UFFC 261: Rung vs Hagane from the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Commentary: Jon Anik and Daniel "DC" Comier
Prelim 1 Strawweight Bout: #10) Neapolitan vs NR) Marinette Dupain-Cheng
#10) Neapolitan Name Marinette Dupain- Cheng
23 Age 18
5'0" Height 5'1"
99 Weight 111
58" Reach 59"
Result: Marinette Dupain-Cheng via TKO (2:42 in second round.) Becomes #10) ranked strawweight.
Prelim 2 Heavyweight Bout: #10 Aguma vs #13 Yatsuhashi Daichi
#10) Aguma Name #13) Yatsuhashi Daichi
25 Age 20
6'4 Height 7'0
258 Weight 228
76" Reach 78"
Results: Aguma via first round TKO (1:24 into first)
Aguma moves up to 9th and Yatsuhashi moves down to 14th
Narrator: "Tonight with one title fight and two fights that could send ripples through the title picture take place." It shows Wilson knocking out Belladonna and then Valentine choking out Xiao Long. "Two of the top five Bantamweight Contenders face off with Championship contention up for grabs." It shows Bray Swanson hitting Beuford with a body kick that causes his body to shut down. "As two Heavyweight Contenders collide in the co-main event." Benkei is shown stuffing a takedown from Neji and he picks him up onto his feet and lands some bombs of shots as Neji falls over unconscious. "And in the main event the Welterweight Championship is on the line as former WBBA Welterweight champion looks to add the UFFC's title to his collection." It shows Gingka laying down brutal ground and pound on Tsubasa. "But to do that he must get past one of the most dominating champions the division has seen." Kilik Rung is shown hitting Double D with a right hook that floors him and he clearly is out of it and Herb Dean jumps in. "This is UFFC 261: Rung vs Hagane."
Anik: "Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to UFFC 261: Rung vs Hagane, brought to you by Venom, the official outfitter of the UFFC. I am Jon Anik and I am joined by my broadcast partner DC, Daniel Cormier. DC we know that in the Welterweight Division there are some good strikers but none has been as educated in the art of the jab as the Champion Kilik Rung who is fighting a good wrestler who also has good stand up in the number two ranked Welterweight contender in Gingka Hagane.
DC: "Both men have mastered their craft and it all comes down to who can put out their game plan before their opponent."
Anik: "Now let's go over the rules of the Octagon. Each fight consists of three, five minute rounds and Championship and Main Events consist of five, five minute rounds. A 10 point must system is in effect as with all other UFFC events, the winner of a round gets 10 points and the loser gets nine or less depending on the performance that round, and are judged based on aggressiveness, ground control and overall striking in that order. Now we get into the rest of the card."
Main Card 1 Middleweight Bout #6) Adam Taurus vs #9) Mercury Black
#6) Adam Taurus (15-3) Name #9) Mercury Black (14-1)
22 Age 20
6'3" Height 6'2"
181 Weight 176
74" Reach 74"
Anik: "Adam Taurus looks to bounce back after losing two straight against the Middleweight Champion Ryuga in their rematch that put him on the shelf for a year due to arm surgery, and Kyoya Tatagami in his first fight back in a quick first round knock out. But standing in his way is Mercury Black, who is on a three fight win streak."
Adam: "I know that Mercury is building up a hot steak but I have plans to win on fight night."
Anik: "As for his opponent Mercury Black, he lost at 234 to Ryuga but has won three straight putting him into the top ten of the Middleweight rankings."
Mercury: "Sorry Adam but I'm looking to get my hands on Ryuga again, not only that but I never really liked you that much." It cuts to the arena as I'm the one by Jeff Williams plays and Mercury makes his way to the cage.
Anik: "Here comes Black to the octagon and DC we know that he wants to have another shot at the Middleweight title after suffering a gruesome leg injury against Ryuga when he checked a leg kick, but he has worked on improving his ground game due to the fact that Ryuga dominated most of that fight with his Jiu-Jitsu.
DC: "Yeah we know that Black has great clinch control and can stand and bang with the best of them, but his wrestling isn't exactly the best thing in his arsenal but as you said his takedown defence is much better than last time, every fight we have seen him in after losing to the champ he has snuffed out some takedowns from good wrestlers. But Black's goal is to always keep it standing, deliver some swift leg kicks, and when they grab you deliver some dangerous knees to the body and head." DC says as referee Dan Mergliata does his pre fight check and the cutman applies the petroleum jelly to his face. After being cleared to enter the octagon, Mercury does a lap before settling in the blue corner and Lionised by Jeff Williams plays as Adam steps out to make his way to the cage.
Anij: "Here comes the former Middleweight champion who bounced back against Trent Richerds but broke his arm against Ryuga in the rematch that led to a year of therapy and came back and was knocked out by the number one ranked Middleweight Kyoya Tatagami early in the first round last June."
DC: "Yeah and the strange part is that Adam has a good jaw but Tategami has hands of stone and was able to put him out. Adam is going to want to take this to the ground if he can in order to use his improved ground and pound but Taurus will have to be careful to not eat a knee for his trouble." Adam gets frisked and has the petroleum jelly applied before stepping into the cage.
Anik: "And now it's time for our tail of the tape, brought to you by Modelo, brewed for those with a fighting spirit. Taurus is two years the elder with everything being virtually identical. To start us off we send it to the veturan voice of the octagon, Bruce Buffer
Bruce Buffer: "Ladies and gentlemen, we are live, from the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. for UFFC 261: Rung vs Hagane, brote to you by Venom, the official outfitter of the UFFC..The following contest is three rounds in the UFFC Middleweight Division, introducing first, FIGHTING out of the blue corner, this man is a muay tai kickboxer, with a professional record of 14 wins, one loss. He stands at six foot two inches, weighing in at 176 pounds, fighting out of the Kingdom of Haven, Remnant, he is the number nine ranked, Middleweight contender in the world, Mercury Black. And his opponent, FIGHTING out of the red corner. This man is a mixed martial artist with a professional record of 15 wins, three losses. He stands at six foot, three inches, weighing in at 183 pounds. Fighting out of Menagerie Remnant, Adam Taurus, and the referee in charge is Dan Mergliata." Bruce finishes his introduction and he makes his way out of the cage. Dan Mergliata asks if both are ready and starts the fight.
