Strikeforce Challengers 19 Live Results and Play-by-Play
Sep 23, 2011
Sherdog.com will report from the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas
at approximately 9 p.m. ET with play-by-play and live results of
Strikeforce
Challengers 19, which is headlined by a light heavyweight clash
between unbeaten Lorenz
Larkin and Nick
Rossborough.
Check out the MMA Forums to discuss the card.
Click here for quick results.
Press F5 on your keyboard to refresh this page, as play-by-play is updated in real time.
Round 1
Hard body kick by Davis. Mulhern shoots in but he's stuffed. Davis flies in with a loopy left/right but both punches miss. Davis cracks his foe with a left hook but it's glancing; Mulhern clinches. Mulhern has double underhooks but Davis has a great center of gravity, preventing the takedown. Mulhern unfurls a series of knees but most are blocked. They separate and Mulhern sticks a left jab in Davis' face. Davis launches but just misses a straight right hand. Hard kick to the body by Davis but Mulhern catches his foot and scores a nice single leg. David springs back to his feet but he's quickly pressed into the cage again. Not much action with a minute left. Finally they separate and Davis charges after his opponent. Hard low kick by Davis with ten seconds left. Close round but Mulhern edged him. 10-9 Mulhern.
Round 2
Davis opens the round with two low kicks. Mulhern fights back with a right/left, but neither punch lands clean. Davis answers with a right hook and Mulhern shoots in. Davis stuffs him and presses his foe against the cage. Davis reverses position, only to eat a grazing knee to the head. Mulhern eventually reverses but can't bring him down. Davis lands a series of hammer blows until Mulhern pulls guard. Davis backs away to let up the now-exhausted Mulhern. Mulhern tries to pull guard again but Davis has none of it. Davis lands a hard right elbow to the head during a clinch, which opens a cut on the hairline. Both men are now gasping for air. Mulhern pulls guard but slips into a weak guillotine. He scrambles out and seizes Davis' back. He can't sink the choke and instead lands several punches from the top. Close round again. 10-9 Davis.
Round 3
They exchange feeler jabs until Mulhern shoots in for the double. He nails it and pins Davis against the cage. Davis scrambles to his knees and Mulhern holds him there. Mulhern slowly creeps around and takes his back with one hook in. Davis rolls over to avoid the choke, only to eat a series of strikes. Mulhern scoots into a full mount and rains down a torrent of punches and elbows. Davis bucks him off for a moment but Mulhern snakes back into full mount. Many elbows fall from the sky but Davis is blocking them all. They scramble but Mulhern seizes his back, trying to sink the rear naked. Davis again rolls over and is mounted. Mulhern latches on an arm triangle from the mount. It's deep and Davis eventually taps out. The official time of the submission is 4:08 of round three.
Joe Ray vs. Christopher Spang
Round 1
Very hard low kick by Ray immediately. Another. Hard push kick by Spang but it's mostly blocked. Ray whiffs on a kick to the body and then eats a stiff left jab. Ray answers with another punishing low kick. Ray lands a left hook which elicits an eruption of punches and kicks from Spang. They clinch after Spang just misses a head kick. They separate and stalk each other. Not much happens for several moments until a spinning-back kick is dug into Ray's torso. Spang is using his reach well now and lands a head kick and a left hook. It startles Ray but he recovers quickly. Very close round. 10-9 Spang.
Round 2
Hard kick to the body by Spang opens the round. Ray lands a left hook but quickly eats a left hook of his own. Ray is having a tough time breaking past Spang's reach so he tries a spinning-back fist. It's blocked. Ray finally digs another stinging low kick. Hard right hand lead by Spang awakens the silent crowd. Brutal low kick almost takes Spang off his feet. He smiles at Ray for the blow. Spang fires off a right/left head kick combo but the muay Thai fighter blocks them both. Another smacking kick rattles the Vegas fighter's leg. Ray swings wildly at the horn but misses all of his strikes. 10-9 Spang.
Round 3
Two low kicks land for Ray; Spang's left leg is now a reddened, swollen mess. Spang rattles off a two-punch combo but Ray blocks them. Spang lands a straight right hand and then clinches. With both underhooks, he scoops up and body slams his opponent. Spang lands a series of a moderate hammer strikes until Ray sucks him him into half guard. Spang delivers several left hands until Ray scrambles to his feet. They exchange punches until Ray crushes Spang's groin with an accidental kick. He takes about 40 seconds to recover and then the fight resumes. Ray unfurls three left kicks and then a four-punch combo. Ray lands another errant groin kick and Winslow sternly warns him about not doing it again. The fight resumes and Ray hurts him with a left hook/right cross. They clinch and Spang latches on a guillotine and drops to his back. It's not very tight and Ray punches his way out. 10-9 Ray.
