RS 176 No Whiners! PBP Commentary

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Irshaad Sayed (ranked 1170 p4p, 125 weight class) and Piotr Hermano (ranked 3006 p4p, 269 weight class). Fingers crossed for an exciting fight - I'm sure both fighters are looking for a nice under the table bonus!

Sayed
vs
Hermano

173 cm
28
150 lbs
7 - 3 - 0

168 cm
28
150 lbs
6 - 3 - 0

Good wrestling
Excellent MT
Cardio machine

Good wrestler
Brawler
Good gas tank

Hellraiser FightGear

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the featherweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 7 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Irshaad Sayed!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 6 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Hilo, Piotr Hermano!
The judges for this bout are Reed Andrews, Eddie Farnsworth and Anthony Taglia.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Sayed paws at his opponent with the jab and then lunges in with a straight, right on the button.
Sayed tries a low kick but Hermano avoids it.
Sayed misses with a double jab.
Hermano tries to counter by closing the distance.
Hermano throws a couple of head shots and lands with the final one - a decent hook, which struck Sayed on the side of the head.
Sloppy strikes from Hermano. Those never looked like landing.
An attempted straight right counter from Sayed misses the target.
A telegraphed right hand from Sayed misses the target.
Sayed connects with a body shot that sends Hermano's belly button to the back.
Sayed scores with a nice right hand.
Sayed has been talking about how he's improved his wrestling in the run up to the fight so let's see if that's enough to sway the balance.
Sayed displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Hermano throws out the jab.
Jab, jab by Hermano - just one landing.

It looks like Irshaad Sayed has been cut.
Hermano cracks Sayed with an open hand slap.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Sayed scores to the head and body with a nice combination!
The fighters circling - Hermano throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Sayed misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Hermano.
Sayed looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
A big right from Sayed misses.
Irshaad Sayed seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Sayed throws a good cross that connects.
Sayed misses with an uppercut. Hermano saw that one coming.
Hermano scores with a sloppy punch to the body. Not much technique there but it did the business.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Sayed looks to land a combination but Hermano avoids it well.
It seemed like Hermano was going to counter with the hook but didn't fully commit to it.

Hermano has managed to clinch.
Hermano scores with a shoulder strike.
Sayed can't break the clinch.
Sayed looks like he'd prefer to be striking at range right now.
Hermano misses with some punches.
Hermano gets through Sayed's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
Hermano prevents Sayed from breaking the clinch.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Sayed.
Hermano misses with a hook from the clinch.
Sayed is trying to force a seperation but Hermano has the dominant position.

Sayed's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Sayed takes a body punch but keeps moving.
Hermano bobbing and weaving, closes the distance and lands a hook to the side of Sayed's head.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Hermano takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.
Sayed looks to land a combination but Hermano avoids it well.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
A looping hook to the body misses from Hermano. Sayed does a little dance to reset his feet.
An attempted straight right counter from Sayed misses the target.
Sayed connects with a leg kick. He turned his hip over nicely there.
Hermano looks to score with a jab to the body but Sayed is just out of range.
Hermano throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Hermano staying out of range there.
Hermano tries to clinch but Sayed moves out of range.
Hermano swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Sayed throws a left and a right that both miss
and Hermano counters with a straight right hand.
Sayed lands a head shot.
Sayed throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Hermano works his jab well there, keeping his opponent at a distance.
Sayed connects with a high kick.
Sayed throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd.
Hermano slips under a jab.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Sayed lands a slapping body shot.
Sayed staying out of range there.
Hermano takes an uppercut right on the jaw but it doesn't phase him.
Hermano throws a jab but it's blocked by Sayed.
Jab by Sayed.
Sayed tries to move into range but Hermano moves to the side and lands with a nice right hand.
Sayed ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Sayed swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Irshaad Sayed is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Hermano misses with a looping right.
Sayed throws the left hand but Hermano avoids the punch easily.
Hermano connects with a crisp jab.
Sayed looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Sayed feints and then cracks Hermano's leading leg with a nice low kick. He's obviously looking to slow Hermano down.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Hermano shoots for a takedown but Sayed saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
Hermano 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.
Sayed pushing out the jab but it's not landing.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Hermano throws a body shot but no joy.
Sayed lands with a nice combination. Hermano backs away looking to recover.
Sayed throws a head kick that half lands.
Sayed scores with a jab. Hermano acknowledges it with a nod of the head.

Hermano drives through and clinches with Sayed against the cage.
Hermano lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.

Sayed pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Sayed missing with a left hand there. Hermano was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Hermano lands a vicious shot with the stealth of a sniper and the strength of a viper. Are vipers that strong? I can think of lots of things that are stronger than a viper - not many rhyme with sniper though.
Sayed darts in and out, connecting with a jab.
Hermano staying out of range there.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Sayed with a jab.
Sayed swings for the body but Hermano moves out of range.
Sayed cracks Hermano with a hook to the jaw. Both fighters smile at eachother and high-five before getting back down to business.
A jab from Sayed misses.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Hermano fakes low and throws an overhand right that catches Sayed on the side of the head.
Sayed rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
and Hermano cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Irshaad Sayed is winning the standup battle so far.
Hermano takes a jab right on the kisser.
Sayed misses with a right hand
and Hermano counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.