Anik: "Here we go, Taurus in the red and black of Menagerie, Black in the gray and red of Haven." The two touch gloves and Balck snaps out an outside leg kick. Adam grabs him and drives some elbows into Mercury's head before going into double under hook and pins his opponent against the cage. "Taurus looking for a takedown but if Black can get into muay tai things will get bad for Taurus." After a failed trip Black gets into muay tai and lands hard knees to Adam's face and body and Adam falls down stunned.
DC: "Oh he's hurt, he's hurt bad." DC says as Mercury goes and initiates ground and pound.
Anik: And Black is looking to finish the fight." After a bit of hammer fist and elbows, Mergliata sees that Adam is not properly defending himself and calls the fight. "And that will do it, Black makes quick work of Taurus here tonight. And as we take a look back at the highlights, we talked in the walkouts about Black's takedown defence has gotten much better since his loss to Ryuga and it was shown once again here tonight. Now we take it to Bruce Buffer for the official decision."
Bruce: Ladies and gentleman, referee Dan Mergliata has called for a stop to the contest, one minute, 14 seconds into the very first round. Declaring the winner, by TKO, Mercury Black." Mergliata raises Blacks hand as Taurus reluctantly claps and Jon Anik enters the cage.
Anik: Ladies and gentleman I am here with your winner Mercury Black, Black take us back to the end of the fight, what was going through your mind when he grabbed you and tried for a takedown?"
Mercury: "I knew I was going to win, lissen. Ryuga, Kyoya isn't the one you should be worried about, I'm the man you should be scared about. I'm coming for that title you piece of shit."
Anik: "Mercury Black, your winner via TKO."
Main Card 2 Flyweight Bout: #4) Yukitaro Amano vs #5) Lie Ren
#4) Yukitaro Amano (16-4) Name #5) Lie Ren (13-1)
19 Age 19
5'6" Height 5'9"
116 lbs Weight 120 lbs
60" Reach 62"
Anik: "Yukitaro Amano looks to continue his three fight win streak and put himself into the title picture in the Flyweight Division. But standing in his way is Lie Ren who lost two straight, including a heartbreaking KO loss to the champion Ben Parker in under a minute, before finding himself on the right side of a split decision win against Eight Unabara at Fight Night Chicago. Now looking to get another chance at Parker."
Yuko: "I've got something going here and I want a shot at the title so Ren is in for a bad night come fight night."
Ren: "I have fate in my gameplan and I look to win come Saturday." It cuts to the cageside area as Yuva Yuva Yu by The Hu and out comes Lie Ren to the arena.
Anik: "Here comes Ren who is coming off of a win last November in Chicago against Unabara after getting brutally KOed by Parker and subbed by Yumia."
DC: "His BJJ is some of the best in the Flyweight division and he has a tough chin but none of that matters if he gets caught with a vicious knee to the nose in the case of his title fight with Parker. He is going to need to rely on his BJJ background and keep it on the ground." Ren is checked out by Herb Dean and the third party cutman before he steps inside the octagon and Kuusou Mesorogiwi plays and Yukitaro Amano steps out.
Anik: "Here comes Amano who has won three straight and four of his last five, DC he does have some striking but he is not much of a finisher."
DC: "That's right, whatever finishes he has comes from submission so he will have to take advantage of his stand up or try to just out wrestle Ren, the latter is easier said than done "
Anik: "And now time for our Tale of the Tape, brought to you by Modelo, both men are 19 years of age with Ren having a three inch hight and two inch reach advantage. Now we send it into the Octagon to Bruce Buffer.
Buffer: "Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is three rounds in the UFFC Flyweight Division. Introducing first, FIGHTING out of the blue corner, he is a BJJ fighter with a professional record of 15 wins one loss. He stands five foot nine inches, weighing in at 120 pounds, fighting out of the Kingdom of Vale, Remnant, he is the former Vytal FC Flyweight Champion, and the number five ranked Flyweight Contender in the world. "The lotus" Lie Ren." Ren bows as Bruce turns to the other side of the cage. "And his opponent, FIGHTING out of the red corner. This man is a grappler with a professional record of 16 wins, four losses. He stands five foot six inches, weighing in at 116 pounds. Fighting out of Sakurami City Japan. He is the number four ranked Flyweight contender in the world, Yukitaro Amano. And the referee in charge is Herb Dean." Bruce finishes and leaves the cage.
Dean: "You ready to fight, ready. Alright fight."
Anik: "Herb Dean, who also has the main event pulls duty for this Flyweight bout." The two head to the center and gloves and circle around for a bit before Yuki snaps off a quick leg kick to Ren's lead leg. Both men circle again as Yuki comes forward and gives Ren a two piece and a biscuit, with a jab straight body kick. "Nice combo from Amano there DC."
DC: "Yeah but he forgot to give him a soda to wash it down." Yuki snaps a leg kick that Ren moves his lead leg away from and goes into clinch and tries to trip up his opponent to no avail, but he is able to pin Yuki to the cage and transitions to Maui Tai and lands some knees to the body. Ren grabs his legs and takes it to the ground with a double leg takedown.
Anik: "Ren now takes it to the ground with a double leg, that is where he wants the fight." Ren keeps Yuki on the ground and looks to isolate an arm to no avail. With about 1:30 left in the first Yuki is able to get off the ground and snaps a kick to Ren's head while he was still getting up that hurts him and Herb Dean gives him a warning and he lets Ren regain his composure before he snaps another leg kick at him. He snaps a body kick that Ren catches and trips him and enters side control and lands some knees to the body as the horn sounds to signal the end of the round as both men head to their respective corners to see what adjustments they need to make. "First round in the books DC and Amano was using his ranged strikes to keep Ren out for the most part. But if we look at the replay we will see that maybe he got a little to excited and lands a nasty head kick as Ren was getting up, and because his hands were still on the canvas he was still ruled as a downed combatant so the kick was illegal and Herb Dean did the right thing by giving a warning."
DC: "Yeah and next time they will have to take a point so he needs to be cautious."
