SIGMA - Rise of European MMA

BigRedMachine · February 26, 2014

SIGMA Gefecht TV

Julio Regueiro v Bjarne Bjerre

Zvonimir Asanovic v Mikel Tupolov

Duey Rickert v Ruben Ericsson

Xavi Castillejo v Clive Cruiser

batsnumbereleven · February 27, 2014

Event report SIGMA Gefecht TV As-live from Madrid, Spain Attendance: 2352 for a gate of $235,200 Xavi Castillejo (5-2) v Clive Cruiser (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>>Another match is about to begin; Xavi Castillejo takes on Clive 'Bruiser' Cruiser in the SIGMA Lightweight division. >There's the opening bell! >Advancing, Cruiser counters a left jab by using a right jab to the cheek. >Castillejo steps back to avoid a right jab. >Castillejo comes in quick and hits a clever combination ending in a big right hook. >Castillejo slips past a right jab and fires back with a left. >Castillejo avoids a barrage of big left hands. >Castillejo throws a swift jab but doesn't do any damage. >Cruiser quickly gets in closer, looking to attack. >We move into the second half of this round. >Cruiser throws a barrage of big left hands but Castillejo moves out of range. >An errant jab sets Castillejo up to counter-strike with a hard teep, putting Cruiser down on the ground! >Castillejo starts pounding away on Cruiser, looking to finish him off! >Castillejo pounds away, but is unable to inflict very much damage before Cruiser pulls him into side control. >In side control, Castillejo begins working to get a mount. >Castillejo struggles but cannot mount Cruiser. >Cruiser tries to sweep Castillejo but can't. >We move into the final sixty seconds of this round. >Castillejo keeps Cruiser guessing with a few quick strikes. >The time runs out on 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 Castillejo, but only a 10-9. >There's the bell for the start of the round! >A tight combination narrowly misses Cruiser and allow him to counter-strike with a barrage of big left hands, forcing Castillejo back! >Castillejo uses head movement to slip past a vicious left and he hits a solid right hook to the body. >Showing good head movement, Cruiser slips past a tight combination and counter-strikes with a barrage of big left hands, forcing Castillejo back! >That last strike may have hurt Castillejo, he is backing away but looks punch-drunk! >Cruiser comes in closer, looking to attack from the pocket. >He gets into range. >Using head movement, Castillejo slips past a right jab and counters with a solid left jab. >Checking a leg kick, Cruiser counters back immediately with a great left hand, Castillejo is knocked down! He is out! >The winner, by Knock Out, is Clive 'Bruiser' Cruiser! </div></blockquote> >Official Result: Clive 'Bruiser' Cruiser defeats Xavi Castillejo (Knock Out (Punch) in 2:08 of round 2). The match was rated as being Great. Comments: Good recovery for Cruiser after a first round that saw him on the back foot. He says he'd like a crack at Harald Hubner next, but Hubner is likely to get a more high profile opponent next at this stage of his career. Duey Rickert (8-3) v Ruben Ericsson (9-6-1) <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, Duey Rickert fights Ruben Ericsson in the SIGMA Featherweight division. >The fight begins! >Rickert feints left, then right. >An exchange of strikes goes nowhere. >Advancing, Rickert counters a right jab by using a right head kick that knocks Ericsson clean off his feet! >Rickert quickly pounces, looking to rain down punches on the stunned Ericsson! >Rickert pounds away, Ericsson is barely able to offer any defence at all! >With Ericsson taking a beating, the referee has to stop the match! >Duey Rickert takes the victory by way of TKO! </div></blockquote> >Official Result: Duey Rickert defeats Ruben Ericsson (TKO (Strikes) in 1:19 of round 1). The match was rated as being Good. Comments: Short and comprehensive - Ericsson was probably done after the first strike, and he's done in SIGMA now, after a 1-5 run. Zvonimir Asanovic (32-5) v Mikel Tupolov (3-2) <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. Zvonimir 'The Croatian Sensation' Asanovic battles 'The Grandmaster' Mikel Tupolov in the SIGMA Light Heavyweight division. >Round one begins! >A nice combination fails to land, allowing Asanovic to hit back with a body kick. >Asanovic avoids a nice combination and hits a crisp left hand punch. >After a one-two combination narrowly misses, Asanovic is able to strike back with a nasty-looking kick to the inside of the left knee. >Moving in closer, Asanovic looks like he wants to strike from the pocket. >Tupolov now has Asanovic standing in the pocket. >Asanovic uses good head movement to avoid a huge right hook and counters with a kick to the inside of the left leg. >Those strikes to the legs are going to take their toll. >Asanovic uses head movement to avoid a combination of short sharp punches, then fires back with a vicious leg kick. >Asanovic slips past a tidy combination and hits a clean punch. >We are now at the halfway point of the round. >Tupolov slips past a jab and scores with a right hook to the body. >They exchange strikes, but neither fighter inflicts any real damage. >In close proximity from the strikes they threw, they fall into a messy clinch. >The grapple breaks up after a short struggle, and the two fighters step apart. >Asanovic comes in closer, looking to attack from the pocket. >Asanovic is now standing in the pocket. >An exchange of blows doesn't really produce any damage or a clear advantage. >We move into the final sixty seconds of this round. >Asanovic uses head movement to slip past a vicious right and he hits a hard leg kick. >Mikel Tupolov is obviously limping. >Asanovic slips past a tidy combination and hits a punch. >An exchange of strikes goes nowhere. >They wind up in a tight clinch. >The grappling doesn't last long, as they soon break away from each other. >The time runs out on round one. >I have to give that round to Asanovic, but only a 10-9. >We are back underway! >A nice combination fails to land, allowing Asanovic to hit back with a hard right kick to the legs. >Mikel Tupolov winced as that strike landed. >Tupolov slips out of the way of a leg kick. >Asanovic is looking to turn this into a wrestling match, and is getting in closer to Tupolov. >Tupolov uses movement to keep out reach, meaning Asanovic cannot get close enough to grapple. >Moving in closer, Tupolov looks like he wants to strike from the pocket. >Tupolov can't close the distance, Asanovic keeps him away with strikes. >Asanovic looks to move in and stand in the pocket. >Asanovic cannot get close enough to the elusive Tupolov. >We go past the halfway point of this round. >Both throw strikes at each other, both easily defend the other's attempt. >Going toe-to-toe, both fighters start exchanging close range strikes! >An enormous right cross lands, Asanovic is out before he even hits the ground! >'The Grandmaster' Mikel Tupolov takes the win by Knock Out! </div></blockquote> >Official Result: 'The Grandmaster' Mikel Tupolov defeats Zvonimir 'The Croatian Sensation' Asanovic (Knock Out (Punch) in 3:03 of round 2). The match was rated as being Great. Comments: Big win for Tupolov that puts him right back into the mix for the big fights, even if he's nowhere near a title shot at this point. I thought he was going to struggle, given how well Asanovic controlled the first round. The Croatian is now 0-2 in SIGMA, and will need some rebuilding if he's to live up to his billing. Not at all sure why he stood and traded when his approach in the first round had worked so well. Main Event Julio Regueiro (#12, 24-2) v Bjarne Bjerre (7-5) <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! 'Spanish Silk' Julio Regueiro squares off with Bjarne Bjerre in the SIGMA Welterweight division. >We are underway! >Both fighters fire off strikes, but neither does any significant damage. >They exchange strikes, but neither fighter inflicts any real damage. >Bjerre comes in closer, looking to wrestle with Regueiro. >Bjerre can't get close enough to grapple, Regueiro keeps him away with strikes. >Bjerre comes in closer, looking to wrestle with Regueiro. >Bjerre grabs Regueiro and pulls him into a grapple. >Using his wrestling skills, Bjerre is trying to push Regueiro up against the cage. >He does so, and now has Regueiro pinned to the cage. >Showing his ability to control opponents, Bjerre simply smothers Regueiro against the cage for about a minute. >We move into the second half of this round. >Regueiro is pressed up against the cage and simply can't break the control that Bjerre has over him. This goes on for about a minute. >Showing good control, Bjerre keeps Regueiro stuck against the cage and hits him with short punches to the body for about sixty seconds. >There's under a minute left in this round. >Regueiro is pressed up against the cage and held there, taking the occasional short punch to the ribs and stomach, until the round ends. >The time is up, and that's the end of round one. >That has to go down as a 10-9 round to Bjerre. >And here we go, round two! >An exchange of strikes doesn't really lead to anything. >Moving in closer, Bjerre looks like he may want to wrestle Regueiro. >Regueiro is pulled into a grapple. >Bjerre is trying to push Regueiro so that his back is up against the cage. >Bjerre manages it, and controls Regueiro up against the cage. >Bjerre tries to hit Regueiro with an elbow, but Regueiro takes the opportunity to switch it around so that he is in control and Bjerre is the one backed against the cage. >Regueiro looks for a trip takedown. >The takedown is completed, Bjerre is on his back and pulls guard. >Regueiro is trying to pass guard. >Regueiro is too much for Bjerre, passing guard and gaining side control. >We've now passed the halfway mark in this round. >Regueiro throws a few right hands, but is mainly trying to catch his breath. >Regueiro tries to lock Bjerre in an armbar. >Regueiro gets an armbar fully applied! >No! Bjerre manages to get his arm free. Clearly the hold couldn't have been as tight as it looked. >Bjerre tries to move to guard, but Regueiro doesn't allow it. >Regueiro attempts to grab a leg and kneebar Bjerre. >Bjerre stops Regueiro from hooking a leg. >Regueiro blocks Bjerre as he tries a transition to guard. >The end of the round is coming quick, there's under a minute left. >Regueiro tries to lock Bjerre in an armbar. >Regueiro gets the armbar fully applied and Bjerre has to tap out! >The winner, by submission, is 'Spanish Silk' Julio Regueiro! </div></blockquote> >Official Result: 'Spanish Silk' Julio Regueiro defeats Bjarne Bjerre (Submission (Armbar) in 4:24 of round 2). The match was rated as being Poor. Comments: Not the cleverest of first rounds – why Regueiro let himself be bullied up against the cage I'm not sure. Still, he showed his class in the second with a good display of submission skills that showed why we brought him in. Show summary Critical rating: Good Commercial success: Decent Fight of the Night: Clive Cruiser v Xavi Castillejo Knockout of the Night: Mikel Tupolov Submission of the Night: Julio Regueiro Comments: Just as well that the undercard was such an outstanding one, given how poorly the Main Event was received. This won't be the toughest challenge for Regueiro. We pick up another point of popularity in Europe that edges up that little bit further towards safety.

batsnumbereleven · February 27, 2014

Prediction results

3 /4 - BigRedMachine (98/150)

1 /4 - CageRage (308/428)

Injury report

No injuries for us to deal with as a result of tonight's card, but the Athletic Commission have placed precautionary suspensions on Bjarne Bjerre (1 month), Zvonimir Asanovic (2), Xavi Castillejo (2) and Mikel Tupolov (3). Tupolov had some nasty damage to his lead leg as a result of Asanovic's kicks in their first round.

batsnumbereleven · February 27, 2014

Monday 15th January 2002 <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 63: Oktay v Cabal II from the Europahalle in Karlsruhe, Germany on Friday 26th January 2002. The main event features a long-awaited rematch between two of SIGMA's top Heavyweight talents and former SIGMA Heavyweight championship holders Lefter Oktay (#8, 18-1) and Terron Cabal (#17, 15-2). Two of their three combined losses have come against current Heavyweight champion Aleksander Ivanov, with Cabal's other loss coming in the first encounter between these two, when many felt the title match between them was prematurely stopped to give Oktay the TKO victory. Cabal will, of course, be seeking retribution for that stain on his record. Since their last meeting, back in November 1999, as well as their losses to Ivanov, Cabal has knocked out both Ari Peltonen and Fritz Phipps, whilst Oktay got the better of Grzegorz Boniek and Ozzy Bintley. Another title bout is surely in the offing for whomever wins this one! The stacked SIGMA Light-Heavyweight division will see two fights, and it's difficult to separate either out as a clear co-headliner here. Firstly, Belarussian wrestler Nicolai Mickiewicz (#9, 24-6) will take on Russian all-rounder Valentin Taneyev (#14, 11-2). Mickiewicz, SIGMA Light-Heavyweight champion back in 1998, has won three straight, including TKO victories over ranked opponents Mikel Tupolov and Aleksei Chekhov in the last two, whilst Taneyev is 4-1 in his last five, also including a win over Tupolov (by submission) and a victory over Dag Kreuger, who beat Mickiewicz at SIGMA 30. Secondly, Rafael van der Moot (#15, 12-1), SIGMA Light-Heavyweight champion in 2000-2001 will take on the aforementioned Dag Kreuger (#20, 9-2), another on a three-fight winning streak, and whose most recent victim was the “Croatian Sensation” Zvonimir Asanovic. Van der Moot is 5-1 in his last six, with his only smudge being the title loss to Matti Kurri this time last year, and his resume includes big wins over Niko Soldo and Aleksei Chekhov. Another classy match-up appears inevitable in the Lightweight division, as recent title contender Seth O'Breen (#23, 16-2) is up against the ever-reliable Georges Nouri (13-3), who came close to upsetting Gregory O'Hara in his last appearance. Munich ground-and-pounder Benedikt Streit (22-9) has suffered through a 4-fight losing streak against the very best in the division, including dropping the SIGMA Featherweight title, and his opposition doesn't get any less difficult when he takes on English judoka Jay Dorridge (8-3), on a losing streak of his own. The opener to the main card will see former Middleweight title challenger Fernando Amaro (56-14-4-2NC) fighting 27-year-old Ulsterman Augustus Shorrock (7-2) with both men looking to rebound from recent defeats, Amaro to Thorbjorn Rekdal and Shorrock to Oleg Tariverdiev. There will also be two preliminary bouts for those in attendance at the Europahalle, as Heavyweights Roope Kuqi (3-3) and Juozas Skerla (3-1) face off in a classic wrestler vs. striker match-up, whilst Berlin's Gerhard Kreutzberg (3-0) and Swedish pit fighter Goran Karlsson (1-0) will be looking to back up their wins on debut in the Welterweight division. Don't forget that SIGMA 63: Oktay v Cabal II will be available on pay-per-view via EuroNet across Europe and Russia, as we bring you one of our biggest cards to date!</div></blockquote> Card for picks SIGMA 63 Lefter Oktay v Terron Cabal Nicolai Mickiewicz v Valentin Taneyev Rafael van der Moot v Dag Kreuger Seth O'Breen v Georges Nouri Benedikt Streit v Jay Dorridge Fernando Amaro v Augustus Shorrock (prelim) Roope Kuqi v Juozas Skerla (prelim) Gerhard Kreutzberg v Goran Karlsson

