SIGMA - Rise of European MMA

batsnumbereleven · March 7, 2014

Prediction results

2 /4 – CageRage (320/448)

1 /4 – BigRedMachine (108/170)

Injury report

No injuries for us to report this evening, but Volker Herzog gets a precautionary suspension of a month from the Athletic Commission, and, understandably, they give Filip Hristov a 3-month rest.

batsnumbereleven · March 7, 2014

Monday 15th 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 brings you SIGMA 65: Dalglish v Gunnarsson from the Philips Halle, in Dusseldorf, Germany on Friday 26th March, and live on our Pay-per-View broadcast partner EuroNet throughout Europe and Russia. The main event will be a Featherweight tussle between two interesting competitors, as Scottish jiu-jitsu expert Jason Dalglish (#10, 22-8) goes up against Icelandic grappler Snorri Gunnarsson (#12, 24-8-1NC). Dalglish has four wins from his last five fights, with former champions Manish Khan and Fernando Peragon among his victims, and his only defeat in that period coming to current champion Nuno Valentino. Gunnarsson has won two straight, and in his last five has a win over Khan as well, and also the ranked Heiko Pander. Gunnarsson has also lost to the current champ. In the co-headliner, undefeated Englishman Snuffy Fontana (#20, 9-0) continues his quest for a title match at Middleweight with a bout against Russian jiu-jitsu fighter Oleg Tariverdiev (11-3). Fontana took a narrow split decision win over Chaim Alexievich in his last contest to maintain his run, whilst Tariverdiev put away Augustus Shorrock by submission at SIGMA 59. Dutch kick boxer and former SIGMA Welterweight champion Noach Van Der Capellen (#22, 22-5) will be back in action as he faces another tough opponent in Spanish judoka Alberto Basora (20-11). Both men are looking for a return to winning ways after reverses in their last bouts, Van Der Capellen by a controversial split decision to Iain Fussell in the main event of SIGMA 56 and Basora by submission to Dominykas Jankovic at SIGMA 57. In the Light-Heavyweight division, the unpredictable Aleksei Chekhov (22-7) will face off against a fellow striker in Scotsman Matthew Michael Kirby (7-1), in what should ostensibly be a stand-up affair. Chekhov went down to erstwhile Light-Heavyweight champion Nicolai Mickiewicz last time out, whilst Kirby suffered a head-kick knock out by Andranik Paletilolu at SIGMA 61, and is keen to turn things around quickly. At Heavyweight, Moldovan wrestler Mugur Boc (9-4) will face sambo specialist Libor Pudil (4-3) from the Czech Republic, and French taekwondo fighter Alain Saul (5-3) will be the opponent for the returning Johan Kavli (3-1) who has been out of action for twelve months, in a Lightweight bout. In preliminary action, English muay thai practitioner Jerome Atkins (5-0) looks to extend his unbeaten run against Berlin's Conrad Bueller (2-2), and Austrian wrestler Otto Renner (5-2) will be up against the brawling Italian Massimiliano Locatelli (1-1).</div></blockquote> Card for picks SIGMA 65 Jason Dalglish v Snorri Gunnarsson Snuffy Fontana v Oleg Tariverdiev Noach Van Der Capellen v Alberto Basora Aleksei Chekhov v Matthew Michael Kirby Mugur Boc v Libor Pudil Alain Saul v Johan Kavli (prelim) Jerome Atkins v Conrad Bueller (prelim) Otto Renner v Massimiliano Locatelli

CageRage · March 7, 2014

SIGMA 65

Jason Dalglish v Snorri Gunnarsson

Snuffy Fontana v Oleg Tariverdiev

Noach Van Der Capellen v Alberto Basora

Aleksei Chekhov v Matthew Michael Kirby

Mugur Boc v Libor Pudil

Alain Saul v Johan Kavli

(prelim) Jerome Atkins v Conrad Bueller

(prelim) Otto Renner v Massimiliano Locatelli

BigRedMachine · March 7, 2014

SIGMA 65

Jason Dalglish v Snorri Gunnarsson

Snuffy Fontana v Oleg Tariverdiev

Noach Van Der Capellen v Alberto Basora

Aleksei Chekhov v Matthew Michael Kirby

Mugur Boc v Libor Pudil

Alain Saul v Johan Kavli

(prelim) Jerome Atkins v Conrad Bueller

(prelim) Otto Renner v Massimiliano Locatelli

batsnumbereleven · March 8, 2014

News and Notes from around the MMA world: March 2002

Signings

ALPHA-1: Michael Bannon (2-2 BCF), Robert Inverarity, Takakazu Nakata, Tsunesaburo Oonishi, Eizan Ijichi (0-2 KDMFC),

GAMMA: -

OMEGA: Palmer Lette (1-3 ALPHA-1), Dan Morkel,

BCF: Nelson Kenney,

FLB: -

XCC: Phoebe Bergman (3-3 WEFF), Nina Belle,

WEFF: -

WARRIORS: Marcos Mendoza (2-2 BCF), Ginger Beaumont (5-2 BCF),

UCFF: -

Events

GAMMA 66: Chambers v Gardner took place on Sunday 14th March, with Louisiana's Evan Gardner (#15, 11-1) surprising the GAMMA Welterweight champion Nathan Chambers (#3, 20-3) in taking a second round TKO victory to take the title for the first time. In the co-main, two top 10 Heavyweights went at it, and Christopher Sharp (#8, 40-12) got the better of Tim Boyer (#5, 27-5-2), also getting the stoppage in the second round, though the contest was described as “poor”. GAMMA returned to High Level National following this event.

