Play by Play - Fighter's Fight Commentary

Event: Quick Fight Championship
Date: Jul 17, 2022

#R1##CL#
Vehk tries to keep at a distance but Crispian has taken the fight into the clinch.
Crispian taking a breather.
Crispian misses with a short punch on the inside.
Vehk drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it. #BC#
Crispian escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Crispian misses with a wild combination.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Crispian with the inside leg kick. #T1##CL#
Crispian gets in close and instigates a clinch.
Crispian softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
Crispian tries to stall but Vehk uses the opportunity to gain a better position.
Crispian goes for a body shot but it's blocked. #BC#
Crispian breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
A low kick from Crispian misses #TD2#
and Vehk counters with a shoot takedown. Crispian fights it but they end up in guard.
Crispian is looking to stand back up but Vehk counters by passing into half guard. Oops... bit sloppy there by Crispian. #REVR##SU2#
Vehk gets to his feet - back to striking we go! #T2#
Crispian pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Crispian connects with a good right hand that stumbles Vehk. Vehk circles away out of range and recomposes himself.#CUT#It looks like Lord Vehk has been cut.
Nice defenses there by Vehk.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Vehk moves away from the strike by Crispian.
Vehk drops down looking to force a counter takedown but Crispian defends it well.
Vehk keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Crispian.
Vehk with the counter takedown but Crispian avoids it easily.
Crispian throws a leg kick #TD2#
and Vehk counters with a single leg into guard. Crispian didn't expect that. #SU2#
Vehk gets to his feet and steps away from his opponent.
Crispian lands a jab to the head. #T3#
Vehk uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Crispian.
Crispian connects with a solid leg kick.
Ben Crispian is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Vehk uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Crispian.
Crispian rushes in with a sloppy looking punch #TD2#
and Vehk counters with a nice double leg into guard. #SU2#
Vehk decides he's had enough of playing guard and decides to stand. Come on Crispian, up you get! #CL#
Crispian closes the distance and clinches.
Crispian lands a shoulder strike.
Vehk tries for a takedown. No joy. #T4#
Vehk tries to score a body lock takedown but Crispian shows good agility there to stay on his feet.
Ben Crispian has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Lord Vehk.#BC#
Crispian escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Crispian misses the jab.
Vehk tries a counter takedown but it's more of a dummy move, and he uses it to push himself away.
Vehk takes one on the chin but keeps coming.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Vehk takes a shot to the eye socket. That's gotta hurt.
Crispian throws a leg kick that is checked#TD2#
and Vehk counters with a nice shoot takedown that brings the fighters to the ground.
Crispian has a closed guard, preventing anything of note from happening. Perhaps he's looking to stall.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Ben Crispian dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Lord Vehk's cut.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business.#R2##CL#
Crispian moves into the clinch.
Crispian tries a body shot but Vehk blocks it.
Crispian tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Crispian doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Vehk.
Crispian misses with some punches.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Crispian scores with a nice hook to the head.
Vehk drops to a knee looking for a takedown but Crispian gets the underhooks and prevents it.
Crispian fails to land with a short punch on the inside. #T1##TD2#
Vehk turns his back and goes for a hip toss. It's a bit messy but it gets the job done and Vehk manages to end up in side control.
Crispian is trying to get back to half guard.
Crispian can't do much from the bottom here. #SU2#
Vehk stands up and beckons Crispian to his feet. #T2#
Crispian throws a big shot that misses.
And Vehk tries to counter it with a takedown but Crispian pushes his down on his head and steps out.
An inside leg kick from Crispian misses.
Vehk is definitely looking for the counter takedowns here.
Crispian misses with a jab, cross combination.
Vehk tries a counter takedown but it's more of a dummy move, and he uses it to push himself away.
Crispian just misses with a punch to the body.
Crispian throws a leg kick but Vehk sees it coming and checks it nicely.
Crispian throws a leg kick that is checked#TD2#
and Vehk decides to take the opportunity to score a takedown. He's landed in Crispian's guard.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Crispian working a defensive guard but Vehk passes into half guard. #T3#
Crispian is looking to improve his position.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.#SU2#
Vehk gets to his feet - back to striking we go!
Crispian throws a leg kick #TD2#
and Vehk counters with a shoot takedown. Crispian fights it but they end up in guard.
Crispian is looking to stand back up... there's a bit of a scramble and Vehk dives into side control. #T4##REVR#
Crispian tries to buck Vehk off but Vehk is having none of it.#SU2#
Vehk decides to stand back up. Vehk steps back and let's Crispian get back to his feet.
Crispian thows a leg kick but Vehk checks it #TD2#
and Vehk decides to take the opportunity to score a takedown. He's landed in Crispian's guard.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!#SUB#
Crispian looking for submissions from the bottom but instead Vehk passes into side control.
Crispian can't do much from the bottom here. #SU2#
Vehk decides to stand up, so the ref orders Crispian to his feet.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Lord Vehk showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The cut man is working on Lord Vehk's cut.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare each other down, ready to get back to the action. This is the final round!#R3#
Crispian's jab looks to have found its range, popping Vehk under the eye.
Crispian attempts a leg kick but it's missed by a good margin.
Crispian falls off balance throwing a combination #TD2#
and Vehk counters with a driving takedown into guard. Nice work there by Vehk.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.#SU2#
Vehk decides he's had enough of playing guard and decides to stand. Come on Crispian, up you get!
We've been told by Crispian's head coaches at League of Shadows MMA that he's been working on his takedown defense in preparation for this fight.
Crispian throws a body kick despite being completely out of range#TD2#
and Vehk counters with a nice double leg into guard.
Crispian not looking particularly offensive just at the moment. #T1#
Crispian pulls Vehk in close to prevent any damage. #SUB#
Crispian working for submissions but it's allowed Vehk to get to half guard.
Crispian wants to get back to full guard.#SU2#
Vehk stands up from half guard. #T2#
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.
Crispian scores with a leg kick.
Vehk is pinned up against the cage taking some big shots here. The referee is looking closely deciding whether he should stop the fight.
Crispian cracks Vehk with a hook to the jaw. Both fighters smile at eachother and high-five before getting back down to business.
Crispian throws a low kick, looking for Vehk's leg but Vehk calmly moves out of range.
Vehk drops down looking to force a counter takedown but Crispian defends it well.
Crispian misses with a combination #TD2#
and Vehk counters with a nice double leg into guard.
Crispian wants to get back to his feet but Vehk passes into half guard. #T3##REVR##SU2#
Vehk stands up from half guard... He's had enough of that ground malarky for the time being.
Vehk avoids the body shot from Crispian.
Ben Crispian is winning the standup battle so far.
Vehk moves away from the strike by Crispian.
Vehk with the counter takedown but Crispian avoids it easily.
Crispian tries to land a body kick#TD2#
and Vehk counters with a nice double leg into side control. Crispian won't be happy with that. #SU2#
Vehk decides to take the fight back to the feet.
Crispian throws a poor cross that misses #TD2#
and Vehk counters with a takedown into side control! That could mean trouble for Crispian!
Lord Vehk has got the better of the ground game so far.#T4#
This has been an exciting period of action!#SU2#
Vehk decides to stand up, so the ref orders Crispian to his feet.
Vehk avoids the body shot from Crispian.
Crispian buckles his opponent's knee momentarily with a nice leg kick.
Crispian works over Vehk's head and body with a nice combination.
Crispian throws an ugly left hook that misses #TD2#
and Vehk counters with a driving takedown into guard. Nice work there by Vehk. #SU2#
Vehk stands and steps away. Crispian gets to his feet too and we're back to the striking game.
Crispian waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Vehk.
Vehk with the counter takedown but Crispian avoids it easily.

And that's the end of the fight!
Lord Vehk comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think Vehk 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 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Alec Ball scores the fight 28:29
Judge Robert Douchet scores the fight 28:29
Judge Ian Loll scores the fight 28:29

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Lord Vehk!
A victorious Lord Vehk thanked his army of followers in his post fight interview, telling people to make sure they follow him on Twitter.

Event: Quick Fight Championship
Date: Apr 06, 2022

#R1#
Vehk drops his hands and takes a jab to the jaw for his troubles.
O Malley misses with a straight left.
O Malley looks to land a left hand but Vehk moved out of range nicely.
And Vehk tries to counter it with a takedown but O Malley pushes his down on his head and steps out.
O Malley attempts a leg kick but it's missed by a good margin.
Vehk avoids the head kick by O Malley.
Vehk slips a jab from O Malley.
O Malley throws a sloppy head kick and Vehk moves out of range easily.
Vehk feints the counter takedown.
O Malley cracks Vehk with a good shot that sees him stumbling back into the cage.
O Malley throws a hook but Vehk blocks it.
Vehk is definitely looking for the counter takedowns here.
O Malley tried to score with a low kick but Vehk checks it.
Vehk is definitely looking for the counter takedowns here.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
O Malley connects with a lovely right hand, straight down the pipe.
O Malley seems to be moving with more speed, compared to his last bout. He must have been working on that in the gym.
O Malley connects with a lovely right hand, straight down the pipe.
Vehk displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as O Malley throws out the jab.
O Malley connects with a looping right hand.
O Malley misses with a straight left. #T1#
O Malley misses with a few strikes there.
Vehk drops down looking to force a counter takedown but O Malley defends it well.
O Malley throws a leg kick #TD2#
and Vehk counters with a shoot takedown. O Malley fights it but they end up in guard.
O Malley managing to control the position.
Vehk would like to get this fight back to the feet but can't get free from the closed guard. #SUB#
O Malley looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.
O Malley working a defensive guard but Vehk passes into half guard. #T2#
O Malley trying to control but Vehk postures up.
Vehk tries to stand but can't do so whilst O Malley controls his leg.
O Malley wants to get back to full guard.
Vehk tries to stand but his arm is trapped.
The referee wants the fighters to be more active or he's going to reset them on the feet.
O Malley has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Vehk is working away from the top position though.#REF3#
The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.
Vehk slips under a jab from O Malley.
Vehk tries a counter takedown but it's more of a dummy move, and he uses it to push himself away.#T3#
A slow jab from O Malley misses its intended target.
Vehk bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Vehk feints the counter takedown.
O Malley throws a leg kick that is checked#TD2#
and Vehk counters with a takedown into side control! That could mean trouble for O Malley!
O Malley struggling a bit here.
O Malley is looking for a sweep.
Vehk tries to stand but O Malley is controlling his head.
O Malley is trying to get back to half guard.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
O Malley can't do much from the bottom here. #T4#
Vehk tries to get to his feet but he's trapped momentarily.
O Malley is looking to regain half guard here but Vehk keeps moving and retains side control. #REF3#
The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.
Vehk moves out of range as O Malley strikes.
Vehk with the counter takedown but O Malley avoids it easily.
A low kick lands for O Malley.
O Malley throws a body shot but no joy.
Vehk with the counter takedown but O Malley avoids it easily.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Vehk defending well as O Malley loads up on a big left hand.
Vehk feints the counter takedown.
A nice leg kick lands there from O Malley.
O Malley tries to work over Vehk's front leg with a kick but Vehk checks it.
Vehk tries a counter takedown but it's more of a dummy move, and he uses it to push himself away.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Shane O Malley dominated that round.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business.#R2#
O Malley waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Vehk.
O Malley throws a lazy right hand but Vehk sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
O Malley is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Vehk can do to turn this around?
O Malley swinging wildly here.
Vehk tries a counter takedown but it's more of a dummy move, and he uses it to push himself away.
Vehk ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Vehk drops down looking to force a counter takedown but O Malley defends it well.
O Malley scores with a jab to the head.
Vehk ducks under a wild hook from O Malley.#CL#
O Malley drives through and clinches with Vehk against the cage.
O Malley lands a right hand.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Vehk.
Vehk drops down looking for an ankle pick but O Malley pulls his leg out and moves away.
Nice defenses there by Vehk.
O Malley throws a head kick that misses.
Vehk is definitely looking for the counter takedowns here.
O Malley throws a hook to the side of Vehk's head but Vehk sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Vehk changes levels for a counter takedown but doesn't follow through with his attempt.
Lord Vehk is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.#T1#
O Malley throws a looping overhand right but Vehk ducks down to avoid it.
Vehk is definitely looking for the counter takedowns here.
Shane O Malley seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
O Malley misses with a few strikes there. #TD#
O Malley shoots in for a takedown and gets it. Let's see what he's got on the mat.
The fighters are starting to get a bit slippery now, which will make submissions a bit more difficult.
O Malley working from the guard for now, landing some ground and pound.
Lord Vehk has got the better of the ground game so far.
Vehk is looking to stand up but O Malley isn't so interested in that idea.
O Malley postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
O Malley postures up and lands a big shot to Vehk's brow.
O Malley trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
O Malley trying to control the position from guard on top but Vehk is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can. #T2#
Vehk utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
O Malley postures up in Vehk's guard and throws a big left but Vehk blocks it.
O Malley trying to control but Vehk is working from the bottom.
O Malley is sitting in guard, working some ground and pound.
O Malley throws a strike but Vehk rolls with it and manages to sweep. Now he's in guard on top. #REVB#
Vehk would like to get this fight back to the feet but can't get free from the closed guard.
O Malley is trying to control the position but Vehk postures up. #T3#
O Malley looking to hit a scissor sweep but Vehk is one step ahead there. #SUB#
O Malley has an active guard here but Vehk has managed to pass into half guard.
O Malley trying to control from the bottom. #T4#
There's not a lot going on here and the crowd are letting the fighters know they're not willing to tolerate a lack of action.
It looks like Vehk is going to stand back up.
O Malley wants to improve his position but Vehk is controlling well. #REF3#
The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.
O Malley fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Vehk tries a counter takedown but it's more of a dummy move, and he uses it to push himself away.
O Malley throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Vehk sees it coming and avoids it easily.
O Malley throws the left hand but Vehk avoids the punch easily.
Vehk tries a counter takedown but it's more of a dummy move, and he uses it to push himself away.
O Malley throws a leg kick but Vehk sees it coming and checks it nicely.
Vehk feints the counter takedown.
A slow jab from O Malley misses its intended target.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
O Malley misses with a looping left.
Vehk slips a straight right by O Malley.
O Malley misses with a head kick.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Shane O Malley dominated that second round.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business. This is the final round!#R3#
O Malley looks to score with a jab to the body but Vehk is just out of range.
Vehk ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Vehk drops down looking to force a counter takedown but O Malley defends it well.
Vehk takes a shot to the eye socket. That's gotta hurt.
O Malley misses with a leg kick.
Vehk avoids the head kick by O Malley.
And Vehk tries to counter it with a takedown but O Malley pushes his down on his head and steps out.
A jab from O Malley misses.
And Vehk tries to counter it with a takedown but O Malley pushes his down on his head and steps out.
O Malley scores with a jab to the head.
O Malley throws a looping overhand right but Vehk ducks down to avoid it.
Vehk is definitely looking for the counter takedowns here.
O Malley pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
And Vehk tries to counter it with a takedown but O Malley pushes his down on his head and steps out.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
O Malley misses with a head kick.
Vehk tries a counter takedown but it's more of a dummy move, and he uses it to push himself away.
The fighters circling - O Malley throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
O Malley tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Vehk moves out of range of the strikes.#T1#
O Malley misses with a jab, cross combination.
O Malley tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
O Malley misses with a wild body shot.
O Malley throws a sloppy head kick #TD2#
and Vehk counters with a nice double leg into half guard.
O Malley tries to regain full guard. Instead though, Vehk has advanced to mount. Uh oh.
Vehk is trying to stand up but he's being controlled by his opponent.
O Malley tries to hold on but Vehk postures up.#T2#
O Malley is desperately trying to get back to half guard.
O Malley regains half guard.
O Malley is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Vehk tries to stand but his arm is trapped. #T3#
Vehk prevents O Malley from improving his position.
Vehk tries to stand but his hand is stuck under O Malley.
O Malley keeps control of the position for the meantime.
O Malley tries to get to full guard but Vehk has control of the leg. #T4#
Neither fighter has done anything of merit for a good minute or two here and the crowd are not happy about it.
O Malley wants to control but Vehk passes into side.
O Malley wants to control but Vehk postures up.
Shane O Malley is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
O Malley tries to bench press Vehk off him but Vehk keeps the position.
Vehk tries to get to his feet but he's trapped momentarily. #REF3#
The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
O Malley jabbing away but nothing is landing.
O Malley finds nothing but air with that leg kick attempt.
Lord Vehk has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
O Malley misses with an uppercut #TD2#
and Vehk counters with a nice shoot takedown that brings the fighters to the ground.

And that's the end of the fight!
I would just about give that final round to Lord Vehk.
I think O Malley has won this one but let's see what the judges have to say. 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 Daniel Franklin scores the fight 30:28
Judge Wesley Smith scores the fight 29:28
Judge Cecil Peabody scores the fight 30:27

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Shane O Malley!
Shane O Malley tried to hype himself up post fight but didn't word it too well and it ended up with him sounding like a bit of a tool.

Event: Quick Fight Championship
Date: Mar 24, 2022

#R1##TD#
Nastula drives through with a takedown into Vehk's guard. Let's see what he can do from the top position.
Vehk wants to get back to his feet but Nastula is in a dominant position and won't allow it.
Vehk is using up a lot of energy trying to get back to his feet. Perhaps he should improve his position first.
Nastula trying to control but Vehk is working from the bottom. #SUB#
Nastula drops back, looking for a kneebar! Vehk looks panicked! The fighters roll across the mat, one looking to finish, one looking to escape. Vehk looks to have wriggled free... Yes, he's got his leg free and he's dived into side control! Good work there from Vehk! #REVB#
Vehk tries to get to his feet but he's trapped momentarily.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.#T1#
Nastula tries to work a leg under to get back to half guard but Vehk wriggles his own leg back out and remains in side control.
Vehk wants to stand but Nastula is controlling his arm.
Nastula on his back here. We all know that wrestlers don't like being on their back so let's see if Nastula tries to get out of the position.
We must be close to a standup if these guys don't pick up the pace.#REF3#
The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.#T2#
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.
Nastula misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Vehk with the counter takedown but Nastula avoids it easily.
Nastula misses with a lunging right hand #TD2#
and Vehk counters with a nice shoot takedown that brings the fighters to the ground.
Vehk tries to stand but Nastula is controlling from the bottom.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Nastula has a butterfly guard looking to sweep but Vehk has passed into side control. #T3#
Vehk tries to stand but Nastula is controlling his head.
We may be looking at a referee standup if the pace doesn't pick up soon.#REF3#
The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.#T4#
A few boos can be heard. I'm sure they will multiply if the fighters don't pick up the pace.
Nastula gets off balance looking for a body kick#TD2#
and Vehk decides to take the opportunity to score a takedown. He's landed in Nastula's guard.
Nastula wants to hit a sweep here but Vehk passes into full mount! Oh no, disaster for Nastula there!
Vehk is looking to stand but Nastula has his arms wrapped tightly around him, looking to prevent the damage.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Lord Vehk dominated that round.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.#R2#
Nastula lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Vehk circles away quickly and effectively.
Vehk with the counter takedown but Nastula avoids it easily.#TD#
Nastula shoots in and gets a takedown into Vehk's guard.
Nastula won't allow Vehk to get back to his feet. #SUB#
Nastula is holding a leg here, probably looking for an ankle lock - he drops back and goes for it! Vehk is in trouble! Is it all over??? No! Vehk has escaped and now he's on top! #REVB#
Nastula wants to hit a sweep here but Vehk passes into full mount! Oh no, disaster for Nastula there!
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Vehk tries to stand up but he's trapped just for the moment. #T1#
Nastula working to try and regain half guard.
Nastula wants to improve position but instead he's given up his back.#T2#
Well. There's a bit of a lull in the action here and the crowd are starting to get restless.
Vehk biding his time, looking for the opening.
Nastula keeps the fight on the ground as Vehk tries to escape.
I really don't envy Nastula right now.
Nastula prevents his opponent from getting back to his feet.
I really don't envy Nastula right now.
Nastula is working hard here to advance position.#T3#
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Vehk is trying to stand.
Vehk controlling the position well here. Nastula rolled but Vehk kept the hooks locked in and stayed in the dominant position. #T4#
The crowd are hurling abuse towards the fighters... You can hardly blame them though because there isn't a lot going on in the fight.
Vehk is looking to stand but he's in a difficult position to do so.
Well, with Vehk on his back, surely it's only a matter of time before Nastula is tapping out... Can he escape the position?
Vehk really has the hooks in deep now - there seems like no escape for Nastula.
Vehk is hanging on to Nastula's back as he tries to escape.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Vehk is trying to stand.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Lord Vehk showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare each other down, ready to get back to the action. Let's get this one finished - here comes the final round!#R3##CL#
Nastula fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Vehk, pushing him back against the cage.#TD2#
Vehk gets double underhooks and manages to take the fight to the ground.
Lord Vehk has got the better of the ground game so far.
Vehk wanted to stand there but Nastula had control of the position.
Nastula has a butterfly guard looking to sweep but Vehk has passed into side control.
Nastula tries to improve position but can't.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Vehk tries to get to his feet but he's trapped momentarily. #T1#
Nastula is looking for a sweep.
Vehk wants to stand but Nastula has his arm trapped.
We've had a lack of effective grappling in the last minute or so, which could well see a referee standup.
Nastula tries to bench press Vehk off him but Vehk keeps the position.
Vehk wants to stand but Nastula has his arm trapped. #REF3#
The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up.
Vehk has been working on his striking defense in training and it's paying off as Nastula is landing a low percentage of strikes.#T2#
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.#TD#
Nastula gets the takedown into side control.
Vehk is working hard to escape and get back to his feet. After a battle for position, Nastula asserts his dominance and retains side control.#SUB#
Nastula swings around for an armbar but Vehk sees it coming a mile off and turns beautifully into Nastula's guard.
Vehk wants to get up but he can't break Nastula's closed guard. He needs to be careful trying to break the legs open, as he's open to submissions here.
Vehk has been the more effective fighter overall so far.#T3#
Nastula will need to keep those long limbs tucked in whilst he's on the ground, to prevent any submissions.
Nastula wants to hit a sweep here but Vehk passes into full mount! Oh no, disaster for Nastula there!
Vehk tries to stand up but he's trapped just for the moment. #T4#
There's not a lot going on here and the crowd are letting the fighters know they're not willing to tolerate a lack of action.
Nastula looking to escape from mount but he's given up his back!
I really don't envy Nastula right now.
Vehk has the hooks sunk in and you can see the will to fight slowly draining out of Nastula's body.
Pawel Nastula has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!

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

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Tarja Halkonen scores the fight 27:30
Judge Ben Zyskovitsi scores the fight 27:30
Judge Marco Blurström scores the fight 27:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Lord Vehk!
After winning the bout, Lord Vehk thanked all his fans and promised he'd do even better in his next fight. The crowd seemed to love his humility.

Event: HFC 124 - Randleman vs Krylov
Date: Mar 12, 2022

#R1#
De Minaur scores with a leg kick.
De Minaur throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Vehk feints the counter takedown.
Vehk moves away from the strike by De Minaur.
Vehk drops down looking to force a counter takedown but De Minaur defends it well.
De Minaur stooping low to avoid any incoming strikes and then lunges in with an uppercut come cross that lands flush.#CUT#It looks like Lord Vehk has been cut.
De Minaur throws the left hand but Vehk avoids the punch easily.
De Minaur wants to land a leg kick but Vehk is out of range.
Vehk needs to keep his hands up - De Minaur had a free shot at his head there.
A nice leg kick from De Minaur, right into the meat of the thigh.
De Minaur throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Vehk keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
De Minaur misses with a low kick.
Vehk tries a counter takedown but it's more of a dummy move, and he uses it to push himself away.
De Minaur misses with an attempted mid kick.
Vehk is definitely looking for the counter takedowns here.#T1#
De Minaur swings and misses with a shot to the body#TD2#
and Vehk counters with a nice double leg into guard.
Vehk is looking to stand up but De Minaur won't let him.
Vehk stopping the sweep attempt from De Minaur.
Vehk wants to get up but he can't break De Minaur's closed guard. He needs to be careful trying to break the legs open, as he's open to submissions here.
De Minaur looking to hit a scissor sweep but Vehk is one step ahead there.
Vehk trying to stand up but can't free himself from De Minaur's guard.#T2#
De Minaur looking to sweep using the butterfly guard but Vehk puts pay to that idea as he passes nicely into half guard.
Vehk seems to have lost interest with the ground game and is thinking about standing back up.
Vehk wants to stand but his hand is trapped. De Minaur uses the opportunity to regain full guard.
De Minaur has a butterfly guard looking to sweep but Vehk has passed into side control.
De Minaur gets back to half guard.#T3#
Vehk wants to stand up but De Minaur has a hold of him and won't allow it.
Vehk wants to stand up but De Minaur manages to regain full guard.
Vehk won't allow De Minaur to sweep him here. #REF3#
The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.#T4#
Well. There's a bit of a lull in the action here and the crowd are starting to get restless.
De Minaur misses with a looping right.
The fighters circling - De Minaur throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Vehk feints the counter takedown.
De Minaur misses with a straight left.
Vehk checks a leg kick.
Vehk drops down looking to force a counter takedown but De Minaur defends it well.
De Minaur throws a leg kick but Vehk sees it coming and checks it nicely.
De Minaur tries to score with an inside leg kick but telegraphs it and Vehk is able to avoid easily.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Vehk uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from De Minaur.
Vehk is definitely looking for the counter takedowns here.
De Minaur misses with a looping left.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Rod De Minaur dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Lord Vehk's cut.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.#R2#
Vehk moves his head to the side to avoid a jab but walks straight into a cross.
De Minaur fakes a jab and throws a low kick but Vehk checks it well.
Vehk is definitely looking for the counter takedowns here.
De Minaur throws a hook but Vehk blocks it.
De Minaur is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Vehk can do to turn this around?
Vehk slips under a jab from De Minaur.
Vehk drops down looking to force a counter takedown but De Minaur defends it well.
De Minaur misses with a low kick as Vehk jumps back.
Rod De Minaur seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
De Minaur ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Vehk moves away.
Vehk chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before De Minaur can pounce on him.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
A jab from De Minaur does it's job there.
De Minaur takes a swing at Vehk's ribcage but misses.
And Vehk tries to counter it with a takedown but De Minaur pushes his down on his head and steps out.
De Minaur tries to score with a leg kick but it misses it's target.
De Minaur with a nice looking leg kick. You could hear that one land in a back row. #T1#
De Minaur misses with a right hand #TD2#
and Vehk counters with a nice double leg into guard.
De Minaur is controlling Vehk's posture.
Vehk stopping the sweep attempt from De Minaur.
Vehk trying to stand up but can't free himself from De Minaur's guard.
De Minaur looking to sweep using the butterfly guard but Vehk puts pay to that idea as he passes nicely into half guard.
De Minaur trying to get back to full guard but Vehk takes advantage of the position and moves to full mount!
Lord Vehk has got the better of the ground game so far.#T2#
De Minaur is trying desperately to improve position.
Vehk is trying to stand up but he's being controlled by his opponent.
De Minaur tries to hold on but Vehk postures up.
Vehk tries to stand up but he's trapped just for the moment. #T3#
De Minaur is wriggling around trying to escape.
De Minaur regains half guard.
It looks like Vehk is going to stand back up.
De Minaur trying to control but Vehk postures up. #T4#
Neither fighter has done anything of merit for a good minute or two here and the crowd are not happy about it.
De Minaur tries to roll over but Vehk keeps him under control.
De Minaur is looking to control Vehk's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can De Minaur avoid being mounted?#REF3#
The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.
De Minaur throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
De Minaur walks forward and throws out a flicking leg kick. Vehk checks it nicely though, as he moves to the side.
Vehk feints the counter takedown.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
De Minaur misses with a body shot.
De Minaur uses good footwork to get in and out, landing a nice hook.
De Minaur looks to land a right hand but Vehk moved out of range.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Rod De Minaur dominated that second round.
The cut man is working on Lord Vehk's cut.
That's time! Back to the action! Ladies and gentlemen, this is the final round!#R3#
De Minaur throws a body kick but he wasn't in range.
De Minaur misses with a low kick.
De Minaur misses with a leg kick.
And Vehk tries to counter it with a takedown but De Minaur pushes his down on his head and steps out.
De Minaur looks to land a left hand but Vehk moved out of range nicely.
Vehk tries a counter takedown but it's more of a dummy move, and he uses it to push himself away.
De Minaur misses with a wild body shot.
Vehk changes levels for a counter takedown but doesn't follow through with his attempt.
De Minaur scores with a shot to the body.
De Minaur misses with a looping left.
And Vehk tries to counter it with a takedown but De Minaur pushes his down on his head and steps out.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
De Minaur tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Vehk was well out of range. Poor timing from De Minaur.
Vehk is definitely looking for the counter takedowns here.
A head kick misses from De Minaur.
De Minaur connects nicely with a jab. Noted by the judges no doubt.#T1#
De Minaur looks for the body kick but Vehk saw that one coming.
Vehk with the counter takedown but De Minaur avoids it easily.
De Minaur cracks Vehk with a good shot that sees him stumbling back into the cage.
Vehk moves out of range as De Minaur strikes.
Vehk drops down looking to force a counter takedown but De Minaur defends it well.
Vehk uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from De Minaur.
Vehk is definitely looking for the counter takedowns here.
Vehk tries to check a leg kick but that clearly hurt him.
Vehk keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from De Minaur.
Vehk is definitely looking for the counter takedowns here.
De Minaur throws the left hand but Vehk avoids the punch easily.
And Vehk tries to counter it with a takedown but De Minaur pushes his down on his head and steps out.
That kick from De Minaur tenderised Vehk's leg. Vehk is trying to keep his angry face on.
Vehk avoids a low kick by using good footwork.
Vehk is definitely looking for the counter takedowns here.
De Minaur jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Rod De Minaur is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.#T2#
De Minaur with a body punch. A glancing blow.
Vehk bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
De Minaur misses with a body shot.
Rod De Minaur is winning the standup battle so far.
De Minaur connects with a right hand. Vehk shakes it off.
De Minaur ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Vehk moves away.
Vehk is definitely looking for the counter takedowns here.
De Minaur tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Vehk was well out of range. Poor timing from De Minaur.
Vehk slips under a jab.
Vehk tries a counter takedown but it's more of a dummy move, and he uses it to push himself away.
De Minaur throws a body shot but no joy.
Vehk changes levels for a counter takedown but doesn't follow through with his attempt.
Rod De Minaur is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
De Minaur fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Vehk manages to avoid it.
Vehk tries a counter takedown but it's more of a dummy move, and he uses it to push himself away.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
A cross from De Minaur lands.#T3#
Vehk staying out of range there.
Vehk drops down looking to force a counter takedown but De Minaur defends it well.
Vehk has his front leg slapped to the side - a nice low kick landing there from De Minaur.
De Minaur looks to score with a jab to the body but Vehk is just out of range.
A big right from De Minaur misses.
Vehk avoids a kick to the body.
Vehk drops down looking to force a counter takedown but De Minaur defends it well.
De Minaur looks to have improved his striking defense since last time we saw him fight.
De Minaur's corner calls for a 1-2. De Minaur obliges with the 1 part as he scores the single shot and moves back out of range.
De Minaur throws the left hand but Vehk avoids the punch easily.
Vehk is definitely looking for the counter takedowns here.
De Minaur ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Vehk moves away.
Vehk feints the counter takedown.
De Minaur shapes like he's going to throw a leg kick but settles back down.
De Minaur fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Vehk manages to avoid it.
Vehk tries a counter takedown but it's more of a dummy move, and he uses it to push himself away.#T4#
De Minaur tries to work over Vehk's front leg with a kick but Vehk checks it.
Vehk drops down looking to force a counter takedown but De Minaur defends it well.
De Minaur misses with a straight left.
De Minaur tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Vehk was well out of range. Poor timing from De Minaur.
A looping hook to the body misses from De Minaur. Vehk does a little dance to reset his feet.
De Minaur throws a leg kick #TD2#
and Vehk counters with a nice double leg into guard.
Vehk tries to stand but De Minaur is controlling from the bottom.
Lord Vehk has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Vehk with a flurry of punches that miss.