Sayed is rocked!
A big right followed by a crushing left from Hermano knocks Sayed out cold! Ouch - that one's going to be featured in highlight reels for years to come!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 0:20 of round 2, we have a winner by way of KO (Punches). Piotr Hermano!
A victorious Piotr Hermano thanked his army of followers in his post fight interview, telling people to make sure they follow him on Twitter.

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
73%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Emanuel Rodrigez (ranked 7262 p4p, 571 weight class) and Jari Mela (ranked 25315 p4p, 645 weight class). Jari Mela struggled to make weight for this fight. He only made it down to 171.9lbs at the first attempt and had to take the additional two hours to make the official bout weight. Let's see how much it's taken out of him. Jari Mela will no doubt be trying to keep this one on the feet, where he has a distinct advantage.

Rodrigez
vs
Mela

188 cm
27
173 lbs
5 - 15 - 0

200 cm
18
180 lbs
0 - 2 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Basic striking
Experienced

BJJ Blue Belt
Basic striking
Solid chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the welterweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 5 - 15 - 0, fighting out of New York, Emanuel Rodrigez!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Sydney, Jari Mela!
The judges for this bout are Chad Campbell, Franklyn Lucas and Jonathan Paton.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Mela scores with a straight right hand, right through his opponent's guard.
Rodrigez throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Mela's waist but Mela gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Rodrigez off to one side.

Rodrigez looking for a takedown here - he's got it.
Mela is looking to stand up but Rodrigez isn't so interested in that idea.

Rodrigez decides he's had enough of playing guard and decides to stand. Come on Mela, up you get!
Mela throws a right hand that Rodrigez ducks under and follows up with a left that Rodrigez also avoids with ease.
Rodrigez closes this distance looking for a takedown but Mela circles away.
Rodrigez misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
Mela has been working on his striking defense in training and it's paying off as Rodrigez is landing a low percentage of strikes.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Emanuel Rodrigez. That's going to take a lot out of him.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Rodrigez.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Rodrigez drives through with a really nice takedown into side control.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.

Mela tries to escape back to his feet but Rodrigez has kept hold of him... Oh, now he's got Mela's back and is looking for the choke... Is it? Is it sunk in? YES! Mela is tapping! Rodrigez saw the opportunity and took it - ruthless!

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

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
87%

Co-main event

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Onni Seppala (ranked 2918 p4p, 393 weight class) and Hard Hitter (ranked 21926 p4p, 802 weight class). Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the cage.

Seppala
vs
Hitter

194 cm
24
215 lbs
10 - 8 - 0

199 cm
23
206 lbs
3 - 1 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
World class MT
Granite chin

Good wrestler
World class MT
Granite chin

KOMBAT KLOTHING
Riner Clothing

Urban Fighter

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 10 - 8 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Onni Seppala!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 3 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Hard Hitter!
The judges for this bout are John Roberts, John Kavanagh and Alyssa Summers.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Hitter misses with a straight left.
Hitter tries to close the distance and clinch but Seppala swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Hitter looks to land a left hand but Seppala moved out of range nicely.
Seppala looks to score with a jab to the body but Hitter is just out of range.
Hitter appears to be waiting to throw a counter punch to the body.
Hitter rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Seppala moves out of range and avoids them all easily.

Hitter gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.
Seppala misses with a hook from the clinch.
Seppala misses with a body punch.
Hitter struggles to land a body shot inside as Seppala controls his hands.
Hitter misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Hitter fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Seppala scores with a nice hook to the head.
Hitter misses with a hook to the ribs.
Hitter prevents a body shot from Seppala.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Hitter pushes Seppala back against the cage and unloads with a body punch.
Hitter misses with a body punch.
Seppala's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
Hitter lands a shot to the body.
Seppala misses with a hook from the clinch.
Hitter blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
A short right from Hitter.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Hitter.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Hitter cracks Seppala with a nice body shot.
Hitter tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Seppala throws a punch but it's blocked by Hitter.
Hitter tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Hitter tries to work over Seppala's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Seppala tries to work over Hitter's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Hitter blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Seppala tries a body shot but Hitter blocks it.
Hitter misses with a hook to the ribs.
Hitter struggles to land a body shot inside as Seppala controls his hands.
Hitter has been looking to improve his clinch game in recent weeks. Seppala seems to have the measure of him in the clinch so far, so let's see if Hitter can turn it around.
Hitter works for underhooks and lands a body shot in the process.
A bit of stalling here from Hitter.
Seppala throws a head punch that misses.
Hitter lands a nice looking hook to the body, against the cage.
Hitter lands with a short head shot on the inside.
Hitter blocks an uppercut.
A nice right hand lands inside from Hitter.
A body shot lands from Hitter.
Seppala tries a body shot but Hitter blocks it.
Hitter lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
Hitter manages to get underhooks and slows down the pace for a moment.
Hitter blocks a couple of punches on the inside.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Seppala blocking some punches.
Seppala fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Hitter misses with a punch to the body.
Seppala lands a hook that snaps the head of Hitter backwards.
Seppala misses with a body punch.
Hitter just leaning against Seppala, taking a breather.
Hitter lands on the inside with an uppercut.
Seppala misses with a hook from the clinch.
Seppala digs a right hand underneath Hitter's ribcage. Hitter let out a lung full of air as it connected.
Hitter blocks an uppercut.
Hitter struggles to land a body shot inside as Seppala controls his hands.
Seppala gets through Hitter's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
Hitter blocks an uppercut.
Hitter stalling against the cage.
Hitter lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
A real battle for position is taking place between these two warriors.
Hitter lands on the inside with an uppercut.
A head punch on the inside from Hitter fails to land.
Both fighters working to control the clinch.
Seppala swings wildly with an uppercut but Hitter uses good head movement to avoid it.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Seppala misses with the head strike.
Hitter just leaning against Seppala, taking a breather.
Seppala blocking some punches.
Seppala pushes Hitter back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.
Hitter stays in close to his opponent and throws a right hand to the body.
Seppala goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
A short left from Hitter.