Saturday 20th March saw ALPHA-1: Fezzik v Head in Kinki, where just under 16,000 saw Hassan Fezzik (#1, 33-0) extend his dominant run and retain the ALPHA-1 Heavyweight championship with a rear naked choke submission of Jeremy Head (5-1) after 9:31 of their first round. In an exciting Welterweight contest, Kaito Akimoto (#14, 16-1) defeated Eiji Masuko (#13, 10-1) with an arm triangle submission.

BCF: Akabaro v Buck was held on Wednesday 24th March, where Danny Akabaro (9-0) knocked out Rhys Buck (8-1) in the first round of their fight for the vacant BCF Middleweight title in front of just over 3000 in London.

Scotland · March 8, 2014

Jason Dalglish v Snorri Gunnarsson

Snuffy Fontana v Oleg Tariverdiev

Noach Van Der Capellen v Alberto Basora

Aleksei Chekhov v Matthew Michael Kirby

Mugur Boc v Libor Pudil

Alain Saul v Johan Kavli

(prelim) Jerome Atkins v Conrad Bueller

(prelim) Otto Renner v Massimiliano Locatelli

batsnumbereleven · March 8, 2014

Event Report

SIGMA 65: Dalglish v Gunnarsson

Philips Halle, Dusseldorf, Germany.

Friday 26th March 2002

Attendance: 7511 for a gate of $751,100

PPV Buys: 198,720 for revenue of $1,192,320

Preliminary matches

Otto Renner (5-2) v Massimiliano Locatelli (1-1)

Another match is about to begin; 'The Emperor' Otto Renner takes on Massimiliano Locatelli in the SIGMA Heavyweight division.

>We are underway!
>A jab misses, allowing Locatelli to counter-strike with a pair of jabs and a big right hook.
>Renner avoids a jab.
>There's a takedown attempt from Renner.
>Renner eats a stiff counter right hand and almost goes down!
>Locatelli comes in closer, looking to attack from the pocket.
>Renner lets Locatelli get closer.
>Not comfortable in the pocket, Renner steps back and creates some space.
>Renner drops a shoulder, trying to sucker Locatelli in with a feint.
>Locatelli looks to move in and stand in the pocket.
>Locatelli and Renner get closer, both looking eager to engage at close range.
>We move into the second half of this round.
>Always alert, Renner uses good head movement to avoid a barrage of big right hands.
>Using good head movement, Renner slips past a tight combination and hits a swift leg kick.
>Slipping past a one-two combination, Renner has the angle to counter with a kick to the inside of the left leg.
>Strikes to the leg like that will take their toll.
>Renner slips past a jab and scores with a kick to the outside of the left leg.
>A flurry of rights and lefts all miss, allowing Renner to hit a clean left jab.
>Slipping past a flurry of punches, Renner has the angle to counter with a big kick to the outside of the left thigh.
>There is no doubt that the damage has added up and Massimiliano Locatelli has an injured leg.
>We're into the final minute of the round.
>Locatelli dodges a jab, and fires back with a clean punch.
>Renner slips past a jab and scores with a nice jab.
>Slipping past a flurry of punches, Renner counters with a clean punch.
>The time runs out on round one.
>I think Renner took that round, 10-9 on my score card.

>Round two begins!
>Between rounds, his corner told Renner to watch for strikes but to be aware of takedown opportunities.

>A left hand misses, allowing Renner to counter with a kick to the inside of the left leg.
>Renner counters a flurry of punches with a sharp kick to the shin.
>Massimiliano Locatelli winces in pain after yet another shot to the leg.
>Renner throws out a couple of jabs as a set up, then shoots in for a takedown.
>Locatelli strikes first and manages to rock Renner with a solid right hand!
>Locatelli comes in closer, looking to attack from the pocket.
>Locatelli is in the pocket, ready to attack Renner.
>Locatelli throws a barrage of big punches but Renner covers up well.
>Massimiliano Locatelli is looking really tired.
>From the pocket, Renner shoots in for a double leg.
>Locatelli tries to counter with a right hand, but is too slow.
>The takedown is successful, it's a single leg that leaves Locatelli pulling guard.
>In guard, Renner begins working to pass to side control.
>Locatelli can't do anything about the pass, and is left under side control.
>We've now passed the halfway mark in this round.
>Renner tries to ensnare Locatelli in an armbar.
>An armbar is applied, Locatelli is trapped!
>No! He pops his arm free. That was really close.
>Renner blocks Locatelli as he tries a transition to guard.
>Renner looks to roll Locatelli slightly and slip behind.
>Renner takes the back, Locatelli could do nothing about it.
>We have one minute of the round remaining.
>Renner pounds away on Locatelli.
>Locatelli is taking lots of shots, and can't seem to find a way out from this position!
>The referee pulls Renner away, stopping the match!
>By TKO, the winner is Otto Renner!

