AMERICAN AIRLINES CENTER
DALLAS, TEXAS
JULY 5, 2020
KENNARD ROZIER
And we're live here for the UGP twenty one prelims and man we gotta dope line up for y'all tonight..but first let me introduce Micheal Santos to the booth with me tonight. What's going on player?
MICHAEL SANTOS
Keeping it moving Ken, you know how it is. Wearing the headset isn't something I ever thought I'd be doing but when the opportunity came up I thought why not? Besides, I'd be dumb to pass up on the free pass to watch some great fight tonight.
KENNARD ROZIER
Most definitely. In our first fight on tonight's prelims we have Larry Williams taking on Tatum Momo'a. Now this fight is a must win for Tatum if you ask me. She looked really good at the beginning of the year but has been falling recently. She's lost a lot of hype and I wonder if a loss tonight could be her last Union fight.
MICHAEL SANTOS
It's very possible. Bouncing back from a loss is always an option for every fighter, but if the mind gives up then it's game over. She may be at the end of her rope here, so I expect her to bring the fire.
KENNARD ROZIER
As far as Larry goes...I don't know. He's a fighter. A good one...but he's never put it together. That has led him to where he is now. I'm not sure a win over Tatum changes everything for him but it sure as hell would be huge for him.
MICHAEL SANTOS
For sure. Despite her slide down as of late, Tatum is a great fighter, and a win here for Larry will get him into a conversation at the very least, and sometimes that's all it takes to get something moving.
KENNARD ROZIER
Then we have Zamara Ali taking on Darren Thatcher. What you think about this one Santos?
MICHAEL SANTOS
I mean I'm a little biased here but I'd be surprised if Zamara drops this one. Not a shot on Darren at all, he's a good fighter and could win it here, but I haven't seen enough to know.
KENNARD ROZIER
I agree, as far as Darren goes I think we need to see more to truly judge where he's at. Not a lot of tape out there. From what I have seen though this man is well rounded but where he's more killer is on the ground.
MICHAEL SANTOS
Absolutely. He's shown skill on the ground, and he'll wanna control things there for sure.
KENNARD ROZIER
With Zamara the same could be said about not having much film. With her one and one record she has shown a lot of potential though. Solid hands and a solid ground game. This fight in my mind will come down to who wins on the ground.
MICHAEL SANTOS
I agree. They are both comfortable on the ground so if one can make it hell for other, there’s the turning point.
KENNARD ROZIER
Then in our Main Event we have Ricardo Sandoval versus Asher Jrue.
MICHAEL SANTOS
This should be a good one. Sandoval has been impressive in his first two outings, and he steps into the cage against a former Middleweight Champion in Asher Jrue. Both men have a lot to prove.
KENNARD ROZIER
In hindsight this a huge fight for Sandoval. Even with the slide Asher is on. A win for Sandoval here would probably put him in contention and he has the skills to get there. This is a step up in competition for him and he has to be excited for this fight.
MICHAEL SANTOS
Absolutely man. Jrue is a quality fighter despite his recent slump, and if Sandoval steps over him to make it 3-0 tonight, we may be looking at a new title contender sometimes soon.
KENNARD ROZIER
Simba needs a win tonight. He needs to get back to that guy we saw shock the world. He can get back to that too. He's still very young and hasn't even come close to being a finished product yet. A win here could set him up to get back to those winning ways though. I'm really fucking with the fight.
MICHAEL SANTOS
Its still insane to me how young this kid is, and is already a former Middleweight Champion, beating Robert Guilliman no less. Sandoval is hungry and looking to make an example of Simba, but if he can fight back and stop his slide at Sandoval’s expense, then he’s well on his way back up.
KENNARD ROZIER
When we return Larry Williams and Tatum Momo'a start things off for the prelims tonight. Stay tuned folk. Stay tuned.
FAN POLL: 55% Larry Williams
REFEREE: Jordan Ripley
=========================================
ROUND ONE
=========================================
[Tatum Momo'a and Larry Williams touch gloves in the center to get this fight started and a overhand right from Larry Williams that looked like it was capable of destroying a brick wall pops Momo'a' in the face but she remains on her feet. Momo'a looks for angles as she throws a few jabs that are countered by Larry Williams's punches. Momo'a measures the resilience of Williams's chin with an uppercut while Williams lands some great crosses.]
MICHAEL SANTOS
Some great exchanges early on here. Larry seems to be getting the better of them so far but Tatum is staying in there and tagging him with some shot of her own.
[Larry Williams tries to show his boxing skills with a one-two combo and those punches are landing on Momo'a's face before Tatum shoots in and scores on the takedown. Tatum Momo'a is in side mount over Larry Williams. Larry Williams attempts to trap Tatum Momo'a in his guard. Larry manages to switch to full guard. Williams tries to close his guard around Momo'a but he is not able to do it. Williams tries to close his guard around Momo'a once more and this time he succeeds!]
KENNARD ROZIER
Staying busy. That's what you have to do on the ground. Larry is doing just that.
MICHAEL SANTOS
Momo’a switching things up with a solid takedown. I don’t blame her because I’m also not a fan of getting punched in the face, but she usually prefers to keep things standing. We’ll see if she can make something of this.