Official scores: Judges Weeks, Byrd and Smith all see it 29-28 for Spang, the winner by unanimous decision.
Bobby Green vs. Charon Spain
Round 1
Green storms out aggressively and forces Spain back on his heels. Though not much is coming from Green, he seems to have spooked Spain a little; he's extremely defensive. They clinch and Spain is floored by a knee to the head. Green pounces all over him and rains down a torrent of elbows but Spain covers up well. He blocks them all but Green quickly moves to side control. Spain spins to try and kick off the cage to scramble but he's stuffed. Green is all over Spain bur he's prevented from landing any strikes. Now in north-south position, Spain is trying to spin out and pull guard. Spain scrambles up and trips Green. Green lands in Spain's full guard. Green scoots out to half guard and lands an elbow to the body. 10-9 Green.
Round 2
Spain opens the round with a low kick. Green charges right at his foe again and swarms him with bombs. He misses a huge left hook and is taken down. They scramble and wind up with Green stuck in Spain's full guard. Green escapes and presses Spain into the cage. Hard knee to the body by Green. Spain pulls him into half guard and tries an arm triangle from the bottom but quickly loses it. Green shucks him away and seizes his back. Green pours on the attrition and bombards him with punches and elbows before locking on a fight-endeding arm-triangle choke. The official time of the second-round submission is 2:54.
Magno Almeida vs. James Terry
Round 1
Almeida lands a groin kick right away. When the fight resumes, Terry comes right at him. Almeida fires a low kick and a body kick. Terry's awkward stance and striking seems to have zero affect on Almeida's gameplan. Terry misses a wild right hand, now a left. Almeida lands his second accidental groin kick and he's sternly warned. Terry charges at Almeida and lands a straight right hand. Almeida fires back with a right of his own. Terry is very aggressive but he's ineffective; Almeida's low kicks are keeping him at bay. An overhand right staggers Almeida and he stumbles into the cage. Terry swarms him and misses an atomic left hand bomb. He follows with a compact left hand and flattens him with an overhand right. Almeida is out on his knees. The official time of the KO is 3:21 of the opening frame.
Brian Melancon vs. Felipe Portela
Round 1
The fighters touch gloves after referee Kim Winslow starts the party. Melancon leads with four hooks, but Portela blocks the majority and circles out. Melancon lands a jab. Both men whiff on counters. Melancon leads with a left hook and follows with a one-two. Portela misses a leg kick. Melancon is still the aggressor, but Portela finds a home for the leg kick. Melancon returns the favor. Melancon is stalking his man and lands a stiff jab. Portela scores with a hard leg kick. Melancon lands one of his own. Portela catches Melancon coming in with a body kick and follows with a right hand. The men exchange, and Melancon grabs a Thai plum. Portela breaks the hold after eating a knee to the belly. Portela lands a nice counter right hand. Melancon shoots a single, but Portela defends, using the cage to keep his vertical base. Melancon keeps digging and hits a sweet high crotch, hoisting Portela nearly above his head before slamming him down and landing in north-south. Portela pops right back up, however, and they clinch against the cage before separating. Portela lands a sharp counter right hand and then a front kick. Melancon lands a left hook to the body, but Portela counters with a hard kick to the ribs. Portela shoots, but Melancon stuffs it and ends up on top in side control. 10-9 Melancon.
Round 2
Melancon leads with a left hand to start the second, but Portela lands another straight right. Accidental low blow from Portela on a kick. Melancon takes a little walk to recover. Portela lands a body kick and a right hand. Both men throw wildly, but neither lands. Glancing hook from Melancon. Double jab from Portela. Melancon charges with an uppercut and lands a hard right hook. Melancon charges again, but Portela catches him with that right hand once again. Another leg kick from Portela. Left hook-straight right from Portela. Melancon wings some serious leather, but whiffs on the shots and eats a right hook. Portela measuring distance now with a body kick that is blocked. Melancon shoots a single, but Portela defends. Melancon stands and grabs a collar-tie, landing a short right. They break out of the clinch. Brutal left hook to the liver and an overhand right from Melancon. Stiff jab from Melancon. Counter right hand from Portela. Melancon checks a low kick and lands a sharp one of his own. Portela now with an inside low kick. Portela digs for a double and it's deep. The Brazilian finishes the takedown, but Melancon is seated. Now Portela lands a nice knee to the high-chest, but Kim Winslow thinks it's to the face. Melancon says it isn't, and she restarts them in the same position. Back on the feet, Melancon lands a punch combination that floors Portela as the round expires. 10-9 Melancon.