>Official Result: 'The Emperor' Otto Renner defeats Massimiliano Locatelli (TKO (Strikes) in 4:30 of round 2). The match was rated as being Fantastic.

Comments: This one looked like it could go either way until Renner got the takedown, then it was all one-way traffic.

Jerome Atkins (5-0) v Conrad Bueller (2-2)

>In the last of the preliminary matches, Jerome 'Retribution' Atkins will battle Conrad 'The Radical' Bueller in the SIGMA Middleweight division.

>There's the opening bell!
>An exchange of strikes goes nowhere.
>A quick exchange of strikes produces nothing worth mentioning.
>Both fighters come in and throw strikes, there is no real damage done by either.
>Going toe-to-toe, both fighters start exchanging close range strikes!
>Atkins hits a left uppercut, Bueller is laid out cold!
>Jerome 'Retribution' Atkins takes the win by Knock Out!

>Official Result: Jerome 'Retribution' Atkins defeats Conrad 'The Radical' Bueller (Knock Out (Punch) in 1:35 of round 1). The match was rated as being Good.

Comments: Brief. Brutal. Two straight first round KOs for Atkins.

Main card

Alain Saul (5-3) v Johan Kavli (3-1)

>Next up is a match in which Alain Saul goes up against Johan Kavli in the SIGMA Lightweight division.

>We are underway!
>Kavli steps back to avoid a flurry of punches.
>Kavli moves out of range of a flurry of punches.
>A left jab misses and Saul strikes back with a series of quick lefts.
>Kavli looks like he might be trying to get in close and wrestle with Saul.
>He pulls Saul into a grapple.
>Kavli hits Saul with some short strikes to the side of the head while grappling.
>Kavli is looking to muscle Saul back against the cage.
>He does so, and now has Saul pinned to the cage.
>Saul is pressed up against the cage and held there, taking the occasional short punch to the ribs and stomach, for roughly a minute.
>We move into the second half of this round.
>With the cage trapping Saul, Kavli gets the underhooks in and looks for a takedown.
>Saul cannot stop himself being lifted up and dropped with a Greco-Roman slam.
>Saul winds up seated, his back to the cage, with Kavli pressing onto him.
>Saul is controlled against the cage wall, unable to shift Kavli off of him.
>Kavli tries to improve his position.
>Kavli shows his ground skills and gets full mount!
>The end of the round is coming quick, there's under a minute left.
>Kavli attempts an armbar.
>Saul not only defends the armbar, but also stacks up Kavli and hits several punches before gaining side control.
>Round one ends as time expires.
>That round goes to Kavli, 10-9 on my card.

>There's the bell and round number two begins!
>Kavli avoids a flurry of rights and lefts and hits a crisp jab.
>Kavli counters a wayward left jab with a jab.
>An exchange of blows doesn't really produce any damage or a clear advantage.
>Kavli slips out of the way of a flurry of punches.
>Saul tries for a left jab but Kavli moves out of range.
>Alain Saul is breathing very hard.
>Saul throws a speculative right, but it is nowhere near hitting.
>The fight slows as Kavli sits back and allows Saul to circle.
>We move into the second half of this round.
>Saul circles as he plans his next move.
>It seems that Kavli is happy to let Saul circle for the moment.
>There's under a minute left in this round.
>They come together and throw strikes, both miss.
>Saul keeps out of range, assessing the situation.
>Not letting up, Kavli steps in closer to pressure Saul into action.
>Kavli throws out a couple of jabs as a set up, then shoots in for a takedown.
>He has the takedown! It's a single leg, and Saul has to pull guard.
>Alain Saul seems to be fighting against exhaustion.
>Time expires and we come to the end of round two.
>Some fans are booing after a round that didn't feature much action.
>That round goes to Kavli, 10-9 on my card.

>There's the bell and round number three begins!
>Saul avoids a jab.
>Kavli is looking to turn this into a wrestling match, and is getting in closer to Saul.
>Saul finds himself pulled into a grappling contest.
>Kavli is looking to muscle Saul back against the cage.
>Kavli does it, Saul is stuck with his back to the cage.
>Saul takes a knee strike to the inside of his own knee.
>Kavli smothers Saul against the cage, then hits him with two elbow strikes to the cheek.
>Blood is visible on Saul, that strike looks to have opened up a cut under his eye.
>Kavli hits a knee strike to the thigh.
>Kavli uses dirty boxing to punish Saul while he is pressed up against the cage.
>Kavli smothers Saul against the cage, then hits him with an elbow strike to the side of the head.
>Kavli has worked in the underhooks and looks to take Saul down.
>Kavli can't get the takedown, as Saul wrestles his way into a dominant position.
>Johan Kavli is breathing very hard.
>The clock is stopped as the referee wants to check the cut on Saul.
>The doctor seems happy that the cut isn't going to be an issue.
>The referee brings them to the center and we're back underway!
>We pass the halfway mark of this round.
>There's a ragged-looking takedown attempt from a visibly tired Kavli.
>The takedown is successful, Saul pulls guard.
>Kavli throws a few strikes, but they are without venom.
>The clock runs down as Saul is being smothered against the ground by Kavli.
>There's under a minute left in this round.
>Kavli begins trying to pass the guard.
>He passes the guard well, gaining side control.
>The fight comes to an end as the time limit expires.
>That round goes to Kavli, 10-9 on my card.