CageRage · February 27, 2014

SIGMA 63

Lefter Oktay v Terron Cabal

Nicolai Mickiewicz v Valentin Taneyev

Rafael van der Moot v Dag Kreuger

Seth O'Breen v Georges Nouri

Benedikt Streit v Jay Dorridge

Fernando Amaro v Augustus Shorrock

(prelim) Roope Kuqi v Juozas Skerla

(prelim) Gerhard Kreutzberg v Goran Karlsson

BigRedMachine · February 27, 2014

SIGMA 63

Lefter Oktay v Terron Cabal

Nicolai Mickiewicz v Valentin Taneyev

Rafael van der Moot v Dag Kreuger

Seth O'Breen v Georges Nouri

Benedikt Streit v Jay Dorridge

Fernando Amaro v Augustus Shorrock

(prelim) Roope Kuqi v Juozas Skerla

(prelim) Gerhard Kreutzberg v Goran Karlsson

batsnumbereleven · February 28, 2014

News and Notes from around the MMA world: January 2002

Signings

ALPHA-1: -

GAMMA:-

OMEGA: Robun Yamazaki (1-3 ALPHA-1, 0-2 GAMMA)

BCF: Ryosei Sakamoto (3-4 ALPHA-1)

FLB: -

XCC: Moss Gilbert (2-3 GAMMA), Aaron McBroom (0-3 GAMMA),

WEFF:

WARRIORS: -

UCFF: Kerlon Guerra de Bastos (1-2 FLB),

Events

GAMMA 64: MacReary v McCall took place on Saturday 6th January, with veteran Tony McCall challenging for the GAMMA Heavyweight championship. The experienced kick boxer (#23, 26-12) was able to stand and trade effectively with champion Nate MacReary (#8, 8-1) and eventually wore him down to take the title with a TKO stoppage in the fourth round.

ALPHA-1: Yamada v Katou II saw a re-match for the ALPHA-1 Light-Heavyweight title between Jin Katou (#4, 28-2) and Tadamasa Yamada (#1, 28-1) on Saturday 13th January, after their original October 1998 clash in which Yamada defeated Katou by rear naked choke n the 4th round. This time around, Yamada was able to put Katou away after 6:08 of the first round as the referee called a halty to the contest due to strikes (TKO).

Monday 15th January saw BCF: Sithalayan v Jolly for the BCF Welterweight title. Vikram Sithalayan (#2, 24-2) made his fifth defence of the title by submitting Keith Jolly (8-1) with a rear naked choke in the second round, then promptly announced he was vacating the belt to move up to Middleweight and challenge there, as he felt he had achieved all he could in the Welterweight division.

UCFF 11: Teshigahara v Rubenstein took place on Sunday 21st January, and former GAMMA Light-Heavyweight champion Spencer Rubenstein (#18, 20-7) added the UCFF variant of the belt to his resume with a 2nd round TKO victory over Gyukudo Teshigahara (8-3), also picking up a bonus for KO of the Night for his efforts.

GAMMA's TV show Decimation was aired on Friday 26th January, where Malaysian Welterweight Datuk Ong Ka Ting (12-1) beat Zeke Eliot (4-1) by TKO in the 1st round, and Chuck Dooley continued his domination of low-level opponents with a 1st round TKO victory over Howard Lester (1-1) to go to 10-0.

Other Notable news

Ring WARRIORS are rumoured to be struggling financially in their first year of operations, and could be close to being shut down. This is another organisation that might be of interest to SIGMA, should it be available at a reasonable price.

WEFF was also announced as being in financial difficulties. This would be rather a reach for SIGMA involvement, as we have no presence in Canada and no Womens division at present. On the other hand, perhaps it opens up opportunities in both areas...