[Williams tries to roll on the ground! Tatum uses her leg to keep her position on the ground. Williams tries to roll on the ground again. Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Tatum. Williams goes for an armbar! Tatum Momo'a breaks the lock and pushes away Larry Williams, who rolls over her back and gets to standing position. Jordan Ripley halts the fight to stand up Larry Williams. The fight resumes with both fighters standing.]
KENNARD ROZIER
I think Williams wants to stay on the ground buy Ripley like nahhh. Get your ass up.
MICHAEL SANTOS
Williams trying to pull a fast one there with a lightning quick armbar, but Momo’a didn’t want any of it. Great awareness from her there.
[Williams moves forward and tries a Superman punch! Momo'a dodges just moving aside. Larry Williams has created a big hole that Tatum Momo'a could use now! Momo'a throws a one-two combo then fakes a move to fire a big right hand on the chin! The strikes hit home! Williams's Chin is beginning to swell. Shovel hook by Larry Williams tags Momo'a before following up with a stiff jab that Momo'a ducks. The two exchange wildly. Both landing but without much steam behind the shots. Momo'a fakes a punch and shows some footwork moving aside. Momo'a tries to take the fight to the ground with a single leg takedown. Williams is unable to remain on his feet and falls to the ground. Williams tries to close his guard around Momo'a and he succeeds!]
KENNARD ROZIER
Another point on the takedown from Tatum.
MICHAEL SANTOS
See now this I don’t understand. She had the advantage on the feet this time but went for the takedown again. It was a nice takedown, but I don’t know how smart it was to take this back to the ground.
[Tatum Momo'a tries to better her position on the ground. Momo'a breaks the closed guard of Larry Williams and moves to half guard. Larry Williams attempts to trap Tatum Momo'a in his guard. Williams manages to switch to half guard. Larry Williams attempts to move to full guard and does. Williams tries to roll on the ground! Tatum uses his leg to keep her position on the ground though. Williams tries to roll on the ground again and this time gets a nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Tatum Momo'a! Tatum Momo'a tries to roll to her side and trap Larry Williams in her guard. Tatum Momo'a gets her hip out and moves to full guard but Jordan Ripley has seen enough passivity on the ground and stands up the fighters. Williams fires away with some tremendous strikes but Momo'a blocks those with confidence.]
MICHAEL SANTOS
Again Larry managed to reverse her on the ground and got to mount this time, putting Tatum in real danger. She managed to get back to guard and hold him long enough for Ripley to stand them up, but every time she takes it to the ground she is getting herself in a dangerous spot.
[Williams steps backwards and lowers his arms while breathing heavily...He seems tired. Bone shattering straight left hand from Larry! Momo'a ducks under...Solid kick to the leg from Tatum Momo'a that visibly pains Williams. Williams hyper-extended his left leg. Larry Williams seems hurt! He stumbles backwards and he's an easy target for Tatum Momo'a! Momo'a spins around and tries a spinning back kick! Larry Williams was not expecting something like that! It lands on his chin! Is this over? Larry stumbles back as Tatum pounces, throwing several shots that land flush, sending Larry back into the cage. He throws a wild haymaker as she moves to finish, but Tatum avoids it as Ripley steps in and tells the fighters to go to their corners as the round is over.]
MICHAEL SANTOS
Now THAT is exactly what Tatum needs to do. I don’t know if she just didn’t have her confidence before, but she dodged some serious hits and absolutely lit Larry up in response. If this round had another 10 seconds left this fight could have been over. I know Larry likes throwing those bombs, but his best chance here is to take her back to the ground. He’s gotta adapt or this fight doesn’t make it to the third.
KENNARD ROZIER
Right, Tatum just needs to go all out and end this one on the feet. As long as she keeps looking for the takedown she's giving Larry a chance to stay in the fight because he's been out working here on the ground.
=========================================
ROUND TWO
=========================================
[The action continues with a bone shattering straight left hand from Larry Williams! Momo'a ducks under. Larry Williams gets sloppy and Tatum Momo'a tries to take advantage...Tatum Momo'a tries a middle kick but Williams blocks with his arm! Wow, that was loud! Momo'a studies her opponent looking for a hole in his defense. Tatum Momo'a and Williams engage in a wild exchange of punches! Tatum Momo'a is getting the best of the exchange as she lands a few blows.]
MICHAEL SANTOS
No fear from Tatum here in the third round. She’s found her groove and the rhythm of Larry’s punches, she just needs one good shot to end this.
[Momo'a launches a furious low kick! Williams receives a hard blow on his left leg! Williams hyper-extended his left leg. That punishment by Tatum Momo'a has left Williams staggered! Tatum Momo'a should try push forward now and finish this! The two exchange wildly and Momo'a is connecting with a few punches. Momo'a begins to launch a barrage of punches over Williams. This is getting worse and worse for Williams. That brutal impact left Williams laid out on the mat! Tatum Momo'a's corner pours in to congratulate her! Williams's Mouth is bruised after the punishement he's received There is a small laceration on Larry Williams's Mouth.]