>The ring announcer is now giving the official scores.
>All three judges score the contest as 30-27.
>Making Johan Kavli the winner by unanimous decision!

>Post-Fight: In an interview, Saul confirms that he had been suffering with a virus coming into this bout.

>Official Result: Johan Kavli defeats Alain Saul (Unanimous Decision in 5:00 of round 3). The match was rated as being Average.

Comments: This is SIGMA – excuses don't cut it here. Kavli was dominant and deserved his win.

Mugur Boc (9-4) v Libor Pudil (4-3)

>Another match is about to begin; 'The Crusher' Mugur Boc will battle 'The

Destroyer' Libor Pudil in the SIGMA Heavyweight division.

>The fight begins!
>An exchange of blows doesn't really produce any damage or a clear advantage.
>Having stepped in close to throw their strikes, they end up clinched.
>The grapple breaks up after a short struggle, and the two fighters step apart.
>Boc comes in, looking for a quick takedown.
>Pudil stuffs the takedown, so Boc has to settle for pushing him up against the cage.
>Boc has worked in the underhooks and looks to take Pudil down.
>Boc doesn't get the takedown, Pudil instead wrestles his way into controlling the grapple.
>Boc waits for Pudil to throw an elbow, then uses wrestling to turn him around so that Pudil now has his back to the cage.
>Boc smothers Pudil up against the cage while using the occasional short sharp punch to the body, keeping him stuck there for thirty seconds.
>We go past the halfway point of this round.
>Boc has gotten underhooks in and is looking to take Pudil to the ground.
>The underhooks are used to set up a trip, Pudil is left on his back and has to pull guard.
>Boc lies on top of Pudil, basically smothering him.
>Boc fires off a few punches as he catches his breath.
>Boc 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.
>Boc tries to lock Pudil into an arm triangle.
>Pudil blocks it.
>Time expires and we come to the end of round one.
>That has to go down as a 10-9 round to Boc.

>There's the bell and round number two begins!
>Pudil throws a feint.
>Boc counters a left jab with a flurry of jabs and straight punches.
>Pudil counters a right jab with a crisp left hand punch.
>Boc slips out of the way of a jab.
>Boc chooses to shoot in on Pudil.
>Pudil first stuffs the takedown attempt, then manages to wrestle Boc the the floor and take his back!
>Pudil tries to ensnare Boc in an armbar.
>Boc pulls free, meaning Pudil loses a great position and is now held down in side control.
>Mugur Boc doesn't look like he has much left in the tank.
>We move into the second half of this round.
>Boc hits a knee strike to the ribs.
>Boc throws a few weak-looking punches as he decides on his next move.
>Pudil tries to sweep Boc but can't do it.
>Boc looks to get a mount.
>Pudil doesn't let Boc get the mount, and so he remains at side control.
>Pudil tries to transition to a guard, but can't manage it.
>We move into the final sixty seconds of this round.
>Boc tries to get into the mount position.
>He finds himself unable to get the mount on this attempt.
>The time runs out on round two.
>I think Boc took that round, 10-9 on my score card.

>There's the bell and round number three begins!
>Boc avoids a jab.
>Both fighters come in and throw strikes, there is no real damage done by either.
>There's a takedown attempt from Pudil.
>Boc tries to avoid Pudil.
>The takedown is unsuccessful, Boc avoided Pudil.
>Mugur Boc seems to be fighting against exhaustion.
>Pudil comes in closer, looking to wrestle with Boc.
>Pudil grabs Boc and pulls him into a grapple.
>Pudil is trying to push Boc so that his back is up against the cage.
>Pudil manages it, and controls Boc up against the cage.
>Libor Pudil looks very tired out there.
>Pudil tries to foot stomp Boc, but he puts himself off balance and gets turned around against the cage.
>We move into the second half of this round.
>Boc catches Pudil with an elbow to the face from the clinch while he is pressed up against the cage.
>Boc hits a knee strike to the thigh.
>Boc tries to foot stomp Pudil, but misses.
>Boc uses a vicious foot stomp.
>The gas tank looks empty on Mugur Boc.
>Pudil takes a hard foot stomp.
>Boc launches an elbow strike but Pudil is ready and uses some wrestling to turn around so that Boc is the one against the cage.
>From the looks of things, I don't think Libor Pudil has much energy left.
>We're into the final minute of the round.
>With Boc stuck against the cage, Pudil gets the underhooks and looks for a takedown.
>Pudil tries hard but cannot get Boc off of his feet.
>A whizzer almost allows Boc to create enough space to get free, but Pudil shuts that opportunity down.
>Pudil has gotten underhooks in and is looking to take Boc to the ground.
>Boc digs in and manages to defend the takedown.
>The fight comes to an end as the time limit expires.
>That was a very close round, but I think Boc just about edged it.

>The judges' scores are now being announced.
>The judges give 29-28, 30-27 and 29-28.
>So the winner, by unanimous decision, is 'The Crusher' Mugur Boc!

>Official Result: 'The Crusher' Mugur Boc defeats 'The Destroyer' Libor Pudil (Unanimous Decision in 5:00 of round 3). The match was rated as being Poor.