batsnumbereleven · March 1, 2014

Event Report SIGMA 63: Oktay v Cabal II Europahalle, Karlsruhe, Germany. Friday 26th January 2002 Attendance: 5651 for a gate of $565,100 PPV Buys: 197,145 for revenue of $1,182,870 Preliminary matches Gerhard Kreutzberg (3-0) v Goran Karlsson (1-0) <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; 'Iron Cross' Gerhard Kreutzberg goes head to head with 'Swedish Superboy' Göran Karlsson in the SIGMA Welterweight division. >There's the opening bell! >There's a short stalemate as both fighters advance and throw strikes, but neither hits. >Kreutzberg uses a feint to get Karlsson off balance, but the nice sequence of punches that follow don't find their mark. >Karlsson comes in, looking for a quick takedown. >Kreutzberg tries to avoid Karlsson. >The takedown is unsuccessful, Kreutzberg avoided Karlsson. >Kreutzberg slams a crisp left into the gloves of Karlsson, but can't follow up. >Karlsson quickly gets in closer, looking to attack. >Both fighters come in and exchange strikes, but neither does any damage. >We move into the second half of this round. >Karlsson looks to be trying to close the distance between them. >A counter left hook catches Karlsson hard, putting him down! >Karlsson shakes off the cobwebs quickly though, and is alert. >In comes Kreutzberg looking to get some form of ground control. >Kreutzberg comes around the raised legs and gets side control. >Kreutzberg looks to get a mount. >He finds himself unable to get the mount on this attempt. >Karlsson tries to move to guard, but Kreutzberg doesn't allow it. >We have one minute of the round remaining. >Kreutzberg starts trying to work to go from side control to mount. >Karlsson doesn't let Kreutzberg get the mount, and so he remains at side control. >Kreutzberg blocks Karlsson as he tries a transition to guard. >Kreutzberg attempts the mount. >Karlsson keeps Kreutzberg at side control, not letting the mount happen. >The time runs out on round one. >I have to give that round to Kreutzberg, but only a 10-9. >There's the bell and round number two begins! >Between rounds, his corner told Kreutzberg to try and use counter striking in this round. >A jab doesn't find its intended target, allowing Kreutzberg to fire back with a big left kick to the outside of the thigh. >Karlsson feints rushing in, but withdraws. >Karlsson goes to the body and then to the head with a tidy combination to get Kreutzberg to cover up, then shoots in. >Kreutzberg sprawls well, and Karlsson is forced down to his knees, almost turtled up. >Kreutzberg unloads with big left hands to the side of the head, landing several that clearly hurt Karlsson. >Kreutzberg unloads with big punches, Karlsson is struggling to cope! >The referee pulls Kreutzberg away, stopping the match! >Karlsson is angry with the referee, and perhaps rightly - it did look like an early stoppage. >The winner, by TKO; Gerhard Kreutzberg! </div></blockquote> >Official Result: 'Iron Cross' Gerhard Kreutzberg defeats 'Swedish Superboy' Göran Karlsson (TKO (Strikes) in 1:46 of round 2). The match was rated as being Decent. Comments: Definitely an early stoppage, this one, though not sure that Karlsson would have lasted much longer in any case. Kreutzberg seemed to have a class advantage over the Swede here. Roope Kuqi (3-3) v Juozas Skerla (3-1) <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, Roope 'The Second Generation Star' Kuqi battles Juozas Skerla in the SIGMA Heavyweight division. >There's the opening bell! >A flurry of punches miss Kuqi and allow him to counter-strike with a solid left. >A left jab misses and Skerla strikes back with a body kick. >Skerla tries for a right body kick but Kuqi moves out of range. >A couple of quick punches are used to set up a takedown attempt from Kuqi. >Skerla tries to strike first with a solid right hook, but isn't quick enough. >Skerla cannot stop the takedown, and has to pull guard. >In guard, Kuqi begins working to pass to side control. >He does excellently, getting past the guard and into side control. >We go past the halfway point of this round. >Kuqi attempts an armbar. >The armbar is locked in, tight enough that Skerla has to tap out! >The winner, by submission, is Roope 'The Second Generation Star' Kuqi! </div></blockquote> >Official Result: Roope 'The Second Generation Star' Kuqi defeats Juozas Skerla (Submission (Armbar) in 3:14 of round 1). The match was rated as being Great. Comments: Solid win for Kuqi, who hasn't really impressed to date. Skerla will have to improve on this if he ever wants to get on the main card. Main Card Fernando Amaro (56-14-4-2NC) v Augustus Shorrock (7-2) <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 Fernando 'The Traveller' Amaro goes up against Augustus Shorrock in the SIGMA Middleweight division. >Round one begins! >An exchange of strikes doesn't lead to any real damage. >Both fighters go to exchange blows, but neither hits a telling strike. >Amaro throws a right kick to the body but Shorrock avoids it. >Amaro throws a barrage of big right hands but Shorrock moves out of range. >A jab doesn't find its intended target, allowing Shorrock to fire back with a solid left. >Amaro feints stepping in. >We are now at the halfway point of the round. >Shorrock looks to be trying to close the distance between them. >Amaro strikes first and manages to rock Shorrock with a solid right hand! >A left hand misses, allowing Amaro to counter with a flurry of quick punches to sting Shorrock. >Shorrock looks like he might be trying to get in close and wrestle with Amaro. >He pulls Amaro into a grapple. >The grapple breaks up after a short struggle, and the two fighters step apart. >Amaro steps in but an exchange of strikes goes nowhere. >Shorrock doesn't press the issue, allowing Amaro to circle. >We move into the final sixty seconds of this round. >An exchange of strikes doesn't lead to any real damage. >Round one is brought to an end as time runs out. >That has to go down as a 10-9 round to Amaro. >We are back underway! >From what we could hear of his corner, it sounds like Amaro has been instructed to vary his angles of approach a bit more. >Shorrock drops his shoulder as a feint, trying to draw a strike. >They come together and throw strikes, both miss. >Having stepped in close to throw their strikes, they end up clinched. >Shorrock is trying to muscle Amaro up against the cage. >Amaro ends up backed against the cage. >Unable to get free, Amaro is smothered up against the cage for about thirty seconds. >Unable to break free, Amaro is smothered up against the cage, taking short blows to the body, for about thirty seconds. >We've now passed the halfway mark in this round. >Shorrock drives a knee to the thigh area. >Shorrock exerts total control, keeping Amaro smothered against the cage for sixty seconds or so. >Shorrock pins Amaro up against the cage and works him over with small punches to the body for roughly thirty seconds. >We have one minute of the round remaining. >Showing his ability to control opponents, Shorrock smothers Amaro against the cage while nailing him with short strikes to the body for the remainder of the round. >Round two ends as time expires. >That round goes to Shorrock, 10-9 on my card. >Round three begins! >Amaro tries to get a knock out with a scorching right cross but Shorrock moves out of range. >A showdown where they both exchange strikes only results in a stalemate. >Shorrock gets suckered in to stepping forward, and has to step back sharply to avoid an enormous knock out right. >Amaro sneaks a glance at his corner. >It seems that Shorrock is happy to let Amaro circle for the moment. >Moving in closer, Amaro looks like he wants to strike from the pocket. >Shorrock uses movement to keep out reach, frustrating Amaro. >Amaro hops around from foot to foot, looking for an opening. >The fight slows as Shorrock sits back and allows Amaro to circle. >We pass the halfway mark of this round. >Shorrock steps back to avoid a flurry of punches. >Shorrock slams a crisp right into the gloves of Amaro, but can't follow up. >Amaro steps in to put some pressure on. >Amaro looks like he wants to stand in the pocket and strike with Shorrock. >Shorrock uses movement to keep out reach, frustrating Amaro. >We have one minute of the round remaining. >Amaro comes in closer, looking to attack from the pocket. >Backing off, Shorrock makes sure to keep out of range. >The time runs out and that round is over, and so is the fight. >That has to go down as a 10-9 round to Amaro. >The judges have given their scores, which are about to be announced. >All three judges have scored it 29-28. >Making Fernando 'The Traveller' Amaro the winner by unanimous decision! </div></blockquote> >Official Result: Fernando 'The Traveller' Amaro defeats Augustus Shorrock (Unanimous Decision in 5:00 of round 3). The match was rated as being Awful. Comments: Not really much fun to watch after the first round. I couldn't have told you who won the third round, so happy to defer to the judges' decision here. Amaro thinks that this fight justifies another shot at the Middleweight title – I can tell him it doesn't! Benedikt Streit (22-9) v Jay Dorridge (8-3) <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 'Bulldozer' Benedikt Streit fights 'Black Belt' Jay Dorridge in the SIGMA Featherweight division. >There's the opening bell! >Streit swiftly avoids a barrage of big punches. >An exchange of strikes doesn't really lead to anything. >In close proximity from the strikes they threw, they fall into a messy clinch. >Dorridge looks to take Streit down by setting up a judo throw. >Dorridge tries hard but cannot leverage Streit off of his feet. >A whizzer almost allows Streit to create enough space to get free, but Dorridge shuts that opportunity down. >Dorridge is looking to muscle Streit back against the cage. >Dorridge can't do it though, and Streit gets a more dominant position in the grapple instead. >The grappling doesn't go anywhere, and they break apart. >Dorridge throws a couple of jabs, then chooses to shoot in on Streit. >Streit tries to avoid the takedown. >Streit avoids the takedown attempt. >We go past the halfway point of this round. >An exchange of strikes doesn't really lead to anything. >Dorridge looks to move in and stand in the pocket. >Backing off, Streit makes sure to keep out of range. >Streit bobs and weaves. >Dorridge steps in closer to force the issue. >We move into the final sixty seconds of this round. >A couple of quick punches are used to set up a takedown attempt from Dorridge. >Dorridge doesn't get the takedown, Streit was equal to it and pulls them into a clinch. >The grapple breaks up after a short struggle, and the two fighters step apart. >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 Dorridge. >Round two begins! >Streit counters a right kick to the legs with a jab. >A jab misses and Dorridge counters with a stinging leg kick. >Dorridge comes in with a couple of jabs, using them as cover so that he can shoot in. >Streit tries to step away from the takedown. >Streit avoids the takedown attempt. >Dorridge avoids a jab. >Dorridge steps back to avoid a left jab. >A jab misses and Dorridge counters with a series of lefts. >We've now passed the halfway mark in this round. >Dorridge avoids a jab. >Dorridge slips out of the way of a jab. >Streit fakes a lunge. >Dorridge doesn't let Streit settle, stepping in closer to impose himself. >Dorridge throws a couple of jabs, then chooses to shoot in on Streit. >Dorridge can't get past the sprawl of Streit, and finds himself pushed face-down to the ground. >We're into the final minute of the round. >Dorridge takes a few punches on the way, but manages to get back to standing. >Streit is looking to turn this into a wrestling match, and is getting in closer to Dorridge. >Dorridge ends up grappling for supremacy with Streit. >Round two ends as time expires. >There was very little to separate them in that round, but I'll give that one 10-9 to Streit. >There's the bell for the start of the round! >Dorridge counters a left jab by using two hard right hands! >Moving in closer, Dorridge looks like he may want to wrestle Streit. >He pulls Streit into a grapple. >Jay Dorridge doesn't look like he has much left in the tank. >Dorridge attempts to set up a judo-based throw to take Streit to the ground. >Streit digs in and manages to block the throw. >A whizzer almost allows Streit to create enough space to get free, but Dorridge shuts that opportunity down. >Dorridge finds his dirty boxing smothered, and Streit gains the dominant position in the grapple. >Benedikt Streit looks very tired out there. >Streit is trying to push Dorridge so that his back is up against the cage. >Streit manages it, and controls Dorridge up against the cage. >Jay Dorridge seems to be fighting against exhaustion. >We've now passed the halfway mark in this round. >Streit steps back from Dorridge and looks to unleash some strikes. >Dorridge uses head movement to dodge a jab, and counters with a sequence of quick punches. >A powerful straight right goes wide and Dorridge is able to counter with a crisp left. >Using head movement, Dorridge slips past a left jab and counters with a series of quick, sharp punches. >Streit slips past a flurry of rights and lefts and hits a straight left. >There's a short stalemate as both fighters advance and throw strikes, but neither hits. >We're into the final minute of the round. >There's a ragged-looking double leg attempt from Dorridge, from the pocket. >Streit stuffs the takedown attempt and then pulls Dorridge into a clinch. >Benedikt Streit looks very, very tired. >Streit is looking to muscle Dorridge back against the cage. >Streit achieves it, pinning Dorridge to the cage. >Jay Dorridge looks totally gassed. >We reach the time limit and this fight is over. >That round goes to Dorridge, 10-9 on my card. >Here come the official scores. >Judge #1 scores the contest as 30-27 to Dorridge. >Judge #2 gives a score of 29-28 in favour of Streit. >Judge #3: 29-28 Streit. >The winner, by split decision, is Benedikt Streit! </div></blockquote> >Official Result: 'Bulldozer' Benedikt Streit defeats 'Black Belt' Jay Dorridge (Split Decision in 5:00 of round 3). The match was rated as being Average. Comments: Well Judge #1 was watching a different fight to me, as I scored all three rounds to Streit, so just as well that the other two judges weren't of his mind! Can't say as I'd want to see a re-match... Seth O'Breen (#23, 16-2) v Georges Nouri (13-3) <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, Seth 'Submission King' O'Breen competes against 'The Sharpshooter' Georges Nouri in the SIGMA Lightweight division. >Round one begins! >An errant jab sets O'Breen up to counter-strike with a clean left. >O'Breen feints stepping in. >O'Breen throws a barrage of big rights but Nouri is quick to move out of range. >O'Breen comes in closer, looking to attack from the pocket. >The two fighters move closer, ready to strike. >A low kick is checked by Nouri. >O'Breen tries for a right jab but Nouri uses head movement to avoid it. >Nouri looks to be trying to close the distance between them. >O'Breen ends up grappling for supremacy with Nouri. >We've now passed the halfway mark in this round. >Nouri looks to set up a judo throw. >Nouri uses a nice inside leg trip and O'Breen is forced to pull guard! >Nouri throws a few left hands as he takes a moment to plan ahead. >O'Breen doesn't allow Nouri to smother him against the ground. >O'Breen attempts to lock on a triangle choke. >Nouri blocks the attempt. >Nouri smothers O'Breen with his body by pushing forward and down. >We're into the final minute of the round. >In guard, Nouri begins working to pass to side control. >He can't find a way past the guard. >The time is up, and that's the end of round one. >I have to give that round to Nouri, but only a 10-9. >There's the bell and round number two begins! >An errant jab sets O'Breen up to counter-strike with several big right hands, putting Nouri down, dazed! >O'Breen senses victory and starts to unload with punches! >O'Breen can't put Nouri away, and gets sucked into half guard. >Nouri keeps O'Breen, who looked to be trying to stand up, in half guard. >Nouri tries to lock onto an arm from the bottom of half guard. >O'Breen blocks it. >O'Breen attempts to pass half guard. >He can't quite manage to get past half guard on this attempt. >Nouri tries to ensnare an arm. >O'Breen fends off Nouri, and doesn't give up an arm. >O'Breen tries to get out of half guard and stand up, but Nouri doesn't allow it. >Nouri attempts to sweep O'Breen. >Nouri sweeps O'Breen over, ending on top in half guard. >We move into the second half of this round. >Nouri is trying to get out of half guard and into a better position. >Nouri struggles but cannot find a way past and remains stuck in half guard. >O'Breen attempts to grab an arm of Nouri from the bottom of half guard. >O'Breen cannot secure the arm. >There's under a minute left in this round. >Nouri tries to ensnare O'Breen in an arm triangle. >O'Breen defends it well. >Nouri feels O'Breen prepare to scramble for position and makes sure it doesn't happen. >Nouri tries to ensnare O'Breen in an arm triangle. >O'Breen blocks it. >Time expires and we come to the end of round two. >Not a lot happened in that round and the fans are getting a bit restless as a result. >I have to give that round to O'Breen, but only a 10-9. >There's the bell and round number three begins! >A right jab misses and O'Breen strikes back with a great right hook, Nouri is knocked down! He is out! >The winner, by Knock Out; Seth O'Breen! </div></blockquote> >Official Result: Seth 'Submission King' O'Breen defeats 'The Sharpshooter' Georges Nouri (Knock Out (Punch) in 0:27 of round 3). The match was rated as being Average. Comments: Just as well that O'Breen made sure of this with a finish, as I'm inclined to think he lost the first two rounds. The critics were unduly harsh on this fight, as I found it pretty entertaining, with both men working hard on the ground. Rafael van der Moot (#15, 12-1) v Dag Kreuger (#20, 9-2) <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, Rafael van der Moot battles Dag 'The Viking' Kreuger in the SIGMA Light Heavyweight division. >There's the opening bell! >Kreuger counters a leg kick by grabbing it and attempting a takedown, getting it! van der Moot gets half guard. >Kreuger unloads with some big left hands, but van der Moot deals with them comfortably. >van der Moot tries to sweep Kreuger but doesn't get anywhere. >In half guard, Kreuger begins working to get side control. >Kreuger gains side control after getting his leg free from half guard. >Kreuger tries to lock van der Moot in an arm triangle. >van der Moot doesn't allow the arm triangle to be applied. >van der Moot tries to sweep Kreuger but can't do it. >Kreuger starts hammering away at van der Moot with left hands. >There's lots of strikes landing, van der Moot needs to find a way out of this position quickly! >The referee pulls Kreuger away, stopping the match! >The winner, by TKO; Dag Kreuger! </div></blockquote> >Official Result: Dag 'The Viking' Kreuger defeats Rafael van der Moot (TKO (Strikes) in 2:49 of round 1). The match was rated as being Great. Comments: Kreuger adds another big scalp to his resume, as he heads towards a possible title fight. Former champ van der Moot will be so disappointed to have got down so easily in the first few seconds. Co-main Nicolai Mickiewicz (#9, 24-6) v Valentin Taneyev (#14, 11-2) <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. 'The Scourge Of Europe' Nicolai Mickiewicz will take on 'The Hand Grenade' Valentin Taneyev in the SIGMA Light Heavyweight division. >There's the opening bell! >Mickiewicz counters a leg kick by grabbing it and attempting a takedown, and gets it, into half guard. >Mickiewicz reaches over and tries to lock Taneyev in an arm triangle. >Taneyev defends it well. >Taneyev reaches over and tries to lock Mickiewicz in a guillotine. >Mickiewicz pulls his head free before the hold can be applied properly. >Mickiewicz looks to get past the half guard. >He can't get free of half guard. >Taneyev reaches over and tries to lock up an arm. >Mickiewicz blocks it. >We pass the halfway mark of this round. >In half guard, Mickiewicz begins working to get side control. >Mickiewicz isn't able to pass from half guard thanks to the tenacious defence of Taneyev. >Taneyev tries to ensnare Mickiewicz in a guillotine. >Mickiewicz blocks it. >Mickiewicz attempts to pass half guard. >Taneyev keeps his half guard secure. >Taneyev tries to ensnare Mickiewicz in a guillotine. >Mickiewicz pulls his head free before the hold can be applied properly. >We move into the final sixty seconds of this round. >Mickiewicz tries to pass the half guard. >Taneyev keeps his half guard secure. >Round one is brought to an end as time runs out. >That was a horrible round to watch, and the fans are booing quite loudly. >I'd say that was definitely 10-9 in favour of Mickiewicz. >There's the bell for the start of the round! >Taneyev slips past a left jab and counters with a pair of nice shots to the body. >Taneyev uses a clever feint to set up a right high kick, but Mickiewicz is able to duck under it. >Taneyev comes in, looking for a quick takedown. >Mickiewicz tries to avoid Taneyev. >Taneyev can't get the takedown, Mickiewicz was too quick to back away. >Mickiewicz avoids a nice combination. >Mickiewicz uses a flurry of lefts and rights to get Taneyev to cover up, then shoots in looking for a takedown. >Mickiewicz can't get the takedown, Taneyev defends it well and pulls them into a clinch. >Taneyev has gotten underhooks in and is looking to take Mickiewicz to the ground. >Taneyev gets the takedown by using the underhooks for control and working a trip! Mickiewicz pulls guard. >We are now at the halfway point of the round. >Taneyev attempts to pass guard. >Mickiewicz keeps his guard secure. >Taneyev blocks Mickiewicz as he tries a sweep from the guard. >Taneyev looks to pass guard and get side control. >He can't get free of the guard. >Taneyev blocks Mickiewicz as he tries a sweep from the guard. >There's under a minute left in this round. >Mickiewicz is controlled against the ground, unable to shift Taneyev off of him. >Round two ends as time expires. >I think Taneyev took that round, 10-9 on my score card. >There's the bell for the start of the round! >A jab misses, allowing Taneyev to counter-strike with a hard right kick to the legs. >Moving forward, Taneyev counters a left jab with a crisp jab. >Both fighters advance and strike, but neither hits anything. >Mickiewicz shoots in, looking for a takedown. >He drives forward, and despite the best efforts of Taneyev to stay upright, the takedown is completed! >The takedown leaves Taneyev seated with his back pressed against the cage. >Mickiewicz begins trying to get himself into a more dominant position. >Mickiewicz shows his ground skills and gets to side control. >Mickiewicz attempts to move to mount. >Taneyev can't stop it and gets mounted. >We pass the halfway mark of this round. >Mickiewicz fires away with big punches, but Taneyev covers up and doesn't take any undue damage. >Taneyev tries to move Mickiewicz enough to get half guard, but can't get enough space. >Mickiewicz pounds away from the mount with elbows, but Taneyev covers up and defends them well. >Taneyev tries to roll Mickiewicz, but only succeeds in giving up his back! >Mickiewicz gets both hooks in, and is now in a really dominant position. >We move into the final sixty seconds of this round. >Mickiewicz attempts to complete a rear naked choke, having both hooks fully in. >Taneyev fights off the rear naked choke attempt. >Mickiewicz keeps both hooks, despite Taneyev trying to pull them apart. >The time expires on round three, and that is the end of the fight. >I think Mickiewicz took that round, 10-9 on my score card. >The judges have given their scores, which are about to be announced. >All three judges have scored it 29-28. >Making 'The Scourge Of Europe' Nicolai Mickiewicz the winner by unanimous decision! </div></blockquote> >Official Result: 'The Scourge Of Europe' Nicolai Mickiewicz defeats 'The Hand Grenade' Valentin Taneyev (Unanimous Decision in 5:00 of round 3). The match was rated as being Decent. Comments: Solid but unspectacular from Mickiewicz, getting the job done. This one was decided by who got the takedown in each round, though there could be an argument for giving Taneyev the first, given that he was very active off his back in trying to get a submission, whilst Mickiewicz sat in his guard. Main Event Lefter Oktay (#8, 18-1) v Terron Cabal (#17, 15-2) <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! Lefter 'The Beast' Oktay squares off with 'The Baddest Man In MMA' Terron Cabal in the SIGMA Heavyweight division. >We are underway! >Oktay moves out of range of a tidy combination of punches. >A tight combination narrowly misses Oktay and allow him to counter-strike with a stinging left jab. >Oktay avoids a nice combination. >Cabal gets Oktay with a punch to the ribs, but it lacked power. >Oktay comes in closer to press the issue. >Oktay chooses to shoot in on Cabal. >Cabal attempts to avoid Oktay as he shoots in. >The takedown is unsuccessful, Cabal avoided Oktay. >An exchange of blows doesn't really produce any damage or a clear advantage. >We've now passed the halfway mark in this round. >A feint sets up a kick to the body, but Oktay manages to just avoid it. >Oktay comes in, looking for a quick takedown. >Cabal tries to avoid the takedown. >The takedown is unsuccessful, Cabal avoided Oktay. >Cabal counters a left jab by using a crisp jab. >We're into the final minute of the round. >Cabal avoids a quick jab and hits a couple of jabs and a beautiful right hook to the body. >A left hand misses, allowing Cabal to counter with a barrage of huge rights, knocking Oktay down! >Oktay, stunned, is mounted! >Cabal fires away with punches, and Oktay takes several shots that threaten to end the fight! >Round one ends as time expires. >That round goes to Cabal, 10-9 on my card. >And here we go, round two! >It sounded like his corner told Cabal to stand and try to use counter striking against Oktay in this round. >Oktay steps back to avoid a tight combination of punches after falling for a clever feint. >Cabal counters a left jab by hitting a pair of nice shots to the body. >Oktay has to cover up to absorb a nice one-two combination, having been off balance after falling for a feint. >Oktay throws three punches in quick succession, but Cabal was out of range. >Time slips away as Cabal doesn't press Oktay, allowing him to circle. >There's a takedown attempt from Oktay. >A counter right cross is too slow to catch Oktay. >The takedown is completed, it was a single leg and Cabal is left on his back pulling guard. >Oktay begins trying to pass the guard. >Oktay is too much for Cabal, passing guard and gaining side control. >We've now passed the halfway mark in this round. >Oktay starts trying to work to go from side control to mount. >He mounts Cabal. >Oktay pounds away from the mount with elbows, but is unable to land many clean shots on Cabal. >The end of the round is coming quick, there's under a minute left. >Oktay has solid control over Cabal, and starts pounding away with strikes. >There's lots of strikes landing, Cabal needs to find a way out of this position quickly! >The referee stops the fight, he didn't feel Cabal was intelligently defending himself! >The winner, by TKO, is Lefter 'The Beast' Oktay! </div></blockquote> >Official Result: Lefter 'The Beast' Oktay defeats 'The Baddest Man In MMA' Terron Cabal (TKO (Strikes) in 4:28 of round 2). The match was rated as being Great. Comments: Same result as their first encounter, and perhaps a hint of an early stoppage again, but you can't really have a trilogy fight when one guy is 2-0 down. Oktay puts his claim to another tilt at the title. Show summary Critical rating: Good Commercial success: Average Fight of the Night: Lefter Oktay v Terron Cabal Knockout of the Night: Seth O'Breen Submission of the Night: Roope Kuqi Comments: Not sure I necessarily agree that the main event was the FOTN, I would probably have given it to Kreuger/van der Moot. Otherwise, there are plenty of good match-ups coming out of this, with Oktay likely to get another title shot, and Kreuger and Mickiewicz also pressing their claims.