Hitter breaks from the clinch.
Hitter is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Seppala.
Hitter throws a jab when Seppala was well out of range.
Seppala just misses with a punch to the body.
Seppala fakes a jab and scores with a low kick.
Hitter scores with a jab to the jaw.

Seppala darts in and clinches Hitter up against the cage.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Seppala.
Hitter taking a break, stalling in the clinch.
Seppala doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Seppala fails to land with a short punch on the inside.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Seppala lands with a light punch inside.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Seppala prevents a body shot from Hitter.
Hitter lands with a left to the head.
Hitter leaning his opponent against the cage.
Hitter blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
The referee is keeping an eye on Hitter - much more stalling and he will separate the fighters.
Hitter blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Seppala tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Hitter's elbow.
Hitter takes a shot to the head.
Hitter blocks a body shot from Seppala.
Hitter scores with a hook to the body.
Seppala misses with a hook to the ribs.
Seppala fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Seppala misses with some punches.
Nice body punch from Hitter - that landed with a thud.
Seppala swings wildly with an uppercut but Hitter uses good head movement to avoid it.
Hitter's corner are urging him to control the action in the clinch for a moment, rather than mount any serious offense. I'm sure the crowd appreciate those instructions... not.
Seppala tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Seppala throws a looping overhand right but Hitter ducks down to avoid it.
Hitter throws a shot from downtown. Seppala moves away and avoids it.
Seppala keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Hitter.
Hitter lands with a good body shot.
Hitter lands with an overhand left.
Seppala tests Hitter's chin there with a solid looking shot.

It looks like Hard Hitter has been cut.

Seppala clinches up against the cage.
Seppala has a couple of punches blocked by Hitter.
Seppala misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Seppala misses with a hook to the ribs.
Seppala lands an uppercut.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Hitter struggles to land a body shot inside as Seppala controls his hands.
Hitter misses with a punch to the body.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Hitter.
Seppala throws a head punch that misses.
Seppala lands with a light punch inside.
Hitter blocking some punches.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Hitter tries to throw a body punch but Seppala avoids it by throwing Hitter back against the cage.
A short right from Hitter.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Seppala misses with a punch on the inside.
The fighters are pressed against the cage, as the pace of the fight slows.
Seppala swings wildly with an uppercut but Hitter uses good head movement to avoid it.
Seppala lands an uppercut.
Seppala tries to work over Hitter's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Hitter misses with a hook to the ribs.
Seppala lands a shot to the body.
Hitter throws a head punch that misses.
Seppala working aggressively here.
Hitter lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Seppala backwards.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Seppala.
Seppala tries to throw a body punch but Hitter avoids it by throwing Seppala back against the cage.
Hitter misses with a short punch on the inside.
Seppala prevents a body shot from Hitter.
Seppala has a couple of punches blocked by Hitter.
A real battle for position is taking place between these two warriors.
Seppala misses with the head strike.
Seppala takes a shot to the head.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Seppala blocks a body shot from Hitter.
Hitter lands a hook to the side of the head.
Seppala presses Hitter against the cage and delivers a mid-strength body shot.
Seppala lands with a right to the head.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Hitter tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Seppala's elbow.
Hitter trying to control the position but instead, Seppala has worked for underhooks and has pushed Hitter into the cage.
Hitter lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Seppala backwards.
Hitter lands a right hand.
Seppala tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Seppala throws a punch but it's blocked by Hitter.
Hitter stalling against the cage.
Seppala misses with a hook to the ribs.
An uppercut to the body lands inside from Hitter.
Both guys are working to get underhooks.
Seppala scores with an uppercut up the middle.
Hitter tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Hitter tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Hitter lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Seppala tries a body shot but Hitter blocks it.
Hitter pushes Seppala back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.
Seppala pushes Hitter back against the cage and unloads with a body punch.
Hitter lands a shot to the body.
Seppala throws a head punch that misses.
Hitter tries a body shot but Seppala blocks it.
Seppala misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Hitter is trying to slow down the pace in the clinch, to catch his breath.
Seppala blocks a body shot from Hitter.
A short uppercut from Hitter.
Hitter taking a break, stalling in the clinch.
Seppala tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Hitter's elbow.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Hitter.
Seppala can't find room to land a body shot as Hitter controls the action.
A nice right hand lands inside from Hitter.
Hitter is working hard here but doesn't seem to be able to control effectively, up against the cage.
Seppala swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Hitter misses with a punch to the body.
Seppala working aggressively here.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Seppala misses with a short punch on the inside.
Hitter digs a right hand underneath Seppala's ribcage. Seppala let out a lung full of air as it connected.
Hitter lands with a short shot to the head.
Hard Hitter seems to be working more effectively in the clinch in the fight so far.
Hitter misses with a hook from the clinch.
Hitter tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Hitter blocking some punches.
Hitter misses with a hook from the clinch.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Seppala.
A body shot lands from Seppala.
Seppala throws a hook to the body. More of an arm punch but it's all scoring with the judges.
Hitter goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Hitter slows down the pace here.
A short body shot lands from Hitter as the two fighters clinch.
A right hand to the body from Hitter.
Hitter blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Hitter wants to stall.
Hitter's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
A short right from Seppala on the inside.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close second round but Hard Hitter will probably get the nod - 10:9.
The cut man is working on Hard Hitter's cut.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business. So, we enter the final round. Let's see if either fighter can bring us a finish, or whether we're going to the judges scorecards.

