well there, keeping his opponent at a distance.
Cahill blocks a head kick by Coker.
Cahill misses with a leg kick
and Coker counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Cahill fails in his attempt to clinch.
Cahill fakes low and throws an overhand right that catches Coker on the side of the head.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Cahill doesn't manage to clinch there - Coker circles away.
It seemed like Coker was going to counter with the hook but didn't fully commit to it.
Cahill lands a nice shot that snaps Coker's head back.
Coker takes one to the chin there.
Coker keeps the fight on the outside.
Cahill swings for the body but Coker moves out of range.
Cahill lands a leg kick and bounces back out of range.
Cahill pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Coker moves forwards but Cahill connects with a nice, crisp jab.

And that's the end of the fight!
Tim Cahill showed his dominance in that final round.
Well Cahill 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 Dean Styles scores the fight 30:27
Judge Steve Montenegro scores the fight 30:27
Judge Joseph Jones scores the fight 30:27

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Tim Cahill!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
58%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between James Noir (ranked 7841 p4p, 547 weight class) and Titus Branch (ranked 4273 p4p, 398 weight class). Both fighters look pumped up here. Let's hope this is a good fight!

Noir
vs
Branch

184 cm
22
173 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

178 cm
22
175 lbs
5 - 5 - 0

Good wrestling
Solid boxing
Insanely flexible

BJJ Purple Belt
Excellent boxer
Heavy handed

Urban Fighter

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 Las Vegas, James Noir!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 5 - 5 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Titus Branch!
The judges for this bout are Anthony Taglia, Bruno Lombardi and John Kavanagh.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Branch takes a swing at Noir's ribcage but misses.
A looping hook to the body misses from Noir. Branch does a little dance to reset his feet.
Noir lands with a cross to side of his opponent's head.

It looks like Titus Branch has been cut.
Noir dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Branch looking to land some kicks to the body here.
Noir misses with a hook.
Titus Branch seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Noir scores with a decent looking hook.
Branch looks to throw a body kick

and Noir counters with a shoot takedown. Branch fights it but they end up in guard.
Branch 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.
Noir throws a big elbow that misses.
Noir landing some decent shots from guard.

Branch is rocked!
Noir distracts Branch with his right hand and drops a big elbow with his other arm.
Branch is still in real trouble! Can Noir finish him?
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Noir gets to his feet and stands over Branch, holding his ankles. He dives in with a big left hand that connects! Branch felt that one! Noir unloads more punches and elbows and this one is over! The ref has dived in to save Branch from any more punishment!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:55 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). James Noir!
A very excited looking James Noir made sure he remembered to thank all the fans both in the arena and on the internet. He said all the coolest people spend all day on MMA websites, which got a big reaction.

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 lightweight MMA rules bout between Practice Test (ranked 5672 p4p, 496 weight class) and Tim St John (ranked 3423 p4p, 365 weight class). Test comes to the cage accompanied by For your entertainment. St John has chosen Machine gun Kelly - Till I Die as his entrance music. Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Test
vs
St John

170 cm
26
154 lbs
2 - 4 - 0

185 cm
24
165 lbs
5 - 3 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Great elbows
KO power

BJJ Blue Belt
Basic striking
Determined

KOMBAT KLOTHING

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the lightweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 2 - 4 - 0, fighting out of New York, Practice Test!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 5 - 3 - 0, fighting out of New York, Tim St John!
The judges for this bout are Columbo Gatti, Russell Pearce and David Schapiro.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Test tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Practice Test seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.

St John shoots in and scores a nice double leg takedown into half guard.
St John throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
St John content to sit in half guard and control for a moment.
St John missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
Test trying to get back to full guard but St John takes advantage of the position and moves to full mount!
St John landing shots from mount.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
St John looking to ground and pound his opponent to a finish here.
St John content just to control the position here.
Test is bucking up trying to escape but St John cracks him with another couple of good strikes.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Test really trying hard to get back to half guard here.
Test is working hard here to advance position.
St John dominating with strikes here.
Test taking shots to the head.
St John raining down shots from the mount!
St John looking to finish Test with some ground and pound. This is bad for Test!

Test is rocked!

St John swings around for an armbar and he's got it! Wow, that came out of nowhere! What a finish!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:58 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Armbar). Tim St John!
Tim St John made sure to mention his sponsor, Top Nutrition 160Q200$ 140Q150$ 100Q50$ in his post fight interview.

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
51%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Bob Grill (ranked 502 p4p, 72 weight class) and David Unsworth (ranked 3248 p4p, 419 weight class). Both these guys have solid standup skills and neither is particularly fantastic on the ground, so let's hope for a nice standup war!

