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Stepping Stone 34 PBP Commentary |
Undercard bout
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This TWGC bout is 1 fifteen minute round in the super heavyweight division. Introducing today's competitors. In the red corner, competing out of Montreal, with a TWGC record of 0 wins and 0 losses; Olin Hartwell! And in the blue corner, fighting out of Montreal, with a TWGC record of 0 wins and 0 losses; Nikos Balopoulos!
The judges for this bout are Ian Loll, Steve Smith and Elvis Blanc.
The fighters connect hands in the middle of the mat and we are under way.#CL2#
Balopoulos closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the cage.
Hartwell has Balopoulos pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Balopoulos manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.
Hartwell has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Balopoulos is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.
Hartwell changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Balopoulos fights it off and pushes away nicely.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Olin Hartwell. That's going to take a lot out of him.#TD2#
Balopoulos closes the distance and looks for a trip takedown... aaaand he's got it - Balopoulos lands in his opponent's guard. Score +2 for takedown into guard / half guard: Hartwell (0) vs (2) Balopoulos
Hartwell seems to have improved his submission grappling technique since last time we saw him. Let's see if he can pull off a submission.#SUB#
Balopoulos got a little sloppy there for a moment and Hartwell has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Balopoulos has managed to get both his arms back between Hartwell's legs - danger averted.
Balopoulos preventing the sweep.
Balopoulos looking to control the position here, rather than advance.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Balopoulos slips nicely into half guard.#T1#
Hartwell is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Hartwell works his way to full guard. Good work.#SUB#
Hartwell is active off his back here, looking for submissions.
#SUB2#
Balopoulos drops back looking for a leg! Hartwell is in trouble here! The fighters roll with the hold and Hartwell manages to kick Balopoulos off! Balopoulos jumps back into Hartwell's guard.
Hartwell looking to hit a scissor sweep but Balopoulos is one step ahead there.
Balopoulos is taking a break and basically stalling. The referee will not allow him to do that for long. #SUB#
Hartwell is active off his back here, looking for submissions.
Balopoulos slips effortlessly into side control - very nice. Score +3 for passing guard: Hartwell (0) vs (5) Balopoulos#T2#
Balopoulos advances to full mount. Score +2 for reaching mount: Hartwell (0) vs (7) Balopoulos
Hartwell is looking to improve his position but Balopoulos isn't that keen on the idea.
Balopoulos sitting in mount, just looking to control for the moment.
Hartwell is wriggling around trying to escape.
#SUB2#
Hartwell defends a decent attempt at a guillotine from Balopoulos.
Hartwell tries to get back to half guard but can't. #SUB2#
Balopoulos has control of Hartwell's right arm, working for a kimura. It's a bit of a token attempt though and Hartwell regains control of the situation pretty easily.
#SUB2#
Balopoulos wants to finish this one by submission but Hartwell is holding onto his waist, trying to prevent any attacks from Balopoulos. #T3#
Hartwell is in all sorts of trouble here.
#SUB2#
Balopoulos has hold of Hartwell's left arm, perhaps looking for a submission. The two fighters tussle over control of the isolated limb and Hartwell manages to get his arm back to his side and away from danger.
Hartwell is wriggling around trying to escape.
#SUB2#
Balopoulos looks like he's working for a submission but he's not found anything just yet.
Hartwell bucks up and manages to get a nice reversal! He's in guard on the top - nicely done! Score +2 for sweep to guard / half guard: Hartwell (2) vs (7) Balopoulos#SUB2#
Balopoulos working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Hartwell doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Hartwell manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem. #T4##SUB#
Hartwell drops back looking for a heel hook - he quickly realises he's not going to get it but Balopoulos manages to dive on top of him before he can escape and now Hartwell has Balopoulos in his guard. Score +2 for sweep to guard / half guard: Hartwell (2) vs (9) Balopoulos
Balopoulos stays in close to Hartwell's body and controls the position.
Balopoulos stands and throws Hartwell's legs to the side, diving into side control. Score +3 for passing guard: Hartwell (2) vs (12) Balopoulos
Balopoulos wants to control but Hartwell is keeping him busy.
Balopoulos taking a breather here. #T5#
Hartwell is trying to work for a sweep but Balopoulos has mounted him! Score +2 for reaching mount: Hartwell (2) vs (14) Balopoulos#SUB2#
Balopoulos looking for an armbar but decides to keep the dominant position instead. #SUB2#
Balopoulos looks like he's working for a submission but he's not found anything just yet.
Balopoulos takes a little breather and maintains the position. The referee will be looking for him to stay active from such a dominant position though.
Hartwell keeping his composure momentarily, calmly looking to get back to half guard.
Hartwell knows he needs to get back to his feet asap. He's simply no match for Balopoulos on the ground.#SUB2#
Balopoulos has hold of Hartwell's left arm, perhaps looking for a submission. The two fighters tussle over control of the isolated limb and Hartwell manages to get his arm back to his side and away from danger.
We've been informed that Balopoulos has been working hard on his conditioning in the buildup to the fight.#T6##SUB2#
Balopoulos looking for a guillotine from mount but Hartwell is having none of it.
Hartwell is squirming around, avoiding Balopoulos's attempts to control the action.
Balopoulos prevents Hartwell from getting the reversal.
Hartwell slips a leg in and gets back to half guard.
Hartwell is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Hartwell is working hard here to advance position.
Balopoulos performing his best blanket impression for a moment. #T7##SUB2#
Balopoulos is working for submissions here but there's nothing on.
Hartwell is looking for a sweep. Balopoulos is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Hartwell works his way to full guard. Good work.
Hartwell on his back here. We all know that wrestlers don't like being on their back so let's see if Hartwell tries to get out of the position.
