GFC 12: Thomas vs. Kochergin PBP Commentary

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between David Lee Abbott (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Adam Fitch (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Abbott kept the crowd waiting but all that was forgotten when his ring entrance music started. The incomparable musical genius that is http://youtu.be/WM8bTdBs-cw. Fitch has chosen HEALTH - TEARS as his entrance music. These two fighters really are very evenly matched on the feet - it will be fascinating to see who can assert themselves in that aspect of the fight.

Lee Abbott
vs
Fitch

183 cm
25
255 lbs
1 - 2 - 0

190 cm
18
220 lbs
1 - 1 - 0

Decent wrestler
Brawler
Good chin

BJJ Blue Belt
Good kicks
Determined

Torment Fightwear

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 1 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, David Lee Abbott!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Adam Fitch!
The judges for this bout are Don Winkell, Timothy Bukovac and .

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Fitch tries to clinch up

and Abbott decides to take the opportunity to score a takedown. He's landed in Fitch's guard.
We've had a lack of effective grappling in the last minute or so, which could well see a referee standup.
Abbott stops Fitch from standing up.
We get told so often about how wrestlers don't like to be on their backs. Let's see if Fitch can do anything to dispel that myth.
Fitch looking to control.
Fitch is looking to stand up but Abbott isn't so interested in that idea.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

Abbott stands up and waves to Fitch to follow him.

Abbott scores with a nice takedown into half guard. Let's see what he's got on the ground.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Fitch blocking the ground and pound attempt from Abbott.
Fitch is trying to stand up here but Abbott is controlling him well.
Abbott is thwarting Fitch's attempts to control the position.
Abbott tries to stand but his arm is trapped.
Abbott takes advantage of the dominant position to land a couple of big hammer fists.
Abbott throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Abbott postures up and decides to stand up, from the half guard. The ref calls for Fitch to stand up.
Fitch tries to clinch but Abbott is having none of it.
Fitch misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
The fight stays on the outside here - Fitch looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Abbott misses with a takedown attempt - Fitch sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Abbott circles away from the clinch attempt.
Fitch slaps away a takedown attempt from Abbott, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Fitch fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Abbott fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for David Lee Abbott. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Abbott is breathing heavily.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Fitch is defended easily by Abbott.
Abbott shoots for a double leg takedown but Fitch sprawls well. He's pushed Abbott's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Fitch is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Abbott avoids a punch combination nicely.
Fitch looks to clinch

and Abbott counters with a nice double leg into side control. Fitch won't be happy with that.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Fitch parries the strikes from Abbott easily there. Abbott is wary of posturing up too much because it might enable Fitch to escape.
Fitch regains half guard, as Abbott was trying to land strikes.
Fitch trying to control but Abbott postures up.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

Fitch kicks off Abbott and gets to his feet.
Fitch wants to clinch up but Abbott keeps it at a distance.
Abbott has a takedown stuffed.
Fitch scores with a jab.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Fitch moves into range and clinches up with Abbott.
A short right from Fitch.

Fitch breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Fitch lands with a kick to the temple. Abbott shrugs as if to say "is that all you've got?"
Fitch dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Fitch tries to clinch but Abbott moves out of range.
Fitch jabs at Abbott's body.
Fitch is looking to clinch but Abbott is avoiding it.
Fitch slaps away a takedown attempt from Abbott, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Fitch wants to clinch up but Abbott keeps it at a distance.

Fitch takes the fight into the clinch.

Fitch breaks the clinch.

Fitch rushes Abbott and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Fitch lands with a short head shot on the inside.

Fitch breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Fitch misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Fitch throws a series of punches but Abbott avoids them all with ease.
Abbott shoots in and drives through. Fitch sprawls well.
Fitch throws a series of strikes that have Abbott backpedaling.
Fitch shoots in for a takedown but Abbott shows good takedown defense.
Fitch lands with a nice body punch.
Fitch shoots in but Abbott avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Fitch lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Abbott circles away quickly and effectively.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Abbott throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Fitch's waist but Fitch gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Abbott off to one side.
Fitch lets the fists fly and connects with a left straight followed by a right hook.
Abbott changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Fitch tries to avoid it but Abbott manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Fitch to the ground. Fitch escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but Adam Fitch will probably get the nod.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!

Fitch stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Fitch wants it to stay on the feet.
Adam Fitch seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Abbott shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Fitch sprawls well. Fitch wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Abbott gets slowly back to his feet.
Abbott shoots for a takedown but Fitch saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for David Lee Abbott. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Fitch changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.

Fitch moves into the clinch successfully.
An uppercut to the body lands inside from Fitch.
Fitch has Abbott pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Abbott manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.

Fitch breaks the clinch.

Fitch gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.
Fitch pushes Abbott back against the cage and unloads with a body punch.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!