Grill
vs
Unsworth

194 cm
22
222 lbs
8 - 1 - 0

192 cm
20
212 lbs
3 - 0 - 0

Good wrestling
Lethal high kicks
Cardio machine

BJJ Blue Belt
Excellent MT
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 8 - 1 - 0, fighting out of London, Bob Grill!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 3 - 0 - 0, fighting out of New York, David Unsworth!
The judges for this bout are Dean Styles, Joseph Jones and Eddie Farnsworth.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Unsworth throws a chopping leg kick but Grill manages to avoid taking any serious damage.
Unsworth throws a leg kick but Grill sees it coming and moves out of range.
Grill chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Unsworth can pounce on him.
Unsworth scores with a head kick.
Unsworth misses with a kick to the body
and Grill counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Unsworth throws a head kick that misses
and Grill counters nicely by changing levels and landing a hook to the body.
Grill shuffles to his left behind two crisp jabs. Unsworth eats them both and turns towards Grill to reposition himself and eats a stinging right hand-left hook combo.
Grill misses with an uppercut
and Unsworth counters with a leg kick that reverborates around the arena.
Unsworth walks forward and throws out a flicking leg kick. Grill checks it nicely though, as he moves to the side.
Unsworth tries to clinch but fails miserably
and Grill counters with a right hand to the body.
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!
Grill uses good footwork to get in and out, landing a nice hook.
Unsworth is looking to clinch.
David Unsworth seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Unsworth misses with a leg kick
and Grill counters with a straight punch to the midsection.
Unsworth misses with a leg kick
and Unsworth takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Unsworth thows a leg kick but Grill checks it
and Grill counters with a stiff right hand.
We've been told by Grill's head coaches at LOD London BALLS OF STEEL that he's been working on his takedown defense in preparation for this fight.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Unsworth scores with a spinning back kick!
Unsworth misses with a low kick as Grill jumps back.
Grill stumbles momentarily as he takes a strong leg kick from Unsworth.
Grill blocks a head kick by Unsworth.
Nice defenses there by Unsworth.
Grill scores with a jab to the jaw.
Unsworth avoids the body shot from Grill.
A slow jab from Grill misses its intended target.
A low kick from Unsworth misses
and Unsworth takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Unsworth misses with a low kick.
Unsworth turns his hip over beautifully as he lands a nice leg kick.
A low kick from Unsworth is predictable there
and Grill counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Unsworth throws a head kick that misses
and Grill counters with a nice jab to the body that keeps Unsworth thinking.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Unsworth does a little shimmy and throws a leg kick. The leg kick missed by a considerable margin though, making him look a little bit silly for doing the shimmy.
Unsworth misses with a leg kick
and Grill counters with a left to the body.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Unsworth tries to clinch there but Grill circles away.
Unsworth shapes like he's going to throw a leg kick but settles back down.
Grill throws a leg kick but Unsworth sees it coming and checks it nicely.
Unsworth tries to clinch but Grill moves out of range.
Unsworth thows a leg kick but Grill checks it
and Grill cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Unsworth attempts a low kick but it misses it's target.
Unsworth throws a leg kick
enabling Grill to counter with a crisp jab.
Unsworth tried to score with a low kick but Grill checks it.
Unsworth throws a leg kick
and Grill counters with a straight right hand.
Unsworth throws a leg kick that is checked
and Grill makes him pay by landing a nice hook to the body before moving out of range.
Unsworth will need to close the distance a bit before he attacks - that leg kick was thrown from too far away.
An attempted straight right counter from Grill misses the target.
Unsworth keeps Grill at a distance using the push kick.
Grill is really peppering his opponent's head with punches.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Unsworth tries to clinch but Grill moves away
and Grill counters with a straight right hand.
Unsworth looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.
Unsworth throws a leg kick that is checked
and Unsworth takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Unsworth keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Grill.
The sound of bone on bone echoes around the arena as Grill checks a leg kick.
Unsworth throws a head kick that misses
and Grill counters with a left to the body.
Unsworth tries to grapple but his opponent circles
and Grill connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Grill getting the better of the striking in that exchange.
A low kick from Unsworth is predictable there
letting Grill counter with a right hand.

Unsworth is rocked!
Unsworth throws a leg kick that is checked
and Grill counters with a nice leg kick.
Unsworth is still on wobbly legs! Can Grill finish him?
Unsworth tries to score with a leg kick but it misses it's target.
Grill lands an uppercut out of nowhere! Unsworth falls backwards - clearly groggy! Grill dives in and finishes the fight with more strikes for a TKO finish!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:55 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Bob Grill!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
58%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between John Tucker (ranked 1614 p4p, 78 weight class) and Preston Mason (ranked 1352 p4p, 63 weight class). Tucker comes to the cage accompanied by Ace of Spades. John Tucker had a look across the cage there at his opponent. He definitely means business

Tucker
vs
Mason

169 cm
26
148 lbs
11 - 4 - 0

170 cm
21
140 lbs
8 - 2 - 0

Decent wrestler
Basic striking
Cardio machine

Good wrestler
Basic striking
Good gas tank

Arcticus University: London

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the bantamweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 11 - 4 - 0, fighting out of London, John Tucker!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 8 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Preston Mason!
The judges for this bout are Reed Andrews, Lou da Vinci and Joseph Jones.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Tucker lands a jab-cross combination.
Mason dives in for a single leg takedown but Tucker sprawls and the fighters end up clinched against the cage.
Mason misses with a takedown attempt - Tucker sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Mason shoots in looking for a takedown. Tucker tries to sprawl out of it but Mason keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Tucker manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
John Tucker has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Preston Mason.
Tucker shoots in but no luck this time.
Tucker misses with a series of wild punches.
Mason shoots in looking for a takedown. Tucker tries to sprawl out of it but Mason keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Tucker manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Mason misses with a takedown attempt - Tucker sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Mason has a takedown stuffed.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Mason moves out of range of the leg kick from Tucker.
Mason takes a step back and watches a body kick go sailing past his mid section.
Mason closes the distance and clinches up with Tucker, looking for a takedown. Mason pushes Tucker against the cage but Tucker circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Mason goes for a double leg but Tucker avoids the attempt and the two fighters end up clinched against the cage as Tucker continues to drive forward.
Tucker drops down looking for a counter takedown but Mason sprawls and moves away.
Tucker tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Preston Mason seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Tucker throws a sloppy head kick

