APFC 11: Stone Vs Rogers PBP Commentary

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Ricardo Antunes (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Douglas Quaid (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Antunes comes to the ring accompanied by Snuff. Both fighters look pumped up here. Let's hope this is a good fight!

Antunes
vs
Quaid

185 cm
25
187 lbs
0 - 3 - 0

181 cm
22
199 lbs
1 - 0 - 0

Good takedowns
Solid boxing
Cuts easily

Good takedowns
Basic striking
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 0 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Ricardo Antunes!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Amsterdam, Douglas Quaid!
The judges for this bout are Aafke Stam, Albert Achterberg and Paul Aken.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Quaid changes levels and drives through with a really nice takedown into side control. Antunes looks really pissed at himself for not defending that better.
We may be looking at a referee standup if the pace doesn't pick up soon.
Quaid cracks Antunes with a big elbow.
Quaid creates a bit of distance and throws down some hard shots.
Antunes takes a couple of big shots there - the referee warns him that he has to defend himself better.
Antunes parries the strikes from Quaid easily there. Quaid is wary of posturing up too much because it might enable Antunes to escape.
Antunes tries to control the position but he's not in luck - Quaid easily slips into full mount!
A nice elbow there by Quaid.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Quaid landing strikes from the mount.
Antunes tries to get back to half guard but can't.
Quaid lands a big shot there that rocks Antunes but he's holding on and managing to survive for now.

Antunes is rocked!
Quaid looking to ground and pound his opponent to a finish here.
Oh Antunes is still in real trouble! Will he be able to recover?!!
Quaid lands a big shot to the head and Antunes winces in pain. He's tapped out due to strikes!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:58 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Strikes). Douglas Quaid!
During a confident post fight interview, Douglas Quaid thanked all his fans. He seemed very genuine when describing how motivated his fans keep him.

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
86%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Tyler Connors (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Hector Munez (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Connors comes to the ring accompanied by Stinkfist by Tool. Hector Munez will no doubt be looking to use his reach advantage to good effect.

Connors
vs
Munez

175 cm
21
170 lbs
2 - 3 - 0

200 cm
25
180 lbs
2 - 3 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Counter striker
Cuts easily

Good wrestler
Brawler
Granite chin

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 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Amsterdam, Tyler Connors!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 2 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Amsterdam, Hector Munez!
The judges for this bout are Albert Achterberg, Paulsen Ambrosius and Patrick Alders.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Munez shoots in for a takedown but Connors shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
A nice inside leg kick there by Munez. That's going to slow Connors down.

Munez gets a double leg takedown into Connors's guard.
The referee is asking the fighters to pick up the pace.
Connors working a defensive guard here.
Munez connects with a couple of short punches.
Munez wants to pass the guard but Connors is keeping the position.
Munez is a painfully thin specimen of a man. You do wonder whether a good body kick would snap him clean in two.
Munez is persisting with the attempt to improve his position.
Munez loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Munez postures up.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Munez wants to stand and escape but instead Connors has hit a sweep and he's now on top in guard.
We get told so often about how wrestlers don't like to be on their backs. Let's see if Munez can do anything to dispel that myth.
Connors trying to control but Munez is working from the bottom.
Munez looking to control the pace of the fight rather than finish it.
Connors looking to pass the guard.
Munez is pulling down on Connors's head. It's preventing any offense from Connors, at least for the moment.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

We're going to have a standup here because Tyler Connors wasn't active enough for the referee's liking.
The fight stays on the outside here - Munez looks like he's thinking about clinching though.

Munez feints and as Connors raises his hands in defense, Munez changes levels and drives through with a takedown into guard.
Munez postures up.
Munez is just sitting in guard, looking to avoid any submissions.
Munez trying to control but Connors is working from the bottom.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

The ref stands the fighters back up, due to lack of action by Hector Munez.

Munez shoots in and gets a takedown into Connors's guard.
Connors keeping moving, preventing Munez from controlling successfully.
Connors keeping full guard, as Munez tries to pass.
Connors is trying to control the position from the bottom.
Connors seems keen to control rather than go for a submission, at least for now.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
If this pace continues, the referee will definitely step in and force a standup.
Munez lands a nice shot whilst sitting in his opponent's guard.
Munez controlling from the top position.

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

Munez feints and as Connors raises his hands in defense, Munez changes levels and drives through with a takedown into guard.
Connors controls Munez momentarily but Munez frees himself.

Munez content to sit in guard, stalling... Great. Oh but he could get punished here because Connors has locked up a guillotine! Connors's face is contorted as he sqeezes tight on the submission attempt - will he finish? Munez is holding on here and Connors must be using up a lot of energy. Munez has gone limp! He's out! He's out cold! Connors gets to his feet, tossing aside his stricken foe. Arms raised, he milks the applause from the crowd. Great submission!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:59 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Guillotine). Tyler Connors!
Tyler Connors spent the whole post fight interview bigging himself up. It didn't go down that well with the fans after a while as they thought it was a bit arrogant.

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
33%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Wanderlei Silva (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Gilbert Melendez (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Man, I cannot wait for this one!

Silva
vs
Melendez

180 cm
31
167 lbs
11 - 8 - 0

175 cm
29
164 lbs
3 - 1 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Excellent boxer
KO power

Good wrestler
Counter striker
Solid chin

TFP Graphics - Pit Inc

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 11 - 8 - 0, fighting out of New York, Wanderlei Silva!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 3 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Amsterdam, Gilbert Melendez!
The judges for this bout are Albert Achterberg, Daniel Blasius and Wagner Zegers.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
A jab from Silva misses.
The fighters circling - Silva throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Silva loads up on a big right hand but Melendez slips the punch.
Silva avoids the body shot from Melendez.
Silva swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Silva throws a jab when Melendez was well out of range.
Wanderlei Silva seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Silva throws a series of punches but Melendez moves out of range.
Silva misses the jab.
Silva misses with a straight left.

Melendez bobs and weaves into range and then changes levels and scores with a nice takedown into side control.
We must be close to a standup if these guys don't pick up the pace.
Silva is looking to reverse the position.
Both fighters really going for it on the ground here!
Silva tries to control but Melendez manages to take his back.
Silva manages to reverse the position and now he's in Melendez's guard. Nice work there by Silva.
Silva passes Melendez's right leg, so he's now in half guard.
Melendez is trying to control but can't.
We get told so often about how wrestlers don't like to be on their backs. Let's see if Melendez can do anything to dispel that myth.

Melendez is defending against the submission attempts here by Silva.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Melendez trying to hold on to Silva's head to control him but Silva postures up.

Silva wants to work for an arm triangle but Melendez is really keeping half guard well and defending the submission attempt.
Melendez is not content to let Silva control the position.
Melendez makes his way to full guard. A much better position for Melendez.
Melendez keeping moving, preventing Silva from controlling successfully.
The fighters are trapped in the ropes so we're going to have a reposition here. The ref calls for a break and repositions the fighters in the center of the ring.

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

Silva is holding a leg here, probably looking for an ankle lock - he drops back and goes for it! Melendez is in trouble! Is it all over??? No! Melendez has escaped and now he's on top!
Silva avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Melendez tries to free his leg and advance position but Silva is retaining full guard.
Silva not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.

Silva looking for subs off his back but Melendez has passed one foot through into half guard.

The fighters are starting to get a bit slippery now, which will make submissions a bit more difficult.
Melendez is looking for an arm triangle, whilst trying to pass to side control. Silva doesn't seem that keen to cooperate though. No luck this time Melendez.
Silva has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Melendez is working away from the top position though.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!

Melendez is trying to work for a kimura. This could be trouble! No, Silva has managed to free his arm - good work.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Melendez trying to mount his opponent but Silva defends it.

Melendez is sneakily working for an arm triangle but Silva sees it coming and defends easily.

Silva actively working from the bottom here.
Silva is pressing down on Melendez's left leg trying to get back to full guard. He's managed it.

Silva is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Melendez defends well.

Silva working for a triangle but Melendez defends it easily.
Silva keeping full guard, as Melendez tries to pass.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

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

Silva looking for subs off his back but Melendez has passed one foot through into half guard.

Melendez is trying to work for a kimura but Silva is defending well.

Melendez is looking for an arm triangle, whilst trying to pass to side control. Silva doesn't seem that keen to cooperate though. No luck this time Melendez.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.

