PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Chris Hartlock (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Luis Mendoza (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Hartlock's entrance music is Shoot to Thrill - AC/DC. A fine choice. Chris Hartlock had a look across the ring there at his opponent. He definitely means business

Hartlock
vs
Mendoza

186 cm
30
184 lbs
11 - 3 - 0

190 cm
23
202 lbs
4 - 2 - 0

Powerful takedowns
Basic striking
Cardio machine

BJJ Brown Belt
Excellent boxer
Granite chin

Fury Nutrition Inc.
Damnfield clothing

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, for the middleweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 11 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Amsterdam, Chris Hartlock!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 4 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Amsterdam, Luis Mendoza!
The judges for this bout are Steve Smith, Dillan Fox and Yves DeLean.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Mendoza defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Hartlock.
Hartlock fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Hartlock tries to score a power double leg takedown but Mendoza sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Hartlock somewhat.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Chris Hartlock. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Hartlock takes one on the chin but seems OK.
Hartlock looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
Hartlock closes the distance and clinches up with Mendoza, looking for a takedown. Hartlock pushes Mendoza against the ropes but Mendoza circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Hartlock shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Mendoza misses with a straight left.
Mendoza connects with the punch.
Mendoza throws a right and a left that Hartlock avoids nicely.
Mendoza defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Hartlock.
Hartlock misses with a takedown attempt - Mendoza sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.

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

That's one minute gone in the round.
Hartlock pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Mendoza is keeping the position for now.
Mendoza working a defensive guard here.
Hartlock trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.

Hartlock 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.

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

Hartlock is working an open guard so Mendoza takes the opportunity to get back to his feet.
Hartlock shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Mendoza defends it nicely.
Hartlock fails with a takedown attempt from distance.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Mendoza stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Mendoza wants it to stay on the feet.
Hartlock misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
Hartlock fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Hartlock shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Mendoza as he avoids it easily.

Hartlock shoots in for a takedown and gets it.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!

Mendoza looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
Mendoza is looking to escape.
Mendoza gets back to full guard.
Mendoza is trying to keep Hartlock in close.

Mendoza is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
Hartlock stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Mendoza swivels though and keeps the full guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Hartlock is working hard here to advance position.
Hartlock trying to control but Mendoza is working from the bottom.
Hartlock pushes down on Mendoza's leg and manages to get into half guard.

Hartlock is working for submissions here but there's nothing on.
Mendoza is trying to get back to full guard.
Hartlock is pressing down on Mendoza's thigh, looking to free his foot. Mendoza is holding on for now.
Hartlock wants to take a breather but Mendoza is having none of it.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Hartlock tries to pass to full mount but Mendoza defends it.
The fighters are tangled up in the ropes here. We might need a restart if the fighters can't break free themselves.
Mendoza is trying to stand up here but Hartlock is controlling him well.

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

Hartlock is looking for a kimura but Mendoza is holding onto that half guard position, so it's hard for Hartlock to get the leverage.
Hartlock is trying to control. Mendoza wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.

Mendoza is defending against the submission attempts here by Hartlock.

Mendoza actively working from the bottom here.

That's five minutes gone in the round.
Mendoza is looking to escape.

Mendoza looking for submissions off his back.

Hartlock is looking for an arm triangle, whilst trying to pass to side control. Mendoza doesn't seem that keen to cooperate though. No luck this time Hartlock.
Mendoza pushes Hartlock off looking to stand but Hartlock dives back in and keeps control.

Hartlock is working for a submission of some sort.

Hartlock is working for a kimura but Mendoza is defending it quite comfortably.
Mendoza is not content to let Hartlock control the position.

That's six minutes gone in the round.
Mendoza slips a foot under and gets full guard. Nice work.

Mendoza throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.

Mendoza escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Hartlock gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.
Hartlock trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.

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

Mendoza has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Hartlock can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.
Both fighters really going for it on the ground here!

That's seven minutes gone in the round.

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

Hartlock thinks about going for a leg but decides against it, in order to maintain the position.

Mendoza looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.
Hartlock trying to control but Mendoza is working from the bottom.
Mendoza tries to land a sweep but no joy.

Hartlock thinks about going for a leg but decides against it, in order to maintain the position.
Hartlock trying to control the position from guard on top but Mendoza is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

Hartlock drops back for a leg! It's a sloppy attempt though and Hartlock jumps back into guard quickly, to retain the dominant position.
Hartlock preventing the sweep.

That's eight minutes gone in the round.

Mendoza escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Hartlock gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.
Hartlock is looking to advance position but Mendoza has hit a scissor sweep - now he's on top in mount!
Hartlock is wriggling around trying to escape.