and Mason counters with a takedown into side control! That could mean trouble for Tucker!
Tucker is looking to reverse the position.
Tucker avoids any damage from the ground and pound of Mason.
Mason sitting in side control, looking to soften his opponent up with elbows and hammerfists but Tucker is avoiding damage well and looking to escape the position.
Mason trying to control the action but Tucker is working from the bottom.
Mason misses with the ground and pound.
Tucker is looking to regain half guard here but Mason keeps moving and retains side control.
Tucker is trying to control Mason's posture but Mason avoids it.
Mason misses with a strike but at least he's keeping busy, looking to cause some damage - that will still help him when it comes to the judges scorecards.
Tucker avoids any damage from the ground and pound of Mason.
Mason lands a few punches from side control.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Tucker is looking to regain half guard here but Mason keeps moving and retains side control.
Mason lands a few punches from side control.
Mason lands a nice forearm strike.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
You can see the frustration on Tucker's face, being in this tough position on the bottom.
Mason cracks Tucker with a big right hand but Tucker just smiles back at him and invites him to have another go.
Mason is moving around in side control but his primary objective seems to be to maintain the position.
Tucker is positioning himself to get back to half guard.
Mason is working Tucker over with some ground and pound from side control.
Mason happy to just control the position for now.
Tucker tries to get back to half guard but can't.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Mason is looking to take a break and control but Tucker is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Tucker is looking to regain half guard here but Mason keeps moving and retains side control.
Tucker takes a nasty elbow to the side of the head.
Tucker gets back to half guard.
Tucker is looking for a sweep. Mason is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Mason throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.
Tucker wants to improve his position but Mason is controlling well.
Mason trying to control from half guard but Tucker is working away.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Mason working over Tucker with some ground and pound. Tucker looks like he wants out of this position, which is understandable.
Mason controlling the pace.
Ground and pound from Mason.
Tucker makes his way to full guard. A much better position for Tucker.
Mason trying to control but Tucker is working from the bottom.
Tucker looking to hit a scissor sweep but Mason is one step ahead there.
Tucker keeping moving, preventing Mason from controlling successfully.
Mason's corner is telling him to maintain position.
Mason postures up.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but Preston Mason will probably get the nod.
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.

Mason shoots for a double leg takedown but Tucker sprawls well. He's pushed Mason's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Tucker throws a hook but Mason blocks it.
An inside leg kick lands from Tucker.
Mason takes a punch to the jaw and another one to the bread basket.

Mason throws the overhand right but ducks down into a quick takedown attempt. Tucker was covering up waiting for the punch and Mason finishes the takedown easily into guard.
Tucker is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Preston Mason has got the better of the ground game so far.
Mason is stalling in the full guard.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Tucker wants to stand but Mason is controlling the position.
Mason stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Tucker swivels though and keeps the full guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Mason trying to control but Tucker is working from the bottom.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Mason scoring with some ground and pound.
Tucker looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Mason postures up and lands some nice ground and pound.
Mason stands up over Tucker, holding his feet. He dives back in and lands a decent shot to the head.
Tucker pulls Mason in close to his closed guard and prevents Mason from doing any damage or advancing position.
Tucker preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Mason scoring with some ground and pound.
Tucker preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Mason landing some decent shots from guard.
Tucker keeping moving, preventing Mason from controlling successfully.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Tucker looking for a sweep. Not yet Tucker, not yet.
Tucker throws a couple of weedy looking strikes off his back.
Mason lands a couple of elbows.
Mason lands a couple of digs.
Mason has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.

Tucker had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Mason defends it easily.
Mason trying to control but Tucker is working from the bottom.
Hammerfist, elbow! yells Mason's corner. There ya go! There ya go!
Mason postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Mason postures up and lands some nice ground and pound.
Mason stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Tucker swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Tucker can't do much from the bottom at the moment, as Mason controls the pace.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Mason makes a bit of distance and scores with some ground and pound, still in guard.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Mason accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Tucker tries to land a sweep but no joy.
In the pre-fight buildup videos we saw Mason working his ground and pound in the gym. So far it seems to be working well.
Mason loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Mason with a flurry of punches that miss.
Mason scores with a decent looking elbow strike.
Mason tries to free his leg and advance position but Tucker is retaining full guard.
Mason works over Tucker with some ground and pound from guard.
Mason working some strikes from top position.
Mason content to strike from guard, landing some decent shots.
Mason postures up and lands some nice ground and pound.
Tucker bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Mason's guard.

Tucker connects with a couple of short punches.
Mason wants to sweep here but Tucker controlling him for the moment.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Mason is still trying to improve position.
Mason is persisting with the attempt to improve his position.
Tucker wants to control from the top but Mason keeps moving.
Both fighters have adopted an aggressive gameplan on the ground!
Mason wants to sweep but no luck.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Mason is on top in guard.

