EFC 02:Heavy Hands PBP Commentary

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Jose Gutierrez (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and George Palmer (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Palmer is bobbing his head along to his entrance song: Sans Pression - Numero 1. Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Gutierrez
vs
Palmer

180 cm
21
175 lbs
1 - 3 - 0

175 cm
25
170 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Solid boxing
Big right hand

Good wrestler
Brawler
Experienced

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 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Jose Gutierrez!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, George Palmer!
The judges for this bout are Alan Glass, Robert Twigg and Daniel Franklin.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Gutierrez shoots in for a double leg but Palmer sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
Gutierrez swings for the body but Palmer moves out of range.

Gutierrez gets caught on his heels momentarily as he allows Palmer to score an easy takedown into full guard.
Gutierrez has improved his flexibility recently so we will have to see if he can use that to his advantage.
The referee must be thinking about standing these guys back up.

Palmer drops back for a leg here. A bit of a high risk move... He's looking for a kneebar by the looks of things. Now both of them are looking for submissions. Palmer seems to have locked his on tight now - Gutierrez screams in pain and taps out furiously! It certainly was a high risk move but it's paid off for Palmer, as he picks up the win!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 0:25 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Kneebar). George Palmer!
George Palmer looked relieved post fight as he said the following; 'Originally I am going to fight at 155 but I fight in short notice so I can't do that. I will be back at 155 soon. Keep an eye on me.'.

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
59%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Boyd Allen (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Matheus Peixoto (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Allen
vs
Peixoto

182 cm
25
145 lbs
1 - 0 - 0

170 cm
19
145 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Basic striking
KO power

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Very confident

Leopard Fight Wear 50% laundry
D-Back Clothing

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the featherweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of London, Boyd Allen!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Matheus Peixoto!
The judges for this bout are Chris Downing, Frank Dennis and Cecil Peabody.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Allen throws a nice looking combination but Peixoto bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.

Allen bobs and weaves into range and then changes levels and scores with a nice takedown into side control.
Peixoto is pushing Allen's head away, looking to escape. Allen manages to hold on to the position though.
Allen misses with a strike but at least he's keeping busy, looking to cause some damage - that will still help him when it comes to the judges scorecards.
Peixoto is not content to let Allen control the position.
Peixoto is trying to get back to his feet.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Allen looking to punish the body of his opponent here but Peixoto is avoiding damage well.
Allen is looking to take a break and control but Peixoto is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Allen definitely looks more muscular than last time we saw him fight.
Allen grinds an elbow into Peixoto's temple.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Sloppy strikes there by Allen.
Allen is trying to ground and pound but Peixoto uses the momentary lack of control by Allen to regain half guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Allen working Peixoto over with strikes.
Allen has been looking to land a fair amount of strikes on the ground. He might be looking to soften his opponent up in order to work for a submission.
Peixoto is looking to escape.
Allen throwing shots but Peixoto is blocking nicely.
Allen seems content to maintain position for now, rather than mounting any offense.
Allen working over Peixoto with some ground and pound. Peixoto looks like he wants out of this position, which is understandable.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Peixoto keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Allen lands with a punch from half guard.
Allen content to control rather than advance.
Allen really does look like a pencil wearing a pair of gloves. Let's hope he has a gameplan to suit that ridiculous body shape.
Allen thows a huge punch but Peixoto dodges it nicely.
Allen keeping composed on the top, looking to control the action.
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 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. Allen connects with a nice short shot to Peixoto's temple.
Allen thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.

Allen 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.
The fighters are starting to get a bit slippery now, which will make submissions a bit more difficult.
Allen is pressing down on Peixoto's thigh, looking to free his foot. Peixoto is holding on for now.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Allen lands with an elbow from half guard - that looked like it hurt.
Allen thows a huge punch but Peixoto dodges it nicely.
Allen will need to keep those long limbs tucked in whilst he's on the ground, to prevent any submissions.
Allen throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.