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

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Steve Montenegro scores the fight 30:27
Judge John Kavanagh scores the fight 30:27
Judge Eddie Farnsworth scores the fight 30:27

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Rod De Minaur!
After winning the bout, Rod De Minaur thanked all his fans and promised he'd do even better in his next fight. The crowd seemed to love his humility.

Event: HFC 118 - Babinski vs Bigg III
Date: Jan 22, 2022

#R1#
Butcher misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Carvaleho throws out a powerful jab.
Carvaleho shoots in but no luck this time.
Butcher scores with a reasonable looking shot to the body. Carvaleho doesn't seem bothered though.
Carvaleho ducks under a wild hook from Butcher.
Carvaleho looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Butcher is fending him off so far but Carvaleho persists. Nope, Butcher circles away and we're back to standing.
Carvaleho misses the shot to the body.
Carvaleho looks to have improved his striking defense since last time we saw him fight.
Butcher looks to land a combination but Carvaleho avoids it well.
Nice takedown defense from Butcher. No joy for Carvaleho on that attempt.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Jose Carvaleho. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Butcher waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Carvaleho.
Jab by Butcher.
Carvaleho misses with an uppercut
and Butcher counters with a stiff right hand.
Butcher with a jab.
Carvaleho misses with a head kick.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Butcher steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Carvaleho.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Carvaleho is defended easily by Butcher.
Butcher looks like he wants to counter punch here.
Butcher is moving around nicely and scores here with a single head shot.#T1#
Butcher's jab looks to have found its range, popping Carvaleho under the eye.
Conor Butcher is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Carvaleho misses with a wild body shot.
Carvaleho checks a leg kick.
Carvaleho throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Butcher digs a good hook to Carvaleho's body.
A chopping leg kick lands by Butcher.
Butcher lands a really nice looking cross but Carvaleho seems unphased.
Butcher keeps his opponent at a distance with a nice jab.
Carvaleho misses with an uppercut. Butcher saw that one coming.
Carvaleho walks into a jab.
Butcher throws an overhand right that lands on Carvaleho's shoulder, as Carvaleho tries to avoid the shot.
Carvaleho looked to counter that last move with a leg kick but didn't pull the trigger.
Butcher moves out of range of the strikes.
Carvaleho looks to land a combination but Butcher avoids it well.
Carvaleho ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Carvaleho throws a body punch but Butcher moves out of range.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Butcher bobs and weaves and unloads with a good uppercut.
Carvaleho shoots in looking for a takedown but Butcher manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Carvaleho's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.#T2#
Carvaleho walks into a jab.
Butcher waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Carvaleho.
Carvaleho half commits to a counter takedown before pushing away, out of range.#TD#
Carvaleho drives through with a really nice takedown into side control.
Carvaleho throwing ground and pound but whilst doing so, he forgets to control position and Butcher works his way back to half guard. Good composure under pressure.
Carvaleho is keeping good posture, landing some ground and pound.
Butcher wants to get back to his feet.
Carvaleho trying to mount his opponent but Butcher defends it.
Carvaleho scores with a couple of good hammerfists.
Butcher is trying to stand. #T3##SUB#
Carvaleho is looking for a kimura here. #SUB#
Carvaleho is looking for a kimura. It's pretty deep but Butcher still has the half guard so he's probably OK. Oh, Butcher has exploded into a beautiful escape there and after a quick scramble, he's ended up in side control on top! Nice work!
Butcher wants to stand but Carvaleho is controlling his arm.
Carvaleho is sneaking out the side here. He's bucked Butcher off and has taken his back!
Carvaleho landing with strikes.
Carvaleho is landing with strikes from the back. #T4#
Carvaleho trying desperately to keep hold of the dominant position.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.#SUB#
Carvaleho is staying calm and holding on to the back position, whilst working on a rear naked choke. Butcher is defending well though. Carvaleho let's go of the attempt for now.#SUB#
Carvaleho looking to break Butcher's wrist control so he can sink in the choke. Butcher remaining controlled and patient though - he really has to keep calm otherwise Carvaleho will wrap this one up with the rear naked choke!
Butcher looking very determined here, making life difficult for Carvaleho. #SUB#
Carvaleho is working for the choke. It looks like he might have got it... has he...? Yes! Butcher is tapping out! This one is all over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:53 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (RNC). Jose Carvaleho!
An out of breath and clearly excited Jose Carvaleho thanked HARDCORE Threads (Closing) for their help and support (and free stuff they sent him).
The defeated Conor Butcher had this to say: 'Fuck vegans. They should be punched on sight.'.

Event: HFC 114 Washington v Babinski
Date: Dec 18, 2021

#R1#
Butcher ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Wolfe moves away.
Butcher scores with a punch to the gut of his opponent.
Wolfe scores with a leg kick.
Butcher shakes his hands off, looking to compose himself, but takes a jab to the jaw whilst he does it.
Wolfe lands with a nice body kick. #CL2#
Butcher clinches.
Butcher prevents a body shot from Wolfe.
Butcher is looking to take this one to the mat.
Butcher is looking for a takedown.
Butcher changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Wolfe fights it off and pushes away nicely.
Alec Wolfe has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Conor Butcher.
Butcher moves into range and connects with a jab.
Wolfe lands a glancing blow to the side of Butcher's head.#CUT#It looks like Conor Butcher has been cut.
A jab from Butcher misses.
Nice shot by Butcher.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
A big right from Wolfe misses. #T1#
Wolfe misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Butcher scores with a jab. Wolfe acknowledges it with a nod of the head.
Butcher throws a hook but Wolfe avoids it easily.
Wolfe lands with a nice combination. Butcher backs away looking to recover.
Wolfe looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Wolfe takes a jab right on the kisser.
Butcher walks into a stiff left hand from Wolfe.
Wolfe uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Butcher.
Conor Butcher seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Wolfe throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Wolfe misses with a left hand
and Butcher counters with a lovely straight right hand!
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Butcher lands an overhand left. A wild punch that just about connected.
Wolfe on the wrong end of a nice hook.
Wolfe definitely looks more muscular than last time we saw him fight.
Butcher uses good footwork to get in and out and land a nice right hand before Wolfe has time to react.
Wolfe pivots, looking for a leg kick but Butcher is out of range and Wolfe settles back down.
Butcher connects with a lovely jab that went straight through the gap between Wolfe's hands.#T2#
Wolfe tries to score with a low kick but Butcher moves his leg out of the way.
Wolfe lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Butcher circles away quickly and effectively.
Butcher takes a jab right on the nose. That must have hurt but he shrugs his shoulders and looks to return the favor.
Wolfe takes a big uppercut there. He seems a bit wobbly but no, he's OK.
Butcher tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Wolfe manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Butcher misses with a lunging right hand
and Wolfe counters with a nice uppercut.
Butcher might want to mix his strikes up a bit more. He's just going for head shots at the moment and that can become a bit predictable.
Butcher staying out of range there.
Wolfe misses with a series of wild punches.
Butcher scores with a body shot.
Wolfe avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
A swing and a miss from Wolfe.#TD2#
Butcher darts in and lands a nice takedown into half guard.
Butcher is just content to waste time from the top position. Wolfe takes advantage of the situation and regains full guard. #T3#
Butcher slows down the pace of the fight for a moment. He'll need to remain active if he doesn't want to see the fight stood back up.
Butcher wants to pass the guard but Wolfe is keeping the position.
Wolfe pulls Butcher in close to prevent any damage.
Butcher pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Wolfe is keeping the position for now.
Butcher sitting in guard, not really doing much. #T4#
Well. There's a bit of a lull in the action here and the crowd are starting to get restless.
Butcher trying to control but Wolfe is working from the bottom.
Butcher is intent on slowing down the pace of the fight, simply looking to control.#REF3#
The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.
Wolfe throws a jab but it's blocked by Butcher.
Butcher changes levels for a counter takedown but doesn't follow through with his attempt.
Wolfe misses with a low kick.
Wolfe moves out of range as Butcher strikes.
Butcher on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by Wolfe. Wolfe obviously looking to wear him down.
Butcher connects with a hook to the side of his opponent's head.
Wolfe throws a jab but it's blocked by Butcher.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close round but I would say that Alec Wolfe will probably get the nod.
The cut man is working on Conor Butcher'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.#R2#
Wolfe takes a shot right to the bread basket.
Wolfe misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Butcher. #CL2#
Butcher moves into the clinch successfully.
Wolfe lands a left hand.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Wolfe.
A real battle for position is taking place between these two warriors.
Wolfe throws a punch but it's blocked by Butcher.
Wolfe tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked. #TD2#
Butcher turns his back and goes for a hip toss. It's a bit messy but it gets the job done and Butcher manages to end up in side control.
A lull in the action here.
Wolfe is looking to reverse the position.
Butcher lands some shots froms side control.
Butcher throws a knee to the body but it doesn't do much damage.#T1#
Butcher scores with punches from side control.
Butcher moving around in side mount but really he's just happy to control for now.
Wolfe managing to avoid any damage from the strikes thrown by Butcher.
Wolfe is moving his hips around well on the bottom and has managed to get back to half guard.
Butcher perhaps working for something from half guard, or maybe not. It looks like he's just sitting there.
Butcher's corner are shouting for him to control the position and he seems happy to oblige.
Butcher thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Wolfe's head.
Wolfe pushes Butcher off looking to stand but Butcher dives back in and keeps control. #T2#
My god... these two guys really need to pick up the pace or everyone will leave to go get a beer.
Butcher is taking a breather. Wolfe 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.#REF3#
The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.
A low kick lands for Wolfe.
Butcher keeps his opponent at a distance with a nice jab.
Wolfe displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Butcher throws out the jab.
Wolfe throws a jab when Butcher was well out of range.
Wolfe throws out a token jab with nothing on it.#CL2#
Butcher closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the cage.
Butcher is looking for a takedown.
Butcher goes for a takedown attempt but Wolfe pushes him away and we're back to fighting at a distance.
Butcher just misses with a punch to the body.
Wolfe misses with a series of wild punches.
Wolfe slips under a jab.#T3#
Butcher misses the jab.
Wolfe walks into a jab.
Wolfe connects with a jab.
Butcher misses with a lunging right hand
letting Wolfe counter with a right hand.
Butcher uses good footwork to get in and out and land a nice right hand before Wolfe has time to react.
Butcher connects with a body shot that sends Wolfe's belly button to the back.
Butcher blocks a jab.
Butcher connects with a looping left hand that seems like it dazed Wolfe momentarily.
Butcher lands a lovely overhand right.
Butcher slips a straight right by Wolfe.#CL2#
Butcher moves into the clinch successfully.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Wolfe doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Wolfe lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
Butcher prevents a body shot from Wolfe. #T4#
Wolfe tries to throw a body punch but Butcher avoids it by throwing Wolfe back against the cage.
A short left from Wolfe.
Wolfe gets underhooks to prevent Butcher's takedown attempt.
Alec Wolfe has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Conor Butcher.
Butcher is trying to drag Wolfe to the mat but Wolfe just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.
Butcher is looking for a takedown.
Butcher looking for a takedown.
Butcher takes a shot to the head.
Wolfe has a couple of punches blocked by Butcher.
Butcher is trying to work for a single leg takedown but Wolfe pulls him back up using the underhooks.
A head punch on the inside from Wolfe fails to land.
Butcher goes for a takedown attempt but Wolfe pushes him away and we're back to fighting at a distance.
Nice body punch from Butcher.
Butcher tries to clinch but Wolfe is having none of it.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

A close second round but Conor Butcher will probably get the nod - 10:9.
The cut man is working on Conor Butcher's cut.
That's time! Back to the action! Let's get this one finished - here comes the final round!#R3#
Butcher avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Wolfe sets himself, and Butcher steps forward looking for the clinch! Wolfe avoids it this time.#CL2#
Butcher gets a clinch.
Wolfe lands with a short head shot on the inside.
Wolfe tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Wolfe lands with a short shot to the head.
Wolfe tries to work over Butcher's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Butcher is trying to work for a single leg takedown but Wolfe pulls him back up using the underhooks.
Wolfe stalling in the clinch but Butcher improves position. #TD2#
Butcher is trying to trip Wolfe. He has hold of a leg but Wolfe is hopping around, keeping his balance for the moment. Butcher persists though and gets the takedown into guard.
Butcher is intent on slowing down the pace of the fight, simply looking to control.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.#T1#
Butcher won't allow Wolfe to get back to his feet.
Butcher passes into half guard. #ES#
Wolfe pushes Butcher off and gets back to his feet.
Butcher tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Wolfe missing with a left hand there. Butcher was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Butcher scores with a hook to the body. Wolfe takes a step back and tries to catch his breath.
Butcher uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Wolfe.
Butcher throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Butcher misses with a jab to the body
and Wolfe counters with a nice uppercut.
Wolfe throws a quick inside leg kick.
Butcher misses with a hook to the body
and Wolfe counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.#T2#
Nice body punch from Butcher.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Butcher tries to clinch but Wolfe is having none of it.
Nice uppercut lands for Wolfe. That snapped Butcher's head back.
Butcher lands with a good body shot.
Wolfe takes a solid shot to the body. That one hurt him but he's trying not to show it.
A big left from Butcher misses.
A lazy left from Wolfe finds it's target.
Wolfe scores with a slapping inside leg kick.
Butcher moves out of range as Wolfe strikes.
Butcher is definitely looking for the counter takedowns here.
Alec Wolfe is winning the standup battle so far.
Butcher lands a right hook to the body.
Butcher is looking to clinch.
A looping hook to the body misses from Butcher. Wolfe does a little dance to reset his feet.#CL2#
Butcher instigates a clinch. #T3#
Butcher is trying to work for a single leg takedown but Wolfe pulls him back up using the underhooks.
Butcher changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Wolfe fights it off and pushes away nicely.
Alec Wolfe has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Conor Butcher.
Butcher cracks Wolfe with an open hand slap.
Butcher slips in close and lands a nice hook before moving back out of range.
Wolfe avoids the body shot from Butcher.
A big left from Wolfe misses.
Wolfe moves out of range of the strikes.
Butcher misses with an uppercut
and Wolfe counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Butcher swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Wolfe throws a big counter combination but Butcher scrambles out of danger and avoids any damage.
Wolfe throws a leg kick but he was too far away and it doesn't land.
Wolfe thuds a left hand into Butcher's body.
Wolfe drops his hands momentarily and Butcher takes advantage with a crisp shot to the head.
Butcher cracks Wolfe with an open hand slap.#T4#
Butcher staying out of range there.
Wolfe clobbers Butcher with an overhand right that has the crowd gasping. That made a horrendous noise.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Butcher swings wildly with a hook that is half blocked by Wolfe.#CL2#
Butcher gets a clinch.
A head punch on the inside from Wolfe fails to land.
Butcher wants a takedown.
Butcher has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Wolfe is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.
Wolfe lands a nice looking hook to the body, against the cage.
Wolfe lands with a left to the head.
Butcher takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Wolfe pressing his opponent against the cage.
Wolfe working aggressively here.
Butcher's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
Alec Wolfe has scored more points in the clinch so far.
Wolfe struggles to land a body shot inside as Butcher controls his hands.

And that's the end of the fight!
That was a close round. You could make an argument for either fighter but I would give it to Alec Wolfe.
I think Wolfe has won this one but let's see what the judges have to say. 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 Reed Andrews scores the fight 29:29
Judge David Schapiro scores the fight 29:29
Judge Franklyn Lucas scores the fight 30:28

The fight is ruled a majority draw!

Event: HFC 109 - Bigg vs Washington
Date: Nov 13, 2021

#R1#
Hearn avoids the body shot from Butcher.
Hearn slips under a jab from Butcher.#CL#
Butcher darts in and clinches Hearn up against the cage.#TD#
Butcher gets a nice trip takedown into half guard.
Hearn tries to kick Butcher off but Butcher keeps his base steady and stays in half guard.
Butcher is figuring out what he wants to do next.
Hearn wants to get back to his feet.
Butcher seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Hearn does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Butcher prevents Hearn from standing back up.
Butcher is controlling the pace.
The referee looks like he's ready to step in and stand the fighters back up.#REF3#
The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.#T1##CL#
Butcher clinches with his opponent.
Hearn is defending well against a takedown attempt.
Butcher looking for a takedown.
Hearn lands with a short head shot on the inside.
Hearn works for underhooks and lands a body shot in the process.
Hearn lands on the inside with an uppercut.
Hearn tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Hearn misses with a short punch on the inside.
Hearn softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
Butcher blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Hearn swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Hearn lands a left hand that snaps the head of Butcher backwards.
Butcher blocks an uppercut.
Hearn tries a body shot but Butcher blocks it. #T2#
Butcher wants to take the fight to the mat but Hearn manages to get underhooks and keep the fight in the clinch.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Conor Butcher. That's going to take a lot out of him.
A short right from Hearn.
Butcher is trying to drag Hearn to the mat but Hearn just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.
Hearn misses with a body punch.
This has been an exciting period of action!
A head punch blocked on the inside by Butcher.
Hearn tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Hearn cracks Butcher with a nice body shot.
Hearn working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
Hearn misses with the head strike.
Butcher is working on a leg, looking for a takedown but Hearn is defending well.
Hearn misses with a hook to the ribs.
Hearn prevents the takedown attempt.
Butcher stalling the fight.
Hearn lands an uppercut.
Butcher is working on a leg, looking for a takedown but Hearn is defending well.
Hearn scores with a shoulder strike.
Hearn throws a punch but it's blocked by Butcher.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Hearn. #T3#
Hearn swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Hearn swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Hearn throws a head punch that misses.
Hearn swings wildly with an uppercut but Butcher uses good head movement to avoid it.
Hearn misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Butcher goes for a takedown attempt but Hearn pushes him away and we're back to fighting at a distance.
Hearn dances in quickly and lands a nice inside leg kick on Butcher. That did some damage!
Butcher takes a head kick and shrugs it off.
Butcher throws a hook but Hearn avoids it easily.
Hearn connects with a good right hand that stumbles Butcher. Butcher circles away out of range and recomposes himself.
Butcher moves out of range of the body kick.
Butcher misses the shot to the body.
Hearn tries a quick counter leg kick but Butcher is wise to it.
Hearn cracks Butcher with a good shot that sees him stumbling back into the cage.
Hearn is looking to take this fight into the clinch.#T4#
Hearn tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Hearn slips under a jab from Butcher.
Butcher scores with a nice right hand.
Butcher throws a big shot that misses.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Butcher dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Butcher takes a nasty kick to the mid section... That should keep him thinking. Does he try and block and risk a head kick landing?
Hearn throws a body kick that misses. #CL#
Butcher moves into range and clinches up with Hearn.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Butcher.
The fighters are starting to get sweaty, which will make takedowns a bit more tricky.
Butcher goes for a takedown attempt but Hearn pushes him away and we're back to fighting at a distance.
Butcher jabbing away but nothing is landing.
A telegraphed right hand from Hearn misses the target.
Hearn moves in looking to clinch but Butcher pushes him off.
Butcher wants to take advantage of his opponent's missed offense by moving into the clinch.
Hearn attempts a low kick but it misses it's target.
Hearn misses with a low kick.
Butcher takes a shot to the eye socket. That's gotta hurt.
Hearn throws a leg kick that misses.
Butcher misses with a right hand
and Hearn counters with a series of strikes. Butcher will be more careful next time no doubt.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Thomas Hearn dominated that round.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business.#R2#
Butcher scores with a sloppy punch to the body. Not much technique there but it did the business.
Hearn circles away from the clinch attempt.
Hearn scoring well with a low kick there.
Hearn throws a front kick that sends Butcher stumbling back into the cage.
Hearn throws a quick inside leg kick.
Hearn throws a looping overhand right but Butcher ducks down to avoid it.
Hearn misses with a body kick.
Butcher with poor footwork there. He got himself in a bit of a tangle, enabling Hearn to score with a decent uppercut.
Butcher throws a big shot that misses.
Butcher walks into a stiff left hand from Hearn.
Butcher avoids a low kick by using good footwork.
Butcher tries to counter with a takedown but Hearn is quick to defend against it.
Butcher tries to check a leg kick but that clearly hurt him.#CL#
Butcher closes the distance and clinches.
Butcher blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
A body shot lands from Hearn.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Butcher has dropped down and is looking to force the takedown but it's defended by Hearn after a bit of a struggle.
Hearn presses Butcher against the cage and delivers a mid-strength body shot.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Hearn fails to land with a short punch on the inside. #T1#
A short right from Hearn on the inside.
Hearn working aggressively here.
Hearn is working Butcher over against the cage.
Hearn working aggressively here.
Butcher is working for takedown but Hearn is calmly controlling the position for now.
Butcher has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Hearn is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Conor Butcher. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Butcher blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Butcher tries a body shot but Hearn blocks it.
Butcher has hold of a leg and is looking for a trip takedown. Hearn avoids it nicely though and we remain in the clinch.
Butcher blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Hearn softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
Hearn lands a right hand that snaps the head of Butcher backwards.
Butcher is really struggling to find his range with his punches. Hearn's reach advantage is clearly causing him problems.
A short right from Hearn.
Hearn lands a nice looking hook to the body, against the cage.
Butcher has dropped down and is looking to force the takedown but it's defended by Hearn after a bit of a struggle.
Butcher blocking some punches.
Hearn lands a shoulder strike.
Hearn makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
Hearn has used his reach advantage pretty well so far tonight.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Butcher doesn't land with the attempted body shot. #T2#
Hearn lands a right hand.
Hearn lands with a short head shot on the inside.
Hearn misses with a short punch on the inside.
Butcher drops to a knee looking for a takedown but Hearn gets the underhooks and prevents it.
A head punch on the inside from Hearn fails to land.
Thomas Hearn seems to be working more effectively in the clinch in the fight so far.
Hearn doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Hearn doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Butcher is looking for a takedown up against the cage. Hearn gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.
Butcher wants to take the fight to the mat but Hearn manages to get underhooks and keep the fight in the clinch.
Hearn gets underhooks to prevent Butcher's takedown attempt.
Hearn tries to throw a body punch but Butcher avoids it by throwing Hearn back against the cage.
Hearn lands a body punch in the clinch.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, Hearn creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
A hook to the body from Hearn.
A shot in the inside from Hearn.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Butcher. #T3#
Hearn misses with a short punch on the inside.
Hearn stops a takedown attempt from Butcher.
Hearn lands on the inside with an uppercut.
Hearn works on Butcher's body with a couple of short punches.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Hearn.
Hearn pushes Butcher back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.
Butcher blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Hearn goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Hearn lands on the inside with an uppercut.
Hearn misses with a hook to the ribs.
Hearn lands a hook that snaps the head of Butcher backwards.
Hearn makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
Hearn lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
Butcher wants to take the fight to the mat but Hearn manages to get underhooks and keep the fight in the clinch.
Hearn tries to work over Butcher's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Hearn misses with the head strike.
A right hook to the body lands for Hearn.
Still in the clinch, Hearn scores with a nice short uppercut.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Hearn gets double underhooks to prevent a takedown attempt from Butcher. #T4#
Hearn misses with the head strike.
Hearn misses with a punch to the body.
Hearn lands a shoulder strike.
Butcher prevents a body shot from Hearn.
Butcher wants to take the fight to the mat but Hearn manages to get underhooks and keep the fight in the clinch.
Hearn gets through Butcher's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
Hearn can't find room to land a body shot as Butcher controls the action.
Butcher is trying to work for a single leg takedown but Hearn pulls him back up using the underhooks.
Butcher is working on a leg, looking for a takedown but Hearn is defending well.
A short right from Hearn on the inside.
A short right from Hearn on the inside.
Hearn tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Hearn doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Hearn working aggressively here.
Butcher wants a takedown but no success here.
Hearn works for underhooks and lands a body shot in the process.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Thomas Hearn showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare each other down, ready to get back to the action. This is the final round!#R3#
That kick from Hearn tenderised Butcher's leg. Butcher is trying to keep his angry face on.#CL2#
Hearn clinches up with Butcher and pushes him back against the cage.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Hearn.
Hearn lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
Hearn lands with a light punch inside.
Hearn is defending well against a takedown attempt.
Hearn lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
Hearn stops a takedown attempt from Butcher.
Butcher blocking some punches.
Hearn misses with a punch on the inside.
Hearn scores with a shoulder strike.
Hearn presses Butcher against the cage and delivers a mid-strength body shot.
Hearn misses with the head strike.
Hearn lands with a short punch from the clinch.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Hearn throws a head punch that misses.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Hearn lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
A short uppercut from Hearn.
A short right from Hearn.
A body shot lands from Hearn. #T1#
Hearn lands a hook to the side of the head.
Hearn swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Hearn tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Butcher's elbow.
Hearn works for underhooks and lands a body shot in the process.
Hearn lands a left hand that snaps the head of Butcher backwards.
Hearn tries a body shot but Butcher blocks it.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Hearn.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Butcher.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, Hearn creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
Hearn tries to work over Butcher's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
A shot in the inside from Hearn.
Hearn lands on the inside with an uppercut.
Hearn struggles to land a body shot inside as Butcher controls his hands.
Hearn working some nice short punches in the clinch.
A head punch on the inside from Hearn fails to land.
Butcher tries for a takedown but Hearn manages to get underhooks.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Conor Butcher. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Butcher drops to a knee looking for a takedown but Hearn gets the underhooks and prevents it.
Conor Butcher has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!#T2#
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Hearn lands a left hand.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Hearn. #ROC2#Butcher is rocked!
Hearn misses with a punch on the inside.
Hearn misses with a punch to the body.
Hearn lands a body shot.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, Hearn creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
Hearn prevents the takedown attempt.
Hearn swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Hearn lands on the inside with an uppercut.
Butcher is working on a leg, looking for a takedown but Hearn is defending well.
Hearn lands a nice uppercut.
Oh Butcher is still all over the place! His legs are completely gone! Will he be able to recover?!!
Butcher blocks a body shot from Hearn.
Butcher seems to have got his legs back now.
Hearn tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
A left hand lands to the body for Hearn.
A right hand to the body from Hearn.
Hearn lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Butcher backwards.
Hearn lands a body shot. #T3#
Hearn misses with a short punch on the inside.
Hearn misses with the head strike.
Hearn misses with a hook from the clinch.
Hearn tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Hearn lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
Hearn pushes Butcher back against the cage and unloads with a body punch.
Thomas Hearn is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
A short uppercut from Hearn.
Hearn lands a shoulder strike.
Butcher tries to score a body lock takedown but Hearn shows good agility there to stay on his feet.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Hearn.
Butcher drops down looking for an ankle pick but Hearn pulls his leg out and moves away.
Butcher stuns Hearn with a nice body shot, before stepping back out of range.
Thomas Hearn seems to be getting the better of the standup.#T4#
Hearn explodes with a nice body kick and back out of range. Nice work.
Hearn has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Hearn throws a front kick that sends Butcher stumbling back into the cage.
Butcher is pinned up against the cage taking some big shots here. The referee is looking closely deciding whether he should stop the fight.
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!
Hearn lets loose with a powerful body kick. Butcher will feel that in the morning.
Hearn lands with a nice low kick. That'll leave a bruise.
Hearn lands with a straight right. Butcher didn't see that one coming.
Hearn uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Butcher.
Hearn connects with a hook to the side of his opponent's head.
Hearn getting the better of the striking in that exchange.
Butcher waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Hearn.
Butcher throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Hearn sees it coming and avoids it easily.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Butcher throws a poor cross that misses
and Hearn counters with a three punch combo that has Butcher backing up. Butcher nods at Hearn to acknowledge the strikes.
Butcher tries to clinch but Hearn is having none of it.
Butcher takes one to the side of the head.
Butcher waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Hearn.

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

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Dean Styles scores the fight 25:30
Judge Bruno Lombardi scores the fight 25:30
Judge John Kavanagh scores the fight 25:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Thomas Hearn!
Thomas Hearn thanked the fans post fight for their support.

