OdessieFIGHT Pres: EWB VIII PBP Commentary

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Jayson Starr (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Yoshimitsu Tajiri (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Chooooooooon! I think Starr might be my favorite fighter, now he's come out to "Yo Yo Ninja Boy" by Less Than Jake. Tajiri has chosen Asiattacker by Jim Johnston as his entrance music. Jayson Starr has the edge in experience - let's see if he can make that count tonight.

Starr
vs
Tajiri

167 cm
22
154 lbs
1 - 1 - 0

170 cm
22
161 lbs
0 - 2 - 0

BJJ Brown Belt
Counter striker
Good chin

BJJ Purple Belt
Good kicks
Tends to cut

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 1 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Montreal, Jayson Starr!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Montreal, Yoshimitsu Tajiri!
The judges for this bout are William Peck, Elvis Blanc and Robert Douchet.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Starr bobs and weaves into range and then changes levels and scores with a nice takedown into side control.
Starr working the strikes but Tajiri uses the opportunity to regain half guard.

Starr seems to be working for a kimura but Tajiri defends the submission attempt.
Starr trying to control from half guard but Tajiri is working away.
Tajiri is trying to maintain the position but Starr is very close to passing his half guard.

Starr is looking for a kimura but Tajiri is holding onto that half guard position, so it's hard for Starr to get the leverage.

Starr seems to be working for a kimura but Tajiri defends the submission attempt.
Tajiri is doing well to avoid being mounted. He's controlling the position at the moment.
Tajiri wants to improve his position but Starr is controlling well.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Tajiri is not content to let Starr control the position.

Neither fighter is doing enough for the referee's liking and he's decided to stand them back up.
Starr keeps the fight on the outside.
Starr shoots for a takedown but Tajiri saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.

Tajiri darts in and clinches Starr up against the cage.
Starr drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Tajiri stops a takedown attempt from Starr.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Jayson Starr. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Tajiri gets underhooks to prevent Starr's takedown attempt.

Tajiri turns his hips and lands a very nice judo throw into side control!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
You can see the frustration on Starr's face, being in this tough position on the bottom.
Starr manages to land a sweep and he's now on top! Lovely Jiu Jitsu!
Tajiri is refusing to be controlled, as Starr sits in half guard.
Tajiri is looking to control Starr's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Tajiri avoid being mounted?
Tajiri controlling the position well.
Starr tries to pass the half guard into mount. Tajiri knows what he's doing though and prevents the attempt.
Starr content to control rather than advance.
Starr tries to pass to full mount but Tajiri defends it.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Tajiri moves his hips nicely and gets into full guard.
Starr throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Tajiri works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Tajiri is trying to keep Starr in close.
Starr lands a nice shot whilst sitting in his opponent's guard.
Starr prevents Tajiri from getting back to his feet.
Starr is looking to work some ground and pound but Tajiri has wrist control.

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

Starr thinks about going for a leg but decides against it, in order to maintain the position.
Starr is breathing heavily.
Starr connects with a couple of short punches.
Tajiri is trying to keep Starr in close.

The referee has ruled that neither fighter is active enough on the ground and has stood them back up.
Starr slips a jab and a cross from Tajiri.
Starr misses with a takedown attempt - Tajiri sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Starr misses with a takedown attempt - Tajiri sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Nice takedown defense from Tajiri. No joy for Starr on that attempt.
Tajiri doesn't manage to clinch there - Starr circles away.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Yoshimitsu Tajiri dominated that round.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.

Starr fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Tajiri connects with a high kick.

Starr drops down and drives through with a powerful takedown into guard.
Starr advances to half guard.
Tajiri pushes Starr off looking to stand but Starr dives back in and keeps control.
Starr not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
Starr is keen to just control but Tajiri is a slippery customer.
Tajiri keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Tajiri is looking to control Starr's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Tajiri avoid being mounted?
Starr is looking to take a break and control but Tajiri is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.

Starr is looking for a kimura but Tajiri is holding onto that half guard position, so it's hard for Starr to get the leverage.

That's one minute gone in the round.

It looks like we're going to have a standup here. Neither fight is doing enough on the ground.
Tajiri tries to close the distance and clinch up but Starr swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Tajiri pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Tajiri shoots in but doesn't get the takedown

and Starr counters with a shoot takedown. Tajiri fights it but they end up in guard.
Tajiri looking to hit a scissor sweep but Starr is one step ahead there.
Starr trying to control but Tajiri is working from the bottom.
Starr has been looking to land a fair amount of strikes on the ground. He might be looking to soften his opponent up in order to work for a submission.
Tajiri utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Tajiri controls Starr momentarily but Starr frees himself.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Starr throwing strikes but missing.
Starr thows a big elbow that misses.
Starr passes into half guard.
Tajiri trying to keep hold of his opponent's head but Starr manages to pass to mount!

Starr working for a submission but Tajiri is keeping him at bay.
A nice elbow there by Starr.
Tajiri is squirming around, avoiding Starr's attempts to control the action.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Starr working Tajiri over with strikes here.
Poor strikes thrown by Starr there. More accuracy and less frantic strikes would help!
Starr putting on the heat here with some good ground and pound!
Starr raining down shots from the mount!
Tajiri is writhing around trying to get back to his feet.
Starr can't quite control the action as he would like just now, as Tajiri is looking to escape.
Starr lands a couple of nice shots there from mount.
Starr looking to ground and pound but Tajiri is blocking nicely.
Tajiri taking shots to the head.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Tajiri keeping his composure momentarily, calmly looking to get back to half guard.
Starr looking to control and managing it successfully.
Starr trying to control but Tajiri is having none of it.

Starr goes for an armbar but Tajiri turns quickly into his guard - lovely anticipation from Tajiri.
Starr looking to control.
Tajiri slips effortlessly into side control - very nice.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Jayson Starr dominated that second round.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action. This is the final round!

Starr lands with a thumping leg kick.