Hartwell is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move. Score +2 for sweep to guard / half guard: Hartwell (4) vs (14) Balopoulos#SUB#
Balopoulos is defending against the submission attempts here by Hartwell.
#SUB#
Hartwell is working for a submission of some sort.
Balopoulos wants to control the action here but instead Hartwell manages to pass to full mount! Score +3 for passing guard: Hartwell (7) vs (14) Balopoulos#T8#
Balopoulos slips a leg in and gets back to half guard.#SUB#
Hartwell wants to work for an arm triangle but Balopoulos is really keeping half guard well and defending the submission attempt.
Balopoulos is working for an escape here. He's hooked one of Hartwell's legs and he's managed to sneak out and take Hartwell's back! Score +4 for clean sweep to past guard: Hartwell (7) vs (18) Balopoulos#SUB2#
Balopoulos looking for the choke but no joy.
Hartwell rolls, trying to escape but Balopoulos keeps control of the position.
#SUB2#
Balopoulos is persistently looking for the submission but Hartwell is defending it well.
#T9#
Hartwell turns into Balopoulos and is now in his guard.
Score +2 for sweep to guard / half guard: Hartwell (9) vs (18) Balopoulos#SUB#
Hartwell drops back, looking for a kneebar! Balopoulos looks panicked! The fighters roll across the mat, one looking to finish, one looking to escape. Balopoulos looks to have wriggled free... Yes, he's got his leg free and he's dived into side control! Good work there from Balopoulos! Score +4 for clean sweep to past guard: Hartwell (9) vs (22) Balopoulos
Balopoulos is maintaining the dominant position - no doubt Hartwell will start to get frustrated soon if he's not already.
Hartwell is positioning himself to get back to half guard.
Balopoulos wants to lay and pray for a moment but Hartwell keeps working.
Hartwell is looking for a sweep.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Hartwell regains half guard.
Hartwell is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though. #T10#
Balopoulos perhaps working for something from half guard, or maybe not. It looks like he's just sitting there. #SUB2#
Balopoulos is trying a forearm choke… I don't think that's going to do much at this level of the game.
Balopoulos trying to pass the guard but Hartwell defending well.
Hartwell is working for an escape here. He's hooked one of Balopoulos's legs and he's managed to sneak out and take Balopoulos's back! Score +4 for clean sweep to past guard: Hartwell (13) vs (22) Balopoulos
Balopoulos breaks Hartwell's hooks off and manages to turn into his guard.
Score +2 for sweep to guard / half guard: Hartwell (13) vs (24) Balopoulos
Balopoulos sitting in guard, not really doing much. #SUB#
Hartwell throws his legs up looking to secure a triangle. Oh, that looks pretty tight, I gotta say! Balopoulos escapes and throws Hartwell's legs to the side, diving into side control! Score +3 for passing guard: Hartwell (13) vs (27) Balopoulos#T11##SUB2#
Balopoulos thinks about going for a far side armbar but bails out and retains the dominant position instead.
Hartwell is looking for a sweep.
Balopoulos trying to control the action but Hartwell is working from the bottom.
Hartwell tries to get back to half guard but can't.
Hartwell is letting Balopoulos control him for a moment. #T12#
Hartwell is sneaking out the side here. He's bucked Balopoulos off and has taken his back! Score +4 for clean sweep to past guard: Hartwell (17) vs (27) Balopoulos#SUB#
Hartwell working for the choke.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.#SUB#
Hartwell looking for the choke from the back.
Balopoulos trying to control the action but Hartwell just sinks the hooks in.
Hartwell keeps control of the position as Balopoulos tries to break free.
Hartwell doesn't have the hooks in and Balopoulos manages to turn into his guard.
Score +2 for sweep to guard / half guard: Hartwell (17) vs (29) Balopoulos
Balopoulos not doing a lot at the moment. He'll have to show some more aggression or the fight will get stood up.
Balopoulos stopping the sweep attempt from Hartwell.#T13##SUB#
Hartwell has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Balopoulos can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.
Balopoulos stands and throws Hartwell's legs to the side, diving into side control. Score +3 for passing guard: Hartwell (17) vs (32) Balopoulos
Hartwell is looking for a sweep.#SUB2#
Balopoulos tries for a kimura. Not really close to a finish though. #SUB2#
Balopoulos thinks about going for a far side armbar but bails out and retains the dominant position instead.
Hartwell is looking for a sweep.#T14#
Hartwell trying to remain calm as Balopoulos controls from the top position.#SUB2#
Balopoulos thinks about going for a far side armbar but bails out and retains the dominant position instead.
Hartwell tries to improve position but can't.
Balopoulos has knee on belly and moves into mount. Score +2 for reaching mount: Hartwell (17) vs (34) Balopoulos
Hartwell is in all sorts of trouble here.
Balopoulos controlling his opponent. #SUB2#
Balopoulos looking for an armbar but decides to keep the dominant position instead.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Balopoulos sitting in mount, just looking to control for the moment.
And that's the end of the fight!
Balopoulos wins on points by 34 to 17.
Nikos Balopoulos really struggled to get his t-shirt on before his hand was raised. Making sure that Fantasy Threads logo gets some air time is pretty tricky when you're all sweaty. |
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Undercard bout
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This TWGC bout is 1 fifteen minute round in the super heavyweight division. Introducing today's competitors. In the red corner, competing out of Las Vegas, with a TWGC record of 2 wins and 2 losses; Jackson Hole! And in the blue corner, fighting out of London, with a TWGC record of 0 wins and 0 losses; Leonardinho Chai!
The judges for this bout are Ian Loll, Gregory Folan and Robert Douchet.
The fighters bow as they face eachother in the middle of the mat and we are under way.#CL#
Hole moves into the clinch.#TD2#
Chai pulls guard effortlessly.