Event: HFC 104 - Sitsongrit vs Branko
Date: Oct 16, 2021

#R1#
Butcher takes a hook to the side of the head. I wonder if that's got his ears ringing.
Cressbeckler misses with a kick to the body #TD#
and Butcher counters with a shoot takedown. Cressbeckler fights it but they end up in guard.
Butcher throws an elbow that misses. Cressbeckler uses the momentum to reverse the position. He's now in Butcher's guard. Nice move by Cressbeckler!#REVB#
Cressbeckler controlling from the guard. I say controlling but really, he's stalling.
Cressbeckler stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Butcher swivels though and keeps the full guard.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.#T1#
Butcher looking to hit a scissor sweep but Cressbeckler is one step ahead there.
Butcher pulls Cressbeckler in to control the position.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Cressbeckler is stalling in the full guard. #T2#
Well. There's a bit of a lull in the action here and the crowd are starting to get restless.
Cressbeckler is looking to advance position but Butcher has hit a scissor sweep - now he's on top in mount!#REVR#
Butcher throws some wild stikes that Cressbeckler manages to avoid easily. #T3#
Cressbeckler is desperately trying to improve his position but Butcher has a good base and remains in mount.
Cressbeckler 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.
Butcher thuds his fist into the canvas! Oooouch!
Butcher can't quite control the action as he would like just now, as Cressbeckler is looking to escape.
Cressbeckler wants to hold on but Butcher pushes him away.
Butcher controlling the position easily from mount.
Butcher looking to control but Cressbeckler is working nicely, looking to advance position himself.
We've been hearing that Butcher has been drilling a lot of ground and pound in training, so let's see if he get the finish.#T4#
Butcher misses with a head shot.
Butcher in mount throwing good strikes here, bouncing his opponent's head off the canvas.
Butcher unloads with some shots from mount but Cressbeckler bucks and avoids them well.
Butcher tucks in and makes sure he doesn't lose the dominant position.
Butcher tries to control but Cressbeckler wriggling away.
Butcher scoring with strikes but Cressbeckler is staying in there.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Cressbeckler manages to regain half guard. Good work.
Butcher trying to control from half guard but Cressbeckler is working away.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Conor Butcher dominated that round.
That's time! Butcher's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.#R2#
Butcher thows a left - swing and a miss!
Cressbeckler throws the left hand but Butcher avoids the punch easily.
A low kick lands for Cressbeckler.
Cressbeckler scores with a nice right hand.
Cressbeckler misses with an attempted mid kick.
Butcher throws a body shot but no joy.
Cressbeckler throws a push kick but Butcher slaps the foot to one side.
Butcher swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.
A chopping leg kick lands by Cressbeckler.
Butcher is looking to clinch.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Cressbeckler lands a leg kick and bounces back out of range.
Cressbeckler scores with a straight right hand, right through his opponent's guard.
Cressbeckler swings for the body but Butcher moves out of range.
Butcher on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by Cressbeckler. Cressbeckler obviously looking to wear him down. #T1#
Cressbeckler rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
and Butcher counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.#CUT#It looks like Joad Cressbeckler has been cut.
Butcher walks into a left hand.
Butcher moves his head to the side to avoid a jab but walks straight into a cross.
Cressbeckler defending well as Butcher loads up on a big left hand.
Cressbeckler lets loose with a powerful body kick. Butcher will feel that in the morning.
Cressbeckler cracks Butcher with a right hand to the side of the head.
Cressbeckler throws a body kick that digs right into the meat.
Butcher is looking to clinch but Cressbeckler is avoiding it.
Cressbeckler swings away with a counter right hand but no contact made.
Butcher avoids a kick to the body.
Butcher drops down looking for a counter takedown but Cressbeckler sprawls and moves away.
Butcher chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Cressbeckler can pounce on him.
Butcher throws an ugly left hook that misses
and Cressbeckler counters with a crisp 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!
Cressbeckler fakes a couple of low kicks, before throwing one on the third attempt. It connects and Butcher has to reset his feet before getting ready to engage.#T2#
Butcher ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Cressbeckler moves away.
Butcher swings for the body but Cressbeckler moves out of range.
Butcher on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by Cressbeckler. Cressbeckler obviously looking to wear him down. #CL#
Butcher forces Cressbeckler back against the cage and clinches.#BC2#
Cressbeckler manages to break the clinch.
Butcher pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Cressbeckler throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
A slapping body kick lands there for Cressbeckler.
Cressbeckler throws a big shot that misses.
Butcher changes levels looking for a counter takedown but doesn't commit.
Butcher misses with a straight right.
Cressbeckler looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.
Butcher takes a thudding leg kick, right into the meat of the thigh.#T3#
Cressbeckler bobs and weaves and then throws a good body kick.
Butcher stumbles momentarily as he takes a strong leg kick from Cressbeckler.
Butcher throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Cressbeckler tries to score with a low kick but Butcher moves his leg out of the way.
Butcher ducks right into an uppercut from Cressbeckler.
Cressbeckler tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Cressbeckler feints and then cracks Butcher's leading leg with a nice low kick. He's obviously looking to slow Butcher down.
Butcher tries to check a leg kick but that clearly hurt him.
Butcher on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by Cressbeckler. Cressbeckler obviously looking to wear him down.
Cressbeckler avoids the body shot from Butcher.
It seemed like Cressbeckler was going to counter with the hook but didn't fully commit to it.
Cressbeckler ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Cressbeckler has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Cressbeckler throws a front kick that sends Butcher stumbling back into the cage.#T4#
A slow jab from Butcher misses its intended target.
Butcher is hobbling a little on that front leg after taking quite a few leg kicks so far in this fight.
Butcher on the wrong end of an overhand right that came out of nowhere.
Joad Cressbeckler seems to be getting the better of the standup.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
A solid body kick from Cressbeckler.
Butcher tries to move into range but Cressbeckler moves to the side and lands with a nice right hand.
Butcher throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Butcher jabs. That one connects to the head of his opponent.
Cressbeckler walks straight into a jab right on the nose. That one stung - he's blinking and trying to clear his head.
Butcher looks to throw the jab but Cressbeckler is out of range.
Cressbeckler bobbing and weaving, closes the distance and lands a hook to the side of Butcher's head.
Cressbeckler jabs at Butcher's body.
Cressbeckler lands the left hand.
Butcher tries to clinch there but Cressbeckler circles away.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Joad Cressbeckler showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The cut man is working on Joad Cressbeckler's cut.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare each other down, ready to get back to the action. This is the final round!#R3#
Butcher throws an overhand right that lands on Cressbeckler's shoulder, as Cressbeckler tries to avoid the shot.
Butcher moves out of range as Cressbeckler strikes.
A quick step to the side and Butcher tries to counter with a shot to the body but it doesn't connect.
A low kick lands for Cressbeckler.
Butcher misses the body punch
and Cressbeckler connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Butcher will be looking to protect his midsection after taking some solid kicks to the body.
Butcher tries to clinch but Cressbeckler moves away
enabling Cressbeckler to counter with a crisp jab.
Butcher steps to his left, right into the path of a big body kick from Cressbeckler. That one must have hurt.
Butcher takes a nasty kick to the mid section... That should keep him thinking. Does he try and block and risk a head kick landing?
Butcher ducks down and throws a hook to the body.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Cressbeckler lands a jab to Butcher's midsection.
Butcher takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
Butcher misses with an uppercut
and Cressbeckler counters with a lovely straight right hand!
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!
Cressbeckler misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick. #T1#
Butcher is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Cressbeckler throws out a counter right but Butcher avoids it with no problem.
Cressbeckler connects with an inside leg kick.
Butcher misses with a body punch
and Cressbeckler counters with a nice jab to the body that keeps Butcher thinking.
A slapping body kick lands there for Cressbeckler.
Butcher lands a pitter patter jab to the forehead of his opponent.
Cressbeckler slips in close and lands a nice hook before moving back out of range.
Butcher on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by Cressbeckler. Cressbeckler obviously looking to wear him down.
Butcher checks a leg kick.
Cressbeckler keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
The crowd cheers as Butcher lands an impressive looking overhand right. Cressbeckler doesn't seem phased though.#T2#
Cressbeckler lands a leg kick that knocks Butcher off balance momentarily.
Cressbeckler avoids the body shot from Butcher.
Cressbeckler throws the kick towards the body but Butcher avoids it.
Butcher looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Cressbeckler scores with a hook to the body. Butcher takes a step back and tries to catch his breath.
Butcher misses with a shot to the body
and Cressbeckler counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Butcher with a poor takedown
and Cressbeckler counters with a thumping low kick.
Butcher tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Butcher lands a nice looking body shot. #T3#
Butcher misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Cressbeckler.
Joad Cressbeckler seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
A jab from Cressbeckler misses.
Butcher swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.#CL#
Butcher clinches up with Cressbeckler and pushes him back against the cage.
A short left from Cressbeckler.
Cressbeckler lands with a right to the head.
Cressbeckler misses with a punch on the inside.
Cressbeckler misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Cressbeckler is trying to push Butcher away but Butcher has him pressed against the cage, so he's going nowhere.
Butcher drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Conor Butcher. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Butcher stalling.
Cressbeckler tries a body shot but Butcher blocks it. #T4#
A head punch on the inside from Cressbeckler fails to land.
Butcher keeps control of Cressbeckler as he tries to wriggle out of the double underhooks. #TD#
Butcher jumps guard and drags Cressbeckler to the mat. He's obviously going to be looking for submissions off his back.
Cressbeckler trying to control the position from guard on top but Butcher is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Cressbeckler is in a good position here but he's just trying to control... And he's not even managing to do that successfully.
Cressbeckler controlling from the guard. I say controlling but really, he's stalling.
Butcher has a closed guard, preventing anything of note from happening. Perhaps he's looking to stall.

And that's the end of the fight!
Joad Cressbeckler comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think Cressbeckler 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 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Bruno Lombardi scores the fight 28:29
Judge Columbo Gatti scores the fight 28:29
Judge Lou da Vinci scores the fight 28:29

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Joad Cressbeckler!
In his post fight interview, Joad Cressbeckler started talking himself up. Luckily his charisma kept the crowd on side and gave him a good reception.

Event: HFC 100 - Bigg vs Chunks
Date: Sep 25, 2021

#R1#
Butcher misses with a takedown attempt - Woods sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Butcher fails with a takedown attempt.
Woods throws out a counter right but Butcher avoids it with no problem.#CL#
Butcher clinches up with Woods and pushes him back against the cage.
Woods fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
A left hand lands to the body for Woods.
Woods makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
Good body shot from Butcher.
Butcher misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Butcher blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Woods misses with a shot to the kidneys. #BC2#
Woods manages to break the clinch.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Butcher blocks a jab.
Butcher drops down looking for a counter takedown but Woods sprawls and moves away.
Woods takes one to the side of the head.
Woods misses with a hook. Butcher ducked under it nicely.
Butcher scores with a big left there. The judges will like that one.
Woods takes a solid shot to the body. That one hurt him but he's trying not to show it.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Butcher tries to drive through with a takedown attempt but Woods defends well and Butcher ends up having to push Woods into the cage where they will battle it out in the clinch.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Conor Butcher. That's going to take a lot out of him.#T1#
Woods lands with a short head shot on the inside.
Woods tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Butcher's elbow.
Woods working aggressively here.
Woods scores with a shoulder strike.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Woods. #BC2#
Woods pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
A telegraphed right hand from Butcher misses the target.
Butcher lands with a nice body punch. #TD#
Butcher drives through with a takedown into guard.
Woods looking to control the pace of the fight rather than finish it. #SUB2#
Woods looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar. #SUB2#
Woods has his foot on Butcher's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Butcher works his way back into a safe position though.#T2##SUB2#
Woods had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Butcher defends it easily.
Woods being controlled here, momentarily.
Woods wants to control the position but Butcher says "no thanks buddy" and passes to half guard.
We've been hearing good reports from Butcher's training camp. Apparently he has been rolling around with some good quality BJJ practitioners and has been sharpening his skills. Let's see if that has an impact on the fight today.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Woods controlling the position for now.#T3#
Butcher sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Woods defending well though.
Butcher is controlling the pace.
Woods manages to get to full guard.
Woods wants to sweep but no luck. #T4#
A few boos can be heard. I'm sure they will multiply if the fighters don't pick up the pace.
Butcher postures up.
The referee wants the fighters to be more active or he's going to reset them on the feet.
Woods working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Butcher. #REF3#
The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.
Shaquan Woods is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Butcher walks straight into an uppercut. Luckily it didn't land flush.
Butcher cracks Woods with a nice right hand that draws applause from the crowd.
Woods throws an overhand right that lands on Butcher's shoulder, as Butcher tries to avoid the shot.
A nice leg kick from Woods, right into the meat of the thigh.
Butcher moves out of range as Woods throws a body kick.
Woods takes a really solid shot there but just smiles back and shrugs his shoulders.
Woods scores with a sloppy right hand. Butcher should have avoided that one. #CUT2#It looks like Conor Butcher has been cut.
A big right from Woods misses.
Butcher lands a straight punch to the body, keeping Woods at a distance.
Woods walks into a stiff left hand from Butcher.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but Shaquan Woods will probably get the nod.
The cut man is working on Conor Butcher's cut.
That's time! Back to the action!#R2#
Woods thuds a mid kick into his opponent's body. That will wear on Butcher if he has to take too many more of those.
Woods steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Butcher.
Butcher jabs. That one connects to the head of his opponent.
Woods on the wrong end of an overhand right that came out of nowhere.
Butcher swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Woods misses with a straight left.
Butcher is trying hard to land a takedown here. Woods sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
Conor Butcher is winning the standup battle so far.
Nice shot by Woods.
Woods walks into a stiff left hand from Butcher.
Woods throws a couple of head shots and lands with the final one - a decent hook, which struck Butcher on the side of the head.
Butcher shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Woods as he avoids it easily.
A head kick misses from Woods.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Butcher fails with a takedown attempt.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Conor Butcher. That's going to take a lot out of him.
A punch lands to the side of Butcher 's head but he takes it in his stride.
Butcher lands an overhand right.
Butcher slips a jab from Woods.#T1#
Butcher scores with a jab. Woods acknowledges it with a nod of the head.
Woods misses with an uppercut. Butcher saw that one coming.
Butcher missing with a left hand there. Woods was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Butcher lunges at Woods with a hook that half lands and is half blocked by Woods's hand. #TD#
Butcher drives through with a takedown into Woods's guard. Let's see what he can do from the top position.
Woods seems keen to control rather than go for a submission, at least for now. #SUB2#
Woods looking for submissions from the bottom but instead Butcher passes into side control.
Butcher wants to control but Woods is keeping him busy. #T2#
Butcher has knee on belly and now moves to full mount! Trouble for Woods!
Butcher controlling from the full mount.
Butcher has controlled the position for a good 20 seconds, which will no doubt be starting to frustrate his opponent.
Butcher can't quite control the action as he would like just now, as Woods is looking to escape.
Woods is wriggling around trying to escape.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.#T3#
Woods is still trying to improve position.
Woods is squirming around, avoiding Butcher's attempts to control the action.
Woods is trying desperately to improve position.
Woods is squirming around, avoiding Butcher's attempts to control the action. #T4#
Neither fighter has done anything of merit for a good minute or two here and the crowd are not happy about it.
Butcher tucks in and makes sure he doesn't lose the dominant position.
Woods tries to get back to half guard but can't.
Woods slips a leg in and gets back to half guard.
Woods moves into full guard. #SUB2#
Woods throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close second round but I would say that Conor Butcher will probably get the nod.
The cut man is working on Conor Butcher's cut.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare each other down, ready to get back to the action. This is the final round!#R3#
Jab by Butcher.
Woods throws a series of punches but Butcher avoids them all with ease.
Butcher is really head hunting here, hardly looking to strike to the body at all.#TD#
Butcher drives through with a takedown into guard.
Woods wants to control the position but Butcher says "no thanks buddy" and passes to half guard.
Woods 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.
Woods is pressing down on Butcher's left leg trying to get back to full guard. He's managed it.#SUB2#
Woods working for submissions but it's allowed Butcher to get to half guard.
Butcher is keen to just control but Woods is a slippery customer.#T1#
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.#SUB2#
Woods looking for submissions from an awkward position here.
Woods tries to roll over but Butcher keeps him under control.
Butcher drops an elbow to the side of Woods's head.
Woods regains full guard. Nicely done.
Butcher passes Woods's left leg - he's now in half guard.
Woods is trying to get back to full guard.#T2#
There's not a lot going on here and the crowd are letting the fighters know they're not willing to tolerate a lack of action.
Butcher stalling.
Butcher wants to pass to mount but Woods is defending the position.
Butcher wants to take a breather but Woods is having none of it.
We must be close to a standup if these guys don't pick up the pace.#T3##REF3#
The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.
Woods moves away from the strike by Butcher.
Butcher fakes a head shot and lands one to the body.
Butcher staying out of range there.
Butcher misses with a right hand
and Woods counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Conor Butcher seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Butcher scores with a jab.
Butcher defending well as Woods loads up on a big left hand.
Butcher takes a big uppercut there. He seems a bit wobbly but no, he's OK.
Woods misses with a wild body shot. #TD#
Woods gets caught napping as Butcher dives in and scores a takedown. Woods manages to retain guard.
Butcher trying to control but Woods is working from the bottom.
Woods trying to control the position. #T4#
Woods wants to control but instead he gets his guard passed and Butcher is now in half guard.
Woods regains full guard. Nicely done.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Woods working a defensive guard here.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Butcher controlling from the guard. I say controlling but really, he's stalling.

And that's the end of the fight!
Conor Butcher showed his dominance in that final round.
I think Butcher has won this one but let's see what the judges have to say. 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 Emerson Jorge scores the fight 29:28
Judge Daniel Cesar scores the fight 29:28
Judge Alexandre Firmino scores the fight 30:28

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Conor Butcher!
A relieved looking Conor Butcher thanked the fans for their support and gave the usual line about them being amazing. They seemed to believe that he actually meant it.

Event: HFC 93 - Nascimento vs Wanker
Date: Aug 28, 2021

#R1#
Butcher tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Wolfe was well out of range. Poor timing from Butcher.
Wolfe looks like he wants to counter punch here.
Wolfe drops his hands and takes a jab to the jaw for his troubles.
Butcher lands a lovely overhand right.
Butcher pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Butcher steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Wolfe.
Wolfe fails to land with a series of punches.
Nice straight punches there by Butcher. You know Roy Jones Jr respects the hands of Butcher.
Wolfe throws a hook to the side of Butcher's head but Butcher sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Butcher throws a predictable looking body shot
and Wolfe counters with a stiff right hand. #CUT2#It looks like Conor Butcher has been cut.
Wolfe uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Butcher.
A big right from Butcher misses. #TD#
Butcher gets a takedown into half guard.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Butcher seems content to maintain position for now, rather than mounting any offense.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.#T1#
Butcher tries to pass the half guard into mount. Wolfe knows what he's doing though and prevents the attempt. #T2#
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.
Butcher is figuring out what he wants to do next.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Wolfe is looking to escape.
Butcher sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Wolfe defending well though. #REF3#
The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.
Wolfe displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Butcher throws out the jab.
The fight stays on the outside here - Butcher looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Butcher lands a body shot.
Conor Butcher seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Butcher misses with a double jab.
Wolfe now looks to counter with a shot at the body.
Butcher comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.#T3#
Wolfe jabs Butcher right on the nose. Butcher blinks but takes it well.
Alec Wolfe is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Wolfe throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Butcher throws a big shot that misses.
Wolfe swings away with a counter right hand but no contact made.
Wolfe misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Butcher fakes a head shot and lands one to the body.
Wolfe ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Butcher moves away.
Butcher getting the better of the striking in that exchange.
A looping hook to the body misses from Butcher. Wolfe does a little dance to reset his feet.
Butcher looks to land a right hand but Wolfe moved out of range.
Wolfe fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Butcher manages to avoid it.
Wolfe keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Wolfe walks straight into a jab right on the nose. That one stung - he's blinking and trying to clear his head.
Wolfe takes a body punch but keeps moving.
Wolfe misses with the combination.
Wolfe displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Butcher throws out the jab.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Wolfe blocks a jab.
Butcher lands a nice hook to Wolfe's body. Wolfe takes it in his stride and looks to land his own strikes. #T4#
Wolfe lands three nice shots there - that looked like it hurt!
Wolfe ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Butcher moves away.
Butcher bobbing and weaving, closes the distance and lands a hook to the side of Wolfe's head.
Butcher with a body punch. A glancing blow.
Nice uppercut there from Butcher.
Butcher lands a lovely overhand right.
Butcher missing with a left hand there. Wolfe was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Wolfe is looking for the big counter here.
Wolfe throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Butcher throws an overhand right that lands on Wolfe's shoulder, as Wolfe tries to avoid the shot.
Butcher connects with a looping right hand.
Wolfe throws out a loose jab but Butcher uses good head movement to avoid it.
Butcher misses with a looping left.
Butcher works the jab nicely.
Butcher is really peppering his opponent's head with punches.
Wolfe uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Butcher.
Butcher misses with a body shot.
Wolfe slips under a jab from Butcher.
Butcher is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Wolfe.
Butcher takes a swing at Wolfe's ribcage but misses.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Conor Butcher dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Conor Butcher's cut.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare each other down, ready to get back to the action.#R2#
Wolfe lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Butcher circles away quickly and effectively.
Butcher takes a big uppercut there. He seems a bit wobbly but no, he's OK.
Wolfe looks to land a right hand but Butcher moved out of range.
Butcher just misses with a punch to the body.
Wolfe swings and misses with a hook to the body. #TD#
Butcher looking for a takedown here - he's got it.

Wolfe has scooted to the edge of the canvas and used the cage to get back to his feet. Butcher has stuck on his opponent and is forcing him back against the cage.
Butcher tries a body shot but Wolfe blocks it.
Butcher misses with a hook from the clinch.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Wolfe.
Wolfe lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
Wolfe doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Butcher drops to a knee looking for a takedown but Wolfe gets the underhooks and prevents it.
Butcher tries to pull guard but Wolfe won't allow it. #T1#
Butcher lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
A head punch on the inside from Butcher fails to land.
Butcher is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Wolfe can do to turn this around?
Butcher misses with a body punch.
Wolfe digs a right hand into Butcher's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Butcher's gas tank.
Butcher tries for a takedown. No joy.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Conor Butcher. That's going to take a lot out of him.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Butcher.
Butcher works for underhooks and lands a body shot in the process.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Wolfe.
Butcher swings wildly with an uppercut but Wolfe uses good head movement to avoid it.
Wolfe fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Butcher misses with a punch on the inside.
Butcher wants to take the fight to the mat but Wolfe manages to get underhooks and keep the fight in the clinch.
Butcher throws a punch but it's blocked by Wolfe.
Good body shot from Butcher. #T2#
Butcher is leaning against Wolfe and scores with a nice uppercut to the body.
Butcher swings wildly with an uppercut but Wolfe uses good head movement to avoid it.
Good body shot from Butcher.
Butcher swings away with an uppercut that misses.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Wolfe.
Wolfe blocks an uppercut.
Wolfe swings wildly with an uppercut but Butcher uses good head movement to avoid it.
Butcher misses with a hook from the clinch.
Conor Butcher has scored more points in the clinch so far.
Butcher struggles to land a body shot inside as Wolfe controls his hands.
Butcher throws a punch but it's blocked by Wolfe.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Butcher tries a body shot but Wolfe blocks it.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Wolfe.
Butcher lands a hook to the body. It's hard to tell if that hurt Wolfe or not. #T3#
Butcher misses with a short punch on the inside.
Butcher working aggressively here.
Butcher works on Wolfe's body with a couple of short punches.
Butcher goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Wolfe's coach down at Kalashnikov ELITE MMA Gym was telling us pre-fight that they have been working on Wolfe's balance. Obviously they view that as a key factor in the outcome of this fight.
Wolfe misses with a short punch on the inside.
Butcher tries a body shot but Wolfe blocks it.
Wolfe can't find room to land a body shot as Butcher controls the action.
Butcher tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Butcher lands a hook to the side of the head.
Butcher lands a body shot.
Butcher misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Butcher misses with a hook to the ribs.
Butcher prevents a body shot from Wolfe.
Butcher throws a punch but it's blocked by Wolfe.
Wolfe struggles to land a body shot inside as Butcher controls his hands.
Butcher blocks a couple of punches on the inside. #T4#
Wolfe swings wildly with an uppercut but Butcher uses good head movement to avoid it.
Wolfe misses with a short punch on the inside. #TD#
Butcher is working on a single leg takedown against the cage. Wolfe can't fight it off and eventually Butcher manages to take the fight to the floor. Wolfe looks annoyed but at least he's managed to land in guard.
Butcher controlling from the top position.
Butcher won't allow Wolfe to get back to his feet.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close second round but I would say that Conor Butcher will probably get the nod.
The cut man is working on Conor Butcher's cut.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business. This is the final round!#R3#
Wolfe ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Butcher clobbers Wolfe with an overhand right that has the crowd gasping. That made a horrendous noise.
Wolfe throws a jab but it's blocked by Butcher.
Butcher doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
Butcher swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Wolfe misses the jab.#CL#
Butcher closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the cage.
A shot in the inside from Wolfe.
Butcher is working for a takedown up against the cage. He can't get it on this occasion though.
A right hook to the body lands for Butcher.
Butcher taking a breather.
An uppercut to the body lands inside from Butcher.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Butcher lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
Butcher blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Butcher misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Butcher misses with a body punch. #T1#
Butcher effectively controlling the action here.
Butcher lands a nice looking hook to the body, against the cage.
Wolfe holding his opponent close, against the cage.
Butcher tries to throw a body punch but Wolfe avoids it by throwing Butcher back against the cage.
Wolfe misses with some punches.
Butcher taking a breather. #TD#
Butcher has clasped his hands together around Wolfe's back... aaand, he's got a takedown into side control. Nicely done.

Wolfe throws Butcher to one side and escapes!
Butcher scores with a jab to the head.
Wolfe cracks Butcher with a hook to the jaw. Both fighters smile at eachother and high-five before getting back down to business.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Wolfe misses with a body shot.
Butcher lands a head shot.
Wolfe takes one to the side of the head.
Alec Wolfe has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Conor Butcher is winning the standup battle so far.#T2#
Wolfe missing with a left hand there. Butcher was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Butcher walks into a jab.
Butcher fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Wolfe manages to avoid it.
Wolfe bobbing and weaving, closes the distance and lands a hook to the side of Butcher's head.
Wolfe misses with a few strikes there.
Wolfe throws the left hand but Butcher avoids the punch easily.
A little feinted left hand from Butcher on the counter but he doesn't commit to it.
Alec Wolfe is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Butcher fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Wolfe manages to avoid it.
Wolfe takes a swing at Butcher's ribcage but misses.
Butcher blocks a jab.
Butcher ducks under a wild hook from Wolfe.
Butcher lands an overhand right.
Wolfe walks straight into a jab right on the nose. That one stung - he's blinking and trying to clear his head.
Butcher swings and misses with a shot to the body
and Wolfe counters with a straight right hand.#CL#
Butcher moves into range and clinches up with Wolfe.
Butcher tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Butcher goes for a takedown in the clinch but Wolfe prevents it.
A right hand to the body from Butcher. #T3#
Wolfe holding his opponent close, against the cage.
Butcher tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Wolfe's elbow.
Butcher tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Butcher. #TD#
Butcher lands a nice trip takedown into half guard.
Wolfe missing with punches from the bottom. #ES2#
Wolfe makes some distance and scrambles quickly back to his feet. Nice work!
Butcher lands with a nice body punch.
Wolfe lands an overhand left. A wild punch that just about connected.#T4#
Butcher cracks a nice hook into Wolfe's ribs.
Butcher lands a right hook to the body.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Butcher walks into a left hand.
Butcher is pinned up against the cage taking some big shots here. The referee is looking closely deciding whether he should stop the fight.
Butcher lands an overhand left. A wild punch that just about connected.#CL#
Butcher moves into the clinch.
Wolfe lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
Wolfe misses with the head strike.
Butcher lands a right hand that snaps the head of Wolfe backwards.
Butcher can't get the takedown.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Conor Butcher. That's going to take a lot out of him.
A head punch on the inside from Butcher fails to land.
Wolfe swings wildly with an uppercut but Butcher uses good head movement to avoid it.
Butcher is trying to maintain a safe position but Wolfe gets an underhook and turns Butcher into the cage.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Wolfe lands a body punch.
A head punch on the inside from Wolfe fails to land.
Conor Butcher is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
An uppercut to the body lands inside from Wolfe.

And that's the end of the fight!
I would just about give that final round to Alec Wolfe.
I think Butcher has won this one but let's see what the judges have to say. 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 Jonathan Paton scores the fight 29:28
Judge Eddie Farnsworth scores the fight 29:28
Judge Chad Campbell scores the fight 29:28

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Conor Butcher!
An out of breath Conor Butcher thanked his loyal fans in his post fight interview, giving them credit for his success over the course of his career.