Tajiri gets taken down but at least he's managed to land in guard.
A real slowdown in the pace of the fight for a moment, as Tajiri holds on and takes a little breather.
Starr trying to stand up but can't free himself from Tajiri's guard.
Tajiri is looking to get back to his feet but can't, whilst Starr is controlling him.
Starr wants to stand but Tajiri is controlling his posture from full guard.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Tajiri is trying to keep Starr in close.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Tajiri looking for a sweep. Not yet Tajiri, not yet.
Starr looking to pass the guard.
Starr slows down the pace of the fight for a moment. He'll need to remain active if he doesn't want to see the fight stood back up.

It looks like we're going to have a standup here. Neither fight is doing enough on the ground.
Starr fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Tajiri lands a head kick!
Starr misses with a takedown attempt
and Tajiri counters with a head kick. That will keep Starr thinking before he tries any more sloppy attacks!

Starr is rocked!
Starr fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
Oh Starr is still all over the place! His legs are completely gone! Will he be able to recover?!!
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Jayson Starr. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Tajiri seems to be stalking Starr here. He circles momentarily and then unleashes a devastatic head kick! Starr drops like a stone, out cold! WOW! Are you kidding me!? What a knockout!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:03 of round 3, we have a winner by way of KO (Head Kick). Yoshimitsu Tajiri!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
88%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Murilo Escobar (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Harry Hart (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Escobar kept the crowd waiting but all that was forgotten when his ring entrance music started. The incomparable musical genuis that is Cute Without the E. The crowd giving both fighters a great reception on their way into the arena. That's good to see.

Escobar
vs
Hart

185 cm
20
205 lbs
0 - 1 - 0

188 cm
22
204 lbs
1 - 3 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Counter striker
Big heart

BJJ White Belt
Good low kicks
Granite chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the light heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 0 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Montreal, Murilo Escobar!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Montreal, Harry Hart!
The judges for this bout are Ian Loll, Steve Smith and William Peck.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
The fight stays on the outside here - Hart looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Hart throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Escobar avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Hart throws a hook to the side of Escobar's head but Escobar sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Escobar avoids the head kick by Hart.
Escobar closes this distance looking for a takedown but Hart circles away.
A choreographed right hand from Hart misses the target.
Hart tries to close the distance and clinch but Escobar swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Hart tries to bum rush Escobar with a series of wild strikes but Escobar uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Hart throws a sloppy head kick and Escobar moves out of range easily.
A head kick misses from Hart.
Hart tries to clinch up.
Hart wants to clinch up but Escobar keeps it at a distance.
Escobar will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Escobar looks for a takedown but Hart sprawls well.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Murilo Escobar. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Hart fails to land with a series of punches.

Escobar changes levels and drives through with a really nice takedown into side control. Hart looks really pissed at himself for not defending that better.
Hart wants to escape from the position here - easier said than done!
Hart is trying to work for a sweep but Escobar has mounted him!

That's one minute gone in the round.
Hart is wriggling around trying to escape.
Hart looks gassed!

Escobar is controlling this nicely and is looking to make no mistakes. Hart is trying to wiggle out of this horrible position. Hart flips to his side and attempts to get a leg in for half guard. Escobar anticipates the leg and manages to get behind Hart and secures both hooks! This could be bad! Escobar slips an arm under Hart chin and tries to position for a rear naked choke. Escobar has worked the choke in now and it looks tight. Escobar is squeezing on Hart like an anaconda would it's prey. Hart fails to tap and has fallen unconscious! We've got ourselves a winner by way of a rear naked choke!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:27 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (RNC). Murilo Escobar!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
42%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Marcus Ervin (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Jerald Wilson (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Ervin comes to the cage accompanied by 3 Seconds to Freedom by Pop Evil. Wilson has chosen Rocky Road to Dublin - Dropkick Murphys as his entrance music. Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Ervin
vs
Wilson

185 cm
19
170 lbs
1 - 1 - 0

178 cm
20
170 lbs
1 - 1 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Counter striker
Big heart

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Solid chin

Juce Wear

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the welterweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 1 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Montreal, Marcus Ervin!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Montreal, Jerald Wilson!
The judges for this bout are Elvis Blanc, William Peck and Ian Loll.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Ervin stuffs the takedown.

Ervin looks for a takedown. He's got it. We're now in half guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Wilson manages to get to full guard.
Ervin works over Wilson with some ground and pound from guard.
Wilson keeping full guard, as Ervin tries to pass.
Ervin preventing the sweep.
Wilson working a defensive guard but Ervin manages to pass into side control anyway.
Wilson is looking for a sweep.
Wilson manages to get back to half guard.
Ervin wants to lay and pray for a moment but Wilson keeps working.
Wilson makes his way to full guard. A much better position for Wilson.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Wilson has Ervin pulled in close to control his posture.
Ervin trying to control the position from guard on top but Wilson is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Wilson looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Ervin is pushing down on Wilson's leg trying to pass to half guard. Wilson is fighting to maintain full guard but Ervin has managed to sneak the leg through.
Wilson tries to kick Ervin off but Ervin keeps his base steady and stays in half guard.
Ervin is thwarting Wilson's attempts to control the position.
Wilson wants to improve his position but Ervin is controlling well.
Wilson looks gassed!

Neither fighter is doing enough for the referee's liking and he's decided to stand them back up.

Ervin shoots in for a takedown! He's got it and he's managed to land in full mount! That's better than Ervin was expecting from the takedown attempt, I'm sure!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Wilson working to try and regain half guard.
Wilson prevents Ervin from taking his back.
Ervin trying to control but Wilson is having none of it.
Wilson can't escape the position.
Wilson is squirming around, avoiding Ervin's attempts to control the action.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Ervin is landing with some decent strikes but Wilson is trying to advance his position so the referee is letting the fight continue.
Wilson is wriggling around trying to escape.
Wilson is bucking up trying to escape but Ervin cracks him with another couple of good strikes.
Ervin is landing with some decent strikes but Wilson is trying to advance his position so the referee is letting the fight continue.
Ervin with the ground and pound from mount.
Wilson is desperately trying to improve his position but Ervin has a good base and remains in mount.

