PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Samoa Rome (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Shane Tanner (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Rome's entrance music is Samoan Death. A fine choice. The crowd seem to be enjoying Tanner's choice of entrance music: Cleveland Rocks. 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?

Rome
vs
Tanner

188 cm
23
169 lbs
6 - 0 - 0

171 cm
24
178 lbs
8 - 1 - 1

Powerful takedowns
Basic striking
Very strong

Decent wrestler
Basic striking
Granite chin

Combat Pro Formula

5th Round
Golden Lilium

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the welterweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 6 - 0 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Samoa Rome!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 8 - 1 - 1, fighting out of St Petersburg, Shane Tanner!
The judges for this bout are Aleksandr Martynov, Vladimir Khabensky and Konstantin Menshow.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Rome keeps the fight on the outside.
Tanner avoids a punch combination nicely.
Tanner tries to clinch there but Rome circles away.
Rome takes a thudding leg kick, right into the meat of the thigh.
Rome avoids a punch combination nicely.
Tanner lands with a straight right. Rome didn't see that one coming.
Rome looks for a takedown but Tanner sprawls well.

Tanner pushes Rome up against the cage in a clinch.
Rome can't get the takedown.
Tanner landing knees to the head.

It looks like Samoa Rome has been cut.
Tanner scores with a shoulder strike.
Rome can't break the clinch.
Tanner with a knee to the head.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Tanner.
Tanner using the Thai clinch to land knees to the body.
Rome goes for a takedown in the clinch but Tanner prevents it.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Samoa Rome. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Rome tries to pull guard but Tanner won't allow it.
Tanner lands with a right to the head.
Tanner lands a body punch.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Tanner lands a shoulder strike.

Tanner breaks from the clinch.
The sound of bone on bone echoes around the arena as Rome checks a leg kick.
Tanner swinging wilding here.
Tanner throws a right hand that Rome ducks under and follows up with a left that Rome also avoids with ease.
Tanner thows a left - swing and a miss!
Rome shoots in but no luck this time.
A slow jab from Tanner misses its intended target.
Rome swings wildly with a couple of big hooks
and Tanner counters with a two punch combo.
Rome misses with a takedown attempt
and Tanner counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Rome connects with a body shot.
Rome takes a push kick to the midsection and stumbles backwards.
Ouch! a nice leg kick from Tanner, right into the meat.
Rome gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily

and Tanner moves into the clinch.
The is referee keeping an eye on Tanner - much more stalling and he will separate the fighters.
Rome looking for a takedown.
Tanner lands a knee to the body.
Tanner lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Rome tries to jump guard but he falls flat on his backside. Tanner smiles and moves away.

Rome feints and as Tanner raises his hands in defense, Rome changes levels and drives through with a takedown into guard.
Tanner wants to sweep but no luck.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

Tanner is edging up against the cage. He's using the cage to get back to his feet. Nice work there - the fighters are clinched.
Tanner gets through Rome's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
Rome is working for takedown but Tanner is calmly controlling the position for now.
A nice left hand lands by Tanner.
Tanner crunches a lovely knee into Rome's ribcage.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for leaving it all in the cage!
Rome tries to jump guard but he falls flat on his backside. Tanner smiles and moves away.
Rome misses with a takedown attempt

and Tanner moves into the clinch.
Rome is breathing heavily.
Rome is working for a takedown up against the cage. He can't get it on this occasion though.
Tanner gets double underhooks to prevent a takedown attempt from Rome.
Tanner lands an uppercut.

Rome manages to pull guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Tanner is sitting in guard, working some ground and pound.
Tanner is looking to stand up but Rome won't let him.
Both fighters really going for it on the ground here!
Rome working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Tanner.
Rome keeping moving, preventing Tanner from controlling successfully.
Tanner must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.
Rome working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Tanner.
Tanner postures up and lands some nice ground and pound.
Tanner trying to control but Rome is working from the bottom.
Tanner is taking a break and basically stalling. The referee will not allow him to do that for long.
Rome 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.

The referee has ruled that neither fighter is active enough on the ground and has stood them back up.