Mendoza is going oldschool here, as he tries to force Hartlock to tap using a forearm choke. This isn't 1993 though, so Hartlock shrugs it off.
Mendoza lands with some vicious ground and pound - can Hartlock hang on?
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Mendoza is looking to stand but Mendoza has his arms wrapped tightly around him, looking to prevent the damage.

Mendoza is standing up out of mount! Strange tactic there - he must really want this one on the feet!
Hartlock misses with a takedown attempt - Mendoza sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Hartlock has his head snapped back a nice jab. A little nod from Hartlock there as he acknowledges the shot.
Hartlock gets cracked with a nice right hand there by Mendoza.

That's nine minutes gone in the round.
Mendoza defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Hartlock.
Hartlock shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Mendoza sprawls well. Mendoza wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Hartlock gets slowly back to his feet.
Mendoza connects nicely with a jab. Noted by the judges no doubt.
Hartlock looks for a takedown but Mendoza sprawls well.
Hartlock shoots in looking for a takedown. Mendoza tries to sprawl out of it but Hartlock keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the ropes. Mendoza manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Hartlock is breathing heavily.
Mendoza scores with a decent looking hook.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
The fighters circling - Mendoza throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
A combination from Mendoza does no damage.
Hartlock misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but Luis Mendoza 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.

Hartlock shakes his hands off, looking to compose himself, but takes a jab to the jaw whilst he does it.
Mendoza looks to land a combination. Hartlock sees it coming but can only parry a couple of the shots.
Hartlock shoots in and drives through. Mendoza sprawls well.
No luck for Hartlock with that takedown attempt.
Mendoza swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Mendoza keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Chris Hartlock. That's going to take a lot out of him.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Hartlock.
Mendoza fakes a head shot and lands one to the body.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Nice uppercut there from Mendoza.
Mendoza might want to mix his strikes up a bit more. He's just going for head shots at the moment and that can become a bit predictable.
Hartlock shoots in for a double leg but Mendoza sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
Hartlock misses with a takedown attempt - Mendoza sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Mendoza shuffles to his left behind two crisp jabs. Hartlock eats them both and turns towards Mendoza to reposition himself and eats a stinging right hand-left hook combo.
Hartlock shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Mendoza lands with a cross.
Chris Hartlock seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Mendoza stuns Hartlock with a nice body shot, before stepping back out of range.
Hartlock takes one to the side of the head.
Hartlock shoots in and drives through. Mendoza sprawls well.
Mendoza misses with a series of wild punches.
Mendoza pivots as if he's going to throw a leg kick but stops half way.
Hartlock shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Mendoza defends it nicely.
Hartlock on the wrong end of a vicious looking body shot.
Luis Mendoza is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Hartlock looks for a takedown but Mendoza sprawls well.
Hartlock misses with a takedown attempt
and Mendoza counters with a straight right hand.
Mendoza scores with a hook.
Hartlock on the wrong end of a nice jab.
Hartlock doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Mendoza throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Hartlock sees it coming and avoids it easily.
A cross from Mendoza lands.
Hartlock changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Mendoza tries to avoid it but Hartlock manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Mendoza to the ground. Mendoza escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Mendoza stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Mendoza wants it to stay on the feet.
Hartlock shoots in for a takedown but Mendoza shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
A jab from Mendoza finds it's way through Hartlock's defenses.
Hartlock looks shocked there as he takes a right hand to the temple.
Mendoza dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Hartlock tries for a takedown but Mendoza sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Hartlock fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Mendoza throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd.
Mendoza cracks Hartlock with a good shot that sees him stumbling back into the ropes.
Hartlock walks into a straight right hand from Mendoza.
Mendoza moves into range and throws a lovely three punch combination.
Mendoza moves into range and throws a combination. A nice jab followed by a hook to the body.
A swing and a miss from Mendoza.
Hartlock shoots in and drives through. Mendoza sprawls well.
Hartlock tries for a takedown but Mendoza sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Hartlock will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
Mendoza tests Hartlock's chin there with a solid looking shot.
No luck for Hartlock with that takedown attempt.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Mendoza connects with a looping right hand.
Mendoza slaps away a takedown attempt from Hartlock, before circling back to the center of the mat.
The fans in attendance giving it up for the two fighters, who have really let it all hang out in the last minute or so!
Hartlock shoots in but Mendoza avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Mendoza keeps his opponent at a distance with a nice jab.
Hartlock looks for a takedown but Mendoza sprawls well.
Hartlock shoots in looking for a takedown. Mendoza tries to sprawl out of it but Hartlock keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the ropes. Mendoza manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Hartlock avoids a low kick by using good footwork.
A slow jab from Mendoza misses its intended target.