Tucker looking for a guillotine here but Mason defends easily.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Tucker pulls Mason in close to prevent any damage.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Preston Mason showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action. And we move into the final round!

Mason fails with a takedown attempt.
Tucker closes this distance looking for a takedown but Mason circles away.
Mason fails with a takedown attempt.
Mason shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Tucker pinned against the cage. Tucker gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
John Tucker has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Preston Mason.
Mason throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Tucker's waist but Tucker gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Mason off to one side.
Tucker throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Wow, both these guys are really going for it!
Tucker scores with a three punch combo!

Mason looking to score a takedown here. Tucker is defending well but Mason drives through and ends up in Tucker's guard.
Mason pushing down on Tucker's thigh, trying to pass to half guard. He's managed it... Nice work.
Tucker is trying to get back to full guard.
Tucker trying to control here.
Mason takes advantage of the dominant position to land a couple of big hammer fists.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Mason trying to control the action but Tucker is working from the bottom.
Mason might have to switch it up a bit here because his efforts to control Tucker haven't been going to plan, at least at the current moment in time.
The fighters are battling for position here. Tucker manages to regain full guard. Nice work.
Mason wants to pass the guard but Tucker is keeping the position.
Mason connects with a couple of short punches.
Tucker keeping moving, preventing Mason from controlling successfully.
Mason preventing the sweep.
Mason trying to control the position from guard on top but Tucker is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Tucker lands a decent shot there.
Mason content to stall in guard here.
Mason postures up and scores with a shot to the body and a follow up elbow to the head.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Tucker preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Tucker trying to control the position.
Tucker keeping moving, preventing Mason from controlling successfully.
Mason stopping the sweep attempt from Tucker.
Tucker is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Mason trying to control but Tucker is working from the bottom.

The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.

Mason throws a loose over hand right and dives in with a double leg takedown. Tucker tries to sprawl but it's too late and the fighters hit the mat. Mason is in Tucker's guard.
Tucker working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Mason.
Mason wants to control from the top but Tucker keeps moving.
Mason landing with the ground and pound.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Mason trying to control but Tucker is working from the bottom.
Tucker looking for a sweep. Not yet Tucker, not yet.
Mason is in close to Tucker's body, working some short punches and elbows.
Mason scoring with some ground and pound.
Mason pushing down on Tucker's thigh, trying to pass to half guard. He's managed it... Nice work.
Mason scoring with strikes to the body and head.

Tucker is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Mason pulls his head out easily.
Tucker trying to control from the bottom.
Mason working over Tucker with some ground and pound. Tucker looks like he wants out of this position, which is understandable.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Mason lands strikes from half guard.
Mason lands a big shot. The thud that echoes around the arena is like music to the fans' ears.
Tucker is staying active underneath Mason, who seems content to just control the action from this position.
Tucker is looking for a sweep. Mason is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Mason looks towards his corner to check for any instructions. The corner give him nothing to work with, so he cracks Tucker with a short hammerfist. I guess that's as good as any advice he could get in this position.
Tucker tries to roll over but Mason keeps him under control.
Mason is thwarting Tucker's attempts to control the position.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Mason is figuring out what he wants to do next.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Tucker keeps control of the position for the meantime.
Mason slows the pace down in half guard.

And that's the end of the fight!
Preston Mason comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I've got Mason 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 Reed Andrews scores the fight 27:30
Judge Lou da Vinci scores the fight 27:30
Judge Joseph Jones scores the fight 27:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Preston Mason!
A victorious Preston Mason thanked his army of followers in his post fight interview, telling people to make sure they follow him on Twitter.

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
39%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Damien Demento (ranked 1045 p4p, 131 weight class) and Tim Cahill (ranked 1825 p4p, 220 weight class). Tim Cahill will no doubt be trying to keep this one on the feet, where he has a distinct advantage.

Demento
vs
Cahill

182 cm
29
185 lbs
11 - 5 - 0

172 cm
20
175 lbs
2 - 1 - 0

Good wrestling
Counter fighter
Cardio machine

BJJ Purple Belt
Excellent boxer
Good gas tank

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 11 - 5 - 0, fighting out of New York, Damien Demento!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 2 - 1 - 0, fighting out of New York, Tim Cahill!
The judges for this bout are Jonathan Paton, Steve Montenegro and Anthony Taglia.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Demento slips a jab and a cross from Cahill.
Demento is looking for a counter combo.
Demento keeps the fight on the outside.
Demento tries to counter by clinching up but Cahill breaks away and moves out of range.
Demento shoots in for a double leg but Cahill sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
Demento with poor footwork there. He got himself in a bit of a tangle, enabling Cahill to score with a decent uppercut.
Cahill rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
and Demento counters with a lovely shot to the body.
Demento throws a right and a left that Cahill avoids nicely.
Demento shoots in for a takedown but Cahill shows good takedown defense.
Demento looks to have improved his striking defense since last time we saw him fight.
Cahill lands with a good body shot.
Cahill lands an overhand left. A wild punch that just about connected.