batsnumbereleven · March 1, 2014

Prediction results

3/8 for both of you this time, but by different mean, with the only common correct selection being Seth O'Breen.

Totals

CageRage 311/436

BigRedMachine 101/158

Injury report

Gerhard Kreutzberg will be out for around 7 weeks after picking up an elbow injury during his victory tonight, and the Athletic Commission has imposed bans of a month on Rafael van der Moot, and two months on Goran Karlsson, Juozas Slerla and Terron Cabal.

SIGMA contracts/signings

Augustus Shorrock has gone 1-3 in SIGMA, but he'll get a reprieve with a 4-fight extension to be reviewed after 3.

batsnumbereleven · March 1, 2014

Monday 1st February 2002

Press Release

Signature Martial Arts is delighted to announce that it is returning to Nuremberg and the Nuremberg Arena on Friday 26th February for SIGMA 64, which will also be available live on pay-per-view through EuroNet across Europe and Russia.

Headlining this event will be a SIGMA Featherweight Title fight between the Portuguese Jiu jitsi wizard Nuno Valentino (#4, 9-0) and former champion Fernando Peragon (#15, 13-5), the high octane brawler. Valentino took the title from Lars Bohlin back at SIGMA 43 and has since successfully defended against Scot Jason Dalglish, whilst Peragon has won two of his last three since losing to Dalglish, including a decision victory over Francesco Marazzina last time out.

In the Welterweight division, we'll see former champ Evgeni Medtner (24-8) going up against the Italian wrestler Carmelo Rossi (11-6) as both press their case for a return to the title hunt. Medtner is coming off a win against Pavel Radulov and Rossi over Kenneth Toadspew, both by unanimous decision. At Lightweight, Czech sambo fighter Lubos Plasil (10-2) is another re-establishing himself as a contender after a couple of wins, and he goes up against the unbeaten Italian karate expert Feliciano Costa (5-0), who put away Egidijus Fomenka on SIGMA Gefecht TV.

Georgia wrestler Vladoslav Medvedev (#14, 5-1) is still held in high regard by the rankers at Blurcat.com, and has rebounded from his defeat to Snuffy Fontana with consecutive victories , over Jaromir Grygera and Charlie Oakley. He'll be facing Swedish striker Isaac Jacobsen (8-3), who TKOd Casim Yenkini at SIGMA 58, in a Middleweight clash.

At Light-Heavyweight, Australian wrestler Shane Gilchrist (15-8) will be fighting the Spanish kick boxer Andoni Olano (4-3), and to kick things off, Jacco Landeweerd (8-1) will take on Hamburg's Bastian Neske (5-2) in what is expected to be a striking battle in the Heavyweight division.

In preliminary action, we will see the much talked about debut of Kenyan wrestler Afolabi Soyinka (#9FW, 8-0), already ranked by Blurcat.com despite not making an appearance in a major MMA organisation. His first test will be another wrestler, Englishman Graeme Spark (8-2). Also in action will be Hungarian Heavyweight Zsolt Hargitay (7-2) as he provides sizeable opposition for Stuttgart's Aldous Zwygart (2-0).

Card for picks:

SIGMA 64

Nuno Valentino © v Fernando Peragon

Evgeni Medtner v Carmelo Rossi

Lubos Plasil v Feliciano Costa

Vladoslav Medvedev v Isaac Jacobsen

Shane Gilchrist v Andoni Olano

Jacco Landeweerd v Bastian Neske

(prelim) Afolabi Soyinka v Graeme Spark

(prelim) Zsolt Hargitay v Aldous Zwygart

CageRage · March 1, 2014

SIGMA 64

Nuno Valentino © v Fernando Peragon

Evgeni Medtner v Carmelo Rossi

Lubos Plasil v Feliciano Costa

Vladoslav Medvedev v Isaac Jacobsen

Shane Gilchrist v Andoni Olano

Jacco Landeweerd v Bastian Neske

(prelim) Afolabi Soyinka v Graeme Spark

(prelim) Zsolt Hargitay v Aldous Zwygart

BigRedMachine · March 2, 2014

SIGMA 64

Nuno Valentino © v Fernando Peragon

Evgeni Medtner v Carmelo Rossi

Lubos Plasil v Feliciano Costa

Vladoslav Medvedev v Isaac Jacobsen

Shane Gilchrist v Andoni Olano

Jacco Landeweerd v Bastian Neske

(prelim) Afolabi Soyinka v Graeme Spark

(prelim) Zsolt Hargitay v Aldous Zwygart

batsnumbereleven · March 2, 2014

News and Notes from around the MMA world: February 2002

Signings

ALPHA-1: -

GAMMA: -

OMEGA: Washi Shiganori (4-4 ALPHA-1), John Rivero (4-4 GAMMA, failing to make weight on every occasion),

BCF: -

FLB: -

XCC: Rain Richards, Li-Kong Ho,

WEFF: -

WARRIORS: Tucker Plumm (0-3 BCF),

UCFF: Jethro Munter (0-2 GAMMA), Todd Warriner (1-3 FLB), Euclydes Filho (1-2 FLB), Charlie Warren (1-2 BCF)

Events

GAMMA 65: Patinkin v Spagnol took place on Saturday 6th February and saw Brazilian Gustavo Spagnol (10-1) upset the odds to defeat Junior Patinkin (#4, 21-3) by TKO in the dying seconds of the second round of their fight for the GAMMA Light-Heavyweight title. On the undercard, Dexter Darling (24-5-1) defeated Wesley Sneep (2-1) by TKO, and Mike Watson (15-2) knocked out Terry Catt (7-4).

FLB 30: Kick Start was held in Brazil on Sunday 7th February. In the main event, the FLB Middleweight title was at stake, and Braulio Moura (#4, 25-3-1) regained the title that he lost to Zaco back in April 1998, beating Thais Antonio Taffarel (#1, 23-3) by unanimous decision at the end of their 5-round encounter.

Thursday 11th February saw XCC: Ziskie v Ortiz for the XCC Featherweight title, with jiu-jitsu practitioner Daniel Ortiz (#22, 9-1) becoming the man to finally dethrone XCC superstar Philip Ziskie (#1, 26-2-1) and take the title at the same time. In the post-fight interview, Ziskie called upon SIGMA CEO Scott Avatar to call him up to the SIGMA roster to fight in Europe.

OMEGA: Roby v Colon was held in Mexico on Sunday 14th February, as Titus Colon (#8, 4-1) knocked out Mal Phe Roby (#10, 19-7), in the 3rd round of their OMEGA Middleweight title fight. On the undercard, the submission of the night was awarded to Jiroemon Hasegawa (8-2) who used a nasty ankle lock to defeat veteran Bambang Sriyanto (27-12-2).

Thursday 18th February was the date for WARRIORS 5: Idle v Jerome in Dublin, Ireland, where the headline protagonists fought for the honor of being the inaugural WARRIOR Welterweight champion. Veteran Englishman Gordon Idle (#21, 15-4) belied his reputation as a one-dimensional ground-and-pounder, as he submitted James Jerome (4-3) in the first round with a guillotine choke.