Comments: Another poor bout that I'm not especially happy with. Pudil had an opportunity but allowed Boc to sneak free in round two, and not much else happened all fight.

Aleksei Chekhov (22-7) v Matthew Michael Kirby (7-1)

>Next up, Aleksei 'Fists Of Death' Chekhov goes head to head with Matthew Michael Kirby in the SIGMA Light Heavyweight division.

>We are underway!
>A big right hand doesn't find its intended target, allowing Chekhov to fire back with a sharp body kick.
>Moving in closer, Chekhov looks like he may want to try and clinch with Kirby.
>Kirby throws a vicious right uppercut first, but it just misses.
>Chekhov darts in and out of range quickly, trying to get Kirby to commit to throwing a strike.
>Kirby avoids a kick to the leg and hits a crisp left hand punch.
>Chekhov is getting in closer to Kirby, perhaps looking for a clinch.
>Not wanting to get too close, Kirby uses strikes to keep Chekhov at a distance.
>Moving forward, Chekhov counters a left jab with a swift right kick to the leg.
>We pass the halfway mark of this round.
>A straight left by Chekhov keeps Kirby from advancing.
>Kirby steps in to put some pressure on.
>Kirby avoids a kick to the leg and hits a left jab to the cheek.
>A jab doesn't find its intended target, allowing Chekhov to fire back with a leg kick.
>Those strikes to the legs are going to take their toll.
>Chekhov fakes a lunge.
>It seems that Kirby is happy to let Chekhov circle for the moment.
>We move into the final sixty seconds of this round.
>Moving in closer, Kirby looks like he wants to strike from the pocket.
>Kirby is in the pocket, ready to attack Chekhov.
>Round one ends as time expires.
>I have to give that round to Chekhov, but only a 10-9.

>We are back underway!
>Kirby counters a weak right kick with a sudden huge right hand that knocks Chekhov out cold!
>Matthew Michael Kirby takes the win by Knock Out!

>Official Result: Matthew Michael Kirby defeats Aleksei 'Fists Of Death' Chekhov (Knock Out (Punch) in 0:21 of round 2). The match was rated as being Good.

Comments: Chekhov's chances to impress are rapidly running out. This is the sort of fight he should have been winning, and he's starting to look vulnerable to being cut from the roster.

Noach Van Der Capellen (#22, 22-5) v Alberto Basora (20-11)

>Moving on to the next match, in which 'The Super Animal' Noach Van Der Capellen squares off with Alberto Basora in the SIGMA Welterweight division.

>The fight begins!
>There's a short stalemate as both fighters advance and throw strikes, but neither hits.
>From the missed strikes they clinch.
>With Van Der Capellen in his grasp, Basora tries to set up a judo-style throw.
>Van Der Capellen keeps his composure, and Basora cannot get enough leverage to throw him.
>Van Der Capellen tries to get free of the clinch, but is stuck.
>Basora looks to set up a judo throw.
>Van Der Capellen keeps his composure, and Basora cannot get enough leverage to throw him.
>Van Der Capellen tries to get free of the clinch, but is stuck.
>Basora is trying to push Van Der Capellen so that his back is up against the cage.
>Van Der Capellen ends up backed against the cage.
>Basora looks to try and maintain control via his wrestling skills, but Van Der Capellen fights it every inch of the way.
>Basora attempts to set up a judo-based throw to take Van Der Capellen to the ground.
>Van Der Capellen keeps his composure, and Basora cannot get enough leverage to throw him.
>Van Der Capellen turns Basora slightly, but can't create enough space to get free of the clinch.
>We've now passed the halfway mark in this round.
>Basora looks to set up a judo throw.
>Van Der Capellen digs in and manages to block the throw.
>Van Der Capellen tries to uses a whizzer to turn Basora, but is blocked from doing so.
>There's under a minute left in this round.
>Basora looks to set up a judo throw.
>Basora tries hard but cannot leverage Van Der Capellen off of his feet.
>Round one is brought to an end as time runs out.
>I have to give that round to Basora, but only a 10-9.

>There's the bell for the start of the round!
>Between rounds, his corner told Basora to watch for strikes but to be aware of takedown opportunities.

>Both fighters come in and exchange strikes, but neither does any damage.
>Van Der Capellen tries for a leg kick but Basora moves out of range.
>Van Der Capellen throws a barrage of big rights but Basora is quick to move out of range.
>Basora steps back to avoid a left jab.
>Basora slips out of the way of a jab.
>Basora looks like he might be trying to get in close and wrestle with Van Der Capellen.
>Van Der Capellen counters with a right hook that catches Basora flush...and he goes down!
>Almost immediately Basora has shaken it off and is ready for Van Der Capellen.
>On his back, Basora can't do much to stop a kick to the leg.
>In comes Van Der Capellen looking to get some form of ground control.
>Van Der Capellen dives in, but Basora pushes him away and starts to scramble.
>Neither fighter can gain an advantage in the scramble, and they both end up on their feet.
>We've now passed the halfway mark in this round.
>Van Der Capellen sneaks a glance at his corner.
>The fight slows as Basora sits back and allows Van Der Capellen to circle.
>Van Der Capellen counters a left jab by using a kick to the outside of the left leg.
>Basora shoots in for a takedown.
>Van Der Capellen counters with a right hook that catches Basora flush...and he goes down!
>We have one minute of the round remaining.
>Van Der Capellen senses victory and starts to unload with punches!
>Van Der Capellen can't put Basora away, and gets sucked into half guard.
>Van Der Capellen tries to pass the half guard.
>Van Der Capellen struggles but cannot find a way past and remains stuck in half guard.
>Noach Van Der Capellen looks very tired out there.
>Basora tries to sweep Van Der Capellen but can't do it.
>The time is up, and that's the end of round two.
>That has to go down as a 10-9 round to Van Der Capellen.