Ren's corner: "Not the round we wanted but now we know, he is being super aggressive on the feet. Keep your hands up but keep an eye out for shots to the body and leg kicks okay."
Yuki's corner: "Good work, keep it up, don't get too aggressive cause he can turn it on us just like that." Another horn sounds for the start of the second. Both men get up and their corner men leave the cage. Herb calls for the action to start again.
Anik: "Here we go round two under way and DC we know what was said so we will see what adjustments will be made by both men." They touch gloves and Yuki snaps a leg kick that Ren checks. They circle around and Yuki lunges forward with a right hook that Ren moves his head out of range and he counters with a surprising head kick that stunned Yuki and he stumbles back.
Anik: "Oh huge head kick from Ren.
DC: "I did not see this coming, now can he finish?" Ren pushes forward and tries for another head kick that just misses and Ren falls onto his back and Yuki jumps on him and starts attempting ground and pound.
Anik: "And Amano back in control now." Ren attempts to get out from under but Yuki stays in his full guard. Ren makes him miss a left hand and puts his arm around his neck and sets up a guillotine. "And Ren with a guillotine choke."
DC: "Good use of defence to set up the choke and it looks like he has it in deep." Ren gets onto the back of his shoulders and cranks hard on Yuki's neck, forcing a tap.
Anik: "And there it is." Ren lets go and Yuki sits up in disappointment. "Let's go back to the replay here and Amano had things in hand, he had ground control but unfortunately he stayed in Ren's guard for a bit too long and he caught him with a guillotine for the submission win."
DC: "Yeah but let's give Ren some credit, he didn't rush or freak out. He stayed calm and found an opportunity to get the choke for the win."
Anik: "Now we send it into the Octagon to Bruce Buffer with the official decision."
Bruce: "Ladies and gentlemen, referee Herb Dean has called for a stoppage to the contest, with 3 minutes 47 seconds into the second round. Declaring the winner, by tap out via guillotine choke, "The Lotus" Lie Ren." Herb raises Ren's hand and Yuki congratulates him as Anik steps up.
Anik: "Ladies and gentlemen I am here with your winner Lie Ren. Ren you landed a huge shot that led to him scoring a takedown. Can you tell me what was your thought process when that happened?"
Ren: "Yeah so when he got me onto the ground my first thought was to see if I could get out from under and take his side or his back but he didn't give me anything so the next idea was see if he would stay in my guard and he did so I just waited to put him in a choke and it all worked out. Hey and Parker I know you're here, you know who the best person to fight is and I'm right here." It shows on the screen a shot of Swanson's locker room as Parker is sitting on a chair rubbing his eyes in a whining motion.
Anik: "Give it up for Lie Ren your winner by submission."
Main Card 3 Bantamweight Bout: #1) Alexa Wilson vs #5) Elphelt Valentine
#1) Alexa Wilson (12-0) Name #5) Elphelt Valentine (14-4)
21 Age 26
5'5 Height 5'6"
135 Weight 134
66" Reach 67"
Anik: "Since joining the UFFC, Alexa Wilson has been tearing through the Bantamweight division, winning all 12 of her fights since her UFFC debut with the second most finishes in the women's divisions and the sixth longest undefeated streak in UFFC history and is considered to be the one who is deserving of a title fight. However in she's not the only one wanting to face the Double Champ more than number five ranked Bantamweight Elphelt Valentine, on a four fight win streak including two former champions Phyrra Nikos and Yang Xiao Long, and a victory back in January over Blake Belladonna and looks to the one to take the Bantamweight title off of Matio's shoulder."
Wilson: "I understand a lot of people think I should be the next in line for the title, especially considering that I just knocked out the one who originally got the fight last year." As Wilson finishes it shows the replay of her upset KO of Yang back at UFFC 252 in August.
Rogan and Vera: "OHHHHHHH"
Rogan: "XIAO LONG'S HURT, SHE IS HURT BAD!"
Anik: "WILSON LOOKING TO FINISH, ALEXA WILSON HAS KNOCKED OUT YANG XIAO LONG."
Vera: "In the FIRST ROUND" Eddy screams as Jon finishes the iconic call as the replay ends
Wilson: "And I know she just came back from injury earlier this year but, when Dana says whoever wins this fight gets to fight Ryuko Matoi in June for the Undisputed Bantamweight Championship, you know as much as I respect Elphelt and her capabilities. I'm sorry but I'm going to have to beat your ass.
Valentine (in French): Je pense que Wilson est l'un des meilleurs combattants du monde en ce moment. (I think Wilson is one of the best fighters in the world right now.) Il n'y a pas de débat à ce sujet, compte tenu de sa performance contre de nombreuses femmes parmi les meilleures de la division, elle a éliminé quatre champions de quatre mètres lors de ses cinq derniers combats. (There is no debate about that, considering her performance against many top women in the division, she knocked out four former champions in her last five fights.) J'ai beaucoup de respect pour elle en dehors de l'octogone mais à l'intérieur ce soir, je n'ai aucun respect pour elle. (I have much respect for her outside of the octagon but inside tonight, I don't have any respect for her at all.) Je veux me battre pour le titre, et elle est actuellement la seule personne à me faire obstacle. Et si je suis capable de battre Matoi pour la ceinture, je suis sûr que Dana sera ravie de nous donner, à moi et à Yang, notre trilogie. (I want to get back to fighting for the title, and she's currently the only person standing in my way. And if I'm able to beat Matoi for the belt I'm sure Dana will gladly give me and Yang our trilogy.)
It returns to the arena as Shot through the Heart by Bon Jovi plays as Elphelt makes the walk to the cage.
Anik: "Alright here comes Elphelt Valentine, nice pop by the crowd, and let's start with her wrestling DC, she has some of the best wrestling in the division, bordering on one off the best grapplers in the UFFC. She's going to have to lean on her offensive wrestling, not only because of it being her strong suit, but because of how good she is at keeping her opponent down and controlling them once she gets them there.
DC: "Elphelt also has excellent punching power. Remember when she fought Thomson for the title back in 2019 there were a few moments in the fight where we thought Liz was fading out from the left hand up top."