Silva looking for submissions off his back.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but Gilbert Melendez will probably get the nod.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

Silva throws a looping overhand right but Melendez ducks down to avoid it.
Silva tries to bum rush Melendez with a series of wild strikes but Melendez uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Melendez uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Silva.
A jab from Silva misses.
Melendez slips under a jab from Silva.
Silva thuds his right hand into Melendez's forehead from close range. That could be painful for both fighters.
Melendez will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
Silva throws a shot from downtown. Melendez moves away and avoids it.
Melendez keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Melendez uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Silva.
Silva thows a left - swing and a miss!
Melendez on the wrong end of a decent looking cross there.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Silva throws a series of punches but Melendez moves out of range.
Silva throws a hook to the side of Melendez's head but Melendez sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Melendez displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Silva throws out the jab.
Silva throws a big shot that misses.
Melendez uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Silva.

Silva gets caught napping as Melendez dives in and scores a takedown. Silva manages to retain guard.
Gilbert Melendez has got the better of the ground game so far.

Melendez is trying to work a guillotine from the top, or something like that? Don't know how he thinks he's going to get a finish from there.
Melendez wants to control from the top but Silva keeps moving.
Melendez postures up in Silva's guard and throws a big left but Silva blocks it.

Melendez thinks about going for a leg but decides against it, in order to maintain the position.
Melendez must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.
Melendez is taking a break and basically stalling. The referee will not allow him to do that for long.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Silva is looking for a triangle here but Melendez uses the submission attempt to pass into side control.
Melendez working away.
Melendez postures up a little and throws a couple of hammerfists but they don't connect properly.

Melendez is looking for a kimura. He might have it! No, Silva has escaped the position, nice work there.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Silva tries to bench press Melendez off him but Melendez keeps the position.

Melendez has worked his way into a potential kimura here. Silva is trying to get out of the position but his squirming has just got him deeper into trouble. Melendez yanks on the arm and Silva is forced to tap due to a very painful looking submission! Nice work by Melendez.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:58 of round 2, we have a winner by way of Submission (Kimura). Gilbert Melendez!
Gilbert Melendez bigged himself up after the win. The crowd seemed to love it.

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
51%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Cameron St John (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Mirko Emelianenko (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). St John comes to the ring accompanied by Wherever I May Roam. Both fighters really staring each other down here, as Mirko Emelianenko enters the ring!

St John
vs
Emelianenko

195 cm
23
255 lbs
2 - 0 - 0

217 cm
18
235 lbs
2 - 6 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Solid boxing
Granite chin

BJJ Blue Belt
Basic striking
Determined

Fighters First Nutrition
KAISER

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 - 0 - 0, fighting out of London, Cameron St John!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 2 - 6 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Mirko Emelianenko!
The judges for this bout are Radbod Blank, Nard Betker and Paul Aken.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

St John 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.
Emelianenko throwing strikes off his back to little effect.
Emelianenko throws a couple of shots from the bottom but they don't land.
St John lands a nice shot whilst sitting in his opponent's guard.
The fighters are tangled up in the ropes here. We might need a restart if the fighters can't break free themselves.
St John works over Emelianenko with some ground and pound from guard.
Emelianenko throws a couple of weedy looking strikes off his back.
St John stopping the sweep attempt from Emelianenko.
Emelianenko is trying to control the position from the bottom.
St John lands a couple of digs.
St John looking to control the position here, rather than advance.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
St John wants to stand but Emelianenko has a closed guard, so he can't escape.

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

That's one minute gone in the round.
Emelianenko throws some sloppy strikes off his back.
St John has decided he wants to stand but the closed guard of Emelianenko is proving hard to escape from.
St John might be looking to lock onto one of his opponent's long limbs for a submission, whilst we're on the ground.
Emelianenko wants to stand but St John is controlling the position.
Emelianenko has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
Emelianenko can't do much from the bottom at the moment, as St John controls the pace.
Emelianenko wants to sweep but no luck.

The ref stands the fighters back up. Cameron St John wasn't doing enough on the ground.

Emelianenko gets caught on his heels momentarily as he allows St John to score an easy takedown into full guard.
St John tries to stand but Emelianenko is controlling from the bottom.
St John lands a couple of elbows.
St John is working Emelianenko over from the guard. He should look to pass the guard and do a little more damage with these strikes.

Emelianenko working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. St John doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. St John manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.
Emelianenko looks gassed!
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!
The fighters are going at a pretty good pace and they're both starting to sweat now.
St John works a leg free and moves into half guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
St John passes the guard and advances to mount!
St John controlling his opponent.
St John has his opponent pinned against the ropes, landing some nasty ground and pound that is really making a bit of a mess out of Emelianenko's face.
St John controlling his opponent.
St John knows he needs to get back to his feet asap. He's simply no match for Emelianenko on the ground.

St John is working on an americana here. Ooh, that looks pretty nasty! Nope, Emelianenko has managed to escape the submission attempt.
The fighters are trapped in the ropes so we're going to have a reposition here. The ref calls for a break and repositions the fighters in the center of the ring.

St John looking to secure an arm triangle but Emelianenko defends it well.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Emelianenko throwing hammer fists to the chest of St John. What's that going to do exactly?
Emelianenko throwing punches from his back but nothing is landing.
Emelianenko is desperately trying to improve his position but St John has a good base and remains in mount.
St John looking to ground and pound his opponent to a finish here.

Emelianenko is rocked!
Emelianenko is trying desperately to improve position.
Emelianenko is still in real trouble! Can St John finish him?
Both fighters really going for it on the ground here!
Emelianenko takes a big shot to the dome and his eyes have rolled back in his head! St John's killer instinct has kicked in as he finishes the fight with more strikes. Impressive finish.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:50 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Cameron St John!
Cameron St John gave a mention to Fighters First Nutrition in his post fight interview. That will please them (and hopefully generate some sales).

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
70%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between John Howard (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Michael Bisping (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Both fighters really staring each other down here, as Michael Bisping enters the ring!

Howard
vs
Bisping

178 cm
32
192 lbs
14 - 11 - 0

180 cm
26
185 lbs
2 - 2 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Excellent boxer
Very strong

BJJ White Belt
Excellent boxer
Very confident

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 14 - 11 - 0, fighting out of Amsterdam, John Howard!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 2 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Amsterdam, Michael Bisping!
The judges for this bout are Saam Ante, Radbod Blank and Paulsen Ambrosius.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Howard looks to land a left hand but Bisping moved out of range nicely.
Bisping steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Howard.
Howard lands a lovely overhand right.
Howard tries to clinch up against the ropes, rushing in the close the distance. Bisping manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Howard uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Bisping.
Howard lands with a hook. Bisping tried to avoid it but it clipped the top of his head.
Bisping throws a jab when Howard was well out of range.
The fighters circle momentarily. Howard darts into range and connects with a nice straight punch.
Bisping misses with a body shot.
Howard misses with a looping right.
Howard misses the jab.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Howard looks to score with a jab to the body but Bisping is just out of range.
Howard scores with a shot to the body.
Howard swings for the body but Bisping moves out of range.
Howard looks to score with a jab to the body but Bisping is just out of range.
Bisping uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Howard.
Howard thuds a left hand into Bisping's body.
Howard tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Bisping was well out of range. Poor timing from Howard.
Howard ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Bisping moves away.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The fight stays on the outside here - Howard looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Howard throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Howard swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Howard fakes and then throws a beautiful body shot. Bisping looks a bit winded and takes a step backwards to take a breath.
Howard takes a swing at Bisping's ribcage but misses.
A looping hook to the body misses from Howard. Bisping does a little dance to reset his feet.
Howard is looking to wear down Bisping with body shots, infact he's throwing more body shots than head shots at the moment.
Howard is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Howard connects with a slap. Keep your fist closed son.
John Howard seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Bisping displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Howard throws out the jab.
Bisping misses with a right hand
and Howard counters with a stiff right hand.
Bisping avoids the body shot from Howard.
A looping hook to the body misses from Howard. Bisping does a little dance to reset his feet.
Howard thows a body shot but no joy.
Howard swings for the body but Bisping moves out of range.
Howard ducks under a wild hook from Bisping.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A looping hook to the body misses from Howard. Bisping does a little dance to reset his feet.
Bisping uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Howard.
Bisping throws the left hand but Howard avoids the punch easily.
Howard misses with a body shot.
Howard throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Bisping sees it coming and avoids it easily.