Ervin looking for an armbar but decides to keep the dominant position instead.
Wilson tries to hold on but Ervin postures up.
Wilson bucks up and manages to get a nice reversal! He's in guard on the top - nicely done!
Ervin 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.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Ervin looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.
Wilson not doing a lot at the moment. He'll have to show some more aggression or the fight will get stood up.
Ervin keeping full guard, as Wilson tries to pass.
Wilson passes Ervin's right leg, so he's now in half guard.
Ervin is not content to let Wilson control the position.
Ervin gets full guard.
Wilson works a leg free and moves into half guard.
Ervin makes his way to full guard. A much better position for Ervin.
Ervin is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move.

Wilson kicks Ervin off and gets back to his feet.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Marcus Ervin dominated that round.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.

Wilson shoots and misses

and Ervin counters with a shoot takedown. Wilson fights it but they end up in guard.
Ervin with a flurry of punches that miss.
Marcus Ervin overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.

Wilson has his foot on Ervin's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Ervin works his way back into a safe position though.
Wilson keeping moving, preventing Ervin from controlling successfully.
Ervin trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Ervin trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Ervin trying to move into half guard but instead Wilson has managed to sweep!

Ervin looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.
Wilson seems content to control from guard here. He's going to have to remain active though if he doesn't want to get stood back up.
Wilson trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.

Wilson gets to his feet. Ervin looking to butt scoot but the ref puts an end to that. On your feet son!
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.

Wilson gets the takedown into side control.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Wilson wants to control but Ervin is keeping him busy.
Ervin struggling a bit here.
Ervin is sneaking out the side here. He's bucked Wilson off and has taken his back!

Ervin is looking for the choke from the back position but Wilson is controlling his hands well.
Wilson trying to control the position but Ervin manages to sink in the hooks.
Wilson manages to reverse the position and now he's in Ervin's guard. Nice work there by Wilson.
Wilson stands and throws Ervin's legs to the side, diving into side control.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

Wilson stands up and we're back to a striking position.
Wilson shoots and misses

and Ervin counters with a shoot takedown. Wilson fights it but they end up in guard.
Ervin looking to pass the guard.
Wilson 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.
Wilson has a closed guard, preventing anything of note from happening. Perhaps he's looking to stall.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Ervin stops Wilson from standing up.
Wilson controlling the position.
Ervinis looking to pass into half guard but Wilson pushes him away with his feet and jumps on top - now Wilson is in guard.
Wilson controls the pace of the fight for a moment.
Ervin manages to land a sweep and now he's in mount on top!
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Wilson is in all sorts of trouble here.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Ervin has hold of Wilson's left arm, perhaps looking for a submission. The two fighters tussle over control of the isolated limb and Wilson manages to get his arm back to his side and away from danger.
Ervin takes Wilson's back. Could be looking for a rear naked choke here - either way, Wilson is in trouble.
Ervin has the hooks in. Wilson is trying to push off one leg but he has to do so cautiously to avoid being submitted.
Wilson tries to escape the position - he's now mounted. Is that better or worse? Hard to tell!
Wilson tries to hold on but Ervin postures up.

Ervin moves into side control, trying to work for a kimura. That looks painful! Will he finish!!?? No, Wilson has worked his arm free - good work by Wilson!
Wilson gets back to half guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Wilson trying to control but Ervin postures up.
Ervin thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Wilson's head.
Wilson tries to kick Ervin off but Ervin keeps his base steady and stays in half guard.

Ervin decides he's had enough of the ground and stands up.
Wilson tries to clinch

and Ervin decides to take the opportunity to score a takedown. He's landed in Wilson's guard.
Wilson trying to control the position.
Ervin postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Ervin prevents Wilson from getting back to his feet.

Wilson throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.

Ervin gets to his feet and steps away from his opponent.
Wilson tries to clinch up

and Ervin counters with a nice double leg into guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Marcus Ervin dominated that second round.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin! This is the final round!

Wilson tries to clinch up but Ervin circles away and keeps his distance.
Marcus Ervin is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Wilson throws a body kick that misses.
Ervin with a poor takedown

and Wilson counters with a takedown into full mount! That could mean trouble for Ervin!
Wilson takes a little breather and maintains the position. The referee will be looking for him to stay active from such a dominant position though.
Wilson lands a couple of nice shots there from mount.
Wilson has his opponent pinned against the cage, landing some nasty ground and pound that is really making a bit of a mess out of Ervin's face.

Ervin is rocked!
Wilson landing shots from mount.
Oh Ervin is still in real trouble! Will he be able to recover?!!
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Ervin in a bad spot here, taking shots to the head.
Ervin taking shots to the head.

Wilson is working on an americana here. Ooh, that looks pretty nasty! Nope, Ervin has managed to escape the submission attempt.
Ervin is in a horrible position here. Wilson smacks him with another shot as he tries to escape the position.
Wilson controlling from mount.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Wilson working for a guillotine from mount but Ervin is in no mood to give up.
Ervin tries to hold on but Wilson pushes him away.

Wilson is looking to secure an arm. He's managed it! He's pivoting for an armbar - that looks tight! But Ervin has managed to get out of it and now he's in a dominant position. Nice work from Ervin!
Ervin seems to have got his legs back now.
Ervin won't allow Wilson to sweep him here.
Wilson lands a beautiful switch and he's in full mount! That could spell trouble for Ervin!
Wilson landing strikes, looking to finish!
Wilson looking to control and managing it successfully.
Wilson prevents Ervin from getting the reversal.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Wilson looking to control and managing it successfully.
Wilson wants to control the pace but Ervin is squirming around nicely.
Ervin wants to control but Wilson is having none of it.

Wilson is standing up out of mount! Strange tactic there - he must really want this one on the feet!

Wilson shoots in for a takedown and gets it. Oh and he's advanced to full mount straight away.

Wilson has control of Ervin's right arm, working for a kimura. It's a bit of a token attempt though and Ervin regains control of the situation pretty easily.
Ervin is desperately trying to improve his position but Wilson has a good base and remains in mount.
Ervin is working hard here to advance position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Wilson is in the full mount, landing strikes.
Wilson tucks in and makes sure he doesn't lose the dominant position.
Wilson is in the full mount, landing strikes.
Ervin is desperately trying to improve his position but Wilson has a good base and remains in mount.
Wilson has his opponent pinned against the cage, landing some nasty ground and pound that is really making a bit of a mess out of Ervin's face.
Ervin is looking to get to half guard.
Ervin wants to improve position but instead he's given up his back.
Wilson scores with strikes from the back.

