SIGMA - Rise of European MMA

batsnumbereleven · February 13, 2014

Monday 15th August <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36914" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Press Release Signature Martial Arts brings you its next MMA experience live from the Wuppertal Uni-Halle in Germany on Friday 26th August and live on Pay-per-View via EuroNet across Europe. Headlining the Event will be the debut of Croatian kick boxer Zvonimir Asanovic (#8, 32-4), who comes to SIGMA after a spell in the far east with ALPHA-1 where he fought some of the world's best Light-Heavyweights. His opponent for the fight will be Swedish ground-and-pound merchant Dag Kreuger, who has run up a streak of good performances of late, most recently taking out Andoni Olano at SIGMA 52. In the co-main event, Middleweight action will see Nigerian wrestler Casim Yenkini (13-5) look to build on his wins over Ollie Castle and Guilherme Faure over the last year or so as he takes on Swedish striker Isaac Jacobsen (7-3), who was last in action on SIGMA Gefecht TV in January where he took a TKO victory over Conrad Bueller. Australian judoka Kenneth Toadspew (12-5) will hope to redeem himself after recent losses to Stian Agenstein and Piotr Dabrowski as he faces Italian wrestler Carmelo Rossi (10-6), an unlucky split decision loser to Iain Fussell last time out at SIGMA 47. In the Featherweight division, recent title challenger Jason Dalglish (#17, 21-8) may still be ranked, but he will need to rebuild his confidence after his loss to Nuno Valentino, and he will oppose Dutch kick boxer Gerrit Dudok (5-3), whilst fellow Dutchman Jacco Landeweerd (7-1) will be the opponent for Juozas Skerla (3-0) from Lithuania, who had been out of MMA since late 1997 before SIGMA snapped him up. The main card will be completed with a Lightweight bout between Russian submissions fighter Vladimir Baskov (9-3) and Swedish all-rounder Patrik Pedersen (5-1) with both men coming off victories in their last appearances, Baskov over Egidijus Fomenka at SIGMA 49 and Pedersen over Folke Dalen at SIGMA 47. Neither was especially convincing so will need to press their cases here. In preliminary action, there will be two fights in the Welterweight division. Veteran Welsh kick boxer Paul Duffell (22-12) will take on SIGMA newcomer Gerhard Kreutzberg (2-0), whilst French judoka Philipe Marceaux (0-2) hopes to break his duck against the MMA debutant Goran Karlsson.</div></blockquote> Card for picks: SIGMA 58 Zvonimir Asanovic v Dag Kreuger Casim Yenkini v Isaac Jacobsen Kenneth Toadspew v Carmelo Rossi Jason Dalglish v Gerrit Dudok Jacco Landeweerd v Juozas Skerla Vladimir Baskov v Patrik Pedersen (prelim) Paul Duffell v Gerhard Kreutzberg (prelim) Philipe Marceaux v Goran Karlsson

CageRage · February 14, 2014

SIGMA 58

Zvonimir Asanovic v Dag Kreuger

Casim Yenkini v Isaac Jacobsen

Kenneth Toadspew v Carmelo Rossi

Jason Dalglish v Gerrit Dudok

Jacco Landeweerd v Juozas Skerla

Vladimir Baskov v Patrik Pedersen

(prelim) Paul Duffell v Gerhard Kreutzberg

(prelim) Philipe Marceaux v Goran Karlsson

BigRedMachine · February 14, 2014

SIGMA 58

Zvonimir Asanovic v Dag Kreuger - Wouldn't be suprised if Kreuger can pull of the upset

Casim Yenkini v Isaac Jacobsen

Kenneth Toadspew v Carmelo Rossi

Jason Dalglish v Gerrit Dudok

Jacco Landeweerd v Juozas Skerla

Vladimir Baskov v Patrik Pedersen

(prelim) Paul Duffell v Gerhard Kreutzberg

(prelim) Philipe Marceaux v Goran Karlsson - If i remember right isn't Goran supposed to be Gunnar Nelson's student

batsnumbereleven · February 14, 2014

News and Notes from around the MMA world: August 2001

Signings

ALPHA-1: Muneyaki Suzuki, Sadatake Hiro, Bruce Atkins

GAMMA: Garth Neill, Jared Mooney (1-3 OMEGA), Alexander Kerr, Charlie DeVille,

OMEGA: Zachary Gilbert, Harvey Loeb, Marko Prochazka, Bienvenido Romulo

BCF: Egidijus Fomenka (0-5 SIGMA), Sentamu Fujita, Min-Soo Sik (4-1 KDMFC), Ernest deLinde (1-0 OMEGA), Naizen Hamacho (5-3 ALPHA-1),

FLB: Blaze Weeks, Diego Melo, Takuma Honda (1-4 ALPHA-1), Christian Mountfield (1-3 GAMMA),

XCC: -

WEFF: -

WARRIORS: Sharaku Kon (2-2 ALPHA-1), Filipe Silva (0-3),

UCFF: Brady Crawford,

Events

XCC: Ziskie v Salinas took place on Thursday 4th August, with Philip Ziskie (#1, 25-1-1) defending his XCC Featherweight title against rising star Moses Salinas (#2, 5-1). Ziskie emphasised his dominance over the rest of the division with a second round knockout to retain. In the co-main Daniel Ortiz (6-1) sprung a surprise with a first round knockout of Israeli Shuler Eigenberg (#9, 14-5), also in the Featherweight division.

The following day was FLB 27: Breakthrough, with 3714 turning up in Curitiba, Brazil to see former KDMFC star Atep of Indonesia (#6, 15-0) make his second FLB appearance, as he took just 33 seconds to knock out Grande Silveira (5-1) with knees from the thai plum to take home the previously vacant FLB Lightweight title. In the co-headliner, Affonso Villar (#2, 28-3) took another step towards a shot at the FLB Light-Heavyweight title he lost to Carlos dos Santos in November 1999 with a 40 second TKO victory over Rubenilson Augusto (10-3).

Saturday 6th August saw WEFF 24, where the WEFF Heavyweight title merry-go-round continued as Emma Birch (#3, 10-1) regained the title from Piper Evergood (#1, 10-2) via judges decision at the end of their five round fight.

ALPHA-1: Endo v Sakurai II was held on Saturday 13th August in Kyushu with nearly 14,000 in attendance. Heiji Endo (#3, 20-2) made the third successful defence of his ALPHA-1 Middleweight title in this reign, as he took down Shuncho Sakurai (#24, 17-6) by TKO in the fourth round, the same manner in which his previous win over Sakurai ended. In the Fight of the Night, Syed Tan (20-5-1) knocked out Jin Yamane (6-1) in the second round of their preliminary card fight.

Cage WARRIORS held their second event on Tuesday 16th August, and saw their first WARRIORS Heavyweight champion decided, as Sylvester Collins (7-2) and Kanezane Fujii went the full 5 rounds before the judges gave the unanimous decision victory to Collins. The Fight of the Night saw Gordon Idle (12-4) stop Will Kane (15-7) with strikes in the first round.

OMEGA: Morales v Sriyanto took place on Saturday 20th August, in front of just over 2500 fans in Northern Mexico, who saw Guillermo Morales (10-0-1) retain his OMEGA Light-Heavyweight title win with a 9th round rear naked choke victory over Indonesian Bambang Sriyanto (#23, 27-11-2). Former champ Jerry Bogdonovich (#22, 11-2) took a 2nd round TKO stoppage victory over former GAMMA stalwart Bill Cumming (28-17).

Sunday 21st August saw GAMMA 60: Regueiro v Chambers II, with the GAMMA Welterweight title on the line this time as Julio Regueiro (#2, 24-2) and Nathan Chambers (#8, 19-2) hooked up for a second fight. First time around, back in July 1999, Regueiro came out on top with a rear naked choke victory, but this time it was Chambers who took the spoils, getting a TKO stoppage in the 4th round to regain the title he last held back in 1995. On the undercard, Buddy Garner (#8MW, 19-1) won again, this time by kimura in the first round against Canadian Moe Muschin (8-1) and picked up Fight of the Night and Submission of the Night in the process.

batsnumbereleven · February 15, 2014

Monday 22nd August 2001 <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36914" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Blurcat.com SIGMA continues to defy conventional wisdom as it makes its mark on the MMA world, and again Blurcat.com has to step in and question whether they are doing the right thing. In some sort of effort to be seen to be competitive with the likes of ALPHA-1 and GAMMA, they have expanded their horizons overseas with some modicum of success, and recently splashed out on free agent Zvonimir Asanovic, who was in the negotiation period of his contract with ALPHA-1. Leaving aside the question of whether Asanovic justifies what is rumoured to be the highest salary in the organisation, given that he has had two attempts at de-throning the indomitable Tadamasa Yamada over in Japan and has come off far the worse in both encounters, the latest announcement by SIGMA brings their management into question. Asanovic was always likely to headline on his debut for the company, but SIGMA seem to have fallen between two stools with their choice of opponent for the “Croatian Sensation”. Many though he should have been thrown in against SIGMA champion Matti Kurri, given the fluid nature of the title reigns in the Light-Heavyweight division over the last four years and the need to ensure that you get value out of Asanovic immediately and with the best possible drawing opponent for him. Others argue that he would be a sure-fire draw against whomever you put in the cage against him, and favoured, if not an absolute can, a respected but unchallenging journeyman like Andranik Paletilolu, who called Asanovic out after his fight at SIGMA 53, or experienced Faas Smit, who has made a show of facing some of SIGMA's top fighters at 205lbs and held up well without ever threatening to cause an upset (Aleksei Chekhov excepted). Instead, SIGMA have taken the dangerous route of putting up Dag Kreuger, the talented Swedish grappler. This has two potential problems: firstly, a win for Asanovic in convincing fashion puts a serious dent in the momentum that Kreuger has built up over the last couple of fights and that have seen him look like a genuine contender – sacrificing a young prospect when there are others with much less future in the organisation is a huge risk for SIGMA and for Kreuger who, although he could overcome such a defeat in the longer term, would be hard-pressed to justify a title challenge in the next couple of years. The second issus is that Kreuger actually has a chance of winning the fight, should he be able to control it with his grappling, get Asanovic to the mat and unleash his ground striking. The big investment in Asanovic would seem like it had been thrown away, if that were to happen. Whatever the actual outcome of the fight, SIGMA looks as though it is the loser, something that really needs to be part of MMA Booking 101 classes, and it is a potential mistake that could easily have been avoided. When this turns out badly, SIGMA management will need to have a hard look at how they have got themselves into this situation and resolve to make their matches much more carefully in future.</div></blockquote>

