RISE 87- TBA PBP Commentary

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a super heavyweight MMA rules bout between Fu Leng (ranked 443 p4p, 22 weight class) and Leonard Rocambole (ranked 22282 p4p, 188 weight class). Leng comes to the cage accompanied by System Of A Down - Spiders. Leonard Rocambole is the more experienced fighter, so let's see if that makes a difference tonight.

Leng
vs
Rocambole

225 cm
24
300 lbs
6 - 2 - 0

180 cm
30
295 lbs
7 - 12 - 0

Great wrestler
World class boxer
Granite chin

Good takedowns
Brawler
Knockout power

Urban Fighter
Ma Balls Is Hot Clothing

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the super heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 6 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Fu Leng!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 7 - 12 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Leonard Rocambole!
The judges for this bout are Frank Antenori, and Jack Bonds.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Rocambole has his takedown stuffed
and Leng counters nicely by changing levels and landing a hook to the body.
Leng 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.

Leng drops Rocambole with a hook right on the temple. He thinks about going to the ground but Rocambole looks back up at him and smiles so Leng waves him back to his feet - he obviously thinks he can knock him out after that shot landed.

Rocambole is rocked!

It looks like Leonard Rocambole has been cut.
Rocambole is aggressively charging in as Leng backs up avoiding any damage. Leng tosses out a jab and Rocambole runs right into it face first! Rocambole is out cold! Leng dropped down on all fours and is barking in Rocambole's face like a pit bull in celebration until the ref was finally able to pull him away!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 0:25 of round 1, we have a winner by way of KO (Punch). Fu Leng!
Fu Leng 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
100%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Fedor Emelianegro (ranked 435 p4p, 57 weight class) and Tonkei Oloishona (ranked 206 p4p, 31 weight class). Emelianegro comes to the cage accompanied by Penis Siciliano. Oloishona has chosen Keleya as his entrance music. 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?

Emelianegro
vs
Oloishona

197 cm
25
265 lbs
12 - 3 - 0

198 cm
25
263 lbs
7 - 1 - 0

Good wrestling
World class boxer
Insanely flexible

Good wrestler
World class boxer
Granite chin

Conviction
Urban Fighter

Conviction
UnderGround Clothing Co.

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 12 - 3 - 0, fighting out of New York, Fedor Emelianegro!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 7 - 1 - 0, fighting out of London, Tonkei Oloishona!
The judges for this bout are Frank Antenori, Timothy Bukovac and .

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Emelianegro moves into the clinch.
Emelianegro tries to work over Oloishona's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Oloishona blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Oloishona blocks a body shot from Emelianegro.
Oloishona misses with a hook to the ribs.
Emelianegro goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
A head punch on the inside from Emelianegro fails to land.
Emelianegro avoids a wild elbow strike from Oloishona.
Nice body punch from Emelianegro - that landed with a thud.
Emelianegro stalling the fight.
Emelianegro prevents a body shot from Oloishona.
Emelianegro working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
Emelianegro stalling in the clinch but Oloishona improves position.
Good body shot from Emelianegro.
A short left from Oloishona.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Oloishona.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Emelianegro is working hard here but doesn't seem to be able to control effectively, up against the cage.
Oloishona blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Oloishona tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Emelianegro tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Oloishona blocks a body shot from Emelianegro.

