FNF 28 - Poison Apparel III PBP Commentary

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Josh Sanders (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Sam Carwin (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Josh Sanders has the better chin. Will he look to stand and bang today?

Sanders
vs
Carwin

195 cm
21
245 lbs
2 - 2 - 0

186 cm
23
252 lbs
1 - 1 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Self confident

BJJ Purple Belt
Basic striking
Very confident

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 2 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Josh Sanders!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Sam Carwin!
The judges for this bout are Timothy Bukovac, and .

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Sanders tries to bum rush Carwin with a series of wild strikes but Carwin uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Sanders fails to land with a series of punches.
Sanders fails to land with a series of punches.
Sanders misses with the combination.
Carwin throws a hook to the side of Sanders's head but Sanders sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.

Carwin drives through with a really nice takedown into side control.
Carwin scoring with punches and elbows.
Sanders is trying to escape and get back to his feet.

Carwin wants to work for a kimura but he's foiled early by Sanders, who protects the arm well.

Carwin is looking to finish here, going for an Americana. Sanders knows the correct defense though, so he's OK.

Carwin wants to work for a kimura but he's foiled early by Sanders, who protects the arm well.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Sanders is trying to get back to half guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Carwin looks up at the clock and then as Sanders takes his cue and looks up at the clock too, Carwin smacks him right in the chops with a big elbow! How rude!
Sanders is working hard to escape and get back to his feet. After a battle for position, Carwin asserts his dominance and retains side control.
Carwin lands a nice forearm strike.

Carwin wants to work for a kimura but he's foiled early by Sanders, who protects the arm well.
Carwin throwing strikes but missing, from side control.
Sanders is putting a lot of effort into getting back to his feet here.
Sanders is breathing heavily.

Carwin is looking to finish here, going for an Americana. Sanders knows the correct defense though, so he's OK.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Sanders tries to escape but Carwin is in control.
Sanders takes an elbow right on the bridge of the nose and winces in pain.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.

Carwin tries for an arm triangle. That looks pretty tight to me. Is this one over!?! Possibly, maybe, no Carwin has let go of the choke. Obviously it wasn't as tight as we thought!
Carwin is putting a hurting on Sanders here, landing some big shots from side control.
Sanders is trying to stand back up. He's worked his way up against the cage but Carwin has just dragged him back down to the mat.
Carwin has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.

Carwin tries for an arm triangle. That looks pretty tight to me. Is this one over!?! Possibly, maybe, no Carwin has let go of the choke. Obviously it wasn't as tight as we thought!
Sanders takes an elbow right on the bridge of the nose and winces in pain.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Sloppy strikes there by Carwin.
Carwin scoring with punches from side control.
Carwin is putting a hurting on Sanders here, landing some big shots from side control.

Carwin tries for a kimura. Not really close to a finish though.
Sanders is trying to control Carwin's posture but Carwin avoids it.
Sanders is in a bad spot here and he knows it... just holding on for now.
Sanders is putting a lot of effort into getting back to his feet here.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.
Carwin lands a knee to the body and follows it up with some ground and pound to the head. That will wear Sanders down.
Sanders struggling a bit here.
Sanders is trying to get back to half guard.
Sanders takes an elbow right on the bridge of the nose and winces in pain.

Carwin is looking to finish here, going for an Americana. Sanders knows the correct defense though, so he's OK.

Carwin is trying to get an arm triangle but Sanders is defending well.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Carwin postures up a little and throws a couple of hammerfists but they don't connect properly.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Sam Carwin dominated that round.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!

Sanders connects with a good right hand that stumbles Carwin. Carwin circles away out of range and recomposes himself.
Carwin tries to clinch up but Sanders circles away and keeps his distance.
Sanders throws a series of punches but Carwin moves out of range.
Well, he's not going to score with shots like that. A lazy body kick attempt from Carwin.
Josh Sanders is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Sanders fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Carwin thuds a left hand into Sanders's body.

Carwin shoots in for a takedown and gets it. Let's see what he's got on the mat.
Carwin trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Carwin stands up over Sanders, holding his feet. He dives back in and lands a decent shot to the head.
Sanders wants to stand up but Carwin is controlling him.
Carwin is pushing down on Sanders's leg trying to pass to half guard. Sanders is fighting to maintain full guard but Carwin has managed to sneak the leg through.
Carwin scoring with strikes to the body and head.

Carwin is trying for a guillotine from the top but the pressure isn't in the right place so Sanders is just riding it out for now. Carwin eventually gives up the hold.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Sanders is trying to stand.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Carwin is working for a kimura but Sanders is defending it quite comfortably.
Sanders is trying to stand.
Sanders wants to control but Carwin is keeping busy and won't allow it.

Carwin is trying a forearm choke… I don't think that's going to do much at this level of the game.
Both fighters really going for it on the ground here!
Sanders looks like he's trying to stand up.

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

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.