It looks like Damien Demento has been cut.
Cahill throws a series of punches but Demento moves out of range.
Demento throwing a counter right hand but Cahill manages to avoid it.
Cahill scores with a punch to the head.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Some wild striking there from Cahill.
Nice shot by Cahill.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Nice straight punches there by Cahill. You know Roy Jones Jr respects the hands of Cahill.
Cahill misses with a series of wild punches.
Demento seemed to be looking to counter by closing the distance.
Demento showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Cahill.
Demento half commits to a counter takedown before pushing away, out of range.
Demento is trying hard to land a takedown here. Cahill sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Damien Demento. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Demento slips a straight right by Cahill.
Demento half commits to a counter takedown before pushing away, out of range.
Cahill looks to land a right hand but Demento moved out of range.
Demento drops down looking for a counter takedown but Cahill sprawls and moves away.
Cahill throws a big shot that misses.
Cahill lands a nice shot to the body.
Cahill looks to land a right hand but Demento moved out of range.
Demento was looking to counter that last move with a shot to the body but he didn't commit.
Cahill misses with the combination.
Cahill getting the better of the striking in that exchange.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Cahill lands a pitter patter jab to the forehead of his opponent.
Demento tries to clinch but Cahill is having none of it.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Cahill jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Cahill scores with a sloppy right hand. Demento should have avoided that one.
The fight stays on the outside here - Demento looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Cahill is loading up here, looking for a big counter of his own.
Cahill fails in his attempt to clinch.
Demento takes a jab on the nose there. A little bit of blood seems to be coming out. Hopefully that won't affect his breathing.
Cahill works the jab nicely.

Demento is rocked!
Cahill throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Demento walks into a left hand.
Oh Demento is still all over the place! His legs are completely gone! Will he be able to recover?!!
Cahill connects with a stiff jab that staggers Demento - oh and he follows up with a huge uppercut that knocks him out cold! Man, that was brutal!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:59 of round 1, we have a winner by way of KO (Punches). Tim Cahill!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
54%

Co-main event

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Roman Boesku (ranked 824 p4p, 95 weight class) and Takumi Sagaki (ranked 741 p4p, 81 weight class). Sagaki has chosen Crazy Nights - Loudness as his entrance music. Roman Boesku had a look across the cage there at his opponent. He definitely means business

Boesku
vs
Sagaki

170 cm
22
158 lbs
9 - 3 - 0

172 cm
22
147 lbs
9 - 1 - 0

Abu Dhabi Champ
Solid boxing
Cardio machine

Excellent grappler
Good kicks
Good gas tank

Bullet Proof System

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 9 - 3 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Roman Boesku!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 9 - 1 - 0, fighting out of New York, Takumi Sagaki!
The judges for this bout are Reed Andrews, Chad Campbell and Dean Styles.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Sagaki throws a head kick that misses

and Boesku counters with a nice double leg into side control. Sagaki won't be happy with that.

Boesku tries for a kimura but Sagaki is defending well.
Sagaki takes a nasty elbow to the side of the head.

Boesku tries for a kimura but Sagaki is defending well.
Sagaki is trying to control Boesku's posture but Boesku avoids it.
Sagaki is looking to regain half guard here but Boesku keeps moving and retains side control.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Boesku is trying to get an arm triangle but Sagaki is defending well.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Sagaki regains half guard.

Sagaki actively working from the bottom here.
Sagaki gets full guard.
Boesku wants to pass the guard but Sagaki is keeping the position.
Boesku landing some decent shots from guard.
Sagaki looking to sweep here. No luck so far.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are hurling abuse towards the fighters... You can hardly blame them though because there isn't a lot going on in the fight.
Boesku tries to free his leg and advance position but Sagaki is retaining full guard.

Boesku got a little sloppy there for a moment and Sagaki has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Boesku has managed to get both his arms back between Sagaki's legs - danger averted.
Boesku looking to pass the guard.
Boesku 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 ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

Sagaki is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
Boesku advances to half guard.

Boesku is looking for an arm triangle, whilst trying to pass to side control. Sagaki doesn't seem that keen to cooperate though. No luck this time Boesku.
Boesku throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Boesku is trying for a guillotine from the top but the pressure isn't in the right place so Sagaki is just riding it out for now. Boesku eventually gives up the hold.
Sagaki controlling the leg, holding on to half guard.
The fighters are battling for position here. Sagaki manages to regain full guard. Nice work.
Boesku pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Sagaki is keeping the position for now.

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

Sagaki working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Boesku doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Boesku manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Sagaki looking to control.
Hammerfist, elbow! yells Boesku's corner. There ya go! There ya go!
Boesku won't allow Sagaki to sweep him here.
Sagaki looking to control.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Boesku working some strikes from top position.
Sagaki has Boesku pulled in close to control his posture.

A kick lands to the mid section there for Sagaki.

Sagaki fakes an overhand right and shoots for a takedown. Boesku sprawls well initially but Sagaki persists and gets the takedown into half guard.
Sagaki not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
Sagaki wants to control but Boesku is keeping him busy.
Roman Boesku overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Sagaki lands strikes from half guard.
My spies in Nuclear Physiques inform me that Sagaki has been getting involved in the gym's BJJ sparring sessions. Let's see whether that pays dividends!

Sagaki looking for a kimura but he'll have to free his other leg if he wants to finish that. Perhaps he's just using it as a distraction technique.
Boesku slips a foot under and gets full guard. Nice work.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Sagaki preventing the sweep.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Sagaki postures up in Boesku's guard and throws a big left but Boesku blocks it.
Sagaki postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Sagaki stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Boesku swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Sagaki keeps in close for a moment and lands a decent shot to the side of Boesku's head.
Sagaki controls the pace of the fight for a moment.
Sagaki scores with a decent looking elbow strike.
Sagaki postures up and lands some nice ground and pound.
Boesku working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Sagaki.