Round 3
Slower pace to start the final frame. Portela lands a dynamite leg kick, and follows with another. Melancon lands a sharp left hook and charges with a right uppercut and then a right straight. Melancon cracks “Balboa” with a leg kick. Portela is still throwing, but Melancon is wading through everything he has. Another brutal left hook to the body and overhand right from Melancon. Right low kick and a hard jab from Melancon. Portela seems to be fading. Never mind, as Portela lands a sweet left hook to the body and then a right high kick that slaps his shorter foe's cheek. Jab from Melancon. Double leg takedown by Melancon. Portela is butt-scooting, but Melancon has control of his waist. Portela scrambles to his feet. Ninety seconds to go. Portela throws a storm of straights and lands a knee. Melancon now backing up briefly, but he hits another double-leg, landing in half-guard. Portela escapes to his feet and tries a takedown, but Melancon sprawls as the fight ends. 10-9 (30-27) Melancon.
Official scores: Judges Adalaide Byrd (29-28), Tony Weeks (29-28) and Mark Smith (30-27) all have it for the winner by unanimous decision, Brian Melancon.
Jason High vs. Todd Moore
Round 1
High comes out swinging and lands a left hand. Moore lands an inside leg kick, but eats a sharp right hook. High now elevates his man and takes him down. Now he's looking for an arm-triangle, and it's not looking good for Moore, who tries to hang on to half-guard. High has now abandoned the choke and is looking to pound and then pass. Moore continues to throw from the bottom, but High is still in control. Moore is shrimping now, but High drops an elbow on his man. Moore recovers guard, but High is already working to pass again. Now High looks for a guillotine and may try for a D'arce, but he bails on it. High passes to mount now and drops a hard right hand. Moore is turning away, and High comes down with an elbow. Moore recovers half guard as the round ends. 10-9 High.
Round 2
Steve Mazzagatti starts round two. High lunges for an overhand left and takes an incidental punt to the cup. High recovers quickly, but Moore jumps in and lands a left hand. High responds with a nice takedown, and he is back in top control from half guard. Same routine, different round, as High is fishing for a pass and and arm-triangle position. Moore squirts out, however, and turns the tides, putting High on his back. High scrambles, and Moore tries to take his back, but he's riding too high. High shucks him off and lands back in half guard. High now looking for an arm-in guillotine. Moore recovers guard, now. High breaks it and passes to half again. Both men land potshots as the horn sounds. 10-9 High.
Round 3
Moore lunges in with a one-two, but High slips it and hits a power-double. Moore tries a straight armbar, but High throws his legs aside and passes to half guard. Someone is cut, but it's unclear whence the blood is dripping. Moore sits up, but High counters with an arm-in guillotine. Moore rolls with him, and High is back on top. Moore is the one who is cut, apparently, as the back of his head is lacerated. High is still trying for that arm-in choke, but Moore defends well and digs for a single. Periodic boos make their way to the Showtime Sports boom mics, as does one, errant “moo” from one fan. High still on top, landing light shots to Moore's face. Moore has full guard again, but he has nothing for High. 10-9 High.
Official scores: All three judges have it 30-27 for the winner by unanimous decision, Jason High.
Ryan Couture vs. Maka Watson
Round 1
Couture slips a combination and secures a body lock. Couture now scales him like a monkey and has his back while Watson stands against the cage. Couture is digging for a rear-naked choke, but he's too far on the side to find the squeeze. Watson now falls to his back, and Couture has both hooks in. Couture now has the body triangle, and Watson is continually peppering him with shots over his shoulder. Watson turns into him, and Couture snatches up an arm-triangle. It looks deep, but Watson defends well and refuses to submit. Couture gives it up and once again takes Watson's back. Ninety seconds to go. Couture attacking, Watson defending. Watson scrambles and escapes, standing above Couture, now, and reigning down punches. Couture is keeping him honest with sweep attempts and tries for an armbar as time expires, though he eats an elbow as well. 10-9 Couture.
Round 2
Couture has a gash on his forehead from the elbow. Couture tries a front kick to gauge distance. The men trade low kicks, and Couture lands a knee. Couture slips a combo and executes the same takedown he used in round one. Couture now has Watson's back once more. Cat and mouse again from back control, as Watson defends the rear-naked choke well. Couture has the body triangle again, but Watson will not relent. Couture fishing for another arm-triangle, and he's mounted again. Watson is out, though, and he's now on top, dropping leather. Couture's guard is solid, however, and he tries for a straight armbar. Watson looks like he wants to go for a “Shogun”-style jump-stomp, but instead he drops some more punches. 10-9 Watson.