Carwin is looking for an arm triangle, whilst trying to pass to side control. Sanders doesn't seem that keen to cooperate though. No luck this time Carwin.
Carwin is pressing down on Sanders's thigh, looking to free his foot. Sanders is holding on for now.
Sanders preventing any damage for now, controlling his opponent's head.
Sanders wants to get back to his feet.

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

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Carwin not landing any meaningful shots this time.
Sanders is trying to stand back up but Carwin is controlling him
Carwin is looking to advance position but Sanders won't allow it.
Sanders trying to control but Carwin postures up.
Carwin trying to mount his opponent but Sanders defends it.
Carwin missing with the ground and pound from half guard.

The referee has ruled that neither fighter is active enough on the ground and has stood them back up.
Sanders with a nice looking leg kick. You could hear that one land in a back row.
Carwin ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Sanders moves away.
Sanders rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Carwin moves out of range and avoids them all easily.

Carwin gets a takedown into half guard.
Carwin is looking to advance position but Sanders won't allow it.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Sanders is looking to escape.

Carwin in half guard on the top. He's looking for a kimura... He's got it locked and he's managed to free his trapped foot. Sanders tries to escape but it's on too tight and he has to tap! Great BJJ skills there from Carwin!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:37 of round 2, we have a winner by way of Submission (Kimura). Sam Carwin!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
50%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Don Kane (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Gastin Gloc (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Gloc is bobbing his head along to his entrance song: Why Can't We Be Friends? by War. Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the cage.

Kane
vs
Gloc

200 cm
21
265 lbs
4 - 3 - 0

189 cm
19
280 lbs
3 - 2 - 0

Good takedowns
Counter striker
KO power

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Determined

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 4 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Don Kane!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 3 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Gastin Gloc!
The judges for this bout are Frank Antenori, Jack Bonds and .

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Gloc tries to clinch but Kane is having none of it.
Gloc shoots in but Kane avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Gloc tries to clinch but Kane moves out of range.
Gloc tries to clinch up but Kane circles away and keeps his distance.
Gloc is looking to take this fight into the clinch.

Kane forces Gloc back against the cage and clinches.
Kane jumps guard but Gloc stands there with Kane around his waist. Kane gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch.
Gloc misses with a knee strike.
Kane drops to a knee looking for a takedown but Gloc gets the underhooks and prevents it.
Gloc with an attempt at a knee that misses.
Kane jumps guard but Gloc stands there with Kane around his waist. Kane gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Don Kane. That's going to take a lot out of him.

Gloc gets a trip takedown into half guard.
Kane has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Gloc is working away from the top position though.
Gloc throwing shots but Kane is blocking nicely.
Kane makes his way to full guard. A much better position for Kane.
Kane trying to strike from the bottom but really, it's not the best position to be doing that from!

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kane throwing some rather feeble looking strikes off his back.

Kane working for a triangle but Gloc defends it easily.
Kane looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Gloc throwing strikes but missing.
Kane looking to control the pace of the fight rather than finish it.
Kane working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Gloc.
Gloc works over Kane with some ground and pound from guard.
Gloc must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.
Gloc wants to control from the top but Kane keeps moving.
Gloc is looking to work some ground and pound but Kane has wrist control.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Kane is edging up against the cage. He's using the cage to get back to his feet. Nice work there - the fighters are clinched.
Kane tries to pull guard but can't drag his opponent to the mat. Gloc just stands there and leans against the cage.

Gloc pulls guard successfully.
Gloc controls Kane momentarily but Kane frees himself.

Gloc working for a triangle but Kane defends it easily.
Kane stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Gloc swivels though and keeps the full guard.

The fighters are going at a pretty good pace and they're both starting to sweat now.
Gloc is working an open guard so Kane takes the opportunity to get back to his feet.
Gloc closes the distance looking to clinch

and Kane counters with a shoot takedown. Gloc fights it but they end up in guard.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Kane is breathing heavily.
Gloc trying to control the position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Gloc striking off his back.

Gloc had isolated an arm as going for an omaplata. Kane is defending the submission well but is in a very vulnerable position. Gloc Is leaning forward trying to finish the omaplata but decides to abandon it, and take Kane's back instead.
Kane wants to get back to his feet.
Kane is keeping busy.
Gloc connects with a series of strikes and the referee is calling for Kane to escape the position.
Kane tries to break free.
Gloc is controlling the position but Kane somehow manages to roll and ends up with half guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Gloc is looking to take a break and control but Kane is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.

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.
Gloc is thwarting Kane's attempts to control the position.
Gloc wants to control but Kane is keeping him busy.
Gloc seems to be taking a bit of a break to think of his next move. He lands a short punch in the meantime.
Kane slips a foot under and gets full guard. Nice work.
Gloc 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.
Kane keeping moving, preventing Gloc from controlling successfully.

Gloc avoids a guillotine attempt easily.
Gloc working some strikes from top position.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Gloc tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Gloc looks to clinch

and Kane counters with a takedown into full mount! That could mean trouble for Gloc!
Gloc keeping his composure momentarily, calmly looking to get back to half guard.
Gloc tries to hold on but Kane postures up.
Don Kane overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Gloc sneaks a leg back under and regains half guard and is working straight away to try and get back to guard. He hasn't managed just yet though.