Allen is trying for a guillotine from the top but the pressure isn't in the right place so Peixoto is just riding it out for now. Allen eventually gives up the hold.
Peixoto keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Allen postures up and decides to stand up, from the half guard. The ref calls for Peixoto to stand up.
Decent striking displayed by Allen there.
Horrible takedown by Peixoto or perhaps it was just good defense by Allen which made him look bad.
No joy there for Peixoto, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Allen connects nicely with a jab. Noted by the judges no doubt.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Allen fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Allen fails with the takedown.
Allen has a takedown stuffed.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Boyd Allen dominated that round.
That's time! Back to the action!

Peixoto stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Peixoto wants it to stay on the feet.
Peixoto misses with a jab, cross combination.
Allen circles away from the clinch attempt.
Allen shoots in looking for a takedown. Peixoto tries to sprawl out of it but Allen keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Peixoto manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Allen throws a body kick that digs right into the meat.

Allen closes the distance and scores a nice trip takedown into half guard. Peixoto did well to prevent Allen getting side control.
Allen missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.
Peixoto pushes Allen off looking to stand but Allen dives back in and keeps control.
Allen lands with an elbow from half guard - that looked like it hurt.

Peixoto manages to create a bit of space in order to work his way back to his feet. Allen keeps hold of his opponent and drives him back against the cage.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Peixoto manages to break the clinch.
A jab from Peixoto misses.
Peixoto throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Left hook, right uppercut from Allen.
Peixoto misses with a combination
and Allen counters with a good, hard body kick but Peixoto shrugs it off.
Matheus Peixoto seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Peixoto is breathing heavily.

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

Allen tries for a kimura but Peixoto is defending well.
Peixoto takes a big shot right to the temple there but he's taken it well.
Allen lands a decent elbow from side control.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Allen is working Peixoto over with some ground and pound from side control.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Allen misses with an attempted head punch from side control.
Check out the look on Allen's face as he threw that strike - that's one determined fighter!
Peixoto parries the strikes from Allen easily there. Allen is wary of posturing up too much because it might enable Peixoto to escape.
Peixoto is not content to let Allen control the position.
Boyd Allen overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Allen in side control, trying to ground and pound but not landing this time.
Allen trying to control the action but Peixoto is working from the bottom.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Allen decides to stand back up.
Allen will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Boyd Allen. That's going to take a lot out of him.
No joy there for Peixoto, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Allen showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Peixoto.
A swing and a miss from Peixoto.
Allen shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Peixoto as he jumps to the side.

Allen gets a double leg takedown into Peixoto's guard.
Peixoto preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Allen sitting in guard, not really doing much.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Allen wants to control from the top but Peixoto keeps moving.
Allen is in close to Peixoto's body, working some short punches and elbows.
Allen postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Peixoto working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Allen.
Peixoto working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Allen.
Allen throwing strikes but missing.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Peixoto throws a lazy uppercut

and Allen counters with a shoot takedown. Peixoto fights it but they end up in guard.
Allen with a flurry of punches that miss.
Allen postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Allen with a flurry of punches that miss.
Allen throws a strike but Peixoto rolls with it and manages to sweep. Now he's in guard on top.

Allen pushes Peixoto off and scrambles back to his feet.
Sloppy strikes from Peixoto. Those never looked like landing.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Peixoto shoots for a double leg takedown but Allen sprawls well. He's pushed Peixoto's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Allen shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Peixoto as he jumps to the side.
Peixoto takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Peixoto shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Allen pinned against the cage. Allen gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
Allen lands a jab to the nose.
Allen closes this distance looking for a takedown but Peixoto circles away.

Peixoto gets taken down but at least he's managed to land in guard.

Allen gets to his feet and steps away from his opponent.