Seppala avoids a punch combination nicely.

Hitter rushes Seppala and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.
Hitter misses with a punch to the body.
Hitter prevents a body shot from Seppala.
Seppala misses with a punch to the body.
Seppala misses with a punch to the body.
Still in the clinch, Seppala scores with a nice short uppercut.
Hitter lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
Hitter tries to work over Seppala's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Hitter fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Hitter has a couple of punches blocked by Seppala.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Seppala prevents a body shot from Hitter.
Seppala misses with a punch to the body.
Hitter has Seppala pushed against the cage.
Hitter is clearly stalling here... Pick up the pace son.
Hitter misses with a shot to the kidneys.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Hitter is trying to maintain a safe position but Seppala gets an underhook and turns Hitter into the cage.
Seppala swings wildly with an uppercut but Hitter uses good head movement to avoid it.
Hitter misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Hitter blocks an uppercut.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Hitter.
Seppala misses with the head strike.
The pace really dropping off here, momentarily.
Hitter doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Seppala working aggressively here.
Hitter tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Hitter trying to control the position but instead, Seppala has worked for underhooks and has pushed Hitter into the cage.
Both guys are working to get underhooks.
Hitter can't find room to land a body shot as Seppala controls the action.
Seppala working aggressively here.
Seppala pushes Hitter back against the cage and unloads with a body punch.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Seppala misses with some punches.
Hitter lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Seppala backwards.
Hitter struggles to land a body shot inside as Seppala controls his hands.
Seppala tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Hitter misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Hitter works for underhooks and lands a body shot in the process.
Hitter misses with a hook to the ribs.
Hitter misses with a body punch.
Seppala lands a body shot.
Both fighters working to control the clinch.
Seppala lands a body punch.
The fighters are pressed against the cage, as the pace of the fight slows.
Hitter throws a hook to the body. More of an arm punch but it's all scoring with the judges.
Seppala misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Hitter lands a hook to the side of the head.
A head punch on the inside from Hitter fails to land.
Seppala fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Hitter misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Onni Seppala has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Seppala works on Hitter's body with a couple of short punches.
Hitter has a couple of punches blocked by Seppala.
A short left from Hitter.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, Seppala creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
Seppala prevents a body shot from Hitter.
An uppercut to the body lands inside from Hitter.
Hitter blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
A right hand to the body from Hitter.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Seppala has a couple of punches blocked by Hitter.
Hitter tries to work over Seppala's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Seppala lands an uppercut.
Hitter misses with the head strike.
Seppala misses with a body punch.
Hitter is trying to slow down the pace in the clinch, to catch his breath.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Hitter.
Hitter misses with a punch to the body.
Hitter lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
Seppala lands a hook to the side of the head.
Hitter lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Hitter struggles to land a body shot inside as Seppala controls his hands.
A short uppercut from Hitter.
A nice right hand lands inside from Hitter.
A shot in the inside from Seppala.
Seppala tries to work over Hitter's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Hitter lands a nice shot to the body.
A right hand to the body from Hitter.

Hitter breaks the clinch.
Seppala throws a poor cross that misses
and Hitter counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Hard Hitter is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
Seppala slips under a jab from Hitter.
Seppala swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Seppala misses with a hook to the body
and Seppala takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Seppala misses with an uppercut. Hitter saw that one coming.
Seppala takes a jab on the nose there. A little bit of blood seems to be coming out. Hopefully that won't affect his breathing.
Hitter misses the shot to the body.
Jab by Hitter.

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

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge John Roberts scores the fight 27:30
Judge John Kavanagh scores the fight 28:30
Judge Alyssa Summers scores the fight 28:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Hard Hitter!
Hard Hitter 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.

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
63%

Main event

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Bobby Bushwacker (ranked 1646 p4p, 169 weight class) and Ruben Rivera (ranked 2097 p4p, 204 weight class). Bushwacker comes to the cage accompanied by Treat Me Like Your Mother. 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.