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

Fitch has Abbott up against the cage in a clinch.

Fitch manages to break the clinch.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Fitch closes the distance and clinches up with Abbott, looking for a takedown. Fitch pushes Abbott against the cage but Abbott circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Abbott takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.
Fitch swinging wildly here.
Fitch throws a series of punches but Abbott avoids them all with ease.
Fitch lands a jab to the nose.
Abbott swats away the attempt to clinch by Fitch.
Fitch lands a head kick. Abbott smiles back at him and beckons him forward.
Fitch is throwing a lot of body shots here, looking to wear down Abbott rather than just go for the knockout.
Fitch tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Abbott paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Abbott circles away from the clinch attempt.
Fitch shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Abbott but Abbott pushes him off and we're back to square one.
Abbott dives in and grabs Fitch's left leg, looking for a takedown. Fitch pushes down on Abbott's head and hops out.
The fight stays on the outside here - Fitch looks like he's thinking about clinching though.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Fitch stuns Abbott with a nice body shot, before stepping back out of range.
Nice sprawl there from Abbott as Fitch shoots in.
Abbott shoots in but Fitch avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Fitch fails in his attempt to clinch.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Horrible takedown by Abbott or perhaps it was just good defense by Fitch which made him look bad.
Fitch's corner calls for a 1, 2 combination and Fitch duly obliges.
Fitch shoots in but Abbott avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Abbott shoots in for a takedown but Fitch shows good takedown defense.
Abbott shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Fitch sprawls well. Fitch wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Abbott gets slowly back to his feet.
Fitch lands a jab, followed by a cross and another cross, as Abbott backs up against the cage.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Fitch tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in the close the distance. Abbott manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Fitch looks to land a combination. Abbott sees it coming but can only parry a couple of the shots.

Fitch drives through and clinches with Abbott against the cage.
Abbott lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
Fitch has hold of a leg and is looking for a trip takedown. Abbott avoids it nicely though and we remain in the clinch.
Abbott lands an uppercut.
Abbott fails to land with a short punch on the inside.

Fitch breaks the clinch.
Fitch looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.

Abbott looking to shoot here. He's gone for it and he's landed a takedown into mount! Oh, that's bad for Fitch!
Fitch working to try and regain half guard.
Fitch is trying to stand.
David Lee Abbott overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Abbott is landing with some decent strikes but Fitch is trying to advance his position so the referee is letting the fight continue.
Abbott prevents Fitch from getting the reversal.
Fitch is trying to get to the cage to help him get back to his feet.
Abbott lands a couple of nice shots there from mount.
Fitch taking shots to the head.
Abbott looking to finish with strikes here!
Fitch tries to buck Abbott off but he can't manage it.
Abbott postures up and cracks his opponent a couple of times before moving back into close ground control. Fitch looks a forlorn figure.
Abbott throwing strikes here but Fitch is writhing around nicely and avoiding any serious damage.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Fitch is looking to get back to his feet - it's going to be hard from this position.
A nice elbow there by Abbott.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Adam Fitch showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
That's time! Abbott's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight. This is the final round!

Fitch fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Abbott, pushing him back against the cage.

Fitch breaks the clinch.
Abbott stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Abbott wants it to stay on the feet.
Abbott shoots in looking for a takedown. Fitch tries to sprawl out of it but Abbott keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Fitch manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Abbott fails with a takedown attempt.
Abbott closes this distance looking for a takedown but Fitch circles away.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for David Lee Abbott. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Fitch comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.

Fitch closes the distance and clinches.

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

Fitch drives through with a really nice takedown into side control.
Abbott is pushing Fitch's head away, looking to escape. Fitch manages to hold on to the position though.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Fitch works to advance to full mount. Abbott defends for a few seconds but eventually he succumbs.
Abbott wants to get back to his feet.
Fitch takes a little breather and maintains the position. The referee will be looking for him to stay active from such a dominant position though.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Let's hope that Fitch 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.
Fitch's corner are shouting for him to control the position and he seems happy to oblige.
The referee is pacing around the two fighters - he looks like he's thinking about a standup.
Fitch can't quite control the action as he would like just now, as Abbott is looking to escape.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

The ref calls for a clean break and stands the fighters back up. Adam Fitch wasn't active enough on the ground.

Fitch closes the distance and clinches.
Abbott prevents Fitch from breaking the clinch.
Fitch is trying to work for a single leg takedown but Abbott pulls him back up using the underhooks.
Fitch swings wildly with an uppercut but Abbott uses good head movement to avoid it.
Fitch lands a hook to the body. It's hard to tell if that hurt Abbott or not.

Fitch breaks from the clinch.

Abbott gets tackled into the cage by Fitch. Fitch maintains the clinch.
Abbott keeps the fight in the clinch, despite Fitch's efforts to push away.

Fitch breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Wow, both these guys are really going for it!