Wilson working for a choke but Ervin is defending well.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Wilson struggling to keep hold of the position.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Ervin can't escape the position.
Ervin is very frustrated here, being controlled quite effectively by Wilson.
Wilson struggling to keep hold of the position.
Wilson lands with a big left hand that may well have hurt his opponent. Can Ervin hold on?!
Will Wilson go for the finish here or will he try and keep control of the position?
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Wilson lands shots from the back.
Jerald Wilson has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Wilson is trying to stick to Ervin's back but Ervin is turning into Wilson. He's managed to reverse the position - now he's in Wilson's guard. Polite applause from the crowd in appreciation of some nice Jiu Jitsu by Ervin.

And that's the end of the fight!
Jerald Wilson comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think Ervin has won this one but let's see what the judges have to say. Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Elvis Blanc scores the fight 28:28
Judge William Peck scores the fight 28:28
Judge Ian Loll scores the fight 28:28

The fight is ruled a draw!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
100%

Co-main event

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Evan Kennedy (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Austin Gabriel (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Kennedy's ring entrance music is that housewives' favourite, Kernkraft 400 (Sport Chant Stadium Remix) by Zombie Nation. Gabriel has chosen I Am the Thorn by Cradle of Filth as his entrance music. Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Kennedy
vs
Gabriel

184 cm
18
209 lbs
2 - 0 - 0

185 cm
22
203 lbs
1 - 0 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Counter striker
Granite chin

BJJ Blue Belt
Counter striker
Likes ground

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the light heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 2 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Montreal, Evan Kennedy!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Montreal, Austin Gabriel!
The judges for this bout are Yves DeLean, Steve Smith and Dillan Fox.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Kennedy throws an overhand right that lands on Gabriel's shoulder, as Gabriel tries to avoid the shot.
Gabriel fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Gabriel is looking to take this fight into the clinch.

Gabriel changes levels and drives through with a really nice takedown into side control. Kennedy looks really pissed at himself for not defending that better.
Kennedy tries to work a leg under to get back to half guard but Gabriel wriggles his own leg back out and remains in side control.

Gabriel looking for an arm triangle but it's way too loose to do anything.
Gabriel controls the position.
Kennedy is moving his hips around well on the bottom and has managed to get back to half guard.

Gabriel is looking for a kimura. It's going to be difficult to finish that from half guard though and Kennedy defends it well.
Gabriel is looking to take a break and control but Kennedy is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.

Gabriel is working for a submission of some sort.

Gabriel decides to stand up and try his luck on the feet.
Gabriel looks gassed!

That's one minute gone in the round.

Gabriel clinches up against the cage.
Gabriel goes for a takedown in the clinch but Kennedy prevents it.
Gabriel drops to a knee looking for a takedown but Kennedy gets the underhooks and prevents it.
Evan Kennedy has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Austin Gabriel.
Kennedy prevents the takedown attempt.

Kennedy has picked Gabriel up - he's going for a ride! Kennedy dumps his opponent to the mat with a thud and settles into half guard.

Kennedy is looking for a kimura but Gabriel is holding onto that half guard position, so it's hard for Kennedy to get the leverage.
Well, if Kennedy is going to just lie there, perhaps we should talk about what we're having for dinner tonight… I'm having a ham and pineapple pizza… Yum. Can't wait.
Gabriel is trying to get back to full guard.
Gabriel moves into full guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Gabriel can't keep his opponent in guard - Kennedy advances to half guard, no doubt looking to mount.
Kennedy working the head and body with strikes.

Kennedy is working for a submission of some sort.
Gabriel is positioning himself well to prevent Kennedy advancing to mount.
Gabriel is trying to maintain the position but Kennedy is very close to passing his half guard.

Gabriel looking for submissions off his back.
Gabriel wants to get back to full guard.
Gabriel is staying active underneath Kennedy, who seems content to just control the action from this position.
Gabriel is working for an escape here. He's hooked one of Kennedy's legs and he's managed to sneak out and take Kennedy's back!

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Gabriel wants to control but Kennedy is keeping busy.
Gabriel lands punches and elbows.
Good control from Gabriel.

Gabriel working for a RNC but it's not happening just yet.

Kennedy showing good submission defense here.
What can Kennedy do to escape this position? He's going to have to figure it out pretty quick if he wants to stay in the fight!
Let's hope that Gabriel has the urge to step up the pace any second now because for the last 15 or 20 seconds he's just been holding on tight.
Kennedy is covering up but some of the strikes from Gabriel are getting through and doing damage.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Kennedy staying busy and making it hard for Gabriel to control.

Kennedy showing good submission defense here.
Kennedy is very frustrated here, being controlled quite effectively by Gabriel.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Kennedy is in a bad position with Gabriel working for a choke. Kennedy manages to spin nicely into guard and the danger is over for the moment.
Kennedy postures up in Gabriel's guard and throws a big left but Gabriel blocks it.
Kennedy stands up over Gabriel, holding his feet. He dives back in and lands a decent shot to the head.
Kennedy postures up and lands some nice ground and pound.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Gabriel is controlling Kennedy's posture.
Gabriel tries to land a sweep but no joy.

Gabriel looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.
Gabriel looking for a sweep. Not yet Gabriel, not yet.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Gabriel manages to land a sweep and now he's in mount on top!

Gabriel looking for a guillotine from mount but Kennedy is having none of it.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Gabriel fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
Gabriel looks frusrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
Gabriel fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
Evan Kennedy has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Austin Gabriel.

Excellent takedown into side control there by Kennedy.
You can see the frustration on Gabriel's face, being in this tough position on the bottom.
Kennedy wants to lay and pray for a moment but Gabriel keeps working.
Gabriel is looking for a sweep.
Kennedy in the domination position with Gabriel hanging on.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Gabriel struggling a bit here.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Kennedy working the head and body with strikes.
Gabriel is looking to reverse the position.
Gabriel sneaks a leg under to get back to half guard.