Allen drives through with a really nice takedown into side control.
Peixoto dodges the ground and pound from Allen.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Allen throws a strike aimed at the side of Peixoto's head but Peixoto avoids it well.
Peixoto is not in a great position here, taking some shots.
Allen misses with the ground and pound.
Allen misses with an attempted head punch from side control.
The strikes coming from Allen are missing the target in this wave of attacks.
Allen throwing strikes but Peixoto manages to buck up and roll into a nice reversal - now he's on top in side control!
Allen wants to escape from the position here - easier said than done!
Allen is trying to improve his position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Peixoto wants to stand but Allen is controlling his arm.
You can see the frustration on Allen's face, being in this tough position on the bottom.
Peixoto tries to stand but Allen is controlling his head.
Allen manages to get one leg in to regain half guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Allen tries to kick Peixoto off but Peixoto keeps his base steady and stays in half guard.

Boyd Allen has forced the referee to step in and bring the fight back to the feet.
Peixoto is looking to clinch.
Boyd Allen is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Peixoto tries to bum rush Allen with a series of wild strikes but Allen uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Allen fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Boyd Allen. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Allen misses with a jab, cross combination.
Peixoto throws a series of punches but Allen avoids them all with ease.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.

Allen bobs and weaves into range and then changes levels and scores with a nice takedown into side control.
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.
Allen landing strikes.
Allen creates a bit of distance and throws down some hard shots.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Boyd Allen clearly takes that round.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

Allen closes the distance and lands a one-two.
Allen scores with a one two! Peixoto had his feet all tangled up there and couldn't avoid the strikes.
Peixoto stuffs the takedown attempt from Allen. Allen gets slowly back to his feet.
Peixoto throws a sloppy head kick
and Allen makes the exchange count by landing a cracking kick to the body. Peixoto really felt that one!
No joy there for Peixoto, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Peixoto swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Allen is using his reach advantage well here, landing the more effective single shots from range.

Allen looks for a takedown. He's got it. We're now in half guard.

Allen is working for submissions here but there's nothing on.
Allen not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
Allen winds up and cracks Peixoto with a swinging punch to the side of the head.
Peixoto is absolutely dripping with sweat - he looks exhausted.
Allen seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Peixoto does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Peixoto tries to push off, looking to stand up, but Allen manages to move to mount!
Allen lands a heavy elbow.
The crowd growing excited in anticipation of a finish here! Right on cue, Allen cracks his opponent with a massive right hand that draws loud cheers!
Peixoto wants to try and get back to his feet.
Allen connects with a couple of good shots from mount.
The crowd growing excited in anticipation of a finish here! Right on cue, Allen cracks his opponent with a massive right hand that draws loud cheers!
Allen landing punches.
Allen lands a nice shot to the head.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Allen looking to control but Peixoto is working nicely, looking to advance position himself.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Allen unloading with bombs!
Allen lands a nice shot to the head.
Allen lands a couple of nice shots there from mount.
Allen postures up and cracks his opponent a couple of times before moving back into close ground control. Peixoto looks a forlorn figure.

Peixoto is rocked!
Peixoto is trying to escape but when you're mounted that's not too easy.
Peixoto is still in real trouble! Can Allen finish him?
Allen working Peixoto over with strikes here.
Allen postures up and connects with a big shot that has rocked Peixoto badly. He's trying desperately to grab hold of Allen around the waist but Allen pushes him off and unloads with more strikes, forcing the referee to jump in and save him! Allen is the winner by TKO! Allen jumps onto the cage and shouts into the camera. "We did it momma!"