Howard fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Bisping, pushing him back against the ropes.
Bisping drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Howard swings wildly with an uppercut but Bisping uses good head movement to avoid it.
Howard is trying to stall.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Howard tries to close the distance and clinch up against the ropes but Bisping paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Howard swings for the body but Bisping moves out of range.
Bisping thows a left - swing and a miss!
Howard throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Bisping sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Howard misses with a hook to the body
and Bisping counters with a lovely straight right hand!
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Howard misses with a body shot.
Bisping swats away the attempt to clinch by Howard.
Bisping uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Howard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Howard thows a body shot but no joy.
Howard loads up on a big right hand but Bisping slips the punch.
Bisping keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Bisping circles away from the clinch attempt.
Howard tries to clinch but Bisping is having none of it.
Bisping just misses with a punch to the body.
Bisping lands with an overhand left.
The fighters circling - Howard throws out the jab but it was never going to land.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Howard throws a body punch but Bisping moves out of range.
Bisping avoids the body shot from Howard.
Bisping has his hands up protecting his head but a hook from Howard finds it's way round the side to connect with Bisping's head.
Howard rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Bisping moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Howard thows a body shot but no joy.
Howard keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Bisping.
Bisping dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Howard throws a right hand that Bisping ducks under and follows up with a left that Bisping also avoids with ease.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Howard throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Howard ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Bisping moves away.
Howard defending well as Bisping loads up on a big left hand.
Howard tries to clinch up but Bisping circles away and keeps his distance.
Bisping fakes low and throws an overhand right that catches Howard on the side of the head.
Howard misses with a left hand
and Bisping counters with a nice body shot.

Howard closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the ropes.
Howard fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Howard trying to control the position but instead, Bisping has worked for underhooks and has pushed Howard into the ropes.
Howard tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Bisping's elbow.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Howard pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Howard avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Bisping bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Howard throws a jab but it's blocked by Bisping.
Bisping throws a jab when Howard was well out of range.
Howard lands a right hook to the body.
Howard looks to score with a jab to the body but Bisping is just out of range.
Bisping slips in close and lands a nice hook before moving back out of range.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

John Howard dominated that second round.
That's time! Back to the action! This is the final round!

Bisping blocks a jab.
Bisping loads up on a big right hand but Howard slips the punch.
The fighters circling - Howard throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Howard misses with a body shot.
Bisping moves out of range of the strikes.
Bisping avoids a punch combination nicely.
Howard takes a swing at Bisping's ribcage but misses.
Bisping misses with a lunging right hand
and Howard counters with a straight right hand.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Howard keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Bisping.
Bisping might want to mix his strikes up a bit more. He's just going for head shots at the moment and that can become a bit predictable.
Howard tries to close the distance and clinch up but Bisping swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Howard is looking to clinch but Bisping is avoiding it.
Bisping moves out of range as Howard strikes.
Bisping keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Howard just misses with a punch to the body.
Bisping lunges at Howard with a hook that half lands and is half blocked by Howard's hand.
Howard misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Bisping.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Bisping keeps his opponent at a distance with a nice jab.
Howard throws a looping overhand right but Bisping ducks down to avoid it.
Howard takes a shot to the eye socket. That's gotta hurt.
Howard uses good footwork to get in and out, landing a nice hook.
Howard fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Bisping manages to avoid it.
A slow jab from Bisping misses its intended target.
Howard just misses with a punch to the body.
Bisping misses with a straight right.
Howard looks to land a right hand but Bisping moved out of range.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Howard will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
Howard loads up on a big right hand but Bisping slips the punch.
Howard lands with a hook. Bisping tried to avoid it but it clipped the top of his head.
Howard doesn't manage to clinch there - Bisping circles away.
Howard swings and misses with a shot to the body
and Bisping counters with a straight right hand.
Howard scores with a jab to the body.
Howard just misses with a punch to the body.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Bisping missing with a left hand there. Howard was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Bisping bobs and weaves and throws out a fast jab that snaps Howard's head backwards.
Bisping defending well as Howard loads up on a big left hand.
Bisping connects with a right hand. Howard shakes it off.
Howard misses with a body shot.
Howard tries to clinch up.
Howard misses with a hook.
Michael Bisping has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
John Howard is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Howard is looking to clinch.

And that's the end of the fight!
John Howard showed his dominance in that final round.
Well Howard 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 Saam Ante scores the fight 30:27
Judge Radbod Blank scores the fight 30:27
Judge Paulsen Ambrosius scores the fight 30:27

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... John Howard!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
25%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Mauricio Rua (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Mark Thomas (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Rua comes to the ring accompanied by Armin van Buuren - Sail. Mark Thomas acknowledges the crowd's support as he enters the ring.

Rua
vs
Thomas

185 cm
25
180 lbs
1 - 1 - 0

190 cm
28
181 lbs
5 - 4 - 0

Good takedowns
Excellent boxer
Good chin

BJJ Blue Belt
Counter striker
Determined

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 Helsinki, Mauricio Rua!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 5 - 4 - 0, fighting out of London, Mark Thomas!
The judges for this bout are Albert Achterberg, Nard Betker and Daniel Blasius.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Thomas closes the distance and takes a jab right on the nose as he does so.
Rua throws a body punch but Thomas moves out of range.
Rua misses with a double jab.
Rua misses with a right hand

and Thomas counters with a nice double leg into side control. Rua won't be happy with that.
Rua tries to escape but Thomas is in control.

Thomas is trying to get an arm triangle but Rua is defending well.

Thomas tries for a kimura. Not really close to a finish though.
Rua wants to get back to his feet.

Thomas tries for an arm triangle. That looks pretty tight to me. Is this one over!?! Possibly, maybe, no Thomas has let go of the choke. Obviously it wasn't as tight as we thought!
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Thomas controls the position from side control.
Rua wants to control but Thomas postures up.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Thomas tries for a kimura but Rua is defending well.
The fighters are trapped in the ropes so we're going to have a reposition here. The ref calls for a break and repositions the fighters in the center of the ring.
Thomas wants to lay and pray for a moment but Rua keeps working.

Thomas is trying to land an Americana. He has the arm isolated but Rua is keeping cool and he's avoided the danger for now.
Rua is trying to improve his position.

Thomas wants to work for a kimura but he's foiled early by Rua, who protects the arm well.
Rua tries to work a leg under to get back to half guard but Thomas wriggles his own leg back out and remains in side control.
You can see the frustration on Rua's face, being in this tough position on the bottom.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Thomas is looking to finish here, going for an Americana. Rua knows the correct defense though, so he's OK.
The fighters are tangled up in the ropes here. We might need a restart if the fighters can't break free themselves.
You can see the frustration on Rua's face, being in this tough position on the bottom.

Thomas tries for a kimura but Rua is defending well.
Rua is putting a lot of effort into getting back to his feet here.
Thomas scoring with punches from side control.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.

Thomas is trying to get an arm triangle but Rua is defending well.
Thomas in side control lands a decent elbow.
Rua is trying to improve his position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Thomas is looking to take a break and control but Rua is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.

Thomas is trying to land an Americana. He has the arm isolated but Rua is keeping cool and he's avoided the danger for now.
Rua is putting a lot of effort into getting back to his feet here.
Rua 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.
A bit of a lull in the action. I'm sure it will pick up again soon... even if the ref has to physically pick them up and put them back on their feet.

Thomas is looking for a kimura. He might have it! No, Rua has escaped the position, nice work there.
Thomas is working Rua over with some ground and pound from side control.
Rua tries to improve position but can't.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A lull in the action here as Thomas stalls from top position.
Rua manages to get one leg in to regain half guard.

Thomas is trying to work for a kimura. This could be trouble! No, Rua has managed to free his arm - good work.
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!

Thomas is working for a kimura but Rua is defending it quite comfortably.
Thomas slows the pace down in half guard.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.

Rua is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Thomas pulls his head out easily.
Rua is trying to stand.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

A low kick from Rua is predictable there

and Thomas counters with a single leg into guard. Rua didn't expect that.
Rua is looking to stand up but Thomas isn't so interested in that idea.
Rua looking to control.
Rua is looking to stand back up but Thomas counters by passing into half guard. Oops... bit sloppy there by Rua.
Thomas slows the pace down in half guard.
Thomas prevents Rua from standing back up.
Both fighters really going for it on the ground here!
Thomas takes a deep breath and rests his weight momentarily on top of his opponent, to control the position.
Rua on the receiving end of some nice ground and pound.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Rua is trying to stand up here but Thomas is controlling him well.
Thomas working some ground and pound from close in. He's looking to maintain this position and strike for a while by the looks of things... although he'll probably advance to full mount in a minute now I've said that.
Thomas with a momentary lay and pray from half guard.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Let's hope that Thomas 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.