batsnumbereleven · February 15, 2014

SIGMA 58: Asanovic v Kreuger Wuppertal Uni-Halle, nr Dusseldorf,, Germany. Friday 26th August 2001 Attendance: 5708 for a gate of $570,800 PPV Buys: 195,705 for revenue of $1,174,230 Preliminary matches Philipe Marceaux (0-2) v Goran Karlsson (0-0) <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36914" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>>Next up, Philipe 'The Marvel' Marceaux fights 'Swedish Superboy' Göran Karlsson in the SIGMA Welterweight division. >Round one begins! >Karlsson avoids a jab and scores with a barrage of big punches on Marceaux! >Karlsson lets a jab sail wide and counter-strikes with a hard inside leg kick. >Marceaux covers up to take several left hands. >Both fighters throw strikes at the same time, both miss. >Stepping back, Marceaux creates a bit of distance. >Marceaux throws a speculative left, but it is nowhere near hitting. >Karlsson steps in to put some pressure on. >Marceaux moves out of range of a tidy combination of punches. >We move into the second half of this round. >Marceaux throws out a quick right jab. >Karlsson quickly gets in closer, looking to attack. >Karlsson throws a right kick to the body but Marceaux avoids it. >A flicked jab from Marceaux only finds gloves. >Karlsson presses in closer to attack. >Karlsson looks like he wants to stand in the pocket and strike with Marceaux. >Marceaux now has Karlsson standing in the pocket. >We move into the final sixty seconds of this round. >Marceaux checks a leg kick. >Standing in the pocket, Karlsson chooses to shoot in for a double leg on Marceaux. >The takedown is completed, Marceaux is on his back and pulls guard. >Karlsson throws some small strikes, but is clearly just taking a moment to try and catch his breath. >Marceaux tries a sweep from the bottom of the guard, but doesn't budge Karlsson. >Round one is brought to an end as time runs out. >I'd say that was definitely 10-9 in favour of Karlsson. >Round two begins! >They both meet with strikes, but neither does any damage. >They both meet with strikes, but neither does any damage. >Marceaux uses head movement to cause a right jab to sail harmlessly by. >Karlsson throws a wild left hand, but Marceaux covers up and absorbs the strike. >Marceaux backs away from Karlsson, creating some space between them. >A straight left from Karlsson fails to land. >It seems that Marceaux is happy to let Karlsson circle for the moment. >Karlsson steps in but an exchange of strikes goes nowhere. >It seems that Marceaux is happy to let Karlsson circle for the moment. >We are now at the halfway point of the round. >There's a short stalemate as both fighters advance and throw strikes, but neither hits. >Karlsson looks to move in and stand in the pocket. >Karlsson is now standing in the pocket. >Showing good head movement, Marceaux weaves out of the way of a wild left hand. >Marceaux circles away, creating some distance between them. >We have one minute of the round remaining. >They exchange strikes, but neither fighter inflicts any real damage. >From the missed strikes they clinch. >Karlsson tries to use some dirty boxing, but Marceaux uses his wrestling skills to smother him. >Karlsson tries to throw some close-range strikes as they grapple, but the attempts are smothered by Marceaux. >Round two ends as time expires. >I'd say that was definitely 10-9 in favour of Karlsson. >Marceaux is quickly back up off his stool, psyched up and looking ready to look for the finish that he now needs. >There's the bell for the start of the round! >An exchange of strikes goes nowhere. >Having stepped in close to throw their strikes, they end up clinched. >Marceaux looks to take Karlsson down by setting up a judo throw. >Karlsson will not go down, he blocks the throw despite the best efforts of Marceaux. >Marceaux loses control of Karlsson, who breaks free from the grapple and backs off. >Marceaux shoots in for a takedown. >Marceaux gets caught with a right cross though, and he is momentarily wobbly! >Advancing, Karlsson counters a right jab by using a hard right kick to the legs. >Philipe Marceaux is going to end up limping if he takes too many more of those strikes. >There's a takedown attempt from Marceaux. >A good sprawl stops the takedown, and Marceaux is brought down to the mat in a loose front facelock. >Karlsson rolls Marceaux out of turtle position and into side control. >We are now at the halfway point of the round. >Karlsson hits a knee strike to the ribs. >Karlsson gets up, releasing side control, and backs off, allowing Marceaux time to stand too. >Marceaux steps in but an exchange of strikes goes nowhere. >The fight slows as Karlsson sits back and allows Marceaux to circle. >Karlsson looks like he wants to stand in the pocket and strike with Marceaux. >Karlsson moves into the pocket. >Using head movement, Karlsson slips past a right jab and counters with a series of quick punches. >There's under a minute left in this round. >Marceaux uses head movement to avoid a right jab. >A right jab misses the mark and allows Karlsson to counter with a clean left jab. >Using head movement to slip past a right jab, Karlsson hits a scything low kick to the legs. >Time runs out and that's the end of the fight. >That round goes to Karlsson, 10-9 on my card. >Here come the official scores. >All three judges give 30-27. >The winner, by unanimous decision, is Göran Karlsson!</div></blockquote> >Official Result: 'Swedish Superboy' Göran Karlsson defeats Philipe 'The Marvel' Marceaux (Unanimous Decision in 5:00 of round 3). The match was rated as being Poor. Comments: Not the greatest way to start off our first Event as a Mid Level National organisation, but Karlsson did all that could be asked of him on his debut, whilst Marceaux looked nervous about engaging, and couldn't land any takedowns when he finally went for them in the third. Paul Duffell (22-12) v Grehard Kreutzberg (2-0) <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36914" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>>In the last of the preliminary matches, 'The Surprise Package' Paul Duffell will battle 'Iron Cross' Gerhard Kreutzberg in the SIGMA Welterweight division. >Round one begins! >Kreutzberg tries for a right jab but Duffell moves out of range. >Both fighters fire off strikes, but neither does any significant damage. >A jab doesn't find its intended target, allowing Kreutzberg to fire back with huge left hands, Duffell collapses against the cage and can do nothing but just cover up! >Duffell falls to the ground! Kreutzberg continues to pound away, sensing victory! >The referee jumps in and saves Duffell from taking any more shots! >'Iron Cross' Gerhard Kreutzberg takes the win by TKO!</div></blockquote> >Official Result: 'Iron Cross' Gerhard Kreutzberg defeats 'The Surprise Package' Paul Duffell (TKO (Strikes) in 1:12 of round 1). The match was rated as being Good. Comments: ...and that's more like it, and what the record crowd came to see! Kreutzberg gave Duffell no chance to impose himself and got things done in a trice. Main card Vladimir Baskov (9-3) v Patrik Pedersen (5-1) <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36914" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>>Next up is a match in which Vladimir 'The Impaler' Baskov squares off with Patrik 'The Troll' Pedersen in the SIGMA Lightweight division. >Round one begins! >Baskov counters a left jab by hitting a solid left. >Pedersen looks to be trying to close the distance between them. >Strikes from Baskov keep Pedersen from stepping in too close, and he is forced to step back. >Moving in closer, Pedersen looks like he may want to wrestle Baskov. >Baskov moves in too, and they start to grapple. >Pedersen is looking to get Baskov in a Muay Thai clinch. >Pedersen achieves it, Baskov could not fight out of it. >Pedersen can't maintain his hold, and Baskov wrestles his way into a wrestling clinch. >Pedersen is trying to push Baskov so that his back is up against the cage. >He does so, and now has Baskov pinned to the cage. >Pedersen shows great control, keeping Baskov pressed against the cage while punishing him with sharp strikes to the body for roughly a minute. >We are now at the halfway point of the round. >Pedersen takes a short step back and prepares to strike. >There's a stalemate as both fighters throw strikes but neither hits. >Baskov backs away from Pedersen, creating some space between them. >Baskov uses a nice combination as a set up, then shoots in for a takedown. >Pedersen not only stops the takedown, he manages to wrestle Baskov to the floor! Baskov pulls half guard. >The end of the round is coming quick, there's under a minute left. >Pedersen punches down at Baskov, but they are easily taken on the gloves. >Pedersen tries to stand up, but can't get free of half guard. >Baskov attempts a guillotine choke from the bottom of half guard. >Pedersen pulls his head free before the hold can be applied properly. >Round one ends as time expires. >That round goes to Pedersen, 10-9 on my card. >There's the bell and round number two begins! >Between rounds, his corner told Baskov to take it to the ground as early as possible in this round. >Pedersen moves in quickly after a wayward punch and hits a barrage of big right hands! >Baskov collapses to the ground and is still getting pounded on! >The referee jumps in and saves Baskov from taking any more shots! >The winner, by TKO, is Patrik 'The Troll' Pedersen!</div></blockquote> >Official Result: Patrik 'The Troll' Pedersen defeats Vladimir 'The Impaler' Baskov (TKO (Strikes) in 0:34 of round 2). The match was rated as being Good. Comments: Not sure but that wasn't rather a quick stoppage by the ref there, but it's one that gives Pedersen consecutive wins and makes him a more attractive fighter to book. Baskov's record remains spotty and unconvincing without being particularly poor overall, and he looked more comfortable with a bit a distance between them on his feet tonight. Jacco Landeweerd (7-1) v Juozas Skerla (3-0) <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36914" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>>Moving on to the next match, in which 'Big Trouble' Jacco Landeweerd competes against Juozas Skerla in the SIGMA Heavyweight division. >We are underway! >Skerla swiftly avoids a barrage of big punches, having fallen for a feint. >Both fighters come in and exchange strikes, but neither does any damage. >Both fighters come in and throw strikes, there is no real damage done by either. >Stepping back, Skerla creates a bit of distance. >Skerla swiftly avoids a barrage of big punches. >Skerla steps back to avoid a leg kick. >Landeweerd slams a crisp right into the gloves of Skerla, but can't follow up. >Not letting Landeweerd settle at all, Skerla comes in closer. >We go past the halfway point of this round. >Skerla comes in closer, looking to attack from the pocket. >Skerla is in the pocket, ready to attack Landeweerd. >Skerla dodges a kick to the body and fires back with a straight left. >Landeweerd uses head movement to avoid a left jab. >Landeweerd throws rights and lefts, but Skerla covers up well and none of the shots find a home. >A low kick is checked by Skerla. >We're into the final minute of the round. >Skerla circles away, creating some distance between them. >Both fighters fire off strikes, neither produces any significant damage. >They exchange strikes, but neither fighter inflicts any real damage. >The time is up, and that's the end of round one. >That was a close round, but I'm giving it to Skerla, 10-9. >Round two begins! >It sounded like his corner told Skerla to stand and trade with Landeweerd in this round. >An exchange of strikes doesn't really lead to anything. >Having stepped in close to throw their strikes, they end up clinched. >Skerla and Landeweerd break the grapple and are apart again, circling. >Skerla feints stepping in. >Landeweerd is looking to get in close and strike from the pocket. >Skerla keeps himself moving out of range. >Skerla circles around Landeweerd. >Not letting Skerla settle at all, Landeweerd comes in closer. >There's a stalemate as both fighters throw strikes, but neither scores. >We've now passed the halfway mark in this round. >Skerla throws a feint. >Skerla comes in closer, looking to attack from the pocket. >Landeweerd now has Skerla standing in the pocket. >Slipping past a left jab, Skerla hits a crisp left. >Skerla tries for a left jab but Landeweerd uses head movement to avoid it. >Not comfortable in the pocket, Skerla steps back and creates some space. >We have one minute of the round remaining. >Landeweerd steps in but an exchange of strikes goes nowhere. >Skerla steps in closer to force the issue. >Skerla steps in, feints a kick, then darts back out. >Time expires and we come to the end of round two. >I'd say that was definitely 10-9 in favour of Skerla. >Round three begins! >Skerla feints throwing a jab. >Landeweerd counters a wayward left jab with some big right hands! >Skerla looks shaken! He appears to be on rubbery legs after that last strike! >Regaining his wits just in time, Skerla is able to avoid a barrage of big right hands. >An exchange of blows doesn't really produce any damage or a clear advantage. >Skerla looks to move in and stand in the pocket. >Skerla moves into the pocket. >Landeweerd shows good head movement to avoid getting caught with a jab. >Landeweerd uses head movement to dodge a jab, and counters with a barrage of big right hands! >Skerla falls to the ground! Landeweerd continues to pound away, sensing victory! >The referee pulls Landeweerd away, stopping the match! >By TKO, the winner is Jacco Landeweerd!</div></blockquote> >Official Result: 'Big Trouble' Jacco Landeweerd defeats Juozas Skerla (TKO (Strikes) in 2:14 of round 3). The match was rated as being Very Poor. Comments: Two dire rounds, but then Landeweerd made up for it a bit by pulling out a good finish Jason Dalglish (#17, 21-8) v Gerrit Dudok (5-3) <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36914" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>>Next up, 'The Miniature Killer' Jason Dalglish squares off with 'The Dutch Master' Gerrit Dudok in the SIGMA Featherweight division. >The fight begins! >There's a short stalemate as both fighters advance and throw strikes, but neither hits. >Dudok feints throwing a jab. >An exchange of strikes doesn't lead to any real damage. >A straight left from Dalglish fails to land. >Not letting Dalglish settle at all, Dudok comes in closer. >Dudok comes in closer, looking to attack from the pocket. >Standing his ground, Dalglish looks happy to engage Dudok in the pocket. >Dudok dodges a jab, and fires back with a quick right hook, catching Dalglish perfectly and putting him down! >Dalglish shakes off the cobwebs quickly though, and is alert. >Dudok stands back and allows Dalglish to stand back up. >Dalglish looks like he might be trying to get in close and wrestle with Dudok. >Dalglish cannot get close enough to the elusive Dudok to grapple. >We pass the halfway mark of this round. >Dudok bobs and weaves. >Dalglish comes in closer to press the issue. >Dalglish looks like he might be trying to get in close and wrestle with Dudok. >Not keen on wrestling Dalglish, Dudok uses movement to keep out of reach. >There's under a minute left in this round. >Dalglish avoids a barrage of big right hands. >A straight left from Dudok fails to land. >Dalglish steps in to put some pressure on. >Time expires and we come to the end of round one. >Not much happened in that round, hopefully the fighters will pick up the pace a bit when we restart. >I have to give that round to Dudok, but only a 10-9. >There's the bell for the start of the round! >Dudok uses a feint to get Dalglish off balance, but the nice sequence of punches that follow don't find their mark. >They both meet with strikes, but neither does any damage. >A quick exchange of strikes produces nothing worth mentioning. >Slipping past a left jab, Dudok hits a clean left jab. >Both fighters advance and strike, but neither hits anything. >There's a double leg attempt from Dalglish, from the pocket. >A counter right cross is too slow to catch Dalglish. >The takedown is successful, Dudok pulls guard. >Dalglish tries to pass the guard. >Dudok keeps Dalglish in guard. >Dalglish blocks an attempted sweep. >We've now passed the halfway mark in this round. >Time slips away as Dalglish successfully keeps Dudok stuck against the ground. >Dalglish attempts to pass guard and gain a better position. >He can't find a way past the guard. >Dudok uses his legs to push Dalglish back, and tries to scramble for position. >We have one minute of the round remaining. >The scramble leaves Dudok turtled up, facing Dalglish. >The time is up, and that's the end of round two. >An extremely close round, could have gone either way, but personally I'll give it to Dudok 10-9. >There's the bell and round number three begins! >Dalglish counters a leg kick by grabbing it and attempting a takedown, getting it! Dudok manages to pull guard. >Dalglish smothers Dudok with his body by pushing forward and down. >Dalglish attempts to pass guard and gain a better position. >Dudok is ready for the attempt though, and keeps Dalglish firmly in guard. >Dalglish gets pushed back thanks to a butterfly guard, and Dudok quickly scrambles. >Dudok leaves a leg in as they scramble, and Dalglish immediately tries to grab it. >Dudok keeps his leg free and comes out on top, with Dalglish pulling guard. >Dudok attempts to pass guard and gain a better position. >He can't find a way past the guard. >Securing an arm, Dalglish then brings his legs up and tries to lock Dudok in a triangle choke. >Dalglish gets the triangle choke, it's in deep and Dudok has to tap out! >The winner, by submission, is 'The Miniature Killer' Jason Dalglish!</div></blockquote> >Official Result: 'The Miniature Killer' Jason Dalglish defeats 'The Dutch Master' Gerrit Dudok (Submission (Triangle With Armbar) in 3:16 of round 3). The match was rated as being Average. Comments: Dudok looked much happier in the stand-up, and perhaps it was a mistake to stay on top where Dalglish could use his solid grappling to effect, but after the takedown earlier in the round Dudok knew he needed to either finish or deliver something big to win the round. Kenneth Toadspew (12-5) v Carmelo Rossi (10-6)<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36914" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>>Another match is about to begin; 'The Spew Monkey' Kenneth Toadspew competes against Carmelo Rossi in the SIGMA Welterweight division. >Round one begins! >Rossi slips out of the way of a jab. >Toadspew avoids a body kick. >A jab misses, allowing Rossi to counter-strike with a stinging left jab. >Rossi looks like he might be trying to get in close and wrestle with Toadspew. >Toadspew tries to take down Rossi as he steps in, but he blocks it. >Toadspew swings with a couple of wild punches, then chooses to shoot in on Rossi. >Rossi is too quick, and manages to hit Toadspew with a good clean left jab. >Rossi looks like he wants to stand in the pocket and strike with Toadspew. >Toadspew tries to catch him by surprise with a takedown attempt, but it is blocked. >We are now at the halfway point of the round. >Toadspew is looking to get in close and strike from the pocket. >Rossi throws a big right hook first, but it just misses. >Toadspew comes in swinging wildly, using the strikes as cover so that he can shoot in. >Toadspew walks into a big jab, landing right on the cheek. >Rossi looks to be trying to close the distance between them. >Toadspew seems happy to grapple with Rossi. >Toadspew is trying to push Rossi so that his back is up against the cage. >Toadspew achieves it, pinning Rossi to the cage. >We're into the final minute of the round. >With Rossi stuck against the cage, Toadspew tries to set up a judo-style throw. >Toadspew doesn't get the throw, Rossi instead wrestles his way into controlling the grapple. >Toadspew takes a knee strike to the inside of his own knee. >Rossi tries to throw an elbow, but Toadspew takes the opportunity to turn his opponent around so that Rossi ends up backed against the cage instead. >Toadspew attempts to set up a judo-based throw to take Rossi to the ground. >Rossi blocks the attempted throw and turns Toadspew around so that he has his back to the cage. >The time runs out on round one. >That has to go down as a 10-9 round to Rossi. >We are back underway! >Between rounds we could hear the corner of Toadspew telling him to watch for strikes but to look for takedown opportunities. >Both fighters exchange strikes, but neither hits anything significant. >From the missed strikes they clinch. >With Rossi in his grasp, Toadspew tries to set up a judo-style throw. >Rossi is taken down by a quick inside leg trip, he can do nothing but pull guard! >Toadspew lies on top of Rossi, basically smothering him. >Time slips away as Toadspew successfully keeps Rossi stuck against the ground. >Toadspew smothers Rossi with his body by pushing forward and down. >The clock runs down as Rossi is being smothered against the ground by Toadspew. >We pass the halfway mark of this round. >The clock runs down as Rossi is being smothered against the ground by Toadspew. >Rossi is controlled against the ground, unable to shift Toadspew off of him. >We move into the final sixty seconds of this round. >Toadspew lies on top of Rossi, basically smothering him. >Toadspew lies on top of Rossi, basically smothering him. >Round two ends as time expires. >That round goes to Toadspew, 10-9 on my card. >We are back underway! >Between rounds, his corner told Rossi to be ready to sprawl if Toadspew shoots in. >A jab misses, allowing Rossi to counter-strike with a solid left. >A jab misses and Rossi counters with a flurry of quick punches. >Advancing, Rossi counters a left jab by using a clean jab. >Rossi is looking to turn this into a wrestling match, and is getting in closer to Toadspew. >Toadspew tries to counter by dropping down and going for a single leg, but Rossi defended it well. >Kenneth Toadspew looks very tired out there. >There's a stalemate as both fighters throw strikes, but neither scores. >Toadspew uses head movement to avoid a left jab. >We are now at the halfway point of the round. >Rossi backs away to create some more space. >Rossi looks like he might be trying to get in close and wrestle with Toadspew. >Toadspew moves in too, and they start to grapple. >Carmelo Rossi is looking really tired. >Toadspew looks to set up a judo throw. >Rossi digs in and manages to block the throw. >Rossi turns Toadspew slightly, but can't create enough space to get free of the clinch. >Toadspew is trying to muscle Rossi up against the cage. >Toadspew manages it, and controls Rossi up against the cage. >Kenneth Toadspew looks very, very tired. >There's under a minute left in this round. >Toadspew looks to take Rossi down by setting up a judo throw. >Rossi shows stubborn resistance and does not get thrown, but Toadspew does manage to slip behind him so that he has the back. >Rossi tries to get clear of the grapple, but Toadspew holds him in place. >Grappling from behind, Toadspew attempts to wrestle Rossi to the ground. >Rossi keeps his composure, and Toadspew cannot get past his takedown defence. >From the looks of things, I don't think Carmelo Rossi has much energy left. >The fight comes to an end as the time limit expires. >That has to go down as a 10-9 round to Rossi. >The ring announcer is now giving the official scores. >All three judges have scored it 29-28. >Making Carmelo Rossi the winner by unanimous decision!</div></blockquote> >Official Result: Carmelo Rossi defeats 'The Spew Monkey' Kenneth Toadspew (Unanimous Decision in 5:00 of round 3). The match was rated as being Poor. Comments: Well as deserved victories go, this one went the right way. I think everyone in the building was booing and screaming at the ref in the second to stand them back up, and four minutes of Toadspew smothering Rossi was hard to take. How this got a better rating than the Landeweerd/Skerla fight I have no idea. Co-main Casim Yenkini (13-5) v Isaac Jacobsen (7-3) <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36914" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>>The co-main event is up next. 'The Super Eagle' Casim Yenkini competes against 'Ice Cold' Isaac Jacobsen in the SIGMA Middleweight division. >And here we go! >Both throw strikes at each other, both easily defend the other's attempt. >In close proximity from the strikes they threw, they fall into a messy clinch. >Yenkini attempts to pick Jacobsen up for a slam. >He gets Jacobsen up! Yenkini slams him down, ending up in guard. >The clock runs down as Jacobsen is being smothered against the ground by Yenkini. >Yenkini attempts to pass guard. >He can't get free of the guard. >Jacobsen tries to pull Yenkini in close and pepper him with short strikes, but can't. >Yenkini lies on top of Jacobsen, basically smothering him. >Yenkini throws a few right hands to the body. >Jacobsen tries to pull Yenkini in close and pepper him with short strikes, but can't. >We go past the halfway point of this round. >Yenkini lies on top of Jacobsen, basically smothering him. >Yenkini looks to pass guard and get side control. >Yenkini passes to half guard. >We have one minute of the round remaining. >Yenkini looks to get past the half guard. >Jacobsen doesn't let Yenkini get his leg free, and so half guard remains in place. >Round one ends as time expires. >That was a bit of a snoozer, hopefully the next round brings a little more action. >I think Yenkini took that round, 10-9 on my score card. >There's the bell and round number two begins! >A jab doesn't find its intended target, allowing Jacobsen to fire back with a couple of shots to the body and a nice right uppercut. >Jacobsen drops a shoulder, trying to sucker Yenkini in with a feint. >Jacobsen avoids a quick jab and hits a solid left jab. >Yenkini comes in, looking for a quick takedown. >Jacobsen counters with a left jab that catches Yenkini hard. >Jacobsen avoids a jab and scores with a kick to the outside of the left leg. >Jacobsen darts in and out of range quickly, trying to get Yenkini to commit to throwing a strike. >Yenkini counters a wayward low kick by catching it and shooting in for a takedown, getting it! Jacobsen manages to pull guard. >We move into the second half of this round. >Yenkini looks to get past the guard. >Advancing his position fairly easily, he passes to side control. >Yenkini looks to roll Jacobsen slightly and slip behind. >Yenkini takes the back, Jacobsen could do nothing about it. >Yenkini increases his control by getting both hooks in. >The end of the round is coming quick, there's under a minute left. >Yenkini attempts to complete a rear naked choke, having both hooks fully in. >Jacobsen doesn't allow the arm to go under his chin. >Jacobsen attempts to pull free of the hooks, but Yenkini doesn't allow it. >Time expires and we come to the end of round two. >Incredibly close round, but Jacobsen came out just ahead on my score card. >Round three begins! >Both fighters come in and throw strikes, there is no real damage done by either. >A left jab misses and Jacobsen strikes back with a series of big punches, putting Yenkini down on the ground! >Jacobsen quickly pounces, looking to rain down punches on the stunned Yenkini! >Jacobsen pounds away, Yenkini is in serious trouble! >The referee jumps in and stops the match! >That has to be called a controversial finish as Yenkini may have been in trouble but he was still clearly active and trying to defend himself! >Isaac Jacobsen takes the victory by way of TKO!</div></blockquote> >Official Result: 'Ice Cold' Isaac Jacobsen defeats 'The Super Eagle' Casim Yenkini (TKO (Strikes) in 1:01 of round 3). The match was rated as being Good. Comments: Not sure there was much wrong with the stoppage this time – how active was Yenkini really whilst he was getting pounded – but it is a good finish for Jacobsen, who had clearly lost the first two rounds on my scorecard and had to pull something out of the fire. For two rounds Yenkini looked as though he was in control. Main Event Zvonimir Asanovic (#8, 32-4) v Dag Kreuger (8-2) <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36914" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>>It's time for the main event of the evening! Zvonimir 'The Croatian Sensation' Asanovic competes against Dag 'The Viking' Kreuger in the SIGMA Light Heavyweight division. >A lot of the pre-fight focus has been on Asanovic, who the SIGMA management clearly think is going to win this bout. >I'd wager that Kreuger is probably not too happy about that, and will be extra-motivated to be victorious tonight. >The fight begins! >Both fighters throw strikes at the same time, both miss. >Kreuger slips out of the way of a combination of short sharp punches. >A jab misses, allowing Kreuger to counter-strike with a right. >Asanovic looks like he wants to stand in the pocket and strike with Kreuger. >Asanovic and Kreuger get closer, both looking eager to engage at close range. >Kreuger lets a jab sail wide and counter-strikes with a right jab to the cheek. >Kreuger uses head movement to avoid a combination of short sharp punches, then fires back with a crisp right jab. >Both throw strikes at each other, both easily defend the other's attempt. >Kreuger uses good head movement to avoid a huge right hook and counters with a right jab to the cheek. >We pass the halfway mark of this round. >A right jab misses, giving Asanovic the chance to hit back with a series of quick punches. >A nice one-two combination doesn't trouble Kreuger, who covered up well. >Kreuger is looking to turn this into a wrestling match, and is getting in closer to Asanovic. >Kreuger can't get near enough to engage, Asanovic uses strikes to keep him out of range. >A nicely executed one-two combination sets up a takedown attempt from Kreuger. >Asanovic tries to avoid the takedown. >The takedown doesn't work, Asanovic saw it coming and got out of range. >The end of the round is coming quick, there's under a minute left. >Kreuger looks to be trying to close the distance between them. >Kreuger grabs Asanovic and pulls him into a grapple. >Kreuger is looking to muscle Asanovic back against the cage. >Kreuger manages it, and controls Asanovic up against the cage. >Time expires and we come to the end of round one. >That round goes to Kreuger, 10-9 on my card. >And here we go, round two! >Kreuger slips out of the way of a jab. >Asanovic drops a shoulder, trying to sucker Kreuger in with a feint. >There's a short stalemate as both fighters advance and throw strikes, but neither hits. >Both fighters advance and strike, but neither hits anything. >Moving in closer, Asanovic looks like he wants to strike from the pocket. >Kreuger sees a chance and dives down for a single leg. Asanovic, caught by surprise, can only pull guard. >Kreuger begins trying to pass guard and get a better position. >He passes, but only to half guard. >We are now at the halfway point of the round. >Kreuger attempts to pass half guard. >Asanovic doesn't let Kreuger get his leg free, and so half guard remains in place. >Asanovic tries to transition to full guard, but can't manage it. >Kreuger attempts to pass half guard. >Kreuger struggles but cannot find a way past and remains stuck in half guard. >Asanovic tries to get full guard on Kreuger but doesn't get anywhere. >There's under a minute left in this round. >Kreuger attempts to pass half guard. >Kreuger struggles but cannot find a way past and remains stuck in half guard. >The time is up, and that's the end of round two. >I think Kreuger took that round, 10-9 on my score card. >As his corner gives a pep talk, Asanovic is getting more and more psyched up....it's now or never, he has to go for the finish! >There's the bell and round number three begins! >Kreuger steps in, feints a kick, then darts back out. >Kreuger steps back to avoid a leg kick. >Kreuger uses a smart combination to get Asanovic to cover up, then shoots in looking for a takedown. >Kreuger eats a stiff counter right hand and almost goes down! >Asanovic fakes shooting in, but Kreuger doesn't fall for it. >Kreuger avoids a body kick. >Asanovic moves in quickly after a wayward punch and hits a solid left. >We pass the halfway mark of this round. >Asanovic looks to move in and stand in the pocket. >Standing his ground, Kreuger looks happy to engage Asanovic in the pocket. >A right jab misses, giving Asanovic the chance to hit back with a leg kick. >Asanovic throws a leg kick but Kreuger checks it easily. >Standing in the pocket, Kreuger chooses to shoot in for a double leg on Asanovic. >Asanovic counters with a right hand that catches Kreuger flush, rocking him! >Kreuger steps back to avoid a kick to the body. >We have one minute of the round remaining. >Kreuger counters a one-two combination with a right jab to the cheek. >A nicely executed one-two combination sets up a takedown attempt from Kreuger. >Asanovic sees the takedown coming and tries to move. >Asanovic avoids the takedown attempt. >The fight comes to an end as the time limit expires. >I have to give that round to Asanovic, but only a 10-9. >The judges' scores are now being announced. >All three judges give a score of 29-28. >Dag 'The Viking' Kreuger wins by unanimous decision! >Official Result: Dag 'The Viking' Kreuger defeats Zvonimir 'The Croatian Sensation' Asanovic (Unanimous Decision in 5:00 of round 3). The match was rated as being Good.</div></blockquote> Comments: Not the start to his SIGMA career that Asanovic will have wanted. No controversy here, though, as Kreuger almost certainly took both rounds one and two. There will be other days for Asanovic, but for now he moves behind his conqueror in the Light-Heavyweight stakes, and Kreuger adds a second ranked fighter to his list of victims. Kreuger suggests a fight with Volker Herzog next, but I'm fairly sure he was just kidding. Show summary Critical rating: Decent Commercial success: Average Fight of the Night: Gerhard Kreutzberg v Paul Duffell Knockout of the Night: Gerhard Kreutzberg Submission of the Night: Jason Dalglish Comments: The main event provided the only real surprise of the night, but what a great platform for Kreuger to show his skills, and there are plenty of match-ups for both men that make sense. Kreuger could take on van der Moot, Kitson or Kirby, whilst Asanovic has the potential for match-ups against Chekhov, Karlsson and Taneyev. Good night in general, as we mark records in live audience attendance, PPV viewers and overall revenue, and although the show wasn't the most star-studded or great top to bottom, the well-promoted and entertaining main event delivered enough to send most (non-Asanovic) fans happy that they got their Euros worth.

