(CUTTO: The New ERA of Wrestling commentary team are seated behind the table.)

GHEORGHE: “Thanks, Dave.. Well ladies and gentlemen, we’re just about ready to move to our impromptu contest in light of the changes made to the event’s line-up.”

JIVE: “‘Changes?!’ WHAT changes!?”

JULIUS: “It was announced at the beginning of the show, Nick...”

JIVE: “Was it?! I don’t remember any announcements...”

GHEORGHE: “That’s because you were at the crap tables at the time, throwing away yet another paycheck. Anyway, the lineup has been changed from its original print.”

JULIUS: “Basically, John Doe, Omega, and Y2RR didn’t show up for the Sin City Showdown. Three Pay-Per-Views were evidently more than they could handle in the course of a single day...”

JIVE: “Sounds like they had the right idea. I’d HATE to call a match that includes a guy with the name ‘Why-Too-Are-Are’. Is he a droid from Star Wars or something?

GHEORGHE: “Anyway, it’s been arranged that the two men that DID arrive at the arena tonight—Michael Bastard and Jonathan Marx—will compete against each other in a special MMA match.”

JIVE: “...‘MMA?’ Does that stand for ‘More Moves Allowed?’”

JULIUS: “No, Nick, it’s Mixed Martial Arts. This should be an interesting match, given Jonathan Marx is currently undefeated in SWIFT MMA, and involved in the match to decide the company’s first champion. I don’t know much about Michael Bastard, but I’m told he’s a rookie in Empire Pro with a penchant for brawling.”

GHEORGHE: “These two men have never crossed paths before tonight. But right now, we’re about to witness a contest between veteran and rookie.”

JIVE: “You guys mind waiting a few minutes while I run to the back and put a couple hundred down on the veteran?”

JULIUS: “Sit down, Nick...”

(CUEUP: “All Secrets Known” by Alice in Chains. Michael Bastard, clad in sweatpants and wifebeater, appears on the stage and promptly makes his way down the ramp to the ring, accompanied by the Amazing Logan. Logan plays up to the crowd while Bastard’s eyes fixated on the ring ahead of him.)

JIVE: “What did you say this kid’s name was again?”

GHEORGHE: “Michael Bastard out of Empire Pro.”

JIVE: “His last name is ‘BASTARD?!’ Seriously... who goes around being call that!?”

JULIUS: “Bastard’s come to Sin City Showdown undefeated in his fledgling wrestling career, but we’re talking about an entirely different sport here.” 

GHEORGHE: “From what I’ve been told, he likes to brawl, and he’s nigh resistant to pain... so I don’t think he’ll have any problem settling into an MMA environment.”

(The referee checks him over briefly for foreign objects before he removes his shirt and enters the ring, pacing around in place impatiently. CUEUP: “The Touch” by Stan Bush. Following the extensive lightshow and song intro. As the drums kick in, ‘Gentleman’ Jonathan Marx appears on the stage, bearing a SWIFT t-shirt, along with Brandon Jacobs and other members of Team Marxism. After playing up to the fans in attendance for a bit, he heads to the ring, escorted by his entourage.)

JIVE: “The world of professional wrestling was dealt a SERIOUS blow the day Jonathan Marx decided to pick up a pair of fingerless gloves and jump onto the Mixed Martial Arts bandwagon...”

JULIUS: “I disagree. Marx accomplished in wrestling what most men in the industry can only DREAM about doing themselves. But now he’s bringing his competitive spirit to conquer an entirely new sport.”

GHEORGHE: “‘Gentleman’ Jonathan Marx was a prolific professional wrestler and former two-time World Heavyweight Champion in New ERA of Wrestling. His work over in SWIFT has shown just as much success, as he is currently undefeated, and in the finals of the tournament to determine the company’s first Light Heavyweight Champion.”

JIVE: “And he deserves to be their champion, on account of just who he IS! I could care less about the other losers in SWIFT’s employ...”

(The ref checks him over, and after removing his shirt and getting some final confirmation from his team members, he hops into the ring, running a quick lap and loosening himself up. In the opposite corner, Michael Bastard watches him intently from his stool while the Amazing Logan rubs down his shoulders. Jamie Links, standing in the middle of the ring, raises the mic to begin the announcements.)