Event: HFC 81 - Ford vs Patriot
Date: Jun 26, 2021

#R1#
Butcher lands with a nice body punch.
Cressbeckler pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Butcher ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
A good leg kick by Cressbeckler.
Cressbeckler throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
A swing and a miss from Butcher.
Cressbeckler throws an ugly left hook that misses
and Butcher counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Cressbeckler feints and then cracks Butcher's leading leg with a nice low kick. He's obviously looking to slow Butcher down.
Cressbeckler dips to his left and cracks Butcher with an uppercut!
Butcher has been working on his boxing with his coaches at Power Shark Gym in the buildup to the fight.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
A jab from Cressbeckler misses.
A clash of legs there as Butcher blocks the low kick.
As Cressbeckler looks to move away, Butcher throws a big counter combo but Cressbeckler just gets out of the way.
Cressbeckler throws a body punch but Butcher moves out of range.
Butcher throwing a counter right hand but Cressbeckler manages to avoid it.
Joad Cressbeckler seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
That kick from Cressbeckler tenderised Butcher's leg. Butcher is trying to keep his angry face on.#T1#
Cressbeckler walks forward and throws out a flicking leg kick. Butcher checks it nicely though, as he moves to the side.
A jab from Butcher misses.
A shot to the body from Butcher misses
and Cressbeckler counters with a nice uppercut.
Butcher loads up on a big right hand but Cressbeckler slips the punch.
Butcher moves out of range of the body kick.
Butcher scores with a shot to the body.
Butcher keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Butcher swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.
Butcher moves out of range of the body kick.
A little feinted left hand from Butcher on the counter but he doesn't commit to it.
Cressbeckler misses the shot to the body. #CL#
Butcher gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.
Butcher lands a body punch in the clinch. #T2#
Butcher misses with a punch to the body.
A right hook to the body lands for Butcher.
Cressbeckler is looking to break free of the clinch but Butcher has double underhooks.
Butcher tries to throw a body punch but Cressbeckler avoids it by throwing Butcher back against the cage.
Butcher misses with a body punch.
Butcher blocks a body shot from Cressbeckler.
A short left from Butcher.
Butcher misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Cressbeckler scores with a nice hook to the head.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Cressbeckler struggles to land a body shot inside as Butcher controls his hands. #BC2#
Cressbeckler breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Cressbeckler misses with a kick to the body #TD#
and Butcher counters with a nice double leg into side control. Cressbeckler won't be happy with that.
Cressbeckler is looking for a sweep.
Cressbeckler avoids any damage from the ground and pound of Butcher.
Cressbeckler is trying to improve his position.#T3#
Butcher scoring with punches from side control.
Butcher cracks Cressbeckler with a big elbow.
Sloppy strikes there by Butcher.
Cressbeckler 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.
Butcher wants to lay and pray for a moment but Cressbeckler keeps working.
The ground and pound from Butcher seems to be hitting the mat more than his opponent.
Butcher working the strikes but Cressbeckler uses the opportunity to regain half guard.
Butcher thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Cressbeckler's head.
Butcher scores with a couple of good hammerfists.
Butcher thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Cressbeckler's head.
Cressbeckler keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound. #T4#
Cressbeckler keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Butcher throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.
Cressbeckler keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Butcher throwing shots but Cressbeckler is blocking nicely.
Cressbeckler keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
The two fighters exchange a few words. I couldn't hear what they were saying but maybe it's more fun if you make it up yourself. Butcher connects with a nice short shot to Cressbeckler's temple.
Butcher throws a big elbow that misses, also allowing Cressbeckler to regain full guard.
Butcher with a flurry of punches that miss.
Butcher passes easily into side control. Nice work.
Butcher has knee on belly and now moves to full mount! Trouble for Cressbeckler!
This has been an exciting period of action!
Butcher is in the full mount, landing strikes.
Cressbeckler is in all sorts of trouble here.
Butcher scores with a couple of good head shots there.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Conor Butcher dominated that round.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.#R2#
Cressbeckler jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Cressbeckler throws a low kick but Butcher moves out of range easily.
Butcher appears to be looking for a counter takedown.
Cressbeckler slips a jab from Butcher.
Good work by Butcher as he checks the leg kick.
It looked like Butcher wanted to counter with a hook but didn't fully commit.
Cressbeckler looks to land a body kick but Butcher moved away.
Butcher was looking to counter that last move with a shot to the body but he didn't commit.
Cressbeckler looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Cressbeckler thows a body kick. Butcher tries to catch it but that hurt him.
Butcher takes a shot to the eye socket. That's gotta hurt.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Cressbeckler tries to score with an inside leg kick but telegraphs it and Butcher is able to avoid easily.
Cressbeckler misses with a telegraphed body shot
and Butcher counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Cressbeckler lands a nice looking kick to the body. Butcher takes a step back to recover. #T1#
Cressbeckler throws a lazy right hand but Butcher sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Cressbeckler listening to his corner there, landing a nice uppercut.
Butcher tries to check a leg kick but that clearly hurt him.
Cressbeckler throws a good cross that connects.
Cressbeckler scores with a nice right hand.
Cressbeckler fakes with a right hand and throws a good leg kick, right into the thigh. That had to hurt Butcher.
Cressbeckler defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Butcher.
Butcher moves out of range of the body kick.
Cressbeckler swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Butcher half commits to a counter takedown before pushing away, out of range.
Cressbeckler tries a head kick but it misses.
Butcher takes one on the chin but keeps coming. #T2#
Cressbeckler scores with a hook to the body. Butcher takes a step back and tries to catch his breath.
Cressbeckler misses the jab.
Butcher 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.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
A left and a right from Cressbeckler both land. Nice combination. #CUT2#It looks like Conor Butcher has been cut.
Butcher avoids a kick to the body.
Butcher shoots in for a takedown but Cressbeckler shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Cressbeckler walks forward and throws out a flicking leg kick. Butcher checks it nicely though, as he moves to the side.
Cressbeckler throws a chopping leg kick but Butcher manages to avoid taking any serious damage.
Butcher on the wrong end of a kick to the body.
Jab, jab by Cressbeckler - just one landing. #T3#
Cressbeckler misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
A little feinted left hand from Butcher on the counter but he doesn't commit to it.
Cressbeckler has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Cressbeckler looks to land a body kick but Butcher moved away.
Cressbeckler throws a hook but Butcher blocks it.
Cressbeckler throws a nice outside leg kick.
Thud! ouch! good body kick from Cressbeckler - that will leave a mark!
Cressbeckler connects with a leg kick. He turned his hip over nicely there.
Cressbeckler looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.
Joad Cressbeckler is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Cressbeckler connects with an inside leg kick.
Cressbeckler goes for a spinning back kick but it misses.
Well, he's not going to score with shots like that. A lazy body kick attempt from Cressbeckler. #T4#
Butcher tries to check a leg kick but that clearly hurt him.
Cressbeckler throws a looping overhand right but Butcher ducks down to avoid it.
As Cressbeckler tries to get set, Butcher tries to push him back and clinch up but Cressbeckler manages to avoid the attempt.
Butcher doesn't manage to clinch there - Cressbeckler circles away.
Cressbeckler scores with a nice head shot.
Nice body kick from Cressbeckler.
Butcher slips under a jab.
Butcher seemed to be looking to counter by closing the distance.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Cressbeckler lands with an uppercut that bounces Butcher off the cage and back into range.
Butcher moves out of range as Cressbeckler strikes.
Butcher is looking for a counter combo.
Cressbeckler looks for the body kick but Butcher saw that one coming.
Cressbeckler throws a leg kick but Butcher sees it coming and checks it nicely.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Joad Cressbeckler showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The cut man is working on Conor Butcher's cut.
That's time! Back to the action! The crowd applaud as we get ready to start the final round!#R3#
Butcher steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Cressbeckler.
Butcher feinted with a counter takedown.
Cressbeckler attempts a low kick but it misses it's target.
Butcher seemed to be looking to counter by closing the distance.
Cressbeckler is looking to land body kicks.
Butcher appears to be looking for a counter takedown.
Cressbeckler moves out of range of the strikes.
Cressbeckler fakes with a right hand and throws a good leg kick, right into the thigh. That had to hurt Butcher.
Cressbeckler 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.
Butcher half commits to a counter takedown before pushing away, out of range.
Cressbeckler goes for a spinning back kick but it misses.
Butcher is trying to close the distance and clinch up, after that failed offence from Cressbeckler.
Butcher is hobbling a little on that front leg after taking quite a few leg kicks so far in this fight.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Butcher takes a thudding leg kick, right into the meat of the thigh.
Cressbeckler misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Butcher.
Butcher appears to be looking for a counter takedown.
Butcher pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Butcher throws a lazy uppercut
and Cressbeckler counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.#T1#
Cressbeckler lands with a hook. Butcher tried to avoid it but it clipped the top of his head.
Joad Cressbeckler seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Cressbeckler lands a nice leg kick that just misses Butcher's sensitive parts.
Decent striking displayed by Cressbeckler there.
Butcher moves out of range as Cressbeckler throws a body kick.
Cressbeckler throws a leg kick that is checked#TD#
and Butcher counters with a driving takedown into guard. Nice work there by Butcher.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Butcher accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Butcher in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Butcher with a flurry of punches that miss.
Butcher being controlled here momentarily.
Butcher pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Cressbeckler is keeping the position for now. #T2#
Cressbeckler wants to sweep but no luck.
Butcher postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Cressbeckler keeping moving, preventing Butcher from controlling successfully.
Butcher loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Butcher lands a nice shot whilst sitting in his opponent's guard.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Butcher accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Cressbeckler utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Butcher throws a big right hand that misses.
Butcher throwing strikes from guard but Cressbeckler blocks nicely.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Butcher with a flurry of punches that miss. #T3#
Butcher is working the ground and pound from guard. He might want to try advancing position though to get more of an impact.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Cressbeckler keeping moving, preventing Butcher from controlling successfully.
Cressbeckler preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Butcher throws a big right hand that misses.
Conor Butcher overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Butcher trying to control but Cressbeckler is working from the bottom. #REF3#
The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.
Cressbeckler throws a jab when Butcher was well out of range.
Butcher swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.
Cressbeckler throws a jab to the body, straight down the pipe. Boom. That sent Butcher stumbling backwards but he manages to regain his composure quickly.
Cressbeckler throws a shot from downtown. Butcher moves away and avoids it.
Cressbeckler misses with a leg kick.
Cressbeckler has his hands up protecting his head but a hook from Butcher finds it's way round the side to connect with Cressbeckler's head. #T4#
Cressbeckler's corner calls for a 1-2. Cressbeckler obliges with the 1 part as he scores the single shot and moves back out of range.
Butcher keeping at a good range here, avoiding a leg kick.
Cressbeckler throws a looping overhand right but Butcher ducks down to avoid it.
Butcher half commits to a counter takedown before pushing away, out of range.
Cressbeckler missing with a left hand there. Butcher was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Butcher changes levels looking for a counter takedown but doesn't commit.
Butcher looks to throw the jab but Cressbeckler is out of range.
Cressbeckler throws a big shot that misses.
A slapping body kick lands there for Cressbeckler.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
A swing and a miss from Cressbeckler.
Cressbeckler with poor footwork there. He got himself in a bit of a tangle, enabling Butcher to score with a decent uppercut.
Butcher tries for a takedown but Cressbeckler circles away easily
and Cressbeckler counters with a body kick.

And that's the end of the fight!
Joad Cressbeckler comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think Cressbeckler 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 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Jonathan Paton scores the fight 27:29
Judge Franklyn Lucas scores the fight 27:29
Judge Dean Styles scores the fight 27:29

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Joad Cressbeckler!
Joad Cressbeckler bigged himself up after the win. The crowd seemed to love it.

Event: BBFC FIGHT NIGHT 16
Date: May 28, 2021

#R1#
A nice inside leg kick there by Unknown. That's going to slow Butcher down.
Butcher uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Unknown.
It looked like Butcher was trying to counter with a body shot coming off that last attack from Unknown.
Unknown's corner calls for a 1-2. Unknown obliges with the 1 part as he scores the single shot and moves back out of range. #TD#
Butcher looks for a takedown. He's got it. We're now in half guard.
Unknown is looking to control Butcher's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Unknown avoid being mounted?#SUB2#
Unknown actively working from the bottom here.
Butcher wants to take a breather but Unknown is having none of it.
Butcher missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.
Unknown moves into full guard.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Butcher throwing strikes but missing.
Unknown keeping full guard, as Butcher tries to pass.
Butcher loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry. #T1##SUB2#
Unknown looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.
Unknown preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Butcher throwing strikes but missing.
Unknown keeping moving, preventing Butcher from controlling successfully. #SUB2#
Butcher stands over his opponent and dives in with a flying punch! Unknown throws up his legs and catches Butcher in a triangle! Oh this looks tight! Butcher tries to escape but he's forced to tap! Wow, fantastic work there by Unknown! That came out of nowhere!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:46 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Triangle Choke). Manco Unknown!
Manco Unknown bigged himself up after the win. The crowd seemed to love it.

Event: BBFC 5: Butcher Vs. Izmaylov 2
Date: Mar 06, 2021

#R1#
Izmaylov fakes the leg kick and cracks Butcher in the body.
Butcher slips a straight right by Izmaylov.
Izmaylov throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Butcher feinted with a counter takedown.
Izmaylov connects with a right hand. Butcher shakes it off.#CUT2#It looks like Conor Butcher has been cut.
Izmaylov throws a body kick that digs right into the meat.
Butcher closes the distance looking to clinch
and Izmaylov counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Izmaylov lands a leg kick that knocks Butcher off balance momentarily.#CL#
Butcher closes the distance and pushes Izmaylov back into the cage.
Butcher takes a shot to the head. #T1#
A short left from Izmaylov. #TD#
Butcher manages to pull guard. Let's see whether he can land a sub off his back.
Butcher wants to sweep but no luck.
Butcher is working hard here to advance position.
Butcher has a closed guard, preventing Izmaylov from standing up.
Izmaylov stopping the sweep attempt from Butcher.
Butcher doesn't do any damage with a couple of strikes from the bottom.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Butcher looking for a sweep. Not yet Butcher, not yet.
Izmaylov stays in close to Butcher's body and controls the position.
It looks like the ref is thinking about a standup.
Butcher throws some sloppy strikes off his back. #REF3#
The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.
Butcher needs to keep his hands up - Izmaylov had a free shot at his head there.#T2#
Izmaylov is looking to chop away at Butcher's legs.
Izmaylov lands a nice hook to Butcher's body. Butcher takes it in his stride and looks to land his own strikes.
Butcher seems to be moving with more speed, compared to his last bout. He must have been working on that in the gym.
Both fighters circling a little - Izmaylov finishes the exchange with a kick to the body.
Butcher throws a hook to the side of Izmaylov's head but Izmaylov sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Butcher has a nice red mark on his side after a thudding body kick by Izmaylov.
Izmaylov lands a leg kick and bounces back out of range.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.#TD#
Butcher shoots in and bounces Izmaylov off the cage to secure the takedown into guard.
Butcher lands a couple of decent looking shots.#T3#
Izmaylov is trying to keep Butcher in close.
Butcher throwing strikes but missing.
Butcher throwing strikes but missing.
Butcher trying to control the position from guard on top but Izmaylov is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Butcher throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Izmaylov works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Butcher throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Butcher in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Izmaylov is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Butcher wants to pass the guard but Izmaylov is keeping the position.#T4#
A few boos can be heard. I'm sure they will multiply if the fighters don't pick up the pace.
Izmaylov controlling the position.
Butcher has been looking to land a fair amount of strikes on the ground. He might be looking to soften his opponent up in order to work for a submission.
Butcher stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Izmaylov swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Izmaylov keeping moving, preventing Butcher from controlling successfully.
Butcher prevents Izmaylov from getting back to his feet. #REF3#
The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up.
Potemkin Izmaylov is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
A shot to the body from Izmaylov misses
and Butcher counters with a nice uppercut.
Izmaylov with a nice cross.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Potemkin Izmaylov dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Conor Butcher's cut.
That's time! Butcher's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.#R2#
Butcher wants to clinch.
A low kick from Izmaylov misses
and Butcher counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Izmaylov misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Butcher wants to take advantage of his opponent's missed offense by moving into the clinch.
Izmaylov thuds a left hand into Butcher's body.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Butcher takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
Izmaylov scores with a jab to the body.
Izmaylov pushes Butcher away with a front kick.#T1#
Butcher chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Izmaylov can pounce on him.
Izmaylov jabs Butcher to the body, keeping him at a distance.
Butcher misses the shot to the body.
Izmaylov throws a fast counter high kick but Butcher manages to duck under it in time.
Butcher sees a low kick coming and goes to check it, but it's actually a body kick and it thuds into his unprotected ribs.
Izmaylov slaps away a takedown attempt from Butcher, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Butcher takes a shot to the eye socket. That's gotta hurt.
Izmaylov throws a mid kick that lands with a slap.
Izmaylov has been the more effective fighter overall so far.#T2#
Izmaylov lands a nice shot that snaps Butcher's head back.
Butcher throws a body shot but no joy.
Butcher walks forward, straight into a front kick from Izmaylov.
Butcher will be looking to protect his midsection after taking some solid kicks to the body.
Izmaylov is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Butcher.
A little feinted left hand from Butcher on the counter but he doesn't commit to it.
Izmaylov lands a front kick.
Izmaylov is using his reach advantage to land shots from outside his opponent's range.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Izmaylov tests Butcher's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Nice body kick from Izmaylov.
Izmaylov keeps his opponent at a distance with a nice jab. #T3#
Izmaylov digs a good body shot into Butcher's ribs.
Izmaylov connects with a single shot there.
Izmaylov scores with a jab to the jaw of his opponent.#CUT2#Conor Butcher's cut is getting worse.
Izmaylov throws a body punch but Butcher moves out of range.
Butcher's hands are dropping dangerously low here and Izmaylov connects clean with a right hook that sends him down to one knee! Butcher scrambles back to his feet.
Izmaylov lands a nice hook to Butcher's body. Butcher takes it in his stride and looks to land his own strikes.
Izmaylov has used his reach advantage pretty well so far tonight.
Izmaylov scores with a jab.
Izmaylov jabs Butcher to the body, keeping him at a distance.#T4#
A punch combination from Izmaylov misses.
A little feinted left hand from Butcher on the counter but he doesn't commit to it.
Izmaylov lands a really nice looking cross but Butcher seems unphased.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Izmaylov connects with a looping right hand.
Butcher shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Izmaylov as he jumps to the side.
A nice side step and Izmaylov releases a counter shot to the body, but it doesn't find it's home.
A slapping leg kick lands for Izmaylov.
Izmaylov listening to his corner there, landing a nice uppercut.
Izmaylov misses with a looping right.
Butcher is looking to counter with a shot to the body.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Potemkin Izmaylov showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The cut man is working on Conor Butcher's cut.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare each other down, ready to get back to the action.#R3#
Butcher has a nice red mark on his side after a thudding body kick by Izmaylov.
Butcher defending well as Izmaylov loads up on a big left hand.
Decent striking displayed by Izmaylov there.
Butcher misses with a hook. Izmaylov ducked under it nicely.
Izmaylov looks like he wants to counter punch here.
Nice jab there from Butcher.
Butcher walks into a straight right hand from Izmaylov.
Potemkin Izmaylov seems to be getting the better of the standup.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Butcher takes a solid shot to the body. That one hurt him but he's trying not to show it.
Donk. Izmaylov catches Butcher right on the button with a cross.#CUT2#Conor Butcher's cut is bleeding quite badly. He's got to try and protect it.
Izmaylov throws a leg kick which misses Butcher's front leg but catches the back leg as Butcher tries to avoid it. #T1#
Izmaylov lands a jab to the head.
A looping hook to the body misses from Izmaylov. Butcher does a little dance to reset his feet.
Butcher tries to counter by moving into the clinch but Izmaylov manages to circle out of the way.
Some wild striking there from Izmaylov.
Butcher tries to counter with a takedown but Izmaylov is quick to defend against it.
Butcher blocks the body kick.
Butcher appears to be looking for a counter punch to the body.
Izmaylov scores with a crisp jab that stopped Butcher in his tracks.
A slapping body kick lands there for Izmaylov.
Butcher ducks under a wild hook from Izmaylov.
Izmaylov throws a sloppy head kick and Butcher moves out of range easily.
Butcher tries to counter with a takedown but Izmaylov is quick to defend against it.#T2#
Izmaylov lands with a cross. #CUT2#Jeez, Conor Butcher's cut is really nasty now. The referee must be thinking about getting that checked.
Butcher misses with a straight left.
Izmaylov tests Butcher's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Izmaylov throws a head kick that misses.
Izmaylov misses with a kick to the body.
Izmaylov lands a really nice looking cross but Butcher seems unphased.

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

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:55 of round 3, we have a winner by way of TKO (Cut). Potemkin Izmaylov!
Potemkin Izmaylov is the new welterweight champion!
Potemkin Izmaylov decided to thank the fans in attendance for making a great atmosphere. It seemed to go down pretty well.

Event: BBFC SYNDICATE 1
Date: Feb 10, 2021

#R1#
Butcher dives in and grabs Izmaylov's left leg, looking for a takedown. Izmaylov pushes down on Butcher's head and hops out.
Izmaylov moves out of range of the strikes.
Good standup being displayed there by Izmaylov as he connects with a hook.#CUT2#It looks like Conor Butcher has been cut.
Butcher tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Izmaylov paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Butcher tries to clinch up
and Izmaylov counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Butcher just misses with a punch to the body.
Butcher throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Butcher throws the left hand but Izmaylov avoids the punch easily.
Izmaylov throws out a counter right but Butcher avoids it with no problem.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.#CL#
Butcher closes the distance and clinches.
Butcher tries to pull guard but can't drag his opponent to the mat. Izmaylov just stands there and leans against the cage.
Butcher tries for a takedown. No joy.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Conor Butcher. That's going to take a lot out of him.#BC2#
Izmaylov breaks from the clinch.
Izmaylov misses with a body kick.
Butcher on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by Izmaylov. Izmaylov obviously looking to wear him down.
Butcher seems to be moving with more speed, compared to his last bout. He must have been working on that in the gym.#T1#
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Butcher is defended easily by Izmaylov.
Butcher avoids a low kick by using good footwork.
Butcher takes a shot right to the bread basket.
Izmaylov with a nice calf kick.
Izmaylov pivots, looking for a leg kick but Butcher is out of range and Izmaylov settles back down.
A swing and a miss from Izmaylov.
Izmaylov fakes with the hands and throws a leg kick but Butcher is out of range. #CL#
Butcher clinches up against the cage.
Butcher tries to jump guard but he falls flat on his backside. Izmaylov smiles and moves away.
Izmaylov pivots, looking for a leg kick but Butcher is out of range and Izmaylov settles back down.
Butcher takes a swing at Izmaylov's ribcage but misses.
Butcher with a body punch. A glancing blow.
Conor Butcher seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.#TD#
Butcher manages to get an easy takedown there - catching Izmaylov on his heels. He'll look to pass Izmaylov's guard now, I'm sure.
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.#T2#
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!
Butcher throwing strikes but missing.
Izmaylov preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Butcher is looking to work some ground and pound but Izmaylov has wrist control.
Butcher wants to control from the top but Izmaylov keeps moving.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Butcher working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Butcher throws a big elbow that misses.
Butcher trying to control but Izmaylov is working from the bottom.
Izmaylov avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Butcher throwing strikes from guard but Izmaylov blocks nicely.
Izmaylov trying to keep a closed guard but Butcher is proving a slippery customer. #T3#
Izmaylov keeping full guard, as Butcher tries to pass.
Butcher throwing strikes from guard but Izmaylov blocks nicely.
Butcher tries to free his leg and advance position but Izmaylov is retaining full guard.
The referee is pacing around the two fighters, thinking about a standup.
Butcher lands a nice shot whilst sitting in his opponent's guard.
Butcher might be looking to lock onto one of his opponent's long limbs for a submission, whilst we're on the ground.
Butcher postures up in Izmaylov's guard and throws a big left but Izmaylov blocks it.
Butcher is just sitting in guard, looking to avoid any submissions. #REF3#
The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.#T4#
There's not a lot going on here and the crowd are letting the fighters know they're not willing to tolerate a lack of action.
Butcher scores with the left hand. Izmaylov knows he should have avoided that one. #TD#
Izmaylov gets taken down but at least he's managed to land in guard.
Butcher trying to control but Izmaylov is working from the bottom.
Butcher throwing strikes but missing.
Butcher postures up.
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Izmaylov has his hands on Butcher's head, controlling the position.
Butcher throwing strikes but missing.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close round but I would say that Conor Butcher will probably get the nod.
The cut man is working on Conor Butcher's cut.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare each other down, ready to get back to the action.#R2#
Izmaylov throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Butcher changes levels looking for a counter takedown but doesn't commit.
Jab, jab by Butcher - just one landing.
A shot to the liver by Butcher. Beautiful body shot.
Izmaylov moves his head to the side to avoid a jab but walks straight into a cross.
Izmaylov stalks Butcher and leaps in with a furious combination of punches. Uppercuts and crosses smash into Butcher's face. Butcher staggers backwards, shaken.
Butcher tries to close the distance and clinch but Izmaylov swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
A countering left hand to the body from Izmaylov misses.
Good exchange - Izmaylov coming out on top.
Izmaylov keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
A shot to the body from Butcher misses
and Izmaylov counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head. #CL#
Butcher closes the distance and clinches.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Butcher lands a hook that snaps the head of Izmaylov backwards.
Butcher is working for takedown but Izmaylov is calmly controlling the position for now.
Izmaylov can't break the clinch.
Izmaylov wants to break free. God knows he wants to breaaaak freeee.
Butcher tries a body shot but Izmaylov blocks it. #BC2#
Izmaylov breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Izmaylov has used his reach advantage pretty well so far tonight.#T1#
Izmaylov takes a hook to the side of the head. I wonder if that's got his ears ringing.
Butcher misses with a body shot.
Izmaylov bobs and weaves and throws out a fast jab that snaps Butcher's head backwards.#CUT2#Conor Butcher's cut is getting worse.
Izmaylov throws a feint and then finishes with a kick to the body.#CL#
Butcher instigates a clinch.
Izmaylov wants to get back to striking at distance but Butcher won't allow it.
Butcher tries to pull guard but Izmaylov holds him up against the cage and eventually Butcher drops back down to his feet.
Izmaylov gets underhooks to prevent Butcher's takedown attempt.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Conor Butcher. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Izmaylov prevents the takedown attempt.
Butcher lands a hook to the side of the head.
Izmaylov stops a takedown attempt from Butcher. #BC2#
Izmaylov's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Butcher shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Izmaylov as he avoids it easily.
Izmaylov throws out a counter right but Butcher avoids it with no problem.
Butcher is looking to wear down Izmaylov with body shots, infact he's throwing more body shots than head shots at the moment.
Butcher tries to clinch up
and Izmaylov counters nicely by changing levels and landing a hook to the body.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.#T2#
Butcher looks to clinch
and Izmaylov counters with a leg kick that reverborates around the arena.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Izmaylov scores with a body shot.
Izmaylov lands a nice shot to the body.
Both fighters circling a little - Izmaylov finishes the exchange with a kick to the body.
Butcher closes the distance and takes a jab right on the nose as he does so.
Butcher 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.
Izmaylov lands with a nice body punch.
Izmaylov lands with a straight right. Butcher didn't see that one coming.#CUT2#Conor Butcher's cut is bleeding quite badly. He's got to try and protect it.
Izmaylov moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
Izmaylov scores with a leg kick. #CL#
Butcher has Izmaylov up against the cage in a clinch.
Izmaylov wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch. #T3#
Izmaylov is looking to break free of the clinch but Butcher has double underhooks.
Butcher looking for a takedown.
Butcher misses with a punch on the inside.
Butcher is looking for a takedown up against the cage. Izmaylov gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.
Izmaylov is pressed up against the cage. Butcher has hold of a leg and is looking to drag Izmaylov down to the mat. Izmaylov avoids the attempt though and has circled away. We're back to striking at a distance.
Butcher takes a kick to the body and keeps moving.
Good leg kick by Izmaylov.
Butcher takes a body kick right on the floating rib. Ouchie.
Izmaylov throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd.
A cross from Izmaylov lands.
Izmaylov connects with a leg kick.
Butcher gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily
and Butcher takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Izmaylov fakes a jab and scores with a low kick.#T4#
Izmaylov lands a kick to the ribs of his opponent. Nice work there - in and out in a flash.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Butcher looks to score with a jab to the body but Izmaylov is just out of range.
Butcher throws a looping overhand right but Izmaylov ducks down to avoid it.
Butcher shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Izmaylov pinned against the cage. Izmaylov gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
Izmaylov swings away with a counter right hand but no contact made.
Izmaylov lands a leg kick that knocks Butcher off balance momentarily.
Izmaylov digs a good body shot into Butcher's ribs.
Butcher keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot. #CL#
Butcher moves into the clinch.
Izmaylov is trying to break free.#TD#
Butcher gets control of Izmaylov's arms and successfully pulls guard. Butcher will no doubt be looking for submissions off his back.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Potemkin Izmaylov showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The cut man is working on Conor Butcher'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.#R3#
A slow jab from Butcher misses its intended target. #TD#
Butcher gets a takedown into half guard.

Izmaylov makes some distance and scrambles quickly back to his feet. Nice work!
Potemkin Izmaylov seems to be getting the better of the standup.#TD#
Butcher fakes an overhand right and shoots for a takedown. Izmaylov sprawls well initially but Butcher persists and gets the takedown into half guard.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Izmaylov trying to control but Butcher postures up.
The fighters are battling for position here. Izmaylov manages to regain full guard. Nice work.
Butcher lands a couple of elbows.
Butcher throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Butcher is in close to Izmaylov's body, working some short punches and elbows.
Butcher working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage. #T1#
Butcher working from the guard for now, landing some ground and pound.
Butcher throwing strikes but missing.
Butcher wants to control from the top but Izmaylov keeps moving.
Izmaylov is trying to control the position but Butcher postures up.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Butcher accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Izmaylov keeping moving, preventing Butcher from controlling successfully.
Butcher cracks Izmaylov with a solid left hand.
Izmaylov trying to control the position.
Butcher throws a big elbow that misses. #T2#
The crowd are hurling abuse towards the fighters... You can hardly blame them though because there isn't a lot going on in the fight.
Izmaylov is trying to control the position but Butcher postures up.
We may be looking at a referee standup if the pace doesn't pick up soon.#REF3#
The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.
Butcher looks to land a right hand but Izmaylov moved out of range.
A little jabbing left from Izmaylov on the counter but it doesn't find it's target.
Butcher's legs have taken a beating and he's really slowing down as a result.
Izmaylov throws a leg kick that misses.
Izmaylov takes a swing at Butcher's ribcage but misses.
Izmaylov with a nice cross.
Potemkin Izmaylov is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.#TD#
Butcher gets a takedown into half guard.
Butcher looks to score some points with some ground and pound.
Izmaylov is trying to maintain the position but Butcher is very close to passing his half guard.#T3#
Butcher missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.
Butcher working over Izmaylov with some ground and pound. Izmaylov looks like he wants out of this position, which is understandable.
Izmaylov controlling the leg, holding on to half guard.
Butcher wants to control but Izmaylov is keeping him busy.
Izmaylov blocking the ground and pound attempt from Butcher.
Izmaylov keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Butcher is pressing down on Izmaylov's thigh, looking to free his foot. Izmaylov is holding on for now.
Izmaylov wants to get back to his feet.#T4#
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.
Izmaylov is trying to control but can't.
Butcher throws a big elbow that misses, also allowing Izmaylov to regain full guard.
Butcher working from the guard for now, landing some ground and pound.
Butcher lands a nice shot whilst sitting in his opponent's guard.
Butcher looking to pass the guard.
Izmaylov preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Conor Butcher overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Butcher forces his way into half guard.
Izmaylov tries to get to full guard but Butcher has control of the leg.
Izmaylov is trying to defend against the ground and pound but Butcher scores with a couple of nice shots.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Conor Butcher clearly takes that round.
The cut man is working on Conor Butcher's cut.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business.#R4#
Izmaylov misses with a straight left.
Jab by Izmaylov.
Butcher throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Izmaylov uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Butcher.
Butcher shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Izmaylov but Izmaylov pushes him off and we're back to square one.
Butcher is hobbling a little on that front leg after taking quite a few leg kicks so far in this fight.#TD#
Izmaylov tries to sprawl but Butcher drives through with a takedown into half guard.

Izmaylov pushes Butcher off and gets back to his feet.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
A left lands for Butcher.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
A big right from Butcher misses.
Butcher misses with an uppercut. Izmaylov saw that one coming.
Izmaylov lands with an overhand left.#T1#
Butcher fakes a head shot and lands one to the body.
Butcher with a body punch. A glancing blow. #CL#
Butcher takes the fight into the clinch.
Butcher tries to throw a body punch but Izmaylov avoids it by throwing Butcher back against the cage.
Izmaylov blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Izmaylov is defending well against a takedown attempt.#BC2#
Izmaylov breaks the clinch.
Butcher tries to close the distance and clinch but Izmaylov swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Izmaylov jabs Butcher right on the nose. Butcher blinks but takes it well.
Decent striking displayed by Izmaylov there.
Butcher avoids the head kick by Izmaylov.
Izmaylov avoids the body shot from Butcher.
Izmaylov throws a hook but Butcher blocks it.
Butcher changes levels looking for a counter takedown but doesn't commit.#T2#
Izmaylov avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Butcher fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Conor Butcher. That's going to take a lot out of him.#TD#
Butcher feints and then dives in with a takedown. That was a long way out but the feint bought him enough time to close the distance and complete the takedown. Now we'll play guard for a bit and see who can get the better of that position.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Izmaylov controlling the position.
Butcher postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Butcher throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Butcher wants to control from the top but Izmaylov keeps moving.
Izmaylov is avoiding any damage by keeping wrist control. #T3#
Butcher is stalling in the full guard.
The referee is pacing around the two fighters, thinking about a standup.
Butcher throwing strikes from guard but Izmaylov blocks nicely. #REF3#
The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Butcher.
Butcher tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Izmaylov paws at him with a jab and circles away.#TD#
Butcher shoots in with a lovely double leg takedown. Izmaylov manages to land in full guard to minimise the damage.
Izmaylov pulls Butcher in close to prevent any damage. #T4#
Butcher missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Butcher engaging in some classic timewasting tactics.
Izmaylov keeping moving, preventing Butcher from controlling successfully.
Butcher has been looking to land a fair amount of strikes on the ground. He might be looking to soften his opponent up in order to work for a submission.
Izmaylov has a closed guard, preventing anything of note from happening. Perhaps he's looking to stall.
Butcher trying to control the position from guard on top but Izmaylov is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

A close fourth round but Potemkin Izmaylov will probably get the nod - 10:9.
The cut man is working on Conor Butcher's cut.
That's time! Back to the action! 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.#R5#
Izmaylov just misses with a punch to the body.
Butcher keeps his opponent at a distance with a nice jab.
Izmaylov uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Butcher.
Butcher fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Butcher on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by Izmaylov. Izmaylov obviously looking to wear him down.
Izmaylov doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
Butcher gets cracked there but stands up to it. #CL#
Butcher takes the fight into the clinch. #BC2#
Izmaylov breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Butcher shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Izmaylov defends it nicely.#T1#
A head kick from Izmaylov lands but Butcher takes it in his stride.
Izmaylov is using his reach advantage to land shots from outside his opponent's range.
Butcher will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
A decent looking cross lands there for Butcher.
Izmaylov missing with a left hand there. Butcher was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Izmaylov throws a push kick but Butcher slaps the foot to one side.
Izmaylov displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Butcher.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Conor Butcher. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Butcher uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Izmaylov.
Butcher is looking to clinch.
Butcher swings for the body but Izmaylov moves out of range.
Izmaylov counters with a body kick.
Izmaylov circles away from the clinch attempt. #T2##TD#
Butcher shoots in looking for a single leg takedown. Izmaylov is trying to defend but Butcher finishes it well and ends up in half guard. Let's see if he can advance position further.
Butcher is just content to waste time from the top position. Izmaylov takes advantage of the situation and regains full guard.
Izmaylov working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Butcher.
Butcher keeps in close for a moment and lands a decent shot to the side of Izmaylov's head.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Butcher throws a big elbow that misses.
Butcher throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Izmaylov works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Butcher is in close to Izmaylov's body, working some short punches and elbows.
Butcher stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Izmaylov swivels though and keeps the full guard. #T3#
Izmaylov utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Butcher throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Izmaylov works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Izmaylov utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Butcher with a flurry of punches that miss.
Izmaylov keeping moving, preventing Butcher from controlling successfully.
Izmaylov controls Butcher momentarily but Butcher frees himself.
Butcher with a couple of shots to the head there. Not particularly brutal.
Izmaylov avoiding any damage from the ground and pound. #T4#
Well. There's a bit of a lull in the action here and the crowd are starting to get restless.
Butcher pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Izmaylov is keeping the position for now.
Butcher throwing strikes from guard but Izmaylov blocks nicely. #REF3#
The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up.
Jab by Butcher.
Butcher tries to move into range but Izmaylov moves to the side and lands with a nice right hand.
Izmaylov connects with a leg kick.
Butcher keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Butcher feinted with a counter takedown.
Izmaylov throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Butcher is defended easily by Izmaylov.