Hole content to stall in guard here.
Hole continues to stall.
Chai seems keen to control Hole's posture.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Chai is trying to control the position but Hole postures up.
Chai might have to switch it up a bit here because his efforts to control Hole haven't been going to plan, at least at the current moment in time.
Hole controls from within his opponent's guard. #T1#
Hole stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Chai swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Chai controls Hole momentarily but Hole frees himself.
Hole slows down the pace of the fight, as he sits in guard.
Hole passes easily into side control. Nice work. Score +3 for passing guard: Hole (3) vs (0) Chai
Chai is positioning himself to get back to half guard.
Chai is persisting with the attempt to improve his position.
A lull in the action here as Hole stalls from top position.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.#T2#
More hug and hope from Hole.
Chai is looking for a sweep.
Hole is pausing for a moment. What's he doing? It looks like he's clearing his nose. Oh dude! He's shot a load of snot all down Chai's shoulder. That is not cool.
Chai is sneaking out the side here. He's bucked Hole off and has taken his back! Score +4 for clean sweep to past guard: Hole (3) vs (4) Chai
Hole is really stuck here.
Hole looking very determined here, making life difficult for Chai.
Hole might be looking to lock onto one of his opponent's long limbs for a submission, whilst we're on the ground.
Chai avoiding Hole 's attempts to control his hands.
Hole is trying to break free.
#T3#
Chai biding his time, looking for the opening.
Hole is trying to break free.
Hole prevents Chai from getting a body triangle.
Hole is trying to break free.
Hole manages to reverse the position and now he's in Chai's guard. Nice work there by Hole.
Score +2 for sweep to guard / half guard: Hole (5) vs (4) Chai
Hole has to be careful here, sitting in the guard of a superior BJJ player.
Hole not doing a lot at the moment. He'll have to show some more aggression or the fight will get stood up.
Hole trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet. #T4#
Hole's corner is telling him to maintain position.
Hole wants to pass the guard but Chai is keeping the position.
Chai trying to keep a closed guard but Hole is proving a slippery customer.
Hole not doing a lot at the moment. He'll have to show some more aggression or the fight will get stood up.
Hole's ground tactics aren't going to win him many fans. Let's hope he's got fireworks for us if he gets back to his feet because he's not doing much on the ground.
Hole has controlled the position for a good 20 seconds, which will no doubt be starting to frustrate his opponent.
Hole stands and throws Chai's legs to the side, diving into side control. Score +3 for passing guard: Hole (8) vs (4) Chai
Chai struggling a bit here.#T5#
Hole moving around in side mount but really he's just happy to control for now.
Chai tries to bench press Hole off him but Hole keeps the position.
Hole controlling the position from side mount.
Hole really is a fat lump.#SUB#
Hole working hard here to secure a kimura but he's not really in the right position for it.
Chai tries to get back to half guard but can't.#T6#
Hole slows the pace down.
Hole trying to control the position but Chai is working away.
Chai seems a little lost for a moment, as Hole dominates the positioning.
Hole wants to lay and pray for a moment but Chai keeps working.
Chai tries to buck Hole off but Hole is having none of it.
Hole happy to just control the position for now. #T7#
Chai tries to get back to half guard but can't.
Chai being controlled for a moment.
Hole wants to control but Chai is keeping him busy.
Hole controlling the position from side mount.
This is a sustained period of stalling by Hole.
Chai stops Hole from passing to mount. #T8#
Hole is maintaining the dominant position - no doubt Chai will start to get frustrated soon if he's not already.
Chai tries to improve position but can't.
Hole staying calm.
Chai regains half guard.
Hole is figuring out what he wants to do next.
Hole trying to mount his opponent but Chai defends it. #SUB#
Hole is trying to work for a kimura. This could be trouble! No, Chai has managed to free his arm - good work. #T9#
Chai has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Hole is working away from the top position though.
Chai tries to get to full guard but Hole has control of the leg.
Hole perhaps working for something from half guard, or maybe not. It looks like he's just sitting there.
Chai wants to improve his position but Hole is controlling well.
The referee calls for the fighters to work.
Further stalling from Hole.#T10#
The fighters are battling for position here. Chai manages to regain full guard. Nice work.
Chai not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Chai is on top in guard.
Score +2 for sweep to guard / half guard: Hole (8) vs (6) Chai
Chai won't allow Hole to sweep him here.
Hole keeping full guard, as Chai tries to pass.
Chai is frustrating his opponent with some stalling tactics from top position.#T11#
Hole pulls Chai in to control the position. #SUB#
Hole working for submissions but it's allowed Chai to get to half guard.
Chai trying to mount his opponent but Hole defends it.
Hole wants to improve his position but Chai is controlling well.
Chai wants to lay and pray for a moment but Hole keeps working. #T12#
The fighters are battling for position here. Hole manages to regain full guard. Nice work.
Hole wants to hit a sweep here but Chai passes into full mount! Oh no, disaster for Hole there! Score +3 for passing guard: Hole (8) vs (9) Chai
Hole is working to get back to half guard.
Chai wants to control the pace but Hole is squirming around nicely.
Hole is desperately trying to get back to half guard.
#T13#
Chai manages to capitalize on a mistake by Hole to take his back! Score +3 for taking back: Hole (8) vs (12) Chai
Hole tries to escape the position.
Chai has good solid back control here.
Hole breaks Chai's hooks off and manages to turn into his guard.
Score +2 for sweep to guard / half guard: Hole (10) vs (12) Chai
Chai keeping full guard, as Hole tries to pass.
Chai being controlled here, momentarily. #T14#
Chai keeping full guard, as Hole tries to pass.
Hole seems content to control from guard here. He's going to have to remain active though if he doesn't want to get stood back up.