Kennedy is working for a kimura but Gabriel is defending it quite comfortably.
Gabriel is doing well to avoid being mounted. He's controlling the position at the moment.
Kennedy scoring with strikes to the body and head.
Kennedy looks towards his corner to check for any instructions. The corner give him nothing to work with, so he cracks Gabriel with a short hammerfist. I guess that's as good as any advice he could get in this position.
Gabriel is trying to defend against the ground and pound but Kennedy scores with a couple of nice shots.

Gabriel is rocked!

Kennedy is working for a submission of some sort.
Gabriel is still in real trouble! Can Kennedy finish him?
Kennedy moves nicely into side control.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kennedy landing with strikes to the head and body from side control.
Gabriel can't do much from the bottom here.
Gabriel seems to have recovered his senses.
Check out the look on Kennedy's face as he threw that strike - that's one determined fighter!
Kennedy working away diligently from side control. Landing strikes effectively there - that will score him some points on the judges scorecards.
Kennedy in side control lands a nice looking series of punches and elbows.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Gabriel is not content to let Kennedy control the position.
Kennedy in side control lands a nice looking series of punches and elbows.
Kennedy trying to control the position but Gabriel is working away.
Kennedy controls the position.
Gabriel is looking to reverse the position.
Kennedy trying to control the position but Gabriel is working away.
Gabriel is positioning himself to get back to half guard.
Kennedy gets to mount! Gabriel was on the offensive and wasn't defending properly.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kennedy lands a big elbow.
Gabriel is working to get back to half guard.
Gabriel wants to try and get back to his feet.
Gabriel is in all sorts of trouble here.
Gabriel is persisting with the attempt to improve his position.
Kennedy misses with a head shot.
Gabriel is looking to get to half guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are hurling abuse towards the fighters... You can hardly blame them though because there isn't a lot going on in the fight.
Kennedy with the ground and pound from mount.
Gabriel tries to hold on but Kennedy postures up.

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

Kennedy stands up and beckons Gabriel to his feet.
Gabriel throws a half hearted mid kick.

Kennedy gets the takedown into side control.
Kennedy creates a bit of distance and throws down some hard shots.
Gabriel is trying to improve his position.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Kennedy controlling the position from side mount.
Gabriel manages to land a sweep and he's now on top! Lovely Jiu Jitsu!
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Evan Kennedy dominated that second round.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business. This is the final round!

Gabriel misses with a takedown

and Kennedy counters with a takedown into full mount! That could mean trouble for Gabriel!
Gabriel is in a horrible position here, under a barrage of strikes, he's managing to avoid any damage.
Gabriel is trying desperately to improve position.
Gabriel tries to hold on but Kennedy pushes him away.
Gabriel is wriggling around trying to escape.
Kennedy tries to control but Gabriel wriggling away.
Kennedy looking to finish Gabriel with some ground and pound. This is bad for Gabriel!
Gabriel regains half guard.
Gabriel tries to roll over but Kennedy keeps him under control.

Gabriel actively working from the bottom here.
Kennedy trying to pass the guard but Gabriel defending well.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Gabriel is trying to maintain the position but Kennedy is very close to passing his half guard.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Gabriel tries to roll over but Kennedy keeps him under control.
Gabriel trying to control from the bottom.
Gabriel manages to get to full guard.
Evan Kennedy overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Gabriel is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.

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

Kennedy scores with a nice takedown into half guard. Let's see what he's got on the ground.
Gabriel is staying active underneath Kennedy, who seems content to just control the action from this position.

Kennedy looking for a kimura but he'll have to free his other leg if he wants to finish that. Perhaps he's just using it as a distraction technique.
Kennedy lands strikes from half guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kennedy trying to control the action but Gabriel is working from the bottom.
The fighters are battling for position here. Gabriel manages to regain full guard. Nice work.
Gabriel wants to stand and escape but Kennedy is having none of it.

Gabriel looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.
Kennedy wants to control from the top but Gabriel keeps moving.
Gabriel working a defensive guard but Kennedy passes into half guard.
Gabriel tries to get to full guard but Kennedy has control of the leg.
Kennedy looking to pass the half guard. Not this time.
Gabriel trying to control here.

Kennedy is working for a submission of some sort.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Gabriel is looking to sinch up a gullotine here but Kennedy pulls his head out easily.

Neither fighter is doing enough for the referee's liking and he's decided to stand them back up.

Kennedy looking to shoot here. He's gone for it and he's landed a takedown into mount! Oh, that's bad for Gabriel!
Gabriel is looking to get to half guard.
Kennedy can't quite control the action as he would like just now, as Gabriel is looking to escape.
Gabriel sneaks a leg under to get to half guard.
Kennedy is pressing down on Gabriel's thigh, looking to free his foot. Gabriel is holding on for now.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Gabriel tries to get to full guard but Kennedy has control of the leg.
Gabriel is looking to control Kennedy's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Gabriel avoid being mounted?
Kennedy thows a huge punch but Gabriel dodges it nicely.
Kennedy is thwarting Gabriel's attempts to control the position.
Kennedy sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Gabriel defending well though.

It looks like we're going to have a standup here. Neither fight is doing enough on the ground.
Gabriel with a poor takedown

and Kennedy counters with a shoot takedown into half guard.
Gabriel wants to improve his position but Kennedy is controlling well.
Kennedy not landing any meaningful shots this time.
Kennedy with a momentary lay and pray from half guard.
Kennedy lands a big shot. The thud that echoes around the arena is like music to the fans' ears.
Gabriel keeping control of the leg, stopping his opponent passing to mount.
Kennedy is thwarting Gabriel's attempts to control the position.

And that's the end of the fight!
Evan Kennedy showed his dominance in that final round.
Well Kennedy 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 Yves DeLean scores the fight 29:28
Judge Steve Smith scores the fight 29:28
Judge Dillan Fox scores the fight 29:28

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Evan Kennedy!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
80%

Main event

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Travis Fitzgerald (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Daniel Plude (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Travis Fitzgerald has the edge in experience - let's see if he can make that count tonight.