LINKS: “Ladies and gentlemen, the following is a MIXED MARTIAL ARTS competition that will be divided into three five-minute rounds! In the case that both men survive all three rounds, it will come to our panel of judges to determine the winner. Introducing first... fighting out of Flint, Michigan, and representing Empire Pro Wrestling... weighing in at 228 pounds... HERE IS... MMIIIICCCHHAAAAEEEELLLL BBBAAAAASSSTTTAAAARRRDDD!!!”

(A few pockets of EPW fans cheer to show their support to Bastard, who doesn’t break his gaze from his opponent.)

LINKS: “And his opponent... fighting out of Princton, New Jersey, and representing Team Marxism of SWIFT Mixed Martial Arts... he weighs in at 203 pounds, and is the former TWO-TIME NEW ERA WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION... HE IS... ‘GENTLEMAN’... JJJJJOOOOONNNNAAAAATTTTHHHAAAAANNNN MMMAAAARRRRXXXX!!!!”

(Marx pumps his fists into the air, earning a respectable pop from his fans. Links clears out of the ring leaving the two competitors and the referee.)

GHEORGHE: “This should be an interesting fight!”

JIVE: “I’m more interested in what the FANS think. They came to see WRESTLING... not Brazilian-Wax-Jutsu!”

JULIUS: “Actually, Nick, the people of Las Vegas LOVE MMA matches!” 

GHEORGHE: “I think we’re about ready to get this one under way!”

(Both men get into fighting positions. The ref asks both of them if they are ready, and when they confirm that they are, he waves for the bell.)

(SFX: *DING! DING!*)

GHEORGHE: “There's the bell to mark the beginning of the first round! Both men out of there corners now... and Michael Bastard doesn't waste ANY time throwing the first couple punches!”

JULIUS: “Marx goes on the defensive... Bastard with another set of jabs, but he can't get a clear shot! Quite the enthusiastic start from this rookie talent.” 

GHEORGHE: “Bastard's got control of the center of the ring... he throws a BIG hook out there, but Marx NARROWLY avoids it thanks to his footwork!”

JIVE: “This kid's just blindly throwing punches left and right, but the former NEW World Heavyweight Champion is HARDLY stupid enough to walk into an all-out brawl! Jonathan Marx will sit back and wait for his opponent to make a mistake...”

JULIUS: “Marx is being backed into the corner now... he better hope Bastard makes that mistake soon! Bastard steps in—QUICK flurry of punches before Marx slips out! It looked like that last one connected on the jaw of the wrestling veteran...”

GHEORGHE: “Michael Bastard may be proving to be a bit more aggressive than Jonathan Marx had anticipated...”

JIVE: “That damn bastard...”

JULIUS: “Bastard's looking for the quick knock out, but Marx isn't going to give himself away that easily! Marx continues to play defensively, studying Bastard's every move for the slightest slip or hesitation...”

GHEORGHE: “Bastard throws out another jab—but it's DUCKED by Jonathan Marx, who quickly looks for the TAKEDOWN—OH!! Good sprawl by Michael Bastard!”

JIVE: “More like LUCKY Bastard!”

JULIUS: “Bastard is on his toes, preventing Marx from hooking the legs and whipping him to the ground. Bastard is showing an obvious affinity for striking, and I have to wonder if he's doing that to purposely avoid taking this fight to the ground...”

GHEORGHE: “It's too early to judge the technical abilities of Michael Bastard at this point in this... wait a second, Bastard going for some ELBOWS to the upper back of Jonathan Marx!”

JULIUS: “OH!! Just caught him in the jaw with a knee strike! Marx could be in trouble here as Bastard tries to apply the clinch... but he slips out of the rookie talent's grip and throws a few furious hooks to keep him at bay!”

GHEORGHE: “A good defensive stand made by the young Michael Bastard, ensuring that he doesn't end up on his back!”

JIVE: “Yeah, where all it would take is a quick three seconds, and it's OVER!”

JULIUS: “...Nick, there are no pinfalls in MMA.”

JIVE: “What, SERIOUSLY?! What kind of freaking barbaric bloodsport are we watching here?!”

GHEORGHE: “Bastard's got control of the center of the ring once again... and there he goes with a BIG ROUNDHOUSE KICK to the—NO!! Marx CAUGHT IT and counters with the SWEEP!!”

JIVE: “Oh, he's just going to eat that kid ALIVE now! The BASTARD is on his back, trying to kick Marx away... but he goes WIDE with the left, and Marx POUNCES ON HIM!!” 

JULIUS: “OH MAN, Marx just BURIED HIS FOREARM into the face of Michael Bastard on his way down! Marx is looking for the mount, but Bastard clutches the back of his head and wraps his legs around his waist...”