That's five minutes gone in the round.
Hartlock is pinned up against the ropes taking some big shots here. The referee is looking closely deciding whether he should stop the fight.
Mendoza throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Mendoza leaves Hartlock with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
Hartlock fails with the takedown.
Hartlock shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Mendoza pinned against the ropes. Mendoza gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
Hartlock tries for a takedown but Mendoza sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Hartlock moves away from the strike by Mendoza.
Mendoza darts in and out, connecting with a jab.
Hartlock misses with a takedown attempt - Mendoza sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Mendoza fails to land with a series of punches.

That's six minutes gone in the round.
Hartlock has a takedown stuffed.
Hartlock fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Hartlock is trying hard to land a takedown here. Mendoza sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
Hartlock misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
Mendoza stalks Hartlock and leaps in with a furious combination of punches. Uppercuts and crosses smash into Hartlock's face. Hartlock staggers backwards, shaken.
Mendoza lunges in with an uppercut that skims his opponent's chin.
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!
Hartlock shoots in looking for a takedown but Mendoza manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Hartlock's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
Hartlock shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Mendoza as he avoids it easily.
Mendoza slips in close and lands a nice hook before moving back out of range.
Hartlock on the wrong end of a nice hook.
Hartlock shoots for a takedown but Mendoza saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.

That's seven minutes gone in the round.
Hartlock tries to move into range but Mendoza moves to the side and lands with a nice right hand.
Mendoza lands a two punch combo.
Mendoza tries to score with a leg kick but it misses it's target.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Hartlock.
Mendoza tests Hartlock's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Hartlock will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
Boom, another hit is landed. "You're gunna get knocked out" taunts Mendoza, as that shot connected.
Hartlock shoots for a takedown but Mendoza saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
Hartlock fails with a takedown attempt.
Mendoza swinging wildly here.

That's eight minutes gone in the round.
Mendoza jabs Hartlock to the body, keeping him at a distance.
Mendoza punishes Hartlock's body with a nice straight punch.
No luck for Hartlock with that takedown attempt.
Mendoza connects with a good right hand that stumbles Hartlock. Hartlock circles away out of range and recomposes himself.
Hartlock changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Mendoza tries to avoid it but Hartlock manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Mendoza to the ground. Mendoza escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Hartlock shoots in and drives through. Mendoza sprawls well.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Nice sprawl there from Mendoza as Hartlock shoots in.
Mendoza jabs at Hartlock's body.
Hartlock doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
Hartlock closes this distance looking for a takedown but Mendoza circles away.
Luis Mendoza seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Hartlock fails with the takedown.
A shot to the liver by Mendoza. Beautiful body shot.

That's nine minutes gone in the round.
Mendoza slaps away a takedown attempt from Hartlock, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Mendoza ducks down and throws a hook to the body.
Mendoza slips in close and lands a nice hook before moving back out of range.
Hartlock fails with a takedown attempt.
Mendoza sizes up Hartlock with a pawing jab and scores with a straight right down the middle.
Mendoza lands a right hook to the body.
Hartlock throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Mendoza's waist but Mendoza gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Hartlock off to one side.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Hartlock tries to move into range but Mendoza moves to the side and lands with a nice right hand.
Hartlock moves away from the strike by Mendoza.
Hartlock shoots in looking for a takedown but Mendoza manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Hartlock's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
Hartlock shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Luis Mendoza 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!

Mendoza tries to score with an inside leg kick but telegraphs it and Hartlock is able to avoid easily.
Hartlock throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Mendoza's waist but Mendoza gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Hartlock off to one side.
Hartlock looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
Hartlock with a lazy takedown attempt
and Mendoza counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Chris Hartlock. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Mendoza jabs at Hartlock's body.
Mendoza defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Hartlock.
Hartlock blocks a jab.
A shot to the liver by Mendoza. Beautiful body shot.
Hartlock shoots in for a double leg but Mendoza sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
Jab by Mendoza.
Hartlock shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Mendoza defends it nicely.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Hartlock fails miserably with a takedown attempt.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Mendoza's corner calls for a 1-2. Mendoza obliges with the 1 part as he scores the single shot and moves back out of range.
Mendoza displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Hartlock.
Mendoza scores with a sloppy punch to the body. Not much technique there but it did the business.
Hartlock takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.
Hartlock misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
Mendoza misses with a low kick as Hartlock jumps back.
Mendoza lands the left hand.
Hartlock changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Mendoza tries to avoid it but Hartlock manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Mendoza to the ground. Mendoza escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Hartlock shoots in and drives through. Mendoza sprawls well.
Mendoza defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Hartlock.
Mendoza with a hook.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Hartlock shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Mendoza pinned against the ropes. Mendoza gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
Hartlock looks like he's developed a pretty tasty lump over his left eye. He'll need to avoid taking much more damage to that.
Mendoza keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
Mendoza lands a nice looking body shot.
Hartlock shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Mendoza defends it nicely.
Mendoza lands with a cross.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Mendoza misses with a straight right.
Hartlock has a takedown stuffed.
Hartlock has his head snapped back a nice jab. A little nod from Hartlock there as he acknowledges the shot.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Mendoza ducks low and lands a nice hook to the body of his opponent.
Mendoza pivots, looking for a leg kick but Hartlock is out of range and Mendoza settles back down.
Hartlock fails with the takedown.
Hartlock gets cracked there but stands up to it.
Hartlock slips under a jab from Mendoza.
Hartlock shoots for a double leg takedown but Mendoza sprawls well. He's pushed Hartlock's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Hartlock fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
No luck for Hartlock with that takedown attempt.
Hartlock shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Mendoza but Mendoza pushes him off and we're back to square one.
Mendoza thuds his right hand into Hartlock's forehead from close range. That could be painful for both fighters.
Hartlock shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Mendoza sprawls well. Mendoza wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Hartlock gets slowly back to his feet.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Hartlock takes one to the chin there.
Hartlock ducks under a wild hook from Mendoza.
Nice sprawl there from Mendoza as Hartlock shoots in.
Hartlock shoots in but Mendoza avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Mendoza listening to his corner there, landing a nice uppercut.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Mendoza displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Hartlock.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Hartlock is defended easily by Mendoza.
Hartlock changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Mendoza tries to avoid it but Hartlock manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Mendoza to the ground. Mendoza escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.