Fitzgerald
vs
Plude

174 cm
22
175 lbs
2 - 1 - 0

177 cm
20
176 lbs
2 - 0 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Big heart

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Determined

Juce Wear
Yuber Nutrition

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 2 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Montreal, Travis Fitzgerald!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 2 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Montreal, Daniel Plude!
The judges for this bout are Robert Douchet, Gregory Folan and Ian Loll.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Plude misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.

Fitzgerald has Plude up against the cage in a clinch.
An uppercut to the body lands inside from Plude.
Plude wants to break the clinch but can't.
Fitzgerald misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Plude.

Fitzgerald turns his back and goes for a hip toss. It's a bit messy but it gets the job done and Fitzgerald manages to end up in side control.
Plude wants to control but Fitzgerald postures up.
Plude tries to improve position but can't.
Plude looking for a sweep but Fitzgerald has passed into full mount! Oh no!
Plude working to try and regain half guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Plude bucks up and manages to get a nice reversal! He's in guard on the top - nicely done!
Plude wants to control from the top but Fitzgerald keeps moving.
Plude scoring with some ground and pound.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Plude is fighting to break Fitzgerald's control of his arms but Fitzgerald is doing a good job of controlling the position at the moment.
Plude looking to pass the guard.

Fitzgerald looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.

Fitzgerald escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Plude gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.
Plude wants to control from the top but Fitzgerald keeps moving.
Fitzgerald wants to sweep but no luck.
Plude trying to control but Fitzgerald is working from the bottom.
Plude thows a big elbow that misses.

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

Neither fighter is doing enough for the referee's liking and he's decided to stand them back up.
No joy there for Fitzgerald, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Fitzgerald fails with the takedown.
Wow, both these guys are really going for it!
Plude throws a nice looking combination but Fitzgerald bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Plude misses with a double jab.
Fitzgerald tries to clinch there but Plude circles away.
Fitzgerald tries a head kick but it misses.
Fitzgerald is breathing heavily.

Fitzgerald gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.
Fitzgerald gets underhooks to prevent Plude's takedown attempt.
Plude wants to break the clinch but can't.
Plude drops to a knee looking for a takedown but Fitzgerald gets the underhooks and prevents it.
Fitzgerald using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Plude has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
Plude can't get the takedown.
Travis Fitzgerald has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Daniel Plude.

Plude turns his hips and lands a very nice judo throw into side control!
Fitzgerald tries to buck Plude off but Plude is having none of it.
Fitzgerald defending against the ground and pound.
Fitzgerald is trying to get back to half guard.
Plude working away.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Fitzgerald manages to land a sweep and he's now on top! Lovely Jiu Jitsu!
Fitzgerald thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.

Fitzgerald decides he's had enough of the ground and stands up.
Some wild striking there from Plude.

Plude gets caught flat footed, as Fitzgerald shoots in with a quick takedown into guard.
Plude manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Fitzgerald manages to get himself to full guard.
Plude trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Plude trying to control the position from guard on top but Fitzgerald is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Fitzgerald wants to sweep but no luck.
Fitzgerald can't keep his opponent in guard - Plude advances to half guard, no doubt looking to mount.
Plude wants to pass the guard but Fitzgerald is defending well.
Plude looks over to his corner - he wants some instructions but his corner are not responding.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Plude is trying to control the action in half guard but Fitzgerald is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.
Plude is stalling here. Fitzgerald is in no mood to hang around though. He's locked up a kimura from the bottom! Plude seems to be keeping calm but he's forced to roll out of the hold and Fitzgerald has ended up in side control on the top. Nice work.
Plude prevents Fitzgerald from improving position.
Plude sneaks a leg under to get back to half guard.
Plude wants to control but Fitzgerald is keeping busy and won't allow it.
Fitzgerald landing with strikes to the body and head, softening up his opponent.
Plude keeping hold of Fitzgerald's head, controlling as best he can.
Plude slips a foot under and gets full guard. Nice work.
Plude trying to keep a closed guard but Fitzgerald is proving a slippery customer.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Plude misses the shot to the body.

Fitzgerald rushes Plude and presses him up against the cage.
Fitzgerald landing some nice looking knees to the body.
Plude drops to a knee looking for a takedown but Fitzgerald gets the underhooks and prevents it.
Fitzgerald is pressed up against the cage. Plude has hold of a leg and is looking to drag Fitzgerald down to the mat. Fitzgerald avoids the attempt though and has circled away. We're back to striking at a distance.
Plude throws a low kick but it's checked well by Fitzgerald.
Good leg kick by Plude there. It's the ones that make that thud noise that hurt and that was an almighty thud.
Fitzgerald fakes with a right hand and throws a good leg kick, right into the thigh. That had to hurt Plude.
Fitzgerald tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Plude swivels and escapes.
Plude misses with a combination

and Fitzgerald counters with a driving takedown into guard. Nice work there by Fitzgerald.
Plude wants to control but instead he gets his guard passed and Fitzgerald is now in half guard.
Plude is trying to get back to full guard.
Plude is breathing heavily.

Fitzgerald seems to be looking for submissions.
Plude moves into full guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Plude tries to land a sweep but no joy.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Plude wants to control but Fitzgerald passes easily into half guard.
Plude moves his hips nicely and gets into full guard.
Plude has control of Fitzgerald's left arm, preventing Fitzgerald from doing any damage.
Plude manages to land a sweep and now he's in mount on top!
Plude scoring with strikes but Fitzgerald is staying in there.
Plude fakes a shot to the body and cracks his opponent in the head. Nice ground and pound there!
Plude trying to control but Fitzgerald is having none of it.
Plude landing punches.