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:56 of round 4, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Boyd Allen!
Boyd Allen is the new featherweight champion!
A loyal slave to those sponsorship dollars, Boyd Allen made sure he mentioned Leopard Fight Wear 50% laundry, 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
100%

Co-main event

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

Daniels
vs
Ioannou

186 cm
22
185 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

161 cm
27
186 lbs
3 - 3 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Cuts easily

BJJ Blue Belt
Counter fighter
Knockout power

Leopard Fight Wear 50% laundry
D-Back Clothing

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 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Darren Daniels!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 3 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Costa Ioannou!
The judges for this bout are Wesley Smith, Tiny Johnson and Chris Downing.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Daniels throws a sloppy head kick and Ioannou moves out of range easily.
Daniels with a hook.
No luck for Ioannou with that takedown attempt.
Daniels throws a wild body kick that Ioannou sees coming a mile off.
We're hearing some news coming in from back stage. It's official - Ioannou has eaten all the pies!

Ioannou is looking for a takedown here. He's shot in and has managed to get it, finishing up in Daniels's half guard.
The referee must be thinking about standing these guys back up.

Ioannou is sneakily working for an arm triangle but Daniels sees it coming and defends easily.
Ioannou is looking to take a break and control but Daniels is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.

Ioannou is looking for a kimura here.

Ioannou 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.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Ioannou is trying for a guillotine from the top but the pressure isn't in the right place so Daniels is just riding it out for now. Ioannou eventually gives up the hold.
Daniels is trying to escape back to his feet but Ioannou uses the scramble to pass into side control.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.
Daniels is trying to stand back up. He's worked his way up against the cage but Ioannou has just dragged him back down to the mat.

Ioannou is trying to land an Americana. He has the arm isolated but Daniels is keeping cool and he's avoided the danger for now.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Daniels is looking to get back to his feet here but Ioannou is keeping cool and he's managed to take Daniels's back.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Ioannou working for a choke but Daniels is defending well.

Ioannou is persistently looking for the submission but Daniels is defending it well.
Ioannou somehow managing to miss with a strike from the back.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Ioannou patiently working for the choke. Which fighter will keep their nerve here?
Ioannou is looking to control Daniels but Daniels is wriggling around and keeping busy.
Daniels is taking damage to the body and head.
Daniels rolls and manages to get back to half guard. Nicely done.
Ioannou thows a huge punch but Daniels dodges it nicely.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Ioannou is nestled in close to Daniels, controlling him well. He's worked in a nice elbow to the side of the head as well, for good measure.
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!
Ioannou is taking a breather. Daniels says something to him but it's hard to make out. Perhaps he's telling him to get on with it and actually do something.

Ioannou is sneakily working for an arm triangle but Daniels sees it coming and defends easily.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Daniels works his jab well there, keeping his opponent at a distance.
Daniels lands a beauty of a right hand that gets the crowd cheering.
Daniels scores with a jab. Ioannou acknowledges it with a nod of the head.
Daniels misses with a body shot.
Ioannou stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Ioannou wants it to stay on the feet.
Daniels misses with an attempted mid kick.
Daniels with a hook.
Daniels tries to clinch but fails miserably

and Ioannou counters with a shoot takedown into half guard.
This has been an exciting period of action!

Ioannou postures up and decides to stand up, from the half guard. The ref calls for Daniels to stand up.
Ioannou moves out of range of the body kick.
Daniels tries to clinch up but Ioannou circles away and keeps his distance.
Daniels misses with an uppercut. Ioannou saw that one coming.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Ioannou shoots in for a takedown but Daniels shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Ioannou closes the distance and scores a nice trip takedown into half guard. Daniels did well to prevent Ioannou getting side control.
Daniels is refusing to be controlled, as Ioannou sits in half guard.
Daniels is controlling Ioannou's position as best he can from this difficult position.
Costa Ioannou has got the better of the ground game so far.
Ioannou prevents Daniels from standing back up.
Still in half guard, Ioannou seems content to control.

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

Daniels is defending against the submission attempts here by Ioannou.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Ioannou is taking a breather. Daniels says something to him but it's hard to make out. Perhaps he's telling him to get on with it and actually do something.
Ioannou looking to pass the half guard. Not this time.
Ioannou is looking to pass Daniels's guard but actually Daniels recovers to full guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Daniels wants to sweep here but Ioannou controlling him for the moment.
Ioannou content to stall in guard here.
Daniels will need to keep those long limbs tucked in whilst he's on the ground, to prevent any submissions.