That's one minute gone in the round.
If this pace continues, the referee will definitely step in and force a standup.

Thomas is thinking about going for an arm triangle but he can't free his leg.
Thomas is nestled in close to Rua, controlling him well. He's worked in a nice elbow to the side of the head as well, for good measure.
Mark Thomas has got the better of the ground game so far.
Thomas perhaps working for something from half guard, or maybe not. It looks like he's just sitting there.

Thomas 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.
Thomas slips a nice elbow through Rua's hands, connecting with Rua's forehead.

Thomas is trying for a guillotine from the top but the pressure isn't in the right place so Rua is just riding it out for now. Thomas eventually gives up the hold.
Nice strikes from Thomas there.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Rua pushes Thomas off looking to stand but Thomas dives back in and keeps control.
Rua is trying to get back to full guard.
Thomas lands a big shot. The thud that echoes around the arena is like music to the fans' ears.
Rua on the receiving end of some nice ground and pound.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Rua tries to kick Thomas off but Thomas keeps his base steady and stays in half guard.

Thomas is working for a submission of some sort.
Rua is trying to stand.

Thomas is trying to work for a kimura but Rua is defending well.

Thomas is trying for a guillotine from the top but the pressure isn't in the right place so Rua is just riding it out for now. Thomas eventually gives up the hold.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Rua is looking to control Thomas's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Rua avoid being mounted?

Thomas is looking for an arm triangle, whilst trying to pass to side control. Rua doesn't seem that keen to cooperate though. No luck this time Thomas.
Thomas is looking to pass the guard... He's managed it - he's now in full mount!
Thomas dominating with strikes here.
Rua tries to hold on but Thomas postures up.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Rua can't escape the position.
Thomas fakes a shot to the body and cracks his opponent in the head. Nice ground and pound there!
Rua sneaks a leg under to get to half guard.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!

Thomas is thinking about going for an arm triangle but he can't free his leg.
Thomas looks to score some points with some ground and pound.
Thomas is nestled in close to Rua, controlling him well. He's worked in a nice elbow to the side of the head as well, for good measure.

Thomas is trying for a guillotine from the top but the pressure isn't in the right place so Rua is just riding it out for now. Thomas eventually gives up the hold.

Thomas is trying to work for a kimura. This could be trouble! No, Rua has managed to free his arm - good work.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!

Thomas postures up and decides to stand up, from the half guard. The ref calls for Rua to stand up.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Mark Thomas showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the ring so we can get back down to business. The crowd applaud as we get ready to start the final round!

Rua slips in close and lands a nice hook before moving back out of range.
Rua swings widly with a right hand

and Thomas counters with a single leg into guard. Rua didn't expect that.
Thomas not doing a lot at the moment. He'll have to show some more aggression or the fight will get stood up.
Rua looking to hit a scissor sweep but Thomas is one step ahead there.
Rua wants to stand but Thomas is controlling the position.
Rua looking to control.
Thomas slips effortlessly into side control - very nice.
Rua takes a couple of big shots there - the referee warns him that he has to defend himself better.
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!
Thomas remains in side control and seems content to stay there. It's a versatile position from which he can work both strikes and submissions, whilst maintaining that control, so maybe he'll sit here for a while.

Thomas tries for an arm triangle. That looks pretty tight to me. Is this one over!?! Possibly, maybe, no Thomas has let go of the choke. Obviously it wasn't as tight as we thought!
Both fighters are breathing heavily.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Rua is working hard to escape and get back to his feet. After a battle for position, Thomas asserts his dominance and retains side control.

Thomas looking for an arm triangle but it's way too loose to do anything.
Thomas tries to move into full mount but can't pass Rua's legs.
Thomas has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Rua being controlled for a moment.

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

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Thomas tries for a kimura but Rua is defending well.
Rua is looking to work his way out of this bad position but Thomas is controlling him well.

Thomas tries for a kimura. Not really close to a finish though.
Rua tries to slip a leg under to move to half guard but Thomas presses down on the leg and jumps into full mount!
Rua tries to buck Thomas off but Thomas takes his back!
Thomas lands with a couple of good shots - one to the side of the head and one questionable shot that could be viewed as to the back of the head but the referee lets it go.
Watch the back of the head! Comes the shout from the referee towards Thomas.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!

Rua defending nicely against the rear naked choke attempt.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Rua looking to stop the rear naked choke attempt by controlling the hands.
Thomas has good solid back control here.

Thomas has his hand under the chin of his opponent looking for the choke. He's nearly got it! This one could be all over! But no, Rua has freed his hand and lives to survive another… well, another couple of seconds at least!
Rua wants to get back to his feet.
Thomas gets his hooks in and is throwing strikes.
Mark Thomas is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
Thomas lands with a nice looking elbow that stuns Rua.
Thomas lands with a couple of good shots - one to the side of the head and one questionable shot that could be viewed as to the back of the head but the referee lets it go.

Thomas has managed to slip his arm under Rua's chin. This could be all over... yep, Rua is tapping out! Submission win for Thomas.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:57 of round 3, we have a winner by way of Submission (RNC). Mark Thomas!

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 welterweight MMA rules bout between George Hill (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Johnny Cage (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Hill comes to the ring accompanied by Kiss - Detroit Rock City. The fight MMA fans around the world have waited their entire lives for!

Hill
vs
Cage

180 cm
24
185 lbs
8 - 6 - 0

187 cm
27
182 lbs
7 - 4 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Decent elbows
Cardio machine

Decent wrestler
Excellent MT
Granite chin

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 8 - 6 - 0, fighting out of London, George Hill!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 7 - 4 - 0, fighting out of Amsterdam, Johnny Cage!
The judges for this bout are Nard Betker, Paulsen Ambrosius and Radbod Blank.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Hill fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Cage avoids it really well and circles away.
Hill shoots in looking for a takedown but Cage manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Hill's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.

Hill closes the distance and gets a double leg, slamming Cage to the mat! Cage manages to get full guard.
Cage looking to hit a scissor sweep but Hill is one step ahead there.

Hill gets to his feet and steps away from his opponent.
Hill shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Cage defends it nicely.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for George Hill. That's going to take a lot out of him.

Hill looking for a takedown here - he's got it.
Hill would like to get this fight back to the feet but can't get free from the closed guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Cage really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Hill. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.

Hill stands up from Cage's guard - Hill perhaps looking for a knockout.
Cage looking to land some kicks to the body here.
Cage slips a jab and a cross from Hill.
Cage looking to land some kicks to the body here.

Hill closes the distance and scores a nice trip takedown into half guard. Cage did well to prevent Hill getting side control.

Hill stands up from half guard.
Cage throws a body kick that misses.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Cage throws a head kick that misses.
Hill takes a shot to the body in his stride.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Hill is defended easily by Cage.
Cage connects with a leg kick. He turned his hip over nicely there.
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!
Hill fails with an attempt to clinch.
Hill blocks a head kick by Cage.
Hill throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.

Hill gets a takedown into half guard.
Cage is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Hill wants to get back to his feet.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Cage has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Hill is working away from the top position though.

Hill stands up from half guard... He's had enough of that ground malarky for the time being.
Hill shoots in but no luck this time.
Cage slips a jab and a cross from Hill.
Cage lands a front kick.
Cage swats away the attempt to clinch by Hill.
Hill fails miserably with a takedown attempt.

Hill closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the ropes.
Cage prevents a takedown attempt there.

Hill manages to break the clinch.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Hill scores with a jab to the jaw.
Cage connects with an inside leg kick.
Cage throws a head kick but Hill moves out of range.
Hill misses with a series of wild punches.
Cage misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Hill tries to close the distance and clinch but Cage swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Hill misses with a takedown attempt - Cage sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Hill wants to clinch.
Hill wants to clinch up but Cage keeps it at a distance.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Hill scores with a jab. Cage acknowledges it with a nod of the head.
Johnny Cage is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Hill tries to clinch there but Cage circles away.
Cage avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Hill scores with a reasonable looking shot to the body. Cage doesn't seem bothered though.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Cage lands with a head kick! That's gotta hurt.
Hill tries to clinch there but Cage circles away.
Hill has a takedown stuffed.
Cage throws a half hearted mid kick.
Hill throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
A nice combination there by Hill.
Hill checks a leg kick.
A punch combination from Hill misses.

