Boss Fight XLVII: Meyers vs Rogers

ROUND ONE: As the referee signals the start of the bout, Nakamura, with his distinctive Muay Thai stance, begins with a flurry of leg kicks, keeping Gaines on his toes. Gaines tries to close the distance, but Nakamura’s footwork and clinch control are exceptional. Nakamura showcases his striking prowess, landing crisp elbows and knees in the clinch. Gaines struggles to defend himself, and it’s evident that Nakamura’s experience in Muay Thai is paying dividends. Nakamura’s leg kicks start to take a toll on Gaines, who’s having difficulty maintaining his balance. Nakamura expertly sweeps Gaines off his feet, earning a takedown and transitioning into a dominant top position. The round ends with Nakamura firmly in control, having inflicted significant damage on Gaines. It’s a clear and dominant round in favor of Nakamura.

Isaac Cohen’s Scorecard (Unofficial): 10-8 Nakamura

ROUND TWO: The second round kicks off with Nakamura’s confidence riding high. He continues to batter Gaines with leg kicks, destabilizing his base. Gaines attempts to close the distance and land some combinations, but Nakamura is too elusive, weaving in and out of traffic. In a clinch, Nakamura unleashes a barrage of devastating knees, each one finding its mark on Gaines’ midsection. The crowd roars in anticipation, witnessing Nakamura’s striking prowess. Gaines is wobbling, his energy fading fast. Nakamura seizes the moment, landing a knee flush on Gaines’ chin that sends him sprawling to the canvas. The referee rushes in to check on the fallen Gaines, but it’s clear he’s out cold. Nakamura raises his hands in triumph as the crowd erupts in applause for this sensational debut victory.

Winner: Kenjiro Nakamura by KO (Knees) at 2:57 Round 2

Statistics: Kenjiro Nakamura
Punches 10/15 (67%)
Kicks 20/24 (83%)
Clinch strikes 30/35 (86%)
Takedowns 1/1 (100%)
GnP strikes 5/6 (83%)
Submissions 0/0 (0%)
Clinch Attempts 2/2 (100%)
Time on the ground 105 s

Statistics: Cortez Gaines
Punches 5/20 (25%)
Kicks 4/10 (40%)
Clinch strikes 5/12 (42%)
Takedowns 0/1 (0%)
GnP strikes 0/0 (0%)
Submissions 0/0 (0%)
Clinch Attempts 0/1 (0%)
Time on the ground 105 s

Isaac Cohen’s Opinion: Kenjiro Nakamura’s electrifying debut in a Union GP octagon left fans on the edge of their seats, with his unique style and killer instinct stealing the show. He unleashed a dazzling display of unorthodox movement, leaving Cortez Gaines stuck in Nakamura’s striking range. With pinpoint precision, he chipped away at Gaines’ legs, crumbling his foundation and seizing control of the fight. Nakamura’s performance was a mesmerizing fusion of sheer power and blazing speed, instantly shining a spotlight on him as a captivating contender to watch closely in the Heavyweight Division. This was no ordinary victory, it was a statement.

ROUND ONE: Alexander Sokolov, the unorthodox street fighter, steps toward the center of the octagon opposite Da’vion Woodard, the traditional freestyle fighter. The crowd is juiced up as both fighters touch gloves in a display of mutual respect. Sokolov opens the round with a wild flurry of strikes, throwing haymakers from every angle. Woodard, composed and disciplined, keeps his distance and looks for his openings. Both fighters stand toe-to-toe, trading punches that echo through the arena. Sokolov’s erratic style keeps the fans on their feet, while Woodard’s precise strikes show his technical prowess. As the round progresses, Sokolov lands a looping right hook that stuns Woodard briefly, and the crowd roars with approval. Woodard shakes it off and retaliates with a beautifully executed takedown, but Sokolov quickly scrambles to his feet. The round ends with both fighters breathing heavily, an even exchange of power and technique.

