MFL 3: Knife vs Ellis PBP Commentary

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Brian Banks (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Reuben Whistler (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Reuben Whistler will no doubt be trying to keep this one on the feet, where he has a distinct advantage.

Banks
vs
Whistler

200 cm
25
192 lbs
0 - 1 - 0

175 cm
18
190 lbs
2 - 0 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Solid Muay Thai
Cuts easily

BJJ White Belt
Excellent boxer
Solid chin

Cripplers Corner

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 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Brian Banks!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 2 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Reuben Whistler!
The judges for this bout are Jack Bonds, Timothy Bukovac and Don Winkell.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Banks gets a clinch.
Whistler taking a breather.
Banks lands a good knee to the midsection. Whistler won't want to take too many of those.
Whistler is trying to force a seperation but Banks has the dominant position.
Banks lands a nice elbow.

It looks like Reuben Whistler has been cut.
Banks lands a left hand.
Banks lands a nice elbow.
A nice glancing elbow lands by Banks.
Banks blocks a body shot from Whistler.
Banks lands an elbow inside.
Whistler takes a shot to the head.
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!
A nice glancing elbow lands by Banks.

That has opened up Reuben Whistler's cut even more.
Banks lands a damaging elbow.
Banks really does look like a pencil wearing a pair of gloves. Let's hope he has a gameplan to suit that ridiculous body shape.
Banks misses with an elbow strike.
A short right from Banks on the inside.
Knees to the body from Banks.
Good body shot from Banks.
Banks throws a nice elbow but it doesn't land.
Banks lands a nice elbow from the clinch.
Banks lands a nice elbow.
Banks keeps control of Whistler as he tries to wriggle out of the double underhooks.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Whistler takes a knee to the side of the body.
Whistler looks winded!
Banks unloads a knee to the mid-section. Whistler lets out a prehistoric sounding urrrrgh.
Banks lands a nice elbow from the clinch.

The cut above Reuben Whistler's eye is starting to cause him problems now.
Banks working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
Banks lands a damaging elbow.

Reuben Whistler's cut is absolute horrible now. This looks like something out of a horror film with blood covering both fighters.
Knees to the body from Banks.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Banks lands a nice elbow from the clinch.

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

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:32 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Cut). Brian Banks!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
88%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Andreas Kraniotakes (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Braulio Shogun (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Well, I have no idea who's going to take this one!

Kraniotakes
vs
Shogun

190 cm
25
205 lbs
1 - 1 - 0

190 cm
18
218 lbs
0 - 2 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Counter fighter
Likes comics

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Prefers standup

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

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Kraniotakes moves out of range of the leg kick from Shogun.
Shogun is looking to clinch but Kraniotakes is avoiding it.
Shogun ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Kraniotakes moves away.

Kraniotakes drives through with a takedown into Shogun's guard. Let's see what he can do from the top position.
Shogun not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
Kraniotakes looking to control the position here, rather than advance.
Shogun working a defensive guard here.
Shogun being controlled here, momentarily.

Well, the referee has seen enough. Neither fighter is active enough on the ground so he's stood them back up.
Shogun misses with a two punch combination.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Shogun doesn't manage to clinch there - Kraniotakes circles away.
Shogun tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Kraniotakes manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
A head kick misses from Kraniotakes.
Kraniotakes tries a head kick but it misses.

Kraniotakes dives in and scores a takedown into Shogun's guard.

Kraniotakes gets to his feet and steps away from his opponent.
Shogun tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.

Kraniotakes has managed to clinch.
Kraniotakes lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.

Kraniotakes breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Shogun keeps the fight on the outside.
Shogun fakes a jab and scores with a low kick.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Kraniotakes shoots in and bounces Shogun off the cage to secure the takedown into guard.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Kraniotakes won't allow Shogun to sweep him here.
Shogun trying to control the position.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Shogun might have to switch it up a bit here because his efforts to control Kraniotakes haven't been going to plan, at least at the current moment in time.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

OK we're going to have a standup here. Braulio Shogun hasn't been effective enough on the ground and the referee wants a restart.
Shogun tries to clinch up but Kraniotakes circles away and keeps his distance.
Shogun throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Shogun wants to clinch up but Kraniotakes keeps it at a distance.
Braulio Shogun is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Kraniotakes moves his head to the side to avoid a jab but walks straight into a cross.
Shogun misses with a two punch combination.
A head kick misses from Shogun.
Kraniotakes throws a head kick that misses.