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

That's one minute gone in the round.
Oloishona throws out a powerful jab.
Emelianegro has been working on his boxing with his coaches at Captain Turturro`s Pirate Ship in the buildup to the fight.
Oloishona ducks under a wild hook from Emelianegro.
Oloishona misses with an attempted mid kick.
Oloishona avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Emelianegro throws a hook but Oloishona blocks it.
Emelianegro looks to score with a jab to the body but Oloishona is just out of range.
Oloishona is trying to counter with his kicks.
Emelianegro misses with a looping right.
Despite the aggression on Oloishona's face he doesn't fully commit to the counter.
Oloishona has been spending a lot of time sparring his boxing in the run up to the fight, trying to sharpen up those hands and look for a knockout.
A looping hook to the body misses from Emelianegro. Oloishona does a little dance to reset his feet.
Emelianegro works his jab well there, keeping his opponent at a distance.
Oloishona keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Emelianegro swings for the body but Oloishona moves out of range.
Oloishona appeared to try and counter that last move with a leg kick.
Emelianegro uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Oloishona.
Oloishona throws out a leg kick but Emelianegro moves out of range and Oloishona only half commits.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Oloishona keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Emelianegro uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Oloishona.
Emelianegro doesn't manage to clinch there - Oloishona circles away.
Emelianegro throws an ugly left hook that misses
and Oloishona counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Oloishona circles away from the clinch attempt.

Emelianegro moves into the clinch successfully.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Emelianegro stalling.
Emelianegro misses with the head strike.
Oloishona lands a hook that snaps the head of Emelianegro backwards.
Oloishona goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Emelianegro tries to throw a body punch but Oloishona avoids it by throwing Emelianegro back against the cage.
Oloishona tries to work over Emelianegro's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Oloishona wants to break free. God knows he wants to breaaaak freeee.
A short left from Oloishona.
Emelianegro taking a breather.
Emelianegro tries to work over Oloishona's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Nice body punch from Oloishona.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Oloishona struggles to land a body shot inside as Emelianegro controls his hands.
Oloishona misses with a hook to the ribs.
Oloishona misses with a hook from the clinch.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Oloishona.
Emelianegro blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Emelianegro misses with a hook to the ribs.
Oloishona lands with a short punch from the clinch.
Oloishona misses with a punch to the body.
Emelianegro misses with a short punch on the inside.
A head punch on the inside from Oloishona fails to land.
A body shot lands from Emelianegro.
Emelianegro swings away with an uppercut that misses.

Oloishona manages to break the clinch.
Oloishona takes a shot right to the bread basket.
Oloishona is looking to slow Emelianegro down with leg kicks.
Fedor Emelianegro seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Emelianegro fails in his attempt to clinch.
Oloishona was about to counter that last move with a leg kick but changes his mind.
Emelianegro's corner calls for a 1-2. Emelianegro obliges with the 1 part as he scores the single shot and moves back out of range.
Emelianegro throws a body shot but no joy.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Emelianegro tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Oloishona was well out of range. Poor timing from Emelianegro.
Oloishona walks into a left hand.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Oloishona scores with a three punch combo!

It looks like Fedor Emelianegro has been cut.
Oloishona waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Emelianegro.
Oloishona slips under a jab from Emelianegro.
Oloishona is clearly looking to counter with head kicks.

Emelianegro closes the distance and clinches.
Still in the clinch, Oloishona scores with a nice short uppercut.
Emelianegro wants to stall.
Oloishona misses with a punch on the inside.
Emelianegro slows down the pace here.
Emelianegro stays in close to his opponent and throws a right hand to the body.
A nice left hand lands by Emelianegro.
Emelianegro controlling the action here for a moment.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close round but I would say that Fedor Emelianegro will probably get the nod.
The cut man is working on Fedor Emelianegro's cut.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

Emelianegro tries to clinch up but Oloishona circles away and keeps his distance.
Emelianegro takes a swing at Oloishona's ribcage but misses.
Oloishona swings away with a counter right hand but no contact made.
Emelianegro connects with a hook to the side of his opponent's head.
Oloishona misses with a body kick.