Boesku looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.
Sagaki has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
Sagaki working from the guard for now, landing some ground and pound.

Boesku looking for a guillotine here but Sagaki defends easily.
Sagaki postures up and lands a big shot to Boesku's brow.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Boesku keeping moving, preventing Sagaki from controlling successfully.
Boesku looking for a sweep. Not yet Boesku, not yet.
Sagaki chips away with some ground and pound.

Sagaki drops back for a leg! It's a sloppy attempt though and Sagaki jumps back into guard quickly, to retain the dominant position.
Boesku keeping moving, preventing Sagaki from controlling successfully.
Sagaki works a leg free and moves into half guard.
Boesku trying to hold on to Sagaki's head to control him but Sagaki postures up.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Sagaki not landing any meaningful shots this time.
Boesku is looking for a sweep. Sagaki is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Boesku on the receiving end of some nice ground and pound.
The two fighters exchange a few words. I couldn't hear what they were saying but maybe it's more fun if you make it up yourself. Sagaki connects with a nice short shot to Boesku's temple.

Sagaki looking for a kimura but he'll have to free his other leg if he wants to finish that. Perhaps he's just using it as a distraction technique.
Boesku tries to get to full guard but Sagaki has control of the leg.
Boesku is looking to control Sagaki's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Boesku avoid being mounted?

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Sagaki working the head and body with strikes.
Boesku is refusing to be controlled, as Sagaki sits in half guard.
The two fighters exchange a few words. I couldn't hear what they were saying but maybe it's more fun if you make it up yourself. Sagaki connects with a nice short shot to Boesku's temple.
Sagaki throwing shots but Boesku is blocking nicely.
Boesku has hold of Sagaki's hands but Sagaki slips his arm to the side and lands an elbow.
Sagaki winds up and cracks Boesku with a swinging punch to the side of the head.
Boesku moves his hips nicely and gets into full guard.
Boesku is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Sagaki postures up and lands a big shot to Boesku's brow.

Boesku looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Takumi Sagaki showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
That's time! Back to the action! This is the final round!

Sagaki darts in looking for a takedown but Boesku gets double underhooks and turns Sagaki into the cage.
Boesku changes levels looking for a counter takedown but doesn't commit.
Sagaki uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Boesku.
Sagaki is trying to counter with his kicks.
Boesku takes a step back and watches a body kick go sailing past his mid section.
Sagaki misses with a hook

and Boesku counters with a nice shoot takedown that brings the fighters to the ground.

Sagaki is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Boesku defends well.
Boesku cracks Sagaki with a solid left hand.
Sagaki keeping full guard, as Boesku tries to pass.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Sagaki is trying to keep Boesku in close.
Sagaki keeping moving, preventing Boesku from controlling successfully.
Boesku has to be careful here, sitting in the guard of a superior BJJ player.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Sagaki is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.

Sagaki is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Boesku is aware though and is defending well.
Boesku trying to control but Sagaki is working from the bottom.
Boesku passes Sagaki's left leg - he's now in half guard.

Sagaki looking for submissions off his back.
Boesku is trying to control the action in half guard but Sagaki is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are hurling abuse towards the fighters... You can hardly blame them though because there isn't a lot going on in the fight.
Boesku passes the half guard and he's now in mount! Big trouble for Sagaki!
Sagaki tries to hold on but Boesku pushes him away.
Sagaki manages to regain half guard. Good work.

Sagaki actively working from the bottom here.
Boesku wants to pass the guard but Sagaki is defending well.
Boesku is thwarting Sagaki's attempts to control the position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Boesku trying to pass the guard but Sagaki defending well.

Boesku is looking for a kimura but he's never going to get it from there.

Sagaki is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Boesku pulls his head out easily.
Boesku is trying to control. Sagaki wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.
Sagaki is working for an escape here. He's hooked one of Boesku's legs and he's managed to sneak out and take Boesku's back!
Boesku manages to reverse the position and now he's in Sagaki's guard. Nice work there by Boesku.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Boesku trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.

Sagaki working for a triangle but Boesku defends it easily.
Boesku postures up.
Boesku wants to control from the top but Sagaki keeps moving.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!

Sagaki is looking for a triangle but Boesku pushes his legs off easily.

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

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Reed Andrews scores the fight 29:28
Judge Chad Campbell scores the fight 29:28
Judge Dean Styles scores the fight 29:28

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Roman Boesku!
A relieved looking Roman Boesku thanked the fans for their support and gave the usual line about them being amazing. They seemed to believe that he actually meant it.

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
28%

Main event

Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between Xing Pugberg (ranked 490 p4p, 18 weight class) and Takeru Kubota (ranked 320 p4p, 14 weight class). Kubota comes into a darkened arena with his song building. Devilman No Uta kicks in, the lights come on and the crowd goes wild! What a showman! On his way into the cage it seems that Xing Pugberg has been attacked by a crazed fan! It looks like it might have been the just bleed guy! Luckily Xing Pugberg seems to be OK! I thought that lunatic was in prison!?