And that's the end of the fight!
That was a close round. You could make an argument for either fighter but I would give it to Conor Butcher.
I think Butcher has won this one but let's see what the judges have to say. 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 Ren Mimura scores the fight 48:48
Judge Hirohito Nitta scores the fight 48:48
Judge Sosuke Kotani scores the fight 46:49

The fight is ruled a majority draw!
Conor Butcher retains his title. It's always disappointing when a championship fight ends as a draw but that's what happens when you leave the fight in the judges hands!

Event: BFC HARDCORE 7
Date: Jan 15, 2021

#R1#
Chacing bobbing and weaving, closes the distance and lands a hook to the side of Butcher's head.
Butcher misses with a body shot.
Chacing throws a right hand that Butcher ducks under and follows up with a left that Butcher also avoids with ease.
Chacing misses with a few strikes there. #TD#
Butcher gets a double leg takedown into Chacing's guard.
Butcher trying to control but Chacing is working from the bottom.
Butcher working some strikes from top position.
Chacing looking for a sweep. Not yet Chacing, not yet. #SUB2#
Chacing is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Butcher defends well.
Butcher in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Butcher landing some decent shots from guard.
We've been hearing that Butcher has been drilling a lot of ground and pound in training, so let's see if he get the finish.
Butcher is looking to work some ground and pound but Chacing has wrist control.
Butcher landing some decent shots from guard. #T1#
Butcher missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Chacing trying to keep a closed guard but Butcher is proving a slippery customer.
Chacing is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move. #REVB#
Chacing tries to pass to full mount but Butcher defends it.
Butcher is not content to let Chacing control the position.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Chacing looking to pass the half guard. Not this time.
Butcher tries to roll over but Chacing keeps him under control.#T2#
Chacing tries to pass the half guard into mount. Butcher knows what he's doing though and prevents the attempt.
Chacing is keen to just control but Butcher is a slippery customer.
Butcher trying to control here.
Butcher might be looking to lock onto one of his opponent's long limbs for a submission, whilst we're on the ground.
Butcher is looking for a sweep. Chacing is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Butcher is working hard here to advance position.
Butcher is refusing to be controlled, as Chacing sits in half guard.
Chacing is pressing down on Butcher's thigh, looking to free his foot. Butcher is holding on for now.
Chacing uses his free foot to push down on Butcher's thigh. Eventually he works his other foot free and he's advanced to mount - this is trouble for Butcher.
Butcher tries to reverse the position but Chacing maintains control.
Butcher has been looking to land a fair amount of strikes on the ground. He might be looking to soften his opponent up in order to work for a submission.
Chacing tries to control but Butcher wriggling away. #T3#
Butcher is looking to get to half guard.
Chacing tries to take his opponent's back but Butcher turns with him and manages to move into guard on the top. Nice work.
Butcher wants to pass the guard but Chacing is keeping the position.
Butcher lands a couple of digs.#SUB2#
Chacing escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Butcher gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.
Butcher postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect. #T4#
Chacing looking to hit a scissor sweep but Butcher is one step ahead there.
Chacing working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Butcher.
Butcher stopping the sweep attempt from Chacing.
Butcher trying to control the position from guard on top but Chacing is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Chacing has control of Butcher's left arm, preventing Butcher from doing any damage.
Butcher is working Chacing over from the guard. He should look to pass the guard and do a little more damage with these strikes.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Chacing wants to sweep but no luck.
Butcher lands a couple of decent looking shots.#SUB2#
Chacing looking for a guillotine here but Butcher defends easily.
Butcher is pushing down on Chacing's leg trying to pass to half guard. Chacing is fighting to maintain full guard but Butcher has managed to sneak the leg through.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Conor Butcher dominated that round.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.#R2#
Chacing clobbers Butcher with an overhand right that has the crowd gasping. That made a horrendous noise. #TD#
Butcher looking to score a takedown here. Chacing is defending well but Butcher drives through and ends up in Chacing's guard.
Conor Butcher overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Butcher trying to control the position from guard on top but Chacing is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Butcher loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Butcher trying to pass the guard. He's being very persistent here but Chacing manages to land a sweep and now he's on top! #REVB#
Chacing stopping the sweep attempt from Butcher.#SUB#
Butcher working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Chacing doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Chacing manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.
My spies in Zenarals' House inform me that Chacing has been getting involved in the gym's BJJ sparring sessions. Let's see whether that pays dividends!
Chacing pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Butcher is keeping the position for now.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Butcher tries to land a sweep but no joy. #T1##SUB#
Butcher is active off his back here, looking for submissions. #SUB#
Butcher escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Chacing gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Butcher is on top in guard. #REVR#
Butcher lands a couple of digs.
Butcher slips nicely into half guard.
Butcher lands strikes from half guard.
Chacing has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Butcher is working away from the top position though.
Chacing keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound. #T2#
Chacing trying to control here.
Butcher lands with an elbow from half guard - that looked like it hurt.
Butcher passes to full mount!
Butcher with good strikes from the mount here!
Butcher lands a big shot there that rocks Chacing but he's holding on and managing to survive for now.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Butcher landing strikes, looking to finish!
Chacing is desperately trying to get back to half guard.
Butcher landing strikes, looking to finish! #T3#
Butcher wants to control the pace but Chacing is squirming around nicely.
Butcher landing shots from mount.
Butcher working away from the top, dropping strikes.
Butcher putting on the heat here with some good ground and pound!
Butcher landing strikes, looking to finish!
The referee warns Chacing that he has to improve his position here as he takes two more clean shots to the head.
Chacing wants to hold on but Butcher pushes him away.
Chacing sneaks a leg under to get to half guard.
Butcher slips a nice elbow through Chacing's hands, connecting with Chacing's forehead.
Chacing tries to roll over but Butcher keeps him under control.
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!
Chacing has hold of Butcher's hands but Butcher slips his arm to the side and lands an elbow.#T4#
Chacing tries to get to full guard but Butcher has control of the leg.
Butcher landing with strikes to the body and head, softening up his opponent.
Butcher lands with an elbow from half guard - that looked like it hurt. #SUB2#
Chacing is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Butcher pulls his head out easily.
Chacing is refusing to be controlled, as Butcher sits in half guard.
Chacing has hold of Butcher's hands but Butcher slips his arm to the side and lands an elbow.
Butcher passes to full mount!
A nice elbow there by Butcher.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Conor Butcher dominated that second round.
That's time! Back to the action!#R3#
Butcher throws a series of strikes that have Chacing backpedaling.
Butcher takes a jab right on the nose. That must have hurt but he shrugs his shoulders and looks to return the favor.
Chacing is using his reach advantage to land shots from outside his opponent's range.
Chacing looks shocked there as he takes a right hand to the temple.
Chacing misses with a hook.
Butcher is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Chacing can do to turn this around?
Chacing walks into a stiff left hand from Butcher.
Chacing throws a jab but it's blocked by Butcher.
Butcher appears to be looking for a counter takedown.
Donk. Butcher catches Chacing right on the button with a cross.
Chacing doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
Butcher misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Chacing.
A little jabbing left from Chacing on the counter but it doesn't find it's target.
Butcher just misses with a punch to the body.
Chacing looks like he wants to counter punch here.
Chacing takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.
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!
Chacing cracks Butcher with a hook to the jaw. Both fighters smile at eachother and high-five before getting back down to business.
Butcher keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Butcher cracks a nice hook into Chacing's ribs.
Butcher just misses with a punch to the body. #T1#
Butcher jabs Chacing to the body, keeping him at a distance.
Chacing misses with a straight left.
A big right from Chacing misses.
Chacing on the wrong end of an overhand right that came out of nowhere.
Jab, jab by Butcher - just one landing.
Butcher misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Chacing.
Chacing misses with a wild body shot.
A combination from Butcher does no damage.
Chacing takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.
Butcher is looking to wear down Chacing with body shots, infact he's throwing more body shots than head shots at the moment.
Chacing connects with a looping right hand.
Conor Butcher is winning the standup battle so far.
Chacing fails to land with a series of punches.
Chacing takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
Chace Chacing is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Butcher shoots for a double leg takedown but Chacing sprawls well. He's pushed Butcher's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Chacing throws a right and a left that both miss.#T2#
Butcher throws a good cross that connects.
Butcher lands with a nice body punch.
Butcher fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Chacing manages to avoid it.
A swing and a miss from Chacing.#TD#
Butcher closes the distance and clinches up, looking for a takedown. He shifts his weight and gets a nice trip into half guard.
Chacing is looking to control Butcher's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Chacing avoid being mounted?#SUB2#
Chacing looking for submissions from an awkward position here.
Butcher landing with strikes to the body and head, softening up his opponent.
Chacing wants to control but Butcher is keeping busy and won't allow it.
The two fighters exchange a few words. I couldn't hear what they were saying but maybe it's more fun if you make it up yourself. Butcher connects with a nice short shot to Chacing's temple.
Butcher is looking to take a break and control but Chacing is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom. #T3#
Butcher working Chacing over with strikes.
Butcher is nestled in close to Chacing, controlling him well. He's worked in a nice elbow to the side of the head as well, for good measure.
Butcher wants to take a breather but Chacing is having none of it.
Butcher throwing shots but Chacing is blocking nicely.
Chacing taking some punishment here, with Butcher in his half guard.
Butcher lands a big shot. The thud that echoes around the arena is like music to the fans' ears.
Chacing has hold of Butcher's hands but Butcher slips his arm to the side and lands an elbow.
Butcher tries to pass to full mount but Chacing defends it.
Butcher throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
Chacing tries to roll over but Butcher keeps him under control.
Chacing is trying to maintain the position but Butcher is very close to passing his half guard.#T4#
Butcher lands with a punch from half guard.
Butcher is thwarting Chacing's attempts to control the position.
Butcher is pressing down on Chacing's thigh, looking to free his foot. Chacing is holding on for now.
Chacing regains full guard. Nicely done.
Chacing keeping moving, preventing Butcher from controlling successfully.
Butcher is working the ground and pound from guard. He might want to try advancing position though to get more of an impact.
Chacing is trying to control the position but Butcher postures up.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Conor Butcher clearly takes that round.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!#R4##TD#
Butcher gets the takedown into side control.
Butcher landing a few strikes.
You can see the frustration on Chacing's face, being in this tough position on the bottom.
Butcher lands a knee to the body and follows it up with some ground and pound to the head. That will wear Chacing down.
Butcher wants to control but Chacing is keeping him busy.
Chacing struggling a bit here.
Butcher working the body and head with strikes.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Chacing sneaks back into half guard.
Chacing taking some punishment here, with Butcher in his half guard.
Chacing is looking for a sweep. Butcher is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.#T1#
Butcher is keen to just control but Chacing is a slippery customer.
Butcher trying to control from Chacing's half guard. Chacing has other ideas though and has regained full guard.
Butcher lands a couple of decent looking shots.
Butcher throwing strikes from guard but Chacing blocks nicely.
Butcher trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Butcher trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Chacing looking to hit a scissor sweep but Butcher is one step ahead there.
Butcher passes Chacing's right leg, so he's now in half guard.
The two fighters exchange a few words. I couldn't hear what they were saying but maybe it's more fun if you make it up yourself. Butcher connects with a nice short shot to Chacing's temple. #T2#
Butcher looking to pass the half guard. Not this time.
Butcher is working hard to pass the guard. He's done it - he's now in full mount! Trouble for Chacing!
Butcher raining down shots from the mount!
Butcher working Chacing over with strikes here.
Butcher working away from the top, dropping strikes.
Butcher lands an elbow that was bordering on illegal but the referee lets it go with a warning.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Chacing is bucking up trying to escape but Butcher cracks him with another couple of good strikes.
Butcher raining down shots from the mount!#ROC#Chacing is rocked!
Chacing is looking to get to half guard.
Butcher looking to ground and pound his opponent to a finish here.
Chacing is still in real trouble! Can Butcher finish him?#T3#
Chacing sneaks a leg back under and regains half guard and is working straight away to try and get back to guard. He hasn't managed just yet though.
Chacing seems to have recovered his senses.
Chacing won't allow Butcher to pass to mount.
Butcher lands with an elbow from half guard - that looked like it hurt.
Butcher works his foot free and advances to mount.
Butcher lands a couple of nice shots there from mount.
Butcher landing strikes from the mount and Chacing is in trouble!
The crowd growing excited in anticipation of a finish here! Right on cue, Butcher cracks his opponent with a massive right hand that draws loud cheers!
Chacing is writhing around trying to get back to his feet. #T4#
Butcher prevents Chacing from getting the reversal.
Butcher dominating with strikes here.
The referee warns Chacing that he has to improve his position here as he takes two more clean shots to the head.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Chacing is in a horrible position here. Butcher smacks him with another shot as he tries to escape the position.
Butcher postures up and cracks his opponent a couple of times before moving back into close ground control. Chacing looks a forlorn figure.
Butcher lands a big shot to the head and Chacing winces in pain. He's tapped out due to strikes!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:48 of round 4, we have a winner by way of Submission (Strikes). Conor Butcher!
Conor Butcher retains his welterweight title!
Conor Butcher decided to thank the fans in attendance for making a great atmosphere. It seemed to go down pretty well.

Event: BFC 29: Butcher Vs. Bob
Date: Dec 05, 2020

#R1#
Bob throws a right hand that misses
and Butcher counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Butcher tries to close the distance and clinch but Bob swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Bob swings away with a counter right hand but no contact made.
Butcher swings away with a body shot that misses
and Bob counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Butcher shoots in for a takedown but Bob shows good takedown defense.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Bob! But no joy.
Bob swings for the body but Butcher moves out of range.
Butcher dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Butcher tries to clinch up but Bob circles away and keeps his distance.
Butcher looks to land a left hand but Bob moved out of range nicely.
Butcher misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Bob.
Butcher misses with a wild body shot.
Bob looked like he wanted to counter with a punch but didn't throw it.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Butcher connects with a body shot.
Bob's corner calls for a 1-2. Bob obliges with the 1 part as he scores the single shot and moves back out of range. #CUT2#It looks like Conor Butcher has been cut.
Butcher tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Bob swivels and escapes.
Bob looks like he wants to counter punch here.
Bob's coach down at Power Shark Gym was telling us pre-fight that they have been working on Bob's balance. Obviously they view that as a key factor in the outcome of this fight.
Bob connects with a good right hand that stumbles Butcher. Butcher circles away out of range and recomposes himself.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Butcher lands a nice looking body shot. #T1#
Bob looks to score with a jab to the body but Butcher is just out of range.
Butcher throws a body punch but Bob moves out of range.
Butcher looks to score with a jab to the body but Bob is just out of range.
Bob swinging wildly here.
Butcher was looking to counter that move with a punch but didn't quite pull the trigger.
Bob stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Bob wants it to stay on the feet.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Conor Butcher. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Butcher is moving around nicely and scores here with a single head shot.
Butcher scores with a jab.
The fight stays on the outside here - Butcher looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
A swing and a miss from Butcher.
Butcher misses with an uppercut. Bob saw that one coming.
Butcher cracks Bob with an open hand slap.#T2#
Bob walks straight into a jab right on the nose. That one stung - he's blinking and trying to clear his head.
Butcher jabs at Bob's body.
Butcher lands a right hook to the body.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Butcher.
Butcher swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Bob drops his hands and takes a jab to the jaw for his troubles.
Bob uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Butcher.
Bob looked like he wanted to counter with a punch but didn't throw it.
Conor Butcher seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Butcher throws a body punch but Bob moves out of range.
Bob ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Bob scores with a body shot.
Butcher looks to have improved his striking defense since last time we saw him fight.
Butcher tries for a takedown but Bob sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Bob looked like he wanted to counter with a punch but didn't throw it.
Butcher misses with an uppercut.
A little jabbing left from Bob on the counter but it doesn't find it's target.
Butcher misses with a right hand
and Bob cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.#T3#
Bob moves out of range as Butcher strikes.
Bob looks like he wants to counter punch here.
Butcher takes a swing at Bob's ribcage but misses.
Butcher misses with a takedown attempt - Bob sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Danga de danga de dang - Bob scores with a four punch combination!
Butcher throws a body punch but Bob moves out of range. #CL#
Butcher gets in close and instigates a clinch. #TD#
Butcher wants the takedown. Bob is fighting it off but Butcher persists and manages to bring the fight to the ground, ending up in Bob's guard against the cage.
Bob has Butcher pulled in close to control his posture.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Butcher throwing strikes but missing.
Bob avoiding any damage from the ground and pound. #T4#
Bob preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Butcher slips nicely into half guard.
Bob has hold of Butcher's hands but Butcher slips his arm to the side and lands an elbow.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Butcher throws a strike but Bob avoids it easily and moves to full guard.
Butcher trying to control the position from guard on top but Bob is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Butcher throwing strikes from guard but Bob blocks nicely.
Butcher postures up in Bob's guard and throws a big left but Bob blocks it.
Bob working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Butcher.
Butcher trying to control but Bob is working from the bottom.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Conor Butcher dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Conor Butcher's cut.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!#R2#
Bob thows a left - swing and a miss!
Bob just misses with a punch to the body.
It looked like Butcher wanted to counter with a hook but didn't fully commit.
Butcher throws a body punch but Bob moves out of range.
Bob takes one on the chin but keeps coming.
Butcher fails with the takedown.
Butcher fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Bob manages to avoid it.
Bob looked like he wanted to counter with a punch but didn't throw it.
Butcher blocks a jab.
Butcher throws a hook but Bob avoids it easily.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Bob uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Butcher.
Butcher shoots in looking for a takedown but Bob manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Butcher's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
A little jabbing left from Bob on the counter but it doesn't find it's target.
Bob throws a hook to the side of Butcher's head but Butcher sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Butcher throws a body shot but no joy.
Butcher shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Bob as he avoids it easily.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Conor Butcher. That's going to take a lot out of him.#T1##CL#
Butcher forces Bob back against the cage and clinches.
A short body shot lands from Bob as the two fighters clinch. #BC2#
Bob breaks the clinch.
Butcher scores with a nice head shot.
Bob throws a shot from downtown. Butcher moves away and avoids it.
Butcher misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Bob.
Bob throws out a counter right but Butcher avoids it with no problem.
Bob lands with a hook. Butcher tried to avoid it but it clipped the top of his head.
Boom, another hit is landed. "You're gunna get knocked out" taunts Bob, as that shot connected.
Butcher misses the shot to the body.
Bob swings away with a counter right hand but no contact made.
Bob throws a jab when Butcher was well out of range.
Butcher shoots in for a double leg but Bob sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
Bob circles away from the clinch attempt. #TD#
Butcher closes the distance and gets a trip takedown into side control. Bob quickly recovers to half guard.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Butcher wants to take a breather but Bob is having none of it.
Bob really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Butcher. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.#T2#
Butcher thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
Butcher not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Bob is positioning himself well to prevent Butcher advancing to mount.
Bob blocking the ground and pound attempt from Butcher.
Butcher not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
Butcher wants to free his trapped foot but Bob is holding on for dear life with his legs.
Bob holds on for dear life, maintaining half guard for now.
Butcher wants to free his trapped foot but Bob is holding on for dear life with his legs.
Bob is refusing to be controlled, as Butcher sits in half guard.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.#T3#
Butcher thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Bob's head.
Butcher thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
Bob is looking to control Butcher's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Bob avoid being mounted?
Butcher throwing shots but Bob is blocking nicely.
Butcher is thwarting Bob's attempts to control the position.

The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.
Butcher misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
Bob misses the jab.
Bob slips a straight right by Butcher.
Bob throws out a counter right but Butcher avoids it with no problem.
Bob throws a right hand that Butcher ducks under and follows up with a left that Butcher also avoids with ease.#T4#
Butcher shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Bob as he avoids it easily.
Bob misses with a hook.
Butcher looks to land a left hand but Bob moved out of range nicely.
Bob misses with a wild body shot.
Butcher looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Bob is fending him off so far but Butcher persists. Nope, Bob circles away and we're back to standing.
Bob looked like he wanted to counter with a punch but didn't throw it.
Bob takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.
Butcher tries to close the distance and clinch but Bob swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
A little jabbing left from Bob on the counter but it doesn't find it's target.
Butcher just misses with a punch to the body.
Bob scores with a reasonable looking shot to the body. Butcher doesn't seem bothered though.
Bob swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Butcher jabs. That one connects to the head of his opponent.
Butcher has his takedown stuffed
and Bob counters with a stiff right hand.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close second round but I would say that Conor Butcher will probably get the nod.
The cut man is working on Conor Butcher's cut.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!#R3#
Bob scores with a big left there. The judges will like that one.
Bob just misses with a punch to the body.
Butcher connects with a slap. Keep your fist closed son.
Butcher fails with the takedown
letting Bob counter with a right hand.
Butcher moves out of range of the strikes.
Butcher tries to clinch
and Butcher takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Bob fakes a head shot and lands one to the body.
Good exchange - Butcher coming out on top.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Butcher fails with the takedown
letting Bob counter with a right hand.
Butcher throws an ugly left hook that misses
and Bob counters with a nice uppercut.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Butcher throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Bob's waist but Bob gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Butcher off to one side.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Conor Butcher. That's going to take a lot out of him.#T1##TD#
Butcher looks for a takedown. He's got it. We're now in half guard.
Bob blocking the ground and pound attempt from Butcher.
Butcher is thwarting Bob's attempts to control the position.
Butcher is nestled in close to Bob, controlling him well. He's worked in a nice elbow to the side of the head as well, for good measure.
Butcher is thwarting Bob's attempts to control the position.
Butcher throwing shots but Bob is blocking nicely.
Bob is trying to control but can't.
Butcher drops an elbow to the side of Bob's head.
Butcher looks to land a strike but Bob avoids it nicely and regains full guard.#T2#
Bob trying to control the position.
Bob is pulling down on Butcher's head to control his posture.
Butcher pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Bob is keeping the position for now.
Butcher postures up in Bob's guard and throws a big left but Bob blocks it.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Butcher accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Bob working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Butcher.
Butcher trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Butcher working some strikes from top position.
Bob working a defensive guard here. #T3#
Butcher not doing a lot at the moment. He'll have to show some more aggression or the fight will get stood up.
Butcher stands up over Bob, holding his feet. He dives back in and lands a decent shot to the head.
Butcher wants to control from the top but Bob keeps moving.
Butcher throwing strikes from guard but Bob blocks nicely.
Butcher loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.

The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.
Butcher comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.
Bob feints a straight left to the body, then turns around with a flashy move and hits Butchers jaw with a dramatic spinning back fist!#CUT2#Conor Butcher's cut is getting worse.#T4#
Butcher shoots for a double leg takedown but Bob sprawls well. He's pushed Butcher's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Butcher misses with a telegraphed body shot
letting Bob counter with a right hand.
Butcher shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Bob sprawls well. Bob wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Butcher gets slowly back to his feet.
Bob takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.
Butcher bobbing and weaving, closes the distance and lands a hook to the side of Bob's head.
Nice cross by Bob.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Butcher.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

A close third round but Scooter Bob just about did enough to take it.
The cut man is working on Conor Butcher's cut.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!#R4#
Butcher lands a straight punch to the body, keeping Bob at a distance.
Butcher wants to clinch up but Bob keeps it at a distance.
A little jabbing left from Bob on the counter but it doesn't find it's target.
Bob lands a pitter patter jab to the forehead of his opponent.
Butcher throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Bob stuffs the takedown.
Bob throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Bob throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Bob throws a hook but Butcher blocks it.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Butcher tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Bob manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Bob! But no joy.
Butcher dives in for a single leg takedown but Bob sprawls and the fighters end up clinched against the cage.
Bob looked like he wanted to counter with a punch but didn't throw it.
Bob can't find room to land a body shot as Butcher controls the action.
Bob lands with a left to the head.
Bob lands with a good tight uppercut to the head. #T1##BC2#
Bob's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Butcher gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily
and Butcher takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Conor Butcher. That's going to take a lot out of him.#TD#
Butcher gets the takedown into side control.
Butcher has knee on belly and now moves to full mount! Trouble for Bob!
Bob avoids a series of strikes thrown by Butcher.
Butcher throws some wild stikes that Bob manages to avoid easily.
Bob can't escape the position.
Butcher misses with a head shot.
Butcher lands with some vicious ground and pound - can Bob hang on?
Butcher working the ground and pound effectively.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Bob wriggling around on the bottom manages to avoid the strikes thrown by Butcher. #T2#
Butcher thowing shots but they're missing.
Bob avoids a series of strikes thrown by Butcher.
Butcher throws some wild stikes that Bob manages to avoid easily.
Butcher throwing shots from mount but they're not landing.
Butcher raining down hammerfists from mount.
Butcher working the ground and pound effectively.
Poor strikes thrown by Butcher there. More accuracy and less frantic strikes would help! #T3#
Butcher is landing with some decent strikes but Bob is trying to advance his position so the referee is letting the fight continue.
Bob keeping his composure momentarily, calmly looking to get back to half guard.
Butcher thuds his fist into the canvas! Oooouch!
Butcher has his opponent pinned against the cage, landing some nasty ground and pound that is really making a bit of a mess out of Bob's face.
Butcher postures up and cracks his opponent a couple of times before moving back into close ground control. Bob looks a forlorn figure.
Bob blocking the ground and pound.
Bob is bucking up trying to escape but Butcher cracks him with another couple of good strikes.
Bob is trying to escape the mount. #T4#
Butcher landing strikes, looking to finish!
Butcher is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Bob can do to turn this around?
The crowd growing excited in anticipation of a finish here! Right on cue, Butcher cracks his opponent with a massive right hand that draws loud cheers!
Bob is in a horrible position here. Butcher smacks him with another shot as he tries to escape the position.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Butcher in mount throwing good strikes here, bouncing his opponent's head off the canvas.
Butcher thowing strikes but they're hitting the gloves, not doing any damage.
Poor strikes thrown by Butcher there. More accuracy and less frantic strikes would help!
Bob is in a horrible position here, under a barrage of strikes, he's managing to avoid any damage.
Butcher thowing strikes but they're hitting the gloves, not doing any damage.
Butcher with good strikes from the mount here!
Butcher unloading with bombs!#ROC#Bob is rocked!
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Conor Butcher had his way with Scooter Bob in that round.
The cut man is working on Conor Butcher's cut.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action! This is the final round!#R5##TD#
Butcher lands a huge takedown. Bob is out but the ref is slow to react and Butcher lands 3 more undefended punches before the fight is stopped. Brutal finish. Bob lies on the canvas for a good minute before the doctors bring him round. Good to see he's OK.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 0:05 of round 5, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Conor Butcher!
Conor Butcher retains his welterweight title!
A victorious Conor Butcher thanked his army of followers in his post fight interview, telling people to make sure they follow him on Twitter.