KENNARD ROZIER
Now that's what the fuck I'm talking about. Do that shit Tatum. Do that shit girl!!!
MICHAEL SANTOS
And that’s the fight! What a knockout from Tatum! Its been awhile between wins for the Samoan Smokeshow, but she has gotta be happy with that performance. If she can keep that confidence that she gains she could work her way to be a real threat in this division.
Winner: Tatum Momo'a by KO (Punches) at 1:03 Round 2
Statistics: Tatum Momo'a
Punches 20/26 (77%)
Kicks 4/4 (100%)
Clinch strikes 0/0 (0%)
Takedowns 2/2 (100%)
GnP strikes 0/0 (0%)
Submissions 0/0 (0%)
Clinch Attempts 0/0 (0%)
Time on the ground 170 s
Statistics: Larry Williams
Punches 9/23 (39%)
Kicks 0/0 (0%)
Clinch strikes 0/1 (0%)
Takedowns 0/0 (0%)
GnP strikes 0/0 (0%)
Submissions 1/1 (100%)
Clinch Attempts 0/0 (0%)
Time on the ground 170 s
FAN POLL: 62% Darren Thatcher
REFEREE: Herschel Warden
=========================================
ROUND ONE
=========================================
[Thatcher and Ali move forward as the bell signals the beginning of the fight and they waste no time engaging a wild exchange of punches! Both fighters are connecting and this could be ending soon if either lands a lucky punch though there is a small laceration on Darren Thatcher's Mouth. Darren Thatcher goes with a looping right hand in the exchange while Zamara Ali jumps back and jabs. Thatcher staggers and Zamara Ali runs to capitalize with a bunch of jabs and crosses.]
KENNARD ROZIER
Wasting no time. That's what I like to see man.
MICHAEL SANTOS
Well this fight is starting hot! Both fighters are just throwing bombs looking to end this as quickly as possible! I respect the hell out of that.
[Ali looks for angles as she throws a few jabs that are countered by Darren Thatcher's punches before Ali measures the resilience of Thatcher's chin with an uppercut whilst Thatcher lands some great crosses. Ali let's go with a lightning fast low kick and the pop is loud as Thatcher's face shows the pain from that kick. Ali launches a couples of jabs and then a big hook! Thatcher blocks the jabs but the hook hits hard on Darren Thatcher's cheek! Thatcher stumbles and then drops to the mat!]
MICHAEL SANTOS
Thatcher caught that hook with his face big time, and Ali is not wasting any time on the follow up!
[Ali is standing while Thatcher is on the ground on his back. Zamara Ali opts to go after Thatcher and jumps inside his guard. Thatcher didn't see that coming and Ali is in open guard over Thatcher now. Thatcher tries to close his guard around Ali. He is not able to do it. Ali tries to jump to side mount and at that moment Darren Thatcher closes his guard around Zamara. Deep breaths from Darren Thatcher who tries a hammer punch to Ali's ribs. Ali blocks those punches.]
KENNARD ROZIER
Zamara's ground game is underrated and she can really go to work in this position.
[Zamara Ali is still in side mount over Darren Thatcher. Darren Thatcher attempts to trap Zamara Ali in his guard but Ali keeps control and remains in side mount. Thatcher looks for more hammer punches but once again Ali blocks them and looks to mount Darren Thatcher...she slides her knee across and gets to mount. Zamara doesn't want to lose her advantageous position as she struggles to maintain the full mount. Herschel decides to stand up the fighters up anyway though and both fighters continue the fight on their feet. Darren dances around the cage looking to reset and let's go with what would be a bone shattering straight left hand but Ali ducks under...shoots...and scores on the takedown. Zamara is in open guard over Thatcher.]
KENNARD ROZIER
Zamara doesn't a good job with those takedown. In all her fights so far she's done a good job with it. .
MICHAEL SANTOS
And back down we go again. What a nice takedown from Zamara. I’ve seen her working on those during training and she has really been picking things up.
[Thatcher throws his legs up in a triangle attempt! Zamara Ali realizes the danger and stands up to avoid the attack and gets back to her feet again. Ali is standing while Thatcher is on the ground on his back. Ali jumps back inside Thatcher's guard before he could get back to his feet. Ali transitions and gets to half guard. With another transition Ali gets to side mount...Thatcher launches a few weak punches that Ali blocks effectively before sliding her knee across and getting to the full mount position.]
MICHAEL SANTOS
And back into full mount, Zamara is really showing her skill on the ground tonight.
KENNARD ROZIER
Facts.
[Darren Thatcher tries to roll on the ground and Ali suddenly holds Darren Thatcher's arm and tries an armbar! Thatcher breaks the lock and now he is in a closed guard over Zamara Ali! Stalling momentarily the action wasn't moving so Herschel decides to stand the fighters back up. The action picks right back up with a solid kick to the leg from Zamara Ali that visibly pains Thatcher. Darren fakes a move and launches a nice uppercut. Ali blocks that and fires a couple of punishing leg kicks until the bell sounds.]
KENNARD ROZIER
This was a fast paced round. It'll be interesting to see who keeps up with the pace in the second.