Pugberg
vs
Kubota

150 cm
22
130 lbs
10 - 4 - 0

170 cm
22
140 lbs
9 - 0 - 0

Good wrestling
Solid boxing
Cardio machine

BJJ Purple Belt
World class MT
Granite chin

Arcticus University: London
BuriedAlive// Fight Gear

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the bantamweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 10 - 4 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Xing Pugberg!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 9 - 0 - 0, fighting out of London, Takeru Kubota!
The judges for this bout are Bruno Lombardi, Steve Montenegro and Russell Pearce.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Pugberg darts in and lands a nice takedown into half guard.
Pugberg is keen to just control but Kubota is a slippery customer.

Kubota looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.

Pugberg seems to be looking for submissions.
Pugberg wants to lay and pray for a moment but Kubota keeps working.
Pugberg passes the guard and advances to mount!
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Pugberg has control of Kubota's right arm, working for a kimura. It's a bit of a token attempt though and Kubota regains control of the situation pretty easily.
Kubota tries to reverse the position but Pugberg maintains control.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Pugberg moves into side control, trying to work for a kimura. That looks painful! Will he finish!!?? No, Kubota has worked his arm free - good work by Kubota!
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

Pugberg is looking for a kimura. He might have it! No, Kubota has escaped the position, nice work there.
Kubota is trying to improve his position.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Well. There's a bit of a lull in the action here and the crowd are starting to get restless.

Pugberg tries for a kimura but Kubota is defending well.
Kubota tries to control but end up mounted... ooooh, that's bad.
Kubota is wriggling around trying to escape.
Pugberg seems to be looking to move to his opponent's back but Kubota is holding on tight.
Kubota is looking to get to half guard.
Kubota tries to lock up and control but Pugberg gives him a forearm to the face and pushes him away.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Pugberg working for a guillotine from mount but Kubota is in no mood to give up.

Pugberg is going oldschool here, as he tries to force Kubota to tap using a forearm choke. This isn't 1993 though, so Kubota shrugs it off.

Pugberg jumps to side control looking for an arm triangle but Kubota manages to avoid the submission attempt.

Pugberg tries for a kimura. Not really close to a finish though.

Pugberg swings around for an armbar but Kubota sees it coming a mile off and turns beautifully into Pugberg's guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

Kubota avoids a guillotine attempt easily.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kubota stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Pugberg swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Kubota keeps trying to improve his position.

Pugberg looking for a guillotine here but Kubota defends easily.
Kubota trying to control but Pugberg is working from the bottom.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Kubota slows down the pace of the fight, as he sits in guard.

Pugberg throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Pugberg takes a jab on the nose there. A little bit of blood seems to be coming out. Hopefully that won't affect his breathing.
Kubota ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Kubota keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Kubota lands with a thumping leg kick.
Kubota throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Kubota stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Kubota wants it to stay on the feet.
Pugberg shoots in but Kubota avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Pugberg gets his head snapped back by a nice shot there.
Kubota lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Pugberg circles away quickly and effectively.
Pugberg changes levels looking for a counter takedown but doesn't commit.
Pugberg has a takedown stuffed.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Xing Pugberg. That's going to take a lot out of him.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Kubota takes a step back and watches a body kick go sailing past his mid section.
Kubota looked like he wanted to counter with a punch but didn't throw it.
Kubota bobbing and weaving, closes the distance and lands a hook to the side of Pugberg's head.

Pugberg drives through with a takedown into Kubota's guard. Let's see what he can do from the top position.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Kubota is trying to control the position from the bottom.
Pugberg forces his way into half guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Kubota is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Pugberg pulls his head out easily.
Xing Pugberg overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.

Pugberg seems to be looking for submissions.

Pugberg is working for submissions here but there's nothing on.

Pugberg is working for a kimura but Kubota is defending it quite comfortably.
Kubota wants to get back to full guard.

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.

Kubota actively working from the bottom here.

Kubota is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Pugberg pulls his head out easily.

Pugberg is looking for a kimura. It's going to be difficult to finish that from half guard though and Kubota defends it well.

Pugberg is thinking about going for an arm triangle but he can't free his leg.

Kubota looking for submissions from an awkward position here.
Pugberg works his way into full mount!

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Pugberg avoids the attempt from Kubota to control.
Kubota tries to get back to half guard but can't.

Pugberg is working for a guillotine from mount but Kubota frees his head quite easily.

Pugberg moves into side control, trying to work for a kimura. That looks painful! Will he finish!!?? No, Kubota has worked his arm free - good work by Kubota!
Kubota is looking for a sweep.
Kubota is looking to slip a leg under and get half guard but Pugberg is one step ahead and moves to full mount!

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kubota wants to hold on but Pugberg pushes him away.
Pugberg moves to the back position.

Pugberg looking for the RNC.

Kubota is staying cool under pressure, defending well against the rear naked choke attempt from his opponent.

Pugberg is looking for the choke from the back position but Kubota is controlling his hands well.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Pugberg is trying to stick to Kubota's back but Kubota is turning into Pugberg. He's managed to reverse the position - now he's in Pugberg's guard. Polite applause from the crowd in appreciation of some nice Jiu Jitsu by Kubota.
Kubota trying to control but Pugberg is working from the bottom.

Pugberg has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Kubota can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Xing Pugberg dominated that second round.
That's time! Pugberg's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

Kubota slips under a jab from Pugberg.