batsnumbereleven · February 15, 2014

Prediction results

4/8 for both of you this time for the following totals:

CageRage 279/384

BigRedMachine 68/102

Injury report

Goran Karlsson has picked up a leg injury in his fight tonight and will miss around 5 week, whilst the Athletic Commission has imposed precautionary bans on Casim Yenkini and Paul Duffell (1 month), Juozas Skerla, Philipe Marceaux, and Vladimir Baskov (2 months) and Gerrit Dudok (3 months) after their exertions.

SIGMA contracts/signings

Rafael van der Moot and Lefter Oktay were both offered new 6-fight deals after SIGMA 57, whilst Graeme Spark will be given an extension to prove himself further, after a 2-2 start to his SIGMA career. He gets a further 4 fights.

After SIGMA 58, Jacco Landeweerd and Dag Kreuger were rewarded with a further 6 fights, but we have entered into termination proceedings with Australian Kenneth Toadspew – he has lost 4 straight, and of his 6 SIGMA fights, 4 have been rated poor or worse. There are times when you can keep somebody around when they're losing, but when they're losing and having awful fights, there's no benefit in it. This probably means he'll sign with ALPHA-1 or GAMMA and light up their Welterweight division now, but at this stage I think it's a step we have to take.

In terms of new fighters, we've secured the services of debuting Lebanese fighter Hashim Sulayman, a 21-year-old Heavyweight, whose fighting style is described as “sheer brutality”.

We've also picked up a Kenyan prospect who is world ranked at Featherweight by Blurcat.com, even though he has yet to feature in a major MMA organisation. Afolabi Soyinka (#8, 8-0) is 23 years old and has a wrestling background. Whilst scouting Soyinka we came across someone who may one day face him in the SIGMA cage. Jefferson Mndawe is a Nigerian kick boxer, with a reputation for head kick knockouts.

EuroNet have agreed a 6 show extension to our PPV deal with them.

XCC are reportedly running into financial difficulties. This is something that interests us a bit more than KDMFC did, since it is a possible opening for SIGMA in the US market, but we'll have to think on this one a bit more before making a decision.

batsnumbereleven · February 15, 2014

Monday 1st September 2001 <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36914" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Press Release Signature Martial Arts brings the next edition of SIGMA Gefecht TV on Euro Cable Sports 4 to you from the Hardtberghalle in Bonn, Germany on Saturday 13th September. The main event will see Georgian ground-and-pounder Vladoslav Medvedev (#14, 4-1) and English wrestler Charlie Oakley (4-0) go head to head in what is expected to be a grappling battle. Medvedev defeated erstwhile title challenger Jaromir Grygera last time out, whilst Oakley's last appearance was a decision victory over Luka Hajek. Former Welterweight title holder Evgeni Medtner (23-8) will be in action against fellow Russian Pavel Radulov (6-2) as both try and put recent defeats behind them. At Featherweight, judoka Jay Dorridge (8-2) will face Hamburg's Heiko Pander (5-2), and in the Lightweight division, Czech sambo fighter Lubos Plasil (9-2) will take on Scot Irving Braun (5-2) in the opener. Action gets under way at 1930 CET, and the whole card can be seen as-live on Euro Cable Sports 4 from 2245 CET.</div></blockquote> Card for Picks SIGMA Gefecht TV Vladoslav Medvedev v Charlie Oakley Evgeni Medtner v Pavel Radulov Jay Dorridge v Heiko Pander Lubos Plasil v Irving Braun

BigRedMachine · February 16, 2014

SIGMA Gefecht TV

Vladoslav Medvedev v Charlie Oakley

Evgeni Medtner v Pavel Radulov

Jay Dorridge v Heiko Pander

Lubos Plasil v Irving Braun

CageRage · February 17, 2014

SIGMA Gefecht TV

Vladoslav Medvedev v Charlie Oakley

Evgeni Medtner v Pavel Radulov

Jay Dorridge v Heiko Pander

Lubos Plasil v Irving Braun

batsnumbereleven · February 17, 2014

Saturday 6th September 2001 <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36914" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Press Release Signature Martial Arts is delighed to announce another major addition to the SIGMA roster, as we welcome former 2-time GAMMA Welterweight Champion Julio Regueiro (#14, 24-2) to the company. Despite only having recently lost the GAMMA title to Nathan Chambers, Spaniard Regueiro, who has long been a target for SIGMA, became available when his contract came towards expiry and an opportunity arose for negotiations. Securing his services was considered to be a high priority for the future of SIGMA, where we expect the very best MMA fighters to be tested regularly in the cage, and where we aim to put on the best MMA show we can for the watching European audience. Regueiro's attraction across the pond is, of course also an asset to SIGMA, and we hope in the longer term to be able to establish a presence in America as well, but having big names such as Regueiro, and the recently signed Zvonimir Asanovic, alongside locally reared talent is a key part of the puzzle that will see SIGMA become even bigger and better than it already is. Regueiro's first opponent in SIGMA is yet to be decided, but we are hopin that an Event in Spain, which has been some time in the planning, will come to fruition, and it is possible that he will debut there.</div></blockquote>