Fitzgerald is rocked!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Plude breaks from Fitzgerald's wrist control and lands an elbow.
Oh Fitzgerald is still in real trouble! Will he be able to recover?!!
Fitzgerald tries to hold on but Plude postures up.
Plude lands a big elbow.
Fitzgerald tries to reverse the position but Plude maintains control.
Plude is still in mount, landing shots to his trapped opponent. Fitzgerald can't stay in a position like this for much longer.
Plude landing shots from mount.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Plude lands with some vicious ground and pound - can Fitzgerald hang on?
The crowd growing excited in anticipation of a finish here! Right on cue, Plude cracks his opponent with a massive right hand that draws loud cheers!
Fitzgerald sneaks a leg under to get to half guard.
Fitzgerald is trying to stand back up but Plude is controlling him
Plude slows the pace down in half guard.
Plude wants to control but Fitzgerald is keeping him busy.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Plude seems content to maintain position for now, rather than mounting any offense.
Fitzgerald misses with some strikes from the bottom.
Fitzgerald is pressing down on Plude's left leg trying to get back to full guard. He's managed it.
Fitzgerald seems to have got his legs back now.
Plude wants to control from the top but Fitzgerald keeps moving.
Fitzgerald is controlling Plude's posture.
Plude preventing the sweep.
Plude working some strikes from top position.
Fitzgerald being controlled here, momentarily.
Fitzgerald preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Well. There's a bit of a lull in the action here and the crowd are starting to get restless.
Plude trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Plude won't allow Fitzgerald to sweep him here.
Plude stops Fitzgerald from standing up.
Plude trying to control the position from guard on top but Fitzgerald is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

It looks like we're going to have a standup here. Neither fight is doing enough on the ground.
Fitzgerald lands with a kick to the temple. Plude shrugs as if to say "is that all you've got?"
Plude throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Fitzgerald's waist but Fitzgerald gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Plude off to one side.
Travis Fitzgerald has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Daniel Plude.
Plude is looking to clinch.
Fitzgerald throws a sloppy head kick and Plude moves out of range easily.
Plude connects with a looping right hand.
Fitzgerald keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
Plude misses with a wild body shot.

Plude shoots in and gets a takedown into half guard. Plude showed some decent athleticism there.
Plude is looking to take a break and control but Fitzgerald is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Daniel Plude has got the better of the ground game so far.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Fitzgerald gets back to full guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Daniel Plude showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

Plude misses with a few strikes there.
Fitzgerald lands with a kick to the temple. Plude shrugs as if to say "is that all you've got?"

Plude is rocked!
Plude throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Plude is still on wobbly legs! Can Fitzgerald finish him?

Fitzgerald gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.
Plude seems to have recovered his senses.
Fitzgerald using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Plude has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
Plude has Fitzgerald pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Fitzgerald manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.
Knees to the body from Fitzgerald.
Plude tries to pull guard but Fitzgerald won't allow it.
Fitzgerald lands a nice knee to the body.

Fitzgerald gets double underhooks and manages to take the fight to the ground.
Fitzgerald with a couple of shots to the head there. Not particularly brutal.
Fitzgerald chips away with some ground and pound.
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!
Plude looking to control.
Plude scores with a couple of body punches from the bottom.
Fitzgerald passes Plude's left leg - he's now in half guard.
Plude regains full guard. Nicely done.
Fitzgerald stands up out of Plude's guard for a moment - Plude manages to land a nice upkick.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Fitzgerald looking to pass the guard.
Plude has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Fitzgerald stopping the sweep attempt from Plude.
Fitzgerald tries to stand but Plude is controlling from the bottom.
Fitzgerald stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Plude swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Fitzgerald stopping the sweep attempt from Plude.
Plude is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move.
Plude sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Fitzgerald defending well though.
Fitzgerald tries to get to full guard but Plude has control of the leg.
Fitzgerald tries to strike from the bottom but it doesn't land.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are getting on the fighters' backs, as the pace has dropped off in the last minute or so.
Plude wants to lay and pray for a moment but Fitzgerald keeps working.
Plude trying to control from Fitzgerald's half guard. Fitzgerald has other ideas though and has regained full guard.

Fitzgerald escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Plude gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.
Plude missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Plude landing with the ground and pound.

Well, the referee has seen enough. Neither fighter is active enough on the ground so he's stood them back up.
Fitzgerald shoots in and drives through. Plude sprawls well.
Plude tries to clinch
and Fitzgerald counters with a kick to the head that grazes his opponent. Plude is lucky that one didn't land flush.
Fitzgerald fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Fitzgerald wants to clinch up but Plude keeps it at a distance.
Plude moving in and out of range nicely, whilst landing the scoring shot.
Travis Fitzgerald is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Plude scores with a nice one two combo and darts back out of range to avoid anything coming in the opposite direction.
Plude tries to clinch up.
Plude takes a head kick and keeps coming.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Plude looking for a takedown here - he's got it.
Fitzgerald keeping moving, preventing Plude from controlling successfully.
Plude throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Plude prevents Fitzgerald from getting back to his feet.
Plude stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Fitzgerald swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Plude trying to control but Fitzgerald is working from the bottom.
Plude controls from within his opponent's guard.
Plude passes Fitzgerald's left leg - he's now in half guard.
Plude wants to lay and pray for a moment but Fitzgerald keeps working.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Fitzgerald looking for submissions from an awkward position here.

Fitzgerald kicks Plude off and gets back to his feet.
Plude swinging wilding here.
Fitzgerald tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Plude paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Fitzgerald throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Fitzgerald throws a sloppy head kick and Plude moves out of range easily.
Fitzgerald misses with a takedown

and Plude counters with a nice double leg into half guard.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Travis Fitzgerald. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Plude sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Fitzgerald defending well though.
Fitzgerald wants to improve his position but Plude is controlling well.
Plude trying to control the action but Fitzgerald is working from the bottom.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Fitzgerald is trying to maintain the position but Plude is very close to passing his half guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close round but Travis Fitzgerald did the better work so I'd imagine he'll take it.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!

