GLOBAL FIGHT LEAGUE

[Shade]

GFL LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT BRACKETOLOGY​

MG: Ladies and Gentleman now that we have revealed the full line up of the GFL Light Heavyweight Championship tournament. We are going to return to our very impressive guest panel who will unveil the light heavyweight championship tournament field. So please welcome our panel of my old friend and former colleague Kenny Florian, Former Strikeforce champion Josh Thompson, the greatest referee of all time "Big" John McCarthy, former ufc title challenger "The Outlaw" Dan Hardy, MMA veteran Julie Kedzie and reporters The Schmo and Helen Yee.

The Table: Kenny Florian, Josh Thompson, John McCarthy, Dan Hardy, The Schmo, Helen Yee and Julie Kedzie

KF: It is great to be back here tonight for our next GFL tournament unveiling. We've already kicked off in a big way with our heavyweight title tournament and I have a feeling we may top that tonight!

JT: The heavyweight tournament opening was insane! We saw a great representation for heavyweight MMA. Some big knockouts, nasty submissions and chock full of memorable moments.

DH: That continues with this tournament. I mean when you think about it many of MMA's pioneers all originated from the Light Heavyweight division. This is truly a tournament of historic proportions.

JM: I have been honored to be apart of many big fights in Light Heavyweight history. This is very much going to be some of those fights.

TS: We have top prospects, legends, former champions and specialists all vying for for the GFL Light Heavyweight Championship.

HY: This is what the GFL promised. Global combat. We fighters from across the world competing for this.

JK: I couldn't have put it better myself. The talent amassed here wouldn't normally cross one another's paths. But here they all converge in the hopes of becoming the first GFL Light Heavyweight Champion!

KF: Alright let's not keep anyone waiting any longer here. It's time to reveal the official matches for the GFL Light Heavyweight Championship Tournament. We have 8 groups of thirty two of the best 205 pounders on the planet. Let's begin with group A now!

GROUP A
Yoel Romero vs. Kelly Anundson
Luke Trainer vs. Vagab Vagabov

KF: Starting out big here in Group A. One of the tournament favorites Yoel Romero right out of the gates!

JT: That is a fight of two powerhouse wrestlers. Yoel Romero vs. Kelly Anundson. That is literally two bulls going head to head.

JM: Two physical and explosive individuals capable of bringing the fight to the mat in a second.

JK: Plus don't forget the other match on this group. A European battle between Luke Trainer and Vagab Vagabov!

TS: Vagabov is wild! That is a fight which promises chaos.

DH: Trainer is an unorthodox fighter himself at the best of times, that's a fight which is hard to breakdown or predict.

HY: This entire group is chaos in it's purest form! Whoever survives this will be battle tested!

GROUP B
Lyoto Machida vs. Shogun Rua
Rashad Evans vs. Wanderlei Silva

KF: If Group A brought the chaos.. Then Group B brought the legends. What a quartet of champions! This is pure history.

DH: Not to undersell the second match in this group. But what history we will see here. Machida and Shogun III!

JK: These two have had two memorable battles already with Shogun being the first man to ever defeat Machida. This fight is decades in the making.

JM: On top of that we have a first time clash between two former champions Rashad Evans and Wanderlei Silva!

TS: That is a dream match I didn't even know I wanted until now! Two vicious strikers collide.

JT: These are four men who know a few things about tournaments. Namely how to win them. This is a dangerous group.

HY: This group is as much about legacy as it is competition! It's about showing you still have what it takes to be the best!

GROUP C
Stephan Puetz vs. Karlos Vemola
Julius Anglickas vs. Vyacheslav Vasilevsky

KF: Now we come to Group C. This is a clash of Europe's finest as Stephan Puetz takes on Karlos Vemola while Julius Anglickas takes on Vyacheslav Vasilevsky.

JT: This group is both the combination of raw physicality and technical composure. We literally have a Terminator vs a T1800 in Vemola vs Puetz.

DH: I love that fight. Those are two dangerous men and that fight is an absolute coin toss.

TS: Those two men are tanks. There isn't enough terminator puns I can say here.

JK: Then we come to Anglickas and Vasilevsky which honestly could be my favorite fight of the tournament so far. Both these men are more than capable of going deep in a tournament like this.