batsnumbereleven · February 17, 2014

Event report SIGMA Gefecht TV As-live from Krefeld, Germany. Attendance: 1460 for a gate of $116,800 Lubos Plasil (9-2) v Irving Braun (5-2) <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36914" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>>Moving on to the next match, in which Lubos 'The Experiment' Plasil competes against Irving Braun in the SIGMA Lightweight division. >And here we go! >A feint sets Plasil up for an inside leg kick, but Braun evades it. >A showdown where they both exchange strikes only results in a stalemate. >From the missed strikes they clinch. >Braun is trying to push Plasil so that his back is up against the cage. >Plasil isn't going anywhere though, and manages to slip out of the grapple entirely. >A left hand misses, allowing Plasil to counter with a jab. >Plasil comes in, looking for a quick takedown. >Braun tries to avoid Plasil. >Plasil gets a single leg takedown! Braun pulls guard off it. >Plasil tries to pass the guard. >He passes guard fairly easily, getting to side control. >We pass the halfway mark of this round. >Plasil is trying to move from side control to mount. >He does it, and has the mount on Braun. >Plasil tries to set up Braun for an americana. >Braun doesn't allow the americana to be applied. >Plasil controls Braun, who was trying to wriggle to half guard. >Plasil attempts to set up an americana on Braun from the mount. >Braun defends himself well. >Plasil takes the back as Braun tries to sweep him! >We're into the final minute of the round. >Plasil increases his control by getting both hooks in. >Plasil, with both hooks in, attempts to get a rear naked choke fully applied. >Braun fights off the rear naked choke attempt. >Round one is brought to an end as time runs out. >I think Plasil took that round, 10-9 on my score card. >We are back underway! >Braun tries for a left jab but Plasil moves out of range. >Plasil feints going high, but Braun doesn't buy it. >Moving forward, Plasil counters a left jab with a nice one-two combination. >Braun circles, looking for an opening. >The fight slows as Plasil sits back and allows Braun to circle. >Braun avoids a tight combination. >Braun feints left, then right. >We move into the second half of this round. >Plasil steps back to avoid a flurry of punches after falling for a clever feint. >Braun circles around Plasil. >Plasil comes in closer to press the issue. >Plasil chooses to shoot in on Braun. >He has the takedown! It's a single leg, and Braun has to pull guard. >Plasil begins trying to pass guard and get a better position. >He does excellently, getting past the guard and into side control. >We're into the final minute of the round. >Plasil tries to lock Braun in a kimura. >The kimura is fully applied, but not in time to force the tap before the round's end! >Round two ends as time expires. >I think Plasil took that round, 10-9 on my score card. >Round three begins! >Both fighters come toe-to-toe and strike, but none of the strikes result in significant damage being done. >Braun feints rushing in, but Plasil doesn't fall for it. >Braun feints rushing in, but Plasil doesn't fall for it. >Both fighters throw strikes at the same time, both miss. >Braun uses a right hook to the body, but misses. >Plasil steps in to put some pressure on. >Plasil uses a nice combination as a set up, then shoots in for a takedown. >The takedown is successful, Braun pulls guard. >Plasil fires away with big punches, but Braun keeps the guard secure and doesn't take any undue damage. >Plasil leans back to avoid a couple of wild swings from Braun. >We've now passed the halfway mark in this round. >Time slips away as Plasil successfully keeps Braun stuck against the ground. >Plasil fires away with big elbows, but Braun keeps the guard secure and doesn't take any undue damage. >Plasil blocks an attempted sweep. >Plasil lies on top of Braun, basically smothering him. >The end of the round is coming quick, there's under a minute left. >In guard, Plasil begins working to pass to side control. >He passes guard fairly easily, getting to side control. >Lubos Plasil is breathing very hard. >The time runs out and that round is over, and so is the fight. >I'd say that was definitely 10-9 in favour of Plasil. >The official scores are being reported now. >All three judges give 30-27. >The winner, by unanimous decision, is Lubos Plasil! </div></blockquote> >Official Result: Lubos 'The Experiment' Plasil defeats Irving Braun (Unanimous Decision in 5:00 of round 3). The match was rated as being Average. Comments: Plasil was clearly the dominant fight once things got to the ground, but he seemed to run out of time in each round to actually get the submission. Braun didn't really do enough in the stand-up to make this much of a contest. Plasil would like to face Georges Nouri next, but Nouri is coming off a loss to Gregory O'Hara, so that's not the most likely scenario. Jay Dorridge (8-2) v Heiko Pander (5-2) <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36914" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>>Next up, 'Black Belt' Jay Dorridge takes on 'Mighty Mouse' Heiko Pander in the SIGMA Featherweight division. >Round one begins! >An exchange of strikes goes nowhere. >In close proximity from the strikes they threw, they fall into a messy clinch. >Dorridge looks to set up a judo throw. >Pander will not go down, he blocks the throw despite the best efforts of Dorridge. >Pander tries to get free of the clinch, but is stuck. >With Pander in his grasp, Dorridge tries to set up a judo-style throw. >Pander will not go down, he blocks the throw despite the best efforts of Dorridge. >Pander tries to uses a whizzer to turn Dorridge, but is blocked from doing so. >With Pander in his grasp, Dorridge tries to set up a judo-style throw. >Dorridge tries hard but cannot leverage Pander off of his feet. >A whizzer almost allows Pander to create enough space to get free, but Dorridge shuts that opportunity down. >Dorridge attempts to set up a judo-based throw to take Pander to the ground. >Dorridge tries hard but cannot leverage Pander off of his feet. >Pander uses a whizzer to turn Dorridge slightly, creating enough space for him to break free of the grappling entirely. >We've now passed the halfway mark in this round. >Pander comes in closer, looking to attack from the pocket. >Dorridge sees a chance to dive for a single leg, but Pander is able to defend against it. >Pander counters an errant left jab with an excellent combination. >We have one minute of the round remaining. >Pander looks to be trying to close the distance between them. >Dorridge tries to single leg Pander as he moves forward, but he is too quick to step away. >Moving in closer, Pander looks like he wants to strike from the pocket. >Dorridge lets Pander get closer. >Dorridge covers up to safely defend against a flurry of rights and lefts. >The time runs out on round one. >I'd say that was definitely 10-9 in favour of Pander. >And here we go, round two! >They both meet with strikes, but neither does any damage. >Pander looks to be trying to close the distance between them. >Seeing a takedown opportunity, Dorridge goes for a single leg, but Pander is equal to it. >Jay Dorridge doesn't look like he has much left in the tank. >Dorridge chooses to move forward and try to take Pander down. >The takedown doesn't work, Pander stuffed it. >Pander looks like he might be trying to get in close and wrestle with Dorridge. >Dorridge tries to catch him by surprise with a takedown attempt, but it is blocked. >Pander throws a combination of rights and lefts, using them as cover so that he can shoot in. >Dorridge looks to grab a guillotine off the takedown. >The takedown is too good, the attempted guillotine is lost. >Dorridge gets taken down by a single leg, and has to pull guard. >Jay Dorridge looks very, very tired. >We move into the second half of this round. >Pander throws a few right hands as he takes a moment to plan ahead. >Dorridge tries to ensnare Pander in a triangle. >Pander pulls free before the triangle can be locked in. >The clock runs down as Dorridge is being smothered against the ground by Pander. >Pander looks to pass guard and get side control. >Pander gets past the guard with a certain degree of ease and gains side control. >There's under a minute left in this round. >Pander punches down at Dorridge, but they are easily taken on the gloves. >Dorridge tries to transition to a guard, but can't manage it. >The time is up, and that's the end of round two. >That round goes to Pander, 10-9 on my card. >There's the bell and round number three begins! >Pander counters a left jab by using a sharp kick to the shin. >Pander fires off a barrage of big right hands, forcing Dorridge back up against the cage! >Getting destroyed, Dorridge falls to the ground...but the blows keep on landing! >The referee pulls Pander away, stopping the match! >'Mighty Mouse' Heiko Pander takes the win by TKO! </div></blockquote> >Official Result: 'Mighty Mouse' Heiko Pander defeats 'Black Belt' Jay Dorridge (TKO (Strikes) in 0:50 of round 3). The match was rated as being Good. Comments: The story of the first two rounds was Pander's excellent takedown defense, which kept the fight where he could control it, and enabled him to unload in the third. Dorridge has had mixed fortunes in SIGMA so far, and he's got areas to work on before he can progress, if this fight was any indication of his current levels. Evgeni Medtner ((23-8) v Pavel Radulov (6-2) <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36914" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>>The co-main event is up next. Evgeni Medtner squares off with 'Red Fury' Pavel Radulov in the SIGMA Welterweight division. >And here we go! >A wayward right head kick gives Radulov the opportunity to hit a nice jab. >Both fighters come toe-to-toe and strike, but none of the strikes result in significant damage being done. >Radulov bobs and weaves, trying to get Medtner to commit. >Radulov misses with an attempted right hook to the body. >Medtner presses in closer to attack. >Both fighters come in and throw strikes, there is no real damage done by either. >Radulov narrowly misses Medtner with a right uppercut. >Medtner comes in closer to press the issue. >We are now at the halfway point of the round. >Medtner comes in closer, looking to attack from the pocket. >Medtner is now standing in the pocket. >Medtner comes in, looking for a quick double leg takedown from close range. >Medtner gets a single leg takedown! Radulov pulls guard off it. >Medtner starts trying to work to get past the guard. >Radulov keeps his guard secure. >Radulov tries to pull Medtner in close and pepper him with short strikes, but can't. >The end of the round is coming quick, there's under a minute left. >The clock runs down as Radulov is being smothered against the ground by Medtner. >Radulov fights off Medtner as he tries to smother him against the ground. >Radulov throws out some punches, but Medtner leans back to avoid them. >Time expires and we come to the end of round one. >That round goes to Medtner, 10-9 on my card. >We are back underway! >Between rounds, his corner told Medtner to watch for strikes but to be aware of takedown opportunities. >Radulov feints stepping in. >Both fighters come in and exchange strikes, but neither does any damage. >Medtner counters a left jab by using a scything low kick to the legs. >Medtner doesn't get drawn in as Radulov feints a kick. >Radulov steps in but an exchange of strikes goes nowhere. >It seems that Medtner is happy to let Radulov circle for the moment. >Radulov steps in but an exchange of strikes goes nowhere. >Medtner comes in closer to press the issue. >We've now passed the halfway mark in this round. >Medtner chooses to shoot in on Radulov. >Medtner doesn't get the takedown, Radulov saw it coming and was equal to it. >Radulov throws a looping punch, but Medtner avoids it. >Time slips away as Medtner doesn't press Radulov, allowing him to circle. >Radulov throws a looping punch, but Medtner avoids it. >Medtner doesn't press the issue, allowing Radulov to circle. >There's under a minute left in this round. >Radulov throws a feint. >Radulov throws a swift jab but doesn't do any damage. >Medtner doesn't press the issue, allowing Radulov to circle. >Round two ends as time expires. >That was a close round, but I'm giving it to Medtner, 10-9. >Round three begins! >A weak body kick is countered by Radulov with a nice left hand. >Radulov feints left and tries to get Medtner to commit to a strike, but gets no joy. >Radulov comes in closer, looking to wrestle with Medtner. >Medtner finds himself pulled into a grappling contest. >Radulov is trying to muscle Medtner up against the cage. >Medtner ends up backed against the cage. >Radulov attempts to throw an elbow, but Medtner tightens the clinch, preventing the blow from being launched. >Medtner is trapped against the cage and Radulov punishes him with some dirty boxing. >Radulov tries to use some dirty boxing, but Medtner uses wrestling to nullify any potential damage. >We pass the halfway mark of this round. >Medtner avoids a foot stomp attempt. >Medtner takes a hard foot stomp. >Radulov breaks the grapple and prepares to launch some strikes at Medtner. >Medtner lets a jab sail wide and counter-strikes with a nice left. >Medtner tries for a left jab but Radulov uses head movement to avoid it. >Radulov backs away to create some more space. >We're into the final minute of the round. >A straight left fails to land and Medtner is able to fire back with a flurry of jabs and straight punches. >Moving in closer, Radulov looks like he may want to wrestle Medtner. >Radulov grabs Medtner and pulls him into a grapple. >Using his wrestling skills, Radulov is trying to push Medtner up against the cage. >Radulov does it, Medtner is stuck with his back to the cage. >The fight comes to an end as the time limit expires. >I think Radulov took that round, 10-9 on my score card. >The judges' scores are now being announced. >All three judges give 29-28. >Making Evgeni Medtner the winner by unanimous decision! </div></blockquote> >Official Result: Evgeni Medtner defeats 'Red Fury' Pavel Radulov (Unanimous Decision in 5:00 of round 3). The match was rated as being Very Poor. Comments: Not what you really want to see – neither fighter looked especially keen to make it good to watch, and very little happened of note throughout. Radulov should really have been more aggressive in the third as he must have known he was down two rounds. Main Event Vladoslav Medvedev (#14, 4-1) v Charlie Oakley (4-0) <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36914" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>>It's time for the main event of the evening! 'Red Army Renegade' Vladoslav Medvedev will take on Charlie Oakley in the SIGMA Middleweight division. >The fight begins! >A left hand misses, allowing Medvedev to counter with a nice left hand. >Oakley avoids a quick jab and hits a stinging left jab. >Advancing, Medvedev counters a left jab by using a powerful right hook to the body. >A nicely executed one-two combination sets up a takedown attempt from Medvedev. >Oakley gets taken down by a single leg, and has to pull guard. >Medvedev smothers Oakley with his body by pushing forward and down. >Medvedev looks to pass guard and get side control. >Medvedev passes to side control with ease. >We've now passed the halfway mark in this round. >Medvedev attempts the mount. >Oakley doesn't let Medvedev get the mount, and so he remains at side control. >Oakley attempts to secure an arm-in guillotine. >Medvedev blocks it. >There's under a minute left in this round. >Medvedev begins trying to get himself behind Oakley. >He rolls Oakley over a little...and slips behind to take the back! >Time expires and we come to the end of round one. >I think Medvedev took that round, 10-9 on my score card. >We are back underway! >Between rounds, his corner told Oakley to watch for strikes but to be aware of takedown opportunities. >An exchange of blows doesn't really produce any damage or a clear advantage. >In close proximity from the strikes they threw, they fall into a messy clinch. >Medvedev attempts to pick Oakley up for a slam. >He gets Oakley up! Medvedev slams him down, ending up in half guard. >Medvedev starts trying to work to get out of half guard and into a better position. >He can't get free of half guard. >Oakley bursts into life and tries to scramble into a better position. >There wasn't enough separation though, Medvedev is able to catch him and secure side control. >In side control, Medvedev begins working to get a mount. >He can't quite manage to get to mount on this attempt. >Oakley attempts to secure an arm-in guillotine. >Medvedev blocks it. >We move into the second half of this round. >Medvedev begins trying to get himself behind Oakley. >He shows excellent control to move Oakley over and take his back. >Medvedev gets both hooks in, and is now in a really dominant position. >Medvedev, with both hooks in, attempts to get a rear naked choke fully applied. >Oakley defends himself well against the choke. >We have one minute of the round remaining. >Medvedev, with both hooks fully in, tries to get the rear naked choke applied. >Oakley doesn't allow the rear naked choke to be applied. >Oakley attempts to pull free of the hooks, but Medvedev doesn't allow it. >Round two is brought to an end as time runs out. >I think Medvedev took that round, 10-9 on my score card. >And here we go, round three! >An errant jab sets Oakley up to counter-strike with a stinging left jab. >Oakley comes in, looking for a quick takedown. >Oakley doesn't get the takedown, Medvedev was equal to it and pulls them into a clinch. >Medvedev attempts to pick Oakley up for a slam. >He gets Oakley up! Medvedev slams him down, ending up in guard. >Medvedev tries to pass the guard. >Medvedev passes to half guard. >Medvedev attempts to pass half guard. >Oakley keeps his half guard secure. >Oakley attempts to guillotine Medvedev from the bottom of half guard. >Medvedev stops Oakley from applying it. >We move into the second half of this round. >Medvedev attempts to pass half guard and gain a better position. >He can't get free of half guard. >Oakley looks ready to try and scramble, but Medvedev is quick to move to prevent that. >The end of the round is coming quick, there's under a minute left. >Medvedev attempts to pass half guard and gain a better position. >Medvedev is too skilled for Oakley, passing half guard and gaining side control. >The time expires on round three, and that is the end of the fight. >That round goes to Medvedev, 10-9 on my card. >The ring announcer is now giving the official scores. >All three judges have scored it 30-27. >So the winner, by unanimous decision, is 'Red Army Renegade' Vladoslav Medvedev! </div></blockquote> >Official Result: 'Red Army Renegade' Vladoslav Medvedev defeats Charlie Oakley (Unanimous Decision in 5:00 of round 3). The match was rated as being Decent. Comments: Medvedev took this one at something of a canter and never looked troubled. His takedowns were excellent and Oakley seemed to have little answer. Another decision but at least this one had a little more action. Show summary Critical rating: Average Commercial success: Decent Fight of the Night: Heiko Pander v Jay Dorridge Knockout of the Night: Heiko Pander Submission of the Night: - Comments: Pander deservedly picks up two “of the Night” awards for his TKO finish of Dorridge. Medvedev might face Andrey Kizilashvili next with a possible title shot on the line.

batsnumbereleven · February 17, 2014

Prediction results

BigRedMachine 4 /4 – congratulations on a full house (72/106)

CageRage 3 /4 (282/388)

Injury report

No injuries to report from this evening's action, but Jay Dorridge will be sitting out for month on the insistence of the Athletic Commission.

batsnumbereleven · February 17, 2014

Monday 15th September <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36914" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Press Release Signature Martial Arts is proud to bring you SIGMA 59: Lermontov v O'Breen on Friday 26th September from the Sportforum Hohenschonhausen in Berlin, and live on Pay-per-View through our broadcast partner EuroNet. Headlining the event will be a SIGMA Lightweight title fight between our defending champion, the Russain spetsnaz expert Fiyero Lermontov (#8, 16-1), and Irish Sli' Beatha fighter Seth O'Breen (#14, 16-1). Lermontov won the title from Luis Basora by TKO at SIGMA 50 and this will be his first defense. O'Breen came into SIGMA as the reigning BCF Lightweight champion, and although he suffered a loss to former SIGMA champ Basora at SIGMA 34, has racked up two submission victories since then, over Maurice Braudel and the highly-rated Ludvig Strauss to earn his shot. In the Middleweight division, two undefeated fighters will face one another, as English all-rounder Snuffy Fontana (#17, 8-0), who took an excellent TKO victory over Vladoslav Medvedev at SIGMA 49, takes on Belorussian wrestler Chaim Alexievich (6-0), who defeated Augustus Shorrock by TKO at SIGMA 52. A battle of Russian Light-Heavyweights is also on the cards, as Mikel Tupolov (#16, 3-1), still ranked despite his defeat by Nicolai Mickiewicz back at SIGMA 48, takes on compatriot Valentin Taneyev (10-2), who comes off defeat to Curt Kitson by unanimous decision at SIGMA 51. Both seem poised to take strides forward if they can win here. Another former champion, Grzegorz Boniek (36-7) is looking for a bounce back from defeat to Lefter Oktay, and he will take on Czech sambista Libor Pudil(4-2) in the Heavyweight division. At Welterweight we'll see two more unbeaten fighters squaring off, with Irish grappler and striker Caragh Green (6-0) facing Ukrainian striker Oleksandro Hlushko (6-0), who makes his SIGMA debut having been out of action for more than a year. To kick things off, Middleweight action will see Russian jiu-jitsu fighter Oleg Tariverdiev (10-3), whose last outing was his failed effort to wrest the SIGMA Middleweight title from Fjodor Kanchelskis, up against Ulster grappler Augustus Shorrock (7-1). Prior to the main card, we will have preliminary action for those in attendance at the arena, as Icelandic striker Ragnar Gunnlaugsson (5-1) fighting Roger Quince from England, a judoka making his MMA bow in the Welterweight division, whilst Heavyweight Badog Laszlo (1-1) will oppose another debutant, 23-year-old Bulgarian brawler Rokas Novak. </div></blockquote> Card for picks: SIGMA 59 Fiyero Lermontov v Seth O'Breen Snuffy Fontana v Chaim Alexievich Mikel Tupolov v Valentin Taneyev Grzegorz Boniek v Libor Pudil Caragh Green v Oleksandro Hlushko Oleg Tariverdiev v Augustus Shorrock (prelim) Ragnar Gunnlaugsson v Roger Quince (prelim) Badog Laszlo v Rokas Novak

CageRage · February 18, 2014

SIGMA 59

Fiyero Lermontov v Seth O'Breen

Snuffy Fontana v Chaim Alexievich

Mikel Tupolov v Valentin Taneyev

Grzegorz Boniek v Libor Pudil

Caragh Green v Oleksandro Hlushko

Oleg Tariverdiev v Augustus Shorrock

(prelim) Ragnar Gunnlaugsson v Roger Quince

(prelim) Badog Laszlo v Rokas Novak

BigRedMachine · February 18, 2014

SIGMA 59

Fiyero Lermontov v Seth O'Breen

Snuffy Fontana v Chaim Alexievich

Mikel Tupolov v Valentin Taneyev

Grzegorz Boniek v Libor Pudil

Caragh Green v Oleksandro Hlushko

Oleg Tariverdiev v Augustus Shorrock

(prelim) Ragnar Gunnlaugsson v Roger Quince

(prelim) Badog Laszlo v Rokas Novak

batsnumbereleven · February 18, 2014

News and Notes from around the MMA world: September 2001

Signings

ALPHA-1: Pete Shilton (2-2 OMEGA), Leon Banks (4-3 GAMMA), Toshiya Furube, Mototsune Ohmiya,

GAMMA: Jay Dewees, Gus Fitzpatrick,

OMEGA: -

BCF: Priti Manek (0-4 SIGMA), Lawrence Herringbone (3-3 GAMMA),

FLB: Walter Leben,

XCC: -

WEFF: -

WARRIORS: -

UCFF: -

Events

GAMMA 61: Sugar v Sukarno took place on Saturday 13th September, and saw the GAMMA Lightweight title on the line as champion Brandon Sugar defended against MMA legend Sukarno. A good fight ended after 3:21 of the first round as Indonesian Sukarno (#19, 26-2) took a TKO stoppage victory and the title from Sugar (#3, 32-5) after 5 defences., as just over 12,000 turned up in Nevada for the occasion.

Monday 15th September saw the latest edition of ALPHA-1's “Warriors of the Ring”, in which Kadonamaro Deguchi (8-2) took a decision victory over Tora Mizwar (#14, 29-6). Pai Cheng (11-2) took KO of the Night in the best bout of the evening, as he TKOd Koyoka Matsuhiro (#16, 6-2) in just over a minute of their preliminary bout.

On the same night, UCFF 9: de Melo v Satinho II took place in front of around 235 in North Africa, and featured a re-match of a fight that Murilo Satinho won by Unanimous Decision at FLB 10: Unleashed back in August 1998. This time the fight was for the UCFF Heavyweight title, and Satinho (#22, 14-2) knocked out Vitor de Melo (#23, 9-3) in the first round.

BCF: Copeland v Sanscoulottes took place the following evening in London, with English pit fighter Harrison Copeland (4-1) taking the vacant BCF Light-Heavyweight crown with a unanimous decision victory over French all-rounder Jeremie Sanscoulottes. At Heavyweight, Mark Bicknell (#20, 13-2) defeated Jesse Singh (14-7) with a rear naked choke in the second round.