Round 3
Couture lunges forward this time, and it's Watson who scores a takedown. Couture stands, but Watson drives him down one more time. Couture executes a gorgeous sweep and lands in mount. Watson gives up his back, and Couture now has that body triangle again. Couture now in mount, and he's looking to maul with short punches while he grapevines Watson's legs. Couture now postures up and he's throwing down some ground and pound reminiscent of his father's style. Couture slides up into a higher mount, perhaps thinking armbar. Watson exposes his back once more, however, and Couture take the gift, landing lateral elbows to Watson's dome. Couture, now mounted, tries for a topside triangle, but Watson escapes. Couture recovers and lands on top as the exciting bout comes to a close. 10-9 Couture (29-28 Couture).
Official scores: Judge Adalaide Byrd scores the fight a 28-28 draw, while judges Glen Trowbridge and Patricia Jarman both see it 29-28 for your winner by majority decision, Ryan Couture.
Lavar Johnson vs. Shawn Jordan
Round 1
Kim Winslow starts the heavyweight attraction. Jordan fakes a shot, and Jonson reacts. Jordan lands an awkward short left, and it looks like Johnson's eye is hurt. Jordan hits a hip toss and lands in side control. Jordan appears to be looking for a crucifix submission, but he gives it up and settles into straight side control. Kim Winslow calls for time, and the doctor will now look at Johnson's right eye, under which there is a nasty mouse. Winslow restarts the bout on the feet on the grounds of inactivity. Good news for Johnson, and he lands a nice combination. Johnson now pins Jordan against the cage, but Jordan retorts with a hard right hand. Johnson lands a nice inside leg kick. Jordan is dancing on the outside, looking for a takedown. Johnson pins him against the cage, but Jordan counters with a nice high-crotch. Jordan transitions to mount and lands chopping elbows to end the frame. 10-9 Jordan.
Round 2
The men touch gloves to start round two. Johnson pursues with a double jab. Jordan lands a one-two and then looping hook. Johnson cracks Jordan with a leg kick in response. Johnson looks frustrated, winging hooks before landing a big knee. Jordan retorts with a superman punch, and Johnson pounds his own face to pump up the crowd. Easy takedown by Jordan, who is working for a keylock from half guard. Johnson grimaces in pain and taps out at the 3:08 mark of round two.
Lorenz Larkin vs. Nick Rossborough
Round 1
Steve Mazzagatti will oversee this light heavyweight main event. The men touch gloves to start. Rossborough takes an outside leg kick and charges forward. Larkin slips out and circles away, launching a leaping round kick that is blocked. Rossborough is smothering him and working his way inside while landing short punches. Rossborough now has the clinch against the cage. Larkin connects with a hard knee to the thigh, but Rossborough lands several of his own. Larkin reverses the position and now has his taller foe against the fence. Larkin is still attacking the legs while Rossborough works the dirty boxing in the single collar tie. They separate, and Larkin lands a leg kick. Larkin blocks several shots with his back against the cage and lands a clean uppercut of his own. Heel strikes to the calf from Rossborough. Rossborough tries for a takedown, but Larkin is relentless with those heel strikes. The pair trade uppercuts in the clinch and separate. Rossborough lands a push kick as the round expires. Sherdog.com sees the round an even 10-10.
Round 2
Larkin opens with a hard low kick and whiffs on a kick upstairs. Rossborough lunges forward and lands a left hook. He tries the same move, but misses the punch. Larkin wings some wild hooks, but nothing lands. Rossborough walks through his punches and pins him against the cage, unleashing a combo of punches and elbows to Larkin's head and forearms. After several moments of inactivity, Mazzagatti restarts them standing. Rossborough is still moving forward, but Larkin digs in a hard leg kick again. Rossborough pushes forward and clinches again. Larkin spins out and lands a two-punch combination to the guts and then a sharp leg kick. Rossborough pushes forward and clinches against the cage with only a minute to go in the round. Both men land punches and elbows in the clinch, but Rossborough seems to be getting the better of the exchanges. Larkin briefly takes Rossborough's back standing and drags him to the mat as the horn sounds. 10-9 Larkin.
Round 3
Rossborough eats a pair of kicks, but he walks through them and starts roughing Larkin up with short punches. Larkin appears to be on the proverbial ropes, but he ends all that with one perfectly-placed knee to Rossborough's body. Rossborough collapses to his back, but Larkin cannot finish. Rossborough stands. Larkin goes back to the body with a straight shot, but his man won't go away. The fight hits the floor, with Larkin ending up in top position. Working from guard, Larkin is dropping short elbows to the body with punches to Rossborough's face. Ninety seconds left, and Larkin plasters an elbow across Rossborough's grill. Rossborough is in desperation mode now, fishing for an armbar from his back. A gash has opened on Rossborough's forehead, but he's still trying for that armbar. Larkin jerks his arm out, however, passing to side control and dropping more elbows. Rossborough manages to sit up, but he's getting the worst of it while covered in his own blood. 10-9 Larkin (30-28 Larkin).