Emelianegro closes the distance and clinches.
Emelianegro lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Oloishona backwards.
A right hook to the body lands for Emelianegro.
Emelianegro tries to work over Oloishona's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Emelianegro misses with a hook from the clinch.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Emelianegro.
Emelianegro lands a shoulder strike.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Oloishona tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Emelianegro blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Emelianegro presses Oloishona against the cage and delivers a mid-strength body shot.
Emelianegro throws a punch but it's blocked by Oloishona.
Emelianegro tries to work over Oloishona's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Emelianegro pushes Oloishona back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Emelianegro is working hard here but doesn't seem to be able to control effectively, up against the cage.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Emelianegro lands a hook to the body. It's hard to tell if that hurt Oloishona or not.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Oloishona.
Oloishona lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
Oloishona working aggressively here.
Oloishona misses with a hook to the ribs.
Oloishona is trying to slow down the pace of the fight but Emelianegro is keeping busy.
Emelianegro lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Oloishona backwards.
Emelianegro struggles to land a body shot inside as Oloishona controls his hands.
Oloishona works for underhooks and lands a body shot in the process.
Emelianegro lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
Oloishona misses with the head strike.
Oloishona blocks a body shot from Emelianegro.
A left hand lands to the body for Emelianegro.
Good anti-grappling being displayed by Emelianegro as Oloishona tries to tie him up.
Oloishona doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Emelianegro lands a nice shot to the body.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Emelianegro.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Emelianegro.
A nice right hand lands inside from Emelianegro.
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!
Oloishona lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Emelianegro backwards.
Emelianegro pushes Oloishona back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.
Emelianegro blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Emelianegro misses with some punches.
Oloishona blocks a body shot from Emelianegro.
Emelianegro misses with a punch on the inside.
Oloishona misses with a body punch.
Oloishona fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Emelianegro has a couple of punches blocked by Oloishona.
Emelianegro avoiding damage.
Emelianegro misses with a body punch.
Oloishona misses with the head strike.
Emelianegro lands a shot to the body.
Oloishona lands a hook to the side of the head.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, Emelianegro creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
Oloishona tries to work over Emelianegro's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Emelianegro scores with an uppercut up the middle.
Oloishona takes a shot to the head.
A short right from Emelianegro.
Emelianegro lands a left hand.
Emelianegro lands with a short shot to the head.
Emelianegro goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Oloishona blocks a body shot from Emelianegro.
Emelianegro misses with a punch on the inside.
Emelianegro lands with a left to the head.
Emelianegro is trying to slow down the pace of the fight but Oloishona is keeping busy.
Oloishona prevents a body shot from Emelianegro.
Oloishona is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Emelianegro is defending well for now.

Oloishona breaks the clinch.
Oloishona thows a left - swing and a miss!
The fight stays on the outside here - Emelianegro looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
A shot to the liver by Emelianegro. Beautiful body shot.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Emelianegro connects nicely with a jab. Noted by the judges no doubt.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Emelianegro loads up on a big right hand but Oloishona slips the punch.
Oloishona let fly with a counter punch to the body but it didn't land.
Oloishona avoids the body shot from Emelianegro.
Fedor Emelianegro is winning the standup battle so far.
Oloishona avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Emelianegro is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Emelianegro throws a body shot but no joy.
Emelianegro tries to close the distance and clinch but Oloishona swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Oloishona cracks Emelianegro with a right hand to the side of the head.
Jab from Emelianegro.
Emelianegro takes a jab on the nose there. A little bit of blood seems to be coming out. Hopefully that won't affect his breathing.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Fedor Emelianegro dominated that second round.
The cut man is working on Fedor Emelianegro's cut.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action. This is the final round!