ALPHA-1: Endo v Hersch took place on Sunday 21st February, and Heiji Endo (#2, 21-2) made his fourth successful defence of the ALPHA-1 Middleweight title as he submitted Wes Hersch (7-3) in just two minutes of their fight. In the co-main Kunimichi Kikuchi (#12, 33-6) won a Heavyweight battle with Gyokusho Fujimoto (#24, 12-3) by second round TKO.

The following night saw WEFF 27, with Denise DeNiro (#1 WBW, 8-0) retaining her WEFF Lightweight title with a 2nd round TKO victory over San Diego's Rachel McGuinness (#4, 9-2) in front of just under 600 in Quebec, Canada.

Other Notable news

Africa becomes Regulated.

GAMMA fell to Mid Level National after GAMMA 65.

XCC moved up to High Level Regional for the first time after their event this month.

batsnumbereleven · March 3, 2014

Event Report SIGMA 64: Valentino v Peragon Nuremberg Arena, Nuremberg, Germany. Friday 26th February 2002 Attendance: 5509 for a gate of $550,900 PPV Buys: 197,145 for revenue of $1,182,870 Preliminary matches Zsolt Hargitay (7-2) v Aldous Zwygart (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>>Moving on to the next match, in which 'The Hungry Hungarian' Zsolt Hargitay will battle 'Crash' Aldous Zwygart in the SIGMA Heavyweight division. >There's the opening bell! >They exchange strikes, but neither fighter inflicts any real damage. >Zwygart slips past a barrage of big punches and fires back with a series of quick lefts. >They exchange strikes, but neither fighter inflicts any real damage. >Zwygart looks like he wants to stand in the pocket and strike with Hargitay. >Hargitay now has Zwygart standing in the pocket. >They come together and throw strikes, both miss. >They exchange strikes, but neither fighter inflicts any real damage. >Not comfortable in the pocket, Zwygart steps back and creates some space. >Advancing, Zwygart counters a left jab by using a clean left. >We pass the halfway mark of this round. >Zwygart comes in closer, looking to attack from the pocket. >Hargitay now has Zwygart standing in the pocket. >Both fighters advance and strike, but neither hits anything. >Going toe-to-toe, both fighters start exchanging close range strikes! >A big right hand lands, Hargitay has to back off. >Zwygart uses a flurry of quick punches to sting Hargitay. >There's a stalemate as both fighters throw strikes but neither hits. >We have one minute of the round remaining. >Hargitay backs away to create some more space. >Zwygart feints going high but then throws a leg kick, Hargitay just avoids it. >Time expires and we come to the end of round one. >I'd say that was definitely 10-9 in favour of Zwygart. >There's the bell for the start of the round! >Between rounds we could hear the corner of Hargitay telling him to go right at Zwygart, hard and fast. >A feint sets up a body kick from Zwygart, but Hargitay is able to move out of range in time. >Both fighters fire off strikes, but neither does any significant damage. >They wind up in a tight clinch. >Zwygart can't keep control of Hargitay, and the grapple is broken. >Hargitay looks to move in and stand in the pocket. >A counter right hook catches Hargitay hard, almost putting him down! >Zwygart feints going high but then throws a leg kick, Hargitay just avoids it. >Hargitay is looking to get in close and strike from the pocket. >Hargitay walks into a big left jab, landing right on the cheek. >Moving in closer, Zwygart looks like he wants to strike from the pocket. >Hargitay keeps himself moving out of range. >We've now passed the halfway mark in this round. >A left jab misses and Zwygart counters with a solid left jab. >Hargitay looks to move in and stand in the pocket. >Keen to maintain some distance, Zwygart uses strikes to keep Hargitay away. >Moving in closer, Zwygart looks like he may want to try and clinch with Hargitay. >Zwygart ends up grabbing Hargitay in a Muay Thai clinch. >We move into the final sixty seconds of this round. >Using the clinch, Zwygart hits a big elbow to the face of Hargitay. >Blood is visible on Hargitay, that strike looks to have opened up a cut under his eye. >Zwygart loses the Muay Thai clinch after a knee strike misses and gives Hargitay the opportunity to wrestle free. >With Hargitay bleeding, the referee pauses the fight so that the cut can be checked. >The ringside doctor gives the wound a look, but quickly signals that it is not going to be a problem. >The fight will be restarted in the center! >Round two ends as time expires. >I think Zwygart took that round, 10-9 on my score card. >There's the bell for the start of the round! >Zwygart uses a feint to leave Hargitay wide open, and clips him with a hard right hook to the jaw! He is out! >The winner, by Knock Out, is 'Crash' Aldous Zwygart! </div></blockquote> >Official Result: 'Crash' Aldous Zwygart defeats 'The Hungry Hungarian' Zsolt Hargitay (Knock Out (Punch) in 0:24 of round 3). The match was rated as being Great. Comments: Great way to start off the evening, and Zwygart looked really good out there. We haven't seen him get put on his back yet, which may be where his real test comes. Hargitay has struggled in SIGMA (1-3) and if someone comes in for him, we'll let him leave, but we might see him fight again to complete his contract if he stays. Afolabi Soyinka (#9, 8-0) v Graeme Spark (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>>In the last of the preliminary matches, 'The African Lion' Afolabi Soyinka squares off with Graeme 'Sparky' Spark in the SIGMA Featherweight division. >And here we go! >Spark steps back to avoid a flurry of punches. >Spark counters a wayward low right kick with a solid left jab. >There's a takedown attempt from Spark. >Soyinka sees the takedown coming and tries to move. >Spark doesn't get the takedown, Soyinka avoided it. >Soyinka doesn't drop his hands as Spark feints shooting in. >A left hand misses, allowing Spark to counter with a nice jab. >Soyinka steps back to avoid a flurry of punches after falling for a clever feint. >We've now passed the halfway mark in this round. >Spark comes in with a couple of jabs, using them as cover so that he can shoot in. >Soyinka first stuffs the takedown attempt, then manages to wrestle Spark the the floor! Spark has to pull guard. >Soyinka pounds away with right hands, but doesn't do much damage, if any, Spark is comfortable holding guard. >Soyinka blocks an attempted sweep. >Soyinka is trying to pass guard. >He passes to half guard. >We have one minute of the round remaining. >Soyinka attempts to pass half guard. >Getting his leg free with ease, he gets to side control. >Soyinka fires off a few punches, but they aren't thrown with any great force. >Round one is brought to an end as time runs out. >I have to give that round to Soyinka, but only a 10-9. >We are back underway! >A quick exchange of strikes produces nothing worth mentioning. >Spark backs away to create some more space. >Spark shoots in, looking for a takedown. >Soyinka stuffs the takedown, but gets pushed up against the cage instead. >Spark tries to keep him up against the cage with wrestling, but Soyinka reverses so that he is the one in control. >Soyinka uses underhooks to gain solid control, and is looking for a takedown. >Spark cannot stop being lifted up and blasted with a Greco-Roman slam, he can only pull guard! >Time slips away as Soyinka successfully keeps Spark stuck against the ground. >We pass the halfway mark of this round. >Soyinka smothers Spark with his body by pushing forward and down. >Soyinka smothers Spark with his body by pushing forward and down. >The clock runs down as Spark is being smothered against the ground by Soyinka. >There's under a minute left in this round. >Spark is controlled against the ground, unable to shift Soyinka off of him. >Soyinka lies on top of Spark, basically smothering him. >Round two ends as time expires. >Not a lot happened in that round and the fans are getting a bit restless as a result. >I have to give that round to Soyinka, but only a 10-9. >Round three begins! >A straight left fails to land and Spark is able to fire back with a straight left. >Spark uses a flurry of lefts and rights to get Soyinka to cover up, then shoots in looking for a takedown. >The takedown is blocked, and the sprawl allows Soyinka to wrestle Spark down to the ground instead! Spark pulls guard. >Breathing very hard, Afolabi Soyinka is looking ragged. >Looking to catch his breath, Soyinka is content to just throw a couple of punches to the body. >Soyinka gets pushed away, and ends up standing over Spark, who is on his back. >Soyinka looks to get on top of Spark. >Spark moves quickly, scrambling for position before Soyinka can get a hold. >The scramble results in Soyinka being on his back pulling guard. >Spark tries to pound on Soyinka, but all the blows are comfortably dealt with. >Soyinka tries to ensnare Spark in a triangle. >Spark blocks the triangle attempt. >We go past the halfway point of this round. >Spark begins trying to pass the guard. >Advancing his position, he passes to half guard. >Spark looks to get past the half guard. >Getting his leg free with ease, he gets to side control. >We're into the final minute of the round. >Spark looks to get a mount. >Soyinka can't stop it and gets mounted. >Graeme Spark looks very tired out there. >The time runs out and that round is over, and so is the fight. >That has to go down as a 10-9 round to Spark. >The judges have given their scores, which are about to be announced. >All three judges have scored it 29-28. >'The African Lion' Afolabi Soyinka wins by unanimous decision! </div></blockquote> >Official Result: 'The African Lion' Afolabi Soyinka defeats Graeme 'Sparky' Spark (Unanimous Decision in 5:00 of round 3). The match was rated as being Decent. Comments: Soyinka started this one off well, but appeared to have little to offer from his back. His offense wasn't all that exciting, but he did enough to get the win. Spark has been fairly mediocre so far in SIGMA, but will get further chances to prove himself. Main Card Jacco Landeweerd (8-1) v Bastian Neske (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 is a match in which 'Big Trouble' Jacco Landeweerd takes on Bastian Neske in the SIGMA Heavyweight division. >There's the opening bell! >Neske has to cover up to absorb a nice one-two combination, having been off balance after falling for a feint. >Neske steps back to avoid a kick to the body, having been suckered in with a feint. >A jab misses, allowing Neske to counter-strike with a solid left. >A weak body kick is countered by Neske with a crisp left hand punch. >A weak body kick is countered by Neske with a stinging left jab. >Neske comes in closer, looking to attack from the pocket. >Neske can't close the distance, Landeweerd keeps him away with strikes. >We've now passed the halfway mark in this round. >Landeweerd looks like he wants to stand in the pocket and strike with Neske. >Landeweerd is now standing in the pocket. >Slipping past a one-two combination, Landeweerd counters with a right body kick. >A left jab misses, Landeweerd counters with a nasty-looking kick to the inside of the knee. >Landeweerd dodges a jab, and fires back with a crisp left. >Seeing a low kick coming, Neske strikes first with a fast and accurate right hook that knocks Landeweerd out cold! >The winner, by Knock Out; Bastian Neske! </div></blockquote> >Official Result: Bastian Neske defeats 'Big Trouble' Jacco Landeweerd (Knock Out (Punch) in 4:12 of round 1). The match was rated as being Great. Comments: For a big kick boxer, Landeweerd doesn't seem to be able to take much of a punch. Good shot from Neske will kick start his momentum. Shane Gilchrist (15-8) v Andoni Olano (4-3) <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 Shane 'The Butcher' Gilchrist battles Andoni Olano in the SIGMA Light Heavyweight division. >And here we go! >There's a stalemate as both fighters throw strikes, but neither scores. >Olano uses head movement to dodge a jab, and counters with a kick to the inside of the left thigh. >Standing in the pocket, Gilchrist catches an attempted body kick and goes for the takedown, and gets it! Olano pulls guard. >Gilchrist begins trying to pass guard and get a better position. >He passes, but only to half guard. >Gilchrist is trying to get out of half guard and into a better position. >Olano comfortably blocks the attempt and keeps Gilchrist in half guard. >Olano tries to sweep Gilchrist but doesn't get anywhere. >We go past the halfway point of this round. >Gilchrist tries to pass the half guard. >Gilchrist struggles but cannot find a way past and remains stuck in half guard. >Gilchrist blocks Olano as he tries a sweep from half guard. >In half guard, Gilchrist begins working to get side control. >He can't quite manage to get past half guard on this attempt. >Gilchrist blocks Olano as he tries a sweep from half guard. >We move into the final sixty seconds of this round. >Gilchrist tries to ensnare Olano in an arm triangle. >Olano blocks it. >Round one is brought to an end as time runs out. >That was a very close round, but I think Olano just about edged it. >There's the bell and round number two begins! >It sounded like his corner told Gilchrist to attempt to get Olano to the floor in this round. >Olano throws a left jab but Gilchrist avoids it. >A feinted high kick gets a reaction, and Gilchrist is lucky to avoid the follow-up inside leg kick. >Olano tries for a right body kick but Gilchrist moves out of range. >Gilchrist catches a weak right kick to the legs and uses it to go for a takedown, and gets it! Olano has to pull guard. >Gilchrist begins trying to pass the guard. >He can't quite manage to get past guard on this attempt. >Olano tries to pull Gilchrist in close and pepper him with short strikes, but can't. >Gilchrist fires away with big punches, but Olano keeps the guard secure and doesn't take any undue damage. >Olano tries to pull Gilchrist in close and pepper him with short strikes, but can't. >We go past the halfway point of this round. >Gilchrist attempts to pass guard. >He manages to pass, but only to half guard. >Gilchrist fires off a few punches, but they aren't thrown with any great force. >Gilchrist blocks an attempted move from half guard to full guard. >We're into the final minute of the round. >Gilchrist pounds away with elbow strikes, but doesn't do much damage, if any, Olano is comfortable holding half guard. >Shane Gilchrist looks very tired out there. >Olano uses an underhook to work some separation, then quickly scrambles. >It's a bad choice though, as Gilchrist seizes the opportunity to leap forward and secure side control. >Gilchrist begins trying to get himself into a mount. >Olano keeps Gilchrist at side control, not letting the mount happen. >The time is up, and that's the end of round two. >That was a yawner of a round, and I think both fighters are now a bit frustrated. >That has to go down as a 10-9 round to Gilchrist. >There's the bell and round number three begins! >Between rounds we could hear the corner of Olano telling him to go right at Gilchrist, hard and fast. >Gilchrist gets suckered in by a feint, and is lucky to avoid the combination that follows. >Both fighters fire off strikes, neither produces any significant damage. >Olano side-steps an attempted knock out right and hits a left jab to the cheek. >Olano is looking to get in close and strike from the pocket. >Seeing an opportunity, Gilchrist goes straight for a takedown, but Olano is equal to it. >Shane Gilchrist looks very, very tired. >Gilchrist catches an attempted body kick and goes for the takedown, but Olano is able to block it. >A flicked jab from Gilchrist only finds gloves. >Olano doesn't let Gilchrist settle, stepping in closer to impose himself. >We are now at the halfway point of the round. >Moving in closer, Olano looks like he wants to strike from the pocket. >Gilchrist sees a chance to dive for a single leg, but Olano is able to defend against it. >Gilchrist counters a wayward left jab with a clean jab. >Both fighters throw strikes at the same time, both miss. >We move into the final sixty seconds of this round. >A straight left by Olano keeps Gilchrist from advancing. >Gilchrist doesn't let Olano settle, stepping in closer to impose himself. >Shane Gilchrist looks like he is completely out of gas. >A visibly tired Gilchrist is looking to turn this into a wrestling match, and is getting in closer to Olano. >Olano ends up grappling for supremacy with Gilchrist. >Gilchrist is trying to muscle Olano up against the cage. >Olano doesn't let himself be driven back though, and gains a dominant position in the grapple instead. >The fight comes to an end as the time limit expires. >That was a close round, but I'm giving it to Olano, 10-9. >The judges' scores are now being announced. >Judge #1: 29-28 Gilchrist. >Judge #2 scores the contest as 29-28 to Olano. >Judge #3 has scored it 30-27 Gilchrist. >So the winner, by split decision, is Shane 'The Butcher' Gilchrist!