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Abbott closes this distance looking for a takedown but Fitch circles away.
Fitch tries to close the distance and clinch up but Abbott swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Fitch throws a right and a left that both miss.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Abbott.
Fitch tries to close the distance and clinch but Abbott swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.

Fitch moves into the clinch.
Abbott swings away with an uppercut that misses.

Fitch escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Fitch defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Abbott.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Abbott keeps the fight on the outside.
Fitch lands a jab, followed by a cross and another cross, as Abbott backs up against the cage.
David Lee Abbott has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Adam Fitch is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
Fitch shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Abbott as he avoids it easily.

And that's the end of the fight!
Adam Fitch comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I've got Fitch winning every round here. Surely the decision will go his way and he'll pick up a well deserved decision victory. Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Don Winkell scores the fight 27:30
Judge Timothy Bukovac scores the fight 27:30
Judge Percy O'Donnell scores the fight 27:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Adam Fitch!
A loyal slave to those sponsorship dollars, Adam Fitch made sure he mentioned Torment Fightwear, along with how happy he was to win his fight.

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
89%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Tre Monroe (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Marcin Najman (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Man, I cannot wait for this one!

Monroe
vs
Najman

193 cm
20
265 lbs
2 - 2 - 0

182 cm
25
235 lbs
1 - 1 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Solid boxing
KO power

BJJ White Belt
Excellent boxer
Heavy handed

Heroic Combat Gear
Brute

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

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Monroe has his head slapped from side to side by a 3 punch combination. That must have hurt him.
No joy there for Monroe, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Monroe wants to slow Najman down by chopping away at his legs.
Najman misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Sloppy strikes from Najman. Those never looked like landing.
Nice body punch from Najman.
Monroe slaps away a takedown attempt from Najman, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Monroe throws a looping overhand right but Najman ducks down to avoid it.
Monroe misses with an uppercut.

Monroe drops Najman with a hook right on the temple. He thinks about going to the ground but Najman looks back up at him and smiles so Monroe waves him back to his feet - he obviously thinks he can knock him out after that shot landed.
Monroe could do with losing a few pounds - he looks very soft around the mid section, to put it politely.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Najman circles to his right, straight into a beautiful hook by Monroe. Najman falls face first into the canvas - great knockout victory for Monroe!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 0:38 of round 1, we have a winner by way of KO (Punch). Tre Monroe!
Tre Monroe took to the microphone after his victory and thanked his sponsors, KAISER for their support in the buildup to the fight.

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
100%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Evan Kelly (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Jean Roqua (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Both fighters really staring each other down here, as Jean Roqua enters the cage!

Kelly
vs
Roqua

178 cm
24
160 lbs
3 - 0 - 0

185 cm
25
156 lbs
2 - 1 - 0

Dangerous GnP
Brawler
Good in bed

BJJ Purple Belt
Counter striker
Enjoys gardening

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 3 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Evan Kelly!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 2 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Jean Roqua!
The judges for this bout are Jack Bonds, Frank Antenori and Don Winkell.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Kelly shoots in for a takedown and gets it. Let's see what he's got on the mat.
It looks like the ref is thinking about a standup.
Kelly throws a strike but Roqua rolls with it and manages to sweep. Now he's in guard on top.
Kelly keeping moving, preventing Roqua from controlling successfully.
Kelly looking to sweep here. No luck so far.

Roqua is holding a leg here, probably looking for an ankle lock - he drops back and goes for it! Kelly is in trouble! Is it all over??? No! Kelly has escaped and now he's on top!
Kelly throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Kelly throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Roqua works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Kelly chips away with some ground and pound.
Kelly throwing strikes from guard but Roqua blocks nicely.
Kelly landing with the ground and pound.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kelly postures up in Roqua's guard and throws a big left but Roqua blocks it.
Kelly throws a strike but Roqua rolls with it and manages to sweep. Now he's in guard on top.
Roqua wants to control from the top but Kelly keeps moving.
Kelly is trying to control the position but Roqua postures up.
Roqua trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Roqua throwing strikes but missing.

Kelly looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.
Kelly working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Roqua.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Roqua passes into half guard.

Roqua stands, ready to strike. The ref makes him back up and allows Kelly to get to his feet.
Kelly looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Roqua is fending him off so far but Kelly persists. Nope, Roqua circles away and we're back to standing.

Kelly feints and as Roqua raises his hands in defense, Kelly changes levels and drives through with a takedown into guard.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Kelly accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Kelly throws an elbow that misses. Roqua uses the momentum to reverse the position. He's now in Kelly's guard. Nice move by Roqua!
The fighters are starting to get a bit slippery now, which will make submissions a bit more difficult.
Roqua trying to control the position from guard on top but Kelly is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

Kelly had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Roqua defends it easily.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kelly trying to control the position.
Kelly can't keep his opponent in guard - Roqua advances to half guard, no doubt looking to mount.
Roqua perhaps working for something from half guard, or maybe not. It looks like he's just sitting there.
Kelly controlling the leg, holding on to half guard.