Hole looking to pass the guard.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Hole wants to control from the top but Chai keeps moving.
Hole postures up.
And that's the end of the fight!
Chai wins on points by 12 to 10.
A very excited looking Leonardinho Chai made sure he remembered to thank all the fans both in the arena and on the internet. He said all the coolest people spend all day on MMA websites, which got a big reaction. |
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Undercard bout
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This TWGC bout is 1 fifteen minute round in the super heavyweight division. Introducing today's competitors. In the red corner, competing out of Tokyo, with a TWGC record of 0 wins and 2 losses; Silas T Berry! And in the blue corner, fighting out of Las Vegas, with a TWGC record of 9 wins and 3 losses; Rumsfeld Shart!
The judges for this bout are Trevor Gratis, Alec Ball and Elvis Blanc.
The fighters connect hands in the middle of the mat and we are under way.#TD#
Shart gets taken down but at least he's managed to land in guard. Score +2 for takedown into guard / half guard: Berry (2) vs (0) Shart
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.
Shart working a defensive guard but Berry manages to pass into side control anyway.
Score +3 for passing guard: Berry (5) vs (0) Shart#SUB#
Berry is trying to land an Americana. He has the arm isolated but Shart is keeping cool and he's avoided the danger for now.
Shart is looking for a sweep.
Berry trying to control the position but Shart is working away.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Shart is positioning himself to get back to half guard.
Shart wants to control but Berry postures up.#T1#
Shart manages to get one leg in to regain half guard.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Shart is doing well to control the position and prevent Berry from advancing to side control.
Shart works his way to full guard. Good work.
Shart has Berry pulled in close to control his posture.
Berry preventing the sweep. #T2##SUB2#
Shart is looking for a triangle but Berry pushes his legs off easily.
Berry wants to pass the guard but Shart is keeping the position.
Shart has Berry pulled in close to control his posture. #SUB#
The fighters are starting to get a bit slippery now, which will make submissions a bit more difficult.
Berry drops back for a leg but he's not going to get it - he lets go and Shart dives on top into guard. Score +2 for sweep to guard / half guard: Berry (5) vs (2) Shart
Berry looking to control.
Shart pushes down on Berry's leg and manages to get into half guard.
Shart prevents Berry from improving his position.#T3#
Shart is looking to advance position but Berry won't allow it.
Shart looks over to his corner - he wants some instructions but his corner are not responding. #SUB2#
Shart wants to work for an arm triangle but Berry is really keeping half guard well and defending the submission attempt.
Shart controlling the pace. #SUB2#
Shart is trying for a guillotine from the top but the pressure isn't in the right place so Berry is just riding it out for now. Shart eventually gives up the hold. #T4##SUB2#
Shart is working for a submission of some sort.
Shart is just sitting in half guard, waiting for something to happen.
Shart tries to pass the half guard into mount. Berry knows what he's doing though and prevents the attempt. #T5##SUB2#
Shart is looking for an arm triangle, whilst trying to pass to side control. Berry doesn't seem that keen to cooperate though. No luck this time Shart.
Berry is looking for a sweep. Shart is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
The referee calls for the fighters to work.
#T6##SUB2#
Shart is thinking about going for an arm triangle but he can't free his leg.
Berry is looking for a sweep. Shart is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Berry might be looking to lock onto one of his opponent's long limbs for a submission, whilst we're on the ground.#SUB2#
Shart seems like he's working for an arm triangle here. He's freed his trapped foot and he's rotating nicely. Berry is in big trouble! He's tapping out! This one is aaaaaaaaaaaall over!
Ladies and gentlemen, after 6:49 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Arm Triangle). Rumsfeld Shart!
Rumsfeld Shart managed to slip a mention for his sponsors, The Huntington New Age Wellness Community , into his post fight interview. |
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Undercard bout
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This TWGC bout is 1 fifteen minute round in the super heavyweight division. Introducing today's competitors. In the red corner, competing out of Los Angeles, with a TWGC record of 4 wins and 1 losses; Tim Smooth! And in the blue corner, fighting out of Montreal, with a TWGC record of 3 wins and 0 losses; Stan Hartwell!
The judges for this bout are Steve Smith, Trevor Gratis and William Peck.
The fighters connect hands in the middle of the mat and we are under way.#CL#
Smooth clinches up against the cage.
Hartwell is working on a leg, looking for a takedown but Smooth is defending well.
Hartwell has Smooth pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Smooth manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing. #TD#
Smooth has picked Hartwell up - he's going for a ride! Smooth dumps his opponent to the mat with a thud and settles into half guard. Score +2 for takedown into guard / half guard: Smooth (2) vs (0) Hartwell
Hartwell felt the need to train up his defensive grappling in the buildup to the fight. Presumably he was expecting to be in a difficult position like this, so let's see if he can get out of it.
Smooth controlling the action here.
Hartwell tries to get to full guard but Smooth has control of the leg.
Smooth is looking to pass the guard... He's managed it - he's now in full mount! Score +3 for passing guard: Smooth (5) vs (0) Hartwell
Smooth controlling his opponent.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Hartwell is looking to get to half guard.#T1#
Hartwell gets back to half guard.
Hartwell is looking for a sweep. Smooth is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Smooth content to sit in half guard and control for a moment.
Smooth wants to free his trapped foot but Hartwell is holding on for dear life with his legs.
Well, if Smooth is going to just lie there, perhaps we should talk about what we're having for dinner tonight… I'm having a ham and pineapple pizza… Yum. Can't wait.
#T2#
Hartwell is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Smooth perhaps working for something from half guard, or maybe not. It looks like he's just sitting there.
The fighters are going at a pretty good pace and they're both starting to sweat now.