Fitzgerald scores with a takedown into Plude's guard.
Plude throwing strikes off his back to little effect.
Plude tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Fitzgerald trying to control the position from guard on top but Plude is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Plude wants to improve his position but instead Fitzgerald has moved into half guard.
Plude tries to get to full guard but Fitzgerald has control of the leg.
Plude is trying to defend against the ground and pound but Fitzgerald scores with a couple of nice shots.
Fitzgerald passes the guard and advances to mount!
Fitzgerald lands a big shot there that rocks Plude but he's holding on and managing to survive for now.
It's got to the stage where if one of these guys blows hard enough, the other might fall over.
Fitzgerald prevents Plude from getting the reversal.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Plude is persisting with the attempt to improve his position.
Plude bucks up and manages to get a nice reversal! He's in guard on the top - nicely done!
Plude seems content to control from guard here. He's going to have to remain active though if he doesn't want to get stood back up.
Plude wants to control from the top but Fitzgerald keeps moving.
Plude is taking a break and basically stalling. The referee will not allow him to do that for long.
Plude trying to control but Fitzgerald is working from the bottom.

That's two 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.
Plude slows down the pace of the fight, as he sits in guard.
Plude trying to control but Fitzgerald is working from the bottom.

Despite being in the dominant position, Daniel Plude just isn't active enough and the referee decides to stand the fighters back up.

Fitzgerald closes the distance and clinches.
Fitzgerald prevents the takedown attempt.
Plude can't get the takedown.
Plude blocks the elbow strike.
Fitzgerald gets underhooks to prevent Plude's takedown attempt.
Travis Fitzgerald has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Daniel Plude.
Plude tries to score a body lock takedown but Fitzgerald shows good agility there to stay on his feet.
Fitzgerald scores a nice knee to the body.

Plude has picked Fitzgerald up - he's going for a ride! Plude dumps his opponent to the mat with a thud and settles into half guard.
Plude with a momentary lay and pray from half guard.
Plude trying to mount his opponent but Fitzgerald defends it.
Plude is trying to control the action in half guard but Fitzgerald is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Fitzgerald is trying to defend against the ground and pound but Plude scores with a couple of nice shots.
Plude wants to lay and pray for a moment but Fitzgerald keeps working.
Plude thows a big elbow that misses, also allowing Fitzgerald to regain full guard.
Plude with a couple of shots to the head there. Not particularly brutal.
Plude working in close now, lands a nice elbow to the side of Fitzgerald's head.
Fitzgerald being controlled here, momentarily.
Plude trying to control the position from guard on top but Fitzgerald is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Plude looking to sit in guard and control but Fitzgerald gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top.
Fitzgerald trying to control the position from guard on top but Plude is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Fitzgerald accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.

Plude throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.
Fitzgerald throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Plude keeping full guard, as Fitzgerald tries to pass.
Plude tries to land a sweep but no joy.

The referee has ruled that neither fighter is active enough on the ground and has stood them back up.
Fitzgerald tries to clinch but Plude moves out of range.

Fitzgerald clinches up with Plude and pushes him back against the cage.
Plude letting Fitzgerald take a breather here.
Fitzgerald looking to slow down the pace here.

Plude has clasped his hands together around Fitzgerald's back... aaand, he's got a takedown into side control. Nicely done.
Fitzgerald wants to get back to his feet but Plude drags him back down.
Fitzgerald is trying to improve his position.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close fourth round but Daniel Plude will probably get the nod - 10:9.
That's the end of the interval. I'm sure that seemed a lot quicker than a minute for our two fighters! Back to the action. This is the final round!

Fitzgerald slips a jab and a cross from Plude.
Plude takes an uppercut right on the button but keeps his composure.
Fitzgerald tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Plude paws at him with a jab and circles away.

Plude gets a takedown into half guard.
Plude not doing much here.
Plude tries to pass to full mount but Fitzgerald defends it.
Plude stops Fitzgerald from getting back to his feet.
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.
Plude looking to pass the half guard. Not this time.
Fitzgerald is trying to get back to full guard.
Plude looks to score some points with some ground and pound.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Plude moves into full mount! Fitzgerald won't be happy about that!
Fitzgerald takes a big shot to the head but keeps on trying to improve his position.
Fitzgerald is looking to improve his position but Plude isn't that keen on the idea.
Plude is trying to control here but Fitzgerald has managed to regain half guard.
Plude trying to control from half guard but Fitzgerald is working away.

Fitzgerald has guillotine here! It looks pretty tight! Could this be all over! No, Plude escapes and passes into side control at the same time. Nice work there by Plude!
Fitzgerald is looking to regain half guard here but Plude keeps moving and retains side control.
Fitzgerald is not in a great position here, taking some shots.
Plude throws an elbow but Fitzgerald slips to the side and avoids it well.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Plude tries to move into full mount but can't pass Fitzgerald's legs.
Fitzgerald is not content to let Plude control the position.
Fitzgerald is working to avoid the ground and pound but Plude connects with a decent elbow.
Plude is looking to take a break and control but Fitzgerald is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Plude working away.
Plude passes to full mount! That's big trouble for Fitzgerald!
Fitzgerald is looking to improve his position but Plude isn't that keen on the idea.
Plude lands a couple of nice shots there from mount.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Plude trying to control but he's not successful this time.
Fitzgerald in a bad spot here, taking shots to the head.
Plude lands with some vicious ground and pound - can Fitzgerald hang on?
Fitzgerald slips a leg in and gets back to half guard.
Plude takes advantage of the dominant position to land a couple of big hammer fists.
Plude wants to lay and pray for a moment but Fitzgerald keeps working.
Plude uses his free foot to push down on Fitzgerald's thigh. Eventually he works his other foot free and he's advanced to mount - this is trouble for Fitzgerald.
Fitzgerald working to try and regain half guard.
Fitzgerald is in a horrible position here. Plude smacks him with another shot as he tries to escape the position.
Plude has his opponent pinned against the cage, landing some nasty ground and pound that is really making a bit of a mess out of Fitzgerald's face.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Plude wants to control the pace but Fitzgerald is squirming around nicely.
Plude tucks in and makes sure he doesn't lose the dominant position.
Plude throwing sloppy strikes, which aren't doing any damage.
A nice elbow there by Plude.
Plude can't quite control the action as he would like just now, as Fitzgerald is looking to escape.
Fitzgerald is really trying hard to get back to his feet.

And that's the end of the fight!
Daniel Plude comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think Plude has won this one but let's see whether the judges agree with me. Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 5 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Robert Douchet scores the fight 47:48
Judge Gregory Folan scores the fight 47:48
Judge Ian Loll scores the fight 47:48

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