Ioannou stands and steps away. Daniels gets to his feet too and we're back to the striking game.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Daniels misses with a kick to the body.
Ioannou takes one on the button.
The fight stays on the outside here - Daniels looks like he's thinking about clinching though.

Ioannou moves into the clinch.
Daniels is looking for a takedown up against the cage. Ioannou gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.

Ioannou has hold of one of Daniels's legs. Daniels is fighting the takedown attempt but Ioannou gets the trip and lands the takedown into guard.
Daniels looking to hit a scissor sweep but Ioannou is one step ahead there.

Ioannou drops back looking for a leg! Daniels is in trouble here! The fighters roll with the hold and Daniels manages to kick Ioannou off! Ioannou jumps back into Daniels's guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Daniels slaps away a takedown attempt from Ioannou, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Daniels connects with a lovely right hand, straight down the pipe.
Ioannou tries for a takedown but Daniels sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Ioannou defending well as Daniels loads up on a big left hand.
Ioannou displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Daniels.
Daniels doesn't manage to clinch there - Ioannou circles away.
We've been informed that Ioannou has been working hard on his conditioning in the buildup to the fight.
Daniels ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Ioannou moves away.
Daniels tries to clinch there but Ioannou circles away.
A big left from Daniels misses.
Darren Daniels seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Daniels takes a step towards his opponent and connects with a left hand, before circling away.
Costa Ioannou is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Ioannou displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Daniels.

Ioannou decides to change it up a bit and drives through with a nice takedown into half guard.
Ioannou wants to take a breather but Daniels is having none of it.
Ioannou tries to pass to full mount but Daniels defends it.

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

Ioannou is trying a forearm choke… I don't think that's going to do much at this level of the game.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Ioannou trying to control from Daniels's half guard. Daniels has other ideas though and has regained full guard.

Daniels kicks Ioannou off and gets to his feet.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Ioannou moves out of range of the body kick.
Daniels scores with a three punch combo!

Ioannou fakes a strike and closes the distance, dragging Daniels to the ground. Ioannou is now in Daniels's guard.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Ioannou accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Daniels utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Ioannou is frustrating his opponent with some stalling tactics from top position.
Ioannou trying to control but Daniels is working from the bottom.
Ioannou is stalling in the full guard.

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

The ref stands the fighters back up. Costa Ioannou was stalling too much, according to the referee.
Daniels tries to clinch
and Daniels takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
The fighters circle momentarily. Daniels darts into range and connects with a nice straight punch.
Nice jab there from Daniels.
Ioannou will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Daniels clobbers Ioannou with an overhand right that has the crowd gasping. That made a horrendous noise.
Costa Ioannou is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.

Ioannou looking to score a takedown here. Daniels is defending well but Ioannou drives through and ends up in Daniels's guard.
Ioannou wants to control from the top but Daniels keeps moving.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.

And that's the end of the fight!
Costa Ioannou comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I've got Ioannou 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 Wesley Smith scores the fight 27:30
Judge Tiny Johnson scores the fight 27:30
Judge Chris Downing scores the fight 27:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Costa Ioannou!
A determined Costa Ioannou didn't want to dwell on this fight in his post fight interview. Instead he was more keen to state he wants a title shot. Let's see if he gets it!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
54%

Main event

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Fraser Opie (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Michael McCarthy (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Opie comes to the cage accompanied by Skillet-Monster. Michael McCarthy will no doubt be trying to keep this one on the feet, where he has a distinct advantage.