Bushwacker
vs
Rivera

168 cm
26
156 lbs
8 - 3 - 0

157 cm
25
145 lbs
5 - 3 - 2

Great wrestler
World class boxer
Granite chin

Good wrestler
World class MT
Granite chin

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 8 - 3 - 0, fighting out of New York, Bobby Bushwacker!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 5 - 3 - 2, fighting out of London, Ruben Rivera!
The judges for this bout are Dean Styles, Bruno Lombardi and Franklyn Lucas.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Bushwacker takes a thudding leg kick, right into the meat of the thigh.
Bushwacker has been talking about how he's improved his wrestling in the run up to the fight so let's see if that's enough to sway the balance.
Bushwacker moves out of range as Rivera throws a body kick.
Rivera wants to clinch
and Bushwacker counters with an outside leg kick.
Bushwacker moves out of range as Rivera strikes.
Rivera wants to clinch up but Bushwacker keeps it at a distance.
Bushwacker checks the leg kick.
Rivera blocks a leg kick.
Rivera moves to clinch but Bushwacker breaks away
and Bushwacker counters with a nice uppercut.
Rivera looks more muscular than last time we saw him. He must have been on the weights.
Rivera fails in his attempt to clinch.
Rivera tries to clinch up.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Bushwacker lands with a cross to side of his opponent's head.
Bushwacker avoids the head kick by Rivera.

Rivera moves into the clinch.
Rivera looking to throw knees to the head but Bushwacker is blocking nicely.
Rivera throws an elbow but it's blocked.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Rivera missing with knees to the body.
Rivera missing with knees to the body.
Bushwacker blocks an elbow strike from Rivera.
Rivera throws an elbow but it misses.
Rivera misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Bushwacker.
Bushwacker on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.

Bushwacker manages to break the clinch.
Rivera misses with a looping left.
Rivera throws a nice head kick!
Rivera is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Bushwacker throwing a counter right hand but Rivera manages to avoid it.
Rivera throws a front kick aimed at Bushwacker's knee but Bushwacker avoids it well.
The fight stays on the outside here - Rivera looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Bushwacker misses with a combination

and Rivera holds on and brings the fighters into a clinch.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Bushwacker blocks an elbow strike.
Knees to the body from Rivera.
Rivera landing some nice looking knees to the body.
Bushwacker lands an uppercut.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Bushwacker scores with a shoulder strike.
Rivera tries to land a knee to the head but misses.
Rivera misses with a knee to the head.
Bushwacker managing to block the knees to the body from Rivera.
Rivera blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.
Rivera gets an overhook and lands an elbow to the side of the head.

It looks like Bobby Bushwacker has been cut.
Rivera being controlled against the cage.
With the fighters up against the cage, Bushwacker throws an elbow but misses.
Knees in the clinch landing for Rivera.
Rivera tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Bushwacker avoids it.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Rivera creates a bit of distance and throws an elbow that only just misses.
Rivera misses with a knee to the head.
Bushwacker stalling against the cage.
Bushwacker dodges an elbow strike from Rivera.
Bushwacker avoiding damage as Rivera throws knees to the body.
Bushwacker on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
Rivera misses with an elbow over the top.
Rivera misses with an elbow over the top.
Bushwacker blocks an elbow strike.
Bushwacker lands a body shot in the clinch.
Rivera throws an elbow but it misses.
Bushwacker misses with some punches.
Rivera creates a bit of distance and throws an elbow that only just misses.
Rivera lands a nice elbow from the clinch.
Bushwacker misses with a body punch.
Bushwacker pushes off an throws an elbow but Rivera leans to the side and avoids it. We're back to clinching against the cage.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Bushwacker on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
Rivera throws an elbow that misses.
Bushwacker missing with knees to the body.
Bushwacker dodges an elbow strike from Rivera.
Rivera with an attempt at a knee that misses.
Rivera avoiding damage as Bushwacker throws knees to the body.
Rivera is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Bushwacker is defending well for now.
Bushwacker blocks an elbow strike.
Rivera tries to land a knee to the head but misses.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Rivera blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Bushwacker throws a punch but it's blocked by Rivera.
Rivera missing with knees to the body.
Bushwacker avoids the elbow strike from Rivera, against the cage.
Bushwacker looking to slow down the pace here.
Bushwacker on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Ruben Rivera dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Bobby Bushwacker's cut.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!

Bushwacker cracks Rivera with a good jab.
Rivera has been the more effective fighter overall so far.

Rivera gets a clinch.
A body shot lands from Bushwacker.
Nice elbow from Rivera.
Rivera misses with an elbow over the top.
A short left from Bushwacker.
Bushwacker working some nice short punches in the clinch.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, Bushwacker creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
Bushwacker tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Rivera's elbow.
Rivera throws an elbow but it's blocked.
Rivera lands an elbow just above Bushwacker 's eye.
Bushwacker takes a knee right on the jaw!

Bobby Bushwacker's cut is getting worse.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Rivera is trying to slow down the pace in the clinch, to catch his breath.
The two fighters are working to gain dominance in the clinch.
Rivera looks to throw an elbow but misses.
The fighters are starting to get sweaty, which will make takedowns a bit more tricky.
Rivera is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Bushwacker is defending well for now.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Rivera pushes off an throws an elbow but Bushwacker leans to the side and avoids it. We're back to clinching against the cage.
Bushwacker managing to block the knees to the body from Rivera.
Bushwacker lands a hook that snaps the head of Rivera backwards.
Rivera being controlled against the cage.
Bushwacker stalling in the clinch but Rivera improves position.
Ruben Rivera seems to be working more effectively in the clinch in the fight so far.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Bushwacker.
Bushwacker blocks an elbow strike.
Good anti-grappling being displayed by Rivera as Bushwacker tries to tie him up.
Rivera trying to land knees to the body.
Rivera pushes off and fires off an elbow that misses, before clinching up again, against the cage.
Rivera is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Bushwacker is defending well for now.
Rivera creates a bit of distance and throws an elbow that only just misses.