Emelianegro lands the left hand.
Oloishona throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Emelianegro sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Nice jab there from Emelianegro.
Oloishona keeps the fight on the outside.
Emelianegro is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Oloishona can do to turn this around?
Oloishona throws a body kick but he wasn't in range.
Emelianegro lands a nice shot that snaps Oloishona's head back.
Emelianegro lands a head shot.
Emelianegro throws a shot from downtown. Oloishona moves away and avoids it.
Emelianegro throws a body punch but Oloishona moves out of range.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Emelianegro takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
Oloishona misses with a leg kick.
Oloishona throws the kick towards the body but Emelianegro avoids it.
Emelianegro slips a jab from Oloishona.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Oloishona thumps Emelianegro with a low kick.
Emelianegro works Oloishona's body with a nice hook.
Emelianegro with a hook.
Emelianegro misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Oloishona.
Oloishona misses with a body kick.
Oloishona takes a really solid shot there but just smiles back and shrugs his shoulders.
Oloishona misses with a hook. Emelianegro ducked under it nicely.
Emelianegro throws out a powerful jab.
Emelianegro fails in his attempt to clinch.
Oloishona gets his head snapped back by a nice shot there.
A shot to the liver by Emelianegro. Beautiful body shot.
Fedor Emelianegro is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Oloishona takes a big uppercut there. He seems a bit wobbly but no, he's OK.
Emelianegro misses with a looping right.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Oloishona bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Emelianegro throws a body punch but Oloishona moves out of range.
Oloishona is clearly trying to counter these attacks from Emelianegro with a body shot.
Oloishona with a body punch. A glancing blow.
Oloishona's hands are dropping dangerously low here and Emelianegro connects clean with a right hook that sends him down to one knee! Oloishona scrambles back to his feet.
Oloishona takes a body punch but keeps moving.
Oloishona 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.
Oloishona uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Emelianegro.
Oloishona fakes a head punch and goes low to the body. Nicely done.
Emelianegro misses the body punch
and Oloishona counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Oloishona gets cracked there but stands up to it.
Emelianegro throws a body shot but no joy.
Emelianegro misses with a hook
and Oloishona counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Emelianegro ducks low and lands a nice hook to the body of his opponent.
A jab from Emelianegro does it's job there.
Emelianegro connects with a nice looking jab.
Tonkei Oloishona has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
The fight stays on the outside here - Emelianegro looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Emelianegro is looking to clinch.
Oloishona appears to be waiting to throw a counter punch to the body.
Jab by Emelianegro.
Emelianegro jabs Oloishona right on the nose. Oloishona blinks but takes it well.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Emelianegro lands with a hook. Oloishona tried to avoid it but it clipped the top of his head.
Emelianegro throws a shot to the body.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Emelianegro connects with a body shot.
Emelianegro blocks a jab.
Emelianegro throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Emelianegro fails in his attempt to clinch.

The fight moves into the clinch position.
Oloishona misses with a punch on the inside.
Fedor Emelianegro has scored more points in the clinch so far.
Oloishona blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Emelianegro misses with a hook to the ribs.
Oloishona misses with a body punch.

And that's the end of the fight!
Fedor Emelianegro showed his dominance in that final round.
Well Emelianegro 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 Frank Antenori scores the fight for Fedor Emelianegro!
Judge Timothy Bukovac scores the fight for Fedor Emelianegro!
Judge Percy O'Donnell scores the fight for Fedor Emelianegro!

Fedor Emelianegro wins by unanimous decision!
Fedor Emelianegro 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
64%

Co-main event

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Xavier Merlin (ranked 2045 p4p, 232 weight class) and Scott Smith (ranked 1210 p4p, 149 weight class). Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Merlin
vs
Smith

170 cm
25
162 lbs
13 - 11 - 0

175 cm
30
160 lbs
17 - 10 - 0

Abu Dhabi Champ
Excellent boxer
Cardio machine

Good wrestler
Basic striking
Good gas tank

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 13 - 11 - 0, fighting out of London, Xavier Merlin!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 17 - 10 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Scott Smith!
The judges for this bout are Jack Bonds, Frank Antenori and Don Winkell.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Merlin scores with a crisp jab that stopped Smith in his tracks.
Merlin cracks Smith with a nice right hand that draws applause from the crowd.
Merlin throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Merlin stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Merlin wants it to stay on the feet.

Merlin gets taken down but at least he's managed to land in guard.
Merlin seems to have improved his submission grappling technique since last time we saw him. Let's see if he can pull off a submission.

Merlin is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Smith is aware though and is defending well.
Merlin keeping moving, preventing Smith from controlling successfully.

Merlin is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
Smith trying to pass the guard. He's being very persistent here but Merlin manages to land a sweep and now he's on top!