Hill fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Cage, pushing him back against the ropes.
Hill wants to break free but Cage has control.
Hill tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Cage's elbow.
Hill has had enough of the clinch but Cage keeps him there for the moment.
Hill keeps the fight in the clinch, despite Cage's efforts to push away.
Cage is looking to break free of the clinch but Hill has double underhooks.
Hill wants to break free. God knows he wants to breaaaak freeee.
Hill has dropped down and is looking to force the takedown but it's defended by Cage after a bit of a struggle.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Hill is trying to pull guard but Cage turns him against the ropes and we stay in the clinch.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for George Hill. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Hill can't get the takedown.

Hill breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Hill blocks the body kick.
Well, he's not going to score with shots like that. A lazy body kick attempt from Cage.
Cage swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Cage stalks Hill and leaps in with a furious combination of punches. Uppercuts and crosses smash into Hill's face. Hill staggers backwards, shaken.
Hill blocks a head kick by Cage.
Cage throws a nice inside leg kick.
Some bone on bone action there as Hill checks a low kick. Luckily it wasn't a particularly hard one.
Hill uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Cage.
Hill swinging wildly here.
Hill chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Cage can pounce on him.
Hill shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Cage sprawls well. Cage wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Hill gets slowly back to his feet.

Hill rushes Cage and pushes him back against the ropes in a clinch.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Hill is trying to drag Cage to the mat but Cage just about manages to keep his footing. He used the ropes to his advantage there.
Hill wants a takedown.
Hill can't get the takedown.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Hill keeps control of Cage as he tries to wriggle out of the double underhooks.
Hill has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Cage is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.
Hill goes for a takedown in the clinch but Cage prevents it.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Hill can't get the takedown.

Cage manages to break the clinch.
Cage showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Hill.
A combination from Cage does no damage.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Cage throws a half hearted mid kick.
Hill on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by Cage. Cage obviously looking to wear him down.
Hill throws a right and a left that both miss.
Cage lands with a thumping leg kick.
Hill is looking to clinch.
Cage moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
Cage loads up on a big right hand but Hill slips the punch.
Hill tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Hill keeping at a good range here, avoiding a leg kick.

Hill moves into the clinch successfully.
Hill swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Hill tries to work over Cage's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Cage blocks a body shot from Hill.

Hill manages to break the clinch.
Cage lands a nice shot to the body.
An inside leg kick lands from Cage.
Hill has a takedown stuffed.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Cage looking to land some kicks to the body here.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Cage lands a leg kick that knocks Hill off balance momentarily.
Hill tries to close the distance and clinch up but Cage swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Hill looks to land a combination but Cage avoids it well.
Cage tries a head kick but it misses.
Both fighters circling a little - Cage finishes the exchange with a kick to the body.

Hill drives through with a takedown into guard.
Cage wants to sweep here but Hill controlling him for the moment.
Cage throwing some rather feeble looking strikes off his back.

Cage throws his legs up looking to secure a triangle. Oh, that looks pretty tight, I gotta say! Hill escapes and throws Cage's legs to the side, diving into side control!
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.

Hill decides to take the fight back to the feet.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close second round but Johnny Cage will probably get the nod - 10:9.
That's time! Hill's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight. So, we enter the final round. Let's see if either fighter can bring us a finish, or whether we're going to the judges scorecards.

Cage throws a feint and then finishes with a kick to the body.
Hill looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Cage is fending him off so far but Hill persists. Nope, Cage circles away and we're back to standing.
Cage avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Hill tries for a takedown but Cage sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Cage throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Hill avoids a low kick by using good footwork.
Hill tries to close the distance and clinch but Cage swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Cage takes a nice looking leg kick right on the meat of his thigh there.

Hill feints and as Cage raises his hands in defense, Hill changes levels and drives through with a takedown into guard.
Hill wants to stand but Cage is controlling his posture from full guard.
Cage is looking to get back to his feet but can't, whilst Hill is controlling him.
Cage controls Hill momentarily but Hill frees himself.
George Hill overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Hill gets to his feet - Cage follows without any prompting.
Hill lands a jab.
Cage misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Hill moves out of range of the body kick from Cage.
Hill ducks under a wild hook from Cage.
Hill checks a leg kick nicely.
Cage fakes with the hands and throws a leg kick but Hill is out of range.
Cage lands with a kick to the ribs.
Cage throws a feint and then finishes with a kick to the body.
A decent looking cross lands there for Cage.

Cage gets caught napping as Hill dives in and scores a takedown. Cage manages to retain guard.

Hill gets to his feet and steps away from his opponent.
Hill tries to clinch up but Cage circles away and keeps his distance.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Hill misses with the combination.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Nice shot lands for Cage.
Cage misses with a two punch combination.
Hill shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Cage pinned against the ropes. Cage gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for George Hill. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Cage lands with a nice combination. Hill backs away looking to recover.
Hill shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Cage as he jumps to the side.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Hill blocks a head kick by Cage.
A combination from Cage does no damage.

Hill fakes a strike and closes the distance, dragging Cage to the ground. Hill is now in Cage's guard.
Cage is trying to control the position but Hill postures up.
Hill trying to stand up but can't free himself from Cage's guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Hill being controlled here momentarily.
The fighters are trapped in the ropes so we're going to have a reposition here. The ref calls for a break and repositions the fighters in the center of the ring.

Hill gets to his feet - Cage follows without any prompting.
Hill changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Cage tries to avoid it but Hill manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Cage to the ground. Cage escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Cage motions for Hill to come forward. Cage throws a leg kick but it misses it's target.
Cage attempts a leg kick but it's missed by a good margin.
A leg kick checked by Hill.
Cage takes a swing at Hill's ribcage but misses.
Hill tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Cage swivels and escapes.
Cage misses with a body kick.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Hill shoots in but no luck this time.
Hill fails in his attempt to clinch.
Hill closes this distance looking for a takedown but Cage circles away.
Hill moves out of range of the body kick.
A punch combination from Hill misses.
Cage scores with a nice body kick.
George Hill seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Hill moves out of range of the body kick from Cage.
A nice leg kick lands there from Cage.
Hill takes a hook to the side of the head. I wonder if that's got his ears ringing.
Cage keeps the fight on the outside.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Cage swinging wildly here.
Cage displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Hill.
Hill is hobbling a little on that front leg after taking quite a few leg kicks so far in this fight.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Hill dives in and grabs Cage's left leg, looking for a takedown. Cage pushes down on Hill's head and hops out.

Hill gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.

And that's the end of the fight!
That was a close round. You could make an argument for either fighter but I would give it to George Hill.
I think Hill 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 Nard Betker scores the fight 29:28
Judge Paulsen Ambrosius scores the fight 28:29
Judge Radbod Blank scores the fight 30:28

In favor of your winner, by split decision... George Hill!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
86%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Thor Silva (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Frankie Barnes (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Silva comes into the arena with Sandstorm blaring out of the sound system. Barnes has chosen Black Eyed Peas - Imma Be as his entrance music. Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the ring.

Silva
vs
Barnes

180 cm
27
185 lbs
13 - 2 - 0

185 cm
27
187 lbs
13 - 7 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Excellent boxer
Cardio machine

BJJ Purple Belt
Lethal high kicks
Good gas tank

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 13 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Amsterdam, Thor Silva!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 13 - 7 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Frankie Barnes!
The judges for this bout are Daniel Blasius, Paulsen Ambrosius and Saam Ante.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Silva misses with a double jab
and Barnes counters with a leg kick that reverborates around the arena.
Barnes lands a two punch combo.

It looks like Thor Silva has been cut.
Silva misses the shot to the body.
Sloppy strikes from Silva. Those never looked like landing.
Barnes tries to clinch up.
Barnes tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Barnes connects with a solid leg kick.
Silva with a hook.
Nice shot lands for Silva.