Kane wants to work for an arm triangle but Gloc is really keeping half guard well and defending the submission attempt.
Gloc gets full guard.
Kane wants to get up but he can't break Gloc's closed guard. He needs to be careful trying to break the legs open, as he's open to submissions here.
Gloc is looking to stand up but Kane isn't so interested in that idea.
Kane wants to get up but he can't break Gloc's closed guard. He needs to be careful trying to break the legs open, as he's open to submissions here.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Gloc is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kane wants to control from the top but Gloc keeps moving.
Gloc throws some sloppy strikes off his back.

It looks like we're going to have a standup here. Neither fighter is doing enough on the ground.
Gloc throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Gloc wants to clinch

and Kane decides to take the opportunity to score a takedown. He's landed in Gloc's guard.
Gloc wants to sweep here but Kane controlling him for the moment.
Gloc controls Kane momentarily but Kane frees himself.

Gloc looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.
Gloc throws some sloppy strikes off his back.
Gloc preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Kane drops back, looking for a kneebar! Gloc looks panicked! The fighters roll across the mat, one looking to finish, one looking to escape. Gloc looks to have wriggled free... Yes, he's got his leg free and he's dived into side control! Good work there from Gloc!
Kane is working to avoid the ground and pound but Gloc connects with a decent elbow.
Gloc scoring with punches from side control.
Gloc working away.
Kane tries to bench press Gloc off him but Gloc keeps the position.
Gloc lands a knee to the body and a forearm to the face.
Kane is looking to regain half guard here but Gloc keeps moving and retains side control.
Kane takes a couple of big shots there - the referee warns him that he has to defend himself better.
Gloc cracks Kane with an elbow. That is naaassty.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Gloc working away diligently from side control. Landing strikes effectively there - that will score him some points on the judges scorecards.
Gloc lands an elbow.
Kane is looking for a sweep.
Gloc landing with strikes to the head and body from side control.
Kane tries to work a leg under to get back to half guard but Gloc wriggles his own leg back out and remains in side control.
Kane takes a nasty elbow to the side of the head.
Kane is pushing Gloc's head away, looking to escape. Gloc manages to hold on to the position though.

Gloc tries for a kimura. Not really close to a finish though.
Gloc in side control, trying to ground and pound but not landing this time.
Kane wants to control but Gloc postures up.
Gloc scoring with punches from side control.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kane is looking to reverse the position.

It looks like we're going to have a standup here. Neither fighter is doing enough on the ground.
Gloc wants to clinch but Kane slips to the side

and Kane counters with a nice shoot takedown that brings the fighters to the ground.
Gloc working a defensive guard here.
Kane is pushing down on Gloc's leg trying to pass to half guard. Gloc is fighting to maintain full guard but Kane has managed to sneak the leg through.
Gloc is pressing down on Kane's left leg trying to get back to full guard. He's managed it.
Gloc keeping moving, preventing Kane from controlling successfully.
Gloc looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Gloc trying to punch from his back but it's not doing any damage.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Gloc controls Kane momentarily but Kane frees himself.
Kane trying to control the position from guard on top but Gloc is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Don Kane dominated that second round.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action! This is the final round!

Gloc tries to clinch there but Kane circles away.
Gloc wants to clinch

and Kane counters with a nice shoot takedown that brings the fighters to the ground.
Gloc looking for a sweep. Not yet Gloc, not yet.
Gloc is trying to control the position but Kane postures up.
Kane wants to pass the guard but Gloc is keeping the position.
Kane wants to control from the top but Gloc keeps moving.
Gloc wants to sweep but no luck.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Gloc is persisting with the attempt to improve his position.

Gloc looking for a guillotine here but Kane defends easily.
Gloc throwing strikes off his back to little effect.

That's one minute gone in the round.

The referee has ruled that neither fighter is active enough on the ground and has stood them back up.
Kane scores with a nice looking left hook and follows it up with an uppercut!
Don Kane is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.

Kane scores with a nice takedown into half guard. Let's see what he's got on the ground.
Gloc is trying to control but Kane manages to pass to mount!
Kane controlling the pace for now.
Gloc tries to hold on but Kane pushes him away.
Gloc is trying desperately to improve position.
Gloc wants to hold on but Kane pushes him away.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kane trying to control but Gloc is having none of it.
Gloc looks out of his depth in this position - he's holding on tight.
Gloc wants to hold on but Kane pushes him away.
Kane is landing with some decent strikes but Gloc is trying to advance his position so the referee is letting the fight continue.
Kane lands with some vicious ground and pound - can Gloc hang on?