GHEORGHE: “He's got a good looking guard there, and now he's trying to pound back at Marx with a couple of shots to the temple, but he can't get enough force behind them... Marx, meanwhile, trying to cross that left leg and get a better position!”

JULIUS: “Bastard knows that he'll be in serious trouble if Marx gets the full mount, and he keeps his legs wrapped around the mid-section of Marx... but now Marx trying to RISE—OH MAN!!”

JIVE: “Marx LANDS SOME SHOTS INTO THE EXPOSED FACE OF MICHAEL BASTARD!! He's got nowhere to go!”

GHEORGHE: “Bastard's got to make a move, or the ref's going to stop this, but Marx appears to be—oh wait, Bastard just caught his right arm—AND HE COUNTERS WITH A TRIANGLE CHOKE!!”

JULIUS: “HE'S TRYING TO LOCK IT IN, and now MARX is despERAtely trying to pull himself free! Bastard's got a good grip on his wrist though, and now he's using those legs to try and SQUEEZE THE LIFE out of Jonathan Marx!!”

JIVE: “Marx is trying to slip out, but... DAMN, that is one clingy bastard! I've seen the former NEW World Heavyweight Champion tap out to MUCH WORSE though!”

GHEORGHE: “Marx trying to stand... and he PICKS UP MICHAEL BASTARD with him!”

(SFX: *BAM!!*)

JULIUS: “OUCH!! He just DRIVES HIM DOWN right on the back of his head, and that was enough for Bastard to break the hold!”

JIVE: “FINALLY! Dang, I've been waiting FOREVER for one of these guys to slam the other! A suplex, a spinebuster... hell, ANYTHING!”

JULIUS: “You won't see any of that here, Jive. Just two men and their wits and their strength duking it out.”

JIVE: “...man, MMA is boring.”

GHEORGHE: “Tell that to these FANS, giving both fighters a good reaction as they rise to their feet and get ready to continue!”

JULIUS: “Michael Bastard is definitely showing that he can hold his own in this match. I thought when Marx had him on the ground, this one would have been over shortly, but Bastard found a way to counter his way out of it.”

GHEORGHE: “Bastard's pressing forward once again, leading with his right fist—but Marx DUCKS, and tags him in the CHIN with a quick uppercut!”

JIVE: “That left the BASTARD reeling, and now Marx comes in for the kill—”

JULIUS: “NO!! Bastard caught him with an INSIDE SPINNING BACK-KICK, and that caught Marx square in the abdomen! Marx is WINDED... and Bastard follows through with a SPINNING BACK-FIST!!”

GHEORGHE: “JEEZ!! That caught Marx right in the TEMPLE, and he STUMBLES TO THE MAT!! This could be it RIGHT HERE!”

JIVE: “The BASTARD moves in for the kill, but Marx is almost INSTANTLY to his feet and ties him up!”

GHEORGHE: “That may have been out of despERAtion by Marx, but I don't blame him! If Michael Bastard had scored one or two more blows, he would have gone out like a light!”

JULIUS: “Marx still looks a little dazed from that back-fist, and now Bastard presses him up against the ropes, trying to get a knee in, but he can't—”

(SFX: *DING! DING!*)

GHEORGHE: “And there's the end of round one...”

(The fans let out a very loud and supportive reaction to both athletes as the referee breaks them apart and they go to their respective corners.)

GHEORGHE: “Quite an action packed first round!”

JIVE: “‘Action packed?!’ What the hell are you talking about Tom!? I'm BORED OUT OF MY SKULL here!”

JULIUS: “You'd rather see a fight where two guys struggle weakly on the ground for three minutes until the ref finally gets bored and breaks it up? For an MMA contest, this is actually quite a heated battle!”

JIVE: “Mixed Martial Arts has gotta be the most boring sport in the history of sports, then. No slams, no high-flying maneuvers... not even a simple HEADLOCK!”

GHEORGHE: “I'd like to see you get in there with either of those men and show us what a REAL fight should be...”

JIVE: “I ain't gonna do that, Tom, because I'm a SPECTATOR... not a competitor. And right now, I don't like what I'm spectating... even IF Jonathan Marx is somehow involved in it! This is BELOW the former NEW World Heavyweight Champion!”

(In his corner, Marx is being given advice from Brandon Jacobs as the medics check him over for damage. Across the ring, Amazing Logan gives his protege some reassurance.)