Bushwacker's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Rivera missing with a left hand there. Bushwacker was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Rivera lands a leg kick. The shin dug right into the meat of the thigh.
Bushwacker goes to the watering hole and comes back with a big thumbs up from the judges as he scores a three punch combo.
Bushwacker is using his reach advantage well here, landing the more effective single shots from range.
Bushwacker throws a sloppy head kick and Rivera moves out of range easily.
Bushwacker backing away here, and Rivera unleashes a leg kick that just misses.
Rivera tries to clinch but Bushwacker is having none of it.
Bushwacker throws out a loose jab but Rivera uses good head movement to avoid it.
Bushwacker thows a leg kick but Rivera checks it
and Rivera counters with a low kick, right behind Bushwacker 's knee.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Rivera tries to work over Bushwacker's front leg with a kick but Bushwacker checks it.
Bobby Bushwacker is winning the standup battle so far.
Bushwacker tries to check a leg kick but that clearly hurt him.
Bushwacker shapes like he's going to throw a leg kick but settles back down.
Bushwacker throws a hook but Rivera blocks it.
Rivera tries to clinch but Bushwacker moves away
and Bushwacker counters with a straight right hand.
Bushwacker looks to land a right hand but Rivera moved out of range.
Bushwacker blocks a leg kick.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Bushwacker throws a leg kick but he was too far away and it doesn't land.
Rivera wants to counter the offense by Bushwacker and move into the clinch position.
Well, he's not going to score with shots like that. A lazy body kick attempt from Rivera.
Bushwacker swinging wildly here.
Rivera pivots, looking for a leg kick but Bushwacker is out of range and Rivera settles back down.
Bushwacker swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Rivera moves away from the strike by Bushwacker.
Bushwacker lands with a two punch combination before moving back out of range.
Rivera drops his hands and takes a jab to the jaw for his troubles.
Rivera misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Bushwacker swings wildly with a hook that is half blocked by Rivera.
Bushwacker moves into range and throws a lovely three punch combination.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
A chopping leg kick lands by Rivera.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Bushwacker throws out a powerful jab.
Rivera ducks under a wild hook from Bushwacker.
Rivera is trying to counter with his kicks.
Rivera tries to clinch there but Bushwacker circles away.
Rivera fails with an attempt to clinch.
Bushwacker checks a leg kick nicely.
Bushwacker is using his height advantage well here, landing a good percentage of his punches.
Rivera fails in his attempt to clinch.
Bushwacker throws a leg kick
and he gets countered with a snapping leg kick.
Bushwacker takes a step towards his opponent and connects with a left hand, before circling away.
Rivera connects with an inside leg kick.
Bushwacker checks a low kick from Rivera.
Bushwacker throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
A good leg kick by Rivera.
A clash of legs there as Bushwacker blocks the low kick.
Bushwacker throws a big counter combination but Rivera scrambles out of danger and avoids any damage.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Bobby Bushwacker dominated that second round.
The cut man is working on Bobby Bushwacker's cut.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!

Rivera throws a leg kick but Bushwacker sees it coming and checks it nicely.
Bushwacker swats away the attempt to clinch by Rivera.
Bushwacker cracks a nice hook into Rivera's ribs.
Bobby Bushwacker is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Rivera wants to clinch but Bushwacker slips to the side
and Bushwacker counters with a series of strikes. Rivera will be more careful next time no doubt.
Rivera finds nothing but air with that leg kick attempt.
Rivera wants to land a leg kick but Bushwacker is out of range.
Bushwacker misses with a hook.
Rivera lands a leg kick. The shin dug right into the meat of the thigh.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
A low kick from Bushwacker is predictable there
and Rivera counters with a slapping leg kick.
Bushwacker dips to his left and cracks Rivera with an uppercut!
Rivera does a little shimmy and throws a leg kick. The leg kick missed by a considerable margin though, making him look a little bit silly for doing the shimmy.
Bushwacker is hobbling a little on that front leg after taking quite a few leg kicks so far in this fight.
Rivera staying out of range there.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Rivera looks for the body kick but Bushwacker saw that one coming.
Bushwacker fakes a head shot and lands one to the body.
A punch combination from Rivera misses.
A lazy left from Bushwacker finds it's target.
Bushwacker will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
Bushwacker throws a jab when Rivera was well out of range.
Rivera throws a head kick but Bushwacker moves out of range.
Bushwacker throws a leg kick but he was too far away and it doesn't land.
Rivera finds nothing but air with that leg kick attempt.
Rivera swings away with a leg kick that misses.
Bushwacker fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Bushwacker moves out of range as Rivera throws a body kick.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Rivera connects with an inside leg kick.
Bushwacker rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
and Rivera counters with a body kick.
A telegraphed right hand from Rivera misses the target.
Bushwacker keeps the fight on the outside.
A counter left hand to the body from Bushwacker misses its target.
Bushwacker works over Rivera's head and body with a nice combination.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Bushwacker throws an overhand right that lands on Rivera's shoulder, as Rivera tries to avoid the shot.
Bushwacker misses with a looping right.
A head kick misses from Rivera.
Like a baseball bat into the meat of his leg there - nice leg kick by Bushwacker.
Bushwacker moves out of range as Rivera throws a body kick.
Nice jab there from Bushwacker.
Rivera has his hands up protecting his head but a hook from Bushwacker finds it's way round the side to connect with Rivera's head.