Barnes takes the fight into the clinch.
Barnes struggles to land a body shot inside as Silva controls his hands.
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!
Barnes has dropped down and is looking to force the takedown but it's defended by Silva after a bit of a struggle.
Barnes lands a nice elbow.
Barnes tries to throw a body punch but Silva avoids it by throwing Barnes back against the ropes.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Both fighters working to control the clinch.
Silva prevents a body shot from Barnes.
Barnes misses with a hook to the ribs.
Barnes landing knees to the body.
Silva is trying to work out of this bad position, with his back against the ropes.
Barnes tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Silva avoids it.
Barnes lands a good knee to the midsection. Silva won't want to take too many of those.
Barnes keeps the fight in the clinch, despite Silva's efforts to push away.
Barnes crunches a lovely knee into Silva's ribcage.
Barnes working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Barnes comes over the top with an elbow. That landed flush.
Barnes goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Barnes drops to a knee looking for a takedown but Silva gets the underhooks and prevents it.
Barnes keeps control of Silva as he tries to wriggle out of the double underhooks.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Barnes tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Silva tries to break free but Barnes pushes him back against the ropes.
Silva's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
Barnes misses with an elbow strike.
Silva managing to block the knees to the body from Barnes.
A right hook to the body lands for Barnes.
Knees in the clinch landing for Barnes.
Barnes struggles to land a body shot inside as Silva controls his hands.
Silva can't break the clinch.
Barnes prevents a body shot from Silva.
Barnes prevents Silva from breaking the clinch.
Silva is trying to break the clinch but Barnes has him pressed against the ropes.
Barnes is looking for a takedown.
Thor Silva has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Frankie Barnes.
Barnes lands a good knee to the midsection. Silva won't want to take too many of those.
Barnes lands a nice looking hook to the body, against the ropes.
Barnes tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
A left hand lands to the body for Barnes.
Silva blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.
Barnes misses with a hook to the ribs.
Barnes throws an elbow that misses.
Barnes scores a nice knee to the body.
Silva is breathing heavily.
Barnes stalling the fight.
Barnes crunches a lovely knee into Silva's ribcage.
Barnes lands a nice knee to the body.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Barnes is stalling here. The referee will be looking to step in if he doesn't pick up the pace.

Barnes's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Barnes catches Silva with a nice straight right. He seems pissed - ooooh, it's on now! On like donkey kong!
Silva lands with a two punch combination before moving back out of range.

Barnes clinches up against the ropes.
Barnes lands a nice knee to the body.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Barnes leaning his opponent against the ropes.
Barnes lands a hook to the side of the head.
Barnes lands a good knee to the midsection. Silva won't want to take too many of those.
A body shot lands from Barnes.
Barnes slows down the pace here.
Silva is trying to break the clinch but Barnes is controlling him.
A short body shot lands from Barnes as the two fighters clinch.
Barnes lands a nice looking hook to the body, against the ropes.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Barnes utilising his Muay Thai to score with a knee to the body.
Barnes lands a hook to the side of the head.

Thor Silva's cut is getting worse.
Barnes comes over the top with an elbow. That landed flush.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Frankie Barnes dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Thor Silva's cut.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.

Barnes cracks the inside of Silva's front leg.
Silva thows a left - swing and a miss!
A solid body kick from Silva.
Barnes wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.

Silva gets tackled into the ropes by Barnes. Barnes maintains the clinch.
Barnes tries to work over Silva's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
A right handed body shot lands from Barnes.
Barnes lands a body shot in the clinch.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Barnes unloads a knee to the mid-section. Silva lets out a prehistoric sounding urrrrgh.
A short body shot lands from Barnes as the two fighters clinch.
Barnes lands a body shot.
Barnes lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Silva backwards.
Barnes content to slow the pace in the clinch.
Barnes is working for a takedown up against the ropes. He can't get it on this occasion though.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Barnes landing knees to the body. They look like they could hurt.
Barnes lands a good knee to the midsection. Silva won't want to take too many of those.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Barnes crunches a lovely knee into Silva's ribcage.
Barnes will no doubt start fighting again in a minute but for now he's just having a little rest, leaning Silva up against the ropes.
Knees to the body from Barnes.
Barnes lands a body punch in the clinch.
Silva can't break the clinch.
Barnes working Silva over with knees to the body.
Barnes landing knees to the body.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Silva being controlled against the ropes.
Barnes has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Barnes lands a knee to the body.
Barnes leaning against his opponent.
Silva has had enough of the clinch but Barnes keeps him there for the moment.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Barnes gets through Silva's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
Barnes has Silva pressed against the ropes.
Barnes landing knees to the body. They look like they could hurt.
Silva takes an elbow to the forehead.
Silva tries to break free but Barnes pushes him back against the ropes.
Silva takes a knee to the side of the body.
Barnes works on Silva's body with a couple of short punches.
Barnes gets through Silva's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.

Thor Silva's cut is bleeding quite badly. He's got to try and protect it.
A right handed body shot lands from Barnes.
Barnes lands a body punch in the clinch.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Barnes.
Barnes stalling against the ropes.
Barnes works on Silva's body with a couple of short punches.
With the fighters clinched against the ropes, Barnes creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
A nice right hand lands inside from Barnes.
Barnes lands a hook to the side of the head.
Barnes goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Still in the clinch, Barnes scores with a nice short uppercut.
Barnes lands a nice uppercut.

Jeez, Thor Silva's cut is really nasty now. The referee must be thinking about getting that checked.
Barnes misses with a hook to the ribs.
Barnes working some nice short punches in the clinch.
Silva swings wildly with an uppercut but Barnes uses good head movement to avoid it.
Silva wants to break free but Barnes has control.
Barnes lands with a short head shot on the inside.
Barnes scores a nice knee to the body.
Knees in the clinch landing for Barnes.
This has been an exciting period of action!
A hook to the body from Barnes.
Barnes lands an elbow that stopped Silva in his tracks for a moment.

The referee calls the doctor in to look at Thor Silva's cut. Oh no, the doctor has called an end to the bout!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:09 of round 2, we have a winner by way of TKO (Cut). Frankie Barnes!
After the fight, Frankie Barnes was humble in paying tribute to his opponent but made it clear he wants to go on to bigger and better things. It seemed to go down well with the crowd who cheered him loudly.

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
80%

Co-main event

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Chris Stone (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Steve Rogers (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Steve Rogers is staring across the ring at his opponent, tweaking his nipples.

Stone
vs
Rogers

172 cm
25
178 lbs
13 - 4 - 0

190 cm
34
178 lbs
19 - 22 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Excellent MT
Granite chin

BJJ Brown Belt
Excellent boxer
Granite chin

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 13 - 4 - 0, fighting out of Amsterdam, Chris Stone!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 19 - 22 - 0, fighting out of Amsterdam, Steve Rogers!
The judges for this bout are Nard Betker, Aafke Stam and Radbod Blank.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Stone lands with a good body shot.
Stone stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Stone wants it to stay on the feet.
A jab from Stone misses.
Rogers fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Rogers scores with a shot to the body.
Rogers moves out of range of the body kick.
Chris Stone seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Stone throws out a loose jab but Rogers uses good head movement to avoid it.
Stone explodes with a nice body kick and back out of range. Nice work.
Rogers shoots in for a double leg but Stone sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
Chris Stone has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Steve Rogers.
Stone misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Rogers tries to clinch up.
Rogers tries a low kick but Stone avoids it.
Stone buckles his opponent's knee momentarily with a nice leg kick.
Rogers closes this distance looking for a takedown but Stone circles away.
A head kick misses from Stone.
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!
Stone jabs at Rogers's body.
Rogers has his front leg slapped to the side - a nice low kick landing there from Stone.
Stone avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Stone fakes a couple of low kicks, before throwing one on the third attempt. It connects and Rogers has to reset his feet before getting ready to engage.
Rogers fails miserably with a takedown attempt.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Stone moves into the clinch.

Stone manages to break the clinch.
Chris Stone is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.

Stone moves into range and clinches up with Rogers.
Rogers controlling the action here for a moment.
Stone is trying to wear down his opponent with knees to the body.
Stone wants to get back to striking at distance but Rogers won't allow it.
Stone gets double underhooks to prevent a takedown attempt from Rogers.
Stone with an attempt at a knee that misses.
Stone throws a knee to the head but misses.
Rogers has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Stone is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.

Stone pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.

Stone has closed the distance and engaged Rogers in a clinch.
Stone managing to block the knees to the body from Rogers.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Rogers's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Stone lands a nice leg kick that just misses Rogers's sensitive parts.
Stone pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Rogers misses with a body kick.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Rogers on the wrong end of a nice low kick. He's acting like it's no big deal but he doesn't want to take many more of those.
Stone throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Rogers dives in and grabs Stone's left leg, looking for a takedown. Stone pushes down on Rogers's head and hops out.
Stone tries to land a front kick but Rogers steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed.
A head kick by Stone misses

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

Stone looking for a guillotine here but Rogers defends easily.