MICHAEL SANTOS
What a round. Breakneck pace from the start from these two fighters, but the round has to go to Zamara. Control on the ground, a submission attempt, and the better of the standup. She is ready for this.
=========================================
ROUND TWO
=========================================
[Zamara Ali and Thatcher engage in a wild exchange of punches and both fighters are missing before Zamara fakes a punch and shows some footwork moving aside. Thatcher cuts her off and the two exchange wildly again...this time Ali is connecting with a few punches before she changes levels and grabs ahold of Thatcher's left leg...he loses balance and goes to the ground. Zamara scoring another point with the takedown.]
MICHAEL SANTOS
Another takedown from Zamara. Used the punches to throw Darren off before going in. Thatcher is no slouch but he needs to get something going here.
KENNARD ROZIER
He does cos this has been all Zamara so far.
[Zamara Ali is in side mount over Darren Thatcher. Thatcher tries to show some ground skills but Ali uses her strength to keep Darren at a disadvantage. Darren Thatcher attempts to trap Zamara Ali in his guard but Zamara keeps control and remains in side mount. With a transition Ali slides her knee across and gets to full mount. Thatcher launches a few weak punches and Ali blocks them. Thatcher tries to roll to his side and trap Zamara Ali in his guard...zamara keeps good control and remains in full mount. Ali suddenly holds Darren Thatcher's arm and tries an armbar!Crippling lock! Thatcher is struggling to free himself.]
MICHAEL SANTOS
Back to that armbar again, she’s determined to pick that apart!
[Thatcher breaks the lock and now he is in a closed guard over Zamara Ali! Ali tries to roll on the ground and does getting the nice reversal! She is now in full mount over Darren Thatcher! Darren tries to roll to his side and trap Zamara Ali in his guard...Zamara Ali keeps good control and remains in full mount. Deep breaths from Darren Thatcher who tries a hammer punch to Ali's ribs. Ali blocks those punches. Ali is trying to counter now while Thatcher tries to escape from the full mount...Zamara Ali is not caught off guard and moves to side mount to keep her superior position but Herschel Warden stands the fighters up.]
KENNARD ROZIER
Zamara looks upset with Herschel for standing them up.
MICHAEL SANTOS
I’ve gotta say that even though Zamara has controlled the fight up to this point, Darren is doing a great job of nullifying offence and stopping Ali from finishing the fight. He’s not getting flustered and he’s keeping things logical.
[Thatcher wastes no time and shoots for the takedown. Ali struggles... but Darren is unable to take her down. He goes for a looping right hand while Zamara Ali jumps back and jabs. Thatcher seems staggered and Zamara Ali runs to capitalize with a bunch of jabs and crosses. In midst of the punches being thrown at him Darren tries to take the fight to the ground with a one leg takedown...but Zamara jumps backwards and frees her leg. Thatcher fakes a punch and shoots a takedown! Ali sprawls and remains on her feet. Ali tries to take the fight to the ground with a single leg takedown. Thatcher is unable to remain on his feet and falls to the ground. Thatcher launches a few weak punches and Ali blocks them effectively before Ali tries to finish with a leg lock! Thatcher is able to break the lock.Thatcher reaches under and rolls for a kneebar! Ali blocks the attempt and uses the opportunity to seize half guard. Zamara tries to free her leg. She does and moves quickly to side mount before she passes and gets to full mount right as the buzzer sounds.]
KENNARD ROZIER
I think that's another round for Zamara. What about you Micheal.
MICHAEL SANTOS
Thatcher was determined to get Ali to the ground, but Zamara’s takedown defence is seemingly as good as her takedowns themselves. Thatcher showed more aggression from the bottom this round, even turning defending a leg lock into his own kneebar. He has to know Zamara has taken these two rounds and if he wants to win this he’s gotta finish it in the last round.
=========================================
ROUND THREE
=========================================
[Zamara Ali fires out of the round with a takedown attempt and she scores it getting in open guard over Thatcher. She transitions and gets to side mount. Darren Thatcher attempts to trap Zamara Ali in his guard. Zamara Ali keeps control and remains in side mount but Herschel Warden has seen enough passivity on the ground and stands up the fighters.]`
MICHAEL SANTOS
Zamara taking things right back down to the ground, but Darren does a good job at nullifying the offence and forcing the standup. It's good to stop the finish, but it's not getting him any points.
KENNARD ROZIER
Correct, he needs to find some offense. Zamara has pretty much turned him into a defensive fighter tonight.
[Solid shot from Darren Thatcher to the body that Ali blocks in time. Zamara Ali launches a rapid series of punches taking Thatcher from one end of the cage to the other before a body kick by Darren Thatcher is blocked. Thatcher misses a step and Zamara Ali sees an opportunity to counter him! She does with a Superb haymaker by Ali that lands on Thatcher's face like a cannon ball! She stays on the attack and follows up with a Surprise roundhouse punch by Ali and It looks like Thatcher was hit by a bus!]
KENNARD ROZIER
Brilliant combo. Just pure brilliance.
MICHAEL SANTOS
Thatcher is in trouble here! What a roundhouse punch!