Official scores: Two judges see the bout 30-27, and a third offers a score of 29-28 all for the winner by unanimous decision, Lorenz Larkin.
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Quinn Mulhern vs. Danny Davis
Jr.
Round 1
Hard body kick by Davis. Mulhern shoots in but he's stuffed. Davis flies in with a loopy left/right but both punches miss. Davis cracks his foe with a left hook but it's glancing; Mulhern clinches. Mulhern has double underhooks but Davis has a great center of gravity, preventing the takedown. Mulhern unfurls a series of knees but most are blocked. They separate and Mulhern sticks a left jab in Davis' face. Davis launches but just misses a straight right hand. Hard kick to the body by Davis but Mulhern catches his foot and scores a nice single leg. David springs back to his feet but he's quickly pressed into the cage again. Not much action with a minute left. Finally they separate and Davis charges after his opponent. Hard low kick by Davis with ten seconds left. Close round but Mulhern edged him. 10-9 Mulhern.
Round 2
Davis opens the round with two low kicks. Mulhern fights back with a right/left, but neither punch lands clean. Davis answers with a right hook and Mulhern shoots in. Davis stuffs him and presses his foe against the cage. Davis reverses position, only to eat a grazing knee to the head. Mulhern eventually reverses but can't bring him down. Davis lands a series of hammer blows until Mulhern pulls guard. Davis backs away to let up the now-exhausted Mulhern. Mulhern tries to pull guard again but Davis has none of it. Davis lands a hard right elbow to the head during a clinch, which opens a cut on the hairline. Both men are now gasping for air. Mulhern pulls guard but slips into a weak guillotine. He scrambles out and seizes Davis' back. He can't sink the choke and instead lands several punches from the top. Close round again. 10-9 Davis.
Round 3
They exchange feeler jabs until Mulhern shoots in for the double. He nails it and pins Davis against the cage. Davis scrambles to his knees and Mulhern holds him there. Mulhern slowly creeps around and takes his back with one hook in. Davis rolls over to avoid the choke, only to eat a series of strikes. Mulhern scoots into a full mount and rains down a torrent of punches and elbows. Davis bucks him off for a moment but Mulhern snakes back into full mount. Many elbows fall from the sky but Davis is blocking them all. They scramble but Mulhern seizes his back, trying to sink the rear naked. Davis again rolls over and is mounted. Mulhern latches on an arm triangle from the mount. It's deep and Davis eventually taps out. The official time of the submission is 4:08 of round three.
Joe Ray vs. Christopher Spang
Round 1
Very hard low kick by Ray immediately. Another. Hard push kick by Spang but it's mostly blocked. Ray whiffs on a kick to the body and then eats a stiff left jab. Ray answers with another punishing low kick. Ray lands a left hook which elicits an eruption of punches and kicks from Spang. They clinch after Spang just misses a head kick. They separate and stalk each other. Not much happens for several moments until a spinning-back kick is dug into Ray's torso. Spang is using his reach well now and lands a head kick and a left hook. It startles Ray but he recovers quickly. Very close round. 10-9 Spang.
Round 2
Hard kick to the body by Spang opens the round. Ray lands a left hook but quickly eats a left hook of his own. Ray is having a tough time breaking past Spang's reach so he tries a spinning-back fist. It's blocked. Ray finally digs another stinging low kick. Hard right hand lead by Spang awakens the silent crowd. Brutal low kick almost takes Spang off his feet. He smiles at Ray for the blow. Spang fires off a right/left head kick combo but the muay Thai fighter blocks them both. Another smacking kick rattles the Vegas fighter's leg. Ray swings wildly at the horn but misses all of his strikes. 10-9 Spang.
Round 3
Two low kicks land for Ray; Spang's left leg is now a reddened, swollen mess. Spang rattles off a two-punch combo but Ray blocks them. Spang lands a straight right hand and then clinches. With both underhooks, he scoops up and body slams his opponent. Spang lands a series of a moderate hammer strikes until Ray sucks him him into half guard. Spang delivers several left hands until Ray scrambles to his feet. They exchange punches until Ray crushes Spang's groin with an accidental kick. He takes about 40 seconds to recover and then the fight resumes. Ray unfurls three left kicks and then a four-punch combo. Ray lands another errant groin kick and Winslow sternly warns him about not doing it again. The fight resumes and Ray hurts him with a left hook/right cross. They clinch and Spang latches on a guillotine and drops to his back. It's not very tight and Ray punches his way out. 10-9 Ray.
Official scores: Judges Weeks, Byrd and Smith all see it 29-28 for Spang, the winner by unanimous decision.