JULIUS: “If I had to choose, I'd give that first round to Michael Bastard. He came out pretty aggressive, landed some good shots... even managed to whip out a submission hold while he was on his back and in a bad position.”

GHEORGHE: “Could we be looking toward an UPSET here tonight? Could the young rookie Michael Bastard overcome SWIFT's main attraction and the former NEW World Champion? Round two is only a couple seconds away...”

(Both men rise out of their corners and get in fighting stances. The ref asks if they are ready, and cues the bell.)

(SFX: *DING! DING!*)

JIVE: “Both men step out of their corners... and hopefully, Marx can get something GOING here in this next round.”

JULIUS: “Bastard steps up, and he's SWINGING AWAY yet again! This round may begin just like the first... Marx playing it defensively, and Bastard occupying the center of the ring.”

GHEORGHE: “OOH... Bastard caught him with a jab right there, but Marx just shakes it off! Bastard SWINING AWAY with a left hook—AND MARX COUNTERS WITH A TAKEDOWN!!”

JIVE: “That was just what Marx was waiting for! That kid is so punch-happy, he was bound to screw up at SOME point!”

GHEORGHE: “Bastard is on his back once again, and Marx quickly crosses over the left-leg into the half-guard! Bastard could be in a precarious situation here...”

JULIUS: “There won't be a triangle choke attempt THIS time as long as Marx straddles that leg! Both men are tied up on the ground, and Marx uses the opportunity to lay in some FOREARMS into the face of Michael Bastard!”

JIVE: “Marx, attempting to get the full mount... and if he gets by Michael Bastard's legs, it will be ALL OVER for the rookie wrestling talent!” 

GHEORGHE: “But Bastard's making the best out of his situation, using his legs to hook the right leg of Jonathan Marx... preventing him from getting into a more effective position!”

JULIUS: “Marx, using that forearm again—OH!! But Bastard CAUGHT HIM with a stiff punch to the face before both men tie up once again!”

JIVE: “He's a stingy little BASTARD... but Marx is still the man on top, and therefore, the man in control! Of course, if this had been a REAL match, it would have been OVER by now, because that kid's shoulders have been on the mat for MUCH LONGER than three seconds!”

GHEORGHE: “This is MMA, Nick. This is as REAL as it GETS!”

JULIUS: “Marx's attempts to advance his position are going nowhere... and now he rises up to put some FISTS into the face of Michael Bastard!”

JIVE: “I think this one is IN THE BAG! The BASTARD can do little more than cover up and hope for the best at this point, but Marx just redirects his punches to the side of his head!”

JULIUS: “Marx is trying to move those arms aside... no wait, he TRANSITIONS INTO A JUJI-GATAME—but Bastard SLIPS OUT at the last second!”

GHEORGHE: “Marx SLAPS the mat in frustration before he gets to his feet! He was going for the kill there with that armlock, but instead, he freed the legs of Michael Bastard and gave him the chance of escape!”

JIVE: “If he can't make him tap or knock him out... he'll surely win by points.”

GHEORGHE: “Both men back to their feet... and you can see that Marx is getting a little flustered with his opponent!”

JIVE: “Do you blame him? He's on the verge of being SWIFT's FIRST major champion, and here he's having trouble with this rookie BASTARD!”

JULIUS: “Marx may be loosing his cool, but these fans are just now HEATING UP, giving both men a VERY resonant reaction as the fight continues! Marx steps in and throws a few wild punches that Bastard blocks!”

GHEORGHE: “Marx might be trying to fight back with a little aggression of his OWN now! Bastard backs up, and both men tie-up against the ropes!”

JIVE: “Marx is trying to hook those arms and trip him back to the mat... but the BASTARD won't go down without a fight, trying to punch those kidneys! Marx fights back with a couple KNEES to those ribs!”

JULIUS: “Marx has been in good control of this second round thus far, and there's still a few minutes to go before the bell. No doubt, he knows he can finish this before then, but as long as Bastard keeps him tied up, he won't get the chance!”

GHEORGHE: “Marx is digging his head under Bastard's arm and hooking the leg... now doubt trying another takedown attempt... but Bastard is fighting it!”

JIVE: “Perhaps the rook realizes now that he can't win this on the ground! If you ask me, he can't win it on his FEET either, with how reckless he is!”

JULIUS: “Marx is GOING FOR THE SWEEP... NO!! Bastard manages to stay on his feet, locking up the arms of the former NEW World Champ and sprawling himself out!”