[Thatcher's back hit the cage and and Ali drops down and grabs Thatcher's left leg... Darren loses balance and falls to the mat. Zamara Ali is in side mount over Darren Thatcher. Ali tries to move to full mount! Nice move. She is in full mount now. Thatcher launches a few weak punches. Ali blocks them effectively. Zamara throws the leg over and rolls it over into an armbar! Thatcher struggles to free himself. That Armbar from Zamara Ali appears to be unbreakable. You can see the pain reflected in Thatcher's eyes...Ali is locking that Armbar...Thatcher Hyper-extended his left arm.Punishing hold! That Armbar looks tight... but Thatcher breaks the lock showing some skills...Ali fakes a few punches and after a brief struggle she catches Darren Thatcher's arm and tries an armbar once more. Punishing hold! You can see the pain reflected in Thatcher's eyes… Punishing hold! Crippling lock! Thatcher holds his own hand and breaks Ali's lock. He rolls over himself and launches over Zamara Ali.]
MICHAEL SANTOS
Zamara is focused on taking that arm home with her tonight. Some great defensive scrambling from Thatcher though, but if he slips even once this fight is over.
[Darren Thatcher is in side mount over Zamara Ali. Darren Thatcher isolates Zamara Ali's left arm looking for an armbar... Zamara Ali manages to sit up and pull her arm out of danger! Darren Thatcher lost his dominant position. Zamara Ali is in open guard over Thatcher. Ali transitions and gets half guard. Thatcher attempts to move to full guard. Zamara Ali keeps good control and remains in half guard. Darren throws up a triangle attempt! Zamara Ali postures up and breaks the triangle. Ali sits over her knees and pushes away Thatcher's leg! Zamara is able to put away his leg and then jumps to side mount.]
MICHAEL SANTOS
Darren trying for a few submission attempts of his own, but Zamara is having none of it, reversing him back into a dominant position on the ground. Darren is really trying to make something happen here, but Zamara has all the answers.
KENNARD ROZIER
Could be one of those cases where it's a little too short a little too late.
[Darren Thatcher attempts to trap Zamara Ali in his guard. Zamara Ali keeps control and remains in side mount. Zamara Ali isolates Darren Thatcher's right arm looking for that armbar... Ali is locking that armbar too. That armbar looks tight... Thatcher Hyper-extended his arm. You can see the pain reflected in Thatcher's eyes… Crippling lock! Ali secures the lock while Darren Thatcher refuses to tap... Herschel Warden jumps in and breaks the lock! Calling an end to the fight.]
MICHAEL SANTOS
And there’s that armbar! She was looking for it the entire fight and Darren just couldn’t get out of it that time around. What a fight from both competitors tonight, but Zamara really impressed.
KENNARD ROZIER
She did bro. She looked very good out there. Did a little bit of everything...and honestly she looked scary out there. Really liked what I saw from her.
Winner: Zamara Ali by Submission (Armbar) at 3:32 Round 3
Statistics: Darren Thatcher
Punches 8/18 (44%)
Kicks 0/1 (0%)
Clinch strikes 0/0 (0%)
Takedowns 0/3 (0%)
GnP strikes 0/15 (0%)
Submissions 4/4 (100%)
Clinch Attempts 0/0 (0%)
Time on the ground 505 s
Statistics: Zamara Ali
Punches 27/38 (71%)
Kicks 5/5 (100%)
Clinch strikes 0/0 (0%)
Takedowns 5/5 (100%)
GnP strikes 0/0 (0%)
Submissions 6/6 (100%)
Clinch Attempts 0/0 (0%)
Time on the ground 485 s
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FAN POLL: 64% Ricardo Sandoval
REFEREE: Dusty Whittaker
=========================================
ROUND ONE
=========================================
[Ricardo Sandoval and Asher Jrue touch gloves in the center to get this fight started! Sandoval moves forward and tries a Superman punch! Bang! That crushes Jrue's face and maybe his hopes of winning this fight too! Jrue's Right cheek is beginning to swell. There is a small laceration on Asher Jrue's Right cheek. Ricardo Sandoval moves forward and launches a low kick. Hard blow to Jrue's right thigh. Ricardo Sandoval attempts a sweep single..Sandoval catches Asher Jrue's far ankle and trips him to the mat! Slick takedown by Sandoval.]
KENNARD ROZIER
Those were some big shots from Ricardo bruh, but going for the takedown. I don't know about that.
MICHAEL SANTOS
Ricardo tagged Asher there, showing aggression as he dumped him on the ground. Not a good start for the former Middleweight champ, but I don’t know why he went for the takedown considering how good Asher is on the ground.
[Sandoval is in closed guard over Jrue. Sandoval struggles on the ground and tries to break Asher Jrue's guard. Ricardo Sandoval is in Jrue open guard now. Asher Jrue slides his legs high and tries to apply a triangle! Ricardo Sandoval cuts to the side and manages to pass to side mount!. Sandoval tries to launch a few punches to Asher Jrue. Jrue is able to achieve closed guard and counter Ricardo Sandoval's punches. Asher Jrue attempts to trap Ricardo Sandoval in his guard. Asher manages to switch to half guard.]
KENNARD ROZIER
Ricardo is going to have to work if he wants to look for something on the ground. Asher is no slouch.