Anik: "You mention her fight with former champion Liz Thomson and how she (Elphelt) was winning the fight on the feet we know she can dish out and take shots on the chin, but she's stepping into the octagon against someone who put the likes off Xiao Long, Nikos, Schnee, and Bree out cold how important is it that she gets the fight to the ground early?"
DC: "Very, she got knocked out in the first round in the first fight with Yang Xiao Long, and she knew going into the rematch that she had to keep the fight on the ground and get it there quick and look what happened she won that fight in convincing fashion. She can still throw some punches while standing but history has shown what happens if a fighter that has a grappling background tries to stand and fight with a striker." Elphelt is checked before stepping into the cage as Beast and the Painkiller by Judas Priest plays as Alexa Wilson starts her walk to the Octagon.
Anik: And here comes who many consider to be the best Bantamweight in the World, and I personally start limping every time i see her film on Wilson's leg kicks, no denying that she wants to get those kicks off, whether it be upstairs to the head, the leg, the body, the liver, no matter where she kicks you, you will more than certain feel it for the coming weeks.
DC: "You know who else has frightening kicks? The Meredith Brothers. Just like those two burly boys, she uses her hips to get more power into it, but Wilson also dominates in top position, if she knocks you down with those kicks and can get on top she will smash you into the canvas that is if she doesn't walk off when you hit the floor in a heap." Alexa is cleared to enter it cuts to the tale of the tape.
Anik: "Alright and now our tale off the tape, brought to you by Venom, the official outfitter of the UFFC, about a six year age gap, with a similar height and reach as we send it once again, to Bruce Buffer.
Bruce: "Ladies and gentlemen, this fight is three rounds in the UFFC Bantamweight Division, Introducing first, fighting out of the blue corner, this woman is a wrestler with a professional record of 14 wins, four losses, she stands 5 foot 6 inches tall, weighing in at 135 pounds, fighting out of Paris France, she is the number five ranked Bantamweight contender in the world, Elphelt 'The Shotgun Bride' Valentine. And introducing her opponent fighting out of the red corner, this woman is a kick boxer, with an perfect professional record of 12 wins, no losses, she stands 5 foot, five inches tall, weighing in at 135 pounds, fighting out of St. Louis Missouri, USA, she is the number one ranked Bantamweight contender in the world, 'The Painkiller' Alexa Wilson. And when the action begins the referee in charge of the octagon, Dan Margliata."
Anik: Alright Dan Miragliotta the third man in the octagon, as we get underway.
Margliata: "You ready to fight? Ready? Go!"
The two start walking to the center of the octagon and touch gloves as the fight is underway.
Anik: Both women fighting out off Southpaw as Wilson is in blue and Valentine is in black.
Wilson kicks at Elphelts lead leg and backs up for Elphelt to do the same to her and follows with a lead uppercut the clips Wilson's chin that has little effect.
Anik: Beautiful punch there by Valentine.
Alexa goes to jab with her right hand as she is barely out of range and steps back as El follows, then steps forward and catches her with a quick right followed by a left and gets a flush kick to the body for her troubles.
DC: Nice kick.
Wilson returns the favor by snapping off a kick with the back leg and slips her left hand in between Valentine's guard and gets a flush hook.
Anik: Slips the guard as the hook connects.
Alexa tries for a right hook and Elphelt goes for the lead uppercut again as the both miss than tries for what the other did and misses again. The both kick at each other as Wilson lands another body kick followed by Elphelt kicking her lead leg again causing Alexa to get tripped up and falls over and quickly gets back to her feet, in orthadox now, and kicks at El's lead leg and than kicks her body again and gets hit by another uppercut from Valentine that gets her in the body. Wilson steps in and out of range and snaps a left kick right to Elephelt's check and moves out and comes back into range to get a quick leg kick followed up by a right hook and starts to walk back to the outside of the cage. Elphelt follows and gets another kick to the body as she somewhat doubles over as Wilson fades with the hooks and she steps back.
Anik: Valentine has to be careful walking into Wilson's range unprotected;
Wilson walks back against the cage as Elphelt starts coming back into range and Alexa fakes with an uppercut and again steps back only to come back in and nail the pink haired wrestler in the body again with another kick.
Anik: She's been susceptible to it early on, let see if she can, OOOOOHHHH HUGE RIGHT HAND!"
As if on cue, Elphelt gets floored by a huge uppercut and is put flat on her back.
DC: "WILSON WITH THAT RIGHT HAND RIGHT ON THE CHIN!"
Anik: "VALENTINE'S IN TROUBLE, WILSON LOOKING TO FINISH."
Alexa walks over and throws a right down while kneeling on Elphelt's left thigh and starts to rain down right hands as Valentine tries to protect herself from the punches, Marginata steps in to wave off the fight at the sign of Elphelt's body going limp.
Anik: "Paging Ryuko Matoi, Alexa Willson is coming for you!"
DC: "We are looking at one bad woman Jon, we are looking at a future champion and possibly the greatest female fighter in UFFC history."
The replay shows the closing moments as the right uppercut from Wilson lands snug on Elphelt's chin wiping her head back as she crumples backwards.
Anik: "DC you can tell once that uppercut landed that Valentine wasn't aware of what she was doing or where she was poorly defending herself and eventually succumbed to full unconsciousness. Another beautiful knockout by Wilson. Here we go inside the octagon for the official decision, here is Bruce Buffer."
Bruce: "Ladies and Gentlemen, referee Dan Margliata has called a stoppage to this contest at 1:17 in the very first round declaring the winner byyyy knockout, 'The Painkiller' Alexa Wilson.
Anik: "Alright ladies and Gentlemen I am here with your winner Alexa Wilson. And what a flawless performance to get about her first round knockout tell us is this how you were…"
Wilson takes the mic from Anik.
Wilson: "Where the fuck you at Matoi, where are you? You know I'm the realest bitch in the Bantamweight division. Come on Dana I've beaten everyone give me the title fight."
Anik: "Well let's go back to the closing moments of the fight when you throw that uppercut, tell us what was going through your head when she went down."
Wilson: "Meh just another day at the office. I don't know why she wanted to stand and box me when she knows her wrestling is her strong suit. But uhh, I always have full intention to end the fight with everyone off the shots I throw so, going to celebrate with the guys tonight and start getting ready for Matio in the morning."