</div></blockquote> >Official Result: Shane 'The Butcher' Gilchrist defeats Andoni Olano (Split Decision in 5:00 of round 3). The match was rated as being Decent. Comments: Not much going on in this one, but I agree with Judge #1's scorecard here, and a split decision is about right. Vladoslav Medvedev (#14, 5-1) v Isaac Jacobsen (8-3) <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; 'Red Army Renegade' Vladoslav Medvedev goes up against 'Ice Cold' Isaac Jacobsen in the SIGMA Middleweight division. >And here we go! >Medvedev keeps his cool as Jacobsen throws a feint to the left. >A weak right kick is countered by Jacobsen with a left. >Medvedev drops a shoulder, suckering Jacobsen into expecting a single leg attempt. >Medvedev throws a nice sequence of punches, but Jacobsen is able to cover up in time to absorb them. >Medvedev shoots in, looking for a takedown. >Jacobsen sees the takedown coming and tries to move. >He has the takedown! Jacobsen pulls guard. >Medvedev attempts to pass guard. >Medvedev passes to side control with ease. >Medvedev tries to slip behind and take the back. >Jacobsen is in big trouble as he is forced to give up his back! >Medvedev increases his control by getting both hooks in. >We've now passed the halfway mark in this round. >Medvedev, with both hooks fully in, tries to get the rear naked choke applied. >Medvedev gets the rear naked choke fully applied and Jacobsen has to tap out! >By submission, the winner is Vladoslav Medvedev! </div></blockquote>>Official Result: 'Red Army Renegade' Vladoslav Medvedev defeats 'Ice Cold' Isaac Jacobsen (Submission (Rear Naked Choke) in 3:15 of round 1). The match was rated as being Great. Comments: Smooth performance from Medvedev, moving him back towards contention for a title shot. Jacobsen's chances here were always going to rely on the fight staying standing. Lubos Plasil (10-2) v Feliciano Costa (5-0) <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, Lubos 'The Experiment' Plasil will take on 'The Admiral' Feliciano Costa in the SIGMA Lightweight division. >The fight begins! >Plasil slips out of the way of a combination of short sharp punches. >Plasil steps back to avoid a barrage of big punches. >Costa avoids a jab and scores with a jab. >Costa bobs and weaves. >Plasil steps in to put some pressure on. >Plasil uses a nice combination as a set up, then shoots in for a takedown. >Costa counters with a right hand that catches Plasil flush...and he goes down! >Almost immediately Plasil has shaken it off and is ready for Costa. >Costa throws a bomb, but it misses and he can do nothing to stop Plasil getting back to his feet. >We pass the halfway mark of this round. >Plasil avoids a body kick. >Both throw strikes at each other, both easily defend the other's attempt. >Plasil shoots in for a takedown. >Costa tries to strike first with a solid right hook, but isn't quick enough. >The takedown is successful, Costa pulls guard. >Plasil fires away with big elbows, but Costa keeps the guard secure and doesn't take any undue damage. >Plasil leans back to avoid a couple of wild swings from Costa. >There's under a minute left in this round. >Plasil attempts to pass guard and gain a better position. >Plasil gets past the guard with a certain degree of ease and gains side control. >Plasil looks to get a mount. >He easily gets the mount. >Round one is brought to an end as time runs out. >That was a fun round to watch. >Incredibly close round, but Costa came out just ahead on my score card. >Round two begins! >Plasil feints rushing in, but withdraws. >Costa drops his shoulder as a feint, trying to draw a strike. >Plasil avoids a barrage of big right hands. >Costa bobs and weaves, trying to get Plasil to commit. >They exchange strikes, but neither fighter inflicts any real damage. >Plasil grabs a body kick and goes for a judo trip, getting it! Plasil is in half guard. >Plasil attempts to kimura Costa from the top of half guard. >Plasil gets the kimura fully applied and Costa has to tap out! >By submission, the winner is Lubos Plasil! </div></blockquote> >Official Result: Lubos 'The Experiment' Plasil defeats 'The Admiral' Feliciano Costa (Submission (Kimura) in 2:23 of round 2). The match was rated as being Great. Comments: Exciting first round, but Costa put everything into that one shot that missed, and he never got another chance to get on top. Plasil continues to be a solid top Lightweight, and a likely title challenger going forward if someone else had the belt. Co-main Evgeni Medtner (24-8) v Carmelo Rossi (11-6) <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 battles Carmelo Rossi in the SIGMA Welterweight division. >We are underway! >Both fighters fire off strikes, neither produces any significant damage. >Both fighters throw strikes at the same time, both miss. >Medtner comes in, looking for a quick takedown. >Rossi stuffs the takedown attempt and then pulls Medtner into a clinch. >Rossi tries to wrestle Medtner backward and up against the cage. >Medtner out-wrestles him though. >Clinched with Rossi, Medtner looks to try and take him down. >Medtner doesn't get the takedown, Rossi blocked it. >A whizzer allows Rossi to execute a sharp turn, creating enough space so that he can pull free of the grappling. >We pass the halfway mark of this round. >Rossi looks like he might be trying to get in close and wrestle with Medtner. >Not wanting to grapple, Medtner uses strikes to keep Rossi at a distance. >Rossi is looking to turn this into a wrestling match, and is getting in closer to Medtner. >He pulls Medtner into a grapple. >Rossi is trying to push Medtner so that his back is up against the cage. >He does so, and now has Medtner pinned to the cage. >We move into the final sixty seconds of this round. >Medtner is trapped up against the cage and takes repeated small punches to the body from that position. This goes on for roughly half a minute. >Rossi tries to throw an elbow, but Medtner takes the opportunity to turn his opponent around so that Rossi ends up backed against the cage instead. >The time is up, and that's the end of round one. >That round goes to Rossi, 10-9 on my card. >We are back underway! >They both meet with strikes, but neither does any damage. >Rossi is looking to turn this into a wrestling match, and is getting in closer to Medtner. >Medtner strikes first and manages to rock Rossi with a solid right! >Medtner chooses to shoot in on Rossi. >The takedown is unsuccessful, Rossi blocked Medtner. >A feinted high kick gets a reaction, and Rossi is lucky to avoid the follow-up inside leg kick. >A feint sets up a body kick from Medtner, but Rossi is able to move out of range in time. >Rossi looks to be trying to close the distance between them. >Medtner ends up grappling for supremacy with Rossi. >We've now passed the halfway mark in this round. >Rossi is trying to muscle Medtner up against the cage. >Rossi manages it, and controls Medtner up against the cage. >Rossi tries to foot stomp Medtner, but he puts himself off balance and gets turned around against the cage. >With the cage trapping Rossi, Medtner looks to try and take him down. >Rossi will not go down, he blocks the takedown despite the best efforts of Medtner, but does give up his back in the struggle. >Rossi turns Medtner slightly, but can't create enough space to get free of the clinch. >The end of the round is coming quick, there's under a minute left. >Rossi is in danger as Medtner tries to climb up his back and apply a choke of some kind. >Medtner gets the hooks in, and he forces Rossi to the floor. >Rossi winds up face down on the ground, with Medtner on top. >Medtner tries to set up Rossi for an armbar. >Medtner gets the armbar, but the round ends before he can force the submission! >Round two ends as time expires. >That was a fun round to watch. >That has to go down as a 10-9 round to Medtner. >Round three begins! >Rossi avoids a body kick. >Medtner counters an errant left jab with a series of lefts. >Evgeni Medtner is breathing very hard. >There's a stalemate as both fighters throw strikes but neither hits. >Rossi uses a right hook to the body, but misses. >Medtner steps in to put some pressure on. >Breathing very hard, Carmelo Rossi is looking ragged. >Despite being tired, Medtner looks like he wants to stand in the pocket and strike with Rossi. >Rossi keeps himself moving out of range. >We've now passed the halfway mark in this round. >Both fighters advance and strike, but neither hits anything. >Despite being tired, Medtner looks like he wants to stand in the pocket and strike with Rossi. >Backing off, Rossi makes sure to keep out of range. >Medtner comes in closer, despite his tiredness, looking to attack from the pocket. >Medtner is now standing in the pocket. >We move into the final sixty seconds of this round. >Medtner throws a kick to the body but Rossi dodges it. >Not comfortable in the pocket, Rossi steps back and creates some space. >Medtner hops around from foot to foot, looking for an opening. >Rossi doesn't press the issue, allowing Medtner to circle. >The fight comes to an end as the time limit expires. >That has to go down as a 10-9 round to Medtner. >Here come the official scores. >All three judges have given 29-28. >Evgeni Medtner wins by unanimous decision! </div></blockquote> >Official Result: Evgeni Medtner defeats Carmelo Rossi (Unanimous Decision in 5:00 of round 3). The match was rated as being Average. Comments: Another winner who won't get a title shot whilst the current holder is on top, Medtner just about did enough here. The third round was a real bore. Rossi will be disappointed that he couldn't follow up on his strong first round. Main Event SIGMA Featherweight Championship Nuno Valentino (#4, 9-0) © v Fernando Peragon (#15, 13-5) <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! Nuno 'The Idol' Valentino battles 'The Peragon Of Virtue' Fernando Peragon in the SIGMA Featherweight division. >The SIGMA Featherweight title is on the line. >Round one begins! >Peragon avoids a leg kick and scores with a crisp left hand punch. >Advancing, Peragon counters a left jab by using a series of lefts. >Valentino waits for a flurry of punches to stop, then hits a kick to the inside of the left thigh. >A feint sets up a right head kick attempt from Peragon, but Valentino moves out of range at the last moment. >A left jab misses and Valentino strikes back with a solid left jab. >Valentino looks like he might be trying to get in close and wrestle with Peragon. >Strikes from Peragon keep Valentino from stepping in too close, and he is forced to step back. >Valentino swiftly avoids a barrage of big punches. >We've now passed the halfway mark in this round. >Peragon circles, looking for an opening. >Valentino presses in closer to attack. >Valentino shoots in for a takedown. >Peragon tries to avoid Valentino. >Valentino can't get the takedown, Peragon was too quick to back away. >Peragon counters a left jab with a flurry of quick punches to sting Valentino. >The end of the round is coming quick, there's under a minute left. >Valentino throws three punches in quick succession, but Peragon was out of range. >Not letting up, Peragon quickly steps in closer to attack Valentino. >A jab misses, allowing Peragon to counter-strike with a flurry of jabs and straight punches. >Round one is brought to an end as time runs out. >I have to give that round to Peragon, but only a 10-9. >And here we go, round two! >Peragon counters an errant left jab with a nice left hand. >Valentino avoids a jab. >A feinted high kick gets a reaction, and Valentino is lucky to avoid the follow-up inside leg kick. >Valentino throws a combination of rights and lefts, using them as cover so that he can shoot in. >The takedown is stuffed, so Valentino has to go to settle for pushing Peragon up against the cage. >With the cage trapping Peragon, Valentino looks to try and take him down. >Peragon, pressed up against the cage, cannot stop the takedown. >Peragon winds up seated, his back to the cage, with Valentino pressing onto him. >Valentino begins trying to get himself into a more dominant position. >Valentino shows his ground skills and gets full mount! >We are now at the halfway point of the round. >Valentino tries to ensnare Peragon in an americana. >Valentino gets the americana locked, moves to side control for leverage, and Peragon has to tap! >By submission, the winner is Nuno Valentino! </div></blockquote> >Official Result: Nuno 'The Idol' Valentino defeats 'The Peragon Of Virtue' Fernando Peragon (Submission (Americana) in 3:07 of round 2). The match was rated as being Great. Comments: Good effort by Peragon that kept the champion guessing in the first round, but once he was on his back he wasn't going to be allowed to escape by Valentino. Show summary Critical rating: Great Commercial success: Average Fight of the Night: Bastian Neske v Jacco Landeweerd Knockout of the Night: Bastian Neske Submission of the Night: Vladoslav Medvedev Comments: A good night all around, with several fights vying for honors tonight. A couple of veterans re-established their credentials, and we saw some youngsters showing off their stuff as well.