Opie
vs
McCarthy

185 cm
25
205 lbs
2 - 1 - 0

180 cm
25
215 lbs
3 - 0 - 0

Decent wrestler
Counter fighter
Good chin

BJJ White Belt
Excellent MT
Powerful

Leopard Fight Wear 50% laundry
D-Back Clothing

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 2 - 1 - 0, fighting out of London, Fraser Opie!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 3 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Michael McCarthy!
The judges for this bout are Cecil Peabody, Daniel Franklin and Robert Twigg.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Opie shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says McCarthy as he avoids it easily.
Opie looks to have improved his striking defense since last time we saw him fight.
McCarthy throws a body kick but he was well out of range there.

Opie shoots in for a takedown and gets it. Let's see what he's got on the mat.
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.
Opie postures up.
Opie trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
McCarthy wants to stand up but Opie is controlling him.
Opie being controlled here momentarily.
Opie throwing strikes from guard but McCarthy blocks nicely.
McCarthy controls Opie momentarily but Opie frees himself.

Michael McCarthy has forced the referee to step in and restart the fight on the feet.
McCarthy misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.

McCarthy moves into the clinch successfully.
McCarthy lands a nice looking hook to the body, against the cage.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Opie is trying to work out of this bad position, with his back against the cage.

That's one minute gone in the round.
McCarthy lands a nice shot to the body.
McCarthy comes over the top with an elbow. That landed flush.
McCarthy misses with an elbow over the top.
McCarthy lands a body shot.
Opie is breathing heavily.
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!
McCarthy is leaning against Opie and scores with a nice uppercut to the body.
A hook to the body from McCarthy.
A nice glancing elbow lands by McCarthy.
McCarthy lands a nice elbow from the clinch.
McCarthy lands a nice elbow from the clinch.
McCarthy lands a glancing elbow in the clinch.
McCarthy creates a bit of space for himself and sneaks an elbow through Opie's defenses.

It looks like Fraser Opie has been cut.
McCarthy gets an overhook and lands an elbow to the side of the head.
McCarthy tries a knee to the head but he's missed.
McCarthy creates a bit of space for himself and sneaks an elbow through Opie's defenses.
McCarthy stays in close to his opponent and throws a right hand to the body.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
McCarthy lands an elbow inside that Opie shrugs off.
McCarthy lands a glancing elbow in the clinch.
McCarthy lands an elbow that stopped Opie in his tracks for a moment.
A left hand lands to the body for McCarthy.
McCarthy lands an elbow inside.
McCarthy lands a glancing elbow in the clinch.
McCarthy lands an elbow inside.
McCarthy lands a glancing elbow in the clinch.
Opie takes an elbow to the forehead.
A left hand lands to the body for McCarthy.
McCarthy lands a glancing elbow in the clinch.
McCarthy lands a body punch.
A nice glancing elbow lands by McCarthy.
McCarthy misses with a knee to the head.
McCarthy using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Opie has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
McCarthy lands a glancing elbow in the clinch.
Opie takes an elbow to the forehead.
A short body shot lands from McCarthy as the two fighters clinch.
A hook to the body from McCarthy.
McCarthy lands a glancing elbow in the clinch.
This has been an exciting period of action!
An uppercut to the body lands inside from McCarthy.
A right hook to the body lands for McCarthy.
A nice glancing elbow lands by McCarthy.
McCarthy lands a damaging elbow.
McCarthy lands an elbow just above Opie 's eye.
A nice glancing elbow lands by McCarthy.
McCarthy lands a glancing elbow in the clinch.
A nice glancing elbow lands by McCarthy.

Opie is rocked!
McCarthy lands a nice elbow.
Oh Opie is still all over the place! His legs are completely gone! Will he be able to recover?!!

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Opie takes an elbow to the temple.
McCarthy comes over the top with an elbow. That landed flush.
Clinched against the cage, McCarthy lands a big elbow that drops Opie! The ref dives in to save him from more shots - Opie is complaining that he's OK but he was done.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:15 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Michael McCarthy!
Michael McCarthy is the new light heavyweight champion!