Smith is trying to keep Merlin in close.
Smith keeping moving, preventing Merlin from controlling successfully.
Merlin passes easily into side control. Nice work.

That's one minute gone in the round.
You can see the frustration on Smith's face, being in this tough position on the bottom.
Smith tries to improve position but can't.

Merlin is trying to get an arm triangle but Smith is defending well.
Smith tries to buck Merlin off but Merlin is having none of it.
Smith manages to get back to half guard.
Merlin is looking to take a break and control but Smith is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.

Merlin is working for a kimura but Smith is defending it quite comfortably.

Smith looking for submissions off his back.
Merlin is looking to advance position but Smith won't allow it.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Smith trying to control but Merlin postures up.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Smith tries to roll over but Merlin keeps him under control.
Merlin works his way into side control.

Merlin tries for an arm triangle. That looks pretty tight to me. Is this one over!?! Possibly, maybe, no Merlin has let go of the choke. Obviously it wasn't as tight as we thought!
Smith is trying to get back to half guard.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

Merlin is looking to finish here, going for an Americana. Smith knows the correct defense though, so he's OK.
Merlin is looking to take a break and control but Smith is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Smith is trying to control Merlin's posture but Merlin avoids it.
Smith sneaks back into half guard.
Merlin seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Smith does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.
Smith manages to get to full guard.
Smith is trying to keep Merlin in close.
Smith looking to hit a scissor sweep but Merlin is one step ahead there.

Smith has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Merlin can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A few boos can be heard. I'm sure they will multiply if the fighters don't pick up the pace.

Merlin 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.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Smith is on top in guard.

Smith wants to control from the top but Merlin keeps moving.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Merlin is on top in guard.

Merlin trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.

Merlin 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.
Merlin slips effortlessly into side control - very nice.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Merlin stuffs the takedown attempt from Smith. Smith gets slowly back to his feet.

Merlin drives through with a takedown into Smith's guard. Let's see what he can do from the top position.
Smith is trying to keep Merlin in close.
Smith bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Merlin's guard.

Merlin has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Smith can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.
Merlin avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.

Merlin has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Smith can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Smith being controlled here momentarily.
Smith is working the ground and pound from guard. He might want to try advancing position though to get more of an impact.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Merlin looking for a sweep. Not yet Merlin, not yet.

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

Merlin is active off his back here, looking for submissions.
Smith wants to pass the guard but Merlin is keeping the position.

Merlin had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Smith defends it easily.
In the pre-fight buildup videos we saw Smith working his ground and pound in the gym.
Smith trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.

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

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Smith looking to pass the guard.

Merlin is looking for a triangle but Smith pushes his legs off easily.
Smith stands and throws Merlin's legs to the side, diving into side control.
Merlin prevents Smith from moving into mount.
Smith working away.

Smith is looking to finish here, going for an Americana. Merlin knows the correct defense though, so he's OK.
Smith passes to full mount! That's big trouble for Merlin!
Merlin is squirming around, avoiding Smith's attempts to control the action.
The crowd growing excited in anticipation of a finish here! Right on cue, Smith cracks his opponent with a massive right hand that draws loud cheers!

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Merlin is desperately trying to get back to half guard.
Merlin has given up his back here.

Smith is remaining active here, looking for the choke. The more discerning members of the crowd will appreciate his efforts.
Merlin tries to escape the position - he's now mounted. Is that better or worse? Hard to tell!
Merlin slips a leg in and gets back to half guard.
Merlin trying to control from the bottom.
Smith sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Merlin defending well though.
Smith wants to pass to mount but Merlin is defending the position.
Merlin is pressing down on Smith's left leg trying to get back to full guard. He's managed it.
Xavier Merlin overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.

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

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Smith looking to pass the guard.
Merlin keeping moving, preventing Smith from controlling successfully.
Merlin is trying to control the position from the bottom.
Smith stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Merlin swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Smith sitting in guard, not really doing much.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.

Merlin is looking for a triangle but Smith pushes his legs off easily.