Smooth seems to have a rather negative gameplan on the ground. He seems keen to just score the takedown and hold down Hartwell for as long as he can get away with.
Hartwell tries to regain full guard. Instead though, Smooth has advanced to mount. Uh oh. Score +3 for passing guard: Smooth (8) vs (0) Hartwell
Hartwell is trying desperately to improve position.
Hartwell tries to improve his position but instead Smooth has taken his back! Score +3 for taking back: Smooth (11) vs (0) Hartwell#T3#
Smooth controls the action.
Hartwell tries to escape the position.
Smooth controls the action.
Smooth has controlled the position for a good 20 seconds, which will no doubt be starting to frustrate his opponent.
Hartwell is in a world of trouble here. He's outmatched on the ground here and he'd better get Smooth off his back sharpish unless he wants to be submitted.
You can see the frustration on Hartwell's face… He knows he is in trouble unless he improves his position sooner rather than later.
#T4#
Hartwell is still trying to improve position.
Smooth keeps control of the position easily here as Hartwell tries to buck him off.
Smooth will need to keep those long limbs tucked in whilst he's on the ground, to prevent any submissions.
Smooth doesn't have the hooks in and Hartwell manages to turn into his guard.
Score +2 for sweep to guard / half guard: Smooth (11) vs (2) Hartwell
Smooth wants to sweep here but Hartwell controlling him for the moment.
Smooth controlling the position.
Hartwell wants to pass the guard but Smooth is keeping the position.
Hartwell pushing down on Smooth's thigh, trying to pass to half guard. He's managed it... Nice work. #T5#
Smooth has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Hartwell is working away from the top position though.
Smooth works his way to full guard. Good work.
Smooth keeping full guard, as Hartwell tries to pass.
Hartwell keeps trying to improve his position.
Smooth has Hartwell pulled in close to control his posture. #T6#
Hartwell is looking to advance position but Smooth has hit a scissor sweep - now he's on top in mount! Score +4 for clean sweep to past guard: Smooth (15) vs (2) Hartwell
Hartwell tries to improve his position but instead Smooth has taken his back! Score +3 for taking back: Smooth (18) vs (2) Hartwell
Hartwell is trying to break free.
Hartwell is persisting with the attempt to improve his position.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Smooth has good solid back control here.
Smooth continues to stall.
Hartwell turns into Smooth and is now in his guard.
Score +2 for sweep to guard / half guard: Smooth (18) vs (4) Hartwell
Hartwell trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Smooth lands a beautiful sweep and he's now moved into his opponent's guard. Score +2 for sweep to guard / half guard: Smooth (20) vs (4) Hartwell#T7#
Smooth won't allow Hartwell to sweep him here. #SUB2#
Hartwell has an omoplata and is looking to use it perhaps as a submission or perhaps to transition. Smooth is in a bit of discomfort here, but he's managed to free himself and has dived into side control! That didn't work out too well for Hartwell. Score +3 for passing guard: Smooth (23) vs (4) Hartwell
Hartwell looks to move to half guard but instead Smooth has passed into mount! Damn! Score +2 for reaching mount: Smooth (25) vs (4) Hartwell
Hartwell looks winded!
Smooth controlling the pace for now.
Hartwell is trying to reverse the position but instead Smooth has taken his back - oops! Score +3 for taking back: Smooth (28) vs (4) Hartwell
Smooth slows the pace down here. Having a little breather whilst he's in a dominant position, looking to rest and regain some energy, ready to go for the finish.
Smooth is hanging on to Hartwell's back as he tries to escape.
#T8##SUB#
Smooth is staying calm and holding on to the back position, whilst working on a rear naked choke. Hartwell is defending well though. Smooth let's go of the attempt for now.
Hartwell is in bad spot here.
Smooth doesn't have the hooks in and Hartwell manages to turn into his guard.
Score +2 for sweep to guard / half guard: Smooth (28) vs (6) Hartwell
Hartwell stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Smooth swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Smooth is controlling Hartwell's posture.
Hartwell must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.
Hartwell is looking to advance position but Smooth has hit a scissor sweep - now he's on top in mount! Score +4 for clean sweep to past guard: Smooth (32) vs (6) Hartwell
Smooth controlling the position easily from mount. #T9#
Smooth's ground tactics aren't going to win him many fans. Let's hope he's got fireworks for us if he gets back to his feet because he's not doing much on the ground.
Hartwell sneaks a leg under to get to half guard.
Smooth wants to pass to mount but Hartwell is defending the position.
Still in half guard, Smooth seems content to control.
Hartwell makes his way to full guard. A much better position for Hartwell.#T10#
Hartwell is working an open guard here, looking to improve his position. No doubt that will leave him open to counters but at least he's being more offensive.
Smooth is taking a break and basically stalling. The referee will not allow him to do that for long. #SUB2#
Smooth got a little sloppy there for a moment and Hartwell has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Smooth has managed to get both his arms back between Hartwell's legs - danger averted.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Hartwell is on top in guard.
Score +2 for sweep to guard / half guard: Smooth (32) vs (8) Hartwell
Hartwell is fighting to break Smooth's control of his arms but Smooth is doing a good job of controlling the position at the moment.#T11#
Hartwell trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Hartwell being controlled here momentarily.
Hartwell looking to pass the guard.
Smooth is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move. Score +2 for sweep to guard / half guard: Smooth (34) vs (8) Hartwell#T12#
Smooth looks over to his corner - he wants some instructions but his corner are not responding.
Smooth is looking to advance position but Hartwell won't allow it.
Hartwell tries to roll over but Smooth keeps him under control.
Smooth sitting and controlling from the half guard.
Hartwell regains full guard. Nicely done.
Hartwell is the more experienced fighter here and he's going to need to draw on some of that experience if he's going to pull this one out the bag.