HY: I couldn't agree more. That is a semi final even potential final.

JM: Two very well rounded fighters capable of winning anywhere. The winner of that fight will surely be a favorite.

GROUP D
Alexander Gustafsson vs. Ovince Saint Preux
Karl Albrektsson vs. Ronny Markes

KF: Alex vs OSP. That is a fight which has long been on my personal wish list!

JK: Two long and rangy strikers who are also experienced grapplers. This is a fascinating fight.

HY: Both men have been on the cusp of world championships before. Now is their chance to shine.

JT: We then have Albrektsson and Markes. Two dangerous grapplers will collide.

TS: Also not to count our chickens but we have the potential storyline of a Swedish civil war in round two if both Karl and Alex advance.

DH: That would be a case of mentor vs. Pupil to say the least.

JM: That's definitely something to look to. As would the potential veteran clash between OSP and Ronny Markes!

GROUP E
Chael Sonnen vs. Tito Ortiz
Vitor Belfort vs. Tafon Nchukwi

TS: OH MY GOD. Chael Sonnen vs Tito Ortiz 2! The grudge match is being revisited.

JT: These two do not like each other. Even after that fight the bad blood has lingered.

DH: This fight is for more than just bad blood it's also for that step closer in the tournament. Which both men will delight in taking from the other.

HY: On top of that we have a clash between Tafon Nchukwi and Vitor Belfort. Two of the most explosive men in the tournament.

JM: That’s speed versus raw power. Experience versus explosion. Someone’s going out cold.

JK: That's a definite clash of youth vs experience. We will see if Vitor still has the explosiveness to keep up with a younger version of himself.

KF: This is an exciting group. One filled with drama and violent potential for sure!

GROUP F
Emiliano Sordi vs. Ivan Shtyrkov
Sam Alvey vs. Philipe Lins

KF: this is a group which we don't really have to go too much in detail for. You have 4 of the biggest hitters in the tournament.

DH: They may not have name value but Ivan and Emiliano are dangerous. Someone will sleep in that one

JT: It's a hard fight to call with their power both these men can alter outcomes in seconds.

HY: We then have a collision of veterans as Sam Alvey takes on Philipe Lins.

JM: These are two men who know how to win. Even in fights where it looks like they are on the outs they can claim it back.

JK: Both of these men have no issues in embracing the grind and making for an ugly fight either.

TS: This might be the sleeper group of the tournament. Expect some ugly, brutal fights here.

GROUP G
Daniel Spohn vs. Thiago Santos
Artem Vakhitov vs. Fabio Maldonado

KF: Santos vs Spohn.. What a fight that is! Two dangerous heavy hitting veterans!

DH: That fight is all about timing. Spohn as a counter striker is more than able to catch Santos. However at the same time the aggressive and hard changing Santos is more than able to shut down Spohn.

JK: Spohn has to mind his Ps and Qs here. Stay focused and keep composed so as not to be overwhelmed.

JT: We then go from that to a striker's delight as professional boxer and noted tough man Fabio Maldonado takes on Glory kickboxer Artem Vakhitov.

HY: That is a fascinating fight. To see Vakhitov commit to the crossover to MMA. He has the perfect opponent here as an introduction.

JM: However he can't be overconfident. One thing we know about Maldonado is his toughness. This man can wear you down.

TS: This is a fun and interesting group for sure. It's hard to predict a winner.

GROUP H
Vinny Magalhaes vs. Atilla Vegh
Alessio Sakara vs. Tomasz Narkun

KF: We are now at our final block and what a way to close things out. Jujitsu world champion Vinny Magalhaes vs former Bellator Champion Atilla Vegh!

DH: This block features grapplers and brawlers. It's hard to know what to expect.

JT: Vegh and Magalhaes is a fascinating fight for sure. It's really hard to predict exactly what will happen.

JK: Then we have Sakara and Narkun. Another clash of Europe's finest.

TS: Narkun and Sakara is a wild fight. Narkun is a former KSW Champ but Sakara has fight ending power.

JM: That is also a striker vs grappler bout. One which is very hard to call.