Merlin has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Smith 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.

A close second round but Scott Smith will probably get the nod - 10:9.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action! And we move into the final round!

Smith takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
Merlin cracks Smith with a nice right hand that draws applause from the crowd.
Merlin ducks down and throws a hook to the body.
Smith moves forwards but Merlin connects with a nice, crisp jab.
Smith darts in looking for a takedown but Merlin gets double underhooks and turns Smith into the cage.
Smith has a takedown stuffed.
Merlin lands with a good body shot.
Smith on the wrong end of a vicious looking body shot.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Smith fails with a takedown attempt.
Xavier Merlin has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Scott Smith.
Merlin lands a slapping body shot.
Smith shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Merlin as he avoids it easily.
Merlin closes the distance and lands a one-two.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Smith scores a trip takedown into side control. Nice.
Merlin tries to get back to half guard but can't.
Merlin manages to get one leg in to regain half guard.
Merlin is trying to control but Smith passes into side control!
Merlin is looking to reverse the position.
Smith tries to advance to mount but can't.
Merlin is sneaking out the side here. He's bucked Smith off and has taken his back!
Smith is in bad spot here.

Merlin working for a RNC but it's not happening just yet.
Both fighters have adopted an aggressive gameplan on the ground!
Smith rolls, trying to escape but Merlin keeps control of the position.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Merlin is not going to allow Smith to sit and survive in this position.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Merlin has his hand under the chin of his opponent looking for the choke. He's nearly got it! This one could be all over! But no, Smith has freed his hand and lives to survive another… well, another couple of seconds at least!
Smith is the more experienced fighter here and he's going to need to draw on some of that experience if he's going to pull this one out the bag.

Merlin is working really hard to secure the rear naked choke. Smith defends successfully for a significant amount of time. Both fighters are looking very determined.

Merlin patiently working for the choke. Which fighter will keep their nerve here?
Smith tries to escape the position - he's now mounted. Is that better or worse? Hard to tell!
Smith is wriggling around trying to escape.
Merlin looking to control but Smith is working nicely, looking to advance position himself.

Merlin is working for a guillotine from mount but Smith frees his head quite easily.
Smith sneaks a leg under to get to half guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Smith looking for submissions off his back.
Merlin uses his free foot to push down on Smith's thigh. Eventually he works his other foot free and he's advanced to mount - this is trouble for Smith.
Merlin forces the positional change into back control.
Smith is in a world of trouble here. He's outmatched on the ground here and he'd better get Merlin off his back sharpish unless he wants to be submitted.

Merlin is working really hard to secure the rear naked choke. Smith defends successfully for a significant amount of time. Both fighters are looking very determined.
Smith wants to escape the position.

Merlin is working really hard to secure the rear naked choke. Smith defends successfully for a significant amount of time. Both fighters are looking very determined.
Smith rolls, trying to escape but Merlin keeps control of the position.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Merlin is working hard for the rear naked choke here.

Merlin is remaining active here, looking for the choke. The more discerning members of the crowd will appreciate his efforts.
Merlin not allowing Smith to control his hands.
Smith tries to break free.
Smith is trying to get back to his feet but Merlin has full control of the position and if anything, Smith has just worked his way into a worse spot.

Smith preventing the rear naked choke attempt from Merlin.
Scott Smith has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

Merlin has his hand under the chin of his opponent looking for the choke. He's nearly got it! This one could be all over! But no, Smith has freed his hand and lives to survive another… well, another couple of seconds at least!

And that's the end of the fight!
Xavier Merlin showed his dominance in that final round.
Well Merlin 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 Jack Bonds scores the fight for Xavier Merlin!
Judge Frank Antenori scores the fight for Xavier Merlin!
Judge Don Winkell scores the fight for Xavier Merlin!

Xavier Merlin wins by unanimous decision!
During a confident post fight interview, Xavier Merlin thanked all his fans. He seemed very genuine when describing how motivated his fans keep him.