Kane get's back to his feet.
Gloc clinches but Kane breaks the clinch

and Kane counters with a shoot takedown into half guard.
The fans in attendance giving it up for the two fighters, who have really let it all hang out in the last minute or so!
Gloc tries to roll over but Kane keeps him under control.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Gloc trying to hold on to Kane's head to control him but Kane postures up.
Kane thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Gloc's head.
Gloc is trying to maintain the position but Kane is very close to passing his half guard.
Gloc is striking from the bottom but he's now found himself mounted! Oh dear - not enough focus on defense there.
Gastin Gloc has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Kane scoring with strikes but Gloc is staying in there.
Kane blocks Gloc's feeble attempts to strike from the bottom.
Gloc can't escape the position.
Kane looking to control but Gloc is working nicely, looking to advance position himself.
Kane will need to keep those long limbs tucked in whilst he's on the ground, to prevent any submissions.
Kane has his opponent pinned against the cage, landing some nasty ground and pound that is really making a bit of a mess out of Gloc's face.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.
Poor strikes thrown by Kane there. More accuracy and less frantic strikes would help!
Kane unloads with some shots from mount but Gloc bucks and avoids them well.
Gloc tries to lock up and control but Kane gives him a forearm to the face and pushes him away.
Kane throwing sloppy strikes here. Perhaps if he tightened up his striking from such a dominant position, he'd be able to finish easier.

Kane is looking to secure an arm. He's managed it! He's pivoting for an armbar - that looks tight! But Gloc has managed to get out of it and now he's in a dominant position. Nice work from Gloc!
Kane wants to get back to his feet but Gloc is in a dominant position and won't allow it.
Don Kane is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Gloc throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Kane works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Gloc working from the guard for now, landing some ground and pound.
Gloc with a flurry of punches that miss.
Gloc postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.

And that's the end of the fight!
Don Kane showed his dominance in that final round.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Kane, winning every round. Will the judges agree? They are the ones who matter, even if they are often depressingly incompetent. Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Frank Antenori scores the fight 30:27
Judge Jack Bonds scores the fight 30:27
Judge Percy O'Donnell scores the fight 30:27

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Don Kane!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
61%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Kale Ravenal (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Marek Maalihe (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). I can't wait for this one - let's get the fighter introductions out of the way and get this one started!

Ravenal
vs
Maalihe

180 cm
19
179 lbs
2 - 1 - 0

180 cm
23
180 lbs
3 - 2 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Counter striker
Very strong

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Intelligent

Forbidden Apple

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 2 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Kale Ravenal!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 3 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Marek Maalihe!
The judges for this bout are Jack Bonds, and .

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Ravenal misses with a takedown attempt - Maalihe sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Maalihe keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Ravenal.
Maalihe swinging wilding here.
Maalihe tries to close the distance and clinch but Ravenal swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Ravenal avoids a punch combination nicely.
Maalihe tries to close the distance and clinch up but Ravenal swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Maalihe misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Ravenal.
Ravenal throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Maalihe sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Nice sprawl there from Maalihe as Ravenal shoots in.
Ravenal takes a nice looking leg kick right on the meat of his thigh there.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Maalihe fails to land with a series of punches.
Ravenal chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Maalihe can pounce on him.
Ravenal is breathing heavily.
Maalihe fails to land with a series of punches.
Maalihe slips under a jab.
Maalihe moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Maalihe throws a head kick that misses.
Ravenal is on the wrong end of a nice combination from Maalihe.

It looks like Kale Ravenal has been cut.
Maalihe lands with a kick to the temple. Ravenal shrugs as if to say "is that all you've got?"
Maalihe moves into range and throws a lovely three punch combination.
Ravenal will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Kale Ravenal. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Maalihe misses with a two punch combination.
Maalihe sizes up Ravenal with a pawing jab and scores with a straight right down the middle.
Maalihe throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Maalihe takes a jab on the nose. He smiles like he loves it and keeps coming.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Maalihe thows a body kick. Ravenal tries to catch it but that hurt him.
Maalihe lands a jab. Then a cross. Then finally a nice hook to the body. Good work there by Maalihe.
Ravenal avoids a punch combination nicely.
Marek Maalihe seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Ravenal takes one on the button.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Maalihe dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Maalihe fails to land with a series of punches.

Ravenal shoots in for a takedown and gets it. Oh and he's advanced to full mount straight away.
Poor strikes thrown by Ravenal there. More accuracy and less frantic strikes would help!
Ravenal throwing shots from mount but they're not landing.
Ravenal misses with a series of strikes from mount. He'll no doubt be working on his ground and pound when he gets back to the gym.
Maalihe is squirming around, avoiding Ravenal's attempts to control the action.
Maalihe holding onto his opponent's waist for dear life, as Ravenal tries to land some strikes to get him to release his grip.
Ravenal controlling from mount.
Ravenal lands a shot to the body, followed up by a shot to the exposed head of his trapped opponent.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Maalihe is writhing around trying to get back to his feet.
Ravenal is still in mount, landing shots to his trapped opponent. Maalihe can't stay in a position like this for much longer.
Maalihe is desperately trying to get back to half guard.
Maalihe is bucking up trying to escape but Ravenal cracks him with another couple of good strikes.
Ravenal trying to control but he's not successful this time.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Ravenal scores with a couple of good head shots there.
Maalihe is bucking up trying to escape but Ravenal cracks him with another couple of good strikes.
Maalihe is really trying hard to get back to his feet.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Maalihe wants to control but Ravenal is having none of it.
The crowd growing excited in anticipation of a finish here! Right on cue, Ravenal cracks his opponent with a massive right hand that draws loud cheers!
Ravenal with good strikes from the mount here!
Ravenal lands a shot to the body, followed up by a shot to the exposed head of his trapped opponent.
Ravenal tucks in and makes sure he doesn't lose the dominant position.
Ravenal blocks Maalihe's feeble attempts to strike from the bottom.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Ravenal lands with some strikes.
Maalihe takes a big shot to the head but keeps on trying to improve his position.