Bobby Green vs. Charon Spain
Round 1
Green storms out aggressively and forces Spain back on his heels. Though not much is coming from Green, he seems to have spooked Spain a little; he's extremely defensive. They clinch and Spain is floored by a knee to the head. Green pounces all over him and rains down a torrent of elbows but Spain covers up well. He blocks them all but Green quickly moves to side control. Spain spins to try and kick off the cage to scramble but he's stuffed. Green is all over Spain bur he's prevented from landing any strikes. Now in north-south position, Spain is trying to spin out and pull guard. Spain scrambles up and trips Green. Green lands in Spain's full guard. Green scoots out to half guard and lands an elbow to the body. 10-9 Green.
Round 2
Spain opens the round with a low kick. Green charges right at his foe again and swarms him with bombs. He misses a huge left hook and is taken down. They scramble and wind up with Green stuck in Spain's full guard. Green escapes and presses Spain into the cage. Hard knee to the body by Green. Spain pulls him into half guard and tries an arm triangle from the bottom but quickly loses it. Green shucks him away and seizes his back. Green pours on the attrition and bombards him with punches and elbows before locking on a fight-endeding arm-triangle choke. The official time of the second-round submission is 2:54.
Magno Almeida vs. James Terry
Round 1
Almeida lands a groin kick right away. When the fight resumes, Terry comes right at him. Almeida fires a low kick and a body kick. Terry's awkward stance and striking seems to have zero affect on Almeida's gameplan. Terry misses a wild right hand, now a left. Almeida lands his second accidental groin kick and he's sternly warned. Terry charges at Almeida and lands a straight right hand. Almeida fires back with a right of his own. Terry is very aggressive but he's ineffective; Almeida's low kicks are keeping him at bay. An overhand right staggers Almeida and he stumbles into the cage. Terry swarms him and misses an atomic left hand bomb. He follows with a compact left hand and flattens him with an overhand right. Almeida is out on his knees. The official time of the KO is 3:21 of the opening frame.
Brian Melancon vs. Felipe Portela
Round 1
The fighters touch gloves after referee Kim Winslow starts the party. Melancon leads with four hooks, but Portela blocks the majority and circles out. Melancon lands a jab. Both men whiff on counters. Melancon leads with a left hook and follows with a one-two. Portela misses a leg kick. Melancon is still the aggressor, but Portela finds a home for the leg kick. Melancon returns the favor. Melancon is stalking his man and lands a stiff jab. Portela scores with a hard leg kick. Melancon lands one of his own. Portela catches Melancon coming in with a body kick and follows with a right hand. The men exchange, and Melancon grabs a Thai plum. Portela breaks the hold after eating a knee to the belly. Portela lands a nice counter right hand. Melancon shoots a single, but Portela defends, using the cage to keep his vertical base. Melancon keeps digging and hits a sweet high crotch, hoisting Portela nearly above his head before slamming him down and landing in north-south. Portela pops right back up, however, and they clinch against the cage before separating. Portela lands a sharp counter right hand and then a front kick. Melancon lands a left hook to the body, but Portela counters with a hard kick to the ribs. Portela shoots, but Melancon stuffs it and ends up on top in side control. 10-9 Melancon.
Round 2
Melancon leads with a left hand to start the second, but Portela lands another straight right. Accidental low blow from Portela on a kick. Melancon takes a little walk to recover. Portela lands a body kick and a right hand. Both men throw wildly, but neither lands. Glancing hook from Melancon. Double jab from Portela. Melancon charges with an uppercut and lands a hard right hook. Melancon charges again, but Portela catches him with that right hand once again. Another leg kick from Portela. Left hook-straight right from Portela. Melancon wings some serious leather, but whiffs on the shots and eats a right hook. Portela measuring distance now with a body kick that is blocked. Melancon shoots a single, but Portela defends. Melancon stands and grabs a collar-tie, landing a short right. They break out of the clinch. Brutal left hook to the liver and an overhand right from Melancon. Stiff jab from Melancon. Counter right hand from Portela. Melancon checks a low kick and lands a sharp one of his own. Portela now with an inside low kick. Portela digs for a double and it's deep. The Brazilian finishes the takedown, but Melancon is seated. Now Portela lands a nice knee to the high-chest, but Kim Winslow thinks it's to the face. Melancon says it isn't, and she restarts them in the same position. Back on the feet, Melancon lands a punch combination that floors Portela as the round expires. 10-9 Melancon.