Smooth preventing the sweep.
Smooth content to stall in guard here. #SUB2#
Hartwell looking for subs off his back but Smooth has passed one foot through into half guard.
#T13#
Hartwell is looking to get full guard. It looks like he might be successful but at the last minute Smooth jumps into side control! Score +3 for passing guard: Smooth (37) vs (8) Hartwell
Hartwell seems a little lost for a moment, as Smooth dominates the positioning.
Hartwell gives up the full mount - oops, sloppy defensive grappling there! Score +2 for reaching mount: Smooth (39) vs (8) Hartwell
Hartwell is trying to escape the mount.
Hartwell looking to escape from mount but he's given up his back! Score +3 for taking back: Smooth (42) vs (8) Hartwell
Hartwell tries to escape but Smooth has the hooks in and won't let him break free. #T14#
So, who will make the next big move? In this position it could be crucial.
Smooth controlling well, preventing Hartwell from escaping the position.
Smooth really has the hooks in deep now - there seems like no escape for Hartwell.
Hartwell tries to roll but Smooth sticks to his back.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!#SUB#
Smooth working for the choke.
Hartwell is very frustrated here, being controlled quite effectively by Smooth.
And that's the end of the fight!
Smooth takes the fight on points by 42 to 8.
A victorious Tim Smooth thanked his army of followers in his post fight interview, telling people to make sure they follow him on Twitter. |
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Undercard bout
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This TWGC bout is 1 fifteen minute round in the super heavyweight division. Introducing today's competitors. In the red corner, competing out of Helsinki, with a TWGC record of 7 wins and 4 losses; Darius Gracie! And in the blue corner, fighting out of Tokyo, with a TWGC record of 3 wins and 6 losses; Thammy Jagonoy!
The judges for this bout are Yves DeLean, Elvis Blanc and William Peck.
The fighters connect hands in the middle of the mat and we are under way.#CL#
The fight moves into the clinch position.#TD#
Jagonoy is fighting off a takedown attempt but Gracie is just too persistent for him and manages to trip Jagonoy to the mat. Jagonoy regains guard as soon as the fighters hit the mat. Score +2 for takedown into guard / half guard: Gracie (2) vs (0) Jagonoy
Jagonoy is trying to keep Gracie in close.
Jagonoy keeping moving, preventing Gracie from controlling successfully.
Gracie slips effortlessly into side control - very nice. Score +3 for passing guard: Gracie (5) vs (0) Jagonoy
Jagonoy tries to bench press Gracie off him but Gracie keeps the position.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Gracie tries to advance to mount but can't.
Jagonoy struggling a bit here.#T1#
Jagonoy is not content to let Gracie control the position. #SUB#
Gracie has hold of Jagonoy's arm. He's looking for a kimura. Jagonoy seems comfortable defending it but Gracie has shifted his position slighty and is cranking on the arm! Jagonoy is real pain and he's forced to tap out! Jagonoy is disgusted with himself for not defending it better but Gracie couldn't care less - he's delighted!
Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:24 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Kimura). Darius Gracie!
Darius Gracie took to the microphone after his victory and thanked his sponsors, Fantasy Threads for their support in the buildup to the fight. |
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Undercard bout
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This TWGC bout is 1 fifteen minute round in the super heavyweight division. Introducing today's competitors. In the red corner, competing out of New York, with a TWGC record of 8 wins and 2 losses; Tendren Hlervu! And in the blue corner, fighting out of Tokyo, with a TWGC record of 0 wins and 0 losses; Shinya Sakurai!
The judges for this bout are Steve Smith, Ian Loll and Robert Douchet.
The fighters connect hands in the middle of the mat and we are under way.#CL2#
Sakurai rushes Hlervu and presses him up against the cage.
Sakurai tries to score a body lock takedown but Hlervu shows good agility there to stay on his feet.
Sakurai jumps guard but Hlervu turns him against the cage and keeps the fight standing. #TD#
Hlervu gets a nice trip takedown into half guard. Score +2 for takedown into guard / half guard: Hlervu (2) vs (0) Sakurai
Hlervu prevents Sakurai from improving his position.
Sakurai trying to control here.
#SUB2#
Sakurai looking for submissions off his back.
Sakurai has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Hlervu is working away from the top position though.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.#SUB#
Hlervu is looking for a kimura here.
#T1##SUB2#
Hlervu moves into side control, avoiding a weak kimura attempt from Sakurai. Score +3 for passing guard: Hlervu (5) vs (0) Sakurai
Sakurai prevents Hlervu from improving position.
Sakurai is looking for a sweep.
Hlervu taking a breather here.
Sakurai is looking for a sweep.#T2#
The referee asks Hlervu politely if he wouldn't mind getting on with it and actually doing something. Hlervu prefers to stall for the moment though.
Sakurai wants to control but Hlervu postures up.
Sakurai being controlled for a moment.
Hlervu seems to have a rather negative gameplan on the ground. He seems keen to just score the takedown and hold down Sakurai for as long as he can get away with.#T3#
Sakurai is trying to get back to half guard. He's pushing on Hlervu's leg. He's managed it. Nice work.
Sakurai trying to get back to full guard but Hlervu takes advantage of the position and moves to full mount! Score +3 for passing guard: Hlervu (8) vs (0) Sakurai
Sakurai wants to control but Hlervu is having none of it.
Hlervu sitting in mount, just looking to control for the moment.
The fighters are starting to get a bit slippery now, which will make submissions a bit more difficult.#T4#
Sakurai can't escape the position.
Hlervu looking to control and managing it successfully.
Sakurai is looking to improve his position but Hlervu isn't that keen on the idea.
Hlervu takes a little breather and maintains the position. The referee will be looking for him to stay active from such a dominant position though.