Anik: "Alexa Wilson your winner by knockout ladies and gentleman."
Co-Main Heavyweight Bout: #1) Benkei Hanawa vs #6) Bray Swanson
#1 Benkei Hanawa Name #6) Bray Swanson
26 Age 20
6'3" Height 6'2"
265 Weight 265
75" Reach 73"
Anik: If there's one thing the Heavyweight division in the UFFC is known for is there terrifying knockout power as evident by the number one ranked heavyweight contender Benkai Hanawa, ever since joining the UFFC in 2016, Benkai has found mediocre success inside the octagon winning four off his five fights all while chasing the elusive dream fight with Heavyweight Champion Ed Alba. But in his way is a man who many claim to have the most underrated knockout power in the division number six ranked Bray Swanson, whose teammate Jake Meredith just fought Alba last month after beating Hanawa last October, with all off his victories coming in the first round leaving with his opponent lifeless on the floor.
Benkei: "Everyone likes to call him a little iceman cause he likes to stay on the feet but that is where I dominate. I only ever had problems on the feet with Meredith." It shows Jake landing his famous spinning heel kick on Benkei and he stumbles back against the cage.
DC and Rogan: "OHHHH"
DC: "He landed it clean." Jake lands a flying knee that KO's him.
Anik: "JAKE MEREDITH HAS JUST KNOCKED OUT BENKEI HANAWA."
Benkei: "But I've learned to take advantage of my reach. So if Bray thinks he can do what Jake did he is in for a rude awakening."
Bray: "I've got a tough chin so if he wants to stand with me he is more than welcome to, but unlike him, I have a plan B if things don't work out." It shows Bray judo throwing Choji.
Rogen: "Beautiful throw from the clinch by Bray." Bray follows that up with ground and pound that puts Choji out.
Anik: "And just like that the fight is over."
Bray: "Not just that but I'm in the best shape in my career, I want to fight Alba just as badly as he does. Sorry big man but I wanna be next in line."
It returns to cage side as Stir Fry by Migos plays and Bray Swanson steps out.
Anil: Alright DC, so it's safe to say that this man as he makes the walk tonight despite having a solid wrestling base, his preferred way is to keep it on the feet and throw bombs at his opponent.
DC: If his wrestling is anything like Josh Meredith's he can dominate this fight and neutralize Hanawa's power.
Bray is cleared to enter the octagon by the prep crew and circles the cage stopping in the blue corner. Real Big by Mannie Fresh begins to play as Benkai makes the walk.
Anil: Good to see Hanawa make the walk, and all throughout fight week he's stated on how much his wrestling has improved, especially his take down defence, we know he's stepping into the octagon with a fellow Wildman that has solid wrestling. How do you think that will take effect in this fight DC?
DC: We keep talking about the power in both men's hands but we have to keep their wrestling in mind, that's going to be the key for winning this fight, it'll all depend on who can get the fight to the ground and can start sending the others head through the canvas first.
The prep crew gives Benkei the nod to enter as he crawls into the cage as it cuts to the tale of the tape.
Anik: "Alright and here is the tale of the tape for our Co-Main event, presented by Modelo, brewed for those with a fighting spirit, Hanawa the six year elder with a nearly identical height and reach, to get things started here is Bruce Buffer."
Buffer: "Ladies and gentleman the following three rounds is in the UFFC Heavyweight division. Introducing first, FIGHTING out of the blue corner, this man is kickboxer with a perfect professional record of nine wins, zero loses, he stands 6'2", weighing in at 265 lbs, fighting out of New York City, New York, he is the number six ranked Heavyweight contender in the world, Bray 'Swan Song' Swanson. And his opponent, FIGHTING out of the red corner, this man is a boxer, with a professional record, 24 wins, two loses, he stands 6'3", weighing in at 265 lbs, fighting out of Metal Bey City, Japan. He is the former WBBA Heavyweight Champion, and the number one ranked Heavyweight contender in the world, 'The B..B..B..Bull' B..B..B..Benkei Hanawa. And when the action begins the referee in charge of the octagon, Ren Kuranai."
Anil: "Alright, Ren Kuranai, the third woman in the cage as things get underway."
Kurenai: "Ready? Ready? Alright go."
Anil: "Swanson in Black, Hanawa in red."
The two behemoths come to the center off the octagon and touch gloves provided by them circling each other for a few seconds as Bray is the first to strike by kicking at Benkai's lead leg.
Anik: "Nice kick by Swanson"
Bray moves back in range for another leg kick and gets popped on the cheek with a straight right knocking his head back and loses his balance. Benkei steps forward to engage on the ground as Bray puts his feet on Hanawa's hips to keep him back. Benkai grape his legs and tries to move them out off the way as Bray tries to up kick that nails him in the check and pushes off with the other leg, getting back to the feet as little over a minute has gone by in the first. The stand off again as Bray starts to fake out some take downs. He fakes another takedown and lunges with a big right hook that Benkei barely dodges as it grazes his left brow and he responds by a left that hits the middle of Swanson side and a right to the jaw that knocks him back and sends his mouth piece out as the clock reaches 3:45. Benkai steps back to allow the official to retrieve the mouthpiece.
Ren: "Time time." The Ref goes to fetch Brays guard as he puts it back in. "Alright keep going fight."
Anik: Very Good by Hanawa to allow the mouthpiece to be retrieved after that hard right.
The two circle around for about 20 seconds as Bray snaps a body kick as blood is now visible on his opponents brow.
Anil: "Good body kick by Swanson."
DC: "Ohh Hanawa got a cut right on the brow."
Benkai snaps a good combo that puts Bray on the back foot and gets pinned against the cage.
Anil: "Hanawa turning on the pressure with a good combination." Bray blocks a few bombs as he throws an elbow right onto the cut on Benkai's left brow. "Good use of the elbow by Swawnson as we reach the halfway point off the opening round."
Bray is able to get some time to breath as he ties Benkai into the clinch against the cage and stay there trading knees and body shots.
DC: "Good job by Swanson getting into the clinch lets see if he can take advantage and turn this round around." Bray is able to get away from the cage and gets double underhooks and trips Benkai and gets into side control as the clock hits 2:38 left in the opening round and lays there while both men put in some work as the clock ticks down to 2:00.