That's five minutes gone in the round.
Mendoza feints a jab promting Hartlock to slip. Mendoza then demonstrates his capabilities by jabbing again. Hartlock slips again and ducks right into an uppercut.
Hartlock closes the distance and clinches up with Mendoza, looking for a takedown. Hartlock pushes Mendoza against the ropes but Mendoza circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Nice sprawl there from Mendoza as Hartlock shoots in.
Hartlock gets cracked with a nice right hand there by Mendoza.
Mendoza stuffs the takedown attempt from Hartlock. Hartlock gets slowly back to his feet.
Hartlock shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Mendoza as he jumps to the side.
Mendoza connects with a lovely jab that went straight through the gap between Hartlock's hands.
Boom, another hit is landed. "You're gunna get knocked out" taunts Mendoza, as that shot connected.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Hartlock.
Mendoza scores with a big left there. The judges will like that one.

That's six minutes gone in the round.
Hartlock fails with a takedown attempt.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Hartlock is defended easily by Mendoza.
Mendoza lands a jab.
Jab from Mendoza.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Hartlock is defended easily by Mendoza.
Hartlock is trying hard to land a takedown here. Mendoza sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
Mendoza throws out a token jab with nothing on it.

That's seven minutes gone in the round.
Hartlock fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Hartlock fails with a takedown attempt.
Mendoza throws a chopping leg kick but Hartlock manages to avoid taking any serious damage.
Mendoza is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Hartlock.
Mendoza rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Hartlock moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Mendoza throws a jab but it's blocked by Hartlock.
Hartlock fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Mendoza avoids it really well and circles away.
Mendoza with a body punch. A glancing blow.
Hartlock shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Mendoza pinned against the ropes. Mendoza gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
Luis Mendoza is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.

That's eight minutes gone in the round.
Hartlock shoots in for a takedown but Mendoza shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Hartlock fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Hartlock shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Mendoza defends it nicely.
Mendoza throws a jab to the body, straight down the pipe. Boom. That sent Hartlock stumbling backwards but he manages to regain his composure quickly.
Good work by Hartlock as he checks the leg kick.
Mendoza slaps away a takedown attempt from Hartlock, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Hartlock looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
Hartlock looks for a takedown but Mendoza sprawls well.

That's nine minutes gone in the round.
Hartlock shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Mendoza as he jumps to the side.
Chris Hartlock has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Mendoza stooping low to avoid any incoming strikes and then lunges in with an uppercut come cross that lands flush.
Hartlock fails with the takedown.
Hartlock takes a jab on the nose there. A little bit of blood seems to be coming out. Hopefully that won't affect his breathing.
Mendoza displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Hartlock.
Hartlock wants to land a leg kick but Mendoza is out of range.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Mendoza connects with a slap. Keep your fist closed son.
Hartlock shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Mendoza as he jumps to the side.
Mendoza rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Hartlock moves out of range and avoids them all easily.

And that's the end of the fight!
Luis Mendoza comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
Well Mendoza has outworked and out performed his opponent in all aspects of the game today. He was simply too good and the decision should be no more than a formality. 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 Steve Smith scores the fight for Luis Mendoza!
Judge Dillan Fox scores the fight for Luis Mendoza!
Judge Yves DeLean scores the fight for Luis Mendoza!

Luis Mendoza wins by unanimous decision!
Luis Mendoza is the new middleweight champion!
After winning the bout, Luis Mendoza thanked all his fans and promised he'd do even better in his next fight. The crowd seemed to love his humility.