Kraniotakes dives in and scores a takedown into Shogun's guard.
Kraniotakes throws a big elbow that misses.
Kraniotakes engaging in some classic timewasting tactics.
Kraniotakes postures up.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kraniotakes with a couple of shots to the head there. Not particularly brutal.
Shogun keeping moving, preventing Kraniotakes from controlling successfully.
Shogun wants to sweep here but Kraniotakes controlling him for the moment.
Kraniotakes content to stall in guard here.
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 referee decides to stand the fighters back up, due to lack of activity on the part of Andreas Kraniotakes.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Kraniotakes is defended easily by Shogun.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Shogun tries to close the distance and clinch but Kraniotakes swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Shogun throws a nice outside leg kick.
Braulio Shogun seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.

Kraniotakes 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.
Kraniotakes keeps in close for a moment and lands a decent shot to the side of Shogun's head.
Kraniotakes stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Shogun swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Kraniotakes trying to control but Shogun is working from the bottom.
Kraniotakes trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Kraniotakes controlling from the top position.
Shogun wants to sweep here but Kraniotakes controlling him for the moment.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kraniotakes stops Shogun from standing up.
We've had a lack of effective grappling in the last minute or so, which could well see a referee standup.

Andreas Kraniotakes has forced the referee to step in and bring the fight back to the feet.
Kraniotakes throws a push kick but Shogun slaps the foot to one side.
Kraniotakes circles away from the clinch attempt.
Shogun doesn't manage to clinch there - Kraniotakes circles away.
Shogun looks to land a combination but Kraniotakes avoids it well.
Kraniotakes shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Shogun defends it nicely.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Kraniotakes is defended easily by Shogun.
Shogun avoids a punch combination nicely.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Shogun attempts a low kick but it misses it's target.
Shogun tries to clinch there but Kraniotakes circles away.
Shogun tries a head kick but it misses.
Kraniotakes is trying hard to land a takedown here. Shogun sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Andreas Kraniotakes. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Kraniotakes throws a head kick that misses.
Shogun tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Kraniotakes misses with a body kick.
Shogun darts in trying to clinch

and Kraniotakes counters by moving into the clinch.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Shogun tries to land a knee to the head but Kraniotakes blocks with his arms.
Shogun looking to throw knees to the head but Kraniotakes is blocking nicely.
Shogun using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Kraniotakes has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
Good anti-grappling being displayed by Kraniotakes as Shogun tries to tie him up.

Kraniotakes manages to break the clinch.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The referee wants the fighters to be more active or he's going to reset them on the feet.
Shogun is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.

The ref stands the fighters back up. Andreas Kraniotakes wasn't doing enough on the ground.
Shogun stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Shogun wants it to stay on the feet.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Kraniotakes is looking to score with low kicks.

Kraniotakes shoots in and gets a takedown into half guard. Kraniotakes showed some decent athleticism there.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Andreas Kraniotakes dominated that second round.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin! Let's get this one finished - here comes the final round!

Shogun scores with a leg kick.
Braulio Shogun seems to be getting the better of the standup.

Shogun rushes Kraniotakes and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.

Kraniotakes breaks the clinch.

Shogun clinches.
Shogun tries to land knees in the clinch but Kraniotakes avoids the damage to the body.

Kraniotakes manages to break the clinch.
Kraniotakes avoids the head kick by Shogun.

Kraniotakes closes the distance and after a bit of a stuggle, scores a takedown into Shogun's guard.
Shogun keeping moving, preventing Kraniotakes from controlling successfully.
Kraniotakes looking to pass the guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kraniotakes won't allow Shogun to get back to his feet.