Pugberg feints and then dives in with a takedown. That was a long way out but the feint bought him enough time to close the distance and complete the takedown. Now we'll play guard for a bit and see who can get the better of that position.
Pugberg is pushing down on Kubota's leg trying to pass to half guard. Kubota is fighting to maintain full guard but Pugberg has managed to sneak the leg through.

Kubota looking for submissions off his back.

Pugberg is looking for a kimura here.

Kubota actively working from the bottom here.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Kubota looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.

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

That's one minute gone in the round.

Pugberg seems to be working for a kimura but Kubota defends the submission attempt.
Pugberg is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Kubota can do to turn this around?
Pugberg tries to pass the half guard into mount. Kubota knows what he's doing though and prevents the attempt.
Kubota is trying to maintain the position but Pugberg is very close to passing his half guard.

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

That's two minutes gone in the round.
There's not a lot going on here and the crowd are letting the fighters know they're not willing to tolerate a lack of action.
Kubota gets full guard.

Kubota is looking for a triangle but Pugberg pushes his legs off easily.
Kubota looking to control.

Kubota is looking for a triangle but Pugberg pushes his legs off easily.

Pugberg 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.

Kubota had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Pugberg defends it easily.

Kubota has his foot on Pugberg's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Pugberg works his way back into a safe position though.
The referee must be thinking about standing these guys back up.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kubota looking to control the pace of the fight rather than finish it.

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

Pugberg looking to shoot here. He's gone for it and he's landed a takedown into side control! Oh, that's bad for Kubota!
Pugberg has control of an arm but Kubota manages to advance to Pugberg's back!
Kubota controls the position.

Pugberg defends a rear naked choke attempt by controlling one of Kubota's arms.
Pugberg wants to escape the position.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Kubota working for a choke but Pugberg is defending well.
Pugberg tries to break free.

Pugberg defends a rear naked choke attempt by controlling one of Kubota's arms.
Kubota avoiding Pugberg 's attempts to control his hands.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Pugberg rolls and manages to get back to half guard. Nicely done.
Pugberg slips a foot under and gets full guard. Nice work.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Xing Pugberg clearly takes that round.
That's time! Back to the action!

Kubota throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.

Pugberg drives through with a takedown into Kubota's guard. Let's see what he can do from the top position.

Pugberg drops back looking for a heel hook - he quickly realises he's not going to get it but Kubota manages to dive on top of him before he can escape and now Pugberg has Kubota in his guard.

Kubota trying to control the position from guard on top but Pugberg is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

Pugberg is looking for a triangle but Kubota pushes his legs off easily.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Pugberg looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.
Pugberg lands a beautiful sweep and he's now moved into his opponent's guard.

Kubota is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kubota looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Pugberg trying to control but Kubota is working from the bottom.

Kubota looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.
Pugberg looking to pass the guard.

Kubota is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Pugberg defends well.
Pugberg forces his way into half guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.
Kubota is looking to improve his position.

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

Kubota looking for submissions off his back.
Kubota wants to get back to full guard but Pugberg has passed into side control.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Pugberg tries for a kimura. Not really close to a finish though.
Kubota is trying to get back to half guard.
Pugberg has knee on belly and now moves to full mount! Trouble for Kubota!
Pugberg controlling from the full mount.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.
Pugberg trying to control but he's not successful this time.

Pugberg working for a submission but Kubota is keeping him at bay.

Pugberg moves into side control, trying to work for a kimura. That looks painful! Will he finish!!?? No, Kubota has worked his arm free - good work by Kubota!

Pugberg is trying to get an arm triangle but Kubota is defending well.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Kubota is moving his hips around well on the bottom and has managed to get back to half guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Xing Pugberg had his way with Takeru Kubota in that round.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action! This is the final round!

Pugberg dodges the punch combination from Kubota.
Kubota slips a straight right by Pugberg.
Kubota thows a body kick. Pugberg tries to catch it but that hurt him.
That kick from Kubota tenderised Pugberg's leg. Pugberg is trying to keep his angry face on.
Pugberg uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Kubota.

Pugberg scores with a takedown into Kubota's guard.
Pugberg wants to control from the top but Kubota keeps moving.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Pugberg drops back for a leg! It's a sloppy attempt though and Pugberg jumps back into guard quickly, to retain the dominant position.
Kubota working a defensive guard here.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Kubota is looking for a triangle but Pugberg pushes his legs off easily.

Kubota looking for a guillotine here but Pugberg defends easily.
Kubota looking for a sweep. Not yet Kubota, not yet.

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

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Pugberg dives in and grabs Kubota's left leg, looking for a takedown. Kubota pushes down on Pugberg's head and hops out.
Kubota has done a lot of speed work in the buildup to this fight.
Kubota fakes a jab and scores with a low kick.

Pugberg shoots in for a takedown! He's got it and he's managed to land in side control! That's better than Pugberg was expecting from the takedown attempt, I'm sure!
Takeru Kubota has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Pugberg wants to lay and pray for a moment but Kubota keeps working.
Kubota wants to control but Pugberg postures up.

Pugberg in side control, working for a kimura. He's got hold of an arm and he's torquing it... Kubota is tapping! That's the end of the fight!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:40 of round 5, we have a winner by way of Submission (Kimura). Xing Pugberg!
Xing Pugberg retains his bantamweight title!