Rogers got a little sloppy there for a moment and Stone has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Rogers has managed to get both his arms back between Stone's legs - danger averted.
Both fighters really going for it on the ground here!
Stone is breathing heavily.

Rogers gets to his feet. Stone looking to butt scoot but the ref puts an end to that. On your feet son!
Rogers fails with a takedown attempt.
Rogers blocks a head kick by Stone.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Rogers tries to check the leg kick but that clearly hurt him.
A good leg kick by Stone.
Stone pulls out of a head kick attempt.

Rogers moves into range and clinches up with Stone.
Rogers misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Stone.
Stone is trying to work out of this bad position, with his back against the ropes.
Rogers is trying to pull guard but Stone has him pressed against the ropes.
Stone tries to land knees in the clinch but Rogers avoids the damage to the body.
Stone creates a bit of distance and throws an elbow that only just misses.
Stone lands a damaging elbow.

Stone breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Rogers tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Stone swivels and escapes.
Rogers has a takedown stuffed.
Stone lands a leg kick that knocks Rogers off balance momentarily.
Stone throws a sloppy head kick and Rogers moves out of range easily.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Rogers will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.

Rogers shoots in for a takedown! He's got it and he's managed to land in full mount! That's better than Rogers was expecting from the takedown attempt, I'm sure!
The fighters are trapped in the ropes so we're going to have a reposition here. The ref calls for a break and repositions the fighters in the center of the ring.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Stone is writhing around trying to get back to his feet.
Stone is in all sorts of trouble here.
Rogers landing strikes, looking to finish!
Rogers lands a couple of nice shots there from mount.
Stone working to try and regain half guard.

Rogers looking for an armbar but decides to keep the dominant position instead.
Stone sneaks a leg under to get to half guard.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Rogers prevents Stone from improving his position.

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

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

Stone rushes Rogers and pushes him back against the ropes in a clinch.
Rogers is trying to drag Stone to the mat but Stone just about manages to keep his footing. He used the ropes to his advantage there.
Rogers tries for a takedown. No joy.
Stone looking to throw knees to the head but Rogers is blocking nicely.
Rogers lands a hook to the side of the head.
Rogers is trying to drag Stone to the mat but Stone just about manages to keep his footing. He used the ropes to his advantage there.
Chris Stone has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Steve Rogers.

Stone breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Stone throws a front kick aimed at Rogers's knee but Rogers avoids it well.
Stone cracks Rogers with a good shot that sees him stumbling back into the ropes.
Some wild striking there from Rogers.
Rogers looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Stone is fending him off so far but Rogers persists. Nope, Stone circles away and we're back to standing.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Stone defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Rogers.
Stone keeps the fight on the outside.
Stone lands with a nice low kick. That'll leave a bruise.
Rogers gets cracked with a nice right hand there by Stone.
Rogers avoids the head kick by Stone.
Stone tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Stone connects with a nice looking jab.
Stone lands a nice shot to the body.

Rogers rushes Stone and presses him up against the ropes.
Stone tries a knee to the head but he's missed.
Stone blocks a body shot from Rogers.
A short right from Rogers on the inside.

Stone breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Rogers blocks a head kick by Stone.
Chris Stone is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Rogers shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Stone defends it nicely.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Rogers moves out of range of the body kick from Stone.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Stone gets tackled into the ropes by Rogers. Rogers maintains the clinch.

Rogers gets control of Stone's arms and successfully pulls guard. Rogers will no doubt be looking for submissions off his back.

Stone avoids a guillotine attempt easily.

Rogers working for a triangle but Stone defends it easily.
Rogers is breathing heavily.
Stone pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Rogers is keeping the position for now.
Stone might be looking to lock onto one of his opponent's long limbs for a submission, whilst we're on the ground.
Stone is pushing down on Rogers's leg trying to pass to half guard. Rogers is fighting to maintain full guard but Stone has managed to sneak the leg through.

Stone seems to be looking for submissions.

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

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Rogers is not content to let Stone control the position.
Steve Rogers has got the better of the ground game so far.

Rogers looking for submissions off his back.
Rogers tries to get to full guard but Stone has control of the leg.
Rogers is refusing to be controlled, as Stone sits in half guard.

Rogers looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
Stone works his foot free and advances to mount.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Stone trying to control but he's not successful this time.
Rogers can't escape the position.
The fighters are tangled up in the ropes here. We might need a restart if the fighters can't break free themselves.
Rogers slips a leg in and gets back to half guard.
Rogers tries to roll over but Stone keeps him under control.
Rogers gets full guard.

Stone drops back looking for a leg! Rogers is in trouble here! The fighters roll with the hold and Rogers manages to kick Stone off! Stone jumps back into Rogers's guard.

Stone gets to his feet and steps away from his opponent.
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!
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Rogers lands with a right hand.

Stone has managed to clinch.
Rogers tries for a takedown but Stone manages to get underhooks.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Stone clinches with his opponent.
Rogers has Stone pressed up against the ropes and is working for takedown. Stone manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.
Stone trying to land knees to the body.
Stone throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Rogers blocks it with crossed arms.
Stone is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Rogers is defending well for now.
Rogers manages to get underhooks and slows down the pace for a moment.
Rogers jumps guard but Stone turns him against the ropes and keeps the fight standing.

Rogers gets a trip takedown into half guard.
Rogers prevents Stone from standing back up.

Stone is defending against the submission attempts here by Rogers.
Stone moves his hips nicely and gets into full guard.
Rogers takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Rogers postures up.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Stone throws his legs up looking for a submission but Rogers uses it to pass to side control.
Stone wants to control but Rogers postures up.

Rogers decides to stand up, so the ref orders Stone to his feet.
Rogers throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Stone's waist but Stone gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Rogers off to one side.
Chris Stone has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Steve Rogers.
Stone throws a leg kick which misses Rogers's front leg but catches the back leg as Rogers tries to avoid it.

Stone moves into the clinch successfully.

Stone manages to break the clinch.
Stone tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Rogers moves out of range of the body kick from Stone.

Stone has Rogers up against the ropes in a clinch.
Stone working hard to break the clinch.
Rogers is working for takedown but Stone is calmly controlling the position for now.

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

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Stone tries a head kick but it misses.
Stone misses with a combination
and Rogers counters with a series of strikes. Stone will be more careful next time no doubt.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Rogers shoots in but no luck this time.
Stone buckles his opponent's knee momentarily with a nice leg kick.
Rogers throws a body punch but Stone moves out of range.
Rogers shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Stone pinned against the ropes. Stone gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
A nice inside leg kick there by Stone. That's going to slow Rogers down.
Stone tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.

The fight moves into the clinch position.
Rogers has dropped down and is looking to force the takedown but it's defended by Stone after a bit of a struggle.

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

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Rogers looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Stone is fending him off so far but Rogers persists. Nope, Stone circles away and we're back to standing.
Stone throws a head kick that misses

and Rogers counters with a single leg into guard. Stone didn't expect that.
Stone trying to keep a closed guard but Rogers is proving a slippery customer.

Stone working for a triangle but Rogers defends it easily.
Stone working a defensive guard here.
Stone can't keep his opponent in guard - Rogers advances to half guard, no doubt looking to mount.
Stone is trying to get back to full guard.

Rogers is looking for a kimura here.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Rogers scores with a couple of good hammerfists.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Stone looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
Rogers landing with strikes to the body and head, softening up his opponent.
Stone wants to improve his position but Rogers is controlling well.

Rogers escapes and gets back to his feet.
Stone lands with a thumping leg kick.
Rogers blocks a head kick by Stone.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Rogers is looking to clinch.
Rogers checks a leg kick.

Rogers rushes Stone and pushes him back against the ropes in a clinch.
Nice body punch from Rogers.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close third round but Steve Rogers just about did enough to take it.
That's time! Stone's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

Rogers fails with an attempt to clinch.
Chris Stone is winning the standup battle so far.
Stone cracks the inside of Rogers's front leg.

Rogers gets tackled into the ropes by Stone. Stone maintains the clinch.
Stone tries to break free but Rogers pushes him back against the ropes.
Stone misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Rogers.
Rogers jumps guard but Stone turns him against the ropes and keeps the fight standing.