Kraniotakes decides he's had enough of playing guard and decides to stand. Come on Shogun, up you get!
Shogun takes a swing at Kraniotakes's ribcage but misses.
Shogun wants to clinch up but Kraniotakes keeps it at a distance.
Kraniotakes keeps the fight on the outside.
Andreas Kraniotakes is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Shogun is looking to land body kicks.
Kraniotakes misses with a double jab.
Kraniotakes misses with a head kick.
Kraniotakes tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Shogun manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Kraniotakes decides to change it up a bit and drives through with a nice takedown into half guard.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Shogun is looking to improve his position.
Kraniotakes throws a strike but Shogun avoids it easily and moves to full guard.
Shogun wants to control the position but Kraniotakes says "no thanks buddy" and passes to half guard.
Kraniotakes wants to stand but Shogun has hold of a leg and an arm, so he's trapped for now.
Kraniotakes performing his best blanket impression for a moment.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Kraniotakes not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kraniotakes looking to pass the half guard. Not this time.
Shogun is looking to escape.
Kraniotakes throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
Kraniotakes takes a deep breath and rests his weight momentarily on top of his opponent, to control the position.
Shogun tries to get to full guard but Kraniotakes has control of the leg.
Kraniotakes perhaps working for something from half guard, or maybe not. It looks like he's just sitting there.

The ref stands the fighters back up because Andreas Kraniotakes just wasn't active enough.
Kraniotakes misses with a wild body shot.
Shogun fakes a head punch and goes low to the body. Nicely done.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Shogun buckles his opponent's knee momentarily with a nice leg kick.
Shogun throws a mid kick that lands with a slap.

Kraniotakes drives through and clinches with Shogun against the cage.
Both fighters working to control the clinch.
Shogun missing with knees to the body.
Shogun slowing the pace effectively.

Kraniotakes breaks from the clinch.
Kraniotakes keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Braulio Shogun has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Shogun looking to throw a kick but he's pulled out of it.
Andreas Kraniotakes is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
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!
Shogun moves in looking to clinch but Kraniotakes pushes him off.

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

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

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Andreas Kraniotakes!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
48%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Chad Castellanos (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Chris Smith (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Smith has chosen See my Tears as his entrance music. Chris Smith looks lathargic as he enters the arena. Wake up son, you're about to have a fight!

Castellanos
vs
Smith

173 cm
25
160 lbs
1 - 0 - 0

182 cm
22
155 lbs
1 - 5 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Excellent MT
Granite chin

BJJ White Belt
Decent boxing
Granite chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the lightweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Chad Castellanos!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 5 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Chris Smith!
The judges for this bout are Don Winkell, Frank Antenori and Jack Bonds.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Castellanos just misses with a punch to the body.
Smith looks really tired already! That doesn't bode well for a good, competitive fight!
Castellanos fakes the leg kick and cracks Smith in the body.
Smith has a nice red mark on his side after a thudding body kick by Castellanos.

Castellanos has Smith up against the cage in a clinch.
Castellanos landing knees to the body. They look like they could hurt.
Smith blocks an uppercut.
Smith takes a knee to the side of the body.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Smith takes a shot to the head.
Castellanos unloads a knee to the mid-section. Smith lets out a prehistoric sounding urrrrgh.
Castellanos lands a left hand.
Smith being controlled against the cage.
Castellanos with a knee to the head.
Castellanos landing knees to the body.
Castellanos misses with a shot to the kidneys.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Knees in the clinch landing for Castellanos.
Castellanos crunches a lovely knee into Smith's ribcage.
Kneeeeees! The crowd are calling for knees to the body. Castellanos obliges.
Castellanos struggles to land a body shot inside as Smith controls his hands.
Castellanos utilising his Muay Thai to score with a knee to the body.
Castellanos looks to throw an elbow but misses.
Smith has had enough of the clinch and is looking to separate.
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!
Knees to the body from Castellanos.
Castellanos unloads a knee to the mid-section.
Knees to the body from Castellanos.
Castellanos throws a nice elbow but it doesn't land.
Knees to the body from Castellanos.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Castellanos landing knees to the head.
Castellanos fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Castellanos connects with a knee to the head.
Knees to the body from Castellanos.
Castellanos with a knee to the head.
Castellanos with a knee to the head.
Smith takes a knee right on the jaw!
A knee to the head by Castellanos.
Castellanos is stalling here. The referee will be looking to step in if he doesn't pick up the pace.
Smith takes a knee to the side of the body.
Castellanos is trying to wear down his opponent with knees to the body.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Castellanos displaying some good clinch control by pressing Smith up against the cage.
Smith takes a knee right on the jaw!
Castellanos connects with a knee to the head.
Castellanos connects with a knee to the head.
Castellanos landing knees to the head.
Castellanos lands a knee to the head.