HY: This maybe the toughest bracket to predict yet!

KF: So there we have it, the brackets for the Light Heavyweight championship tournaments are official. Now let's take a look at the full cards of action for GFL 3 and 4!

GFL 3
Prelims
Enoc Solves Torres (29-11-1) vs. Antonio Gordillo (18-8-1)
Rusan Gabaraev (6-2) vs. Aleksa Camur (6-3)
Erko Jun (9-3) vs. Christian Ewards (7-4)
Ibragim Chuzhigaev (19-6) vs. Alex Nicholson (16-11)
Arlind Berisha (4-0) vs. Pedro Lay Jr (2-1)
Rafael Haratyk (21-5-2) vs. Maxim Grishin (34-10-2)
Darren Stewart (16-10) vs. Alain Van De Merckt (9-1)
Karl Moore (12-4) vs Joey Beltran (18-15)
Liam McGeary (13-4) vs. Rafael Cavalcante (13-7)
Main Card
Stephan Puetz (22-5) vs. Karlos Vemola (38-9)
Vinny Magalhaes (19-12) vs. Atilla Vegh (33-11-2)
Ronny Markes (25-11) vs. Karl Albrektsson (14-8)
Vagab Vagabov (30-1-1) vs. Luke Trainer (9-1)
Julius Anglickas (11-4) vs. Vyacheslav Vasilevsky (36-10)
Alessio Sakara (20-13) vs. Tomasz Narkun (21-6)
Alexander Gustafsson (18-8) vs. Ovince St Preux (27-18) - Co-main Event
Kelly Anundson (11-3) vs. Yoel Romero (16-7) - Main Event

GFL 4
Prelims
Da Woon Jung (15-6-1) vs. Felipe Franco (8-1)
Joe Taylor (6-2) vs. Muslim Magomedov (15-0)
Moustapha Diakhate (4-0-1) vs. Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou (19-18)
Misha Cirkunov (15-9) vs. Mariusz Ksiazkiewicz (11-3)
Tae In Kim (5-1) vs. Mike Rodriguez (12-7)
John Martin Fraser (11-5) vs. Jeremy Kimball (20-12-1)
Emilio Quissua (7-0) vs. William Knight (11-6)
Lucas Fernando (12-3) vs. Rafael Tobias (14-1)
Chris Daukaus (12-8) vs. Shealor Ladd (3-0)
Matt Hamill (12-8) vs. Jeremy May (13-12)
Main Card
Artem Vakhitov (3-1) vs. Fabio Maldono (28-8)
Daniel Spohn (19-9-1) vs. Thiago Santos (22-13)
Sam Alvey (34-18-1) vs. Philipe Lins (18-5)
Ivan Shtyrkov (25-2-1) vs. Emiliano Sordi (25-13-1)
Vitor Belfort (26-14) vs. Tafon Nchukwi (7-4)
Rashad Evans (20-8-1) vs. Wanderlei Silva (35-14-1)
Lyoto Machida (26-12) vs. Shogun Rua (27-14-1) - Co Main
Chael Sonnen (30-18-1) vs. Tito Ortiz (21-12-1) - Main Event

 

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GFL 3

O2 ARENA | LONDON, ENGLAND​

MG: Ladies and Gentlemen, good evening and welcome to the Global Fight League! Tonight we are live from the sold-out O2 Arena in London, England! as we kick off the opening round of the GFL Light Heavyweight Championship Tournament!

RB: Living up to that Global title, we’ve officially crossed the pond tonight and what a setting it is, Mike. The atmosphere here in London is electric! This crowd is packed with fight fans from across Europe, and they’re ready to see who steps up in the light heavyweight division.

BS: And let’s be honest, guys this tournament lineup is stacked. We’re talking legends, top prospects, and future champions all in one bracket. You’ve got names like Alexander Gustafsson, Yoel Romero, and Lyoto Machida that’s world championship pedigree right there!

MG: Absolutely, Brendan. But before we get to the main card and those opening-round matchups, we’ve got a huge set of preliminary fights tonight featuring top prospects, veterans, and some international standouts all looking to make their mark on the global stage.