Event: BFC 25: Butcher Vs. Cain
Date: Oct 24, 2020

#R1#
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Cain on the wrong end of a vicious looking body shot.
Cain throws a shot from downtown. Butcher moves away and avoids it.
Butcher scores with a shot to the body.
Cain's coach down at Hardcore MMA was telling us pre-fight that they have been working on Cain's balance. Obviously they view that as a key factor in the outcome of this fight.
A big right from Cain misses.
Nice cross by Cain.#CUT2#It looks like Conor Butcher has been cut.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Butcher.
Butcher dives in for a single leg takedown but Cain sprawls and the fighters end up clinched against the cage.
Cain swings away with a counter right hand but no contact made.
Butcher shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Cain as he jumps to the side.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Conor Butcher. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Butcher throws a looping overhand right but Cain ducks down to avoid it.
Cain moves forwards but Butcher connects with a nice, crisp jab.
Butcher looks to have improved his striking defense since last time we saw him fight.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Butcher looks shocked there as he takes a right hand to the temple.
Butcher fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Cain manages to avoid it.
A little jabbing left from Cain on the counter but it doesn't find it's target.#CL#
Butcher gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Butcher tries to pull guard but Cain holds him up against the cage and eventually Butcher drops back down to his feet.
A head punch on the inside from Butcher fails to land. #T1#
Butcher tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.
Cain is trying to force a seperation but Butcher has the dominant position.
Cain leaning his opponent against the cage.
Butcher misses with a body punch.
Cain misses with the head strike.
Cain softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
Butcher tries to score a body lock takedown but Cain shows good agility there to stay on his feet.
Butcher misses with a hook from the clinch. #TD#
Butcher pulls Cain into guard.
Cain trying to control but Butcher is working from the bottom.
A real slowdown in the pace of the fight for a moment, as Butcher holds on and takes a little breather.
Cain trying to stand up but can't free himself from Butcher's guard.
Cain controlling from the guard. I say controlling but really, he's stalling.
Cain really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Butcher. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.#T2#
Butcher lands a beautiful sweep and he's now moved into his opponent's guard.#REVR#
Butcher throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Butcher wants to control from the top but Cain keeps moving.
Cain keeping full guard, as Butcher tries to pass.
Butcher trying to control the position from guard on top but Cain is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Butcher stopping the sweep attempt from Cain.
Butcher chips away with some ground and pound.
Butcher stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Cain swivels though and keeps the full guard. #T3#
Cain working a defensive guard here.
Butcher wants to control from the top but Cain keeps moving.
Butcher landing some decent shots from guard.
Cain is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.
Butcher lands a couple of digs.
Butcher trying to control but Cain is working from the bottom.
Butcher trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Butcher with a nice head shot there.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.#T4#
Butcher throws a big elbow that misses.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Butcher accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Butcher lands a couple of elbows.
Butcher postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Butcher has been looking to land a fair amount of strikes on the ground. He might be looking to soften his opponent up in order to work for a submission.
Cain looking to control.
Cain wants to get back to his feet but Butcher is in a dominant position and won't allow it.
Butcher advances to half guard.
Cain blocking the ground and pound attempt from Butcher.
Butcher prevents Cain from standing back up.
The referee walks around the fighters to get a better view of the action. Butcher lands a nice short elbow.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Cain blocking the ground and pound attempt from Butcher.
Cain avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Butcher.
Butcher not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Conor Butcher dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Conor Butcher's cut.
That's time! Back to the action!#R2#
Cain avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Butcher moves away from the strike by Cain.
Butcher half commits to a counter takedown before pushing away, out of range.#TD#
Butcher darts in and lands a nice takedown into half guard.
Butcher is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Cain can do to turn this around?
Butcher missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.
Cain is trying to stand.
Butcher is taking a breather. Cain 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.
Cain taking some punishment here, with Butcher in his half guard.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Cain keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Butcher not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
Conor Butcher overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Butcher slips a nice elbow through Cain's hands, connecting with Cain's forehead.
Butcher prevents Cain from standing back up.
Butcher is keeping good posture, landing some ground and pound. #T1#
Butcher looks to land a strike but Cain avoids it nicely and regains full guard.
Butcher trying to control but Cain is working from the bottom.
Cain working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Butcher.
Cain avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Butcher postures up in Cain's guard and throws a big left but Cain blocks it.
Butcher throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Butcher wants to control from the top but Cain keeps moving.
Butcher is looking to work some ground and pound but Cain has wrist control.
Butcher distracts Cain with his right hand and drops a big elbow with his other arm.
Butcher throws a big elbow that misses.
Cain preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Cain wants to get back to his feet but Butcher is in a dominant position and won't allow it. #T2#
Butcher postures up and lands some nice ground and pound.
Cain looking to control.
Cain avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Butcher throws a big right hand that misses.
Butcher in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Cain is looking to stand up but Butcher isn't so interested in that idea.
Butcher throwing strikes from guard but Cain blocks nicely.
Butcher works over Cain with some ground and pound from guard.
Butcher passes Cain's left leg - he's now in half guard.
Butcher missing with some ground and pound from the half guard. #T3#
Butcher is trying to control. Cain wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.
Cain pushes Butcher off looking to stand but Butcher dives back in and keeps control.
Cain wants to get back to full guard.
Butcher is trying to control the action in half guard but Cain is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.
Butcher throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
Butcher wants to take a breather but Cain is having none of it.
Butcher is looking to advance position but Cain won't allow it.
Cain is trying to control but can't.
If this pace continues, the referee will definitely step in and force a standup.
Butcher is pressing down on Cain's thigh, looking to free his foot. Cain is holding on for now.
Cain has hold of Butcher's hands but Butcher slips his arm to the side and lands an elbow.
Butcher is pressing down on Cain's thigh, looking to free his foot. Cain is holding on for now. #T4#
Butcher lands with an elbow from half guard - that looked like it hurt.
Cain is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Cain is persisting with the attempt to improve his position.
Butcher keeping composed on the top, looking to control the action.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Cain is staying active underneath Butcher, who seems content to just control the action from this position.
Butcher not landing any meaningful shots this time.
Cain keeping control of the position.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Conor Butcher dominated that second round.
The cut man is working on Conor Butcher's cut.
That's time! Back to the action!#R3#
Butcher misses with the combination.
Butcher lands with an uppercut that bounces Cain off the cage and back into range.
Butcher lands the left hand.
A big right from Cain misses.
Butcher throws a right hand that misses
and Cain counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
A telegraphed right hand from Cain misses the target.
Butcher misses with a takedown attempt - Cain sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Cain jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Butcher just misses with a punch to the body.
Cain stuffs the takedown.
Butcher cracks Cain with a hook to the jaw. Both fighters smile at eachother and high-five before getting back down to business.
Butcher lands a straight punch to the body, keeping Cain at a distance. #T1#
Cain ducks under a wild hook from Butcher.
Butcher fails with the takedown.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Conor Butcher. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Cain lands with a nice body punch.
Butcher takes a swing at Cain's ribcage but misses.
Butcher rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Cain moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Butcher will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
Butcher swings for the body but Cain moves out of range.
Butcher swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Butcher clobbers Cain with an overhand right that has the crowd gasping. That made a horrendous noise.
Butcher throws a jab but it's blocked by Cain.
Cain is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Butcher.
Good standup being displayed there by Butcher as he connects with a hook.
Butcher fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Cain avoids it really well and circles away.#T2#
Butcher dodges the punch combination from Cain.
Butcher walks into a left hand.
Cain takes a step towards his opponent and connects with a left hand, before circling away.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Butcher keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Cain.
Butcher changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Cain tries to avoid it but Butcher manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Cain to the ground. Cain escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Butcher bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Conor Butcher seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Cain throws a body punch but Butcher moves out of range.
Butcher wants to clinch up but Cain keeps it at a distance.
Cain ducks under a wild hook from Butcher.
Good shot there by Cain.#T3#
Cain takes a shot to the eye socket. That's gotta hurt.
Butcher fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Cain manages to avoid it.
Cain appears to be waiting to throw a counter punch to the body.
Cain misses with a wild body shot.
Nice sprawl there from Cain as Butcher shoots in.
Butcher looks for a takedown but Cain sprawls well.
Cain throws a left and a right that both miss #TD#
and Butcher counters with a shoot takedown. Cain fights it but they end up in guard. #ES2#
Cain pushes Butcher off and gets back to his feet.
Cain throws a jab when Butcher was well out of range.
Cain keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Cain misses with a jab, cross combination.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Butcher throws a body shot but no joy.
Butcher falls off balance throwing a combination
and Cain counters with a right hand to the body. #T4#
Butcher looks to score with a jab to the body but Cain is just out of range.
Cain slaps away a takedown attempt from Butcher, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Butcher takes a swing at Cain's ribcage but misses.
Cain throws the left hand but Butcher avoids the punch easily.
Butcher staying out of range there.
Butcher changes levels looking for a counter takedown but doesn't commit.
Cain with a body punch. A glancing blow. #TD#
Butcher drives through with a takedown into guard.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Butcher stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Cain swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Cain is doing well to control the posture of his opponent and prevent any damage.
Butcher in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close third round but RJ Cain just about did enough to take it.
The cut man is working on Conor Butcher's cut.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.#R4#
Cain on the wrong end of a nice jab.
Cain's corner calls for a 1, 2 combination and Cain duly obliges.
Cain cracks Butcher with a good shot that sees him stumbling back into the cage.
Butcher will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Cain! But no joy.
A looping hook to the body misses from Butcher. Cain does a little dance to reset his feet.
Cain scores with a reasonable looking shot to the body. Butcher doesn't seem bothered though.
RJ Cain seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Butcher fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Butcher tries to clinch but fails miserably
and Cain connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Cain lands a straight punch to the body, keeping Butcher at a distance. #TD#
Butcher manages to get an easy takedown there - catching Cain on his heels. He'll look to pass Cain's guard now, I'm sure.
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!
Butcher slips nicely into half guard.
Butcher passes to full mount! #T1#
Cain wants to try and get back to his feet.
Butcher unloads with some shots from mount but Cain bucks and avoids them well.
Cain is trying to stand up.
We get told so often about how wrestlers don't like to be on their backs. Let's see if Cain can do anything to dispel that myth.
Butcher working away from the top, dropping strikes.
Cain is desperately trying to improve his position but Butcher has a good base and remains in mount.
Butcher scoring with some good ground and pound from mount here. Will he manage to finish Cain?
Butcher misses with a head shot.
Butcher cracks Cain with a nasty head shot there - the crowd let out an audible gasp there, as the noise reverberated around the arena.
Butcher trying to control but Cain is having none of it. #T2#
Butcher lands a big elbow.
Cain tries to reverse the position but Butcher maintains control.
Cain blocking the ground and pound.
Butcher lands a shot to the body, followed up by a shot to the exposed head of his trapped opponent.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Cain avoids a series of strikes thrown by Butcher.
Butcher connects with a couple of good shots from mount.
Butcher thuds his fist into the canvas! Oooouch!
Cain is wriggling around trying to escape.
Butcher lands with some vicious ground and pound - can Cain hang on?#T3#
Butcher throws an elbow from mount that misses. Lucky escape for Cain because Butcher loaded up on that one.
Butcher dominating with strikes here.
Butcher landing shots from mount.
Cain avoids a series of strikes thrown by Butcher.
The referee warns Cain that he has to improve his position here as he takes two more clean shots to the head.
Butcher punching from mount but Cain doing a good job of avoiding damage.
Butcher working the ground and pound effectively.
Butcher raining down hammerfists from mount.
Butcher lands a nice shot to the head.
Cain keeping his composure momentarily, calmly looking to get back to half guard.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Butcher punishing his opponent with strikes. #T4#
Butcher landing strikes from the mount and Cain is in trouble!
Cain wriggling around on the bottom manages to avoid the strikes thrown by Butcher.
Butcher landing shots from mount.
Butcher raining down shots from the mount!
Butcher thowing shots but they're missing.
Butcher with good strikes from the mount here!
The referee warns Cain that he has to improve his position here as he takes two more clean shots to the head.
Butcher lands with some vicious ground and pound - can Cain hang on?
Cain tries to hold on but Butcher pushes him away.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Conor Butcher had his way with RJ Cain in that round.
The cut man is working on Conor Butcher'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. The crowd applaud as we get ready to start the final round!#R5#
Butcher takes a jab on the nose. He smiles like he loves it and keeps coming.
Cain throws out a loose jab but Butcher uses good head movement to avoid it.
Cain takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
Nice straight punches there by Cain. You know Roy Jones Jr respects the hands of Cain.#TD#
Butcher closes the distance and looks for a trip takedown... aaaand he's got it - Butcher lands in his opponent's guard.
Cain avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Butcher lands a couple of elbows.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Butcher chips away with some ground and pound.
Butcher working from the guard for now, landing some ground and pound.
Butcher stands up over Cain, holding his feet. He dives back in and lands a decent shot to the head.
Butcher wants to control from the top but Cain keeps moving. #T1#
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Butcher accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Butcher passes Cain's right leg, so he's now in half guard.
Butcher throwing shots but Cain is blocking nicely.
Butcher thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
Butcher thows a huge punch but Cain dodges it nicely.
Butcher not doing much here.
Butcher thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Cain's head.
Butcher looks towards his corner to check for any instructions. The corner give him nothing to work with, so he cracks Cain with a short hammerfist. I guess that's as good as any advice he could get in this position.
Cain taking some punishment here, with Butcher in his half guard.
Butcher not landing any meaningful shots this time. #T2#
Butcher is nestled in close to Cain, controlling him well. He's worked in a nice elbow to the side of the head as well, for good measure.
Cain wants to control but Butcher is keeping busy.
Butcher thows a huge punch but Cain dodges it nicely.
Butcher throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
Butcher not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
Butcher looks to score some points with some ground and pound.
Butcher thows a huge punch but Cain dodges it nicely.
Cain keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Butcher seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Cain does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.
Butcher moves into full mount! Cain won't be happy about that! #T3#
Butcher with good strikes from the mount here!
Cain is trying desperately to improve position.
Butcher lands a couple of nice shots there from mount.
Conor Butcher is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Butcher content just to control the position here.
RJ Cain has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!#T4#
Cain wants to control but Butcher is having none of it.
Butcher controlling the pace for now.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Butcher'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.

And that's the end of the fight!
Conor Butcher showed his dominance in that final round.
I think Butcher has won this one but let's see what the judges have to say. 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 Matheus Silva scores the fight 49:46
Judge Edson Gomes scores the fight 49:46
Judge Mauricio Rocha scores the fight 49:46

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Conor Butcher!
Conor Butcher retains his welterweight title!
An out of breath Conor Butcher thanked his loyal fans in his post fight interview, giving them credit for his success over the course of his career.

Event: BFC 23:Butcher vs. Matsuzaka 2
Date: Oct 03, 2020

#R1#
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Matsuzaka moves out of range of the strikes.
Butcher tries to clinch up.
Good shot there by Butcher.
Butcher is looking to clinch.
Matsuzaka jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Butcher attempts a counter takedown but Matsuzaka avoids it well and moves away.
Matsuzaka scores with a sloppy punch to the body. Not much technique there but it did the business.
Butcher misses the shot to the body.
Matsuzaka misses the shot to the body.
We've been hearing reports that Butcher has been drilling takedowns in recent sessions so let's see if that has an impact on the result of this fight.
Butcher has a takedown stuffed.
Butcher moves out of range of the strikes.
Butcher shoots for a double leg takedown but Matsuzaka sprawls well. He's pushed Butcher's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Butcher misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Matsuzaka.
Matsuzaka slips under a jab.
A jab lands there for Matsuzaka.
Matsuzaka throws a hook to the side of Butcher's head but Butcher sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.#CL#
Butcher pushes Matsuzaka up against the cage in a clinch.#T1##BC2#
Matsuzaka breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Matsuzaka throws a hard body shot but it just misses. #CL#
Butcher rushes Matsuzaka and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.
Matsuzaka tries to throw a body punch but Butcher avoids it by throwing Matsuzaka back against the cage.
Butcher misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Matsuzaka lands a nice elbow from the clinch. #CUT2#It looks like Conor Butcher has been cut.
Butcher tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Matsuzaka lands a hook to the side of the head.
Butcher lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Matsuzaka backwards.
Matsuzaka lands a nice shot to the body. #BC2#
Matsuzaka breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat. #TD#
Butcher shoots in and gets a takedown into half guard. Butcher showed some decent athleticism there.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Butcher thows a huge punch but Matsuzaka dodges it nicely.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Butcher landing with strikes to the body and head, softening up his opponent.
Butcher throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man. #T2#
Butcher throwing shots but Matsuzaka is blocking nicely.
Matsuzaka is trying to defend against the ground and pound but Butcher scores with a couple of nice shots.
Butcher is looking to advance position but Matsuzaka won't allow it.
Matsuzaka 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.
Matsuzaka is looking for a sweep. Butcher is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Matsuzaka blocking the ground and pound attempt from Butcher.
Matsuzaka won't allow Butcher to pass to mount.
Butcher not landing any meaningful shots this time.
Butcher has been looking to land a fair amount of strikes on the ground. He might be looking to soften his opponent up in order to work for a submission.
Butcher missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
Matsuzaka blocking the ground and pound attempt from Butcher.
Butcher not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
Matsuzaka wants to get back to full guard.
Matsuzaka has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Butcher is working away from the top position though.#T3#
Butcher looks to score some points with some ground and pound.
Butcher seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Matsuzaka does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.
Nice strikes from Butcher there.
Matsuzaka tries to get to full guard but Butcher has control of the leg.
Butcher throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Butcher thows a huge punch but Matsuzaka dodges it nicely.
Matsuzaka is doing well to avoid being mounted. He's controlling the position at the moment.
Butcher is taking a breather. Matsuzaka 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.
Matsuzaka avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Butcher. #T4#
Butcher wants to lay and pray for a moment but Matsuzaka keeps working.
Matsuzaka has hold of Butcher's hands but Butcher slips his arm to the side and lands an elbow.
Butcher throwing shots but Matsuzaka is blocking nicely.
Butcher trying to pass the guard but Matsuzaka defending well.
Butcher slips a nice elbow through Matsuzaka's hands, connecting with Matsuzaka's forehead.
Butcher throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
Matsuzaka controlling the position for now.
Butcher is thwarting Matsuzaka's attempts to control the position.
Butcher missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Conor Butcher dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Conor Butcher's cut.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business.#R2#
Matsuzaka throws a hard body shot but it just misses. #TD#
Excellent takedown into side control there by Butcher.
Butcher working the ground and pound but Matsuzaka is defending the strikes.
Matsuzaka tries to work a leg under to get back to half guard but Butcher wriggles his own leg back out and remains in side control.
The strikes coming from Butcher are missing the target in this wave of attacks.
Butcher throws an elbow but Matsuzaka slips to the side and avoids it well.
Sloppy strikes there by Butcher.
Butcher wants to lay and pray for a moment but Matsuzaka keeps working.
Butcher tries to score with some ground and pound. Matsuzaka controls his posture well this time though and the shots don't do any damage.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Butcher tries to score with some ground and pound. Matsuzaka controls his posture well this time though and the shots don't do any damage.
A bit of a lull in the action. I'm sure it will pick up again soon... even if the ref has to physically pick them up and put them back on their feet.
Butcher throwing strikes but missing, from side control. #T1#
Matsuzaka avoids any damage from the ground and pound of Butcher.
The strikes coming from Butcher are missing the target in this wave of attacks.
Butcher throws a strike aimed at the side of Matsuzaka's head but Matsuzaka avoids it well.
Butcher is looking to take a break and control but Matsuzaka is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Butcher is working Matsuzaka over with some ground and pound from side control.
Conor Butcher overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Butcher wants to lay and pray for a moment but Matsuzaka keeps working.
Butcher misses with the ground and pound.
Butcher has knee on belly and now moves to full mount! Trouble for Matsuzaka!
Butcher landing strikes, looking to finish! #T2#
Matsuzaka wriggling around on the bottom manages to avoid the strikes thrown by Butcher.
Butcher landing shots from mount.
Butcher thowing shots but they're missing.
Matsuzaka holding onto his opponent's waist for dear life, as Butcher tries to land some strikes to get him to release his grip.
Butcher throwing sloppy strikes here. Perhaps if he tightened up his striking from such a dominant position, he'd be able to finish easier.
Butcher misses with a head shot.
Matsuzaka wants to hold on but Butcher pushes him away.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
The referee warns Matsuzaka that he has to improve his position here as he takes two more clean shots to the head.
Poor strikes thrown by Butcher there. More accuracy and less frantic strikes would help! #T3#
Butcher avoids the attempt from Matsuzaka to control.
Butcher with good strikes from the mount here!
Butcher punching from mount but Matsuzaka doing a good job of avoiding damage.
Butcher looking to ground and pound but Matsuzaka is blocking nicely.
Butcher thuds his fist into the canvas! Oooouch!
Butcher is in the full mount, landing strikes.
Butcher with shots to the head and body - Matsuzaka looks very uncomfortable down there.
Butcher punishing his opponent with strikes.
BOOM! Butcher connects with a massive shot to the dome!
Butcher with the ground and pound from mount.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Butcher thowing shots but they're missing. #T4#
Matsuzaka is writhing around trying to get back to his feet.
Butcher is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Matsuzaka can do to turn this around?
Butcher is in the full mount, landing strikes.
Butcher throwing strikes but Matsuzaka bucks up and reverses the position. He's now in guard on top.
Matsuzaka preventing the sweep. #SUB#
Butcher is looking for a triangle here but Matsuzaka uses the submission attempt to pass into side control.
Butcher is moving his hips around well on the bottom and has managed to get back to half guard.
Butcher is pressing down on Matsuzaka's left leg trying to get back to full guard. He's managed it.
Matsuzaka wants to control from the top but Butcher keeps moving.
Butcher looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Conor Butcher dominated that second round.
The cut man is working on Conor Butcher's cut.
That's time! Butcher's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.#R3##TD#
Butcher fakes an overhand right and shoots for a takedown. Matsuzaka sprawls well initially but Butcher persists and gets the takedown into half guard.
Butcher working Matsuzaka over with strikes.
Butcher throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.
Butcher thows a huge punch but Matsuzaka dodges it nicely.
Butcher is trying to control the action in half guard but Matsuzaka is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.
Butcher throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
Butcher slips a nice elbow through Matsuzaka's hands, connecting with Matsuzaka's forehead.
Butcher thows a huge punch but Matsuzaka dodges it nicely.
Butcher wants to take a breather but Matsuzaka is having none of it.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
The two fighters exchange a few words. I couldn't hear what they were saying but maybe it's more fun if you make it up yourself. Butcher connects with a nice short shot to Matsuzaka's temple.
Butcher throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
Matsuzaka blocking the ground and pound attempt from Butcher.
Butcher throwing shots but Matsuzaka is blocking nicely. #T1#
Butcher working the head and body with strikes.
Butcher thows a huge punch but Matsuzaka dodges it nicely.
Butcher sitting and controlling from the half guard.
Butcher working the head and body with strikes.
Butcher wants to take a breather but Matsuzaka is having none of it.
Matsuzaka avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Butcher.
Butcher sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Matsuzaka defending well though.
Butcher thows a huge punch but Matsuzaka dodges it nicely.
Butcher thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Matsuzaka's head. #T2#
Matsuzaka won't allow Butcher to pass to mount.
Butcher passes the guard and advances to mount!
Matsuzaka is in a horrible position here. Butcher smacks him with another shot as he tries to escape the position.
Matsuzaka wriggling around on the bottom manages to avoid the strikes thrown by Butcher.
Butcher scoring with some good ground and pound from mount here. Will he manage to finish Matsuzaka?
Butcher lands a nice shot to the head.
Matsuzaka is bucking up trying to escape but Butcher cracks him with another couple of good strikes.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Matsuzaka is in all sorts of trouble here. #T3#
Butcher throwing sloppy strikes here. Perhaps if he tightened up his striking from such a dominant position, he'd be able to finish easier.
Matsuzaka taking shots to the head.
Matsuzaka is in a horrible position here, under a barrage of strikes, he's managing to avoid any damage.
The crowd growing excited in anticipation of a finish here! Right on cue, Butcher cracks his opponent with a massive right hand that draws loud cheers!
Butcher landing strikes, looking to finish!
Butcher thowing strikes but they're hitting the gloves, not doing any damage.
Butcher with good strikes from the mount here!
Butcher lands a couple of good shots and Matsuzaka has given up his back, trying to escape the position!
The crowd hopeful of a finish here - Butcher's supporters are on their feet, screaming for him to go for the rear naked choke.
Butcher lands an elbow to the side of the head.
The fans in attendance giving it up for the two fighters, who have really let it all hang out in the last minute or so!
Matsuzaka covering up well under a barage of strikes. #T4#
Even with his hooks in, Butcher manages to miss with strikes from the back.
Butcher throwing damaging strikes from the back! Matsuzaka could be in trouble here!
Butcher throwing lazy shots from the back mount that aren't doing any damage.
Matsuzaka covering up well under a series of strikes from Butcher.
Butcher throwing wild punches that miss their target.
Butcher throws a big right hand but he misses and hits the mat. Ouch.
Butcher somehow managing to miss with a strike from the back.
Even with his hooks in, Butcher manages to miss with strikes from the back.
Even with his hooks in, Butcher manages to miss with strikes from the back.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Conor Butcher clearly takes that round.
The cut man is working on Conor Butcher's cut.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business.#R4#
Matsuzaka throws a jab when Butcher was well out of range.
Matsuzaka misses with an uppercut.
Butcher half commits to a counter takedown before pushing away, out of range.
Butcher has his head snapped back a nice jab. A little nod from Butcher there as he acknowledges the shot.
Nice sprawl there from Matsuzaka as Butcher shoots in.
Butcher shoots for a takedown but Matsuzaka saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
Butcher fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Matsuzaka avoids it really well and circles away.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Conor Butcher. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Matsuzaka thows a left - swing and a miss! #CL#
Butcher moves into range and clinches up with Matsuzaka.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.#BC2#
Matsuzaka breaks from the clinch. #TD#
Butcher shoots in and gets a takedown into Matsuzaka's guard.
Butcher throws a strike but Matsuzaka rolls with it and manages to sweep. Now he's in guard on top. #REVB#
Butcher looking to hit a scissor sweep but Matsuzaka is one step ahead there.
Butcher is working hard here to advance position.#T1#
Matsuzaka slows down the pace of the fight for a moment. He'll need to remain active if he doesn't want to see the fight stood back up.
Matsuzaka pushes down on Butcher's leg and manages to get into half guard.
Butcher wants to get back to full guard.#T2#
Neither fighter has done anything of merit for a good minute or two here and the crowd are not happy about it.
Matsuzaka trying to control from half guard but Butcher is working away.
Butcher is looking to improve his position.
Butcher trying to control from the bottom.
Butcher is trying to control but Matsuzaka passes into side control!
Butcher is trying to get back to half guard. He's pushing on Matsuzaka's leg. He's managed it. Nice work.
The fighters are battling for position here. Butcher manages to regain full guard. Nice work. #T3#
Butcher wants to sweep here but Matsuzaka controlling him for the moment.
Butcher manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Matsuzaka manages to get himself to full guard. #REVR#
Butcher being controlled here momentarily. #T4#
The crowd are showing their displeasure at the lack of action as loud boos ring out around the arena.
Matsuzaka controls Butcher momentarily but Butcher frees himself.
Butcher postures up and lands some nice ground and pound.
Butcher throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Butcher postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Butcher with a nice head shot there.
Matsuzaka is pulling down on Butcher's head to control his posture.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Matsuzaka keeping moving, preventing Butcher from controlling successfully.
Butcher wants to pass the guard but Matsuzaka is keeping the position.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close fourth round but I would say that Conor Butcher will probably get the nod.
The cut man is working on Conor Butcher's cut.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business. And we move into the final round!#R5#
Matsuzaka misses with a straight right.
Butcher shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Matsuzaka as he jumps to the side.
Matsuzaka misses with a straight right.
A lazy left from Butcher finds it's target.
Butcher shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Matsuzaka sprawls well. Matsuzaka wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Butcher gets slowly back to his feet.
Matsuzaka misses with a straight right.
Butcher tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Matsuzaka manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Butcher misses with a wild body shot.
Butcher tries to clinch up.
Matsuzaka throws out a counter right but Butcher avoids it with no problem.
Matsuzaka throws a lazy right hand but Butcher sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Matsuzaka changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.
Matsuzaka throws a shot from downtown. Butcher moves away and avoids it.#T1#
Butcher steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Matsuzaka.
Butcher shoots in for a takedown but Matsuzaka shows good takedown defense.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Conor Butcher. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Matsuzaka lands a body shot. #CL#
Butcher takes the fight into the clinch.
Matsuzaka misses with an elbow over the top.
Butcher tries for a takedown but Matsuzaka manages to get underhooks.
Butcher tries to jump guard but he falls flat on his backside. Matsuzaka smiles and moves away.
Matsuzaka scores with a jab to the jaw of his opponent.
Butcher scores with a nice right hand.
Butcher is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
A little jabbing left from Matsuzaka on the counter but it doesn't find it's target.#TD#
Matsuzaka tries to sprawl but Butcher drives through with a takedown into half guard.
Keisuke Matsuzaka has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!#T2#
Butcher throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
Butcher throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
Butcher looks towards his corner to check for any instructions. The corner give him nothing to work with, so he cracks Matsuzaka with a short hammerfist. I guess that's as good as any advice he could get in this position.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Butcher sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Matsuzaka defending well though.
Matsuzaka is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Matsuzaka is looking to control Butcher's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Matsuzaka avoid being mounted?
Butcher missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.
Butcher missing with some ground and pound from the half guard. #T3#
Butcher works his foot free and advances to mount.
The crowd growing excited in anticipation of a finish here! Right on cue, Butcher cracks his opponent with a massive right hand that draws loud cheers!
Matsuzaka blocking the ground and pound.
Butcher working Matsuzaka over with strikes here.
Conor Butcher is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Butcher controlling the pace for now. #T4#
Butcher has controlled the position for a good 20 seconds, which will no doubt be starting to frustrate his opponent.
This is a sustained period of stalling by Butcher.
Matsuzaka is looking to get to half guard.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Butcher content just to control the position here.

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

Ladies and gentlemen, after 5 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Leandro Rodrigues scores the fight 50:44
Judge Alexandre Firmino scores the fight 50:44
Judge Matheus Silva scores the fight 50:44

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Conor Butcher!
Conor Butcher retains his welterweight title!
A very excited looking Conor Butcher 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.