Smith is rocked!
Smith blocks an elbow strike from Castellanos.
Smith is still on wobbly legs! Can Castellanos finish him?
Castellanos has Smith pressed against the cage.
Castellanos landing knees to the body. They look like they could hurt.
The fighters are pressed against the cage, as the pace of the fight slows.
Smith seems to have recovered his senses.
Castellanos can't find room to land a body shot as Smith controls the action.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Castellanos is trying to wear down his opponent with knees to the body.
Castellanos doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Castellanos struggles to land a body shot inside as Smith controls his hands.
Castellanos connects with a knee to the head.
Castellanos tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Smith's elbow.
Smith takes a knee right on the jaw!
Castellanos landing some nice looking knees to the body.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
A short right from Castellanos on the inside.
Castellanos lands a knee to the head.
Castellanos landing knees to the head.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Castellanos chopping away at his opponent's legs.
Castellanos is looking to slow Smith down with leg kicks.
Smith takes a shot right to the bread basket.
Castellanos lands a big head kick that sends Smith to the canvas! Castellanos follows up with strikes from the mount that forces the ref to step in and stop the fight!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 0:11 of round 2, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Chad Castellanos!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
100%

Co-main event

Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between Todd Ianuzzi (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Manny Ra (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Ianuzzi comes to the cage accompanied by Paranoid. Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Ianuzzi
vs
Ra

168 cm
18
137 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

179 cm
19
142 lbs
1 - 1 - 0

Good wrestling
Brawler
Granite chin

BJJ Blue Belt
Excellent MT
Solid chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the bantamweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Todd Ianuzzi!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Manny Ra!
The judges for this bout are , Don Winkell and Jack Bonds.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Ra defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Ianuzzi.
Ianuzzi throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Ra closes the distance but Ianuzzi moves to the side

and Ianuzzi counters with a driving takedown into guard. Nice work there by Ianuzzi.
The referee claps his hands together and tells the fighters to work.
Ra looking for a sweep. Not yet Ra, not yet.
Ra is a painfully thin specimen of a man. You do wonder whether a good body kick would snap him clean in two.
Ianuzzi controlling from the top position.
Ianuzzi knows he needs to get back to his feet asap. He's simply no match for Ra on the ground.
Ra is trying to control the position from the bottom.
Ianuzzi postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Ianuzzi controls the pace of the fight for a moment.

The referee has ruled that neither fighter is active enough on the ground and has stood them back up.
Ra on the wrong end of a nice jab.
Ianuzzi misses the body punch
and Ra counters with an outside leg kick.
Ianuzzi misses with an uppercut.
Some bone on bone action there as Ra checks a low kick. Luckily it wasn't a particularly hard one.
Ra is looking to clinch.
Ianuzzi throws a lazy right hand but Ra sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Ra tries to close the distance and clinch up but Ianuzzi swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Ianuzzi walks straight into an uppercut. Luckily it didn't land flush.
Ra slips under a jab.
Ianuzzi ducks right into an uppercut from Ra.