RB: It’s the perfect showcase for sure Europe’s best meeting the world’s best. And we kick it off with a fight between two tried and tested veterans of the European MMA scene, both with a point to prove.

MG: Before we get to the tournament however, we have a cavalcade of fights on our prelims featuring top prospects, veterans, former champions and international stars. This begins with our fight between veterans Enoc Solves Torres and Antonio Gordillo.

BS: These are two warriors who’ve fought everywhere from regional circuits to international promotions. This should be an all-out war to set the tone for the night!

RB: Both these guys are grinders. You’re not gonna see much feeling-out process here expect fast hands, hard kicks, and some classic scrambles.

The Walkmen
Enoc Solves Torres: “Can’t Stop” – Red Hot Chili Peppers
Antonio Gordillo: “Mi Gente” – J Balvin & Willy William

ENOC SOLVES TORRES (29-11-1) VS. ANTONIO GORDILLO (18-8-1)
From the opening bell both of these fighters would meet in the center of the cage and wasted little time in engaging with combinations thrown back and forth. Gordillo in particular would throw heavy punches and some winding hooks at Torres while Torres was cleaner and looked to counter. As the fight wore on we would see Torres begin to implement his game more as his punishing leg kicks reduced Gordillos' movement and allowed Torres to pick him off with his punching combinations on his way to a unanimous decision.
Result: Enoc Solves Torres (30-11-1) defeated Antonio Gordillo (18-9-1) by unanimous decision (30-27 x3)

MG: What a performance there by Torres. You can see the veteran savvy from this man a mile off. He overcome some early adversity and implemented his game perfectly.

RB: That’s the story of experience, Mike. He didn’t rush, didn’t overextend. He picked his spots and broke his opponent down.

BS: You can tell this guy’s been in there with everyone. Smart, disciplined, and sharp. What a way to start the night!

MG: It is now time for our second fight of the night as ACA veteran Ruslan Gabarev takes on Aleksa Camur.

The Walkmen
Ruslan Gabarev - Remember the name by Fort Minor
Aleksa Camur - Heathens by Twenty One Pilots

RUSLAN GABAREV (6-2) VS. ALEKSA CAMUR (6-3)
The second bout of the night would get off to a quick start as Aleksa Camur looked to establish his faster hands and very much managed to clip Ruslan with a 1 2 combination. This would lead to Ruslan initiating the grappling and actually slamming Camur down to the canvas. From there it was clear that Gabarev had a game plan as he exploited the skill difference and repeatedly would take down Camur enroute to a frustrating decision.
Result: Ruslan Gabarec (7-2) defeated Aleksa Camur (6-4) by unanimous decision (30-27 x3)

MG: That was a statement there by Gabarev. He exploited Camur's weakness perfectly.

RB: That was some frustrating savvy there for Ruslan. He knew where his bread was buttered.

BS: Far from flashy but super effective!

MG: It is now time for our third fight as Bellator veteran Christian Edwards takes on former Brave champion Erko Jun!

The Walkmen
Erko Jun - X gonna give it to ya by DMX
Christian Edwards - DNA by Kendrick Lamar

ERKO JUN (9-3) vs. CHRISTIAN EDWARDS (7-4)
The third fight of the night would start very measured as Christian Edwards looked to circle his opponent. Jun however woul press forward and start cutting off the cage as he landed thudding leg kicks. This would not only halt Edwards movement in the early going but also allow Jun to begin landing heavy punches in the pocket. This would include a big looping right hand which staggered Edwards and allowed Jun to follow with a left hook which slumped Edwards against the cage for a vicious knockout.
Result: Erko Jun (10-3) defeated Christian Edwards (7-5) by 1st round knockout (2:21)

MG: What a finish. Erko Jun just detonated a grenade on Christian Edwards!

BS: That's the kind of knockout which you won't forget in a long time. Jun has some power.

RB: Edwards had a great early game plan to stick and move but man.. Jun just walked him down.

MG: Up next we have our next fight of the night as Alex Nicholson takes on Ibragim Chuzhigaev.