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
41%

Main event

Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between Eta Knox (ranked 1181 p4p, 70 weight class) and Black Alligator (ranked 2019 p4p, 118 weight class). Knox comes to the cage accompanied by David Dallas | Runnin'. Alligator has chosen Golden Features - Always as his entrance music, which hasn't gone down very well with the crowd. Rumors backstage are that the fighters have been paid to keep it standing but we know that would never happen in MMA!

Knox
vs
Alligator

172 cm
24
146 lbs
9 - 8 - 0

150 cm
24
140 lbs
10 - 4 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Excellent MT
Insanely flexible

Decent wrestler
Excellent boxer
Good gas tank

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 9 - 8 - 0, fighting out of Amsterdam, Eta Knox!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 10 - 4 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Black Alligator!
The judges for this bout are Timothy Bukovac, Frank Antenori and Jack Bonds.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Knox swings and misses with a hook to the body.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Alligator! But no joy.
Knox throws a series of strikes that have Alligator backpedaling.

Knox fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Alligator, pushing him back against the cage.
Knox can't find room to land a body shot as Alligator controls the action.
Knox missing with knees to the body.
A bit of stalling here from Knox.

Alligator breaks from the clinch.
Alligator has his hands up protecting his head but a hook from Knox finds it's way round the side to connect with Alligator's head.
Knox fails with the takedown
enabling Alligator to counter with a crisp jab.
Knox swings wildly with a hook that is half blocked by Alligator.
Knox cracks Alligator with a nice right hand that draws applause from the crowd.
Knox closes the distance and clinches up with Alligator, looking for a takedown. Knox pushes Alligator against the cage but Alligator circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Knox rushes Alligator and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.
Knox pressing his opponent against the cage.
Alligator digs a right hand underneath Knox's ribcage. Knox let out a lung full of air as it connected.
Knox throws a punch but it's blocked by Alligator.

Knox breaks the clinch.

Knox rushes Alligator and presses him up against the cage.
Knox misses with the head strike.

Knox escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Knox uses good footwork to get in and out, landing a nice hook.
Knox works his jab well there, keeping his opponent at a distance.
Knox shoots for a double leg takedown but Alligator sprawls well. He's pushed Knox's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
As Knox backs off Alligator throws a huge counter combo but Knox manages to avoid it all.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Eta Knox. That's going to take a lot out of him.

Knox closes the distance and pushes Alligator back into the cage.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Knox misses with some punches.
The two fighters are working to gain dominance in the clinch.
Alligator has a couple of punches blocked by Knox.

Knox breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Knox throws a body shot but no joy.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Knox looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Alligator is fending him off so far but Knox persists. Nope, Alligator circles away and we're back to standing.
A nice side step and Alligator releases a counter shot to the body, but it doesn't find it's home.
Alligator moves out of range as Knox strikes.
Alligator lands with a cross to side of his opponent's head.
Knox looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Knox is using his reach advantage well here, landing the more effective single shots from range.
Knox misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Alligator.
A nice leg kick lands there from Alligator.
Knox ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Alligator moves away.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Alligator lands a jab to Knox's midsection.
Knox throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Both fighters circling a little - Alligator finishes the exchange with a kick to the body.
Knox shoots in for a takedown but Alligator shows good takedown defense.
Alligator swings away with a counter right hand but no contact made.
Knox throws a body punch but Alligator moves out of range.
Alligator waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Knox.
Alligator misses with a wild body shot.
Knox tries to close the distance and clinch but Alligator swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Alligator doesn't fully commit to the body shot counter.
Knox scores with a decent looking hook.
It looks like Knox has been trying to sharpen up his punching technique, as it looks crisper than last time we saw him.
Knox shoots and misses
and Alligator counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Knox is using his height advantage well here, landing a good percentage of his punches.
Knox gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily
enabling Alligator to counter with a crisp jab.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Knox dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Alligator shakes his hands off, looking to compose himself, but takes a jab to the jaw whilst he does it.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!