Ianuzzi scores with a takedown into Ra's guard.
Ra looking to control.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Ra wants to stand up but Ianuzzi is controlling him.
Ianuzzi looking to sit in guard and control but Ra gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Ra preventing the sweep.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Ianuzzi is working hard here to advance position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Ianuzzi pulls Ra in close to prevent any damage.
We've had a lack of effective grappling in the last minute or so, which could well see a referee standup.
Ra trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.

Manny Ra has forced the referee to step in and restart the fight on the feet.
Ianuzzi throws a poor cross that misses
and Ra counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Ianuzzi thows a body shot but no joy.
Ra tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Ra misses with a head kick.
A swing and a miss from Ianuzzi.
Ianuzzi throws a lazy uppercut
and Ra counters with a good low kick that Ianuzzi was not able to check.
A solid body kick from Ra.
Ra lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Ianuzzi circles away quickly and effectively.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Ra lands a nice looking kick to the body. Ianuzzi takes a step back to recover.
Ra is looking to take this fight into the clinch.

Ianuzzi looking to shoot here. He's gone for it and he's landed a takedown into side control! Oh, that's bad for Ra!
Ianuzzi lands a decent elbow from side control.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
You can see the frustration on Ra's face as Ianuzzi controls the position.
Ra is moving his hips around well on the bottom and has managed to get back to half guard.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Ra is staying active underneath Ianuzzi, who seems content to just control the action from this position.
Ianuzzi performing his best blanket impression for a moment.
Ianuzzi not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Todd Ianuzzi dominated that round.
That's the end of the interval. I'm sure that seemed a lot quicker than a minute for our two fighters! Back to the action.

Ra lands a slapping body shot.
Ianuzzi is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Ra.
Ra misses with a right hand

and Ianuzzi counters with a nice double leg into guard.
Ianuzzi throws a big right hand that misses.
Ianuzzi loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Ra looking to hit a scissor sweep but Ianuzzi is one step ahead there.
Ra bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Ianuzzi's guard.
Ra trying to control the position from guard on top but Ianuzzi is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Ianuzzi wants to sweep but no luck.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Ianuzzi wants to control here, rather than go for any submissions from the bottom. At least for now.
We've had a lack of effective grappling in the last minute or so, which could well see a referee standup.

Ianuzzi working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Ra doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Ra manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.
Ianuzzi keeping moving, preventing Ra from controlling successfully.
We could do with one of the fighters taking the initiative a bit more on the ground - they're both waiting to capitalize on a mistake.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.

The ref calls for a clean break and stands the fighters back up. Manny Ra wasn't active enough on the ground.
Ra lands a glancing blow to the side of Ianuzzi's head.
Ra slips under a jab from Ianuzzi.
Ra is looking to slow Ianuzzi down with leg kicks.
Ra misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
A big left from Ra misses.
Ra looks to land a combination but Ianuzzi avoids it well.
Ra scores with a crisp jab that stopped Ianuzzi in his tracks.
A swing and a miss from Ianuzzi.
Ra misses with a low kick.
Ra misses with a straight left.
Ra scores with a push kick.
Ra lets the fists fly and connects with a left straight followed by a right hook.
Sloppy strikes from Ra. Those never looked like landing.
Ianuzzi is really struggling to find his range with his punches. Ra's reach advantage is clearly causing him problems.
Ra fails to land with a series of punches.
Ianuzzi fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Ra manages to avoid it.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Ra tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Ianuzzi paws at him with a jab and circles away.
A telegraphed right hand from Ianuzzi misses the target.
Ra slips a jab from Ianuzzi.
Ianuzzi throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd.
Donk. Ra catches Ianuzzi right on the button with a cross.
Ra keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Ra tries to clinch there but Ianuzzi circles away.
Ra goes to the watering hole and comes back with a big thumbs up from the judges as he scores a three punch combo.
A punch lands to the side of Ianuzzi 's head but he takes it in his stride.
Ianuzzi misses with an uppercut.
Manny Ra is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Ra is looking to clinch.