Maalihe is rocked!
Ravenal raining down shots from the mount!
Maalihe is still in real trouble! Can Ravenal finish him?
Ravenal cracks Maalihe with a big head shot that has him covering up instantly! He's rolled onto his side and the referee has seen enough - this one is aaaaaaaaaaall over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:57 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Kale Ravenal!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
71%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between The Drunk (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Albert Ashton (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the cage.

Drunk
vs
Ashton

180 cm
19
185 lbs
4 - 5 - 0

178 cm
23
190 lbs
4 - 2 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Brawler
Experienced

Good takedowns
Brawler
Determined

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the middleweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 4 - 5 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, The Drunk!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 4 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Albert Ashton!
The judges for this bout are , Frank Antenori and Jack Bonds.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Ashton bobs and weaves into range and then changes levels and scores with a nice takedown into side control.
Drunk wants to escape from the position here - easier said than done!
Drunk manages to get one leg in to regain half guard.
Ashton thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Drunk's head.

Ashton is looking for a kimura. It's pretty deep but Drunk still has the half guard so he's probably OK. Oh, Drunk has exploded into a beautiful escape there and after a quick scramble, he's ended up in side control on top! Nice work!

Drunk has had enough of the ground for now and decides to stand.

Drunk gets the takedown into side control.

Drunk tries for a kimura. Not really close to a finish though.
Ashton tries to bench press Drunk off him but Drunk keeps the position.
Ashton is not content to let Drunk control the position.
Ashton has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.

Drunk stands up and we're back to a striking position.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Ashton feints and then dives in with a takedown. That was a long way out but the feint bought him enough time to close the distance and complete the takedown. Now we'll play guard for a bit and see who can get the better of that position.

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

Ashton thinks about going for a leg but decides against it, in order to maintain the position.
Drunk trying to keep a closed guard but Ashton is proving a slippery customer.
Drunk throwing strikes off his back to little effect.
Both fighters really going for it on the ground here!
Drunk trying to control the position.
Ashton stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Drunk swivels though and keeps the full guard.

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

Drunk has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Ashton can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.
Drunk is breathing heavily.
Ashton missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Neither fighter is doing enough for the referee's liking and he's decided to stand them back up.
Drunk tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Ashton paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Ashton throws a leg kick but Drunk sees it coming and checks it nicely.

Ashton shoots in and gets a takedown into half guard. Ashton showed some decent athleticism there.

Ashton is looking for an arm triangle, whilst trying to pass to side control. Drunk doesn't seem that keen to cooperate though. No luck this time Ashton.
Drunk flails away from the bottom but he's not doing any damage.
Drunk is trying to get back to full guard.

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

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Ashton is trying to work for a kimura but Drunk is defending well.
Drunk has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Ashton is working away from the top position though.

Ashton is trying to work for a kimura. He's got his hands clasped together - this could be trouble! No, Drunk has managed to free his arm - good work.

The referee has ruled that neither fighter is active enough on the ground and has stood them back up.
Drunk shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Ashton as he avoids it easily.
Drunk fails with an attempt to clinch.
Ashton shoots and misses

and Drunk counters with a nice double leg into guard.
Drunk scoring with punches to the head and body.
Drunk keeps in close for a moment and lands a decent shot to the side of Ashton's head.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Ashton preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

Ashton had isolated an arm as going for an omaplata. Drunk is defending the submission well but is in a very vulnerable position. Ashton Is leaning forward trying to finish the omaplata but decides to abandon it, and take Drunk's back instead.
Drunk wants to control his opponent's hands but Ashton gets his hands free.
Drunk turns into Ashton and is now in his guard.
Hammerfist, elbow! yells Drunk's corner. There ya go! There ya go!
Ashton has a closed guard, preventing Drunk from standing up.
Drunk has to be careful here, sitting in the guard of a superior BJJ player.

It looks like we're going to have a standup here. Neither fighter is doing enough on the ground.

Ashton shoots in for a takedown and gets it.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Drunk is trying to get back to full guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close round but I would say that The Drunk will probably get the nod.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.