GHEORGHE: “Now he's FIGHTING BACK with a KNEE to the chest of Jonathan Marx! That may have stunned Marx a little, as... wait, Bastard CLINCHING THE BACK OF HIS HEAD!”

JULIUS: “MUAY THAI KNEE STRIKE to the face... THERE'S ANOTHER!! Oh man, I think that last one ROCKED Marx!”

GHEORGHE: “Marx is REELING... Bastard releases him from the clinch—AND THERE'S THE TAKEDOWN!! Bastard scores one of his own, and now MARX is the one on his back!”

JIVE: “That's a position he's RARELY seen in, I should point out... but it's of little consequence. Marx is just as dangerous from THAT position as he is in any other!”

JULIUS: “Michael Bastard nearly knocked his head off with those knee strikes, and he may just finish Marx off if he can get the mount! Bastard moving those legs, but Marx has a TIGHT grip right around his waist!”

GHEORGHE: “That guard is IMPOSSIBLE to cross, but Bastard keeps trying anyway... wait a second, Marx caught his HEAD... I think he's got him IN A CHOKEHOLD!!”

JULIUS: “I think you're RIGHT, Tom! Marx is attempting a GUILLOTINE CHOKE!! He's got the legs squeezing down on Michael Bastard's ribs, but I don't think he's got the forearm completely locked in!”

JIVE: “The twitchy BASTARD has his HAND in the way, despERAtely doing whatever he can to prevent the former New ERA World Heavyweight Champ from clamping down on that windpipe and choking him out!”

GHEORGHE: “We could be MOMENTS AWAY from a finish here! If Bastard can't break out, then—wait, Marx moves that hand aside! MARX HAS THE CHOKE APPLIED!!”

JULIUS: “You can see Bastard's entire body TENSE UP as the pain sets in! But... he's not tapping yet! I don't know how much longer he can last before he blacks out!”

GHEORGHE: “‘Gentleman’ Jonathan Marx went from being on his back in a bad position to being just seconds away to victory by submission... but Michael Bastard is REFUSING to give in!”

JIVE: “Now he’s a STUBBORN Bastard.”

GHEORGHE: “The ref checks on him to make sure he’s still conscious... still awake, but probably not for much longer! Hold the phone... Bastard’s digging his feet into the mat! Holy hell, he’s trying to STAND UP!”

JULIUS: “And he’s BRINGING MARX WITH HIM!”

(SFX: *BAM!!*) 

GHEORGHE: “OOOHH MAN, Bastard just SLAMS Marx to the mat! Marx lost his grip, and Bastard SLIPPED OUT!! He just ESCAPED a GUILLOTINE CHOKEHOLD!!”

JULIUS: “Marx, meanwhile, lies stunned on his back, and here comes Bastard trying to JUMP ON HIM and punch away, but the veteran keeps him back with some KICKS from on his back!”

(SFX: *DING! DING!*)

GHEORGHE: “There’s the bell to mark the end of round two... and the ref has to JUMP IN to split these two up! This fight is getting REALLY intense now!”

JULIUS: “Both men go to their corners, and Marx looks a little more satisfied.”

JIVE: “He should be. That was a DAMN fine round! I think he’s finally figuring out this BASTARD’s moves!”

GHEORGHE: “Michael Bastard has survived two rounds against the former World Champion and undefeated SWIFT MMA competitor. Is this going to come down to a decision?”

(Shots of both men in their corners shows Logan trying to give Michael Bastard some advice while he stares daggers across the ring. Marx looks relatively cool and collected as Brandon Jacobs dabs him down with a towel and gives him some verbal support.)

Crowd: “WE-WANT-MORE!! WE-WANT-MORE!! WE-WANT-MORE!!”

JULIUS: “I think the Las Vegas fans are quite pleased by the way this spur-of-the-moment MMA match is turning out, and I’m liable to agree with them!”

JIVE: “Five more minutes of this, and we can get back to the wrestling... where everything isn’t as FAKE as what I’m seeing right now!”

GHEORGHE: “Nick, you are beyond all help...”

(Both men rise as the referee checks if they are ready, then cues the bell.)

(SFX: *DING! DING!*)

JIVE: “Round Three... FIGHT!!”

GHEORGHE: “I’m no MMA judge, but I feel these two men are NECK and NECK right now in terms of points!”