Knox drives through with a takedown into Alligator's guard. Let's see what he can do from the top position.
Knox sitting in guard here, content to control.
Alligator has a closed guard, preventing anything of note from happening. Perhaps he's looking to stall.
Knox is stalling in the full guard.
Knox is fighting to break Alligator's control of his arms but Alligator is doing a good job of controlling the position at the moment.
Knox stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Alligator swivels though and keeps the full guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Knox uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Alligator.
Knox lands an overhand right.
A clash of legs there as Knox blocks the low kick.
Knox is trying to close the distance and clinch up, after that failed offence from Alligator.
Knox is looking to clinch but Alligator is avoiding it.

Knox fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Alligator, pushing him back against the cage.
Alligator wants to break free but Knox has control.
Knox lands a left hand.
Knox holding his opponent close, against the cage.
Alligator blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Knox misses with the head strike.
Alligator blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Knox fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Knox can't find room to land a body shot as Alligator controls the action.

That's one minute gone in the round.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Alligator.

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

Knox darts in and clinches Alligator up against the cage.
Knox lands with a light punch inside.

Knox breaks from the clinch.
Alligator misses with a hook.
Knox misses with a takedown attempt
and Alligator counters with a right hand to the body.
A cross from Knox lands.
Knox throws a couple of head shots and lands with the final one - a decent hook, which struck Alligator on the side of the head.
Nice uppercut there from Knox.

Knox closes the distance and pushes Alligator back into the cage.
Alligator blocking some punches.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Alligator throws a punch but it's blocked by Knox.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
A nice left hand lands by Knox.
Alligator makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
Knox tries to throw a body punch but Alligator avoids it by throwing Knox back against the cage.
Knox swings wildly with an uppercut but Alligator uses good head movement to avoid it.
Knox has a couple of punches blocked by Alligator.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Knox.
A bit of stalling here from Knox.
Alligator wants to get back to striking at distance but Knox won't allow it.
Knox lands a right hand.
Alligator blocks a body shot from Knox.
Knox misses with some punches.

Knox manages to break the clinch.
Knox ducks down and throws a hook to the body.
Alligator throws a push kick but Knox slaps the foot to one side.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Knox moves out of range of the body kick.
Knox seemed to be looking to counter by closing the distance.
A left lands for Knox.
Alligator throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Knox misses with a takedown attempt
and Alligator counters with a stiff right hand.
Knox tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Alligator paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Knox fails with an attempt to clinch.
Knox misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Alligator.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Knox.
Alligator looked like he wanted to counter with a punch but didn't throw it.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Eta Knox. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Alligator moves out of range as Knox strikes.
And Alligator responds with a good body kick, but Knox manages to step out the way in time.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Knox clinches up against the cage.
Knox misses with the head strike.
Knox tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Alligator's elbow.
Knox throws a punch but it's blocked by Alligator.
Knox lands a body punch in the clinch.

Alligator pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Knox with a lazy takedown attempt
and Alligator counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Alligator blocks a jab.
A countering left hand to the body from Alligator misses.
Alligator jabs Knox right on the nose. Knox blinks but takes it well.
Black Alligator is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Knox tests Alligator's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Knox shoots and misses
and Alligator counters with a straight right hand.

Knox is rocked!
Alligator avoids the body shot from Knox.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Eta Knox dominated that second 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. So, we enter the final round. Let's see if either fighter can bring us a finish, or whether we're going to the judges scorecards.

Alligator ducks down and throws a hook to the body.
Oh Knox is still all over the place! His legs are completely gone! Will he be able to recover?!!
Knox misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Alligator.
Knox avoids the head kick by Alligator.
Alligator steps in with a hook that catches Knox right on the chin and knocks him to the floor! Alligator follows him down with more strikes and that's all she wrote! Knox looks absolutely devastated.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 0:14 of round 3, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Black Alligator!
After winning the bout, Black Alligator thanked all his fans and promised he'd do even better in his next fight. The crowd seemed to love his humility.