Ra closes the distance and pushes Ianuzzi back into the cage.
Ra tries to land a knee to the head but Ianuzzi blocks with his arms.
Ianuzzi drops to a knee looking for a takedown but Ra gets the underhooks and prevents it.
Ianuzzi tries to throw a body punch but Ra avoids it by throwing Ianuzzi back against the cage.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Ra looking to stall.
Ianuzzi takes a knee right on the jaw!
A battle for position here, against the cage.
Ianuzzi doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Ianuzzi has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Ra is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.
Ra tries a knee to the head but Ianuzzi blocks it.
Ianuzzi has a couple of punches blocked by Ra.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Ianuzzi tries to score a body lock takedown but Ra shows good agility there to stay on his feet.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Todd Ianuzzi. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Ra throws a punch but it's blocked by Ianuzzi.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Ra tries a knee to the head but he's missed.
Ianuzzi tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.
Ra misses with a knee strike.
Ianuzzi is trying to pull guard but Ra turns him against the cage and we stay in the clinch.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close second round but Manny Ra will probably get the nod - 10:9.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!

Ianuzzi looking to score a takedown here. Ra is defending well but Ianuzzi drives through and ends up in Ra's guard.
Ianuzzi not doing a lot at the moment. He'll have to show some more aggression or the fight will get stood up.
Ra is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Ianuzzi wants to pass the guard but Ra is keeping the position.
Ianuzzi missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Ianuzzi stops Ra from standing up.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Ianuzzi showing good wrestling skills to control the position.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up, due to lack of activity on the part of Todd Ianuzzi.

Ianuzzi scores with a takedown into Ra's guard.
Ianuzzi trying to control the position from guard on top but Ra is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Ra being controlled here, momentarily.
Ianuzzi looking to sit in guard and control but Ra gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Ra pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Ianuzzi is keeping the position for now.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Ianuzzi bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Ra's guard.
Ra bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Ianuzzi's guard.
Ianuzzi looking for a sweep. Not yet Ianuzzi, not yet.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Ianuzzi on his back here. We all know that wrestlers don't like being on their back so let's see if Ianuzzi tries to get out of the position.
Ianuzzi trying to control the position.
Ianuzzi is really struggling to control Ra but he's trying to hold on to the position.
The referee must be thinking about standing these guys back up.

The ref stands the fighters back up because Todd Ianuzzi just wasn't active enough.

Ra moves into the clinch.
Ra tries to land a knee to the head but misses.
Ianuzzi doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Ra lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
Ra with a knee to the head.
Ianuzzi has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Ra is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Ra tries a knee to the head but Ianuzzi blocks it.
Ianuzzi drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Ianuzzi takes a knee right on the jaw!
Ianuzzi missing with knees to the body.
Good anti-grappling being displayed by Ianuzzi as Ra tries to tie him up.
Ra missing with knees to the body.
Ra throws a punch but it's blocked by Ianuzzi.
Ianuzzi misses with a hook from the clinch.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Ianuzzi wants a takedown.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Todd Ianuzzi. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Ianuzzi wants to take the fight to the mat but Ra manages to get underhooks and keep the fight in the clinch.
Ra tries to stall but Ianuzzi uses the opportunity to gain a better position.
Ianuzzi drops to a knee looking for a takedown but Ra gets the underhooks and prevents it.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Todd Ianuzzi clearly takes that round.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.

Ianuzzi shoots in for a double leg but Ra sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
Ra has used his reach advantage pretty well so far tonight.
Ianuzzi lands a lovely overhand right.
Horrible takedown by Ianuzzi or perhaps it was just good defense by Ra which made him look bad.
Ra fails in his attempt to clinch.