The Walkmen
Ibragim Chuzhigaev – “Till I Collapse” by Eminem
Alex Nicholson – “Hate Me Now” by Nas

IBRAGIM CHUZHIGAEV (19-6) vs. ALEX NICHOLSON (16-11)
The next fight of the night would very much get off to a wild start as Alex Nicholson charged across the cage looking to make this fight ugly. This would include a big kick and wild punches. Ibragim however would maintain his composure and actually rock Nicholson with a slip right to the jaw. With Nicholson stunned, Ibragim began to walk him down and dropped him with a straight right hand. Standing over Nicholson, Ibragim then began unloading on him with ground and pound until the official called for the bell.
Result: Ibragim Chuzhigaev (20-6) defeated Alex Nicholson (16-12) by 1st round knockout (1:08)

MG: That was a missile. Those counter punches were perfect.

BS: Chuzhigaev has said all week he felt disrespected not to be in the tournament. He just made a statement here to show why.

RB: That was vicious. A real statement was made here!

MG: Next up we have Arlind Berisha going up against Pedro Lay Jr.

The Walkmen
Arlind Berisha - “Power” by Kanye West
Pedro Lay Jr - Can't be touched by Roy Jones Jr

Arlind Berisha (4-0) vs. Pedro Lay Jr (2-1)
This fight would get off to a quick start as Pedro Lay came out with some sharp calf kicks looking to stop Berisha's movement and forward pressure. Berisha however would not back up or flinch from this as he'd drop Lay early with a jab as Lay looked for another kick. Not longer after this we would see Arlind Berisha follow up with a left cross which wobbled Lay Jr and it wouldn't take long for a few more punches to follow which dropped Lay for a TKO finish.
Result: Arlind Berisha (5-0) defeated Pedro Lay (2-2) by 1st round TKO (2:01)

MG: What a finish here for Arlind Berisha. This was definitely a way for this prospect to put hi name out there!

RB: He's scary Mike. This is a violent and powerful man.

BS: Berisha is a future star man. This was a big showcase for him!

MG: We next will follow with a clash of European talents as Rafael Haratyk battles Maxim Grishin.

The Walkmen
Rafael Haratyk - “Till I Collapse” by Eminem
Maxim Grishin - "Unstoppable" by Sia

RAFAEL HARATYK (21-5-2) VS. MAXIM GRISHIN (34-10-2)
This fight would very much prove to be a chess match as we'd see a great contrast between the pair. Grishin would look to keep a distance and probe with his jab while Haratyk looked to close the distance. While Grishin would seem to land the more strikes it was Haratyk whose shots proved to be more powerful. On top of this Haratyk would have some success as he controlled and worked over Grishin in the clinch over the course of the three rounds to score a decision.
Result: Rafael Haratyk (22-5-2) defeated Maxim Grishin (34-11-2) by unanimous decision (29-28 x3)

MG: Haratyk just will not go away! A classic grinder’s win from the Polish veteran!

RB: That’s the kind of fight that breaks your will if you’re not ready for it. Grishin was sharp early, but Haratyk’s pressure and toughness were too much.

BS: He’s got that old-school toughness, the type you can’t teach. Big win for Haratyk tonight in London.

MG: Our next fight of the night will see local fighter Darren Stewart take on Alain Van Der Meckt.

The Walkmen
Darren Stewart - “Whole Lotta Love” by Led Zeppelin
Alain Van Der Meckt - “Believer” by Imagine Dragons

DARREN STEWART (16-10) VS. ALAIN VAN DER MECKT (9-1)
In a contrast from the previous fight which was a slow, composed affair. This contest was a fire fight from the off with both men throwing some heavy strikes. Stewart in particular would land some heavy combinations which stumbled Alain. With Alain reeling Darren looked to put Alain away but his over aggression allowed Alain to shoot in for a takedown. From here Der Meckt began to assert control with his top pressure and landed vicious ground and pound enroute to a TKO stoppage.
Result: Alain Van Der Meckt (10-1) defeated Darren Stewart (16-11) by TKO in Round One (3:15)

MG: A massive performance there by Alain Van Der Meckt. He just silenced the crowd here

RB: What composure under fire! He absorbed Darren’s pressure early, made the read, and when he found that opening he capitalized instantly.

BS: That’s how you make a name for yourself in the GFL. Calm, clinical, and ruthless when it matters.