Tanner forces Rome back against the cage and clinches.
Tanner is working Rome over against the cage.
Rome can't get the takedown.
Rome has hold of a leg and is looking for a trip takedown. Tanner avoids it nicely though and we remain in the clinch.
Rome tries to pull guard but Tanner holds him up against the cage and eventually Rome drops back down to his feet.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Tanner scores with a shot to the side of Rome's head.
Tanner is pressed up against the cage. Rome has hold of a leg and is looking to drag Tanner down to the mat. Tanner avoids the attempt though and has circled away. We're back to striking at a distance.
Tanner is looking to score with low kicks.
Tanner throws a nice looking combination but Rome bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Wow, both these guys are really going for it!
Rome works over Tanner's head and body with a nice combination.

Tanner forces Rome back against the cage and clinches.
Tanner lands a body punch in the clinch.
Tanner with the Thai clinch, lands a knee to the head.
Rome jumps guard but Tanner stands there with Rome around his waist. Rome gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch.
Rome looking for a takedown.
Rome is working for a takedown up against the cage. He can't get it on this occasion though.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Rome wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.
Rome drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Tanner gets underhooks to prevent Rome's takedown attempt.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Shane Tanner dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Samoa Rome's cut.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

Rome with a lazy takedown attempt
and Tanner counters with a left and a right that stings Rome.
Samoa Rome is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Tanner fails with an attempt to clinch.
Tanner moves in looking to clinch but Rome pushes him off.

Tanner darts in and clinches Rome up against the cage.
Rome drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Rome has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Tanner is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Samoa Rome. That's going to take a lot out of him.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Tanner.
Tanner lands an uppercut.
Tanner lands a shot to the body.
A right hand to the body from Tanner.
Rome looking for a takedown.
Rome has Tanner pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Tanner manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.
Tanner lands with a short punch from the clinch.
Rome drops down looking for an ankle pick but Tanner pulls his leg out and moves away.
Tanner throws a right and a left that both miss.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Tanner lands with a two punch combination before moving back out of range.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Rome on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by Tanner. Tanner obviously looking to wear him down.
Tanner moves in looking to clinch but Rome pushes him off.
Rome misses with a wild body shot.

Tanner pushes Rome up against the cage in a clinch.
Nice body punch from Tanner - that landed with a thud.
Knees to the body from Tanner.
Tanner connects with a nasty looking knee right to Rome's face.
Tanner pushes Rome back against the cage and unloads with a body punch.
Rome is trying to break free.
Rome tries for a takedown but Tanner manages to get underhooks.
Rome drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it.
A short uppercut from Tanner.
Rome drops down looking for an ankle pick but Tanner pulls his leg out and moves away.

Tanner fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Rome, pushing him back against the cage.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Tanner.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Tanner works for underhooks and lands a body shot in the process.
A short right from Tanner on the inside.
Rome looking for a takedown.
Tanner with the Thai clinch, lands a knee to the head.
Tanner landing some nice looking knees to the body.
Rome has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Tanner is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.
Tanner is stalling here.
Rome looking for a takedown.
Tanner works for underhooks and lands a body shot in the process.
Still in the clinch, Tanner scores with a nice short uppercut.
Tanner lands with a short punch from the clinch.
Tanner connects with a knee to the head.
A shot in the inside from Tanner.
Tanner lands a body shot in the clinch.
Rome has Tanner pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Tanner manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.

Tanner manages to break the clinch.
Nice defenses there by Rome.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Rome dodges the punch combination from Tanner.

Tanner gets a clinch.

Tanner breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Rome keeping at a good range here, avoiding a leg kick.
Rome fails with the takedown
and Tanner counters with a straight right hand.
Rome avoids a low kick by using good footwork.
Rome throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Rome misses with a takedown
and Tanner counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Rome on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by Tanner. Tanner obviously looking to wear him down.
The fight stays on the outside here - Tanner looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Rome misses with a double jab
and Tanner counters with a leg kick that reverborates around the arena.
Tanner moves into range and throws a combination. A nice jab followed by a hook to the body.
Rome takes a punch to the jaw and another one to the bread basket.