>Round three begins!
>Judging from what we heard from his corner, Van Der Capellen is looking to hit Basora on the counter.

>They exchange strikes, but neither fighter inflicts any real damage.
>Van Der Capellen counters a left jab by hitting a picture-perfect right roundhouse kick to the side of the ribs.
>Basora steps back to avoid a left jab.
>Basora shoots in, looking for a takedown.
>A counter right hook catches Basora hard, almost putting him down!
>A drained-looking Van Der Capellen tries to close the distance between them.
>Van Der Capellen ends up grabbing Basora in a Muay Thai clinch.
>Noach Van Der Capellen seems to be fighting against exhaustion.
>Van Der Capellen can't maintain his hold, and Basora wrestles his way into a wrestling clinch.
>Breathing very hard, Alberto Basora is looking ragged.
>We go past the halfway point of this round.
>Basora looks to take Van Der Capellen down by setting up a judo throw.
>An outside leg trip sweeps Van Der Capellen down to the ground, where he is left on his back pulling guard!
>Basora attempts to pass guard.
>Van Der Capellen keeps Basora in guard.
>Van Der Capellen manages to scoot them both backward until they are against the cage.
>Basora cannot stop Van Der Capellen from walking his way up via the cage, but does retain control.
>Showing his ability to exert control, Basora smothers Van Der Capellen up against the cage for a minute or more, wearing him down with occasional sharp punches to the ribs.
>Alberto Basora looks very, very tired.
>We move into the final sixty seconds of this round.
>Basora looks to take Van Der Capellen down by setting up a judo throw.
>He executes an outside leg trip, sweeping Van Der Capellen to the mat where he pulls guard!
>Basora fires off a handful of punches, each easily being blocked with gloves.
>We reach the time limit and this fight is over.
>That has to go down as a 10-9 round to Basora.

>Here come the official scores.
>All three judges give a score of 29-28.
>So the winner, by unanimous decision, is Alberto Basora!

>Official Result: Alberto Basora defeats 'The Super Animal' Noach Van Der Capellen (Unanimous Decision in 5:00 of round 3). The match was rated as being Average.

Comments: Three straight losses from the former champ now, but this one was a very close run thing, and only Basora's repeated takedowns in the third made the difference. Van Der Capellen had a great chance to finish things in the second but couldn't capitalise.

Co-main

Snuffy Fontana (#20, 9-0) v Oleg Tariverdiev (11-3)

>The co-main event is up next. Snuffy Fontana squares off with Oleg Tariverdiev in the SIGMA Middleweight division.

>The fight begins!
>Tariverdiev avoids a body kick.
>Fontana throws a left jab but Tariverdiev avoids it.
>Tariverdiev doesn't get drawn in as Fontana feints a kick.
>A jab doesn't find its intended target, allowing Fontana to fire back with a clean left.
>Tariverdiev counters a left jab by using a crisp left hand punch.
>Tariverdiev steps back to avoid a left jab.
>Tariverdiev steps back to avoid a left jab.
>We move into the second half of this round.
>Tariverdiev looks to be trying to close the distance between them.
>Fontana is pulled into a grapple.
>With control of the clinch, Tariverdiev tries to complete a takedown.
>Fontana blocks the takedown attempt.
>Fontana pushes away and manages to get clear of the grapple.
>We're into the final minute of the round.
>Fontana slams a crisp right into the gloves of Tariverdiev, but can't follow up.
>Tariverdiev quickly gets in closer, looking to attack.
>Moving in closer, Tariverdiev looks like he may want to wrestle Fontana.
>Fontana finds himself pulled into a grappling contest.
>Using his wrestling skills, Tariverdiev is trying to push Fontana up against the cage.
>Tariverdiev can't do it though, and Fontana gets a more dominant position in the grapple instead.
>Round one is brought to an end as time runs out.
>An extremely close round, could have gone either way, but personally I'll give it to Tariverdiev 10-9.