MG: Up next we will have a clash of veterans as Karl Moore takes on Joey Beltran.

The Walkmen
Karl Moore - “Saw Theme”
Joey Beltran - "Still D.R.E.” by Dr. Dre ft. Snoop Dogg

KARL MOORE (12-4) VS. JOEY BELTRAN (18-15)
Continuing on the theme from the last bout these two men came out swinging in this one. Beltran in particular in the early going looked to pressure Moore and take the fight to him. As the fight wore on however we would see the much more technical striking offense of Moore begin to make the difference. With his precision and timing he'd start to hurt Beltran on occasion before finally in the second round he'd land a big high kick which put Beltran down for a knockout!
Result: Karl Moore (13-4) defeated Joey Beltran (18-16) by 2nd round Knockout (1:42)

MG: The Irishman has arrived! What a knockout by Karl Moore!

RB: That’s the statement he needed! Moore looked sharp, disciplined, and when the opportunity came he pulled the trigger perfectly.

BS: Moore again is someone who didn't like being excluded from the tournament. Putting away Joey Beltran like this. This guy is a dark horse in the division. Mark my words, he’s one to watch.

MG: We now come to our final fight on the prelims as former strikeforce champion Rafael Cavalcante takes on former Bellator champion Liam McGeary.

The Walkmen
Liam McGeary - “Jefe” by T.I.
Rafael Cavalcante - “Suite 14” by Henrique & Diego

LIAM MCGEARY (13-4) VS. RAFAEL CAVALCANTE (13-7)
The final fight on the prelims would see a clash of champions when Liam McGeary took on Rafael Cavalcante. This fight would get off to a brutal start as quickly Cavalcante pressed McGeary and landed a big right cross which snapped his head back. With McGeary reeling Cavalcante began to use the clinch and landed a series of short elbows and knees one of which landed to the body and crumpled McGeary for a an early finish.
Result: Rafael Cavalcante (14-7) defeated Liam McGeary (13-5) by 1st round knockout (0:57)

MG: Wow! Rafael Cavalcante turns back the clock!

RB: That’s vintage Feijão! Explosive, nasty, and when he touches you, it’s lights out.

BS: He’s dangerous, man and that right hand still has dynamite in it. McGeary just never got comfortable once Feijão started marching him down.

MG: We have now completed our prelims and will enter into the main card portion of the GFL.

The show opens with cinematic drone shots of London. The Tower Bridge glowing under the night sky, the Thames reflecting the city lights, and finally the O2 Arena bursting with anticipation. Cut to quick flashes of tonight’s stars. Alexander Gustafsson taping his hands, Yoel Romero shadowboxing backstage, Tomasz Narkun in prayer, Alessio Sakara stretching with his Italian flag draped over his shoulders. The GFL theme song would then play as the camera pans across a sea of flashing lights and roaring fans. Standing in the cage would be Dasha Gonzalez to welcome everyone for this event.

DG: Good evening, fight fans around the world. We are live from the sold-out O2 Arena in London, England! This is GFL 3: From London! From Stockholm to São Paulo. From Belfast to Belgrade the warriors of the world converge once more. Tonight the Global Fight League crowns its next legend. This is the GFL Light Heavyweight Championship Tournament.

Spotlights sweep the crowd as the GFL logo blazes across the big screen. The roar builds.

DG: Ladies and gentlemen, please rise for the national anthem of the United Kingdom, performed tonight by singer and MMA fighter Chase Morton!

The crowd stands. The lights dim to a soft spotlight. Chase Morton steps forward in a tailored black suit, his voice smooth and powerful as he delivers an emotional rendition of ‘God Save the King.’ The crowd joins in on the final line, the arena echoing with unity and pride. As the last note fades, pyrotechnics burst from the stage. Red, white, and blue while fans erupt in applause.

DG: Thank you Chase! Now let's get ready to make some history!

MG: Thank you, Dasha. Thank you, Chase. What a start here in London!

RB: You can feel it — the atmosphere is electric! The Light Heavyweight Tournament begins tonight, and every fighter in this arena wants that world title.

BS: Legends, prospects, champions — it’s all here. Let’s waste no time and get straight to our first fight!