Rivera instigates a clinch.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
A short uppercut from Bushwacker.
Rivera looking to throw knees to the head but Bushwacker is blocking nicely.
Rivera tries to land knees in the clinch but Bushwacker avoids the damage to the body.
Bushwacker blocks an elbow strike from Rivera.
Rivera using the Thai clinch to land knees to the body.
Bushwacker avoiding damage as Rivera throws knees to the body.
Bushwacker working some nice short punches in the clinch.
Rivera tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Bushwacker avoids it.
Bushwacker lands a nice looking hook to the body, against the cage.

Bushwacker breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Rivera misses with a hook
and Bushwacker counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Rivera avoids the head kick by Bushwacker.
Rivera tries to counter with a clinch but Bushwacker shakes him off and moves away.
Rivera wants to clinch up but Bushwacker keeps it at a distance.
Bushwacker misses with a body shot.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Rivera instigates a clinch.
Rivera creates a bit of distance and throws an elbow that only just misses.
Bushwacker working hard to break the clinch.
Bushwacker tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Rivera throws an elbow but it's blocked.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Bushwacker is trying to maintain a safe position but Rivera gets an underhook and turns Bushwacker into the cage.
Rivera blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.
Rivera putting his Muay Thai to good use. He has Bushwacker in a tight clinch and is doing some damage with knees to the body.
Bushwacker lands a left hand that snaps the head of Rivera backwards.
Bushwacker dodges an elbow strike from Rivera.
Bushwacker lands on the inside with an uppercut.
Rivera tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Bushwacker avoids it.
Rivera is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Bushwacker is defending well for now.
Bushwacker pushes Rivera back against the cage and unloads with a body punch.
Rivera pushes off and fires off an elbow that misses, before clinching up again, against the cage.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Bobby Bushwacker clearly takes that round.
The cut man is working on Bobby Bushwacker's cut.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!

Bushwacker with a nice looking leg kick. You could hear that one land in a back row.
Bushwacker misses with a right hand
and Rivera counters with a thumping low kick.
Rivera scores with a slapping inside leg kick.
A slow jab from Bushwacker misses its intended target.
Rivera turns his hip over beautifully as he lands a nice leg kick.
Bushwacker misses with a wild combination.
Rivera thinks about the counter body kick.
Rivera throws a sloppy head kick and Bushwacker moves out of range easily.
Rivera slips under a jab.
Rivera feints a counter leg kick.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Rivera looks to land a right hand but Bushwacker moved out of range.
A head kick by Rivera misses
and Bushwacker counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Rivera tries a head kick but it misses.
As Rivera looks to move away, Bushwacker throws a big counter combo but Rivera just gets out of the way.
Bushwacker lands an overhand right.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Bushwacker misses with a combination
and Rivera counters with an inside leg kick.
Bushwacker tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Rivera was well out of range. Poor timing from Bushwacker.
Ouch! a nice leg kick from Rivera, right into the meat.
Bushwacker lands with a cross to side of his opponent's head.
Bushwacker misses with a wild body shot.
Bushwacker throws a right and a left that Rivera avoids nicely.
Rivera misses with a leg kick
and Bushwacker counters with a leg kick.
Rivera lands with a kick to the temple. Bushwacker shrugs as if to say "is that all you've got?"

Rivera moves into the clinch successfully.
Bushwacker throws a head punch that misses.
Bushwacker avoiding damage as Rivera throws knees to the body.
Bushwacker blocks an elbow strike.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Bushwacker avoiding damage as Rivera throws knees to the body.
Rivera tries to land a knee to the head but misses.
Bushwacker lands a hook to the side of the head.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Bushwacker is trying to slow down the pace of the fight but Rivera is keeping busy.
Bushwacker dodges an elbow strike from Rivera.
Bushwacker takes an elbow to the forehead.
Rivera blocking some punches.
A body shot lands from Bushwacker.
Bushwacker tries a body shot but Rivera blocks it.
Bushwacker takes a knee to the side of the body.
Bushwacker pushes off an throws an elbow but Rivera leans to the side and avoids it. We're back to clinching against the cage.
Rivera has Bushwacker pressed against the cage, preventing Bushwacker from circling away and getting back to striking at range.
Bushwacker is trying to push Rivera away but Rivera has him pressed against the cage, so he's going nowhere.
Rivera is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Bushwacker is defending well for now.
Rivera has a pretty nasty looking mouse under his right eye.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Rivera tries a knee to the head but he's missed.
Rivera trying to land knees to the body.
Bushwacker takes an elbow to the temple.
Rivera pushes off and fires off an elbow that misses, before clinching up again, against the cage.
Bushwacker managing to block the knees to the body from Rivera.
Rivera misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Bushwacker.