>Round two begins!
>An attempted inside leg kick misses, giving Tariverdiev the opportunity to counter with a left jab to the cheek.
>Tariverdiev steps back to avoid a barrage of big punches, having been off balance momentarily after a clever feint.
>Tariverdiev counters a right kick to the body by hitting a stinging left jab.
>Fontana throws a speculative right, but it is nowhere near hitting.
>Tariverdiev doesn't press the issue, allowing Fontana to circle.
>We move into the second half of this round.
>Fontana is looking to get in close and strike from the pocket.
>Tariverdiev seems happy to engage with Fontana in the pocket.
>Not comfortable in the pocket, Tariverdiev steps back and creates some space.
>Fontana is looking to get in close and strike from the pocket.
>Standing his ground, Tariverdiev looks happy to engage Fontana in the pocket.
>Fontana throws an excellent combination but Tariverdiev covers up and takes them.
>Tariverdiev slips out of the way of a right body kick, showing good footwork at such close range.
>Fontana tries for a body kick but Tariverdiev sees it coming and avoids it.
>We're into the final minute of the round.
>Tariverdiev is looking to turn this into a wrestling match, and is getting in closer to Fontana.
>Fontana finds himself pulled into a grappling contest.
>Tariverdiev is looking to muscle Fontana back against the cage.
>Tariverdiev can't move Fontana at all though, and finds himself being out-wrestled.
>Round two ends as time expires.
>I think Tariverdiev took that round, 10-9 on my score card.

>We are back underway!
>Between rounds, his corner told Tariverdiev to watch for strikes but to be aware of takedown opportunities.

>Tariverdiev darts in and out of range quickly, trying to get Fontana to commit to throwing a strike.
>Tariverdiev slips out of the way of a flurry of punches.
>Tariverdiev chooses to shoot in on Fontana.
>Tariverdiev gets a single leg takedown, but as soon as Fontana hits the ground he spins out and away and gets back to his feet.
>Tariverdiev counters a wayward left jab with a straight left.
>Tariverdiev throws a barrage of big right hands but Fontana moves out of range.
>Tariverdiev slips out of the way of a flurry of punches.
>Fontana looks to move in and stand in the pocket.
>Fontana is in the pocket, ready to attack Tariverdiev.
>We go past the halfway point of this round.
>Fontana throws a kick to the body but Tariverdiev dodges it.
>Fontana throws a left jab but Tariverdiev uses good head movement to make sure it slips by.
>Both throw strikes at each other, both easily defend the other's attempt.
>Moving in closer, Tariverdiev looks like he may want to wrestle Fontana.
>He pulls Fontana into a grapple.
>Using his wrestling skills, Tariverdiev is trying to push Fontana up against the cage.
>He does so, and now has Fontana pinned to the cage.
>We move into the final sixty seconds of this round.
>With Fontana stuck against the cage, Tariverdiev tries to complete a takedown.
>Tariverdiev tries hard but cannot get Fontana off of his feet.
>The fight comes to an end as the time limit expires.
>That has to go down as a 10-9 round to Tariverdiev.

>Here come the official scores.
>All three judges have given 29-28.
>Oleg Tariverdiev wins by unanimous decision!

>Official Result: Oleg Tariverdiev defeats Snuffy Fontana (Unanimous Decision in 5:00 of round 3). The match was rated as being Average.

Comments: Dull, dull, dull. Both fighters far too tentative for my liking. Scoring could have gone either way.

Main Event

Jason Dalglish (#10, 22-8) v Snorri Gunnarsson (#12, 24-8-1NC)

>It's time for the main event of the evening! 'The Miniature Killer' Jason Dalglish will take on Snorri Gunnarsson in the SIGMA Featherweight division.

>We are underway!
>A jab misses and Gunnarsson counters with a crisp jab.
>Dalglish throws a couple of jabs, then chooses to shoot in on Gunnarsson.
>Gunnarsson attempts to avoid Dalglish as he shoots in.
>Dalglish can't get the takedown, Gunnarsson was too quick to back away.
>Gunnarsson looks to be trying to close the distance between them.
>Dalglish seems happy to grapple with Gunnarsson.
>Dalglish tries to take Gunnarsson down.
>He has the takedown; Gunnarsson didn't even seem to fight it, and simply pulls guard.
>Dalglish looks to get past the guard.
>He can't find a way past the guard.
>Gunnarsson raises his legs and tries to get Dalglish into a triangle choke.
>Dalglish blocks the attempt.
>Dalglish begins trying to pass the guard.
>Gunnarsson keeps his guard secure.
>Gunnarsson attempts a guillotine choke from the bottom.
>Dalglish pulls free before the guillotine can be applied.
>We move into the second half of this round.
>Dalglish starts trying to work to get past the guard.
>Dalglish struggles but cannot find a way past and remains stuck in guard.
>Dalglish has problems keeping control of Gunnarsson, who pulls them both back toward the cage side.
>Using the cage, Gunnarsson stands up. Dalglish still has control though.
>We have one minute of the round remaining.
>Dalglish tries to take Gunnarsson down.
>Gunnarsson digs in and manages to defend the takedown.
>Gunnarsson wrestles free of Dalglish and backs off to the center.
>The time is up, and that's the end of round one.
>That was a close round, but I'm giving it to Gunnarsson, 10-9.