Hlervu will need to keep those long limbs tucked in whilst he's on the ground, to prevent any submissions.
Sakurai wants to hold on but Hlervu pushes him away.#T5#
Hlervu controlling from mount.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.#T6##SUB#
Hlervu is working to isolate an arm here. It's a telegraphed submission attempt but he's gone for it anyway - and he's got it! Hlervu extends the arm and Sakurai is forced to tap!
Ladies and gentlemen, after 6:39 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Armbar). Tendren Hlervu!
An out of breath Tendren Hlervu thanked his loyal fans in his post fight interview, giving them credit for his success over the course of his career. |
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Undercard bout
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This TWGC bout is 1 fifteen minute round in the super heavyweight division. Introducing today's competitors. In the red corner, competing out of London, with a TWGC record of 3 wins and 5 losses; William Smyth! And in the blue corner, fighting out of Montreal, with a TWGC record of 6 wins and 2 losses; Snail Tail!
The judges for this bout are Yves DeLean, Ian Loll and Steve Smith.
The official calls the fighters to the middle and the contest is under way.#CL#
Smyth closes the distance and clinches.
Smyth fails to pull the fight into his guard.
#TD#
Smyth has hold of one of Tail's legs. Tail is fighting the takedown attempt but Smyth gets the trip and lands the takedown into guard. Score +2 for takedown into guard / half guard: Smyth (2) vs (0) Tail
Smyth wants to control from the top but Tail keeps moving. #SUB2#
Tail had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Smyth defends it easily.
Smyth postures up.
Smyth trying to control the position from guard on top but Tail is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Tail is avoiding any damage by keeping wrist control.
Smyth wants to control from the top but Tail keeps moving. #SUB#
Smyth has gone for a leg lock! Tail slips out almost immediately though and dives into Smyth's guard. Score +2 for sweep to guard / half guard: Smyth (2) vs (2) Tail#T1#
Tail works a leg free and moves into half guard.
The referee calls for the fighters to work.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Tail is looking to take a break and control but Smyth is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom. #SUB2#
Tail is working for a submission of some sort.
Tail wants to lay and pray for a moment but Smyth keeps working. #T2##SUB2#
Tail is looking for a kimura but Smyth is holding onto that half guard position, so it's hard for Tail to get the leverage.
Tail is taking a breather. Smyth 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.#SUB2#
Tail is working for a kimura from half guard. He's really concentrating on the hold and it's allowed Smyth to slip a leg under and get back to full guard.
Tail wants to pass the guard but Smyth is keeping the position.#SUB#
Smyth is looking for a triangle but Tail pushes his legs off easily.
Tail has been taking part in the yoga sessions down at The Italian Job. Presumably he's going to look for a slick submission... Or maybe he's looking to avoid one.#T3##SUB#
Tail got a little sloppy there for a moment and Smyth has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Tail has managed to get both his arms back between Smyth's legs - danger averted.#SUB#
Smyth had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Tail defends it easily.
Smyth keeping moving, preventing Tail from controlling successfully.
Tail wants to pass the guard but Smyth is keeping the position.
Tail trying to control but Smyth is working from the bottom. #T4#
Tail forces his way into half guard.#SUB#
Smyth is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Tail pulls his head out easily.
Smyth is not content to let Tail control the position.#SUB2#
Tail is trying for a kimura here. Smyth looks like he's in a lot of pain... and he's tapping out! Tail wins by kimura!
Ladies and gentlemen, after 5:59 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Kimura). Snail Tail!
A very excited looking Snail Tail rambled incoherently for about 5 minutes post fight about how awesome he is. It was kinda funny for a while but then everyone got annoyed. |
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Co-main event
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This TWGC bout is 1 fifteen minute round in the super heavyweight division. Introducing today's competitors. In the red corner, competing out of London, with a TWGC record of 5 wins and 6 losses; Jari Laitila! And in the blue corner, fighting out of Las Vegas, with a TWGC record of 4 wins and 5 losses; Matt Barnes!
The judges for this bout are Robert Douchet, Dillan Fox and Gregory Folan.
The fighters bow as they face eachother in the middle of the mat and we are under way.#CL#
The fight moves into the clinch position.#TD2#
Barnes works for the underhooks and manages to get a trip takedown into guard. Score +2 for takedown into guard / half guard: Laitila (0) vs (2) Barnes#SUB#
Laitila has his foot on Barnes's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Barnes works his way back into a safe position though.
My spies in Mentor Gym inform me that Barnes has been getting involved in the gym's BJJ sparring sessions. Let's see whether that pays dividends!
Barnes trying to control the position from guard on top but Laitila is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Laitila is working an open guard here, looking to improve his position. No doubt that will leave him open to counters but at least he's being more offensive.
Barnes must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.
Barnes trying to control the position from guard on top but Laitila is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Barnes slips effortlessly into side control - very nice. Score +3 for passing guard: Laitila (0) vs (5) Barnes
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.#SUB2#
Barnes is trying to get an arm triangle but Laitila is defending well.
Laitila's coaches at Jed's Gym have been working on his defensive grappling in preparation for this fight so let's see if he can get out of this tricky position.
Barnes tries to move into full mount but can't pass Laitila's legs. #T1#
Barnes trying to control the action but Laitila is working from the bottom. #SUB2#
Barnes is looking to finish here, going for an Americana. Laitila knows the correct defense though, so he's OK.
Barnes trying to control the action but Laitila is working from the bottom.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.#T2#
Laitila tries to bench press Barnes off him but Barnes keeps the position. #SUB2#
Barnes goes for an armbar! This could be all over! Wait, no, Laitila rolls with the submission and now he's on top in Barnes's guard! Nice work there by Laitila! Score +2 for sweep to guard / half guard: Laitila (2) vs (5) Barnes
Laitila engaging in some classic timewasting tactics. #T3#
Laitila wants to control from the top but Barnes keeps moving.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Laitila might be looking to lock onto one of his opponent's long limbs for a submission, whilst we're on the ground.