Bushwacker pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Rivera closes the distance looking to clinch
and Bushwacker makes him pay by landing a nice hook to the body before moving out of range.
Rivera cracks the inside of Bushwacker's front leg.
Rivera throws a leg kick
and Bushwacker connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Bushwacker scoring well with a low kick there.

Rivera moves into the clinch successfully.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Bushwacker can't find room to land a body shot as Rivera controls the action.
A battle for position here, against the cage.
Rivera with the Thai clinch, lands a knee to the head.
Bushwacker dodges an elbow strike from Rivera.
Rivera dodges an elbow strike from Bushwacker.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Bushwacker avoids the elbow strike from Rivera, against the cage.
Rivera pushes off and fires off an elbow that misses, before clinching up again, against the cage.
Rivera throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Bushwacker blocks it with crossed arms.
Bushwacker dictating the pace here, as the fighters clinch against the cage.
Bushwacker lands a shot to the body.
Bushwacker avoids a wild elbow strike from Rivera.
Rivera tries to land a knee to the head but Bushwacker blocks with his arms.
Rivera blocking some punches.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close fourth round but Ruben Rivera will probably get the nod - 10:9.
The cut man is working on Bobby Bushwacker's cut.
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. This is the final round!

Rivera tries to clinch but Bushwacker is having none of it.
Rivera fakes a jab and scores with a low kick.

Rivera instigates a clinch.
Rivera pushes off and fires off an elbow that misses, before clinching up again, against the cage.
Knees in the clinch landing for Rivera.
Bushwacker tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Rivera's elbow.
Bushwacker misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Rivera throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Bushwacker blocks it with crossed arms.
Rivera throws a nice elbow but it doesn't land.
Rivera pushes off an throws an elbow but Bushwacker leans to the side and avoids it. We're back to clinching against the cage.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Rivera blocks a body shot from Bushwacker.
Rivera is really struggling to land any decent head shots against his taller opponent.
Bushwacker blocks an elbow strike.
Rivera misses with an elbow over the top.
Rivera missing with knees to the body.
Rivera throws an elbow but it misses.

That's one minute gone in the round.
With the fighters up against the cage, Rivera throws an elbow but misses.
Rivera tries to land knees in the clinch but Bushwacker avoids the damage to the body.
With the two fighters working up against the cage, Rivera just misses with a elbow thrown towards Bushwacker's brow.
Bushwacker lands with a short head shot on the inside.
Bushwacker blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.
Bushwacker avoids a wild elbow strike from Rivera.
Rivera throws a nice elbow but it doesn't land.
Bushwacker avoiding damage as Rivera throws knees to the body.
Bushwacker blocks an elbow strike from Rivera.
Bushwacker fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Bushwacker avoiding damage as Rivera throws knees to the body.
Rivera creates a bit of distance and throws an elbow that only just misses.
Bushwacker dodges an elbow strike from Rivera.
Rivera throws an elbow that misses.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Rivera lands an elbow that stopped Bushwacker in his tracks for a moment.
Rivera is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Bushwacker is defending well for now.
A short uppercut from Bushwacker.
Rivera throws a knee to the head but misses.
Rivera pushes off and fires off an elbow that misses, before clinching up again, against the cage.
A short left from Bushwacker.
Rivera misses with an elbow strike.
Bushwacker is trying to push Rivera away but Rivera has him pressed against the cage, so he's going nowhere.
Rivera tries to land knees in the clinch but Bushwacker avoids the damage to the body.
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!
Rivera throws an elbow but it's blocked.
Bushwacker can't find room to land a body shot as Rivera controls the action.
Bushwacker avoids the elbow strike from Rivera, against the cage.
Bushwacker has Rivera pressed against the cage.
Rivera throws an elbow but it's blocked.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Rivera.
Rivera misses with an elbow over the top.
Rivera missing with knees to the body.
Bushwacker misses with a punch to the body.
Rivera trying to land knees to the body.
Bushwacker dodges an elbow strike from Rivera.
Rivera throws an elbow but it's blocked.
Bushwacker content to slow the pace in the clinch.
Bushwacker looks to throw an elbow but misses.
Bushwacker struggles to land a body shot inside as Rivera controls his hands.
Rivera with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.
Rivera is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Bushwacker is defending well for now.
Bushwacker avoids a wild elbow strike from Rivera.
Rivera missing with knees to the body.

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

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A left and a right from Bushwacker both land. Nice combination.
Bushwacker avoids the body shot from Rivera.

Rivera closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the cage.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Rivera.
Rivera throws a knee to the head but misses.
Bushwacker avoids a wild elbow strike from Rivera.
Bushwacker controlling the action here for a moment.
Rivera lands an elbow that stopped Bushwacker in his tracks for a moment.
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!
Bushwacker pushes Rivera back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.
Rivera pushes off an throws an elbow but Bushwacker leans to the side and avoids it. We're back to clinching against the cage.

Bushwacker breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
A bone on bone clash there as Rivera blocks the leg kick.

And that's the end of the fight!
Ruben Rivera comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think Rivera 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 Dean Styles scores the fight 47:48
Judge Bruno Lombardi scores the fight 47:48
Judge Franklyn Lucas scores the fight 47:48

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Ruben Rivera!
Ruben Rivera is the new featherweight champion!
Ruben Rivera decided to thank the fans in attendance for making a great atmosphere. It seemed to go down pretty well.