Anik: "Two minutes left in this good opening round as both men are trying to stay busy." Benkai is able to get Bray into full guard to initiate a sprawl, but he tries to posture up and Benkai rushes to his feet causing a scramble to ensure and Bray goes after him with 1:30 left they start exchanging punches that ends with Bray getting nailed with left hook followed by a straight right that knocks him down and immediately turtles up preparing for a heavy onslaught as 1:01 is left. "Huge right hand by Hanawa, can he finish the fight."
Benkai enters top mount and tries to throw some hammer fists and hooks but Bray's defense is to much to get past so he starts to punch his body to open his face.
DC: "Benkai is throwing bombs at the body." He is able to get a good shot onto the face as 35 seconds remain before Bray can get Hanawa pulled back in and gets into half guard. "Good job getting into half guard, what he needs to do is get the other leg out and either get back up or get him into full guard." Bray starts to push on Hanawa's hip with his free leg as Benkai postures back up and starts battering his fist into the opponent's face putting his hands back up to defend the shots as the buzzard sounds to single the end off the round.
Anik: "Alright DC round one is in the books and a pretty even round one, what adjustments do both men need to make?" Bray sits on his stool as Jake Meredith walks up with the rest off his corner.
DC: "I think both men are doing excellent in this fight so far, but it appears Hanawa has the advantage in the striking exchanges cause he got rocked twice in that first round. Benkai on the other hand, other than the cut above his left eye, an excellent round."
Benkai's Corner (In Japanese): "よくできました、よくできました！最後に彼を傷つけました。プレッシャーをかけ続けますが、彼があなたにうまく対抗できる場所に夢中になることはありません" ("Good job, good job, you had him hurt bad at the end there, keep up the pressure but don't get to crazy where he can counter you alright.")
Bray's Corner: "Breath, breath, let's go plan b, alright, get the fight to the ground. And try to smash him under the cage to hang out with Jon Jones."
The two stand back up as round two is now underway. They circle around moving their heads back and forth as eight seconds pass as Benkai is able to snap a jab that gets Bray in the mouth. A few more seconds pass as now 4:47 remains in the second as Bray snaps a leg kick that makes Hanawa almost lose his balance and uses this advantage to get a double leg takedown.
DC: Good takedown by Swanson. Bray tries to get into top mount but is denied so he goes into north-south and starts to punch at Benkai's body, who returns the favor with some shots off his own then transitions into a sprawl and is able to get the fight back to the feet and into the clinch. Bray tries to get double underhooks but Benkei is able to push away and they engage in a flurry as Bray is able to slip a left hook with a powerful straight right snugly onto Hanawa's jaw putting him out almost instantly and crumbles to the canvas.
Anik: "HUGE RIGHT HAND BY SWANSON."
DC: "OOOHHHHHH, HE IS OUT, ITS OVER." Bray goes to deliver some ground and pound but is stopped and starts to celebrate his work.
Anik: "A huge statement here and one has to wonder if he is the next in line with this KO victory." Replays show the closing seconds of the fight in slow motion of his body falling limp. "Alright we hand it back over to Bruce Buffer with the official decision."
Bruce: "Ladies and gentlemen, referee Ren Kuranai has called a stop to the contest :43 seconds into the second round, declaring the winner by knockout, Bray 'Swan Song' Swanson."
Anik: "I am here with your winner, Bray Swanson. I just got to ask, how does it feel to get the biggest win of your career in the biggest fight you've had so far?"
Bray: "Fuck, it feels really good man, to get a big win against an opponent of that caliber, only fight that makes sense to me is the title fight, I've beaten the number one consensus guy, so I think I'm the one who deserves the next shot at Alba, and not only that but I know I can beat him too."
Anik: "Bray let's go back to the end of that first round, he knocked you down and had you on the verge of getting finished, what was going through your mind when that was happening?"
Bray: "Yeah he had me hurt pretty bad there but luckily my chin held up and was able to survive the round and make the adjustments needed to end the fight early in the second."
Anik: "Bray Swanson, your winner by knockout ladies and gentleman."
Main Event Welterweight Championship Bout: C) Kilik Rung vs #2 Ginka Hagane
© Kilik Rung (20-1) Name #2) Ginka Hagane (22-3)
25 Age 25
6'0" Height 6'0"
160 lbs Weight 165 lbs
74" Reach 72"
Anik: "Before coming to the UFFC, Gingka Hagane was a three time WBBA FC Welterweight Champion and four time open weight grand prix winner before the buyout of the MMA branch of the WBBA by Zuffa. And now as the number two contender in the world, Hagane looks to add the UFFC's 170 pound title to his resume. But standing in his way would be the Welterweight Champion Kilik Rung who has been the champion since he defeated the former Welterweight Champion Francis Montgomery in what would be his last fight back in 2017 to unify the titles. Since then he has defeated the likes of Tsubasa Otori and Edward Dulin.
Kilik: "I respect what Gingka has accomplished but he is just another guy who is in my way to becoming the G.O.A.T. of the Welterweight Division."
Gingka: "He thinks he can keep me away and keep it on the feet but I have shown I can stand with some of the best there is. And it doesn't matter how the fight goes down, I'm leaving as the champion." Gingka finishes as it cuts back to the arena as the Pride FC theme plays and Gingka steps out.
Anik: "So there he is, the former three time WBBA FC Welterweight Champion, four time WBBA Grand Prix winner and the number two ranked fighter in the division. And DC, some would argue that is should be Kadoya who should be facing Rung but both Hagane and Kadoya has stated that they are still in good terms and Kadoya even admits that business is business and that he will continue to bid his time and wait for his time to get a shot at the title."
DC: "Yeah the two of them are great friends and Kadoya even invited him out to the Dungeon Gym in New York to help out his boxing. Now although Hagane started as a kick boxer he has started to mold his game to wrestling like his wife, so he can stand and bang with the best of them if he needs to."
Anik: "That's right but the question remains will his chin hold up against someone like Rung." Gingka is cleared and he heads into the Octagon as Party Up by DMX plays as Kilik Rung walks out. "And here is the raining, defending, undisputed UFFC Champion. And once again he faces someone who is a beloved grappler, the last one being Dulin. And in that fight he showed some great takedown defense but was still susceptible to the takedown once it got late into the championship rounds."