>We are back underway!
>Dalglish bobs and weaves, trying to get Gunnarsson to commit.
>Moving in closer, Gunnarsson looks like he may want to wrestle Dalglish.
>Gunnarsson grabs Dalglish and pulls him into a grapple.
>Gunnarsson uses some dirty boxing as he grapples with Dalglish.
>Gunnarsson uses some dirty boxing as he grapples with Dalglish.
>Gunnarsson tries to wrestle Dalglish backward and up against the cage.
>Gunnarsson manages it, and controls Dalglish up against the cage.
>Gunnarsson attempts to use some close-range elbow strikes but Dalglish pulls the clinch tighter, making it impossible to launch them.
>Dalglish gets caught with a knee to the inside of the thigh.
>Dalglish gets caught with a knee to the inside of the thigh.
>Gunnarsson smothers Dalglish against the cage, then hits him with an elbow strike to the side of the head.
>Gunnarsson uses underhooks to gain solid control, and is looking for a takedown.
>Gunnarsson can't get the takedown, as Dalglish wrestles his way into a dominant position.
>We move into the second half of this round.
>Dalglish looks for a trip takedown.
>Gunnarsson doesn't fight the takedown, he seems content to pull guard.
>Gunnarsson doesn't allow Dalglish to smother him against the ground.
>Gunnarsson reaches up and tries to lock Dalglish in a guillotine.
>Gunnarsson uses the guillotine hold to sweep into side control.
>Gunnarsson relinquishes side control and stands up, letting Dalglish stand too.
>There's under a minute left in this round.
>A speculative right hand from Gunnarsson doesn't find a home.
>It seems that Dalglish is happy to let Gunnarsson circle for the moment.
>Dalglish throws a left jab but Gunnarsson avoids it.
>Breathing very hard, Jason Dalglish is looking ragged.
>The time is up, and that's the end of round two.
>That has to go down as a 10-9 round to Gunnarsson.

>There's the bell and round number three begins!
>Both fighters come in and exchange strikes, but neither does any damage.
>They wind up in a tight clinch.
>With underhooks giving him solid control over Dalglish, Gunnarsson looks for a takedown.
>A sweep of the legs is successful, Dalglish has to pull guard.
>Snorri Gunnarsson is looking really tired.
>Gunnarsson looks to pass guard and get side control.
>Gunnarsson isn't able to pass guard on this attempt.
>Dalglish attempts a triangle choke on Gunnarsson from the bottom of the guard.
>Gunnarsson defends well against it.
>Gunnarsson attempts to pass guard and gain a better position.
>Dalglish comfortably blocks the attempt and keeps Gunnarsson in guard.
>Dalglish attempts to lock on a triangle choke.
>Gunnarsson blocks the triangle attempt.
>We move into the second half of this round.
>Time slips away as Gunnarsson successfully keeps Dalglish stuck against the ground.
>Time slips away as Gunnarsson successfully keeps Dalglish stuck against the ground.
>In guard, Gunnarsson begins working to pass to side control.
>Dalglish is ready for the attempt though, and keeps Gunnarsson firmly in guard.
>Snorri Gunnarsson looks like he is on the verge of exhaustion.
>Dalglish attempts to secure an arm.
>An armbar is applied, but with only a few seconds left there isn't time to straighten the arm out for the tap!
>The time expires on round three, and that is the end of the fight.
>An extremely close round, could have gone either way, but personally I'll give it to Gunnarsson 10-9.

>The official scores are being reported now.
>Judge #1 scores the contest as 29-28 to Dalglish.
>Judge #2 scores the contest as 29-28 to Gunnarsson.
>Judge #3 has given 29-28 to Dalglish.
>So the winner, by split decision, is 'The Miniature Killer' Jason Dalglish!

>Official Result: 'The Miniature Killer' Jason Dalglish defeats Snorri Gunnarsson (Split Decision in 5:00 of round 3). The match was rated as being Average.

Comments: This was something of a robbery! Like the commentators, I had all three rounds to Gunnarsson, who controlled the whole fight. Even when he got taken down he was slickly able to reverse position and then go back to the stand-up.

Show summary

Critical rating: Average

Commercial success: Average

Fight of the Night: Otto Renner v Massimiliano Locatelli

Knockout of the Night: Matthew Michael Kirby

Submission of the Night: -

Comments: Not the best night of fights we've had, and the best was in the prelims, which doesn't help! Dalglish and Gunnarsson might have to go at it again after that judging debacle, but I don't think it will be in a main event, next time!

batsnumbereleven · March 8, 2014

Prediction results

5/8 – CageRage (325/456)

4/8 – BigRedMachine (112/178), Scotland (22/31)

Injury report

No injuries coming out of the night's action but the Athletic Commission have suspended Aleksei Chekhov and Matthew Michael Kirby for one month, Conrad Bueller for two months, and Massimiliano Locatelli for three months.

SIGMA contracts/signings

Andranik has earned himself a new 6-fight deal, whilst Gerrit Dudok won't be getting a renewal after a 1-4 streak. Alain Saul has gone 4-4, which is respectable, but after his whinging he only gets a 3-fight extension and will have to prove himself deserving of more; Gunnarsson (4-5) gets 4 more fights, as does Mugur Boc.

Authors Note

And at this point, I'm taking a bit of a break from posting this diary, as I've caught up with where I've written up to and have recently been playing a lot more TEW2013. After posting something almost every day since October, it's time to see if I can re-kindle some enthusiasm for writing again!

Thanks to those who have supported the diary with predictions, especially CageRage, who has predicted on almost every card, for helping to make this go well over 500 posts.

Hopefully I won't be away for too long, and will be ready to continue the SIGMA saga in a couple of weeks!

iverbure · March 28, 2014

i miss this.

Scotland · August 26, 2016

Please come back

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