Event: BFC Halle Birthday Bash 1
Date: Aug 28, 2020

#R1#
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Butcher slips in close and lands a nice hook before moving back out of range.#CL#
Butcher clinches.
A right hand to the body from Butcher.
Butcher tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Matsuzaka's elbow.
Butcher tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Butcher digs a right hand into Matsuzaka's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Matsuzaka's gas tank.
Matsuzaka prevents a body shot from Butcher. #BC2#
Matsuzaka pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Matsuzaka takes a shot to the nose. Hopefully that hasn't broken it.
Butcher drops his hands momentarily and Matsuzaka takes advantage with a crisp shot to the head. #CUT2#It looks like Conor Butcher has been cut.
Matsuzaka cracks Butcher with a right hand to the side of the head.
A lazy left from Butcher finds it's target.
Decent striking displayed by Matsuzaka there.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Matsuzaka looks to land a right hand but Butcher moved out of range.
Butcher scores with a jab to the head.
Butcher uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Matsuzaka.
Matsuzaka uses good footwork to get in and out, landing a nice hook.
Butcher seems to be moving with more speed, compared to his last bout. He must have been working on that in the gym.#CL#
Butcher pushes Matsuzaka up against the cage in a clinch.#TD#
Butcher has picked Matsuzaka up - he's going for a ride! Butcher dumps his opponent to the mat with a thud and settles into half guard.
Matsuzaka regains full guard, whilst avoiding punches from Butcher. #T1#
Butcher throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Butcher throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Matsuzaka works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Butcher accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Matsuzaka utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Butcher trying to control the position from guard on top but Matsuzaka is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Butcher chips away with some ground and pound.
Butcher makes a bit of distance and scores with some ground and pound, still in guard.
Butcher throwing strikes from guard but Matsuzaka blocks nicely.
Butcher works a leg free and moves into half guard.
Butcher is controlling the pace.
Butcher thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas. #T2#
Butcher trying to mount his opponent but Matsuzaka defends it.
Butcher sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Matsuzaka defending well though.
Butcher is keen to just control but Matsuzaka is a slippery customer.
We get told so often about how wrestlers don't like to be on their backs. Let's see if Matsuzaka can do anything to dispel that myth.
Butcher not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
Butcher not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Butcher thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
Butcher lands strikes from half guard.
Butcher winds up and cracks Matsuzaka with a swinging punch to the side of the head.
Butcher throwing shots but Matsuzaka is blocking nicely. #T3#
Matsuzaka taking some punishment here, with Butcher in his half guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Matsuzaka blocking the ground and pound attempt from Butcher.
Butcher is looking to take a break and control but Matsuzaka is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Butcher has been looking to land a fair amount of strikes on the ground. He might be looking to soften his opponent up in order to work for a submission.
Butcher thows a huge punch but Matsuzaka dodges it nicely.
Matsuzaka 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.
Matsuzaka keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Matsuzaka is trying to control but can't.
Butcher throws a strike but Matsuzaka avoids it easily and moves to full guard.
Butcher with a flurry of punches that miss.
Butcher stays in close to Matsuzaka's body and controls the position.
Matsuzaka working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Butcher.
Butcher slips nicely into half guard.
Butcher takes advantage of the dominant position to land a couple of big hammer fists.#T4#
Butcher throwing shots but Matsuzaka is blocking nicely.
Matsuzaka avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Butcher.
Butcher trying to control from half guard but Matsuzaka is working away.
Butcher missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
Butcher is looking to pass the guard... He's managed it - he's now in full mount!
Butcher landing shots from mount.
Butcher lands a couple of good shots and Matsuzaka has given up his back, trying to escape the position!
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Butcher misses with punches from the back.
Matsuzaka takes a big shot to the side of the head.
Butcher throwing strikes from the back - he gets a warning from the referee for striking the back of the head but all these shots are hurting Matsuzaka!
Butcher punches the canvas rather than the man.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Conor Butcher dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Conor Butcher's cut.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!#R2#
Matsuzaka leaves Butcher with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.#CL#
Butcher has taken the fight to the clinch.
Butcher is looking to take this one to the mat.
Matsuzaka goes for a body shot but it's blocked. #BC2#
Matsuzaka breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Butcher is defended easily by Matsuzaka.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Conor Butcher. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Matsuzaka steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Butcher.
Matsuzaka throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Butcher sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Conor Butcher seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Butcher tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Matsuzaka paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Matsuzaka throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Matsuzaka looks to land a left hand but Butcher moved out of range nicely.
Matsuzaka misses the body punch #CL#
and Butcher counters into the clinch. Nicely done.
Butcher goes for a body shot but it's blocked. #T1#
Matsuzaka struggles to land a body shot inside as Butcher controls his hands.
Butcher tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.
Butcher dodges an elbow strike from Matsuzaka.
Matsuzaka wants to break free but Butcher has control.
Matsuzaka's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
Butcher misses with some punches.
Butcher misses with a punch to the body.
Butcher works for underhooks and lands a body shot in the process.
Butcher tries to pull guard but Matsuzaka forces him back to his feet, against the cage.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Butcher.
Matsuzaka throws an elbow that misses.
Butcher can't get the takedown.
Butcher is looking for a takedown up against the cage. Matsuzaka gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.#TD#
Butcher pulls guard effortlessly. #SUB#
Butcher looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.
Butcher wants to sweep but no luck. #T2#
Butcher working a defensive guard but Matsuzaka manages to pass into side control anyway.
Butcher is trying to improve his position.
Butcher looks to move to half guard but instead Matsuzaka has passed into mount! Damn!
Matsuzaka sitting in mount, just looking to control for the moment.
Butcher really trying hard to get back to half guard here. #T3#
Butcher is working hard here to advance position.
Butcher wants to hold on but Matsuzaka pushes him away.
Butcher is working to get back to half guard. #T4#
Butcher wants to control but Matsuzaka is having none of it.
Butcher is trying to reverse the position but instead Matsuzaka has taken his back - oops!
Matsuzaka tries to get the hooks in deep but Butcher pushed the leg off.
Butcher tries to escape the position - he's now mounted. Is that better or worse? Hard to tell!
Butcher tries to reverse the position but Matsuzaka maintains control.
Butcher is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Matsuzaka can do to turn this around?
Conor Butcher overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Butcher regains half guard.
Butcher is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close second round but Keisuke Matsuzaka will probably get the nod - 10:9.
The cut man is working on Conor Butcher'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.#R3#
Matsuzaka throws a big shot that misses.
Butcher looks for a takedown but Matsuzaka sprawls well.
Matsuzaka misses the jab.
Matsuzaka misses the jab.
Matsuzaka lands a nice looking body shot.
Butcher with poor footwork there. He got himself in a bit of a tangle, enabling Matsuzaka to score with a decent uppercut.
A swing and a miss from Matsuzaka.
Butcher tries to counter with a takedown but Matsuzaka is quick to defend against it.
Matsuzaka throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Butcher gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily
and Matsuzaka counters nicely by changing levels and landing a hook to the body.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Matsuzaka scores with a punch to the gut of his opponent.
Matsuzaka dips to his left and cracks Butcher with an uppercut!
Matsuzaka circles away from the clinch attempt.
Matsuzaka slips under a jab from Butcher.
Decent striking displayed by Butcher there.#T1#
Butcher tries to clinch but Matsuzaka moves out of range.
Butcher has his head snapped back a nice jab. A little nod from Butcher there as he acknowledges the shot.
Matsuzaka misses the shot to the body. #CL#
Butcher takes the fight into the clinch.
Butcher tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage. #TD#
Butcher gets control of Matsuzaka's arms and successfully pulls guard. Butcher will no doubt be looking for submissions off his back.
Butcher is trying to control the position from the bottom.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Butcher is on top in guard. #REVR#
Butcher trying to pass the guard. He's being very persistent here but Matsuzaka manages to land a sweep and now he's on top! #REVB#
Butcher looking for a sweep. Not yet Butcher, not yet. #T2#
Matsuzaka trying to control the position from guard on top but Butcher is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Butcher bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Matsuzaka's guard. #REVR#
Butcher missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Butcher with a couple of shots to the head there. Not particularly brutal.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Butcher trying to control the position from guard on top but Matsuzaka is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Butcher with a flurry of punches that miss.
Matsuzaka working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Butcher.
Matsuzaka utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Matsuzaka lands a beautiful sweep and he's now moved into his opponent's guard.#REVB##SUB#
Butcher had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Matsuzaka defends it easily.#T3#
Butcher not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
Butcher looking to hit a scissor sweep but Matsuzaka is one step ahead there.
Butcher controls Matsuzaka momentarily but Matsuzaka frees himself.
Matsuzaka is fighting to break Butcher's control of his arms but Butcher is doing a good job of controlling the position at the moment.
Butcher wants to sweep but no luck.
Matsuzaka trying to control but Butcher is working from the bottom. #T4#
Neither fighter has done anything of merit for a good minute or two here and the crowd are not happy about it.
Matsuzaka stopping the sweep attempt from Butcher.
Matsuzaka really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Butcher. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.#REF3#
The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.
Butcher takes a solid shot to the body. That one hurt him but he's trying not to show it.
Matsuzaka tests Butcher's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Matsuzaka connects with a right hand. Butcher shakes it off.
A big left from Butcher misses.
Butcher blocks a jab.
Butcher is trying to close the distance and clinch up, after that failed offence from Matsuzaka.
Butcher tries to clinch but Matsuzaka moves away
and Matsuzaka counters with a nice uppercut.
Keisuke Matsuzaka is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Matsuzaka swings for the body but Butcher moves out of range.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Keisuke Matsuzaka really dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Conor Butcher's cut.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!#R4##CL#
Matsuzaka gets tackled into the cage by Butcher. Butcher maintains the clinch.
A short right from Butcher on the inside.
Matsuzaka is trying to break free.
Matsuzaka lands an elbow inside.
Matsuzaka tries to circle away but Butcher has him pinned against the cage.
Butcher takes an elbow to the forehead.
Matsuzaka blocks an uppercut.
Butcher tries to pull guard but Matsuzaka won't allow it.
Butcher throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Matsuzakas head.
Butcher misses with a hook from the clinch. #BC2#
Matsuzaka's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Matsuzaka misses with a wild body shot.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Butcher jabbing away but nothing is landing.
A lazy left from Matsuzaka finds it's target.#CL#
Butcher closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the cage.
Butcher blocking some punches. #TD#
Butcher jumps guard and drags Matsuzaka to the mat. He's obviously going to be looking for submissions off his back. #T1##SUB#
Matsuzaka got a little sloppy there for a moment and Butcher has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Matsuzaka has managed to get both his arms back between Butcher's legs - danger averted.#SUB#
Butcher working for a triangle but Matsuzaka defends it easily.
Butcher looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Matsuzaka looking to pass the guard.
Butcher bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Matsuzaka's guard. #REVR#
Matsuzaka 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.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Butcher accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand. #T2#
Butcher postures up in Matsuzaka's guard and throws a big left but Matsuzaka blocks it.
Butcher is in close to Matsuzaka's body, working some short punches and elbows.
Matsuzaka lands a beautiful sweep and he's now moved into his opponent's guard.#REVB#
Butcher looking to hit a scissor sweep but Matsuzaka is one step ahead there.
Butcher wants to hit a sweep here but Matsuzaka passes into full mount! Oh no, disaster for Butcher there!
Butcher is wriggling around trying to escape. #T3#
Butcher sneaks a leg back under and regains half guard and is working straight away to try and get back to guard. He hasn't managed just yet though.
Butcher is not content to let Matsuzaka control the position.
Butcher tries to get to full guard but Matsuzaka has control of the leg.
Butcher wants to control the action here but instead Matsuzaka manages to pass to full mount!
Butcher is looking to improve his position but Matsuzaka isn't that keen on the idea.
Butcher sneaks a leg under to get to half guard.
Butcher wants to get back to full guard.#T4#
Butcher wants to sweep but Matsuzaka has passed to side control!
Butcher is trying to get back to half guard.
You can see the frustration on Butcher's face, being in this tough position on the bottom.
Butcher is looking to regain half guard here but Matsuzaka keeps moving and retains side control.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close fourth round but I would say that Conor Butcher will probably get the nod.
The cut man is working on Conor Butcher's cut.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action! Ladies and gentlemen, this is the final round!#R5#
Matsuzaka misses with a straight left.
Matsuzaka lands with a right hand.
Butcher fails with the takedown.
Matsuzaka throws a poor cross that misses #TD#
and Butcher decides to take the opportunity to score a takedown. He's landed in Matsuzaka's guard.
Matsuzaka pulls Butcher in close to his closed guard and prevents Butcher from doing any damage or advancing position.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Butcher accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Matsuzaka is trying to keep Butcher in close. #SUB2#
Matsuzaka is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
Butcher looking to pass the guard. #T1#
Matsuzaka working a defensive guard here.
Butcher trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Butcher throws a strike but Matsuzaka rolls with it and manages to sweep. Now he's in guard on top. #REVB#
Butcher is trying to control the position from the bottom.
Butcher is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move. #REVR#
Butcher throwing shots but Matsuzaka is blocking nicely.
Butcher tries to pass to full mount but Matsuzaka defends it. #T2#
Butcher is trying to control the action in half guard but Matsuzaka is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.
Matsuzaka is trying to defend against the ground and pound but Butcher scores with a couple of nice shots.
Butcher not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
Butcher passes to side control.
Butcher misses with the ground and pound.
The referee tells the fighters to keep busy.
Matsuzaka tries to control but Butcher manages to take his back.
Matsuzaka avoids the strikes from Butcher.
Butcher punishes Matsuzaka with strikes from the back mount.
Butcher misses with an elbow to the head. #T3#
Matsuzaka staying busy and making it hard for Butcher to control.
Matsuzaka covering up well under a series of strikes from Butcher.
Butcher thows a huge left but connects with the canvas and not his opponent.
Butcher throwing sloppy strikes.
Butcher connects with a series of strikes and the referee is calling for Matsuzaka to escape the position.
Butcher missing with punches from the back.
Butcher connects with a big shot to the side of Matsuzaka's head.
Butcher biding his time, controlling Matsuzaka.
Butcher controlling well, preventing Matsuzaka from escaping the position. #T4#
Can Matsuzaka hold on?! Butcher is landing more strikes to his hapless foe.
Butcher is landing with strikes. Matsuzaka can't take much more of this.
Matsuzaka is trying to remain composed but Butcher is hammering down strikes to the side of his head.
Butcher thows a huge left but connects with the canvas and not his opponent.
Matsuzaka has his hands over his head blocking the strikes from Butcher.
Butcher has Matsuzaka flattened out and is raining down punches.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Matsuzaka covering up well and avoiding damage.
Butcher throwing sloppy strikes.
Matsuzaka covering up well under a series of strikes from Butcher.
Butcher wants to control the position but Matsuzaka frees himself and scrambles - Butcher manages to regain control in side control.

And that's the end of the fight!
Conor Butcher showed his dominance in that final round.
I think Butcher has won this one but let's see what the judges have to say. 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 Emerson Jorge scores the fight 47:48
Judge Felipe Paraventi scores the fight 48:47
Judge Leandro Rodrigues scores the fight 48:48

The fight is ruled a draw!
Conor Butcher retains his title. It's always disappointing when a championship fight ends as a draw but that's what happens when you leave the fight in the judges hands!

Event: BFC Fight Night 4
Date: Aug 01, 2020

#R1#
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!#TD2#
Butcher drives through with a takedown into Payakaroon's guard. Let's see what he can do from the top position.
Butcher working some strikes from top position.
Payakaroon 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.
Payakaroon wants to get back to his feet but Butcher is in a dominant position and won't allow it.
Butcher scores with a decent looking elbow strike.
Butcher trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Butcher trying to control the position from guard on top but Payakaroon is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Payakaroon looking to hit a scissor sweep but Butcher is one step ahead there.
Butcher wants to control from the top but Payakaroon keeps moving.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Butcher working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Payakaroon is looking to stand up but Butcher isn't so interested in that idea.
Payakaroon has a closed guard, preventing anything of note from happening. Perhaps he's looking to stall. #T1#
Butcher not doing a lot at the moment. He'll have to show some more aggression or the fight will get stood up.
Butcher working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Butcher postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Payakaroon wants to stand up but Butcher is controlling him.
Butcher postures up in Payakaroon's guard and throws a big left but Payakaroon blocks it.
Butcher looking to control the position here, rather than advance. #REF3#
The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Butcher defending well as Payakaroon loads up on a big left hand.
Nice jab there from Butcher.
Butcher goes for a double leg but Payakaroon avoids the attempt and the two fighters end up clinched against the cage as Payakaroon continues to drive forward.
Butcher fails with a takedown attempt. #T2##TD2#
Butcher shoots in with a lovely double leg takedown. Payakaroon manages to land in full guard to minimise the damage.#ES#
Payakaroon kicks Butcher off and gets to his feet.
Butcher shoots in for a takedown but Payakaroon shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Payakaroon is looking to counter punch.
Samart Payakaroon has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Conor Butcher.
Butcher shoots for a takedown but Payakaroon saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.#TD2#
Butcher looks for a takedown. He's got it. We're now in half guard.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Butcher is figuring out what he wants to do next.
Payakaroon wants to improve his position but Butcher is controlling well.
Butcher uses his free foot to push down on Payakaroon's thigh. Eventually he works his other foot free and he's advanced to mount - this is trouble for Payakaroon.
Butcher unloads with some shots from mount but Payakaroon bucks and avoids them well. #T3#
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Payakaroon regains half guard.
Butcher thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Payakaroon's head.
Butcher slips a nice elbow through Payakaroon's hands, connecting with Payakaroon's forehead.
Butcher wants to control but Payakaroon is keeping him busy.
Payakaroon wants to improve his position but Butcher is controlling well.
Payakaroon trying to control here but he's found himself mounted! Oh no!
Butcher unloads with some shots from mount but Payakaroon bucks and avoids them well.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Butcher working some short elbows here. He postures up to throw some more ground and pound but Payakaroon slips a leg through to get back to half guard. Nice work.
Payakaroon is trying to control but can't. #T4#
Payakaroon wants to get back to his feet.
Butcher seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Payakaroon does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.
Payakaroon is trying to maintain the position but Butcher is very close to passing his half guard.
Butcher is looking to take a break and control but Payakaroon is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Butcher not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Butcher thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
Butcher throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
Butcher slips a nice elbow through Payakaroon's hands, connecting with Payakaroon's forehead.
Butcher missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.
Payakaroon keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Butcher working the head and body with strikes.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Conor Butcher dominated that round.
That's time! Back to the action!#R2#
Butcher thows a left - swing and a miss!
Butcher shoots in looking for a takedown. Payakaroon tries to sprawl out of it but Butcher keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Payakaroon manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Payakaroon smiles there as he lands a nice right hand right on the button.#TD2#
Butcher looking to shoot here. He's gone for it and he's landed a takedown into side control! Oh, that's bad for Payakaroon!
Payakaroon is looking for a sweep.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Payakaroon tries to escape but Butcher is in control.
Butcher with the ground and pound but Payakaroon regains half guard under the barage of strikes.
Payakaroon keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound. #T1#
Butcher wants to control but Payakaroon is keeping him busy.
Payakaroon blocking the ground and pound attempt from Butcher.
Payakaroon is not content to let Butcher control the position.
Butcher not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
Payakaroon looks like he's trying to stand up.
Butcher scores with a couple of good hammerfists.
Payakaroon wants to get back to his feet.
Butcher lands with an elbow from half guard - that looked like it hurt.
Payakaroon keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound. #T2#
Payakaroon is refusing to be controlled, as Butcher sits in half guard.
Well, if Butcher 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.
Butcher drops an elbow to the side of Payakaroon's head.
Nice strikes from Butcher there.
Butcher sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Payakaroon defending well though.
Butcher thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
Payakaroon wants to improve his position but Butcher is controlling well.
Butcher winds up and cracks Payakaroon with a swinging punch to the side of the head. #T3#
Butcher not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
Butcher wants to pass the guard but Payakaroon is defending well.
Payakaroon tries to roll over but Butcher keeps him under control.
Butcher is just content to waste time from the top position. Payakaroon takes advantage of the situation and regains full guard.
Butcher trying to control but Payakaroon is working from the bottom.
Butcher is working the ground and pound from guard. He might want to try advancing position though to get more of an impact.
Butcher works a leg free and moves into half guard.
Butcher missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.
Butcher trying to control the action but Payakaroon is working from the bottom. #T4#
Butcher throws a big elbow that misses, also allowing Payakaroon to regain full guard.
Butcher postures up and lands a big shot to Payakaroon's brow.
Butcher is looking to work some ground and pound but Payakaroon has wrist control.
Butcher tries to free his leg and advance position but Payakaroon is retaining full guard.
Butcher working from the guard for now, landing some ground and pound.
Payakaroon keeping moving, preventing Butcher from controlling successfully.
Payakaroon can't keep his opponent in guard - Butcher advances to half guard, no doubt looking to mount.
Payakaroon has hold of Butcher's hands but Butcher slips his arm to the side and lands an elbow.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Butcher works his way into full mount!
Butcher raining down shots from the mount!
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Conor Butcher showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
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.#R3#
A looping hook to the body misses from Butcher. Payakaroon does a little dance to reset his feet.
Butcher closes this distance looking for a takedown but Payakaroon circles away.
Butcher tries to clinch up
letting Payakaroon counter with a right hand. #CL2#
Butcher closes the distance and clinches.
Payakaroon looks like he'd prefer to be striking at range right now.
Butcher misses with a punch to the body.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Payakaroon.#TD2#
Payakaroon is fighting off a takedown attempt but Butcher is just too persistent for him and manages to trip Payakaroon to the mat. Payakaroon regains guard as soon as the fighters hit the mat.
Butcher wants to control from the top but Payakaroon keeps moving.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Payakaroon is pulling down on Butcher's head. It's preventing any offense from Butcher, at least for the moment.
Payakaroon 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.#T1#
Butcher wants to control from the top but Payakaroon keeps moving.
Payakaroon looking for a sweep. Not yet Payakaroon, not yet.
Butcher in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Butcher has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Payakaroon keeping moving, preventing Butcher from controlling successfully. #REF3#
The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.
Samart Payakaroon is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Butcher tries for a takedown but Payakaroon sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Butcher tries to clinch up.#TD2#
Butcher scores with a takedown into Payakaroon's guard.
Butcher wants to control from the top but Payakaroon keeps moving. #T2#
Butcher cracks Payakaroon with a solid left hand.
Butcher lands a couple of decent looking shots.
Payakaroon looking to control.
Butcher missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Butcher trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Butcher has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
Butcher cracks Payakaroon with a solid left hand.
Butcher postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Butcher throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Payakaroon works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Butcher wants to control from the top but Payakaroon keeps moving.
Payakaroon preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage. #T3#
Payakaroon utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Butcher is looking to work some ground and pound but Payakaroon has wrist control.
Hammerfist, elbow! yells Butcher's corner. There ya go! There ya go!
Butcher looking to sit in guard and control but Payakaroon gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top. #REVR#
Butcher looking to hit a scissor sweep but Payakaroon is one step ahead there.
Butcher lands a beautiful sweep and he's now moved into his opponent's guard.#REVB#
Butcher sitting in guard, not really doing much.
Butcher forces his way into half guard.#T4#
Butcher missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.
Butcher trying to pass the guard but Payakaroon defending well.
Payakaroon is staying active underneath Butcher, who seems content to just control the action from this position.
Payakaroon has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Butcher is working away from the top position though.
Butcher throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Butcher thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Payakaroon's head.
Butcher thows a huge punch but Payakaroon dodges it nicely.
Butcher lands strikes from half guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Conor Butcher really dominated that round.
That's time! Back to the action!#R4##CL2#
Butcher closes the distance and clinches.
Butcher throws a punch but it's blocked by Payakaroon. #TD2#
Butcher manages to pull guard. Let's see whether he can land a sub off his back.
Butcher wants to sweep but no luck.
Conor Butcher has got the better of the ground game so far.#SUB2#
Butcher has his foot on Payakaroon's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Payakaroon works his way back into a safe position though.
Butcher tries to land a sweep but no joy. #SUB2#
Butcher is looking for a triangle but Payakaroon pushes his legs off easily. #SU#
Payakaroon decides he's had enough of playing guard and decides to stand. Come on Butcher, up you get!
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Payakaroon stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Payakaroon wants it to stay on the feet.
Payakaroon keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
A jab lands there for Payakaroon.#T1#
Butcher blocks a head kick by Payakaroon.
A jab from Butcher misses.
Payakaroon throws a head kick but Butcher moves out of range.
Payakaroon misses the jab.
Butcher tries to clinch up but Payakaroon circles away and keeps his distance.#CL2#
Butcher instigates a clinch.
Butcher working some nice short punches in the clinch.
Payakaroon wants to break free but Butcher has control. #TD2#
Butcher gets control of Payakaroon's arms and successfully pulls guard. Butcher will no doubt be looking for submissions off his back.
Butcher wants to sweep here but Payakaroon controlling him for the moment.
Butcher wants to hit a sweep here but Payakaroon passes into full mount! Oh no, disaster for Butcher there!
Butcher can't escape the position. #T2#
Butcher wants to control but Payakaroon is having none of it.
Butcher is working to get back to half guard.
Payakaroon fails to advance to Butcher's back.
Butcher can't escape the position. #T3#
Butcher regains half guard.
Butcher wants to improve his position but Payakaroon is controlling well.
Butcher is pressing down on Payakaroon's left leg trying to get back to full guard. He's managed it.
Butcher has a closed guard, preventing Payakaroon from standing up.
Butcher is trying to control the position from the bottom. #T4#
The crowd are getting on the fighters' backs, as the pace has dropped off in the last minute or so.
Butcher looking for a sweep. Not yet Butcher, not yet.
It looks like the ref is thinking about a standup.
Butcher lands a beautiful sweep and he's now moved into his opponent's guard.#REVB#
Hammerfist, elbow! yells Butcher's corner. There ya go! There ya go!
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Butcher looking to sit in guard and control but Payakaroon gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top. #REVR#
Payakaroon won't allow Butcher to sweep him here.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close fourth round but Conor Butcher will probably get the nod - 10:9.
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. Ladies and gentlemen, this is the final round!#R5#
Butcher takes a push kick to the midsection and stumbles backwards.
Butcher fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
Payakaroon throws a head kick that connects with a bit of head and a bit of hand.
Payakaroon throws a body kick that sends a sickening thudding noise reverberating around the arena.
Payakaroon keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Butcher slips a straight right by Payakaroon.
Payakaroon misses with a left hand #TD2#
and Butcher counters with a nice shoot takedown that brings the fighters to the ground.
Butcher pushes down on Payakaroon's leg and manages to get into half guard.
Butcher looks towards his corner to check for any instructions. The corner give him nothing to work with, so he cracks Payakaroon with a short hammerfist. I guess that's as good as any advice he could get in this position.
Butcher tries to pass the half guard into mount. Payakaroon knows what he's doing though and prevents the attempt.
Payakaroon gets back to full guard. #T1#
Payakaroon wants to stand but Butcher is controlling the position.
Butcher scoring with punches to the head and body.
Butcher slips nicely into half guard.
Payakaroon blocking the ground and pound attempt from Butcher.
Butcher is looking to pass Payakaroon's guard but actually Payakaroon recovers to full guard.
Payakaroon wants to sweep but no luck. #T2#
My god... these two guys really need to pick up the pace or everyone will leave to go get a beer.
Butcher advances position into side control!
The ground and pound from Butcher seems to be hitting the mat more than his opponent.
Payakaroon is working to avoid the ground and pound but Butcher connects with a decent elbow.
Butcher wants to control but Payakaroon is keeping him busy.
Butcher tries to score with some ground and pound. Payakaroon controls his posture well this time though and the shots don't do any damage.
Samart Payakaroon has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Butcher lands some shots froms side control.
Payakaroon is putting a lot of effort into getting back to his feet here.
Butcher lands an elbow.
Butcher throws a strike aimed at the side of Payakaroon's head but Payakaroon avoids it well.#T3#
Payakaroon tries to improve position but can't.
Payakaroon trying to remain calm as Butcher controls from the top position.
Payakaroon avoids any damage from the ground and pound of Butcher.
Butcher wants to control for a moment but Payakaroon uses the opportunity to move back to half guard.
Butcher missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
Conor Butcher is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
Butcher controlling the action here. #T4#
The crowd are hurling abuse towards the fighters... You can hardly blame them though because there isn't a lot going on in the fight.
Butcher prevents Payakaroon from standing back up.
Payakaroon is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Butcher perhaps working for something from half guard, or maybe not. It looks like he's just sitting there. #REF3#
The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.
Butcher throws an ugly left hook that misses
and Payakaroon counters with a good, hard body kick but Butcher shrugs it off.
Payakaroon misses with a straight right.
Payakaroon swings and misses with a hook to the body.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
A nice combination there by Payakaroon.
Samart Payakaroon is winning the standup battle so far.
Decent striking displayed by Payakaroon there.#TD2#
Butcher drives through with a takedown into guard.

And that's the end of the fight!
I would just about give that final round to Conor Butcher.
I've got Butcher winning every round here. Surely the decision will go his way and he'll pick up a well deserved decision victory. Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 5 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Felipe Paraventi scores the fight 45:50
Judge Mauricio Rocha scores the fight 45:50
Judge Seu Braga scores the fight 45:50

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Conor Butcher!
Conor Butcher is the new welterweight champion!
A very excited looking Conor Butcher 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.

Event: BFC 13: Olstein Vs. The Blade
Date: Jul 04, 2020

#R1#
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Smith jabs at Butcher's body.
Smith loads up on a big right hand but Butcher slips the punch.
A big left from Smith misses. #CL#
Butcher moves into the clinch successfully. #TD#
Butcher gets a trip takedown into half guard.
Butcher keeping composed on the top, looking to control the action.
Smith tries to push off, looking to stand up, but Butcher manages to move to mount!
Smith is bucking up trying to escape but Butcher cracks him with another couple of good strikes.
Butcher putting on the heat here with some good ground and pound!
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Smith is trying to stand up.
Butcher controlling his opponent. #T1#
Butcher has controlled the position for a good 20 seconds, which will no doubt be starting to frustrate his opponent.
Butcher'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.#T2#
Well. There's a bit of a lull in the action here and the crowd are starting to get restless.
Butcher looking to ground and pound but Smith is blocking nicely.
Butcher content just to control the position here. #T3#
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.
This is a sustained period of stalling by Butcher.#T4#
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.
Smith is trying to get to the cage to help him get back to his feet.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Butcher controlling his opponent.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Conor Butcher dominated that round.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action.#R2##TD#
Butcher scores with a takedown into Smith 's guard.
Smith is wriggling around but Butcher manages to pass to half guard.
Butcher content to control rather than advance.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.#T1#
Butcher continues to hold on tight.
The referee claps his hands together and tells the fighters to work.
Smith is trying to stand back up but Butcher is controlling him #REF3#
The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.
Butcher slips a jab from Smith .
Butcher swung with a counter punch to the body but it didn't connect.#CL#
Butcher moves into the clinch.
Butcher is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Smith can do to turn this around?
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Smith .
Smith tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Smith .
Butcher blocks a punch to the side of the head.
A nice left hand lands by Smith . #T2##TD#
Butcher has double underhooks and is working for a body lock takedown. He's got it. The fighters land in half guard but Smith regains guard immediately.
Butcher slows down the pace of the fight for a moment. He'll need to remain active if he doesn't want to see the fight stood back up.
Smith is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.
Butcher passes into half guard.
Butcher with a momentary lay and pray from half guard.
We get told so often about how wrestlers don't like to be on their backs. Let's see if Smith can do anything to dispel that myth.#T3##REF3#
The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up.#TD#
Butcher gets a takedown into half guard.
Butcher perhaps working for something from half guard, or maybe not. It looks like he's just sitting there. #T4#
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Butcher passes the guard and advances to mount!
Butcher controlling the position easily from mount.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Conor Butcher dominated that second round.
That's time! Back to the action! 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.#R3##CL#
Butcher forces Smith back against the cage and clinches.
Smith swings away with an uppercut that misses. #TD#
Butcher turns his back and goes for a hip toss. It's a bit messy but it gets the job done and Butcher manages to end up in side control.
A bit of a lull in the action. I'm sure it will pick up again soon... even if the ref has to physically pick them up and put them back on their feet.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Smith tries to get back to his feet but has found himself mounted instead. Damn, that's gotta suck.
Smith in a bad spot here, taking shots to the head. #T1#
Butcher controlling the position easily from mount.
Mike Smith has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!#T2#
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.#T3#
Butcher with the ground and pound from mount.
Conor Butcher is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Butcher controlling the position easily from mount. #T4#
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.
Butcher seems to have a rather negative gameplan on the ground. He seems keen to just score the takedown and hold down Smith for as long as he can get away with.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!

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

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Emerson Jorge scores the fight 30:27
Judge Leandro Rodrigues scores the fight 30:27
Judge Mauricio Rocha scores the fight 30:27

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Conor Butcher!
A relieved looking Conor Butcher thanked the fans for their support and gave the usual line about them being amazing. They seemed to believe that he actually meant it.