Ra forces Ianuzzi back against the cage and clinches.
Ianuzzi jumps guard but his hands slip and he falls flat on his back. Well, he's made himself look a right mug there, as Ra walks away with a smile on his face. Ianuzzi gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Todd Ianuzzi. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Ra tries to clinch up but Ianuzzi circles away and keeps his distance.
Ra stuns Ianuzzi with a nice body shot, before stepping back out of range.
Ianuzzi lands a really nice looking cross but Ra seems unphased.
Ianuzzi rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Ra moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Ianuzzi takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.
Ra jabs Ianuzzi right on the nose. Ianuzzi blinks but takes it well.
Ianuzzi shoots in and drives through. Ra sprawls well.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Ianuzzi looks to throw the jab but Ra is out of range.
Ra lands with a nice combination. Ianuzzi backs away looking to recover.
Ianuzzi shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Ra moves into range and connects with a jab.
Ianuzzi swats away the attempt to clinch by Ra.
Ianuzzi swats away the attempt to clinch by Ra.
Ra fakes a head punch and goes low to the body. Nicely done.
Ianuzzi takes a thudding leg kick, right into the meat of the thigh.
Ianuzzi circles away from the clinch attempt.
Good leg kick by Ra there. It's the ones that make that thud noise that hurt and that was an almighty thud.

Ianuzzi closes the distance and after a bit of a stuggle, scores a takedown into Ra's guard.
Ianuzzi might be looking to lock onto one of his opponent's long limbs for a submission, whilst we're on the ground.
Ra wants to sweep but no luck.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Ianuzzi pushes down on Ra's leg and manages to get into half guard.
Ra is pressing down on Ianuzzi's left leg trying to get back to full guard. He's managed it.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Ra manages to land a sweep and now he's in mount on top!
Ianuzzi is trying to escape the mount.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Ianuzzi reaches up to try and control the position but Ra seems to have an arm triangle now! Uh oh! Ianuzzi rolls and tries to escape and now Ra has his back!
Ianuzzi controlling his opponent's hands, preventing the submission attempt.
Ra is hanging on to Ianuzzi's back as he tries to escape.
Ra trying desperately to keep hold of the dominant position.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Ianuzzi manages to reverse the position and now he's in Ra's guard. Nice work there by Ianuzzi.
Ianuzzi won't allow Ra to get back to his feet.
Ianuzzi controlling from the top position.
We must be close to a standup if these guys don't pick up the pace.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Ra ducks down and throws a hook to the body.
Manny Ra is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Ra wants to clinch.
Ianuzzi fails with the takedown.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close fourth round but Manny Ra will probably get the nod - 10:9.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action! This is the final round!

A decent looking cross lands there for Ra.
Ianuzzi takes a swing at Ra's ribcage but misses.
Ra throws a quick inside leg kick.
Ianuzzi misses with a body shot
and Ra counters with a nice uppercut.
Ianuzzi throws a solid leg kick but Ra takes the impact on his shin and smiles at Ianuzzi.
Ra throws a one two combo.
Ianuzzi throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Ianuzzi throws an ugly left hook that misses
enabling Ra to counter with a crisp jab.
Ianuzzi fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Ra manages to avoid it.
Ianuzzi shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Ra tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Ianuzzi paws at him with a jab and circles away.
A big left from Ianuzzi misses.
Ianuzzi takes an uppercut right on the jaw but it doesn't phase him.
Ra throws a low kick but Ianuzzi moves out of range easily.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Ra lands with a nice low kick. That'll leave a bruise.
Ianuzzi walks into a jab.
Ra rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Ianuzzi moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Ra wants to clinch.
Ianuzzi misses with a hook.
The fight stays on the outside here - Ra looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Ra tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Ra tries to clinch but Ianuzzi moves out of range.
Ra steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Ianuzzi.

Ianuzzi shoots in and bounces Ra off the cage to secure the takedown into guard.
Ra looking for a sweep. Not yet Ra, not yet.
Ianuzzi has to be careful here, sitting in the guard of a superior BJJ player.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Ianuzzi controlling from the top position.
Ianuzzi trying to control but Ra is working from the bottom.
Ra has control of Ianuzzi's left arm, preventing Ianuzzi from doing any damage.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