MICHAEL SANTOS
Some good movement on the ground, but Asher is keeping Ricardo mostly under wraps, the bigger man getting some good positioning but not able to turn it into any offence. I know what it's like to be in that position on the ground and it sucks.
[Sandoval sits over his knees and pushes away Jrue's leg! Jrue closes his legs around Ricardo Sandoval's leg. Sandoval is not able to move away now! Pitty-pat punches from Sandoval. Asher Jrue doesn't flinch. Asher Jrue throws up a triangle attempt! Sandoval postures up and breaks the triangle. Ricardo is in side mount over Asher. Ricard looks to mount Asher Jrue. Asher Jrue sees an opening and locks his opponent in half guard. Body shots by Ricardo Sandoval Jrue covers up.]
KENNARD ROZIER
Even on his back Asher can give constant pressure. If I'm Ricardo I'm getting back to my feet.
MICHAEL SANTOS
Another triangle attempt from Jrue, Sandoval has /got/ to be careful here. It takes only seconds to be caught in a submission hold 3 seconds before the end of the god damn fight. I’m not bitter.
[Asher Jrue sits up and gets an arm around Sandoval's neck! Jrue is locking that Guillotine...Sandoval pushes Asher Jrue back to the ground. Sandoval pushes Jrue's leg and tries to transition. Nice move by Sandoval who is in full mount! Jrue is in trouble now! Ricardo Sandoval throws the leg over and rolls it over into an armbar! Jrue breaks the lock showing some skills...after some passivity Dusty Whittaker has seen enough on the ground and stands up the fighters.]
KENNARD ROZIER
Ricardo's winning this round but if Asher wants to turn things around now is the chance fam.
MICHAEL SANTOS
And we’re back up. Jrue has really worked on his standup, but I still give the advantage on the feet to the Havana Nightmare. This is where Sandoval wants to be.
[Asher Jrue goes with a looping right hand while Ricardo Sandoval jumps back and jabs. Jrue seems staggered and Ricardo Sandoval runs to capitalize with a bunch of jabs and crosses. Sandoval moves aside and launches a furious low kick! Asher Jrue checks the kick. Sandoval gets sloppy and Asher Jrue tries to take advantage. Pulverizing left hook to Sandoval's head!]
KENNARD ROZIER
Man that left hand is dangerous.
MICHAEL SANTOS
I could be eating a foot here, what a shot!
[Lightning fast low kick from Sandoval! Jrue blocks that kick with his leg. Sandoval shows some wrestling skills as he put his opponent in a double overhook! Ricardo tries a Foot Sweep takedown on Asher Jrue. Sandoval fails to take him down and both fighters are still standing. Sandoval begins to launch a barrage of punches over Jrue. This is getting worse and worse for Jrue. There is a small laceration on Asher Jrue's Mouth. Ricardo Sandoval charges at Jrue throwing flurries left and right. Not many punches are hitting, but the ones that land are huge shots! Jrue is rocked!]
KENNARD ROZIER
EWWW!!!! To still be standing after those shots Asher's chin strong as fuck.
MICHAEL SANTOS
Ricardo keeps changing things up, from low kicks to combinations to takedown attempts, he’s trying to keep Simba off his game here and keep the pressure on, and right now its working!
[Ricardo Sandoval goes with a looping right hand while Asher Jrue jumps back and jabs. Sandoval seems staggered and Asher Jrue runs to capitalize with a bunch of jabs and crosses. The two exchange wildly. Both landing but without much steam behind the shots. Although there is a small laceration on Asher Jrue's Chin. Jrue stumbles back, his corner is screaming! Ricardo Sandoval is coming in again! Shovel hook by Ricardo Sandoval tags Jrue. Asher Jrue continues to bleed from that cut from earlier. It could be affecting his vision.Ricardo Sandoval and Jrue engage in a wild exchange of punches! Both fighters are connecting and this could be ending soon if either lands a lucky punch.Asher Jrue is a bloody mess! Jrue steps backwards away from Ricardo Sandoval. Ricardo Sandoval fakes a move and moves laterally. You can see Jrue's blood making stains in the mat. Ricardo Sandoval spins around suddenly...and his backfist connects flush with Jrue's chin!]
KENNARD ROZIER
Look at man's face. They might be ending this one.
MICHAEL SANTOS
What a backfist! Jrue barely even saw it coming through the blood, but somehow the kid is still standing!
[Asher Jrue has found an opening in the defense of Sandoval, launching a big uppercut. Bingo! Sandoval is wobbling! Sandoval wants to take the fight to his advantage and tries to clinch. Sandoval moves forward and holds Jrue. Sandoval is throwing a flurry of punches! Asher Jrue just can't get away as The buzzer sounds, marking the end of the round. The ref tells the fighters to go to their corner. The cutman is working on Jrue's face.]
KENNARD ROZIER
That cut looks bad and Ricardo really went to work in that round. I think Simba should look for some Takedowns in the second.
MICHAEL SANTOS
Hell of a round. You’ve gotta give it to Ricardo but Asher is hanging in there. That cut could be the X factor in this fight, though.