Event: HFC 21 - Khabib x Butcher
Date: May 30, 2020

#R1#
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Nice cross by Nurmagomedov.
Nurmagomedov misses with a few strikes there.
Nurmagomedov just misses with a punch to the body. #CL2#
Butcher rushes Nurmagomedov and presses him up against the cage.
We've been hearing reports that Nurmagomedov has been drilling takedowns in recent sessions so let's see if that has an impact on the result of this fight.
Butcher stays in close to his opponent and throws a right hand to the body.#TD2#
Butcher decides to pull guard.
Nurmagomedov wants to control from the top but Butcher keeps moving.
Butcher pulls Nurmagomedov in close to prevent any damage.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Butcher avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Nurmagomedov cracks Butcher with a solid left hand.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.#T1#
Nurmagomedov scoring with punches to the head and body.
Butcher lands a beautiful sweep and he's now moved into his opponent's guard.#REVB#
Nurmagomedov tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Butcher not doing a lot at the moment. He'll have to show some more aggression or the fight will get stood up.
Nurmagomedov 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.
Butcher pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Nurmagomedov is keeping the position for now.
Nurmagomedov has been looking to land a fair amount of strikes on the ground. He might be looking to soften his opponent up in order to work for a submission.#T2#
Nurmagomedov managing to control the position.
Nurmagomedov looking for a sweep. Not yet Nurmagomedov, not yet.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Butcher looking to control the position here, rather than advance.
Let's hope that Butcher has the urge to step up the pace any second now because for the last 15 or 20 seconds he's just been holding on tight.#REF3#
The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.#T3#
Nurmagomedov dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
A looping hook to the body misses from Nurmagomedov. Butcher does a little dance to reset his feet.
Butcher shoots and misses #TD#
and Nurmagomedov decides to take the opportunity to score a takedown. He's landed in Butcher's guard.
The fighters are starting to get a bit slippery now, which will make submissions a bit more difficult.
Butcher looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Butcher avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Butcher pulls Nurmagomedov in close to his closed guard and prevents Nurmagomedov from doing any damage or advancing position.
Nurmagomedov wants to control from the top but Butcher keeps moving. #T4#
Butcher avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Nurmagomedov content to stall in guard here. #SUB2#
Nurmagomedov got a little sloppy there for a moment and Butcher has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Nurmagomedov has managed to get both his arms back between Butcher's legs - danger averted.
The referee must be thinking about standing these guys back up.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Nurmagomedov throws a strike but Butcher rolls with it and manages to sweep. Now he's in guard on top. #REVB#
Nurmagomedov looking for a sweep. Not yet Nurmagomedov, not yet.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Khabib Nurmagomedov dominated that round.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!#R2#
Nurmagomedov lands a slapping body shot.
Nurmagomedov is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Butcher can do to turn this around?
Nurmagomedov throws a good cross that connects.
Butcher stuffs the takedown.#TD#
Nurmagomedov closes the distance and gets a double leg, slamming Butcher to the mat! Butcher manages to get full guard.
Nurmagomedov trying to control but Butcher is working from the bottom.
Nurmagomedov with a flurry of punches that miss.
Nurmagomedov throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Butcher works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Nurmagomedov throws a big elbow that misses.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Nurmagomedov being controlled here momentarily.
Nurmagomedov stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Butcher swivels though and keeps the full guard. #T1#
Nurmagomedov in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Nurmagomedov tries to free his leg and advance position but Butcher is retaining full guard.
Nurmagomedov postures up in Butcher's guard and throws a big left but Butcher blocks it.
Nurmagomedov is looking to work some ground and pound but Butcher has wrist control.
Nurmagomedov trying to control the position from guard on top but Butcher is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can. #REF3#
The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up.
Nurmagomedov moves out of range as Butcher strikes.
Nurmagomedov was looking to counter that move with a punch but didn't quite pull the trigger.
Nurmagomedov displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Butcher throws out the jab.
Butcher closes this distance looking for a takedown but Nurmagomedov circles away.
Nurmagomedov throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Butcher waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Nurmagomedov.
Butcher wants to clinch.#T2#
Nurmagomedov throws a hook to the side of Butcher's head but Butcher sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Nurmagomedov sets himself, and Butcher steps forward looking for the clinch! Nurmagomedov avoids it this time.
Butcher closes this distance looking for a takedown but Nurmagomedov circles away.
Butcher swings for the body but Nurmagomedov moves out of range.
Nurmagomedov shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Butcher as he avoids it easily. #TD#
Nurmagomedov darts in and lands a nice takedown into half guard.
Nurmagomedov throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
Butcher is trying to get back to full guard.
Nurmagomedov thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
Nurmagomedov working the head and body with strikes. #T3#
Nurmagomedov looks towards his corner to check for any instructions. The corner give him nothing to work with, so he cracks Butcher with a short hammerfist. I guess that's as good as any advice he could get in this position.
Nurmagomedov lands with a punch from half guard.
Butcher keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Nurmagomedov throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
Butcher is not content to let Nurmagomedov control the position.
Nurmagomedov not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
Nurmagomedov thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Butcher's head.
Nurmagomedov thows a huge punch but Butcher dodges it nicely.
Nurmagomedov trying to mount his opponent but Butcher defends it.
Butcher blocking the ground and pound attempt from Nurmagomedov. #T4#
Butcher blocking the ground and pound attempt from Nurmagomedov.
Nurmagomedov thows a huge punch but Butcher dodges it nicely.
Nurmagomedov throwing shots but Butcher is blocking nicely.
Nurmagomedov trying to control from half guard but Butcher is working away.
Butcher blocking the ground and pound attempt from Nurmagomedov.
Nurmagomedov lands with an elbow from half guard - that looked like it hurt.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Butcher has hold of Nurmagomedov's hands but Nurmagomedov slips his arm to the side and lands an elbow.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Khabib Nurmagomedov dominated that second round.
That's time! Back to the action!#R3#
Butcher fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Nurmagomedov's corner calls for a 1, 2 combination and Nurmagomedov duly obliges.
Nurmagomedov ducks down and throws a hook to the body.
Nurmagomedov misses with a looping left.#CL2#
Butcher moves into the clinch.
Nurmagomedov blocking some punches.
Nurmagomedov has had enough of the clinch and is looking to separate.
Nurmagomedov blocks an uppercut.
Butcher working aggressively here.
Nurmagomedov has Butcher pressed against the cage.
Nurmagomedov is working on a leg, looking for a takedown but Butcher is defending well.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Butcher blocks a body shot from Nurmagomedov.
The fighters are pressed against the cage, as the pace of the fight slows.
Nurmagomedov misses with the head strike.
Butcher goes for a takedown in the clinch but Nurmagomedov prevents it.
Butcher swings wildly with an uppercut but Nurmagomedov uses good head movement to avoid it. #T1#
Good anti-grappling being displayed by Butcher as Nurmagomedov tries to tie him up.
Nurmagomedov takes a shot to the head.
Nurmagomedov misses with a hook to the ribs.
Butcher tries to throw a body punch but Nurmagomedov avoids it by throwing Butcher back against the cage.
Butcher blocks a couple of punches on the inside. #TD2#
Butcher jumps guard and drags Nurmagomedov to the mat. He's obviously going to be looking for submissions off his back.
Nurmagomedov throwing strikes from guard but Butcher blocks nicely.
Butcher avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Nurmagomedov trying to control the position from guard on top but Butcher is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Butcher seems keen to control Nurmagomedov's posture.#T2#
Butcher working a defensive guard here.
Nurmagomedov missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Nurmagomedov trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Nurmagomedov with a flurry of punches that miss.
Nurmagomedov working some strikes from top position.
Nurmagomedov is looking to work some ground and pound but Butcher has wrist control.
Nurmagomedov throwing strikes but missing.
Butcher trying to control the position. #T3#
Nurmagomedov with a flurry of punches that miss. #REF3#
The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up.#TD#
Nurmagomedov is looking for a takedown here. He's shot in and has managed to get it, finishing up in Butcher's half guard.
Nurmagomedov throwing shots but Butcher is blocking nicely.
Nurmagomedov with the ground and pound but Butcher uses the opportunity to regain guard.
Butcher has momentary wrist control but Nurmagomedov slips an elbow through the middle.
Nurmagomedov keeps in close for a moment and lands a decent shot to the side of Butcher's head.
Nurmagomedov wants to control from the top but Butcher keeps moving.
Nurmagomedov is looking to pass into half guard but Butcher pushes him away with his feet and jumps on top - now Butcher is in guard.#REVB##T4#
Butcher won't allow Nurmagomedov to sweep him here.
Butcher missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Butcher trying to control the position from guard on top but Nurmagomedov is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Butcher controls the pace of the fight for a moment.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Khabib Nurmagomedov clearly takes that round.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.#R4#
Nurmagomedov stalks Butcher and leaps in with a furious combination of punches. Uppercuts and crosses smash into Butcher's face. Butcher staggers backwards, shaken.#CUT#It looks like Conor Butcher has been cut.
Butcher connects with a looping left hand that seems like it dazed Nurmagomedov momentarily.
Khabib Nurmagomedov is winning the standup battle so far.
Butcher shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Nurmagomedov sprawls well. Nurmagomedov wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Butcher gets slowly back to his feet.
Butcher fails with the takedown
and Nurmagomedov counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Butcher shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Nurmagomedov defends it nicely.
Khabib Nurmagomedov has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Conor Butcher.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Nurmagomedov fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Butcher manages to avoid it.
Butcher keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Butcher wants to counter the offense by Nurmagomedov and move into the clinch position.
Nurmagomedov lands a jab to Butcher's midsection.
Nurmagomedov throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd. #TD#
Nurmagomedov gets a double leg takedown into Butcher's guard.#T1#
Butcher can't keep his opponent in guard - Nurmagomedov advances to half guard, no doubt looking to mount.
Butcher is trying to get back to full guard.
Nurmagomedov is trying to control. Butcher wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.
Nurmagomedov is thwarting Butcher's attempts to control the position.
Butcher has found himself in a tricky position here. He's been working his transitions in training so let's see if he can work his way out of it.
Nurmagomedov winds up and cracks Butcher with a swinging punch to the side of the head.
Nurmagomedov thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Butcher's head.
Nurmagomedov is stalling here. Butcher is in no mood to hang around though. He's locked up a kimura from the bottom! Nurmagomedov seems to be keeping calm but he's forced to roll out of the hold and Butcher has ended up in side control on the top. Nice work. #T2#
Nurmagomedov tries to bench press Butcher off him but Butcher keeps the position.
Nurmagomedov is trying to escape the position but Butcher is controlling the position.
Nurmagomedov wants to control but Butcher postures up.
Both fighters take a look at the clock.
Nurmagomedov tries to buck Butcher off but Butcher is having none of it.#T3#
Butcher tries to move to mount but Nurmagomedov blocks the move with his legs.
Butcher controls the position from side control.
Nurmagomedov is trying to control Butcher's posture but Butcher avoids it.
Nurmagomedov tries to get back to half guard but can't.#T4#
There's not a lot going on here and the crowd are letting the fighters know they're not willing to tolerate a lack of action.
Butcher trying to control the action but Nurmagomedov is working from the bottom. #REF3#
The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Nurmagomedov swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Butcher fails in his attempt to clinch.
Butcher throws the left hand but Nurmagomedov avoids the punch easily.#CL2#
Butcher gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.
A short uppercut from Butcher.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.#TD2#
Butcher has hold of one of Nurmagomedov's legs. Nurmagomedov is fighting the takedown attempt but Butcher gets the trip and lands the takedown into guard.
Nurmagomedov 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.
Butcher throws a big elbow that misses.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Khabib Nurmagomedov had his way with Conor Butcher in that round.
The cut man is working on Conor Butcher's cut.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action. And we move into the final round!#R5#
Nurmagomedov closes the distance and lands a one-two.
Butcher moves forwards but Nurmagomedov connects with a nice, crisp jab.
Nice takedown defense from Butcher. No joy for Nurmagomedov on that attempt.
Butcher fails with an attempt to clinch.
Nurmagomedov just misses with a punch to the body.
Butcher closes the distance and clinches up with Nurmagomedov, looking for a takedown. Butcher pushes Nurmagomedov against the cage but Nurmagomedov circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
A looping hook to the body misses from Butcher. Nurmagomedov does a little dance to reset his feet.
Butcher takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.#TD2#
Butcher shoots in for a takedown and gets it. Let's see what he's got on the mat.
Nurmagomedov seems keen to control rather than go for a submission, at least for now.
Butcher controlling from the guard. I say controlling but really, he's stalling.
Butcher is continuing to stall.#T1#
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.
Butcher won't allow Nurmagomedov to sweep him here.
We've had a lack of effective grappling in the last minute or so, which could well see a referee standup.
Conor Butcher has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!#T2#
The crowd are showing their displeasure at the lack of action as loud boos ring out around the arena.
Butcher trying to control the position from guard on top but Nurmagomedov is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can. #REF3#
The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.
Butcher fails with an attempt to clinch.
Nurmagomedov throws a body shot but no joy.
Nurmagomedov swings and misses with a hook to the body. #TD2#
Butcher drives through with a takedown into Nurmagomedov's guard. Let's see what he can do from the top position.
Nurmagomedov has control of Butcher's left arm, preventing Butcher from doing any damage.
Butcher trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet. #T3#
Nurmagomedov wants to improve his position but instead Butcher has moved into half guard.
Khabib Nurmagomedov overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Nurmagomedov holds on for dear life, maintaining half guard for now.
Butcher is thwarting Nurmagomedov's attempts to control the position.
Butcher controlling the action here.
The referee is pacing around the two fighters, thinking about a standup.
Butcher stalling away here and it's allowed Nurmagomedov to slip out his trapped foot and regain full guard. #T4#
The crowd are getting on the fighters' backs, as the pace has dropped off in the last minute or so.
Nurmagomedov is looking to sweep but instead, Butcher has passed into half guard.
Nurmagomedov won't allow Butcher to pass to mount.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Nurmagomedov controlling the position well. #REF3#
The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.

And that's the end of the fight!
I would just about give that final round to Conor Butcher.
I think Nurmagomedov has won this one but let's see what the judges have to say. 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 John Kavanagh scores the fight 49:46
Judge Eddie Farnsworth scores the fight 49:46
Judge Reed Andrews scores the fight 49:46

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Khabib Nurmagomedov!
Khabib Nurmagomedov retains his lightweight title!
During a confident post fight interview, Khabib Nurmagomedov thanked all his fans. He seemed very genuine when describing how motivated his fans keep him.

Event: HFC KO 2 - Havoc vs Cabrera
Date: Apr 25, 2020

#R1##CL#
Butcher has taken the fight to the clinch.
Butcher blocking some punches.
Vanegas tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Vanegas throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Butchers head.
Vanegas misses with a hook to the ribs. #BC2#
Vanegas breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat. #TD#
Butcher shoots in for a takedown! He's got it and he's managed to land in side control! That's better than Butcher was expecting from the takedown attempt, I'm sure!
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Butcher taking a breather here.
Vanegas tries to bench press Butcher off him but Butcher keeps the position.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Butcher grinds an elbow into Vanegas's temple.
Butcher sitting in side control, looking to soften his opponent up with elbows and hammerfists but Vanegas is avoiding damage well and looking to escape the position.
Butcher in side control, trying to ground and pound but not landing this time.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Butcher scores with a couple of nice shots to the head there. The referee takes a look at Vanegas to see if he's OK.
Vanegas takes a couple of big shots there - the referee warns him that he has to defend himself better.#T1#
A lull in the action here.
Vanegas is trying to control Butcher's posture but Butcher avoids it.
Vanegas is looking to reverse the position.
Butcher moves into full mount!
Vanegas in a bad spot here, taking shots to the head.
Butcher has been looking to land a fair amount of strikes on the ground. He might be looking to soften his opponent up in order to work for a submission.
Butcher punishing his opponent with strikes.
Vanegas is in all sorts of trouble here.
Butcher lands with some strikes.
Butcher lands a shot to the body, followed up by a shot to the exposed head of his trapped opponent.
Vanegas is wriggling around trying to escape. #T2#
Butcher looking to ground and pound his opponent to a finish here.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Butcher landing strikes, looking to finish! #ROC#
Vanegas is rocked!
Butcher looking to finish here with some ground and pound. He lands one big shot that has Vanegas covering up... and two more big strikes land, forcing the referee to step in and put and end to proceedings! This fight is all over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:31 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Conor Butcher!
Conor Butcher decided to thank the fans in attendance for making a great atmosphere. It seemed to go down pretty well.

Event: HFC 12 - Bizihwaeile vs Wolf
Date: Mar 28, 2020

#R1##CL#
Butcher has Duncan up against the cage in a clinch.
A short right from Butcher.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Butcher.
Duncan wants a takedown.
Duncan wants a takedown but no success here.
Butcher presses Duncan against the cage and delivers a mid-strength body shot.
Duncan is working on a leg, looking for a takedown but Butcher is defending well.
Conor Butcher has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Brandin Duncan.
Butcher lands on the inside with an uppercut.
Butcher working some nice short punches in the clinch.
Butcher scores with a shoulder strike.
Duncan's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
A short right hand to the side of the head by Butcher.
Duncan wants to take the fight to the mat but Butcher manages to get underhooks and keep the fight in the clinch.
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!
Butcher lands with a short head shot on the inside.
Butcher lands a body punch.
Butcher cracks Duncan with a nice body shot.
Butcher is leaning against Duncan and scores with a nice uppercut to the body.
Butcher lands with a left to the head.
A nice left hand lands by Butcher.
Butcher scores with an uppercut up the middle.
Butcher scores with a hook to the body.
Duncan is working on a leg, looking for a takedown but Butcher is defending well.
A nice right hand lands inside from Butcher. #T1#
Butcher lands with a short shot to the head. #ROC#
Duncan is rocked!
Butcher lands an uppercut.
Duncan is still on wobbly legs! Can Butcher finish him?
Butcher lands an uppercut in the clinch that drops Duncan to his knees! Butcher keeps firing more shots against his stricken opponent and the referee jumps in to save him!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:15 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Conor Butcher!
Conor Butcher decided to thank the fans in attendance for making a great atmosphere. It seemed to go down pretty well.

Event: HFC Tournament Rd. 3
Date: Feb 28, 2020

#R1##CL#
Butcher rushes Silva and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.
Silva misses with a hook to the ribs. #TD#
Butcher manages to pull guard. Let's see whether he can land a sub off his back.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Butcher is on top in guard. #REVR#
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Butcher accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Silva looking for a sweep. Not yet Silva, not yet.
Butcher slips nicely into half guard.
Silva is trying to maintain the position but Butcher is very close to passing his half guard.
Silva is trying to defend against the ground and pound but Butcher scores with a couple of nice shots.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Butcher not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
Silva keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Butcher seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Silva does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.
Butcher thows a huge punch but Silva dodges it nicely. #T1#
Silva is staying active underneath Butcher, who seems content to just control the action from this position.
Silva looks more muscular than last time we saw him. He must have been on the weights.
Silva is in trouble now - Butcher has advanced to mount!
Silva taking shots to the head.
We get told so often about how wrestlers don't like to be on their backs. Let's see if Silva can do anything to dispel that myth.
Butcher punching from mount but Silva doing a good job of avoiding damage.
Butcher is still in mount, landing shots to his trapped opponent. Silva can't stay in a position like this for much longer.
Butcher in mount throwing good strikes here, bouncing his opponent's head off the canvas.
Silva blocking the ground and pound.
Silva is looking to get to half guard.
Silva taking shots to the head.
Butcher working the ground and pound effectively.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Butcher putting on the heat here with some good ground and pound!#T2#
Butcher landing strikes from the mount.
Butcher lands a couple of nice shots there from mount. #CUT#
It looks like Marco Silva has been cut.
Butcher looking to ground and pound but Silva is blocking nicely.
Butcher connects with a couple of good shots from mount.
Butcher is landing with some decent strikes but Silva is trying to advance his position so the referee is letting the fight continue.
Silva taking shots to the head.
Butcher working Silva over with strikes here.
Butcher thuds his fist into the canvas! Oooouch!
Silva wriggling around on the bottom manages to avoid the strikes thrown by Butcher.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Butcher cracks Silva with a nasty head shot there - the crowd let out an audible gasp there, as the noise reverberated around the arena.
Butcher looking to ground and pound but Silva is blocking nicely. #T3#
Butcher thuds his fist into the canvas! Oooouch!
Butcher throwing sloppy strikes, which aren't doing any damage.
Butcher breaks from Silva's wrist control and lands an elbow.
Silva is in a horrible position here, under a barrage of strikes, he's managing to avoid any damage.
Silva is in a horrible position here, under a barrage of strikes, he's managing to avoid any damage.
Butcher with the ground and pound from mount.
Butcher landing strikes, looking to finish!
Butcher landing punches.
Silva looks winded!
Butcher breaks from Silva's wrist control and lands an elbow.
Silva really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Butcher. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Butcher dominating with strikes here.#CUT#
That has opened up Marco Silva's cut even more.
Butcher landing punches.
Butcher throws some wild stikes that Silva manages to avoid easily. #T4#
Poor strikes thrown by Butcher there. More accuracy and less frantic strikes would help!
Butcher throwing sloppy strikes, which aren't doing any damage.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Butcher pausing momentarily but resumes with a couple of decent strikes that do a bit of damage.
Butcher throws some wild stikes that Silva manages to avoid easily.
Silva in a bad spot here, taking shots to the head.
Silva blocking the ground and pound.
Butcher misses with a series of strikes from mount. He'll no doubt be working on his ground and pound when he gets back to the gym.
Butcher scoring with strikes but Silva is staying in there.
The referee warns Silva that he has to improve his position here as he takes two more clean shots to the head.
Butcher pausing momentarily but resumes with a couple of decent strikes that do a bit of damage.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Butcher connects with a couple of good shots from mount.
Butcher with good strikes from the mount here!#ROC#
Silva is rocked!#CUT#
Marco Silva's cut is absolute horrible now. This looks like something out of a horror film with blood covering both fighters.

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

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:55 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Cut). Conor Butcher!
A victorious Conor Butcher thanked his army of followers in his post fight interview, telling people to make sure they follow him on Twitter.
Marco Silva spoke after the fight, saying 'I should have never lost to this bum'.

Event: Champion Series 155/185
Date: Feb 17, 2020

#R1##CL2#
Butcher takes the fight into the clinch.
Butcher lands a nice uppercut.
Butcher lands with a short punch from the clinch.
Butcher stays in close to his opponent and throws a right hand to the body.
Butcher works on Tarlah's body with a couple of short punches.
A right hook to the body lands for Butcher.
Butcher lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
Butcher lands a right hand.
Butcher lands a shoulder strike.
A nice left hand lands by Butcher.
Butcher lands on the inside with an uppercut.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Tarlah is looking for a takedown up against the cage. Butcher gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.
Butcher scores with an uppercut up the middle.
Tarlah is trying to work for a single leg takedown but Butcher pulls him back up using the underhooks.
Butcher lands with a short head shot on the inside.
Butcher prevents a takedown attempt there.
Butcher has been looking to improve his clinch game in recent weeks. Tarlah seems to have the measure of him in the clinch so far, so let's see if Butcher can turn it around.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Balink Tarlah. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Butcher scores with a nice hook to the head.#ROC2#
Tarlah is rocked!#T1#
A short left from Butcher.
Oh Tarlah is still all over the place! His legs are completely gone! Will he be able to recover?!!
Tarlah is looking for a takedown.
Butcher dips a shoulder and cracks Tarlah with a mighty uppercut! Tarlah falls back against the cage and Butcher unloads with a barrage of strikes! Tarlah is completely out with his eyes open, only supported by the cage! Save him ref! Eventually the ref decides to do his job and jumps in - Butcher screams abuse at the incompetent official before going over to celebrate with his corner. Brutal stuff!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:12 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Conor Butcher!
During a confident post fight interview, Conor Butcher thanked all his fans. He seemed very genuine when describing how motivated his fans keep him.

Event: Core Combat V
Date: Jan 12, 2020

#R1##CL2#
Butcher has closed the distance and engaged Punk in a clinch.
Butcher tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Punk's elbow.
Punk wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.
Punk wants to push off and get back to the center of the mat but Butcher has him pressed against the cage.
Punk working aggressively here.
We can't be sure of the tactics at this early stage but we have heard that Butcher has been working on his takedowns a lot in the buildup to the fight and we can only assume he's going to look to take this to the mat.#TD2#
Butcher has Punk pressed up against the cage. He's trying to work for a single leg takedown. Butcher pulls back from the cage and twists to the side, sending Punk tumbling to the mat - Butcher dives into Punk's guard.
Butcher distracts Punk with his right hand and drops a big elbow with his other arm.
Punk is trying to keep Butcher in close.
Punk wants to control here, rather than go for any submissions from the bottom. At least for now.
Butcher throws a big right hand that misses.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Punk is trying to control the position but Butcher postures up.
Punk can't do much from the bottom at the moment, as Butcher controls the pace.#T1#
Butcher looking to pass the guard.
Butcher throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Butcher throwing strikes from guard but Punk blocks nicely.
Butcher throwing strikes but missing.
Butcher stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Punk swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Punk avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Punk avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Butcher trying to control but Punk is working from the bottom.
Butcher wants to pass the guard but Punk is keeping the position.#T2#
The crowd are hurling abuse towards the fighters... You can hardly blame them though because there isn't a lot going on in the fight.
Butcher 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.
Punk working a defensive guard here. #REF3#
The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.#TD2#
Butcher closes the distance and clinches up, looking for a takedown. He shifts his weight and gets a nice trip into half guard.
Butcher lands strikes from half guard.
Punk taking some punishment here, with Butcher in his half guard.
Butcher throws a strike but Punk avoids it easily and moves to full guard.
Butcher is working Punk over from the guard. He should look to pass the guard and do a little more damage with these strikes.
Punk is trying to control the position but Butcher postures up.
Butcher stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Punk swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Butcher has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
Butcher is looking to work some ground and pound but Punk has wrist control.#T3#
Butcher throws a big right hand that misses.
Butcher throws a big right hand that misses.
Punk wants to sweep but no luck.
Punk is trying to control the position but Butcher postures up.
Butcher throws a big elbow that misses.
Butcher content to strike from guard, landing some decent shots.
Butcher engaging in some classic timewasting tactics.
Punk working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Butcher.
Punk is breathing heavily.
Butcher forces his way into half guard.
Butcher wants to pass to mount but Punk is defending the position.
Punk keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound. #T4#
Butcher is trying to control the action in half guard but Punk is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.
Butcher throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.
Butcher passes the guard and advances to mount!
Butcher with a couple of short strikes.
Butcher with a couple of short strikes.
Butcher landing punches. #ROC2#
Punk is rocked!
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
A big strike lands for Butcher! That's really hurt Punk and he's turned his back - Butcher keeps firing away and the ref dives in to stop the fight! Butcher jumps to his feet to celebrate the victory!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:53 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Conor Butcher!

Event: Quick Fight Championship
Date: Nov 24, 2019

#R1#
Butcher leaves Dare with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
Dare shoots in looking for a takedown. Butcher tries to sprawl out of it but Dare keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Butcher manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing. #CL2#
Butcher instigates a clinch.
Butcher misses with the head strike.
Butcher misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Dare wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Dare .
Butcher tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Butcher tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Butcher misses with the head strike.
Dare stalling.
Dare is trying to drag Butcher to the mat but Butcher just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Peter Dare . That's going to take a lot out of him.
Dare tries to score a body lock takedown but Butcher shows good agility there to stay on his feet.#T1#
Butcher lands an uppercut.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Dare .
Butcher misses with some punches.
A short uppercut from Butcher.
Butcher lands a body punch - he's looking to wear down Dare .
Dare drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Dare is breathing heavily.
Dare blocks a body shot from Butcher.
Dare blocks a body shot from Butcher.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Butcher.
Butcher misses with the head strike.
Butcher misses with a punch to the body.
Butcher swings away with an uppercut that misses.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Butcher. #T2#
Butcher misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Butcher is pressed up against the cage. Dare has hold of a leg and is looking to drag Butcher down to the mat. Butcher avoids the attempt though and has circled away. We're back to striking at a distance. #CL2#
Butcher forces Dare back against the cage and clinches.
Butcher tries to work over Dare 's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Dare jumps guard but Butcher stands there with Dare around his waist. Dare gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch.
An uppercut to the body lands inside from Butcher.
Butcher pushes Dare back against the cage and 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!
Butcher doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Butcher tries to work over Dare 's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Dare blocks an uppercut.
Butcher misses with a punch on the inside.
Butcher lands with a short shot to the head.
Butcher misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Dare blocks a body shot from Butcher.
Butcher throws a head punch that misses. #T3#
Butcher has a couple of punches blocked by Dare .
Butcher tries to work over Dare 's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Butcher gets through Dare 's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
Butcher tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Butcher lands a nice shot to the body.
Butcher misses with a body punch.
Butcher lands with a left to the head.
Butcher scores with a shoulder strike.
A short left from Butcher.
Butcher doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Dare blocks a body shot from Butcher.
Dare blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Butcher misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Butcher makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
Butcher struggles to land a body shot inside as Dare controls his hands. #T4#
Butcher works on Dare 's body with a couple of short punches.
Butcher throws a punch but it's blocked by Dare .
Butcher misses with a body punch.
A short uppercut from Butcher.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Butcher can't find room to land a body shot as Dare controls the action.
Dare goes for a takedown in the clinch but Butcher prevents it.
Butcher misses with a short punch on the inside.
Butcher misses with some punches.
Butcher misses with the head strike.
Butcher throws a head punch that misses.
Butcher tries to work over Dare 's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Butcher misses with a punch on the inside.
Butcher swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Butcher tries to work over Dare 's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Conor Butcher dominated that round.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!
#R2##CL2#
Butcher closes the distance and clinches.
A shot in the inside from Butcher.
Butcher works for underhooks and lands a body shot in the process.
Butcher misses with a short punch on the inside.
Dare is looking for a takedown up against the cage. Butcher gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.
Dare wants to push off and get back to the center of the mat but Butcher has him pressed against the cage.
Butcher tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Dare 's elbow.
Butcher struggles to land a body shot inside as Dare controls his hands.
Dare is trying to drag Butcher to the mat but Butcher just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.
The fighters are starting to get sweaty, which will make takedowns a bit more tricky.
Butcher tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Butcher tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Butcher tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Butcher lands with a short punch from the clinch.
Dare is trying to work for a single leg takedown but Butcher pulls him back up using the underhooks.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Peter Dare . That's going to take a lot out of him.#T1#
Butcher works for underhooks and lands a body shot in the process.
Both guys are working to get underhooks.
Dare working hard to break the clinch.
Dare 's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
Butcher has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
A head punch on the inside from Butcher fails to land.
Dare blocks a body shot from Butcher.
Butcher goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Butcher swings wildly with an uppercut but Dare uses good head movement to avoid it.
Butcher can't find room to land a body shot as Dare controls the action.
Butcher throws a hook to the body. More of an arm punch but it's all scoring with the judges.
Good body shot from Butcher.
Butcher tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Butcher lands a right hand that snaps the head of Dare backwards.
Dare blocks a punch to the side of the head. #T2#
Butcher swings wildly with an uppercut but Dare uses good head movement to avoid it.
Butcher is leaning against Dare and scores with a nice uppercut to the body.
Conor Butcher seems to be working more effectively in the clinch in the fight so far.
Butcher lands a shoulder strike.
Dare blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Butcher misses with a hook from the clinch.
Butcher lands with a short shot to the head.
Butcher lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Butcher throws a head punch that misses.
Butcher lands a nice uppercut.
Dare is trying to slow down the pace of the fight but Butcher is keeping busy.
Butcher tries to throw a body punch but Dare avoids it by throwing Butcher back against the cage.
Butcher digs a right hand underneath Dare 's ribcage. Dare let out a lung full of air as it connected.
Dare blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Butcher lands a left hand. #T3#
Butcher misses with a punch to the body.
Butcher lands a body shot in the clinch.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, Butcher creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
A short left from Butcher. #ROC2#
Dare is rocked!
Butcher scores with a shot to the side of Dare 's head.
Oh Dare is still all over the place! His legs are completely gone! Will he be able to recover?!!
Butcher lands on the inside with an uppercut.
Butcher scores with a shoulder strike.
Dare is trying to break the clinch but Butcher is controlling him.
Butcher creates some distance for himself and unleashes a massive uppercut that sends Dare 's eyes rolling into the back of his head! Dare drops to his knees and Butcher pours it on with more strikes until the referee steps in to end the bout!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:34 of round 2, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Conor Butcher!

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