Stone's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Rogers steps to his left, right into the path of a big body kick from Stone. That one must have hurt.
Stone lands a head kick!
Rogers throws a nice looking combination but Stone bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Rogers shoots for a takedown but Stone saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
Rogers is looking to land body kicks.
Rogers misses with a few strikes there.
Rogers changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Stone tries to avoid it but Rogers manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Stone to the ground. Stone escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Chris Stone has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Steve Rogers.
Rogers is absolutely dripping with sweat - he looks exhausted.
Rogers avoids the head kick by Stone.
Stone gets off balance looking for a body kick

and Rogers moves into the clinch.
Chris Stone has scored more points in the clinch so far.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Rogers blocks a body shot from Stone.
Stone tries a knee to the head but Rogers blocks it.
Rogers can't get the takedown.
Stone lands a knee to the body.
Stone scores with a knee to the head.

Stone's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Stone scores with a kick to the body.
Rogers takes a jab on the nose. He smiles like he loves it and keeps coming.
Stone tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Stone throws a head kick but Rogers moves out of range.
Rogers tries to score a power double leg takedown but Stone sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Rogers somewhat.
Stone dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Stone lands a glancing blow to the side of Rogers's head.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Stone lands a slapping body shot.
Rogers shoots in for a takedown but Stone shows good takedown defense.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Stone moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
Stone tries a head kick but it misses.
Rogers shoots in but Stone avoids the takedown attempt easily.
A solid leg kick lands there for Stone.
Rogers shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Stone pinned against the ropes. Stone gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
Stone lands a two punch combo.
Stone lands a leg kick that knocks Rogers off balance momentarily.
Stone keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
Ooooh, nice body kick lands from Stone. Rogers shrugs it off though.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
That's a knee to de groin and it's over and out! Rogers crumples to the ground after an illegal strike from Stone - the referee stops the clock and Rogers gets 5 minutes to recover from that one. "I'm sorry" says Stone. Rogers manages to get back to his feet and the fight resumes.
Stone misses with the combination.
Good leg kick by Stone there. It's the ones that make that thud noise that hurt and that was an almighty thud.
Rogers misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
Stone scores with a three punch combo!
Stone takes a swing at Rogers's ribcage but misses.
Stone misses with an attempted mid kick.
Stone misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Stone throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Rogers has a takedown stuffed.
Stone looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.
Rogers shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Stone as he avoids it easily.
Rogers takes a solid shot to the body. That one hurt him but he's trying not to show it.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Stone goes for a high kick. It partially lands.
Rogers's leg has a nasty welt from taking a succession of leg kicks. That must be slowing him down.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Stone is looking to chop away at Rogers's legs.
Rogers tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.

Rogers drops down and drives through with a powerful takedown into guard.
Stone utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.

Stone looking for a guillotine here but Rogers defends easily.
Rogers advances position into side control!
Stone is moving his hips around well on the bottom and has managed to get back to half guard.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!

Stone is defending against the submission attempts here by Rogers.

Stone actively working from the bottom here.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Chris Stone had his way with Steve Rogers in that round.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action! This is the final round!

A telegraphed takedown attempt from Rogers is defended easily by Stone.

Rogers shoots in for a takedown and gets it.

Stone looking for submissions off his back.
Rogers throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.
Stone avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Rogers.
Rogers is thwarting Stone's attempts to control the position.

Stone looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
Stone trying to control from the bottom.
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.
Rogers works his way into full mount!
Rogers breaks from Stone's wrist control and lands an elbow.

Rogers working for a submission but Stone is keeping him at bay.
Rogers lands a big elbow.

Rogers wants to finish this one by submission but Stone is holding onto his waist, trying to prevent any attacks from Rogers.

Rogers working for a submission but Stone is keeping him at bay.
Stone tries to hold on but Rogers pushes him away.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Stone bucks up and manages to get a nice reversal! He's in guard on the top - nicely done!
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!

Rogers escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Stone gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.
Stone pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Rogers is keeping the position for now.

Stone decides he's had enough of playing guard and decides to stand. Come on Rogers, up you get!
Rogers checks a low kick. Bone on bone - not my idea of a good time.
Rogers drops his hands momentarily and Stone takes advantage with a crisp shot to the head.
Rogers lands with a nice body punch.
Stone throws a mid kick that lands with a slap.
Stone keeps the fight on the outside.
Stone pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Rogers walks into a jab.

Stone has closed the distance and engaged Rogers in a clinch.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Stone escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Rogers fails with a takedown attempt.
A kick lands to the mid section there for Stone.
Stone looks to land a combination but Rogers avoids it well.

Rogers darts in and lands a nice takedown into half guard.

Stone has one foot on Rogers's thigh - he pushes off and manages to get back to his feet.

Stone gets caught on his heels momentarily as he allows Rogers to score an easy takedown into full guard.

Stone looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.
Rogers wants to get up but he can't break Stone's closed guard. He needs to be careful trying to break the legs open, as he's open to submissions here.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Stone has momentary wrist control but Rogers slips an elbow through the middle.
Rogers trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Stone tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Rogers stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Stone swivels though and keeps the full guard.

Stone throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.
Rogers passes easily into side control. Nice work.
Stone is trying to improve his position.
Rogers lands an elbow.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!

Rogers wants to work for a kimura but he's foiled early by Stone, who protects the arm well.
Rogers working the ground and pound.

And that's the end of the fight!
Steve Rogers comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think Stone 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 5 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Nard Betker scores the fight 48:47
Judge Aafke Stam scores the fight 48:47
Judge Radbod Blank scores the fight 49:47

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Chris Stone!
Chris Stone retains his welterweight title!
Our winner, Chris Stone, made sure he spent some time buttering up the crowd during his post fight interview, which will no doubt bring him a few more fans.

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
100%

Main event

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Wrestling Spar (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Mirko Filipovic (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Filipovic has chosen Wild boys as his entrance music. Mirko Filipovic will no doubt be trying to keep this one on the feet, where he has a distinct advantage.

Spar
vs
Filipovic

180 cm
26
265 lbs
6 - 2 - 0

187 cm
21
260 lbs
1 - 5 - 0

Good wrestling
Basic striking
Very quick

BJJ White Belt
Excellent boxer
Granite chin

TFP Graphics - Pit Inc

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 6 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Amsterdam, Wrestling Spar!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 5 - 0, fighting out of Amsterdam, Mirko Filipovic!
The judges for this bout are Saam Ante, Daniel Blasius and Wagner Zegers.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Spar looks for a takedown. He's got it. We're now in half guard.
The referee is pacing around the two fighters - he looks like he's thinking about a standup.
Spar tries to pass the half guard into mount. Filipovic knows what he's doing though and prevents the attempt.
Filipovic wants to get back to his feet.
Spar is nestled in close to Filipovic, controlling him well. He's worked in a nice elbow to the side of the head as well, for good measure.
The fighters are tangled up in the ropes here. We might need a restart if the fighters can't break free themselves.
The referee walks around the fighters to get a better view of the action. Spar lands a nice short elbow.
Filipovic is trying to stand.
Spar lands a big shot. The thud that echoes around the arena is like music to the fans' ears.
Filipovic wants to get back to his feet.
Spar scores with a couple of good hammerfists.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Spar prevents Filipovic from standing back up.
Spar trying to mount his opponent but Filipovic defends it.
Spar lands strikes from half guard.
Spar takes advantage of the dominant position to land a couple of big hammer fists.
Spar lands strikes from half guard.
Spar lands strikes from half guard.
Filipovic is trying to stand.
Filipovic taking some punishment here, with Spar in his half guard.
Spar tries to pass to full mount but Filipovic defends it.
Spar lands a big shot. The thud that echoes around the arena is like music to the fans' ears.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Spar looks towards his corner to check for any instructions. The corner give him nothing to work with, so he cracks Filipovic with a short hammerfist. I guess that's as good as any advice he could get in this position.
Spar lands with an elbow from half guard - that looked like it hurt.
Spar lands a big elbow from half guard. That looks like it's hurt Filipovic quite badly. Filipovic pulls Spar in close trying to recover. Spar postures up and lands two really hard shots that put Filipovic on queer street! The ref takes a look and decides to call an end to the fight! Possibly an early stoppage but Filipovic doesn't seem to be complaining too much.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:26 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Wrestling Spar!
A very excited looking Wrestling Spar made sure he remembered to thank all the fans both in the arena and on the internet. He said all the coolest people spend all day on MMA websites, which got a big reaction.