Ashton bobs and weaves into range and then changes levels and scores with a nice takedown into side control.
Drunk pushes Ashton away and creates a bit of space to escape. He's almost out here... but no, Ashton gets a good hold of his legs and remains firmly in side control.
Drunk trying desperately to get back to his feet here but he's not having any joy at all. He's going to tire himself out if he's not careful.

Ashton thinks about going for a far side armbar but bails out and retains the dominant position instead.

Ashton is trying to land an Americana. He has the arm isolated but Drunk is keeping cool and he's avoided the danger for now.
Drunk wants to get back to his feet.

Ashton working hard here to secure a kimura but he's not really in the right position for it.

Ashton wants to work for a kimura but he's foiled early by Drunk, who protects the arm well.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Drunk is sneaking out the side here. He's bucked Ashton off and has taken his back!
A lull in the action here.
Drunk scores with some strikes to the side of the head there. Good, points scoring shots.
Drunk throwing wild punches that miss their target.
Drunk lands a punch to the side of the head from the back.
Drunk controlling well, preventing Ashton from escaping the position.
Drunk punishes Ashton with strikes from the back mount.
Drunk is trying to stick to Ashton's back but Ashton is turning into Drunk. He's managed to reverse the position - now he's in Drunk's guard. Polite applause from the crowd in appreciation of some nice Jiu Jitsu by Ashton.
Drunk throws a couple of weedy looking strikes off his back.
Drunk has control of Ashton's left arm, preventing Ashton from doing any damage.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Drunk wants to stand and escape but Ashton is having none of it.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

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

Drunk looking for a guillotine here but Ashton defends easily.
Ashton pushes down on Drunk's leg and manages to get into half guard.
Drunk is trying to get back to full guard.
Drunk is working hard here to advance position.

Ashton is looking for an arm triangle, whilst trying to pass to side control. Drunk doesn't seem that keen to cooperate though. No luck this time Ashton.

Drunk pushes Ashton off and gets back to his feet.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Ashton bobs and weaves into range and then changes levels and scores with a nice takedown into side control.

Ashton is looking to finish here, going for an Americana. Drunk knows the correct defense though, so he's OK.
Drunk is trying to stand back up. He's worked his way up against the cage but Ashton has just dragged him back down to the mat.

Ashton is working for what looks like an arm triangle here. Drunk is trying to escape and Ashton transitions quickly into an armbar! He's slapped it on tight and Drunk is forced to tap! Nice work there by Ashton! Very nice indeed!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:02 of round 2, we have a winner by way of Submission (Armbar). Albert Ashton!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
60%

Co-main event

Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between Raymond Granger (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Justin Martens (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). These two fighters really are very evenly matched on the feet - it will be fascinating to see who can assert themselves in that aspect of the fight.

Granger
vs
Martens

158 cm
23
135 lbs
5 - 0 - 0

176 cm
22
136 lbs
4 - 2 - 0

BJJ Brown Belt
Brawler
Big heart

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Solid chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the bantamweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 5 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Raymond Granger!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 4 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Justin Martens!
The judges for this bout are , Timothy Bukovac and Jack Bonds.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Granger throws a head kick but Martens moves out of range.
Martens throws a low kick but his opponent is out of range.
Raymond Granger seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Martens keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.

Martens drives through with a takedown into guard.
Martens is just sitting in guard, looking to avoid any submissions.
Martens trying to stand up but can't free himself from Granger's guard.
Granger looking to control.
Martens is taking a break and basically stalling. The referee will not allow him to do that for long.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Martens wants to pass the guard but Granger is keeping the position.
Granger keeping moving, preventing Martens from controlling successfully.
Granger can't do much from the bottom at the moment, as Martens controls the pace.
Martens trying to control but Granger is working from the bottom.

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.
Granger is trying to control the position from the bottom.

It looks like we're going to have a standup here. Neither fighter is doing enough on the ground.
Martens's corner calls for a 1,2 combination and Martens duly obliges.
Granger lands a kick to the ribs of his opponent. Nice work there - in and out in a flash.
Granger pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Martens looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Martens throws a head kick that misses.
Granger pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Martens misses with a series of wild punches.
Granger takes a nice looking leg kick right on the meat of his thigh there.
Granger tries to clinch up.
Martens throws a series of strikes that have Granger backpedaling.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Granger misses with a takedown

and Martens counters into the clinch. Nicely done.

Martens has hold of one of Granger's legs. Granger is fighting the takedown attempt but Martens gets the trip and lands the takedown into guard.
Martens sitting in guard here, content to control.
Granger has control of Martens's left arm, preventing Martens from doing any damage.
Martens working some strikes from top position.

Granger is looking for a triangle here but Martens uses the submission attempt to pass into side control.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Martens working away.
Granger tries to buck Martens off but Martens is having none of it.
Martens really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Granger. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.
Martens trying to control the action but Granger is working from the bottom.
Granger manages to get one leg in to regain half guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Martens throws out a powerful jab.
Martens fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Granger manages to avoid it.
Martens is a painfully thin specimen of a man. You do wonder whether a good body kick would snap him clean in two.
Granger misses with a head kick.
Granger gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily

and Martens counters by moving into the clinch. Good anticipation by Martens.
Granger wants a takedown.
Granger wants to push off and get back to the center of the mat but Martens has him pressed against the cage.