batsnumbereleven · March 3, 2014

Prediction results 7/8 – CageRage (318/444) 6/8 – BigRedMachine (107/166) Injury report Isaac Jacobsen has torn ligaments in his foot and will be out for more than 4 months, whilst Shane Gilchrist will miss around 5-6 weeks with a hand injury. The athletic commission have imposed precautionary suspensions of a month on Zsolt Hargitay, two months on Feliciano Costa, Jacco Landeweerd and (rather redundantly) Isaac Jacobsen, and a whopping four months on poor Fernando Peragon. SIGMA contracts/signings Isaac Jacobsen has been offered a new 5-fight deal, and Carmelo Rossi gets a 4-fight extension. <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 Heavyweight rankings 1. Hassan Fezzik, ALPHA-1 2. Carter Potter, BCF 3. Aleksander Ivanov, SIGMA 4. Elzo Alves Moura, BCF 5. Tim Boyer, GAMMA 6. Armen Sarkisian, ALPHA-1 7. Lefter Oktay, SIGMA 8. Christopher Sharp, GAMMA 9. Kunimichi Kikuchi, ALPHA-1 10. Tomoji Takaoka, OMEGA</div></blockquote>

batsnumbereleven · March 3, 2014

Monday 1st March 2002 <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 the next edition of SIGMA Gefecht TV will hail from Emscher-Lippe-Halle in Gelsenkirchen, Germany, on Saturday 13th March, as we see undefeated Ukrainian striker Oleksandro Hlushko (7-0) up against Bulgarian judoka Filip Hristov (6-1) in the Main Event. Hlushko defeated Caragh Green on his SIGMA debut, whilst Hristov is on a three-fight winning streak. Also on the card, Serbian kick boxer Andranik Paletilolu (19-8) is rewarded for his victory over Matthew Michael Kirby with a bout against rising German street fighter Volker Herzog (4-0) in the Light-Heavyweight division. Debuting Nigerian Featherweight Jefferson Mndawe (8-0) will take on fellow kick boxer Gerrit Dudok (5-4) from the Netherlands, and we will open things up with a Heavyweight fight between Greek jiu-jitsu fighter Calchas Gekas (1-1) and Hungarian sambo expert Badog Laszlo (1-2). You can catch all the action on Euro Cable Sports 4 as-live immediately on conclusion of the event, from 2245 CET.</div></blockquote> Card for picks SIGMA Gefecht TV Oleksandro Hlushko v Filip Hristov Andranik Paletilolu v Volker Herzog Jefferson Mndawe v Gerrit Dudok Calchas Gekas v Badog Laszlo

CageRage · March 3, 2014

SIGMA Gefecht TV

Oleksandro Hlushko v Filip Hristov

Andranik Paletilolu v Volker Herzog

Jefferson Mndawe v Gerrit Dudok

Calchas Gekas v Badog Laszlo

BigRedMachine · March 3, 2014

SIGMA Gefecht TV

Oleksandro Hlushko v Filip Hristov

Andranik Paletilolu v Volker Herzog

Jefferson Mndawe v Gerrit Dudok

Calchas Gekas v Badog Laszlo

batsnumbereleven · March 4, 2014

Wednesday 3rd March 2002 <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 its latest big name acquisition, as it welcomes top 10 ranked Heavyweight Armen Sarkisian (#6, 28-3) to the roster. The Armenian wrestler's career in ALPHA-1 has seen six wins from his last seven fights, but with no indication that he would get a shot at the legendary Hassan Fezzik for the ALPHA-1 Heavyweight title, Sarkisian was more than happy to sign a five-year deal with SIGMA that will likely see him to the end of his MMA career. Among Sarkisian's victims in Japan have been ranked fighters Hiro Arai, Gyokushu Fujimoto and Kinimichi Kikuchi, and SIGMA management are sure that he will bring the same intensity to his fights here in Europe, as we strive to make SIGMA the best place to see the world's top talent compete. Sarkisian's last fight, an easy victory over former SIGMA Heavyweight Murray Darby was only last month, so it will be a while before he debut's in the SIGMA cage, but we are all looking forward to seeing him up against the best fighters Europe has to offer. SIGMA Heavyweight champion Aleksander Ivanov welcomed Sarkisian to the company, noting that “anything that helps raise SIGMA's profile also helps to raise my profile as the Heavyweight champion. If Armen can show he is worthy, then I shall look forward to defending my title against him.”</div></blockquote>

batsnumbereleven · March 4, 2014

Friday 5th March 2002 <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 The procession of fighters choosing to sign for SIGMA over their existing promotions took another stage forward this week as Armenian Heavyweight Armen Sarkisian (#6, 28-3) became the latest talent to hitch himself to the SIGMA bandwagon. Blurcat.com has to ask whether this is a factor of ALPHA-1's management seemingly ignoring the 35-year-old's claims to a Heavyweight title shot, given that they have offered the next opportunity to the inexperienced and unranked American Jeremy Head (5-0), and whether it is the best move for either Sarkisian or SIGMA at this late stage of his career. If he had remained with ALPHA-1, his next fight must surely have been for the title, whilst in SIGMA he will have to establish his credentials all over again. ALPHA-1 management have pointed to his defeat by Jutaro Honma back in November 2000, but this remains the only scar on his ALPHA-1 record, a resume that includes notable other ranked scalps. SIGMA will also need to wonder if Sarkisian's best years are behind him, or whether, at 35, he still has something to offer. Having built their Heavyweight division around a core of young and talented fighters like Terron Cabal, Lefter Oktay and current champion Aleksander Ivanov, this does smack of a retrograde step. It did, after all, take the experienced Finn Ari Peltonen quite a while to find his feet at SIGMA. At this stage, even as one of the top Heavyweights in the world, the move is a step into the unknown for both fighter and promotion, and Blurcat.com will be watching it develop closely.</div></blockquote>

BigRedMachine · March 5, 2014

While normally i would be excited to see how a top ranked fighter competed in SIGMA it’s hard to be overly excited considering the less than spectacular appearances of Peltonen, the two losses for Asanovic and Reguerio having a tough time with someone he was supposed to massacre you havn’t had the best look with these GAMMA/ALPHA 1 Top fighters

batsnumbereleven · March 5, 2014

While normally i would be excited to see how a top ranked fighter competed in SIGMA it’s hard to be overly excited considering the less than spectacular appearances of Peltonen, the two losses for Asanovic and Reguerio having a tough time with someone he was supposed to massacre you havn’t had the best look with these GAMMA/ALPHA 1 Top fighters

I know. It's been quite interesting. My PR department is telling me that it shows the high quality of the fighters we already have under contract

batsnumbereleven · March 5, 2014

Thursday 11th March 2002

Press Release

Signature Martial Arts is delighted to announce that it has reached an arrangement with Dublin-based MMA organisation Ring WARRIORS that will enable them to continue in business in the short term.

Ring WARRIORS have been known to be struggling financially over recent months, whilst coming to terms with the development of their roster and establishing their presence and brand in their home country. To enable this brand to continue progressing, SIGMA has taken a stake in the business in return for coming to terms with Ring WARRIORS creditors and promising to underwrite the business for the foreseeable future.

Alongside the acquisition of XCC, SIGMA management are confident that this piece of business will only strengthen the fanbase and reach of MMA in general, and ensure that there is a proving ground for young Mixed Martial Artists for some time to come.

batsnumbereleven · March 5, 2014

Friday 12th March 2002

Blurcat.com

SIGMA is again in today's news as they have become the white knight riding to the rescue of the small Ring WARRIORS organisation based out of Ireland that had taken on significant debts in an attempt to establish an Irish-based presence in MMA.

Some may argue that this is another piece of empire-building by SIGMA CEO Scott Avatar, having already added Californian promotion XCC to their books, but here at Blurcat.com we applaud the vision shown by SIGMA management in taking on the debts of Ring WARRIORS and enabling the company to remain afloat. Anything that helps to promote MMA in a positive light has to be good for the sport, and a SIGMA-backed promotion in Ireland is probably what the sport needs right now.

European MMA is clearly undergoing a resurgence, and with SIGMA being able to attract the top Eurasian talent to its books, this is clearly going to continue. SIGMA is now in a position where it can offer support to other organisations whilst still turning healthy profits every month, and has managed to build up its own stars to rank alongside those that appear in GAMMA and ALPHA-1.

We wish the new management at Ring WARRIORS the best of fortune going forwards.

batsnumbereleven · March 6, 2014

Event report

SIGMA Gefecht TV

As-live from Gelsenkirchen, Germany.

Attendance: 2551 for a gate of $255,100

Calchas Gekas (1-1) v Badog Laszlo (1-2)

>Moving on to the next match, in which 'Blink' Calchas Gekas squares off with 'The Hungarian Hippo' Bádog László in the SIGMA Heavyweight division.

>And here we go!
>A quick exchange of strikes produces nothing worth mentioning.
>Good head movement allows Gekas to avoid a flurry of rights and lefts.
>Using head movement, László slips past a left jab and counters with a clean punch.
>László tries for a left jab but Gekas uses head movement to avoid it.
>Gekas backs away from László, creating some space between them.
>László avoids a jab and scores with a series of quick jabs.
>Advancing, László counters a left jab by using a left.
>László avoids a jab.
>We go past the halfway point of this round.
>László chooses to shoot in on Gekas.
>The takedown is successful, it's a single leg that leaves Gekas pulling guard.
>László lies on top of Gekas, basically smothering him.
>László lies on top of Gekas, basically smothering him.
>László attempts to pass guard and gain a better position.
>Advancing his position, he passes to half guard.
>There's under a minute left in this round.
>László starts trying to work to get out of half guard and into a better position.
>Gekas comfortably blocks the attempt and keeps László in half guard.
>The time is up, and that's the end of round one.
>I think László took that round, 10-9 on my score card.

>Round two begins!
>An errant jab sets László up to counter-strike with a flurry of quick punches.
>László slips out of the way of a jab.
>Both fighters go to exchange blows, but neither hits a telling strike.
>Gekas moves out of range of a flurry of punches.
>Gekas catches László with a solid left jab.
>László takes a jab.
>We are now at the halfway point of the round.
>Gekas throws out a quick left jab.
>It seems that László is happy to let Gekas circle for the moment.
>Gekas tries for a left jab but László moves out of range.
>We're into the final minute of the round.
>Gekas uses a nice jab.
>László needs to raise his hands, they're far too low at the moment.
>László slips past a left jab and fires back with a left jab to the cheek.
>László steps back to avoid a left jab.
>The time runs out on round two.
>There are some audible boos from the crowd, that wasn't the most exciting round we've ever seen.
>An extremely close round, could have gone either way, but personally I'll give it to László 10-9.

>We are back underway!
>László slips out of the way of a jab.
>László steps back to avoid a left jab.
>László slips out of the way of a jab.
>Gekas slams a crisp right into the gloves of László, but can't follow up.
>László doesn't let Gekas settle, stepping in closer to impose himself.
>László comes in closer, looking to wrestle with Gekas.
>László can't get near enough to engage, Gekas uses strikes to keep him out of range.
>A speculative right hand from Gekas doesn't find a home.
>László quickly gets in closer, looking to attack.
>László looks like he wants to stand in the pocket and strike with Gekas.
>Keen to maintain some distance, Gekas uses strikes to keep László away.
>We move into the second half of this round.
>László shoots in, looking for a takedown.
>He gets a big takedown and he ends up in half guard.
>László attempts to arm triangle Gekas from the top of half guard.
>Gekas doesn't allow the arm triangle to be applied.
>Gekas attempts to guillotine László from the bottom of half guard.
>László pulls free before the guillotine can be applied.
>Bádog László is breathing very hard.
>We move into the final sixty seconds of this round.
>László tries to pass the half guard.
>László struggles but cannot find a way past and remains stuck in half guard.
>The time runs out and that round is over, and so is the fight.
>Incredibly close round, but László came out just ahead on my score card.