Round 3
Slower pace to start the final frame. Portela lands a dynamite leg kick, and follows with another. Melancon lands a sharp left hook and charges with a right uppercut and then a right straight. Melancon cracks “Balboa” with a leg kick. Portela is still throwing, but Melancon is wading through everything he has. Another brutal left hook to the body and overhand right from Melancon. Right low kick and a hard jab from Melancon. Portela seems to be fading. Never mind, as Portela lands a sweet left hook to the body and then a right high kick that slaps his shorter foe's cheek. Jab from Melancon. Double leg takedown by Melancon. Portela is butt-scooting, but Melancon has control of his waist. Portela scrambles to his feet. Ninety seconds to go. Portela throws a storm of straights and lands a knee. Melancon now backing up briefly, but he hits another double-leg, landing in half-guard. Portela escapes to his feet and tries a takedown, but Melancon sprawls as the fight ends. 10-9 (30-27) Melancon.
Official scores: Judges Adalaide Byrd (29-28), Tony Weeks (29-28) and Mark Smith (30-27) all have it for the winner by unanimous decision, Brian Melancon.
Jason High vs. Todd Moore
Round 1
High comes out swinging and lands a left hand. Moore lands an inside leg kick, but eats a sharp right hook. High now elevates his man and takes him down. Now he's looking for an arm-triangle, and it's not looking good for Moore, who tries to hang on to half-guard. High has now abandoned the choke and is looking to pound and then pass. Moore continues to throw from the bottom, but High is still in control. Moore is shrimping now, but High drops an elbow on his man. Moore recovers guard, but High is already working to pass again. Now High looks for a guillotine and may try for a D'arce, but he bails on it. High passes to mount now and drops a hard right hand. Moore is turning away, and High comes down with an elbow. Moore recovers half guard as the round ends. 10-9 High.
Round 2
Steve Mazzagatti starts round two. High lunges for an overhand left and takes an incidental punt to the cup. High recovers quickly, but Moore jumps in and lands a left hand. High responds with a nice takedown, and he is back in top control from half guard. Same routine, different round, as High is fishing for a pass and and arm-triangle position. Moore squirts out, however, and turns the tides, putting High on his back. High scrambles, and Moore tries to take his back, but he's riding too high. High shucks him off and lands back in half guard. High now looking for an arm-in guillotine. Moore recovers guard, now. High breaks it and passes to half again. Both men land potshots as the horn sounds. 10-9 High.
Round 3
Moore lunges in with a one-two, but High slips it and hits a power-double. Moore tries a straight armbar, but High throws his legs aside and passes to half guard. Someone is cut, but it's unclear whence the blood is dripping. Moore sits up, but High counters with an arm-in guillotine. Moore rolls with him, and High is back on top. Moore is the one who is cut, apparently, as the back of his head is lacerated. High is still trying for that arm-in choke, but Moore defends well and digs for a single. Periodic boos make their way to the Showtime Sports boom mics, as does one, errant “moo” from one fan. High still on top, landing light shots to Moore's face. Moore has full guard again, but he has nothing for High. 10-9 High.
Official scores: All three judges have it 30-27 for the winner by unanimous decision, Jason High.
Ryan Couture vs. Maka Watson
Round 1
Couture slips a combination and secures a body lock. Couture now scales him like a monkey and has his back while Watson stands against the cage. Couture is digging for a rear-naked choke, but he's too far on the side to find the squeeze. Watson now falls to his back, and Couture has both hooks in. Couture now has the body triangle, and Watson is continually peppering him with shots over his shoulder. Watson turns into him, and Couture snatches up an arm-triangle. It looks deep, but Watson defends well and refuses to submit. Couture gives it up and once again takes Watson's back. Ninety seconds to go. Couture attacking, Watson defending. Watson scrambles and escapes, standing above Couture, now, and reigning down punches. Couture is keeping him honest with sweep attempts and tries for an armbar as time expires, though he eats an elbow as well. 10-9 Couture.
Round 2
Couture has a gash on his forehead from the elbow. Couture tries a front kick to gauge distance. The men trade low kicks, and Couture lands a knee. Couture slips a combo and executes the same takedown he used in round one. Couture now has Watson's back once more. Cat and mouse again from back control, as Watson defends the rear-naked choke well. Couture has the body triangle again, but Watson will not relent. Couture fishing for another arm-triangle, and he's mounted again. Watson is out, though, and he's now on top, dropping leather. Couture's guard is solid, however, and he tries for a straight armbar. Watson looks like he wants to go for a “Shogun”-style jump-stomp, but instead he drops some more punches. 10-9 Watson.
Round 3
Couture lunges forward this time, and it's Watson who scores a takedown. Couture stands, but Watson drives him down one more time. Couture executes a gorgeous sweep and lands in mount. Watson gives up his back, and Couture now has that body triangle again. Couture now in mount, and he's looking to maul with short punches while he grapevines Watson's legs. Couture now postures up and he's throwing down some ground and pound reminiscent of his father's style. Couture slides up into a higher mount, perhaps thinking armbar. Watson exposes his back once more, however, and Couture take the gift, landing lateral elbows to Watson's dome. Couture, now mounted, tries for a topside triangle, but Watson escapes. Couture recovers and lands on top as the exciting bout comes to a close. 10-9 Couture (29-28 Couture).