Roqua is trying for a kimura here. Kelly looks like he's in a lot of pain... and he's tapping out! Roqua wins by kimura!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:58 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Kimura). Jean Roqua!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
43%

Undercard bout

Co-main event

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Gilbert Melendez (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Chase DeLong (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Melendez comes to the cage accompanied by 2Pac ft Notorious B.I.G-If You Ready (Hit Me). This should be a great matchup!

Melendez
vs
DeLong

175 cm
25
165 lbs
2 - 0 - 1

165 cm
25
165 lbs
2 - 0 - 0

Good takedowns
Counter striker
Cuts easily

Good takedowns
Brawler
Solid chin

CEC Nutrition Q160

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the lightweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 2 - 0 - 1, fighting out of Los Angeles, Gilbert Melendez!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 2 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Chase DeLong!
The judges for this bout are Jack Bonds, and Frank Antenori.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
DeLong with a lazy takedown attempt
and Melendez counters with a one-two to the body.
DeLong tries to move into range but Melendez moves to the side and lands with a nice right hand.

It looks like Chase DeLong has been cut.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
DeLong has his takedown stuffed
and Melendez counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Chase DeLong seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
DeLong misses with a takedown
and Melendez counters with a lovely shot to the body.
Gilbert Melendez has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Chase DeLong.
DeLong has his takedown stuffed
and Melendez counters with a nice uppercut.
DeLong should think about turning a few of those tyres round his middle into muscle if he wants people to take him seriously as an athlete.
DeLong misses with a takedown attempt

and Melendez counters with a nice right hand that sends DeLong toppling to the canvas! DeLong scrambles and gets back to his feet - can Melendez finish him?!

DeLong is rocked!
DeLong doesn't succeed with the takedown
and Melendez counters with a right hand from hell and DeLong is out cold! A vicious knockout!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 0:53 of round 1, we have a winner by way of KO (Punch). Gilbert Melendez!
Gilbert Melendez retains his lightweight title!
Gilbert Melendez made sure to mention his sponsor, CEC Nutrition Q160 in his post fight interview.

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 light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Paul Thomas (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Egor Kochergin (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Egor Kochergin will no doubt be trying to keep this one on the feet, where he has a distinct advantage.

Thomas
vs
Kochergin

190 cm
25
215 lbs
3 - 0 - 0

170 cm
25
205 lbs
3 - 0 - 0

Good wrestling
Counter striker
Very quick

BJJ Purple Belt
Excellent boxer
Heavy handed

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the light heavyweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 3 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Paul Thomas!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 3 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Egor Kochergin!
The judges for this bout are Frank Antenori, Jack Bonds and Timothy Bukovac.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

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

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

Thomas 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.

Thomas avoids a guillotine attempt easily.
Kochergin looks gassed!
Thomas passes Kochergin's right leg, so he's now in half guard.

Thomas is working for a submission of some sort.
Thomas passes to side control.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Thomas cracks Kochergin with a big elbow.
Thomas cracks Kochergin with a big elbow.
Thomas working the body and head with strikes.
Thomas wants to control but Kochergin is keeping him busy.

Thomas is looking for a kimura. He might have it! No, Kochergin has escaped the position, nice work there.
Check out the look on Thomas's face as he threw that strike - that's one determined fighter!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Thomas working the body and head with strikes.
Thomas taking a break here but Kochergin is having none of it and regains half guard.
Kochergin is staying active underneath Thomas, who seems content to just control the action from this position.

Kochergin actively working from the bottom here.

Thomas is trying to work for a kimura but Kochergin is defending well.
The two fighters exchange a few words. I couldn't hear what they were saying but maybe it's more fun if you make it up yourself. Thomas connects with a nice short shot to Kochergin's temple.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Thomas is sneakily working for an arm triangle but Kochergin sees it coming and defends easily.
Thomas seems to be taking a bit of a break to think of his next move. He lands a short punch in the meantime.

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

Thomas is looking for a kimura. It's going to be difficult to finish that from half guard though and Kochergin defends it well.
Thomas is nestled in close to Kochergin, controlling him well. He's worked in a nice elbow to the side of the head as well, for good measure.

Thomas seems to be working for a kimura but Kochergin defends the submission attempt.
Kochergin has a hand on Thomas's thigh, trying to get back to full guard. Thomas takes advantage of the position though and mounts him!

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Thomas swings around for an armbar and he's got it! Wow, that came out of nowhere! What a finish!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:30 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Armbar). Paul Thomas!
Paul Thomas retains his light heavyweight title!
Paul Thomas decided to hype himself up post fight. It was going well but he went on about it a bit too long and the crowd turned on him a little.