Saturday 20th September saw ALPHA-1: Bunya v da Guia for the ALPHA-1 Welterweight title in Chugoku, Japan. Defending champion Kafu Bunya (#9, 14-2) was knocked out by a knee from the thai plum by challenger Carlos da Guia (#6, 21-1) in the second round, as da Guia regained the belt he lost to Chew Chua back in January 2000. In the better of two split decision verdicts on the card, Jutaro Honma (7-2) got the better of Guy Broom (5-3) in the Heavyweight division.

batsnumbereleven · February 18, 2014

Event Report SIGMA 59: Lermontov v O'Breen Sportforum Hohenschonhausen, Berlin, Germany. Friday 26th September 2001 Attendance: 5355 for a gate of $535,500 PPV Buys: 162,357 for revenue of $974,142 Preliminary matches Badog Laszlo (1-1) v Rokas Novak (0-0) <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36914" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>>Next up is a match in which 'The Hungarian Hippo' Bádog László squares off with Rokas Novak in the SIGMA Heavyweight division. >The fight begins! >László slips out of the way of a combination of short sharp punches. >Novak gets László with a nice jab. >A couple of quick punches are used to set up a takedown attempt from László. >László eats a stiff counter right hand and almost goes down! >László avoids a tight combination. >László shoots in, looking for a takedown. >László can't get the takedown, Novak defended it well. >László moves out of range of a tidy combination of punches. >We are now at the halfway point of the round. >Novak circles, looking for an opening. >Not letting up, László quickly steps in closer to attack Novak. >There's a short stalemate as both fighters advance and throw strikes, but neither hits. >They wind up in a tight clinch. >László is looking to use his wrestling to take Novak down. >Novak blocks the attempt by keeping a solid base. >Novak tries to uses a whizzer to turn László, but is blocked from doing so. >We move into the final sixty seconds of this round. >László is looking to muscle Novak back against the cage. >Novak doesn't let himself be driven back though, and gains a dominant position in the grapple instead. >The grapple breaks up after a short struggle, and the two fighters step apart. >The time is up, and that's the end of round one. >That has to go down as a 10-9 round to Novak. >There's the bell and round number two begins! >László moves out of range of a tidy combination of punches. >Novak avoids a quick jab and hits a couple of hard rights! >Novak works the jab. >Novak throws a left jab but László uses good head movement to make sure it slips by. >From the pocket, László shoots in for a double leg. >Novak counters with a right hand that catches László flush...and he goes down! >László shakes off the blow almost immediately though, and waits for Novak to make a move. >In comes Novak looking to get some form of ground control. >Novak attains side control. >Novak begins trying to get himself into a mount. >Advancing his position, he gets mount. >We pass the halfway mark of this round. >Novak fires away with big elbows, but László covers up and doesn't take any undue damage. >Novak counters an attempt by László to move him from mount by taking his back! >Novak successfully gets both hooks in, and seems primed to finish. >Novak, with both hooks in, attempts to get a rear naked choke fully applied. >László fights off the rear naked choke attempt. >Rokas Novak is breathing very hard. >Novak loses his hooks, as László pries them away. >The end of the round is coming quick, there's under a minute left. >László is in increasing trouble, as Novak gets both hooks in. >Novak fires away with small punches, but doesn't do much damage, if any, as László covers up well. >László struggles against Novak and manages to free himself from the hooks. >The time is up, and that's the end of round two. >That round goes to Novak, 10-9 on my card. >Round three begins! >Between rounds, his corner told Novak to try and use counter striking in this round. >László covers up to withstand a couple of big right hands. >Novak throws a left jab but László uses good head movement to make sure it slips by. >Standing in the pocket, László chooses to shoot in for a double leg on Novak. >Novak stuffs the takedown attempt. >Bádog László doesn't look like he has much left in the tank. >László darts in and out of range quickly, trying to get Novak to commit to throwing a strike. >Both fighters throw strikes at the same time, both miss. >Having stepped in close to throw their strikes, they end up clinched. >László tries to wrestle Novak backward and up against the cage. >Novak doesn't let himself be driven back though, and gains a dominant position in the grapple instead. >Rokas Novak seems to be fighting against exhaustion. >Novak and László break the grapple and are apart again, circling. >A tired-looking László approaches, looking for a takedown. >László walks into a big left jab, landing right on the cheek. >We move into the second half of this round. >Although visibly tired, Novak looks to move in and stand in the pocket. >László tries to catch him by surprise with a takedown attempt, but it is blocked. >From the looks of things, I don't think Bádog László has much energy left. >Novak slams a crisp right into the gloves of László, but can't follow up. >László steps in closer to force the issue. >László throws a couple of jabs, a set up for a tired-looking takedown attempt on Novak. >Novak tries to avoid László. >László can't get the takedown, Novak was too quick to back away. >Rokas Novak looks like he is almost out on his feet with exhaustion. >The end of the round is coming quick, there's under a minute left. >A flurry of punches fail to land, giving László the opportunity to counter with a left jab to the cheek. >László narrowly misses Novak with a right uppercut. >Novak steps in to put some pressure on. >Time runs out and that's the end of the fight. >That round goes to Novak, 10-9 on my card. >The official scores are being reported now. >All three judges have given 30-27. >The winner, by unanimous decision, is Rokas Novak! </div></blockquote> >Official Result: Rokas Novak defeats 'The Hungarian Hippo' Bádog László (Unanimous Decision in 5:00 of round 3). The match was rated as being Decent. Comments: Good performance from the debutant, who bossed the fight and controlled where it took place. Ragnar Gunnlaugsson (5-1) v Roger Quince (0-0) <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36914" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>>In the last of the preliminary matches, Ragnar 'Rock' Gunnlaugsson goes up against Roger 'The Prince' Quince in the SIGMA Welterweight division. >Round one begins! >There's a stalemate as both fighters throw strikes, but neither scores. >Quince circles away, creating some distance between them. >A couple of wild haymakers are used to set up a takedown attempt from Quince. >Quince walks into a big left jab, landing right on the cheek. >Both fighters exchange strikes, but neither hits anything significant. >In close proximity from the strikes they threw, they fall into a messy clinch. >With Gunnlaugsson controlled by the clinch, Quince looks to be attempting to set up a judo throw. >An outside leg trip sweeps Gunnlaugsson down to the ground, where he is left on his back pulling half guard! >Quince throws a few strikes, but is clearly slowing things down so that he can catch his breath. >Gunnlaugsson uses an underhook to work some separation, then quickly scrambles. >The scramble results in Quince turtled with Gunnlaugsson on his back. >Rolled over from turtle position Quince is left caught in side control. >We pass the halfway mark of this round. >Looking to catch his breath, Gunnlaugsson is content to just throw a couple of punches to the body. >Gunnlaugsson pounds away from side control, but Quince isn't troubled by the strikes. >Gunnlaugsson blocks Quince as he tries a transition to guard. >In side control, Gunnlaugsson begins working to get a mount. >Quince doesn't let Gunnlaugsson get the mount, and so he remains at side control. >Quince tries to sweep Gunnlaugsson but can't do it. >The end of the round is coming quick, there's under a minute left. >Looking to catch his breath, Gunnlaugsson is content to just throw a couple of punches to the body. >The time runs out on round one. >There was very little to separate them in that round, but I'll give that one 10-9 to Quince. >And here we go, round two! >Quince steps back to avoid a kick to the body. >Gunnlaugsson scores with a couple of tight angled jabs and a scorching right hook to the body. >Stepping in, Gunnlaugsson is able to nail a tasty jab - right cross combination. >Gunnlaugsson fires off a barrage of big right hands, forcing Quince to step back. >Gunnlaugsson throws a wild right hand, but Quince covers up and absorbs the strike. >They come together and throw strikes, both miss. >We move into the second half of this round. >Standing in the pocket, Quince chooses to shoot in for a double leg on Gunnlaugsson. >Gunnlaugsson first stuffs the takedown attempt, then manages to wrestle Quince the the floor! Quince has to pull guard. >Gunnlaugsson stands up out of guard and backs off, wanting the fight to continue standing. >Gunnlaugsson throws a barrage of big rights but Quince is quick to move out of range. >Gunnlaugsson feints throwing a jab. >There's under a minute left in this round. >Gunnlaugsson uses a nice jab. >Gunnlaugsson throws a speculative right, but it is nowhere near hitting. >Quince doesn't press the issue, allowing Gunnlaugsson to circle. >Time expires and we come to the end of round two. >I think Gunnlaugsson took that round, 10-9 on my score card. >There's the bell for the start of the round! >A left jab misses and Gunnlaugsson strikes back with a left jab to the cheek. >Gunnlaugsson slips past a left jab and fires back with a nice one-two combination. >A quick exchange of strikes produces nothing worth mentioning. >Quince swings with a couple of wild punches, then chooses to shoot in on Gunnlaugsson. >Gunnlaugsson sprawls well, and Quince is forced down to his knees, almost turtled up. >Gunnlaugsson fires away with right hands, and Quince is stung by several big shots to the side of the head. >Gunnlaugsson fires away with big right hands, but can't stop Quince getting to his feet. >Gunnlaugsson counters a wayward left jab with a couple of nice rights. >We go past the halfway point of this round. >A couple of wild haymakers are used to set up a takedown attempt from Quince. >Quince can't get past the sprawl of Gunnlaugsson, and finds himself pushed face-down to the ground. >Gunnlaugsson pounds away with right hands, but Quince absorbs them and manages to stand back up. >Both fighters go to exchange blows, but neither hits a telling strike. >We move into the final sixty seconds of this round. >Quince keeps out of range, assessing the situation. >Gunnlaugsson steps in to put some pressure on. >Gunnlaugsson counters an errant left jab with a nice jab. >The time runs out and that round is over, and so is the fight. >That round goes to Gunnlaugsson, 10-9 on my card. >Here come the official scores. >All three judges score the contest as 29-28. >So the winner, by unanimous decision, is Ragnar 'Rock' Gunnlaugsson! </div></blockquote> >Official Result: Ragnar 'Rock' Gunnlaugsson defeats Roger 'The Prince' Quince (Unanimous Decision in 5:00 of round 3). The match was rated as being Decent. Comments: A tight fight, but I agree with the judges' scorecards here. Quince attempted to take it to Gunnlaugsson in the third round, but the sprawl was too good for him. Main card Oleg Tariverdiev (10-3) v Augustus Shorrock (7-1) <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36914" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>>Moving on to the next match, in which Oleg Tariverdiev takes on Augustus Shorrock in the SIGMA Middleweight division. >The fight begins! >Shorrock steps back to avoid a one-two combination. >A quick exchange of strikes produces nothing worth mentioning. >Both fighters come in and throw strikes, there is no real damage done by either. >Shorrock tries for a left jab but Tariverdiev moves out of range. >Shorrock slams a crisp right into the gloves of Tariverdiev, but can't follow up. >Tariverdiev presses in closer to attack. >A nicely executed one-two combination sets up a takedown attempt from Tariverdiev. >Shorrock attempts to avoid Tariverdiev as he shoots in. >Shorrock avoids the takedown attempt. >We've now passed the halfway mark in this round. >Shorrock steps back to avoid a one-two combination. >Shorrock bobs and weaves. >Not letting Shorrock settle at all, Tariverdiev comes in closer. >Tariverdiev comes in closer, looking to wrestle with Shorrock. >Shorrock finds himself pulled into a grappling contest. >Tariverdiev grabs an arm and tries and pull Shorrock down to the ground into his guard. >Shorrock counters by planting Tariverdiev into the mat with a vicious slam! >We have one minute of the round remaining. >Shorrock stands back and allows Tariverdiev to stand back up. >Tariverdiev steps back to avoid a left jab. >Moving in closer, Tariverdiev looks like he wants to strike from the pocket. >Shorrock now has Tariverdiev standing in the pocket. >The time runs out on round one. >That round goes to Shorrock, 10-9 on my card. >We are back underway! >A left jab misses and Tariverdiev strikes back with a solid left. >An exchange of strikes goes nowhere. >Shorrock is looking to turn this into a wrestling match, and is getting in closer to Tariverdiev. >Shorrock eats a stiff counter right hand and almost goes down! >Tariverdiev looks to move in and stand in the pocket. >Standing his ground, Shorrock looks happy to engage Tariverdiev in the pocket. >Tariverdiev is looking to turn this into a wrestling match, and is getting in closer to Shorrock. >The two fighters start grappling for control. >Using his wrestling skills, Shorrock is trying to push Tariverdiev up against the cage. >He does so, and now has Tariverdiev pinned to the cage. >Shorrock tries to foot stomp Tariverdiev, but misses. >We are now at the halfway point of the round. >Shorrock hits a knee strike to the thigh. >Unable to get free, Tariverdiev is smothered up against the cage for about thirty seconds. >Tariverdiev waits for Shorrock to throw an elbow, then uses wrestling to turn him around so that Shorrock now has his back to the cage. >The end of the round is coming quick, there's under a minute left. >Tariverdiev tries to take Shorrock down. >Shorrock has the takedown scouted, he tries to grab a guillotine. >He gets a takedown, using the cage to his advantage. >Shorrock is left seated, with his back to the cage, with Tariverdiev holding him down. >Not liking his options, Tariverdiev looks to get a better position over Shorrock. >Shorrock gets turned onto his back, and is mounted! >Tariverdiev attempts to set up an armbar on Shorrock from the mount. >The armbar is fully applied, but the round ends before it can force a tap! >Round two ends as time expires. >I'd say that was definitely 10-9 in favour of Tariverdiev. >Round three begins! >Tariverdiev counters an errant left jab with a flurry of small strikes. >Shorrock feints to the right, trying to draw Tariverdiev into throwing a strike. >There's a stalemate as both fighters throw strikes but neither hits. >Having stepped in close to throw their strikes, they end up grappling. >Using his wrestling skills, Shorrock is trying to push Tariverdiev up against the cage. >Shorrock manages it, and controls Tariverdiev up against the cage. >Shorrock tries to smother Tariverdiev against the cage, but is struggling to maintain control. >Tariverdiev manages to slap on a standing guillotine choke! >The guillotine is fully sunk in, Shorrock has no option but to tap out! >The winner, by submission; Oleg Tariverdiev! </div></blockquote> >Official Result: Oleg Tariverdiev defeats Augustus Shorrock (Submission (Guillotine) in 2:04 of round 3). The match was rated as being Good. Comments: Tariverdiev made up for not securing the submission soon enough in the second with a smart use of the guillotine here. After taking the first round, Shorrock will be disappointed with the skills he showed in defending the grappling game of Tariverdiev – he got himself into a couple of bad situations. Caragh Green (6-0) v Oleksandro Hlushko (6-0) <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36914" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>>Next up, Caragh Green will take on Oleksandro Hlushko in the SIGMA Welterweight division. >The fight begins! >A left hand misses, allowing Hlushko to counter with a tasty jab - left cross combination. >Both fighters fire off strikes, but neither does any significant damage. >There is an exchange of strikes, but neither fighter does any damage. >Hlushko darts in and out of range quickly, trying to get Green to commit to throwing a strike. >Hlushko fakes a lunge. >Not letting up, Green steps in closer to pressure Hlushko into action. >A couple of quick punches are used to set up a takedown attempt from Green. >Hlushko tries to avoid the takedown. >The takedown doesn't work, Hlushko saw it coming and got out of range. >We move into the second half of this round. >Hlushko slips past a left jab and fires back with a lightning fast couple of jabs and a left cross. >Hlushko tries for a right jab but Green moves out of range. >Moving in closer, Green looks like he may want to wrestle Hlushko. >He pulls Hlushko into a grapple. >Green tries to take Hlushko down. >The takedown is completed, Hlushko is on his back and pulls half guard. >We're into the final minute of the round. >Green tries to pass the half guard. >Hlushko comfortably blocks the attempt and keeps Green in half guard. >Green blocks Hlushko as he tries a transition to full guard. >In half guard, Green begins working to get side control. >He finds himself unable to get past the half guard on this attempt. >Round one ends as time expires. >Not much happened in that round, hopefully the fighters will pick up the pace a bit when we restart. >An extremely close round, could have gone either way, but personally I'll give it to Hlushko 10-9. >There's the bell for the start of the round! >Between rounds we could hear the corner of Green telling him to watch for strikes but to look for takedown opportunities. >Moving forward, Hlushko counters a left jab with a powerful left hook to the body. >An errant jab sets Hlushko up to counter-strike with a straight right. >Green slips out of the way of a combination of short sharp punches. >Green steps back to avoid a right jab. >Green shoots in for a takedown. >Green doesn't get the takedown, Hlushko saw it coming and was equal to it. >Both fighters fire off strikes, but neither does any significant damage. >There is an exchange of strikes, but neither fighter does any damage. >We are now at the halfway point of the round. >Hlushko darts in and out of range quickly, trying to get Green to commit to throwing a strike. >Hlushko fakes a lunge. >Not letting up, Green quickly steps in closer to attack Hlushko. >A couple of quick punches are used to set up a takedown attempt from Green. >Hlushko tries to avoid the takedown. >The takedown doesn't work, Hlushko saw it coming and got out of range. >The end of the round is coming quick, there's under a minute left. >Hlushko slips past a left jab and fires back with a lightning fast couple of jabs and a left cross. >Hlushko tries for a right jab but Green moves out of range. >The time is up, and that's the end of round two. >That round goes to Hlushko, 10-9 on my card. >There's the bell for the start of the round! >Both fighters come in and throw strikes, there is no real damage done by either. >They come together and throw strikes, both miss. >Green looks to be trying to close the distance between them. >Hlushko counters with a left hand that catches Green flush...and he goes down! >Hlushko knows that this is a golden opportunity, and quickly pounces on Green, looking to finish him off by raining down punches! >Green shows great instincts, pulling half guard to put a halt to the shower of punches. >Hlushko wants to stand up, but cannot get out of half guard. >Green bursts into life and tries to scramble into a better position. >Green ends up in guard. >Green tries to pass the guard. >He finds himself unable to pass guard on this attempt. >Hlushko tries to ensnare Green in a triangle. >Green blocks the attempt. >We move into the second half of this round. >Green tries to pass the guard. >Green struggles but cannot find a way past and remains stuck in guard. >Hlushko brings his legs up and tries to lock Green in a triangle choke. >Green doesn't let Hlushko get it. >The end of the round is coming quick, there's under a minute left. >Green begins trying to pass the guard. >Hlushko is ready for the attempt though, and keeps Green firmly in guard. >Caragh Green is breathing very hard. >Hlushko tries to push Green away, but can't. >Green begins trying to pass guard and get a better position. >Hlushko keeps his guard secure. >We reach the time limit and this fight is over. >I think Hlushko took that round, 10-9 on my score card. >The official scores are being reported now. >All three judges give 30-27. >Oleksandro Hlushko wins by unanimous decision! </div></blockquote> >Official Result: Oleksandro Hlushko defeats Caragh Green (Unanimous Decision in 5:00 of round 3). The match was rated as being Average. Comments: Another one taken to the judges, and although I had the first round to Green, I can't complain at the overall result. Hlushko's takedown defence was enough to keep the fight where he wanted it, though there were a couple of fun scrambles that were the real highlights here. Grzegorz Boniek (36-7) v Libor Pudil (4-2) <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36914" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>>Next up, 'Polish Power' Grzegorz Boniek battles 'The Destroyer' Libor Pudil in the SIGMA Heavyweight division. >There's the opening bell! >Pudil slips out of the way of a jab. >Boniek is looking to turn this into a wrestling match, and is getting in closer to Pudil. >Pudil is pulled into a grapple. >Boniek tries to wrestle Pudil backward and up against the cage. >Boniek manages it, and controls Pudil up against the cage. >Boniek tries to keep him up against the cage with wrestling, but Pudil reverses so that he is the one in control. >Boniek waits for Pudil to throw an elbow, then uses wrestling to turn him around so that Pudil now has his back to the cage. >Boniek has worked in the underhooks and looks to take Pudil down. >The underhooks are used to set up a trip, Pudil is left on his back and has to pull guard. >We go past the halfway point of this round. >Boniek fires off a few punches, but they aren't thrown with any great force. >Boniek punches down at Pudil, but they are easily taken on the gloves. >Boniek attempts to pass guard and gain a better position. >Pudil finds his opponent too skilled, and Boniek passes guard into side control. >Looking to catch his breath, Boniek is content to just throw a couple of punches to the body. >The end of the round is coming quick, there's under a minute left. >Boniek tries to lock Pudil into an arm triangle. >Boniek gets the arm triangle, sinks it in deeply, but Pudil is still trying to fight out of it! >Out of the blue, Pudil breaks free! Boniek must not have had it locked up as tight as it looked. >Pudil tries to transition to a guard, but can't manage it. >Boniek throws a few right hands, but is mainly trying to catch his breath. >Round one is brought to an end as time runs out. >That wasn't the most exciting round we've ever seen, hopefully things will pick up in the next one. >That has to go down as a 10-9 round to Boniek. >Round two begins! >Pudil avoids a flurry of rights and lefts. >Pudil is looking to turn this into a wrestling match, and is getting in closer to Boniek. >Pudil grapples with Boniek, who made no attempt to escape. >Boniek is looking to muscle Pudil back against the cage. >Boniek manages it, and controls Pudil up against the cage. >Boniek looks to try and maintain control via his wrestling skills, but Pudil proves too good and manages to turn them around so that he is in the dominant position. >Boniek waits for Pudil to lift a leg to attempt a foot stomp, then turns him around so that he now has his back to the cage. >Boniek tries to maintain control, but Pudil wrestles his way out of trouble and turns it so that Boniek ends up backed against the cage. >We move into the second half of this round. >Smothered against the cage, Boniek is stuck there, unable to do anything, for roughly sixty seconds. >Grzegorz Boniek is breathing very hard. >Libor Pudil is breathing very hard. >Showing his ability to control opponents, Pudil smothers Boniek against the cage while nailing him with short strikes to the body for about sixty seconds. >We move into the final sixty seconds of this round. >Boniek is pressed up against the cage and held there, taking the occasional short punch to the ribs and stomach, for roughly a minute. >Libor Pudil looks like he doesn't have a lot left to give. >Time expires and we come to the end of round two. >The fans are booing loudly after a dire round that featured little in the way of action. >I have to give that round to Pudil, but only a 10-9. >There's the bell and round number three begins! >Both fighters go to exchange blows, but neither hits a telling strike. >Pudil tries for a left jab but Boniek moves out of range. >A couple of sloppy right hands are used to set up a tired-looking takedown attempt from Boniek. >The takedown is unsuccessful, Pudil blocked Boniek. >Looking tired, Boniek comes in closer, attempting to wrestle with Pudil. >Not keen on wrestling Boniek, Pudil uses movement to keep out of reach. >Boniek, who is visibly tired, looks like he might want to get in close and wrestle with Pudil. >Pudil is pulled into a grapple. >From the looks of things, I don't think Grzegorz Boniek has much energy left. >We are now at the halfway point of the round. >Using his wrestling skills, Boniek is trying to push Pudil up against the cage. >Pudil ends up backed against the cage. >Libor Pudil looks totally gassed. >Boniek tries to smother him against the cage with wrestling, but can't keep control of Pudil who is fighting it. >Pudil wrestles back against Boniek, turning him around so that he now has his back to the cage. >Pudil looks for a foot stomp but Boniek takes the opportunity to turn them around so that he is in the dominant position. >The gas tank looks empty on Grzegorz Boniek. >Boniek has gotten underhooks in and is looking to take Pudil to the ground. >The underhooks are used to set up a trip, Pudil is left on his back and has to pull guard. >The end of the round is coming quick, there's under a minute left. >Pudil is controlled against the ground, unable to shift Boniek off of him. >Boniek smothers Pudil with his body by pushing forward and down. >The time runs out and that round is over, and so is the fight. >I think Boniek took that round, 10-9 on my score card. >The ring announcer is now giving the official scores. >All three judges have given 29-28. >Making 'Polish Power' Grzegorz Boniek the winner by unanimous decision! </div></blockquote> >Official Result: 'Polish Power' Grzegorz Boniek defeats 'The Destroyer' Libor Pudil (Unanimous Decision in 5:00 of round 3). The match was rated as being Very Poor. Comments: The right decision, but a terrible fight, with both men happy to lean on one another against the cage for far too much of it. I'd really like to see the referees stepping in a bit more sharply with such stalling tactics going on. Both fighters were gassed early in this one, which doesn't bode well for any future encounters they might have. Pudil would like to fight Calchas Gekas next, but I think he needs to start winning fights before asking for specific match-ups. Mikel Tupolov (#16, 3-1) v Valentin Taneyev (10-2) <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36914" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>>Next up, 'The Grandmaster' Mikel Tupolov fights 'The Hand Grenade' Valentin Taneyev in the SIGMA Light Heavyweight division. >There's the opening bell! >Taneyev steps back to avoid a barrage of big punches, having been off balance momentarily after a clever feint. >Taneyev steps back to avoid a leg kick, having been suckered in with a feinted high kick. >An attempted body kick misses and Tupolov fires back with a nice combination. >Taneyev steps back to avoid a push kick. >Tupolov comes in closer, looking to attack from the pocket. >Taneyev sees a chance for a takedown attempt, and Tupolov, caught by surprise, has to pull guard. >Taneyev unloads with big elbows from the guard, but Tupolov is able to deal with most of them. >Tupolov tries to catch Taneyev with a punch, but it is not on target. >We go past the halfway point of this round. >Time slips away as Taneyev successfully keeps Tupolov stuck against the ground. >Taneyev begins trying to pass the guard. >Tupolov can't do anything about the pass, and is left under side control. >Taneyev tries to lock Tupolov in an americana. >The americana is locked in, deep enough that Tupolov has to tap out! >The winner, by submission, is 'The Hand Grenade' Valentin Taneyev! </div></blockquote> >Official Result: 'The Hand Grenade' Valentin Taneyev defeats 'The Grandmaster' Mikel Tupolov (Submission (Americana) in 4:25 of round 1). The match was rated as being Good. Comments: Top work from Taneyev, who'd fallen short in each of his previous fights against really good opposition – the same sort of pattern that Tupolov appears to be falling into. Lots of possibilities for both men going forward. Co-main Snuffy Fontana (#17, 8-0) v Chaim Alexievich (6-0) <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36914" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>>The co-main event is up next. Snuffy Fontana will take on Chaim Alexievich in the SIGMA Middleweight division. >The fight begins! >A jab doesn't find its intended target, allowing Alexievich to fire back with a nice left hand. >A left hand misses, allowing Alexievich to counter with a straight left. >Alexievich shoots in for a takedown. >The takedown doesn't work, Fontana stuffed it. >Both throw strikes at each other, both easily defend the other's attempt. >Alexievich is looking to turn this into a wrestling match, and is getting in closer to Fontana. >Alexievich can't get close enough to grapple, Fontana makes sure to keep out of range. >We've now passed the halfway mark in this round. >Alexievich slips out of the way of a jab. >Fontana comes in, looking for a quick takedown. >He has the takedown! It's a single leg, and Alexievich has to pull guard. >Fontana throws a few strikes, but is clearly slowing things down so that he can catch his breath. >Fontana throws a few right hands to the body. >Alexievich bursts into life and tries to scramble into a better position. >Fontana is too quick though, and grabs side control before Alexievich can get up. >There's under a minute left in this round. >Fontana hits a knee strike to the ribs. >Fontana throws a few right hands to the body. >The time runs out on round one. >That round goes to Fontana, 10-9 on my card. >We are back underway! >Alexievich avoids a flurry of punches. >Fontana slips out of the way of a jab. >Fontana throws out a couple of jabs as a set up, then shoots in for a takedown. >Alexievich sees the takedown coming and tries to move. >The takedown doesn't work, Alexievich saw it coming and got out of range. >Alexievich waits for a flurry of punches to stop, then hits a clean jab. >Alexievich throws a couple of jabs, then chooses to shoot in on Fontana. >Fontana sees the takedown coming and tries to move. >The takedown is unsuccessful, Fontana avoided Alexievich. >We go past the halfway point of this round. >Moving in closer, Alexievich looks like he wants to strike from the pocket. >He gets into range. >Alexievich is looking to turn this into a wrestling match, and is getting in closer to Fontana. >They start grappling, Fontana looks happy to engage Alexievich at close quarters. >Fontana uses underhooks to gain solid control, and is looking for a takedown. >Fontana doesn't get the takedown, Alexievich blocked it. >A whizzer almost allows Alexievich to create enough space to get free, but Fontana shuts that opportunity down. >Fontana uses underhooks to gain solid control, and is looking for a takedown. >Fontana can't get the takedown, Alexievich defended it well. >Alexievich tries to uses a whizzer to turn Fontana, but is blocked from doing so. >We have one minute of the round remaining. >Fontana has gotten underhooks in and is looking to take Alexievich to the ground. >A sweep of the legs is successful, Alexievich has to pull guard. >Fontana lies on top of Alexievich, basically smothering him. >Time expires and we come to the end of round two. >That round goes to Fontana, 10-9 on my card. >There's the bell for the start of the round! >Both fighters go to exchange blows, but neither hits a telling strike. >Fontana chooses to shoot in on Alexievich. >Alexievich sees the takedown coming and tries to move. >The takedown doesn't work, Alexievich saw it coming and got out of range. >Alexievich chooses to shoot in on Fontana. >The takedown is completed, Alexievich came in hard and fast and was too much for Fontana. >The takedown leaves Fontana seated with his back pressed against the cage. >Alexievich begins trying to get himself into a more dominant position. >Fontana gets turned onto his back, and is left under side control. >Fontana takes a crunching knee strike to the ribs from under side control! >We pass the halfway mark of this round. >Alexievich begins trying to get himself into a mount. >Fontana doesn't let Alexievich get the mount, and so he remains at side control. >Alexievich feels Fontana prepare to scramble for position and makes sure it doesn't happen. >Alexievich is trying to move from side control to mount. >He can't mount Fontana. >Fontana looks ready to try and scramble, but Alexievich is quick to move to prevent that. >We're into the final minute of the round. >Alexievich looks to get a mount. >Alexievich isn't able to mount Fontana this time around. >The time runs out and that round is over, and so is the fight. >I have to give that round to Alexievich, but only a 10-9. >The ring announcer is now giving the official scores. >Judge #1: 29-28 Alexievich. >Judge #2 has scored it 29-28 Fontana. >Judge #3: 29-28 Fontana. >Making Snuffy Fontana the winner by split decision! </div></blockquote> >Official Result: Snuffy Fontana defeats Chaim Alexievich (Split Decision in 5:00 of round 3). The match was rated as being Decent. Comments: This one was decided by the takedowns – not sure how anyone scored the fight for Alexievich though. Main Event SIGMA Lightweight championship Fiyero Lermontov (#8, 16-1) © v Seth O'Breen (#14, 16-1) <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36914" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>>It's time for the main event of the evening! Fiyero Lermontov will take on Seth 'Submission King' O'Breen in the SIGMA Lightweight division. >This is a SIGMA Lightweight title fight. >Round one begins! >An exchange of strikes doesn't really lead to anything. >In close proximity from the strikes they threw, they fall into a messy clinch. >O'Breen is looking to muscle Lermontov back against the cage. >O'Breen can't manage it, and Lermontov gets out of the grapple entirely. >Lermontov shoots in for a takedown. >O'Breen attempts to avoid Lermontov as he shoots in. >Lermontov can't get the takedown, O'Breen was too quick to back away. >Lermontov looks to be trying to close the distance between them. >They start grappling, O'Breen looks happy to engage Lermontov at close quarters. >Lermontov is looking to muscle O'Breen back against the cage. >O'Breen ends up backed against the cage. >With the cage trapping O'Breen, Lermontov looks to be attempting to set up a judo throw. >O'Breen stops the attempted throw, then uses his wrestling to take control of the grapple and put Lermontov against the cage. >Lermontov gets caught with a knee to the inside of the thigh. >We are now at the halfway point of the round. >O'Breen drives a knee to the thigh area. >O'Breen tries some dirty boxing, but Lermontov wrestles his way out of trouble and manages to turn it around so that O'Breen ends up backed against the cage instead. >With the cage trapping O'Breen, Lermontov looks to be attempting to set up a judo throw. >O'Breen blocks the attempted throw and turns Lermontov around so that he has his back to the cage. >O'Breen tries to use some dirty boxing, but Lermontov uses wrestling to nullify any potential damage. >We're into the final minute of the round. >O'Breen tries to hit Lermontov with an elbow, but Lermontov takes the opportunity to switch it around so that he is in control and O'Breen is the one backed against the cage. >Lermontov uses a hard foot stomp. >Lermontov looks to take O'Breen down by setting up a judo throw. >O'Breen stops the attempted throw, then uses his wrestling to take control of the grapple and put Lermontov against the cage. >O'Breen tries to press him up against the cage, but finds it hard to keep any sort of real control. >Lermontov finds room to apply a standing guillotine! >Lermontov has the guillotine, but doesn't have enough time left to really sink it in! >Round one ends as time expires. >That round goes to Lermontov, 10-9 on my card. >There's the bell and round number two begins! >From what we could hear of his corner, it sounds like Lermontov has been instructed to try and get O'Breen to the floor in this round. >Lermontov slips past a left jab and fires back with a right hook, knocking O'Breen out! >Fiyero Lermontov takes the win by Knock Out! </div></blockquote> >Official Result: Fiyero Lermontov defeats Seth 'Submission King' O'Breen (Knock Out (Punch) in 0:22 of round 2). The match was rated as being Average. Comments: So much for the advice from Lermontov's corner – the champ clearly had other ideas of his own about how he was going to win the fight! The first round was close, but rather a feeling out process, and O'Breen never got chance to use any knowledge he'd gained from that before he was knocked out. Gregory O'Hara should probably be the next challenger. Show summary Critical rating: Decent Commercial success: Poor Fight of the Night: Oleg Tariverdiev v Augustus Shorrock Knockout of the Night: Fiyero Lermontov Submission of the Night: Valentin Taneyev Comments: Not the greatest evening's entertainment I've had watching SIGMA, but at least the top part of the card provided a few moments to take away. Just as well, really, since the commercial ratings coming back were fairly dire – setting up a viable card at Mid Level National is a whole new ball game than it was at Low Level National, with the upshot that we lose nearly 3 percentage points and fall back into the latter level.