Official scores: Judge Adalaide Byrd scores the fight a 28-28 draw, while judges Glen Trowbridge and Patricia Jarman both see it 29-28 for your winner by majority decision, Ryan Couture.
Lavar Johnson vs. Shawn Jordan
Round 1
Kim Winslow starts the heavyweight attraction. Jordan fakes a shot, and Jonson reacts. Jordan lands an awkward short left, and it looks like Johnson's eye is hurt. Jordan hits a hip toss and lands in side control. Jordan appears to be looking for a crucifix submission, but he gives it up and settles into straight side control. Kim Winslow calls for time, and the doctor will now look at Johnson's right eye, under which there is a nasty mouse. Winslow restarts the bout on the feet on the grounds of inactivity. Good news for Johnson, and he lands a nice combination. Johnson now pins Jordan against the cage, but Jordan retorts with a hard right hand. Johnson lands a nice inside leg kick. Jordan is dancing on the outside, looking for a takedown. Johnson pins him against the cage, but Jordan counters with a nice high-crotch. Jordan transitions to mount and lands chopping elbows to end the frame. 10-9 Jordan.
Round 2
The men touch gloves to start round two. Johnson pursues with a double jab. Jordan lands a one-two and then looping hook. Johnson cracks Jordan with a leg kick in response. Johnson looks frustrated, winging hooks before landing a big knee. Jordan retorts with a superman punch, and Johnson pounds his own face to pump up the crowd. Easy takedown by Jordan, who is working for a keylock from half guard. Johnson grimaces in pain and taps out at the 3:08 mark of round two.
Lorenz Larkin vs. Nick Rossborough
Round 1
Steve Mazzagatti will oversee this light heavyweight main event. The men touch gloves to start. Rossborough takes an outside leg kick and charges forward. Larkin slips out and circles away, launching a leaping round kick that is blocked. Rossborough is smothering him and working his way inside while landing short punches. Rossborough now has the clinch against the cage. Larkin connects with a hard knee to the thigh, but Rossborough lands several of his own. Larkin reverses the position and now has his taller foe against the fence. Larkin is still attacking the legs while Rossborough works the dirty boxing in the single collar tie. They separate, and Larkin lands a leg kick. Larkin blocks several shots with his back against the cage and lands a clean uppercut of his own. Heel strikes to the calf from Rossborough. Rossborough tries for a takedown, but Larkin is relentless with those heel strikes. The pair trade uppercuts in the clinch and separate. Rossborough lands a push kick as the round expires. Sherdog.com sees the round an even 10-10.
Round 2
Larkin opens with a hard low kick and whiffs on a kick upstairs. Rossborough lunges forward and lands a left hook. He tries the same move, but misses the punch. Larkin wings some wild hooks, but nothing lands. Rossborough walks through his punches and pins him against the cage, unleashing a combo of punches and elbows to Larkin's head and forearms. After several moments of inactivity, Mazzagatti restarts them standing. Rossborough is still moving forward, but Larkin digs in a hard leg kick again. Rossborough pushes forward and clinches again. Larkin spins out and lands a two-punch combination to the guts and then a sharp leg kick. Rossborough pushes forward and clinches against the cage with only a minute to go in the round. Both men land punches and elbows in the clinch, but Rossborough seems to be getting the better of the exchanges. Larkin briefly takes Rossborough's back standing and drags him to the mat as the horn sounds. 10-9 Larkin.
Round 3
Rossborough eats a pair of kicks, but he walks through them and starts roughing Larkin up with short punches. Larkin appears to be on the proverbial ropes, but he ends all that with one perfectly-placed knee to Rossborough's body. Rossborough collapses to his back, but Larkin cannot finish. Rossborough stands. Larkin goes back to the body with a straight shot, but his man won't go away. The fight hits the floor, with Larkin ending up in top position. Working from guard, Larkin is dropping short elbows to the body with punches to Rossborough's face. Ninety seconds left, and Larkin plasters an elbow across Rossborough's grill. Rossborough is in desperation mode now, fishing for an armbar from his back. A gash has opened on Rossborough's forehead, but he's still trying for that armbar. Larkin jerks his arm out, however, passing to side control and dropping more elbows. Rossborough manages to sit up, but he's getting the worst of it while covered in his own blood. 10-9 Larkin (30-28 Larkin).
Official scores: Two judges see the bout 30-27, and a third offers a score of 29-28 all for the winner by unanimous decision, Lorenz Larkin.
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