Martens works for the underhooks and manages to get a trip takedown into guard.
Martens postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.

Martens stands and steps away. Granger gets to his feet too and we're back to the striking game.
Martens moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
Martens throws a sloppy head kick and Granger moves out of range easily.
Martens connects with a slap. Keep your fist closed son.
Granger shoots and misses

and Martens counters with a takedown into side control.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Raymond Granger. That's going to take a lot out of him.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Martens decides to take the fight back to the feet.

Martens 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.
Granger is looking to control Martens's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Granger avoid being mounted?
Martens trying to control the action but Granger is working from the bottom.
Martens wants to pass to mount but Granger is defending the position.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Martens trying to control from half guard but Granger is working away.
Martens tries to stand and escape but Granger is controlling the position.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

Granger actively working from the bottom here.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Martens tries to pass to full mount but Granger defends it.

The referee has ruled that neither fighter is active enough on the ground and has stood them back up.
Granger tries to clinch but fails miserably

and Martens decides to take the opportunity to score a takedown. He's landed in Granger's guard.

Granger throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.

Martens stands and steps away. Granger gets to his feet too and we're back to the striking game.
Martens is breathing heavily.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Martens throws a sloppy head kick and Granger moves out of range easily.
Martens misses with a series of wild punches.
Martens looks to land a combination but Granger avoids it well.
Martens wants to clinch up but Granger keeps it at a distance.
A combination from Martens does no damage.
Granger is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Martens throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Granger's waist but Granger gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Martens off to one side.
Boom, another hit is landed. "You're gunna get knocked out" taunts Martens, as that shot connected.
A lazy body kick from Martens
and Granger counters with a solid body kick.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Granger shoots and misses

and Martens counters with a driving takedown into guard. Nice work there by Martens.
The fans in attendance giving it up for the two fighters, who have really let it all hang out in the last minute or so!

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

Justin Martens showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
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.

Martens stuffs the takedown.
Martens throws a one two combo.
Martens misses with a head kick.
Martens throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Granger's waist but Granger gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Martens off to one side.
Granger wants to clinch but Martens slips to the side
and Martens counters with a head kick. That will keep Granger thinking before he tries any more sloppy attacks!
Granger wants to clinch
and Martens counters with a thumping low kick.
Granger looks to clinch

and Martens counters by moving into the clinch.
Granger tries a knee to the head but Martens blocks it.
Martens wants to break the clinch but can't.
Martens is using his reach advantage to land shots from outside his opponent's range.
Granger tries to stall but Martens uses the opportunity to gain a better position.

Martens escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Martens walks forward and throws out a flicking leg kick. Granger checks it nicely though, as he moves to the side.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Granger with a poor takedown

and Martens counters with a shoot takedown into half guard.
Granger is looking to control Martens's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Granger avoid being mounted?
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Martens is looking to take a break and control but Granger is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.

Martens is working for a kimura here but Granger manages to reverse the position and he's now in Martens's guard.
Granger wants to control from the top but Martens keeps moving.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Granger trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Martens is trying to control the position but Granger postures up.

Granger drops back, looking for a kneebar! Martens looks panicked! The fighters roll across the mat, one looking to finish, one looking to escape. Martens looks to have wriggled free... Yes, he's got his leg free and he's dived into side control! Good work there from Martens!
Granger manages to land a sweep and he's now on top! Lovely Jiu Jitsu!

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Martens is looking to improve his position.
Martens is persisting with the attempt to improve his position.
Justin Martens has got the better of the ground game so far.

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

Granger wants to work for an arm triangle but Martens is really keeping half guard well and defending the submission attempt.

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

Granger is trying for a guillotine from the top but the pressure isn't in the right place so Martens is just riding it out for now. Granger eventually gives up the hold.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Justin Martens really dominated that round.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!

Martens throws a head kick that misses
and Granger counters with a head kick. That will keep Martens thinking before he tries any more sloppy attacks!
Granger tries for a takedown but Martens circles away easily

and Martens counters with a shoot takedown into half guard.
Martens thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
Martens is looking to pass Granger's guard but actually Granger recovers to full guard.
Martens has decided he wants to stand but the closed guard of Granger is proving hard to escape from.
Granger is trying to control the position but Martens postures up.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Granger keeping moving, preventing Martens from controlling successfully.
Martens sneaks a leg through and gets to half guard. That was like a knife through butter how easily he passed Granger's guard.
Martens not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
Granger tries to get to full guard but Martens has control of the leg.

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.

Martens wants to work for an arm triangle but Granger is really keeping half guard well and defending the submission attempt.
Martens is absolutely dripping with sweat - he looks exhausted.
Martens thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.