batsnumbereleven · February 18, 2014

Prediction results 7/8 – BigRedMachine (79/114) 6/8 – CageRage (288/396) Injury report Roger Quince will be sidelined for about 8 weeks with an ankle injury, whilst Augustus Shorrock and Mikel Tupolov have both been handed 1 month suspensions by the Athletic Commission, and Seth O'Breen has been medically held out for the next three months. SIGMA contracts/signings Pavel Radulov (1-3) won't have his contract renewed after a disappointing run in SIGMA. He has one fight remaining unless a competitor steps in for him. The same applies to Irving Braun, with a similar record. Charlie Oakley, for whom the SIGMA Gefecht TV loss to Vladoslav Medvedev was his first in the company is being offered a 5-fight extension to his existing deal. Snuffy Fontana gets a new 6-fight contract, whilst we have had to have serious discussions with former SIGMA Heavyweight champion Grzegorz Boniek, whose 4-3 run does warrant the new 4-fight deal he was offered, but had to be tempered with words around his recent performances, as his last three fights have all been rated Very Poor in going to the judges. In the end, ALPHA-1 were willing to pay him a much greater rate than we were prepared to offer, and we understand he has chosen to sign a 3-fight deal with them. <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36914" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Blurcat.com Lightweight rankings 1. Felix Mudd, BCF 2. Jimmi Mortensen, ALPHA-1 3. Fiyero Lermontov, SIGMA 4. Jonathon Rice, BCF 5. Tomohiro Takeuchi, ALPHA-1 6. Atep of Indonesia, FLB 7. Michael Ballantine, OMEGA 8. Glen Siemaszko, XCC 9. Angor Salvador, GAMMA 10. Jake Keane, BCF</div></blockquote>

batsnumbereleven · February 18, 2014

Monday 1st October 2001 <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36914" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Press Release Signature Martial Arts is pleased to announce that SIGMA 60, to be held on Friday 26th October, will take place at the Ballsporthalle in Frankfurt, Germany, and will see SIGMA Welterweight champion Templeton Crumb (#4, 21-4) from South Africa defending his title against English submissions fighter Jayden Karp (#19, 8-0) a rising star in the Welterweight division. Crumb won the title from Noach Van Der Capellen back at SIGMA 42 last June, and scraped a split decision victory against Piotr Dabrowski at SIGMA 52 earlier this year in his first defence. Karp will no doubt sniff a good chance – his unbeaten run includes an inpressive submission victory over former champ Evgeni Medtner last time out, and also wins over Dominykas Jankovic and Stian Agdestein, both by guillotine. Crumb will need to be very careful taking the fight to the mat. At Light-Heavyweight, Scottish judoka Curt Kitson (#10, 15-1) will continue to press his claims for a title shot, as he takes on the ever-game Faas Smit (37-17). Kitson is coming off a landmark win over the promising Russian Valentin Taneyev at SIGMA 51, whilst Smit has fought against most of the top contenders in the division, and took victory last time out in a rare fight against an unranked opponent, as he submitted Priti Manek in the first round. Norwegian striker Jens Halle (17-4) will face off against 32-year-old Bulgarian judoka Filip Hristov (5-1) in the Welterweight division,. Both men won in their last fight, Halle by TKO against Pavel Radulov and Hristov by submission over Ragnar Gunnlaugsson. Heavyweight action will see two fighters who have proven themselves dangerous to any opposition taking one another on. Mugur Boc (9-3) has wins over the brutal Ivorian Souleyman Ya Konan and highly rated Englishman Fritz Phipps on his resume, but has not always brought his “A game”. His opponent is New Zealander Kurt McDonald (6-4), who beat Rav Kapur on his SIGMA debut at SIGMA 35. English all-rounder Freddy Lomax (6-1) will take on Polish kick boxer Krzysztof Bujinicki (2-4) in the Featherweight division. Bujnicki has been very disappointing to date, and will need a big victory to earn himself a contract extension. In Lightweight action, two Germans go head-to-head, as Stuttgart striker Dieter Kolzig (5-3) opposes Dresden wrestler Klaus Greis (3-3). In preliminary matches, veteran Heavyweights Stanislaw Lipnicki (15-11) and Basil McCrystal (9-6) will look to return to winning ways, whilst at Middleweight, Serbian striker Luka Hajek (3-3) will take on SIGMA debutant Mariusz Nowak (3-0) a wrestler from Poland. Tune in to EuroNet's Pay-per-View broadcast streams from 1900 CET on Friday 26th October for all the action.</div></blockquote> Card for picks SIGMA 60 Templeton Crumb © v Jayden Karp Curt Kitson v Faas Smit Jens Halle v Filip Hristov Mugur Boc v Kurt McDonald Freddy Lomax v Krzysztof Bujnicki Dieter Kolzig v Klaus Greis (prelim) Stanislaw Lipnicki v Basil McCrystal (prelim) Luka Hajek v Mariusz Nowak

CageRage · February 19, 2014

SIGMA 60

Curt Kitson v Faas Smit

Jens Halle v Filip Hristov

Mugur Boc v Kurt McDonald

Freddy Lomax v Krzysztof Bujnicki

Dieter Kolzig v Klaus Greis

(prelim) Stanislaw Lipnicki v Basil McCrystal

(prelim) Luka Hajek v Mariusz Nowak

batsnumbereleven · February 19, 2014

News and Notes from around the MMA world: October 2001

Signings

ALPHA-1: Kenzo Michibata, Grzegorz Boniek (4-3 SIGMA), Stjepan Ancic (0-2 SIGMA, 1-1 UCFF), Murray Darby (0-2 SIGMA, 2-0 UCFF), Fletcher Merman (1-2 OMEGA),

GAMMA: Jeffrey Foxworthy, Felix Mattherson Jr., Howard Lester,

OMEGA: -

BCF: Kenneth Toadspew (2-4 SIGMA), Eamonn Nugent, Pavel Radulov (1-3 SIGMA),

FLB: Lucimar do Bonofiml, Origenes Salgado,

XCC: Nicholas Bretton (1-3 GAMMA),

WEFF: -

WARRIORS: -

UCFF: -

Events

FLB 28: Vendetta took place on Thursday 4th October, with FLB Light-Heavyweight champion Carlos dos Santos (#18, 18-3) retaining over Roberto Aldez (#5, 43-12) with a first round TKO stoppage. In the Welterweight division Charles Stiles (#10, 20-4) took Submission of the Night with a second round armbar of Dominico de Vivanco (8-4) in the card's opening bout.