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ROUND TWO
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[Ricardo Sandoval fakes a punch and launches himself over Jrue! Asher Jrue is smart enough to avoid the clinch game by Sandoval and pushes him away! Sandoval clumsily fails here and it's time for Asher Jrue to fight back! Jrue grabs his opponent by the waist and tries to take the fight to the ground. Great takedown by Asher Jrue. Asher Jrue is in open guard over Sandoval and is still a bloody mess! Sandoval launches a few weak punches. Jrue blocks them effectively.]
KENNARD ROZIER
Exactly what Asher needed right there.
MICHAEL SANTOS
Now this is where Asher wants to be! Hell of a takedown and now he’s in the dominant position on the ground.
[Asher Jrue is in open guard over Sandoval. You can see Jrue's blood making stains in the mat. Jrue moves on the ground. Asher Jrue moves to side mount. Jrue launches a punch that misses Ricardo Sandoval's ribs, who rolls and tries to stand up. Asher Jrue holds his head while in north-south position... Asher Jrue closes a strong lock around Sandoval's neck and rolls on the ground closing a Gator Roll lock! Punishing hold! You can see the pain reflected in Sandoval's eyes. That D'Arce Gator Roll from Asher Jrue appears to be unbreakable.]
KENNARD ROZIER
First time someone might have attempted that in Union. Asher always pulls the subs outta nowhere.
MICHAEL SANTOS
Smooth as fuck transition, and that gator roll is locked tight! This could be it!
[Sandoval rolls and his head slips out of the neck lock. He moves forward and wins side control.Sandoval is in side mount over Asher Jrue. Sandoval doesn't want to continue the fight in this position and tries to get back on his feet. He can't do it because of Jrue's moves. Sandoval tries to move to full mount! Niice move. He is in full mount now. Asher Jrue tries to roll to his side and trap Ricardo Sandoval in his guard...Asher Jrue gets his hip out and moves to full guard.Sandoval tries to open up Jrue with a few strikes with his right elbow. Jrue blocks a few elbows and now Ricardo Sandoval will have to look for another option here. Sandoval tries to stand up! Jrue doesn't allow him but Dusty Whittaker stands the fighters up due to a lack of activity.]
KENNARD ROZIER
Not too sure about that stand up.
MICHAEL SANTOS
Simba did not want this fight going back to the feet. Sandoval did a good job getting out of that gator choke, but he was a lot less confident on the ground after that.
Sandoval looks for a superb haymaker but Jrue manages to move aside. Ricardo Sandoval moves forward looking for a hole in his opponent's defense. Ricardo Sandoval goes with a looping right hand while Asher Jrue jumps back and jabs. Sandoval seems staggered and Asher Jrue runs to capitalize with a bunch of jabs and crosses. Jrue and Sandoval circle around the center of the cage. Ricardo Sandoval and Jrue engage in a wild exchange of punches! Both fighters are connecting and this could be ending soon if either lands a lucky punch. Sandoval decides to launch some tentative punches. Jrue launches a couple of jabs that are answered by Sandoval with a stiff cross! Solid exchange! Sandoval is hurt... Sandoval fakes a punch and shoots a takedown! Jrue sprawls and remains on his feet. Jrue moves forward and holds Sandoval. Sandoval tries to take Asher Jrue down... Jrue stumbles backwards and Ricardo Sandoval launches a few punches...Asher Jrue dodges and moves away a couple of steps.]
KENNARD ROZIER
Solid back and forth. Again though, if I'm Ricardo I don't wanna be on the ground.
MICHAEL SANTOS
Another takedown attempt from Sandoval, and Jrue stuffs it. You have to think that Jrue is thinking of that eye, and doesn’t wanna be on his back under those fists.
[Sandoval fakes a punch and shoots a takedown! Jrue sprawls and remains on his feet. Asher pushes forward and gets Sandoval with a double underhooks. Asher Jrue fakes a punch to Ricardo Sandoval ribs and the tries to trip him. Ricardo Sandoval loses balance and goes to the ground. Asher Jrue is in closed guard over Sandoval. You can still see Jrue's blood making stains in the mat. Sandoval tries to roll on the ground! Asher Jrue uses his leg to keep his position on the ground. Ricardo Sandoval launches a few punches to Jrue's cheek from the guard. Asher Jrue uses his head to cover the punches and presses his skull forward.]
KENNARD ROZIER
This round has been the complete opposite from the first.
MICHAEL SANTOS
This is not good for Ricardo. He has shown a surprising amount of skill on the ground, but as the fight goes on he’s losing steam and can’t push the pace like he has been.
[Sandoval misses a step and Asher Jrue sees an opportunity to counter him! Asher Jrue tries to better his position on the ground...Jrue breaks the closed guard of Ricardo Sandoval and moves to half guard. Jrue is in the side mount over Ricardo Sandoval. Sandoval is moving on the ground. Jrue tries to counter Sandoval's moves on the ground. Deep breaths from Ricardo Sandoval who tries a hammer punch to Jrue's ribs. Jrue blocks those punches. Asher Jrue looks to mount Ricardo Sandoval. Asher Jrue slides his knee across and gets to mount.]