Laitila wants to pass the guard but Barnes is keeping the position.
Laitila wants to control from the top but Barnes keeps moving. #T4#
Laitila controlling from the top position.
Laitila trying to control but Barnes is working from the bottom.
Barnes working a defensive guard but Laitila passes into half guard.
Laitila is looking to advance position but Barnes won't allow it.
Laitila is trying to control. Barnes wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.
Laitila content to control rather than advance. #T5#
Barnes wants to get back to full guard.
Laitila is looking to take a break and control but Barnes is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Barnes is trying to maintain the position but Laitila is very close to passing his half guard.#SUB#
Laitila is trying to work for a kimura. This could be trouble! No, Barnes has managed to free his arm - good work. #SUB#
Barnes makes his way to full guard, as Laitila worked for a kimura.
#T6#
Barnes keeping moving, preventing Laitila from controlling successfully.
Laitila works a leg free and moves into half guard.
Laitila trying to pass the guard but Barnes defending well.
Barnes is trying to maintain the position but Laitila is very close to passing his half guard.
Laitila not doing much here.
Barnes gets full guard.#T7#
Laitila trying to control but Barnes is working from the bottom.
Laitila is really struggling to control Barnes but he's trying to hold on to the position.
Laitila postures up.
Laitila trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Laitila wants to control from the top but Barnes keeps moving. #T8#
Barnes looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Laitila passes easily into side control. Nice work. Score +3 for passing guard: Laitila (5) vs (5) Barnes
Laitila has knee on belly and moves into mount. Score +2 for reaching mount: Laitila (7) vs (5) Barnes
Barnes is trying to escape the mount.
Laitila looking to control and managing it successfully.
Barnes tries to get back to half guard but can't. #T9#
Barnes keeps trying to improve his position.
Barnes is squirming around, avoiding Laitila's attempts to control the action.
Laitila controlling the position easily from mount.
Laitila tries to control but Barnes wriggling away.
Laitila fails to move to back control. #T10#
Laitila is trying to control here but Barnes has managed to regain half guard.
Barnes controlling the position well.
Laitila trying to pass the guard but Barnes defending well.
Laitila is working hard here to advance position.
Laitila is looking to pass Barnes's guard but actually Barnes recovers to full guard. #T11#
Laitila looking to sit in guard and control but Barnes gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top. Score +2 for sweep to guard / half guard: Laitila (7) vs (7) Barnes
Barnes wants to control from the top but Laitila keeps moving.
Laitila looking to control.
Barnes wants to control from the top but Laitila keeps moving.
Barnes slows down the pace of the fight, as he sits in guard. #T12#
Laitila bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Barnes's guard. Score +2 for sweep to guard / half guard: Laitila (9) vs (7) Barnes
Laitila wants to control from the top but Barnes keeps moving. #SUB#
Laitila drops back for a leg but he's not going to get it - he lets go and Barnes dives on top into guard. Score +2 for sweep to guard / half guard: Laitila (9) vs (9) Barnes#T13#
Laitila looking for a sweep. Not yet Laitila, not yet.
Laitila trying to control the position here.
Laitila not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
Barnes trying to control the position from guard on top but Laitila is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can. #T14#
Barnes advances to half guard.
Barnes is keen to just control but Laitila is a slippery customer.
Laitila gets full guard.
Laitila looking to hit a scissor sweep but Barnes is one step ahead there.
Barnes wants to pass the guard but Laitila is keeping the position.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Barnes wants to control from the top but Laitila keeps moving.
And that's the end of the fight!
As we have tied on points, we go to a tie breaker and Laitila gets a bonus point for attempting more subs.
Laitila takes the fight on points by 10 to 9. |
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Main event
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This TWGC bout is 1 fifteen minute round in the super heavyweight division. Introducing today's competitors. In the red corner, competing out of Los Angeles, with a TWGC record of 8 wins and 5 losses; Diego Nogueira! And in the blue corner, fighting out of Las Vegas, with a TWGC record of 10 wins and 2 losses; Tyron Scott!
The judges for this bout are William Peck, Alec Ball and Elvis Blanc.
The fighters connect hands in the middle of the mat and we are under way.#TD2#
Scott fakes an overhand right and shoots for a takedown. Nogueira sprawls well initially but Scott persists and gets the takedown into half guard. Score +2 for takedown into guard / half guard: Nogueira (0) vs (2) Scott
Scott controlling the pace.
Nogueira tries to regain full guard. Instead though, Scott has advanced to mount. Uh oh. Score +3 for passing guard: Nogueira (0) vs (5) Scott
Nogueira is trying to escape the mount.
Scott looking to control and managing it successfully.
Nogueira regains half guard.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Scott tries to pass the half guard into mount. Nogueira knows what he's doing though and prevents the attempt.
The referee calls for the fighters to work.
#T1#
Nogueira gets full guard.#SUB#
Nogueira is looking to cinch up a triangle. Scott throws the leg off to one side though and gets in tight to Nogueira's body to avoid the submission. Nogueira has instead reached around Scott's neck and now has a guillotine! Oh, this is biiiig trouble! Nogueira arches his back and squeezes and forces the tap from his hapless opponent.
Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:31 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Guillotine). Diego Nogueira!
A relieved looking Diego Nogueira thanked the fans for their support and gave the usual line about them being amazing. They seemed to believe that he actually meant it.
Tyron Scott spoke after the fight, saying 'Pathetic win. You trash and everyone khow it!'. |
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