Monday 15th October saw XCC: Ziskie v Frye for the XCC Featherweight championship, and Easton Frye (#3, 21-6) took the long-reigning champion Philip Ziskie (#1, 26-1-1) the full five rounds, but lost out in a unanimous decision on the judges' scorecards.

WEFF 25 was held on Wednesday 17th October, and Denise DeNiro (#1WBW, 7-0) retained her WEFF Lightweight title with a 4th round TKO victory over former KDMFC champion Sayoko Ebisawa (#2, 12-1). In the co-main, many considered it an upset as Rose Nessa (6-0) defeated Lynda Epsom (#3WFW, 11-4) by UD.

WARRIORS 3: Skala v O'Hare took place on Friday 19th October, with Northern Irishman Murray O'Hare (8-2) taking the WARRIORS Light-Heavyweight title with a 1st round stoppage of former SIGMA stalwart Daniil Skala (21-11).

GAMMA's TV show “Decimation” had it's latest edition air on Saturday 20th October, and the main event saw Evan Gardner (#23, 10-1) take victory over the veteran Jim Carpenter (52-13-2) by rear naked choke in the second round in Welterweight action. Carpenter indicated after the fight that he had intentions of trying his hand at Lightweight. On a 10-fight card, the highlight was the Middleweight battle between Thomas Smith (13-5) and Reed Howlett (7-2) that ended with Smith securing a RNC in the second round as well.

Monday 22nd October saw OMEGA: Takaoka v Pike, where OMEGA Heavyweight champion Tomoji Takaoka (#13, 6-0) retained his title with a second round stoppage of the experienced Norman Pike (#16, 20-6).

GAMMA 62: Chambers v Zoff took place in front of just over 13,000 in Florida, and saw GAMMA Welterweight champion Nathan Chambers (#4, 20-2) make his first defence of the title he won from SIGMA-bound Julio Regueiro back in August as he stopped dangerous young Canadian Chad Zoff (#11, 11-1) in just over 4 minutes of the first round by TKO. Knockout of the Night was taken by David Allen (18-5) in another Welterweight fight in the co-headliner, as he took out former champion Jack Humphreys (#24, 26-9) by TKO midway through their third round.

On the same evening was ALPHA-1: Takeuchi v Yamamoto in Chubu with a similar crowd on hand to see Tomohiro Takeuchi (#5, 24-3) retain his ALPHA-1 Lightweight championship with a 5th round TKO victory over challenger Go Yamamoto (##16, 30-11). In a battle between ranked Welterweights on the undercard, Ikku Funaki (#23, 22-5) got the better of Ichisake Miyagi (#7, 27-5) with a decisive TKO in just over one minute of the 1st round.

Other Notable news

XCC are rumoured to be ceasing trading at the end of the month, as they struggle to pay off creditors. Given our increased profile, there's an argument to be had for making a takeover bid... hmm...