>The judges have given their scores, which are about to be announced.
>The judges have scored it 30-27, 29-28 and 29-28.
>The winner, by unanimous decision, is Bádog László!

>Official Result: 'The Hungarian Hippo' Bádog László defeats 'Blink' Calchas Gekas (Unanimous Decision in 5:00 of round 3). The match was rated as being Poor.

Comments: Not much going on here at all! Laszlo got a couple of takedowns, which was enough to give him the victory, but neither man should be pleased with this performance.

Jeffeson Mndawe (8-0) v Gerrit Dudok (5-4)

>Moving on to the next match, in which Jefferson 'The Hitman' Mndawe will take on 'The Dutch Master' Gerrit Dudok in the SIGMA Featherweight division.

>And here we go!
>They exchange strikes, but neither fighter inflicts any real damage.
>Having stepped near each other to throw their strikes, they both start throwing punches at close range!
>Dudok gets caught with a thudding right hand to the body.
>Mndawe feints stepping in.
>Mndawe looks to move in and stand in the pocket.
>He gets into range.
>From the pocket, Dudok sees a body kick coming and hits a nice jab.
>Mndawe uses head movement to dodge a jab, and counters with a nice sequence of jabs.
>Slipping past a left jab, Mndawe hits a left hook to the body.
>A quick exchange of strikes produces nothing worth mentioning.
>Having stepped in close to throw their strikes, both fighters start swinging!
>A huge right hook sends Dudok down hard!
>We pass the halfway mark of this round.
>Mndawe quickly pounces, looking to rain down punches on the stunned Dudok!
>Dudok survives then onslaught and manages to pull half guard.
>Mndawe throws a few strikes, but is clearly slowing things down so that he can catch his breath.
>Mndawe gets up out of half guard and backs off, allowing Dudok time to stand too.
>The end of the round is coming quick, there's under a minute left.
>Dudok covers up in the face of a combination of short sharp punches, then fires back with a stinging left jab.
>Moving in closer, Mndawe looks like he wants to strike from the pocket.
>Mndawe moves into the pocket.
>They come together and strike, but neither can land a clean shot.
>Round one ends as time expires.
>That round goes to Mndawe, 10-9 on my card.

>And here we go, round two!
>Between rounds we could hear the corner of Mndawe telling him to use a lot of movement.
>Mndawe doesn't get drawn in as Dudok feints a kick.
>Dudok tries for a right high kick but Mndawe moves out of range.
>Dudok steps back to avoid a left jab.
>Dudok feints rushing in, but withdraws.
>There's a short stalemate as both fighters advance and throw strikes, but neither hits.
>Mndawe tries for a spinning back kick but Dudok moves out of range.
>Dudok slams a crisp right into the gloves of Mndawe, but can't follow up.
>Not letting up, Mndawe steps in closer to pressure Dudok into action.
>We go past the halfway point of this round.
>A wayward low right kick allows Dudok to hit a brutal right head kick, Mndawe goes down on his ass!
>Without hesitation, Dudok mounts his stunned opponent!
>Dudok pounds away on Mndawe with elbows, but few of the shots lands clean.
>Dudok fires away with elbows, but Mndawe deals with them fairly well.
>Mndawe has a gash under his eye from that strike.
>Dudok unloads with big punches from the mount, landing several that clearly hurt Mndawe.
>Dudok forces Mndawe to turn away from the strikes, giving up his back!
>We have one minute of the round remaining.
>Dudok tries to pound on Mndawe, but can't balance properly due to the squirming going on, and cannot hit anything cleanly.
>Dudok blocks an attempt to roll him off of the back.
>Dudok tries to get Mndawe locked in a rear naked choke.
>Mndawe defends himself well.
>Mndawe tries to turn over and sweep Dudok but can't do it.
>Round two is brought to an end as time runs out.
>I have to give that round to Dudok, but only a 10-9.

>In between rounds, the cut man tries to stop the bleeding of Mndawe.
>Round three begins!
>Mndawe feints rushing in, but withdraws.
>They exchange strikes, but neither fighter inflicts any real damage.
>Both fighters come in and throw strikes, there is no real damage done by either.
>Slipping past the blow, Mndawe counters an attempted knock out punch with a left hook to the body.
>A quick exchange of strikes produces nothing worth mentioning.
>Both fighters come in and throw strikes, there is no real damage done by either.
>Both fighters throw strikes, no significant damage is inflicted by either.
>Stepping back, Mndawe creates a bit of distance.
>We go past the halfway point of this round.
>Dudok steps back to avoid a one-two combination.
>Dudok slips out of the way of a leg kick, having been suckered in with a feint.
>Dudok looks like he wants to stand in the pocket and strike with Mndawe.
>Keen to maintain some distance, Mndawe uses strikes to keep Dudok away.
>Mndawe tries for a left jab but Dudok moves out of range.
>We move into the final sixty seconds of this round.
>Dudok springs forward, trying to surprise Mndawe and grab one of his legs!
>The attempt doesn't work, Mndawe got out of range too quickly.
>Dudok steps back to avoid a leg kick.
>The fight comes to an end as the time limit expires.
>I'd say that was definitely 10-9 in favour of Mndawe.

>The judges' scores are now being announced.
>Judge #1 has given 29-28 to Mndawe.
>Judge #2 gives a score of 28-28.
>Judge #3 has given 29-28 to Mndawe.
>The winner, by majority decision, is Jefferson Mndawe!

>Official Result: Jefferson 'The Hitman' Mndawe defeats 'The Dutch Master' Gerrit Dudok (Majority Decision in 5:00 of round 3). The match was rated as being Good.

Comments: This one was much more like it – both men prepared to go for their strikes and risk taking a shot in return. I understand the one judge giving the second round as a 10-8 – Dudok was very much dominant there, and will have been annoyed that he didn't put Mndawe away when he got the chance.

Andranik Paletilolu (19-8) v Volker Herzog (4-0)

>The co-main event is up next. 'The Battering Ram' Andranik Paletilolu squares off with Volker Herzog in the SIGMA Light Heavyweight division.

>And here we go!
>Both fighters go to exchange blows, but neither hits a telling strike.
>Herzog avoids a nice combination.
>Herzog counters a left jab with a clean jab.
>Paletilolu looks to move in and stand in the pocket.
>Keen to maintain some distance, Herzog uses strikes to keep Paletilolu away.
>They both meet with strikes, but neither does any damage.
>Paletilolu misses with an attempted right hook to the body.
>Not letting Paletilolu settle, Herzog moves in closer.
>We've now passed the halfway mark in this round.
>Herzog looks like he wants to stand in the pocket and strike with Paletilolu.
>Paletilolu fires off a strike first, but the impact is taken by the gloves of Herzog.
>A jab misses and Paletilolu counters with a nice left hand.
>Herzog comes in closer, looking to attack from the pocket.
>Herzog can't get near enough to engage, Paletilolu uses strikes to keep him out of range.
>The end of the round is coming quick, there's under a minute left.
>A left jab misses and Paletilolu counters with a right body kick.
>Moving forward, Paletilolu counters a left jab with a hard leg kick.
>Round one is brought to an end as time runs out.
>I think Paletilolu took that round, 10-9 on my score card.

>There's the bell for the start of the round!
>It sounded like his corner told Herzog to hit Paletilolu with everything he has in this round.

>Herzog steps back to avoid a left jab.
>Paletilolu avoids a series of wayward big punches and counters with a swift right kick to the leg.
>Strikes to the leg like that will take their toll.
>There is an exchange of strikes, but neither fighter does any damage.
>Herzog comes in closer, looking to attack from the pocket.
>Herzog is now standing in the pocket.
>Herzog sees a kick being set up and uses that opportunity to step forward and hit a barrage of heavy right hands, forcing Paletilolu to cover up!
>Both fighters come in and exchange strikes, but neither does any damage.
>Both throw strikes at each other, both easily defend the other's attempt.
>We pass the halfway mark of this round.
>There's a stalemate as both fighters throw strikes, but neither scores.
>Having ended up close together from the strikes they threw, a wild exchange of punches begins!
>Paletilolu hits a right hook to the body.
>Using head movement, Paletilolu slips past a left jab and counters with a crisp left hook to the body.
>Both fighters fire off strikes, but neither does any significant damage.
>In close proximity from the strikes they threw, they fall into a messy clinch.
>We have one minute of the round remaining.
>The grappling doesn't go anywhere, and they break apart.
>Both fighters fire off strikes, neither produces any significant damage.
>Having stepped in close to throw their strikes, they end up clinched.
>Paletilolu hits Herzog with some short strikes to the side of the head while grappling.
>Herzog looks to get some strikes in, but Paletilolu seizes the moment and wrestles his way into control of the grapple.
>Round two is brought to an end as time runs out.
>I think Paletilolu took that round, 10-9 on my score card.

>As his corner gives a pep talk, Herzog is getting more and more psyched up....it's now or never, he has to go for the finish!

>We are back underway!
>Paletilolu avoids a barrage of punches and hits a flurry of quick punches to sting Herzog.
>Moving forward, Paletilolu counters a series of wayward big punches with a series of quick lefts.
>They come together and throw strikes, both miss.
>They wind up in a tight clinch.
>Paletilolu smothers Herzog when he tries to use some dirty boxing, and gains the upper hand in the grapple as a result.
>Herzog gets caught with a couple of nice short punches as Paletilolu uses his dirty boxing to inflict some punishment.
>Volker Herzog doesn't look like he has much left in the tank.
>Paletilolu and Herzog break the grapple and are apart again, circling.
>Herzog gets Paletilolu with a punch to the ribs, but it lacked power.
>Time slips away as Paletilolu doesn't press Herzog, allowing him to circle.
>We are now at the halfway point of the round.
>Herzog slips out of the way of a leg kick.
>Breathing very hard, Andranik Paletilolu is looking ragged.
>Moving in closer, a tired-looking Paletilolu apparently wants to strike from the pocket.
>Herzog tries to counter Paletilolu with a big right cross, but it doesn't hit the target.
>There's a stalemate as both fighters throw strikes but neither hits.
>Having ended up close together from the strikes they threw, a wild exchange of punches begins!
>Herzog gets caught by a nice right hand to the body.
>We have one minute of the round remaining.
>Although visibly tired, Paletilolu looks to move in and stand in the pocket.
>Paletilolu can't close the distance, Herzog keeps him away with strikes.
>Paletilolu comes in closer, despite his tiredness, looking to attack from the pocket.
>Herzog uses movement to keep out reach, frustrating Paletilolu.
>Volker Herzog seems to be fighting against exhaustion.
>The time expires on round three, and that is the end of the fight.
>I have to give that round to Paletilolu, but only a 10-9.

>The ring announcer is now giving the official scores.
>All three judges give 30-27.
>So the winner, by unanimous decision, is 'The Battering Ram' Andranik Paletilolu!

>Official Result: 'The Battering Ram' Andranik Paletilolu defeats Volker Herzog (Unanimous Decision in 5:00 of round 3). The match was rated as being Decent.

Comments: Another entertaining striking contest, and although both guys were completely gassed by the end, at least it was because they'd given it absolutely everything! Paletilolu has built up a nice little winning streak that suggests he'll be facing a difficult opponent next time out.

Main Event

Oleksandro Hlushko (7-0) v Filip Hristov (6-1)

>It's time for the main event of the evening! Oleksandro Hlushko takes on Filip Hristov in the SIGMA Welterweight division.

>There's the opening bell!
>Hlushko slips past a right jab and counters with several big left hands, putting Hristov down, dazed!
>Hristov shakes off the blow almost immediately though, and waits for Hlushko to make a move.
>Hlushko throws a bomb, but it misses and he can do nothing to stop Hristov getting back to his feet.
>Hlushko avoids a jab and scores with a barrage of big left hands, forcing Hristov back!
>From the pocket, Hlushko hits a stiff jab.
>Hristov, in close, doesn't have the time to slip past a huge left cross from Hlushko and gets caught flush! Hristov is out cold!
>Oleksandro Hlushko takes the win by Knock Out!

>Official Result: Oleksandro Hlushko defeats Filip Hristov (Knock Out (Punch) in 1:28 of round 1). The match was rated as being Good.

Comments: Hristov's punch resilience to the first blow meant little when he got caught hard again, Hlushko really showing some power here to put away a guy seen as a tough opponent.

Show summary

Critical rating: Decent

Commercial success: Good

Fight of the Night: Oleksandro Hlushko v Filip Hristov

Knockout of the Night: Oleksandro Hlushko

Submission of the Night: -

Comments: Outside of the opener this was a very nice night for us, with two fights showing that a three-rounder doesn't have to be a boring grapple-fest, and the main event giving us the explosive finish.

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