The ref stands the fighters back up because Todd Ianuzzi just wasn't active enough.
Ianuzzi fails with a takedown attempt.
A jab from Ianuzzi misses.
Ra tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Ianuzzi manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Ra scoring well with a low kick there.
Ianuzzi misses with a wild body shot.
A jab from Ianuzzi misses.
Ianuzzi throws an off balance right hand
and Ra counters with a stiff right hand.
Ianuzzi misses with a hook.
Ra goes for a spinning back kick but it misses.
Ra on the wrong end of an overhand right that came out of nowhere.
Ra is using his reach advantage to land shots from outside his opponent's range.
Ra ducks low and lands a nice hook to the body of his opponent.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Ianuzzi swings away with a body shot that misses
and Ra counters with a body kick.
Ianuzzi pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Ra bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Good exchange - Ra coming out on top.
Ianuzzi is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Ra.
Ra wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.
Ra tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Ianuzzi paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Nice jab there from Ra.
Ra takes an uppercut right on the button but keeps his composure.
Ra lands a jab to the head.
Ra keeps Ianuzzi at a distance using the push kick.
This has been an exciting period of action!
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Ra is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Ianuzzi shoots in looking for a takedown. Ra tries to sprawl out of it but Ianuzzi keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Ra manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Todd Ianuzzi. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Ra tries to clinch but Ianuzzi is having none of it.

And that's the end of the fight!
I would just about give that final round to Manny Ra.
I think Ra has won this one but let's see whether the judges agree with me. Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 5 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Percy O'Donnell scores the fight 47:48
Judge Don Winkell scores the fight 47:48
Judge Jack Bonds scores the fight 47:48

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

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
89%

Main event

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Jack Knife (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Darius Ellis (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Knife
vs
Ellis

184 cm
26
169 lbs
2 - 1 - 0

185 cm
25
165 lbs
0 - 1 - 0

Great wrestler
World class boxer
Cardio machine

BJJ Blue Belt
Solid Muay Thai
Intelligent

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 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Jack Knife!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Darius Ellis!
The judges for this bout are , Timothy Bukovac and Don Winkell.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Knife connects with a lovely jab that went straight through the gap between Ellis's hands.
Knife takes a head kick and keeps coming.
Jack Knife seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Ellis doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
Knife digs a good body shot into Ellis's ribs.
A chopping leg kick lands by Knife.
Knife bobs and weaves and unloads with a good uppercut.
Ellis takes a thudding leg kick, right into the meat of the thigh.
Ellis swings wildly with a couple of big hooks
enabling Knife to counter with a crisp jab.
Ellis has his head snapped back a nice jab. A little nod from Ellis there as he acknowledges the shot.
Knife feints a straight left to the body, then turns around with a flashy move and hits Elliss jaw with a dramatic spinning back fist!
A left lands for Knife.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Ellis takes a jab right on the nose. That must have hurt but he shrugs his shoulders and looks to return the favor.
Knife lands with an overhand left.
Ellis walks straight into a jab right on the nose. That one stung - he's blinking and trying to clear his head.

Ellis is rocked!

That's one minute gone in the round.
Knife scores with a shot to the body.
Ellis tries to clinch but Knife moves away
and Knife counters with a nice kick to the body.
Knife fakes with a right hand and throws a good leg kick, right into the thigh. That had to hurt Ellis.
Knife feints and then cracks Ellis's leading leg with a nice low kick. He's obviously looking to slow Ellis down.
Ellis takes a thudding leg kick, right into the meat of the thigh.
Ellis 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.
Ellis's hands are dropping dangerously low here and Knife connects clean with a right hook that sends him down to one knee! Ellis scrambles back to his feet.
Ellis walks into a jab.
Knife scores with a sloppy punch to the body. Not much technique there but it did the business.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Knife scores with a sloppy right hand. Ellis should have avoided that one.
Ellis is still on wobbly legs! Can Knife finish him?
Knife walks forward and throws a big overhand right! Ellis drops to the floor like a sack of potatoes! Knife swarms on him with more punches until the referee wrestles him away from Ellis's unconscious body! Wow, that was brutal!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:53 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Jack Knife!
Jack Knife is the new lightweight champion!
Darius Ellis was interviewed post fight and said 'He is an excellent fighter and had a good gameplan. Nothing else to do now but get back in the gym'.