DC:" And Rung admitted that if Dulin didn't make the mistake of standing up with him, he could have won the fight. But he was lucky Dulin tried to stand and bang with possibly the toughest chin in the Welterweight Division."
Anik: "And with that it's time for the tale of the tape for this, our main event of the evening brought to you by Modelo: brewed for those with a fighting spirit. Both men are 25 years of age and Rung holds the two inch reach advantage but the same height. Now time to hand it off to the veteran voice of the Octagon, Bruce Buffer."
Bruce: "Ladies and gentlemen, this is the MAIN EVENT OF THE EVENING. And when the action begins the referee in charge is Herb Dean. And now, this is the moment UFFC fans around the world have been waiting for. LIVE from the sold out Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. IIIITTTT'S TIME! FIVE ROUNDS FOR THE UNDISPUTED, UFFC WELTERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP OF THE WORLD. Introducing first, the challenger, FIGHTING out of the blue corner. This man is a mixed martial artist with a professional record of 22 wins, three losses. He stands six foot even, weighing in at 165 pounds, fighting out of Metal Bey City Japan. He is the former WBBA Welterweight Champion, and the number two ranked Welterweight contender. Gingka "The Pegasus Fighter'' Hagane." Gingka fist bumps Bruce Buffer before he turns to the other corner. "And introducing the Champion, FIGHTING out of the red corner. This man is a boxer with a professional record of 20 wins one loss. He stands at six foot even, weighing in at 160 pounds. Fighting out of Death City Nevada. HE IS, THE RAINING, DEFENDING, UNDISPUTED UFFC WELTERWEIGHT CHAMPION OF THE WORLD. "Hands of fire and lightning" Kilik Rung." Both fighters, Herb Dean, and Bruce Buffer head to the center and Buffer puts the mic up so the ref can speak into it.
Dean: "UFFC title on the line, I want you to protect yourself at all time, obey my commands at all time. I want a clean fight, touch gloves if you want to, head back to your corner and let's make this official." The two touch gloves and walk back to their respective corners.
Anik: "Kilik Rung, Gingka Hagane, here we go. Five rounds if need be for the Welterweight Championship. Hagane in the white trunks of the challenger, Rung in the black and gold of the Champion." Herb Dean starts the fight and they touch gloves again and size each other up. Kilik makes the first move as he jabs at Gingka only to just miss his face. Gingka tries for a leg kick that Kilik is able to avoid and hits a good straight right hand that lands on Hagane's mouth. They enter a flurry and both men land some good shots and a small cut opens on Gingka's cheek.
Anik: "Good shots by both men early on and Hagane looks like he has a cut on the cheek there." Kilik tries for a body kick that Gingka catches and he uses his leg to help drive him onto the canvas, and he easley enters right side control. Gingka lands a couple of knees to the area of his liver as Kilik punches at his body and head.
Anik: "Good work from the bottom from the champion." Kilik flips over into a sprawl and is able to stand back up "And good work to get this back to the feet." Kilik pushes Gingka off of him as the clock reads two minutes left in the first round. Gingka lands a calf kick as Kilik attempts to walk forward. The champ lunges with a right hook that lands flush and causes Gingka to stumble back. "Huge right hand from Rung."
DC: "A perfect shot from the champ, now he needs to chase the finish." Gingka is able to regain his composure and tries a front kick that grazed Kilik's cheek. Kilik grabs said leg and uses it for a takedown of his own. Both men stay still for a bit and hit each other with punches to the head and body.
Anik: "Good work from both men as we enter the last minute of the round." Gingka goes into a sprawl and is able to work himself out of the disadvantageous position. They strike at each other and Rung pushes Gingka away, the latter hitting a kick to the body and a right hand to the cheek of the champion. They enter another flurry and Rung lands a hand to the nose of Hagane as the round comes to a close. "First round in the books." Gingka sits on the stool as his cut man puts a q-tip with petroleum jelly on the cut.
Ryo: "Not bad son, take it to the ground and wear him out Gingka. You have him on the ground, only stand with him if you absolutely have to.
Kiliks's corner: "Don't let him take you to the ground, you are better on your feet than he is so try to stand and bang. If he takes you down, get back up as fast as you can, but don't let him take your back." The horn sounds as the fighters stand up and they prepare for the second round. Herb Dean restarts the action and they touch gloves. Kilik tries for a calf kick that just misses and Gingka shoots for another successful takedown. Gingka postures up in half guard and starts throwing down hard shots to the champs face. Kilik puts his right arm up to grab onto Gingka's left and the latter takes it and slaps on an arm bar.
Anik: "Hagane with a great transition into the arm bar, Rung is in trouble DC."
DC: "He might have to tap." Kilik starts to fight and stands up, arm still trapped, and lands hard left hands to his abdomen before Gingka lets his arm go.
Anik:" Good work to get out of a scary situation." Gingka stands back up and kicks Kilik's lead leg. Kilik misses an overhand right and Gingka hits an uppercut that stumbles him. Gingka swings wildly and lands a left hand and Kilik leans against the cage. "Rung is hurt, Hagane is looking to finish this fight." Kilik grabs Gingka into the clinch and starts to land hard elbows to Gingka's head. Gingka trips him up and takes the fight back to the ground.
DC: "Good trip from Gingka." As 1:35 shows on the clock Gingka again starts to lay down ground and pound as Kilik still is able to defend himself. The champion is able to get into a sprawl and starts to stand up but Gingka pulls him into his guard and puts in a Guillotine choke.
Anik: "And again Hagane gets Rung into a submission attempt."
DC: "This choke looks tight, but there is not much time left."
Anik: "30 seconds is still enough time to choke a man out DC." As the clock ticks down to 20 seconds, Rung manages to pop his head out and starts to land hammer fists as time expires. Both men turn to their corners. "Alright DC round two in the books and great round for the challenger, not so much from the Champion, what are your thoughts?"