MICHAEL SANTOS
Jrue is in full mount now! This is not good for Sandoval!
[Asher Jrue is in full mount over Ricardo Sandoval. Sandoval tries to move on the ground and escape from the full mount! He successfully moves to half guard! Sandoval launches a few weak punches. Jrue blocks them effectively. Sandoval attempts to move to full guard. Jrue keeps good control and remains in half guard. Sandoval tries to close the guard. Nothing from this effort. Asher Jrue tries to pass Ricardo Sandoval's guard...Asher Jrue manages to get his leg free and moves to side mount but before he can make anything of it the buzzer sounds, marking the end of the round. The ref tells the fighters to go to their corner.]
KENNARD ROZIER
The tale of two rounds. Asher even with the bloody face looks more refreshed than Ricardo. That showed in the round.
MICHAEL SANTOS
Simba rallied in a big way in this round, keeping Sandoval mostly as bay and applying a great choke that almost finished the fight. He took this round for me.
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ROUND THREE
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[A wicked punch by Asher Jrue rocks Sandoval! Sandoval fakes a punch and launches himself over Asher Jrue. Jrue counters with a few fake punches and then backpedals. Jrue throws a one-two combo then fakes a move to fire a big right hand on the chin! The strikes hit home! Sandoval's Chin is bruised after the punishement he's received! Jrue's blood is still making stains in the mat. Asher Jrue fakes a punch and launches himself over Ricardo Sandoval. Great move by Jrue who pushes his opponent under a troublesome thai clinch.]
MICHAEL SANTOS
This has swung completely 180, Jrue is outstriking The Havana Nightmare with some great shots and nimble footwork! I don’t know what his cornermen are telling him during the breaks but it's damn sure working!
[Despite his advantage, Asher Jrue continues to bleed from that cut. It could be affecting his vision. Jrue struggles and launches a few punches to Sandoval's head Those punches are hitting! Sandoval covers up. Asher Jrue's face is covered in blood. He may be having problems seeing as he wipes the blood out of his eyes. Sandoval launches a few hard punches to Asher Jrue's ribs! Jrue struggles and protects himself. Asher Jrue presses forward and ties Sandoval up in the clinch, before he launches another series of punches! A lot of them are hitting Sandoval hard, who may be wondering how to escape from this!]
KENNARD ROZIER
Sandoval doesn't have much left in the tank. He's breathing heavy out there.
MICHAEL SANTOS
And now he’s trapped in the clinch! Jrue felt Ricardo’s aggression wain in the last round, and has come out swinging in this last round trying to end this!
[Ricardo Sandoval tries to shrug his way out of the clinch. Jrue is determined to work from the clinch. He pummeled through and managed to retain his position. Jrue hammers Sandoval face and hooks Sandoval leg. Ricardo Sandoval is on his back after that trip. Asher Jrue is in closed guard over Sandoval. Jrue is in closed guard... Sandoval tries to roll on the ground! Asher Jrue uses his leg to keep his position on the ground. Sandoval launches a few weak punches.]
KENNARD ROZIER
That trip was pretty as fuck.
[Jrue blocks them effectively. Asher Jrue is looking to pass Ricardo Sandoval's guard...Asher Jrue gets his hips free and moves to half guard.Deep breaths from Ricardo Sandoval who tries a hammer punch to Jrue's ribs. Jrue blocks those punches. Jrue sits over his knees and pushes away Sandoval's leg! Asher Jrue is able to put away his leg and then jumps to side mount. Asher Jrue isolates Ricardo Sandoval's right arm looking for an armbar. Jrue is locking that armbar… That armbar from Asher Jrue appears to be unbreakable. ]
MICHAEL SANTOS
Asher has that armbar locked in tight! Sandoval isn’t tapping but there’s no way he’s getting out this time!
[Sandoval struggles to free himself, that armbar looks tight... Punishing hold! Crippling lock! Dusty Whittaker breaks Asher Jrue's lock! This is over! Sandoval didn't want to tap but the ref decided he wouldn't be able to escape from it and the bloody faced Asher Jrue bounces to his feet cheering around the cage.]
KENNARD ROZIER
It's over people!!!
MICHAEL SANTOS
That’s it! What a fight between two very game middleweights. Simba is a very apt nickname because he fought with the heart of a lion in this fight, bloody face and all. That said though, Sandoval had a great showing as well. That gasntank in later rounds is a problem, but there definite talent there.
Winner: Asher Jrue by Submission (Armbar) at 2:26 Round 3
Statistics: Ricardo Sandoval
Punches 25/38 (66%)
Kicks 1/3 (33%)
Clinch strikes 3/13 (23%)
Takedowns 1/3 (33%)
GnP strikes 0/27 (0%)
Submissions 1/1 (100%)
Clinch Attempts 1/2 (50%)
Time on the ground 309 s
Statistics: Asher Jrue
Punches 24/31 (77%)
Kicks 0/0 (0%)
Clinch strikes 5/8 (62%)
Takedowns 4/4 (100%)
GnP strikes 0/0 (0%)
Submissions 5/5 (100%)
Clinch Attempts 1/1 (100%)
Time on the ground 309 s