Tanner gets in close and instigates a clinch.
Tanner lands a nice shot to the body.
Tanner lands a hook to the side of the head.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Rome wants a takedown.

Tanner breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Good work by Rome as he checks the leg kick.
Tanner pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Rome swinging wilding here.
Tanner misses with a few strikes there.
Rome shoots and misses
and Tanner makes him pay by landing a thudding low kick.
Tanner scores with a slapping inside leg kick.
Tanner throws a leg kick but Rome moved away.
Tanner throws a couple of head shots and lands with the final one - a decent hook, which struck Rome on the side of the head.
Tanner is looking to slow Rome down with leg kicks.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Tanner tries to bum rush Rome with a series of wild strikes but Rome uses good footwork to avoid the assault.

Tanner drives through and clinches with Rome against the cage.
Tanner crunches a lovely knee into Rome's ribcage.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Rome's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
Tanner tries to land a knee to the head but Rome blocks with his arms.
Rome tries to jump guard but he falls flat on his backside. Tanner smiles and moves away.
Tanner throws a lazy right hand but Rome sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Shane Tanner showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The cut man is working on Samoa Rome's cut.
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.

Tanner scores with a reasonable looking shot to the body. Rome doesn't seem bothered though.

Tanner instigates a clinch.
Tanner stalling.
Rome fails to pull guard.
Rome drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Tanner lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Rome backwards.
Rome drops down looking for an ankle pick but Tanner pulls his leg out and moves away.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Samoa Rome. That's going to take a lot out of him.

Tanner closes the distance and clinches.
Shane Tanner seems to be working more effectively in the clinch in the fight so far.
Rome drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Rome wants to break free but Tanner has control.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Tanner scores a nice knee to the body.
Tanner lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
A nice right hand lands inside from Tanner.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Rome tries a knee to the head but Tanner blocks it.
Rome is looking for a takedown up against the cage. Tanner gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.
A short left from Tanner.
Rome takes a knee right on the jaw!
Tanner lands a right hand that snaps the head of Rome backwards.
Rome is hobbling a little on that front leg after taking quite a few leg kicks so far in this fight.
Tanner has Rome pressed against the cage.
Tanner receives a warning from the referee for stalling.
A knee to the head by Tanner.
Rome fails to pull guard.
A short left from Tanner.
Knees to the body from Tanner.
Rome drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it.

Rome ties up his opponent against the cage and manages to drag the fight down to the ground. Rome no doubt will be looking to work submissions from his guard.

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

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

Rome working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Tanner doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Tanner manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.
Tanner won't allow Rome to sweep him here.
Tanner advances position into side control!

Tanner decides to stand back up. Tanner steps back and let's Rome get back to his feet.
Rome with a hook.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Tanner throws a right hand that Rome ducks under and follows up with a left that Rome also avoids with ease.

Tanner moves into range and clinches up with Rome.
A nice right hand lands inside from Tanner.
Tanner scores with a knee to the head.
A short left from Tanner.
Rome goes for a takedown attempt but Tanner pushes him away and we're back to fighting at a distance.
Rome throws a nice looking combination but Tanner bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Tanner lands a nice shot to the body.
Rome shoots and misses
and Tanner counters with a series of strikes. Rome will be more careful next time no doubt.
A lazy left from Tanner finds it's target.
Tanner throws a leg kick which misses Rome's front leg but catches the back leg as Rome tries to avoid it.
Tanner lands a jab to the nose.
Tanner is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Rome.
Rome with a lazy takedown attempt
and Tanner counters with a one-two to the body.
Shane Tanner is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Tanner throws a series of punches but Rome moves out of range.
Rome checks a low kick. Bone on bone - not my idea of a good time.
A nice inside leg kick there by Tanner. That's going to slow Rome down.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Tanner closes the distance and clinches.
Rome looking for a takedown.
Tanner with the Thai clinch, lands a knee to the head.
Tanner has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Tanner scores with a knee to the head.
Tanner unloads a knee to the mid-section. Rome lets out a prehistoric sounding urrrrgh.