BigRedMachine · February 19, 2014

SIGMA 60

Curt Kitson v Faas Smit

Jens Halle v Filip Hristov

Mugur Boc v Kurt McDonald

Freddy Lomax v Krzysztof Bujnicki

Dieter Kolzig v Klaus Greis

(prelim) Stanislaw Lipnicki v Basil McCrystal

(prelim) Luka Hajek v Mariusz Nowak

batsnumbereleven · February 19, 2014

Event Report SIGMA 60: Crumb v Karp Ballsporthalle, Frankfurt, Germany. Friday 26th October 2001 Attendance: 3219 for a gate of $257,120 PPV Buys: 149,445 for revenue of $896,670 Preliminary matches Luka Hajek (3-3) v Mariusz Nowak (3-0) <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36914" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>>Next up is a match in which 'Filthy' Luka Hajek fights Mariusz Nowak in the SIGMA Middleweight division. >There's the opening bell! >An exchange of strikes doesn't lead to any real damage. >Having stepped near each other to throw their strikes, they both start throwing punches at close range! >Getting the better of the exchange, Hajek hits a powerful right hand that knocks Nowak down! >Nowak, stunned, is mounted! >Hajek fires away with punches, but Nowak deals with them fairly well. >Hajek unloads with big punches from the mount, but Nowak is able to deal with most of them. >Hajek fires away with big elbows, but Nowak covers up and doesn't take any undue damage. >Nowak tries to roll Hajek, but only succeeds in giving up his back! >Hajek attempts to set up an armbar on Nowak from the back. >The armbar is fully applied, Nowak has no option but to tap out! >The winner, by submission, is 'Filthy' Luka Hajek! </div></blockquote> >Official Result: 'Filthy' Luka Hajek defeats Mariusz Nowak (Submission (Armbar) in 2:17 of round 1). The match was rated as being Great. Comments: Hajek continues to frustrate somewhat, as he mixes good performances like this with bad ones like his decision loss to Charlie Oakley last time out. Nowak had hoped to make an impression on his debut, and Hajek put a big dent in that and reignited his own hopes. Stanislaw Lipnicki (15-11) v Basil McCrystal (9-6) <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36914" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>>In the last of the preliminary matches, Stanislaw 'Big Daddy' Lipnicki takes on 'Boxin'' Basil McCrystle in the SIGMA Heavyweight division. >We are underway! >Moving forward, McCrystle counters a left jab with a nice one-two combination. >Lipnicki steps back to avoid a one-two combination. >An exchange of strikes goes nowhere. >Lipnicki doesn't get drawn in as McCrystle feints a kick. >McCrystle jabs to get Lipnicki to cover up, then works the body with a couple of nice shots. >Lipnicki needs to stop leaving his hands so low, it's a dangerous habit. >Lipnicki chooses to shoot in on McCrystle. >McCrystle attempts to avoid Lipnicki as he shoots in. >The takedown is unsuccessful, McCrystle avoided Lipnicki. >We've now passed the halfway mark in this round. >Lipnicki keeps his cool as McCrystle throws a feint to the left. >McCrystle tries for a left jab but Lipnicki moves out of range. >McCrystle avoids a quick jab and hits a stinging left jab. >Both fighters throw strikes at the same time, both miss. >There's under a minute left in this round. >Lipnicki steps back to avoid a barrage of big punches, having been off balance momentarily after a clever feint. >McCrystle switches to a traditional stance. >Lipnicki slips out of the way of a jab. >Lipnicki steps back to avoid a flurry of punches. >Round one ends as time expires. >That has to go down as a 10-9 round to McCrystle. >There's the bell and round number two begins! >Judging from what we heard from his corner, McCrystle is looking to avoid takedowns as much as possible in this round. >Lipnicki gets caught with a series of quick punches. >Both fighters fire off strikes, neither produces any significant damage. >Lipnicki is looking to turn this into a wrestling match, and is getting in closer to McCrystle. >McCrystle is pulled into a grapple. >Getting underhooks, Lipnicki looks for a takedown. >The takedown doesn't work, McCrystle blocked it and then takes control of the grapple. >McCrystle and Lipnicki separate and we're back to a stand-off. >They both meet with strikes, but neither does any damage. >We are now at the halfway point of the round. >Lipnicki throws out a couple of jabs as a set up, then shoots in for a takedown. >He has the takedown! It's a single leg, and McCrystle has to pull guard. >Lipnicki begins trying to pass the guard. >He passes guard fairly easily, getting to side control. >Lipnicki tries to slip behind and take the back. >McCrystle is in big trouble as he is forced to give up his back! >We have one minute of the round remaining. >Lipnicki starts hammering away at McCrystle with right hands. >McCrystle is barely able to do anything at all, he cannot get out from under Lipnicki! >The referee has seen enough, he pulls Lipnicki off! >The winner, by TKO; Stanislaw Lipnicki! </div></blockquote> >Official Result: Stanislaw 'Big Daddy' Lipnicki defeats 'Boxin'' Basil McCrystle (TKO (Strikes) in 4:36 of round 2). The match was rated as being Decent. <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36914" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Comments: McCrystal's corner were right to be worried about Lipnicki's takedowns but it makes little difference in the end – this was McCrystal's last chance to prove he was worth keeping, and after a 0-4 run we're buying out the final fight on his contract and bidding him farewell. Lipnicki was already on his way out of the door, and this result and performance effectively crystallised the decision on McCrystal.</div></blockquote> Main card Dieter Kolzig (5-3) v Klaus Greis (3-3) <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36914" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>>Next up is a match in which Dieter Kolzig goes head to head with Klaus Greis in the SIGMA Lightweight division. >And here we go! >They exchange strikes, but neither fighter inflicts any real damage. >Having stepped in close to throw their strikes, they end up clinched. >Kolzig gets caught with a couple of nice short punches as Greis uses his dirty boxing to inflict some punishment. >From the grapple, Greis tries to pick Kolzig up on his shoulder for a slam. >Kolzig has no answers, he gets lifted up and planted down! Greis ends up in guard. >Greis attempts to pass guard and gain a better position. >Greis gets past the guard with a certain degree of ease and gains side control. >Greis throws a few right hands as he takes a moment to plan ahead. >Kolzig tries to move to guard, but Greis doesn't allow it. >Greis throws a few right hands to the body. >Greis blocks an attempt to pull guard. >We go past the halfway point of this round. >In side control, Greis throws a couple of punches designed to keep Kolzig guessing. >Greis attempts to roll Kolzig slightly and take his back. >Kolzig is in big trouble as he is forced to give up his back! >Kolzig is in increasing trouble, as Greis gets both hooks in. >We have one minute of the round remaining. >With both hooks in, Greis tries to flatten Kolzig out for the rear naked choke. >Greis gets the rear naked choke fully applied and Kolzig has to tap out! >By submission, the winner is Klaus Greis! </div></blockquote> >Official Result: Klaus Greis defeats Dieter Kolzig (Submission (Rear Naked Choke) in 4:37 of round 1). The match was rated as being Good. Comments: Solid work from Greis, who is precariously close to being cut with a loss here, and instead it is Kolzig who will almost certainly have to win in his next bout to get a reprieve. Freddy Lomax (6-1) v Krzysztof Bujnicki (2-4) <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36914" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>>Next up, Freddy 'The Ax' Lomax goes up against Krzysztof 'The Pole Cat' Bujnicki in the SIGMA Featherweight division. >The fight begins! >Lomax fakes shooting in, causing Bujnicki to prepare to defend it. >Lomax throws a nice sequence of punches, but Bujnicki is able to cover up in time to absorb them. >A nice combination fails to land, allowing Bujnicki to hit back with a solid left jab. >Bujnicki darts in and out of range quickly, trying to get Lomax to commit to throwing a strike. >A nicely executed one-two combination sets up a takedown attempt from Lomax. >Bujnicki sees the takedown coming and tries to move. >Lomax can't get the takedown, Bujnicki was too quick to back away. >Bujnicki throws a left jab but Lomax avoids it. >Bujnicki counters a weak right kick with a left. >Lomax comes in, looking for a quick takedown. >Bujnicki tries to avoid Lomax. >Lomax can't get the takedown, Bujnicki was too quick to back away. >We move into the second half of this round. >Lomax is getting in closer to Bujnicki, perhaps looking for a clinch. >Lomax cannot get close enough to the elusive Bujnicki to clinch. >Lomax avoids a jab. >A feinted low kick sets up a right high kick attempt, and Lomax is lucky to avoid it. >We have one minute of the round remaining. >Lomax goes to the body and then to the head with a tidy combination to get Bujnicki to cover up, then shoots in. >Bujnicki sees the takedown coming and tries to move. >The takedown is unsuccessful, Bujnicki avoided Lomax. >A straight left by Bujnicki keeps Lomax from advancing. >Not letting Bujnicki settle at all, Lomax comes in closer. >Moving in closer, Lomax looks like he may want to try and clinch with Bujnicki. >Bujnicki is pulled into a Muay Thai clinch. >Time expires and we come to the end of round one. >Incredibly close round, but Bujnicki came out just ahead on my score card. >There's the bell and round number two begins! >It sounded like his corner told Bujnicki to stand and try to use counter striking against Lomax in this round. >Bujnicki feints left, then right. >Lomax uses a smart combination to get Bujnicki to cover up, then shoots in looking for a takedown. >Bujnicki sees the takedown coming and tries to move. >The takedown is unsuccessful, Bujnicki avoided Lomax. >There's a short stalemate as both fighters advance and throw strikes, but neither hits. >They wind up in a tight clinch. >Lomax hits Bujnicki with some short strikes to the side of the head while grappling. >Lomax tries to wrestle Bujnicki backward and up against the cage. >He does so, and now has Bujnicki pinned to the cage. >With the cage trapping Bujnicki, Lomax looks to try and take him down. >Lomax gets the takedown! Bujnicki pulls guard. >Lomax attempts to pass guard. >He can't quite manage to get past guard on this attempt. >Bujnicki uses his legs to push Lomax back, and tries to scramble for position. >Lomax is too quick though, and grabs side control before Bujnicki can get up. >We are now at the halfway point of the round. >Lomax fires off a handful of punches, each easily being blocked with gloves. >Lomax feels Bujnicki prepare to scramble for position and makes sure it doesn't happen. >Stuck under side control, Bujnicki takes a hard knee to the ribs! >Lomax fires off a few punches, but they aren't thrown with any great force. >We're into the final minute of the round. >Lomax keeps Bujnicki guessing with a few quick strikes. >In side control, Lomax throws a couple of punches designed to keep Bujnicki guessing. >The time runs out on round two. >I'd say that was definitely 10-9 in favour of Lomax. >There's the bell and round number three begins! >It sounded like his corner told Lomax to attempt to get Bujnicki to the floor in this round. >Bujnicki avoids a leg kick and scores with a nice jab. >Bujnicki throws a left jab but Lomax avoids it. >Both fighters go to exchange blows, but neither hits a telling strike. >Bujnicki slips past a left jab and fires back with a left. >Bujnicki drops a shoulder, trying to sucker Lomax in with a feint. >An exchange of blows doesn't really produce any damage or a clear advantage. >We pass the halfway mark of this round. >Bujnicki feints left and throws an excellent combination but Lomax is just able to cover up in time. >An exchange of blows doesn't really produce any damage or a clear advantage. >In close proximity from the strikes they threw, they fall into a messy clinch. >Lomax tries to take Bujnicki down. >He has the takedown! Bujnicki pulls guard. >Freddy Lomax is looking really tired. >Lomax throws a few right hands to the body. >Bujnicki doesn't allow Lomax to smother him against the ground. >Bujnicki attempts to lock on a triangle choke. >Lomax blocks the attempt. >We move into the final sixty seconds of this round. >Lomax fires away with big punches, but Bujnicki defends them. >Lomax gets pushed back, out of guard, and is left standing above Bujnicki. >Lomax looks to get on top of Bujnicki. >Bujnicki tries to get free, but Lomax is able to secure side control. >Lomax tries to put Bujnicki into an americana. >Bujnicki blocks it. >Time runs out and that's the end of the fight. >There was very little to separate them in that round, but I'll give that one 10-9 to Bujnicki. >The official scores are being reported now. >All three judges score the contest as 29-28. >Freddy Lomax wins by unanimous decision! </div></blockquote> >Official Result: Freddy 'The Ax' Lomax defeats Krzysztof 'The Pole Cat' Bujnicki (Unanimous Decision in 5:00 of round 3). The match was rated as being Average. Comments: Not sure what the commentators were watching, but I gave that final round, and the fight, to Lomax, which he desperately needed. He really needs to be beating fighters of the calibre of Bujnicki fairly handily if he is going to progress in what is a pretty strong division. Bujnicki is another who we are entering termination proceedings with ahead of the remaining fight on his contract, with a 1-5 record in SIGMA just not good enough. Mugur Boc (9-3) v Kurt McDonald (6-4) <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36914" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>>Another match is about to begin; 'The Crusher' Mugur Boc goes head to head with Kurt 'Chopper' McDonald in the SIGMA Heavyweight division. >Round one begins! >Boc catches a weak left kick to the legs and uses it to go for a takedown, but McDonald is able to block it. >McDonald avoids a quick jab and hits a series of quick rights. >McDonald avoids a quick jab and hits a right. >Boc shoots in, looking for a takedown. >McDonald tries to step away from the takedown. >McDonald avoids the takedown attempt. >A right hand misses, allowing McDonald to counter with a barrage of big left hands, knocking Boc down! >Boc recovers his wits quickly, and waits for McDonald to make a move. >Boc is hit with a sharp kick to the calf. >Boc tries to connect with an up-kick, but it just makes McDonald step back. >We pass the halfway mark of this round. >McDonald avoids an up-kick and is able to dive in and smash Boc with a devastating left hand! >The referee pulls McDonald away before any more shots are thrown, as Boc is out cold! >Kurt 'Chopper' McDonald takes the win by Knock Out! </div></blockquote> >Official Result: Kurt 'Chopper' McDonald defeats 'The Crusher' Mugur Boc (Knock Out (Punch) in 2:48 of round 1). The match was rated as being Great. Comments: Good result for the underestimated McDonald, who showed power in those punches today, and will probably get another tough assignment next. Boc's winning streak stops at two, but he's by no means forgotten in this division. He needs a win next time out though, to avoid difficult questions when his contract comes up, as he's on a 3-4 run despite his recent successes. Jens Halle (17-4) v Filip Hristov (5-1) <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36914" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>>Next up, Jens 'Battery' Halle will take on Filip Hristov in the SIGMA Welterweight division. >And here we go! >Halle slips past a right jab and fires back with a clean jab. >A quick exchange of strikes produces nothing worth mentioning. >Halle throws a flurry of rights and lefts, but Hristov covers up well. >Both fighters throw strikes at the same time, both miss. >Halle backs away from Hristov, creating some space between them. >An exchange of strikes doesn't really lead to anything. >Halle throws a flurry of punches but Hristov covers up and takes them easily. >Hristov circles away, creating some distance between them. >We are now at the halfway point of the round. >Hristov is looking to turn this into a wrestling match, and is getting in closer to Halle. >Hristov is surprised by a vicious countering right uppercut, but he avoids it at the last second. >Hristov chooses to shoot in on Halle. >He has the takedown! Halle pulls guard. >Hristov is trying to pass guard. >Hristov gets past, but Halle stops him at half guard. >We move into the final sixty seconds of this round. >Hristov starts trying to work to get out of half guard and into a better position. >Hristov isn't able to pass from half guard thanks to the tenacious defence of Halle. >Hristov blocks Halle as he tries a sweep from half guard. >The time is up, and that's the end of round one. >That round goes to Hristov, 10-9 on my card. >And here we go, round two! >Both fighters throw strikes, no significant damage is inflicted by either. >They both meet with strikes, but neither does any damage. >Hristov chooses to shoot in on Halle. >The takedown is successful, Halle couldn't quite stay on his feet. >Halle is left seated, with his back to the cage, with Hristov holding him down. >Hristov starts trying to get Halle on his back so that he can gain a better position. >Halle gets turned onto his back, and is left under side control. >Hristov tries to ensnare Halle in an armbar. >An armbar is applied, Halle is trapped! >No! Halle manages to get his arm free. Clearly the hold couldn't have been as tight as it looked. >Halle attempts to get some separation in order to try to stand, but can't. >We are now at the halfway point of the round. >Hristov attempts the mount. >He does it, and has the mount on Halle. >Hristov fires away with big elbows, but Halle covers up and doesn't take any undue damage. >Hristov blocks Halle as he tries a sweep. >We're into the final minute of the round. >Hristov tries to pound on Halle with elbows, but all the blows are comfortably dealt with. >Halle tries to get enough space to pull half guard, but Hristov doesn't allow it. >Hristov pounds away from the mount with elbows, but Halle covers up and defends them well. >Time expires and we come to the end of round two. >I have to give that round to Hristov, but only a 10-9. >Round three begins! >Hristov avoids a jab. >Halle throws a barrage of big rights but Hristov is quick to move out of range. >Hristov comes in, looking for a quick takedown. >The takedown is completed, Halle is on his back and pulls half guard. >Jens Halle doesn't look like he has much left in the tank. >Hristov begins trying to get his leg free of half guard and get a better position. >Halle can't keep half guard secure and gives up side control. >Hristov holds Halle in position with side control and hits a knee into the ribs. >Hristov tries to ensnare Halle in an armbar. >A straight armbar is applied, Halle is in danger of having his arm hyper-extended! >No! He pops his arm free. That was really close. >Hristov blocks Halle as he tries a transition to guard. >We pass the halfway mark of this round. >Hristov attempts to armbar Halle from side control. >Hristov gets an armbar fully applied! >No! Halle manages to get his arm free. Clearly the hold couldn't have been as tight as it looked. >Halle tries to sweep Hristov but can't do it. >Hristov fires off a few punches as he catches his breath. >We move into the final sixty seconds of this round. >Hristov attempts to arm triangle Halle from side control. >The arm triangle is fully applied, Halle is in deep trouble but is still trying to fight free! >Hristov loses the hold! Somehow Halle got himself free. That was incredibly close to a finish though. >Jens Halle looks like he is on the verge of exhaustion. >Hristov blocks Halle as he tries a transition to guard. >Hristov tries to ensnare Halle in an armbar. >The armbar is locked in, but Halle survives the few seconds that remain! >We reach the time limit and this fight is over. >I'd say that was definitely 10-9 in favour of Hristov. >The judges' scores are now being announced. >All three judges give a score of 30-27. >Filip Hristov wins by unanimous decision! </div></blockquote> >Official Result: Filip Hristov defeats Jens 'Battery' Halle (Unanimous Decision in 5:00 of round 3). The match was rated as being Average. Comments: Courageous defense on the ground from Halle, but it was never going to be enough to get close to winning unless he was able to attack from his back as well. A dominating performance from Hristov, marred only by his failure to get the finish, though he did make some good attempts, which kept the fight interesting for the full 17 minutes. Another step up in class beckons. Halle would like to face former GAMMA Welterweight champ Julio Regueiro next, but I'm not convinced that he deserves a bout with such a high profile at this stage – that's more what I would want to offer to his conqueror. Co-main Curt Kitson (#10, 15-1) v Faas Smit (37-17) <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36914" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>>The co-main event is up next. 'The Bad Element' Curt Kitson will take on Faas 'Evolution' Smit in the SIGMA Light Heavyweight division. >And here we go! >An exchange of strikes doesn't lead to any real damage. >Smit feints going high but then throws a leg kick, Kitson just avoids it. >A feint sets up a kick to the body, but Smit manages to just avoid it. >Kitson uses a nice combination as a set up, then shoots in for a takedown. >Smit tries to time a counter right hand, but can't get it. >The takedown is completed, it was a single leg and Smit is left on his back pulling guard. >Kitson attempts to pass guard and gain a better position. >Kitson struggles but cannot find a way past and remains stuck in guard. >Smit brings his legs up and tries to lock Kitson in a triangle choke. >Kitson shows great skill by twisting out of the triangle attempt and getting side control over Smit. >Kitson attempts to move to mount. >Kitson struggles but cannot mount Smit. >Smit tries to break free and scramble for position, but Kitson keeps him trapped. >We are now at the halfway point of the round. >Kitson tries to slip behind and take the back. >Smit is in big trouble as he is forced to give up his back! >Kitson tries to flatten Smit out for a rear naked choke. >Kitson gets rolled onto his back, and Smit spins over so that he is now in guard. >Smit took advantage of slack groundwork there, Kitson should have properly applied hooks first. >Smit wants to stand up, but cannot get out of guard. >Kitson tries to ensnare Smit in a triangle. >Smit doesn't let Kitson get it. >There's under a minute left in this round. >Smit stands out of guard, but remains holding the feet to prevent up-kicks. >Smit motions for Kitson to stand up, which he does. >Time expires and we come to the end of round one. >I think Kitson took that round, 10-9 on my score card. >There's the bell and round number two begins! >Kitson bobs and weaves, trying to get Smit to commit. >Kitson comes in closer, looking to wrestle with Smit. >Smit is pulled into a grapple. >Kitson uses some dirty boxing as he grapples with Smit. >Using his wrestling skills, Kitson is trying to push Smit up against the cage. >Smit ends up backed against the cage. >Kitson manages to nail Smit with a big right hand, and down he goes! >Kitson quickly pounces, looking to rain down punches on the stunned Smit! >Kitson pounds away, Smit is barely able to offer any defence at all! >With Smit taking a beating, the referee has to stop the match! >Curt Kitson takes the victory by way of TKO! </div></blockquote> >Official Result: 'The Bad Element' Curt Kitson defeats Faas 'Evolution' Smit (TKO (Strikes) in 1:52 of round 2). The match was rated as being Good. Comments: A real mix of action here made for an exciting fight, though Kitson's failure to get the hooks in for the RNC attempt was a bit amateurish for a man of his pedigree. Still he showed all facets of his game tonight, and was too strong and too good for Smit, whose string of high-class opponents continues. He's not ducking, though, and asks to face Dag Kreuger next. Main Event SIGMA Welterweight championship Templeton Crumb (#4, 21-4) v Jayden Karp (#19, 8-0) <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36914" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>>It's time for the main event of the evening! Templeton 'The Body' Crumb goes head to head with Jayden Karp in the SIGMA Welterweight division. >The SIGMA Welterweight title on the line in this match. >There's the opening bell! >Out of nowhere, Karp dives at Crumb, trying to grab one of his legs! >Crumb gets his leg trapped, but is able to block a kneebar from being applied. >Unable to stop falling backward as a result of the submission attempt, Crumb has to pull guard. >Karp pounds away from the guard with elbows, but Crumb isn't troubled by them. >Crumb tries to smother Karp by holding him, but can't keep control. >The clock runs down as Crumb is being smothered against the ground by Karp. >Crumb is controlled against the ground, unable to shift Karp off of him. >Karp lies on top of Crumb, basically smothering him. >We've now passed the halfway mark in this round. >Karp lies on top of Crumb, basically smothering him. >Time slips away as Karp successfully keeps Crumb stuck against the ground. >The clock runs down as Crumb is being smothered against the ground by Karp. >We're into the final minute of the round. >In guard, Karp begins working to pass to side control. >Crumb keeps Karp in guard. >Round one is brought to an end as time runs out. >That round goes to Karp, 10-9 on my card. >There's the bell and round number two begins! >Judging from what we heard from his corner, Crumb is looking to push the pace with strikes in this round. >Crumb moves in quickly after a wayward punch and hits a left body kick. >Crumb throws a barrage of big lefts but Karp is quick to move out of range. >Moving forward, Crumb counters a left jab with a series of hard lefts! >That last strike may have hurt Karp, he is backing away but looks punch-drunk! >Crumb tries to capitalise with a massive left hand, but it misses. >Crumb comes in closer, looking to attack from the pocket. >Crumb and Karp get closer, both looking eager to engage at close range. >Crumb throws a nice sequence of punches, but Karp covers up and none of the shots finds a home. >Not comfortable in the pocket, Crumb steps back and creates some space. >A left jab misses and Crumb counters with a tasty jab - left cross combination. >We've now passed the halfway mark in this round. >Crumb moves in quickly after a wayward punch and hits a left body kick. >Crumb counters a left jab by hitting a clever combination ending in a big left hook. >Crumb hops around from foot to foot, looking for an opening. >Karp seems to be waiting for Crumb to make a move. >We have one minute of the round remaining. >Crumb is looking to get in close and strike from the pocket. >Karp now has Crumb standing in the pocket. >Karp covers up, absorbing a tight combination of punches. >Crumb throws an excellent combination but Karp covers up and takes them. >Round two is brought to an end as time runs out. >I'd say that was definitely 10-9 in favour of Crumb. >There's the bell and round number three begins! >Crumb slips past a left jab and counters with a clever combination that finishes with a nice left cross. >A left hand misses, allowing Crumb to counter with a clever combination that finishes with a nice left cross. >Karp suddenly dives at the feet of Crumb, trying to grab a leg! >Able to secure a leg, Karp tries to lock in a flying heel hook but Crumb is able to defend against it. >Crumb does have to fall backward though, and ends up pulling half guard. >Karp attempts to pass half guard. >He can't get free of half guard. >Crumb works some separation, then tries to quickly scramble his way into a better position. >Karp is too quick though, and grabs side control before Crumb can get up. >Karp tries to lock Crumb in an arm triangle. >Karp gets the arm triangle fully applied! >No! He breaks free. That was really close. >Karp blocks Crumb as he tries a transition to guard. >We move into the second half of this round. >Karp attempts to roll Crumb slightly and take his back. >Crumb tries to escape but only succeeds in giving up his back! >Karp tries to lock Crumb in an armbar. >Crumb pulls his arm free at the last second, and is able to secure side control over Karp. >Crumb stands up and backs off, letting Karp stand up as well. >There's under a minute left in this round. >Karp comes in closer, looking to wrestle with Crumb. >He pulls Crumb into a grapple. >Karp is trying to muscle Crumb up against the cage. >He does so, and now has Crumb pinned to the cage. >Karp attempts to wrestle Crumb to the ground. >Karp tries hard but cannot get Crumb off of his feet, and has to settle for slipping behind him instead. >Time expires and we come to the end of round three. >I have to give that round to Karp, but only a 10-9. >We are back underway! >Out of nowhere, Karp dives at Crumb, trying to grab one of his legs! >Getting hold of a leg, Karp tries to get Crumb into a flying heel hook but it is defended well. >Unable to stop falling backward as a result of the submission attempt, Crumb has to pull half guard. >Karp tries to ensnare Crumb in an arm triangle. >Crumb doesn't allow the arm triangle to be applied. >Karp blocks an attempted move from half guard to full guard. >Karp attempts to pass half guard and gain a better position. >Karp isn't able to pass from half guard thanks to the tenacious defence of Crumb. >Karp blocks an attempted move from half guard to full guard. >Karp starts trying to work to get out of half guard and into a better position. >Crumb comfortably blocks the attempt and keeps Karp in half guard. >Crumb tries to get full guard on Karp but doesn't get anywhere. >We've now passed the halfway mark in this round. >Karp tries to pass the half guard. >Half guard proves to be no trouble for Karp, who passes to side control with ease. >Karp uses side control to hit a brutal knee strike just above the hip! >Karp tries to slip behind and take the back. >He takes the back! >We move into the final sixty seconds of this round. >Karp gets both hooks in, and is now in a really dominant position. >With both hooks in, Karp tries to flatten Crumb out for the rear naked choke. >Crumb defends himself well against the choke. >Templeton Crumb is looking really tired. >Jayden Karp is looking really tired. >Crumb struggles against Karp but cannot get himself free from the hooks. >The time is up, and that's the end of round four. >Not a lot happened in that round and the fans are getting a bit restless as a result. >I think Karp took that round, 10-9 on my score card. >Round five begins! >Crumb uses a clever feint to set up a left high kick, but Karp is able to duck under it. >Crumb moves in and stings Karp with an excellent combination. >Crumb darts in, feints a jab, darts back out. >Despite being tired, Crumb looks like he wants to stand in the pocket and strike with Karp. >Karp sees a chance for a takedown attempt, but Crumb is able to defend it. >Karp avoids a nice combination. >From the looks of things, I don't think Templeton Crumb has much energy left. >A straight right from Crumb fails to land. >Karp doesn't press the issue, allowing Crumb to circle. >We go past the halfway point of this round. >Despite being tired, Karp looks like he wants to stand in the pocket and strike with Crumb. >Karp moves into the pocket. >Karp, who looks drained, comes in looking for a quick double leg takedown from close range. >Crumb tries to strike first with a solid left hook, but isn't quick enough. >Karp drives forward and gets the takedown! Crumb couldn't quite stop it. >The takedown leaves Crumb seated with his back pressed against the cage. >Karp tries to lock Crumb in a choke. >A guillotine choke is applied; Crumb isn't tapping out though! >Karp must not have it totally sunk in. >Karp finally gives it up and lets go, but may have gassed his arms in the submission attempt. >Jayden Karp looks very, very tired. >Karp begins trying to pass guard and get a better position. >Karp gets past, but Crumb stops him at half guard. >We're into the final minute of the round. >Karp attempts an arm triangle. >Crumb defends himself well and is in no danger. >We reach the time limit and this fight is over. >There was very little to separate them in that round, but I'll give that one 10-9 to Crumb. >The official scores are being reported now. >The judges have scored it 49-46, 48-47 and 48-47. >Jayden Karp wins by unanimous decision! </div></blockquote> >Official Result: Jayden Karp defeats Templeton 'The Body' Crumb (Unanimous Decision in 5:00 of round 5). The match was rated as being Average. Comments: No doubt about the result in this one – Karp was the aggressor all the way through, looking for the takedown and submission early in each round, His only dodgy moment was when Crumb wobbled him in round two, but he recovered well, covering up and keeping out of the range of any further damage whilst he regained his wits. A deserving victory for the new champ. Show summary Critical rating: Good Commercial success: Decent Fight of the Night: Kurt McDonald v Mugur Boc Knockout of the Night: Kurt McDonald Submission of the Night: Luka Hajek Comments: Good all-round card, with a decent main event that was highlighted by the title change. We sneak just back into Mid Level National territory by 0.5% points, and will have to hope that we can have a couple of strong outings to bolster that over the next couple of months. Options for Karp's first defense include Fussell, Hristov and Medtner, who have all made decent cases over recent months.

batsnumbereleven · February 19, 2014

Prediction results

7/8 CageRage (295/404) – also congrats and thanks, you've now passed 400 fight predictions in this thread!

5/8 BigRedMachine (84/122)

Injury report

Dieter Kolzig has been suspended for three months by the Athletic Commission after his defeat to Klaus Greis, but that will prove to be pretty redundant, as he has pulled up with a serious groin injury and is likely to be out of action for at least six months in any case. Also attracting lay-offs were your new Welterweight champion Jayden Karp (1 month) and Faas Smit, Mariusz Nowak and Mugur Boc (2 months).

SIGMA contracts/signings

Templeton Crumb has been offered a new 5-fight contract, despite losing his title he remains one of our top Welterweights, whilst Luka Hajek has just about earned a reprieve, and gets a further 4-fight deal that we will review after three more bouts.

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