JULIUS: “This is what it all comes down to! This time, Marx throws the first series of punches, pushing Bastard back to the outer perimeter!”

JIVE: “He’s got him on the run now! I hardly think this kid knows what to do with himself at this point! Anything he tries is just going to force him back into yet another submission hold!”

GHEORGHE: “SIDEKICK connects into the ribs of Michael Bastard! That mid-section has taken some punishment over the course of this fight, and you have to wonder if that’s affecting his conditioning...”

JULIUS: “Here’s ANOTHER kick by Marx, but Bastard DODGES it by a matter of INCHES—and BITES BACK with a CRESCENT KICK!!”

GHEORGHE: “OH WOW, that caught MARX RIGHT IN THE FOREHEAD, and sent him SPRAWLING TO THE MAT!! Bastard JUMPS ALL OVER HIM!! THE ROOKIE IS LOOKING FOR A KNOCKOUT!!”

JIVE: “Marx FIGHTS his way back to his feet and SHOVES the dirty BASTARD off of him! Momentarily stunned, but HARDLY a deathblow!”

JULIUS: “It wasn’t a deathblow, but... it looks like Marx has been CUT OPEN!”

GHEORGHE: “I think you’re RIGHT! That kick opened up a VERY horrible gash right above the right eye, and Marx is just now discovering this!”

JIVE: “WHAT?! ‘Gentleman’ Jonathan Marx NEVER bleeds! That BASTARD is going to PAY NOW!”

JULIUS: “Marx looks FURIOUS as he sees his own blood fresh on his finger tips... and he LUNGES for Michael Bastard! Both men CRASH into each other and just start exchanging HARD rights and lefts like there ain’t no tomorrow!”

GHEORGHE: “Marx just SNAPPED, and now both of these men are COMPLETELY out of control!”

JULIUS: “Bastard now, taking Marx by the HAIR on the back of his head and putting some RELENTLESS ELBOWS to the bleeding face of the former World Champion!”

JIVE: “Come on, hair-pulling is not even allowed in the REAL sport! Tell him to break it up, ref!”

JULIUS: “The ref is telling Bastard to let go of the hair, but the rookie just IGNORES HIM!! Marx FIGHTS BACK with a DELIBERATE LOW BLOW, but both men continue recklessly WAILING AWAY at each other!”

GHEORGHE: “The referee has CLEARLY lost control of this match... and now he’s WAVING TO THE TIMEKEEPER!!”

JIVE: “Oh, what a GYP!!”

(SFX: *DING-DING-DING-DING!!*)

(The capacity crowd BOOS for the first time during the match as the bell rings. The Amazing Logan and Brandon Jacobs jump into the ring and pull the competitors apart with the help of the referee. After a few moments of struggle, Marx and Bastard are separated and directed to their corners as the ref confirms the decision with the announcter.)

LINKS: “Ladies and gentlemen... due to EXCESSIVE BRAWLING from both competitors... the referee has declared this match to be a DOUBLE DISQUALIFICATION!!”

Crowd: “BOOOOO!!”

GHEORGHE: “The fans may not like the decision, but the referee made it out of concern for the competitors’ health.”

JULIUS: “You’re right there, Tom. If he had let the fight continue the way it was going, one or BOTH men could have been SERIOUSLY injured!”

JIVE: “Yeah, well frankly, I can’t remember the last time a WRESTLING match ended because both guys were kicking the **** out of each other too much...”

(Marx is led away from the ring and back up the ramp by members of Team Marxism, who quickly patch up the gash on his forehead. Marx continues to jaw back at Bastard and Logan in the ring.)

JULIUS: “It ended before one man could walk out the winner, but you have to consider this to be a personal victory for the likes of Michael Bastard. I mean, this is a green talent with no MMA training, and he was put up against one of the very BEST this industry has ever produced... and he stood his ground.”

GHEORGHE: “You’re right about that. Bastard managed to escape a number of dangerous situations, and gave Jonathan Marx something to remember him by!”

JIVE: “I’m glad that RAT BASTARD is Empire Pro’s problem and not ours. You can give him all the praise in the world, but in the end, he couldn’t overcome the skill and experience of Jonathan Marx. And if you ask me, he got HIMSELF disqualified when he started pulling the hair!”

GHEORGHE: “All the same, it was a good fight, and the fans seemed to like it up until the very end. Marx has quite a road ahead of him in SWIFT, and time will tell how Bastard takes to Empire Pro. Right now, though, Sin City Showdown continues!”