Tanner breaks from the clinch.
Tanner throws a leg kick which misses Rome's front leg but catches the back leg as Rome tries to avoid it.
Nice straight punches there by Tanner. You know Roy Jones Jr respects the hands of Tanner.
Rome checks the leg kick nicely there.
Rome swings for the body but Tanner moves out of range.
Rome showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Tanner.
A left and a right from Rome both land. Nice combination.
Rome doesn't succeed with the takedown
and Tanner counters with a thumping low kick.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for leaving it all in the cage!
Tanner looks to land a combination but Rome avoids it well.

Tanner moves into the clinch successfully.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Tanner.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Shane Tanner really dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Samoa Rome's cut.
That's time! Rome's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

Rome takes a hook to the side of the head. I wonder if that's got his ears ringing.
Tanner walks into a straight right hand from Rome.
Rome dodges the punch combination from Tanner.

Tanner has closed the distance and engaged Rome in a clinch.
Rome tries to jump guard but he falls flat on his backside. Tanner smiles and moves away.
Rome throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Tanner.

Tanner instigates a clinch.
Rome fails to pull guard.
Rome jumps guard but Tanner stands there with Rome around his waist. Rome gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Samoa Rome. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Tanner using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Rome has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
Rome has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Tanner is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.
Tanner has used his reach advantage pretty well so far tonight.
Rome has Tanner pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Tanner manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.
It's got to the stage where if one of these guys blows hard enough, the other might fall over.
Tanner makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
Rome takes a knee right on the jaw!
Tanner lands a right hand.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Rome changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Tanner fights it off and pushes away nicely.
Tanner keeps Rome at a distance using the push kick.

The fight moves into the clinch position.
Tanner with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.
Rome takes a knee right on the jaw!
Rome drops down looking for an ankle pick but Tanner pulls his leg out and moves away.
Tanner uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Rome.
Tanner throws out a leg kick but Rome moves out of range and Tanner only half commits.
Boom, another hit is landed. "You're gunna get knocked out" taunts Tanner, as that shot connected.
Rome circles away from the clinch attempt.
Tanner tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Rome paws at him with a jab and circles away.

Tanner has managed to clinch.
Rome jumps guard but Tanner stands there with Rome around his waist. Rome gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Rome tries to jump guard but he falls flat on his backside. Tanner smiles and moves away.
Rome shoots and misses

and Tanner holds on and brings the fighters into a clinch.
Tanner lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Rome backwards.
A nice right hand lands inside from Tanner.
Rome drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it.
A shot in the inside from Tanner.
Tanner lands a knee to the head there! That was nasty!
Rome wants a takedown but no success here.
Rome tries to pull guard but Tanner won't allow it.
Rome goes for a takedown in the clinch but Tanner prevents it.
Tanner lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
Tanner with the Thai clinch, lands a knee to the head.
Tanner gets through Rome's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Rome goes for a takedown attempt but Tanner pushes him away and we're back to fighting at a distance.

Tanner closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the cage.
A shot in the inside from Tanner.
Rome tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.
Rome fails to pull guard.
Tanner lands a nice knee to the body.
Tanner crunches a lovely knee into Rome's ribcage.
Tanner lands with a light punch inside.
Tanner throws a knee to the head but misses.

Tanner breaks the clinch.
A telegraphed right hand from Rome misses the target.
Rome tries to check the leg kick but that clearly hurt him.
Rome takes a thudding leg kick, right into the meat of the thigh.
Rome with a lazy takedown attempt
and Tanner counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Rome tries for a takedown but Tanner circles away easily
and Tanner counters with a two punch combo.
Nice shot lands for Tanner.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Rome shoots in but doesn't get the takedown
and Tanner cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Tanner looking to land some kicks to the body here.
Rome is pinned up against the cage taking some big shots here. The referee is looking closely deciding whether he should stop the fight.

Tanner fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Rome, pushing him back against the cage.
Tanner lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
Tanner cracks Rome with a nice body shot.
Knees to the body from Tanner.
Tanner connects with a knee to the head.
Tanner lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Rome backwards.