The Walkmen
Stephan Puetz - “Lose Yourself” by Eminem
Karlos Vemola - “Suite 14” by Henrique & Diego

STEPHAN PUETZ (22-5) VS. KARLOS VEMOLA (38-9)
The clash between the terminators would open with Vemola very much looking to press the action. Very much looking to bully his opponent against the fence, Vemola while successful in pressuring Puetz would eat several hard knees to the midsection in the opening round. In round two it seemed that Puetz had truly downloaded the data on his opponent. Every attempt by Vemola to press the action was met with elbows or knees from the clinch. While in the distance he punished a steadily more exhausted Karlos with combinations. A desperation shot by Vemola at the end of the round would see Puetz sprawl and punish Vemola with elbows to close out the round. Between rounds two and three an official would check on Vemola taking note of his swelling before calling a stop to the contest.
Result: Stephan Puetz (23-5) defeated Karlos Vemola (38-10) by Doctor Stoppage (between round 2 and 3)

MG: The T8000 does it! Puetz's methodical dismantling leads to the contest being called.

RB: That was composure under fire. Vemola came out to kill and Puetz read him and made adjustments.

BS: Machine precision. He is a dark horse in this field.

The Walkmen
Atilla Vegh - “ATTILA” by Rytmus
Vinny Magalhaes - “Tropa de Elite” by Tihuana

VINNY MAGALHAES (19-12) VS. ATILLA VEGH (33-11-2)
Unfortunately for the fans in attendance this next fight would be quite the frustrating affair. Vinny to his credit would circle his opponent and let loose the occasional kick while attempting a takedown or to dive for a leg at any opportunity. However Vegh would manage very much to keep himself pressed up tight in the fence with Vinny peppering him with short shots over the course of the three rounds. The crowd in attendance would voice their displeasure as following three rounds of this we went to a decision.
Result: Atilla Vegh (34-11-2) defeated Vinny Magalhaes (19-13) by unanimous decision (30-27 x3)

MG: Not the prettiest or most exciting by any means but Atilla Vegh gets it done.

RB: A very smart and composed performance by Vegh. Vinny is a dangerous competitor and Vegh shut him down.

BS: This tournament is all about survival and Vegh did that here. He advances taking very little damage.

The Walkmen
Ronny Markes - “Muleque De Vila” by Projota
Karl Albrektsson - “Ly O Lay Ale Loya” by Indian Calling

RONNY MARKES (25-11) VS. KARL ALBREKTSSON (14-8)
Unfortunately for the fans in attendance following the previous bout. The next fight would very much be a very slow grappling based affair as Sweden's Karl Albrektsson clearly came in with a game plan to catch Markes at any opportunity with a double leg takedown. Markes would constantly try through the rounds to get to his feet and land big shots when he was upright but the grappling and top control was too much and allowed the Swede to ride out the win.
Result: Karl Albrektsson (15-8) defeated Ronny Markes (25-12) by unanimous decision (30-27 x3)

MG: That was a wrestling clinic by Albrektsson here.

RB: Man, that was dominant. Ronny just couldn’t get any momentum going once Karl got on top of him.

BS: Karl is a threat in this tournament for sure. Controlled, composed and punishing.

The Walkmen
Vagab Vagabov - “Sandstorm” by Darude
Luke Trainer - “God’s Plan” by Drake

VAGAB VAGABOV (30-1-1) VS. LUKE TRAINER (9-1)
As this fight kicked off it was clear the crowd in attendance were pulling for their home country fighter. Unsurprisingly the wild man Vagabov would charge in early throwing wild looping hands at Trainer. This would be until Trainer managed to pivot and launch an uppercut to the chin of Vagabov. Vagabov would drop to a knee and Trainer quickly took his back and immeadiately locks in a rear naked choke. Vagabov would look to fight the grasp but eventually would be put to sleep.
Result: Luke Trainer (10-1) defeated Vagab Vagabov (30-2-1) by 1st round submission (1:12)

MG: What a performance by Luke Trainer! The hometown boy makes good!

BS: That's the performance you want! A perfectly timed uppercut and choke.

RB: A star is definitely born here tonight in London!