DC: "Gingka is using his wrestling to have the fight go his way. Let's go back to the first takedown of the round, he waited for Kilik to take a shot with the leg kick and just jumped on him for the takedown. As for the second, he just takes his leg out from under him and took it back to the ground. As for the ending moments he did a good job keeping it on the ground but he couldn't keep the guillotine and that is why we have a third round." DC finishes as the third round starts.
Anik: "The only fight tonight to make it to the third round, let's see if it will make it to the Championship Rounds." The referee starts the third round as they again bump gloves. Gingka bounces around so his movement would be rather unpredictable. "Hagane looks to be rather comfortable with the way things are going DC."
DC: " I don't blame him but he needs to be cautious about his hands, they are down and his chin is wide open." Kilik stands there, biding his time, studying Gingka's movement before landing a nasty right hook to his chin that knocks him down.
Anik: "Huge right hand from the Champion, Hagane is hurt, he hurt him bad DC."
DC: "Just like I said Jon. He wasn't protecting his chin and he got dropped, but he is still in it." Kilik starts to land some shots from top mount but Gingka stays alive and is able to survive the onslaught and get back to his feet.
Anik: "Hagane is still alive but now he is really keeping his hands up high to protect his chin."
DC: "And now is the time Kilik should press forward and get aggressive now that Hagane is on his heels." Kilik pushes forward to be just outside Gingka's reach and he starts to land shots to the body. He gets the challenger up against the cage and Gingka grabs him for the clinch
Anik: "Two minutes left in the third." Gingka switches the positioning and again tries to trip Kilik up but he is able to widen his base to block the takedown attempt. Gingka lands some good knees to Kilik's body as it comes down to 40 seconds. They enter another flurry that knocks Gingka down again and Kilik goes for another finish but Gingka traps him into a leg triangle. "Hagane now with a triangle choke."
DC: "Wow what a reversal." Kilik's face turns red from the lack of blood flow to his head but is saved by the bell.
Anik: "So we will see Championship Rounds as again Hagane had him in a scary spot at the end but altogether a much better round by the champ."
DC: "That it was Jon, he used his reach to control the stand up game, and for the most part didn't make mistakes when he was on the ground, but I still think it's 29-28 for Gingka.
Anik: "It could be but let's see if either can pull ahead as we head into the forth." Both men get ready as Herb Dean calls for the start of the fourth. "Championship rounds." The two touch gloves again and Kilik tries for a head kick that was somewhat telegraphed and Gingka ducks under and grabs his back. "Hagane now with the back let's see what he goes for here." Gingka jumps up and sets himself up on his back and puts on a rear naked choke as Rung leans forward. "Fourth submission attempt from Hagane." He tries to walk towards the wall but falls over and onto his side and he tries to get his arms underneath to pray Gingka's arms away from his neck.
DC: "This doesn't look good for Kilik Jon."
Anik: "Not at all he might have to tap." Gingka rolls them onto his back and starts to squeeze on his stomach with the body triangle. Herb Dean stands above them, watching Kilik's hands as his face goes purple and his arms go limps, forcing him to step in and stop the fight.
DC: "He's out, it's over."
Anik: "And that will do it." Gingka climbs out from under the unconscious body of the now former champion and heads to his corner to celebrate with his father. "Let's go to the ending here DC and it looked like Rung was gassed so he went for an ill advised head kick that gave Hagane his back and from there it was a textbook RNC."
DC: "Yeah a bad head kick from Kilik and Gingka took advantage but let's give him credit he fought until he eventually slipped into unconscious."
Anik: "There he is, the new Undisputed king of the 170 pounder Gingka Hagane, taking the crown by way of submission. One last time tonight, we send it inside the Octagon to Bruce Buffer with the official decision."
Bruce: "Ladies and gentlemen, referee Herb Dean has called for a stoppage to the contest with one minute 25 seconds into the fourth round. Declaring the winner, by technical submission via rear naked choke. And NEW, UNDISPUTED UFFC WELTERWEIGHT CHAMPION OF THE WORLD. GINGKA "THE PEGASUS FIGHTER" HAGANE". Dana White puts the title around his waist and shakes his and Kilik congratulates him as well before stepping out of the cage. He kisses Madoka and hugs her and his father as Jon Anik steps into the cage.
Anik: "Ladies and gentlemen, I am here with the new UFFC Welterweight Champion Gingka Hagane. Gingka tell me how do you feel right now?"
Gingka: "I feel fantastic Jon, I just want to thank everybody that helped me get to this point. Here we are, I'm back on top of the world baby."
Anik: "I know everyone is curious about it but what is next for you now that you are UFFC Champion?" Gingka takes the microphone from Jon and waves for the camera to get closer.
Gingka: "Ryuga, I know you are watching. I want that double champ status, let's settle the score and finish the trilogy once and for all."
Anik: "Gingka Hagane, your new Welterweight Champion." With that the show ends.
UFFC 260 Main Card Results
Mercury Black def. Adam Taurus via TKO 1:14 into 1st
Lie Ren def. Yukitaro Amano via submission by guillotine choke 3:47 into 2nd
Alexa Willson def. Elphelt Valentine via KO 1:17 into 1st
Bray Swanson def. Benkai Hanawa via KO 0:43 into second
Gingka Hagane def. Kilik Rung via Technical Submission by Rear Naked Choke 1:25 into 4th
UFFC 262 Enkidu vs Lee: Main Card Announcement.
Prelims 1: Lightweight Bout
#5) Phineas Flynn vs #11) Kite Unabara
Prelims 2: Heavyweight Bout
#10) Neji Hyuga vs #12) Chris Griffin
Main Card 1: Light-Heavyweight Bout
#2) Buford Van Stomm vs #4) Kon Kijura
Main Card 2: Women's Flyweight Bout.
#1) Satsuki Kiriuin vs #4) Yuno Gasai
Main Card 3: Strawweight Bout.
#4) Ruby Rose vs #8) Laney Penn.
Co-Main: Lightweight Bout.
#4)Edward Dulin vs #12) Adrian Agrest
Main Event: Light-Heavyweight Championship.
© Enkidu vs #1) Rock Lee
So that is the first full card. If you have any questions for any of the fighters do ask down below so we can do a Post Fight Presser. With that said let's know what you thought and have a good one folks.