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

Tanner rushes Rome and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.
Tanner misses with a knee to the head.
Tanner prevents the takedown attempt.
Rome is working for a takedown up against the cage. He can't get it on this occasion though.
Tanner lands a knee to the body.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, Tanner creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
Tanner with the Thai clinch, lands a knee to the head.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Shane Tanner dominated that fourth round.
The cut man is working on Samoa Rome's cut.
That's time! Rome's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight. This is the final round!

Tanner throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Rome.
Rome on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by Tanner. Tanner obviously looking to wear him down.
Tanner throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Rome.
Rome misses with a takedown

and Tanner counters by moving into the clinch.
Tanner makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
Rome goes for a takedown attempt but Tanner pushes him away and we're back to fighting at a distance.
Rome fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Samoa Rome. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Tanner looks to score with a jab to the body but Rome is just out of range.
Tanner misses with a few strikes there.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Rome lands a slapping body shot.
Rome blocks the body kick.
Tanner fails to land with a series of punches.
Shane Tanner seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Tanner throws a left and a right that both miss

so Rome counters with a double leg into guard. Good agility.
Both of our modern day gladiators look out of it here - an gruelling 5 rounds of action taking it's toll on them, no doubt.
Tanner is trying to keep Rome in close.
Rome trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.

That's one minute gone in the round.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Tanner is on top in guard.

Rome working for a triangle but Tanner defends it easily.
Tanner scores with a decent looking elbow strike.
Tanner wants to control from the top but Rome keeps moving.

Tanner avoids a guillotine attempt easily.
Rome utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.

Tanner decides to stand up and beckons his opponent to follow.
A nice inside leg kick there by Tanner. That's going to slow Rome down.

Tanner forces Rome back against the cage and clinches.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Rome is looking to control Tanner's arms but Tanner gets an underhook and turns him. Now Rome has his back to the cage.
Rome fails to pull guard.
Rome is working for takedown but Tanner is calmly controlling the position for now.
Tanner stalling the fight.
Tanner landing knees to the head.
Tanner gets double underhooks to prevent a takedown attempt from Rome.

Tanner manages to break the clinch.
Tanner throws a series of punches but Rome avoids them all with ease.
Rome throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Rome throws a jab but it's blocked by Tanner.
Rome fakes a jab and then connects with a hook.
Tanner looks to score with a jab to the body but Rome is just out of range.

Rome drives through with a takedown into guard.
Rome will need to keep those long limbs tucked in whilst he's on the ground, to prevent any submissions.
Tanner 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.

Rome 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.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Tanner manages to land a sweep and now he's in mount on top!
Rome is desperately trying to improve his position but Tanner has a good base and remains in mount.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Tanner is landing with some decent strikes but Rome is trying to advance his position so the referee is letting the fight continue.
Rome is trying desperately to improve position.
Tanner looking to ground and pound his opponent to a finish here.
Tanner in mount throwing good strikes here, bouncing his opponent's head off the canvas.
Tanner looking to finish Rome with some ground and pound. This is bad for Rome!
Tanner with shots to the head and body - Rome looks very uncomfortable down there.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Rome bucks up and manages to get a nice reversal! He's in guard on the top - nicely done!
Rome preventing the sweep.
Tanner is persisting with the attempt to improve his position.
Tanner tries to strike from the bottom.
Tanner is trying to control the position but Rome postures up.

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

Rome drops back looking for a leg! Tanner is in trouble here! The fighters roll with the hold and Tanner manages to kick Rome off! Rome jumps back into Tanner's guard.
Tanner doesn't do any damage with a couple of strikes from the bottom.
Samoa Rome has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Rome looks for a takedown but Tanner sprawls well.

And that's the end of the fight!
I would just about give that final round to Shane Tanner.
I've got Tanner 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 5 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Aleksandr Martynov scores the fight 43:50
Judge Vladimir Khabensky scores the fight 43:50
Judge Konstantin Menshow scores the fight 43:50

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Shane Tanner!
Shane Tanner is the new welterweight champion!