The Walkmen
Julius Anglickas - “Thunderstruck” by AC/DC
Vyacheslav Vasilevsky - “Lose Yourself” by Eminem

JULIUS ANGLICKAS (11-4) VS. VYACHESLAV VASILEVSKY (36-10)
This fight would get off to a cautious start as we was midway through the main card. Both fighters in the opening round seemed content to keep the action in the clinch and land short strikes with neither picking up the advantage. During round two however we would see the Russian begin to take control of the stand up as he wobbled Anglickas on several occasions with strikes. The third round however would see Anglickas bounce back with a takedown of his own before he'd work over Vasilevsky with some ground and pound to ride out the round.
Result: Vyaceslav Vasilevsky (37-10) defeated Julius Anglickas (11-5) by split decision (29-28, 28-29 and 29-28)

MG: What a fight! It could have gone either way, but the veteran Vasilevsky just did a little more down the stretch.

RB: Super close! Anglickas had the control, but Vasilevsky’s striking and composure swayed the judges.

BS: A real chess match neither man broke, but Vasilevsky’s work in those scrambles made the difference.

The Walkmen
Alessio Sakara - “Kung Fu Fighting” by Carl Douglas
Tomasz Narkun - “Enae Volare Mezzo” by ERA

ALESSIO SAKARA (20-13) VS. TOMASZ NARKUN (21-6)
This next fight of the night featuring two of European MMA's biggest names would get off to a stunning start as in the early going Alessio Sakara clipped and dropped Narkun with an overhand. Narkun would survive actually manage to secure a takedown on Sakara. While Sakara fought to get to his feet Narkun would take side control before securing an arm triangle choke to pick up the submission victory.
Result: Tomasz Narkun (22-6) defeated Alessio Sakara (20-14) by submission (Arm Triangle) in round one (2:01)

MG: What a win for Narkun! Snatching victory from the jaws of defeat.

BS: You do not want to go to the ground with this man.

RB: Sakara started well, but once Narkun got that takedown, it was over. Classic grappler’s patience.

The Walkmen
Alexander Gustafsson - “Training Montage” by Vince DiCola
Ovince Saint Preux - “Rocky Top Tennessee” by University of Tennessee Marching Band

ALEXANDER GUSTAFSSON (18-8) VS. OVINCE SAINT PREUX (27-18)
The co-main event of the night would very much be contested on the feet. As from the opening bell it seemed Ovince Saint Preux had designs to chip away at Gustafsson with leg kicks while Alex looked to have this more in boxing range. Following an even opening round, the second round would see Alex wobble OSP with an uppercut and defend a takedown to keep the fight standing. The final round would see Alex have his moments and manage to pick apart OSP enroute to a decision.
Result: Alexander Gustafsson (19-8) defeated Ovince Saint Preux (27-19) by unanimous decision (30-27 x3)

MG: The Mauler is back! Alexander Gustafsson grinds out a clinical win to advance in the GFL Light Heavyweight Tournament!

RB: That was a masterclass in composure. He used his range, his boxing, and that veteran savvy.

BS: OSP had moments, but Gustafsson’s consistency and cardio won the day. He looked sharp.

The Walkmen
Yoel Romero - “Soldado” by Juan Luis Guerra
Kelly Anundson - “I Stand Alone” by Godsmack

YOEL ROMERO (16-7) VS. KELLY ANUNDSON (11-3)
For the main event of the evening Kelly Anundson wasted little time looking to bring this fight down as he attempted a takedown on his opponent. Romero however would sprawl and stand up looking to keep this fight on the feet. Soon it was apparent what Yoel was aiming for as he landed a big flying knee which crumpled Anundson. As Kelly hit the canvas Yoel pounced on him with a few punches before the referee called a stop to the contest.
Result: Yoel Romero (17-7) defeated Kelly Anundson (11-4) by 1st round knockout (1:22)

MG: OH MY GOD! What a win for the soldier of god.

RB: Anundson never saw it coming. Romero's timing is superhuman!

BS: He is one of the tournament favorites for a reason. What a showing by YOEL Romero!

MG: Ladies and gentlemen, that brings an incredible night to a close here in London, England. Eight men advance and sixteen remain. The road to the GFL Light Heavyweight Title continues!