Well, the referee has seen enough. Neither fighter is active enough on the ground so he's stood them back up.
Granger with a lazy takedown attempt

and Martens counters by moving into the clinch.

Martens breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Granger misses with an attempted mid kick.
Granger moves out of range of the body kick.
No joy there for Martens, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Raymond Granger is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Granger wants to clinch but Martens slips to the side

and Martens decides to take the opportunity to score a takedown. He's landed in Granger's guard.

Martens drops back looking for a leg! Granger is in trouble here! The fighters roll with the hold and Granger manages to kick Martens off! Martens jumps back into Granger's guard.
Martens wants to control from the top but Granger keeps moving.
Granger is trying to control the position but Martens postures up.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Granger wants to control but Martens passes easily into half guard.
Martens trying to control from half guard but Granger is working away.

Granger looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Justin Martens dominated that fourth round.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin! Ladies and gentlemen, this is the final round!

Martens blocks a head kick by Granger.
Granger tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Martens plants his feet and lands a nice head kick!
Granger sees a low kick coming and goes to check it, but it's actually a body kick and it thuds into his unprotected ribs.
Martens lands a nice looking kick to the body. Granger takes a step back to recover.
Martens throws a right and a left that both miss.

Martens decides to change it up a bit and drives through with a nice takedown into half guard.

Martens seems to be looking for submissions.
Granger is refusing to be controlled, as Martens sits in half guard.
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.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Granger is looking to control Martens's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Granger avoid being mounted?
Martens is looking to advance position but Granger won't allow it.

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.
Martens passes to full mount!

Martens goes for an armbar but Granger turns quickly into his guard - lovely anticipation from Granger.
Martens wants to stand but Granger is controlling the position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Martens tries to strike from the bottom.
Martens wants to control here, rather than go for any submissions from the bottom. At least for now.
Raymond Granger has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Granger advances to half guard.
Justin Martens is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.

That's four 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.
Martens trying to control but Granger postures up.
Martens gets back to full guard.
Granger wants to control from the top but Martens keeps moving.
Martens wants to control but Granger passes easily into half guard.

And that's the end of the fight!
Justin Martens comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
Well Martens has outworked and out performed his opponent in all aspects of the game today. He was simply too good and the decision should be no more than a formality. Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 5 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Suge Night scores the fight 45:50
Judge Timothy Bukovac scores the fight 45:50
Judge Jack Bonds scores the fight 45:50

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Justin Martens!
Justin Martens is the new bantamweight champion!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
72%

Main event

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Maximus Meridius (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Dennis Wise (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Maximus Meridius could well score a knockout today. He has the power to get to Dennis Wise's chin.

Meridius
vs
Wise

200 cm
23
279 lbs
6 - 0 - 0

187 cm
19
271 lbs
4 - 1 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Excellent boxer
KO power

BJJ Blue Belt
Decent boxing
Tends to cut

Rastafarii Clothing

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the heavyweight 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 Los Angeles, Maximus Meridius!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 4 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Dennis Wise!
The judges for this bout are , Jack Bonds and Frank Antenori.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Meridius tries to clinch up.
Wise circles away from the clinch attempt.
Meridius tries to close the distance and clinch up but Wise swats him away and circles back towards the center.
A nice inside leg kick there by Meridius. That's going to slow Wise down.
Wise looks gassed!
This has been an exciting period of action!
Wise keeps the fight on the outside.
Meridius doesn't manage to clinch there - Wise circles away.
Meridius wants to clinch.

The fight moves into the clinch position.

Meridius manages to break the clinch.
Meridius is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Meridius misses with a straight right.
Meridius tries to close the distance and clinch but Wise swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Meridius tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Wise paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Meridius wants to clinch.
Meridius tries to clinch there but Wise circles away.
Wise circles away from the clinch attempt.

That's one minute gone in the round.
The fight stays on the outside here - Meridius looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Meridius tries to clinch there but Wise circles away.
Meridius tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Wise paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Meridius throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Wise sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Meridius stuffs the takedown attempt from Wise. Wise gets slowly back to his feet.
Maximus Meridius seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.

Meridius clinches up against the cage.

Meridius escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Wise keeps the fight on the outside.
Meridius fails with an attempt to clinch.
Meridius is looking to chop away at Wise's legs.
Maximus Meridius is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Wise changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Meridius tries to avoid it but Wise manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Meridius to the ground. Meridius escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Meridius swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Meridius tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Wise throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd.
Meridius throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Wise moving in and out of range nicely, whilst landing the scoring shot.
Wise looks to land a right hand but Meridius moved out of range.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A decent looking cross lands there for Meridius.

It looks like Dennis Wise has been cut.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Meridius fakes a right and follows up with a big left that drops Wise to one knee - oooooh, he's wobbly! Wise looks to clinch but Meridius throws him off and pummels him into the canvas! Wise taps out under the strikes! The fight is over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:11 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Strikes). Maximus Meridius!
Maximus Meridius retains his heavyweight title!