Isaac Cohen’s Scorecard (Unofficial): 10-9 Sokolov

ROUND TWO: Sokolov enters the second round with newfound confidence. His unorthodox style seems to befuddle Woodard, who struggles to find an answer. Sokolov keeps the pressure on, dancing around the octagon with his erratic movements. Woodard attempts to regain control, but Sokolov’s unpredictability keeps him guessing. Midway through the round, Sokolov connects with a spinning backfist that lands flush on Woodard’s jaw, staggering him. Smelling blood, Sokolov launches a series of wild hooks and crosses. Woodard tries to cover up, but Sokolov’s relentless assault pushes him to the edge. Sokolov pins Woodard against the fence and unleashes a barrage of strikes. The crowd is on its feet, chanting Sokolov’s name. With seconds left in the round, Sokolov lands a crushing knee to Woodard’s midsection, dropping him to the canvas. Woodard somehow managed to survive the round, but the momentum has swung firmly in Sokolov’s favor.

Isaac Cohen’s Scorecard (Unofficial): 10-8 Sokolov (20-17 Sokolov)

ROUND THREE: The third round begins, and Sokolov is right back on the attack. He continues to showcase his unpredictable striking, keeping Woodard off balance. Woodard, visibly fatigued, struggles to find an answer as Sokolov backs him against the cage. In a display of incredible combinations, Sokolov lands a series of hooks, uppercuts, and knees that have Woodard reeling. The crowd’s excitement reaches a fever pitch. With Woodard pinned against the fence, Sokolov continues to deliver heavy blows as the referee shouts out warnings for Woodard to fight back. The order falls on deaf ears and the referee steps in to stop the fight. The crowd erupts with cheers as Alexander Sokolov secures a dominant win in the third round. 

Winner: Alexander Sokolov by TKO (Punches) at 3:09 Round 3

Statistics: Alexander Sokolov
Punches 54/82 (66%)
Kicks 12/22 (55%)
Clinch strikes 6/10 (60%)
Takedowns 0/1 (0%)
GnP strikes 0/0 (0%)
Submissions 0/0 (0%)
Clinch Attempts 0/1 (0%)
Time on the ground 23 s

Statistics: Da’vion Woodard
Punches 38/67 (57%)
Kicks 10/20 (50%)
Clinch strikes 4/8 (50%)
Takedowns 1/1 (100%)
GnP strikes 0/0 (0%)
Submissions 0/0 (0%)
Clinch Attempts 0/0 (0%)
Time on the ground 23 s

Isaac Cohen’s Opinion: The Russian brawler showcased significant development in his fight IQ, highlighting an impressive maturation in his skills and strategic acumen. What was most remarkable was his ability to not only weather the early storm but also skillfully control his chaotic offensive striking, ultimately yielding highly impactful results. He masterfully analyzed his opponent’s tendencies, particularly when it came to defending takedowns, which allowed him to adapt his game plan effectively on the fly. This win not only snaps a two-fight skid for Sokolov, it renews confidence and also reignites the buzz surrounding his future fights. 

ROUND ONE: Ammar Elamin meets MANDEM inside the octagon for their quick turnaround rematch. The referee signals the start, and the two fighters touch gloves before the battle begins. Elamin wastes no time, lunging forward with a stiff right jab and attempting to close the distance. MANDEM tries to establish his range with a sharp one-two combination, but Elamin is able to effectively dodge the traffic. After dodging the shots, he quickly secures a powerful underhook and tosses MANDEM to the mat. Elamin’s control on the ground is impressive, using his superior grappling to smother MANDEM, landing precise elbows and searching for submissions. MANDEM, however, manages to escape a couple of close calls, demonstrating his resilience and determination. The crowd roars as the first round ends with Elamin firmly in control and confident he earned the edge of the judges’ scorecards with his dominant grappling exchanges.

Isaac Cohen’s Scorecard (Unofficial): 10-9 Elamin

ROUND TWO: The second round begins with Elamin continuing to press his grappling acumen, going for a single leg takedown. MANDEM reads the shot admirably and defends the attempt. Elamin’s persistence pays off though, as he manages to change levels and slam MANDEM to the canvas very aggressively. MANDEM’s instincts come into play as he avoids Elamin’s submission attempts, showing some remarkable grit. Seizing an opportunity, MANDEM explodes back to his feet, delivering a brutal left hook to Elamin’s ribs as they stand up off the break. Both fighters then begin to exchange in the center, Elamin with his underrated yet versatile kickboxing and MANDEM with his heavy hands. It’s a back-and-forth battle that keeps the crowd on the edge of their seats. MANDEM’s bare-knuckle background is evident as his hooks land with vicious intent, but Elamin’s agility and kicks keep him in the game as he’s able to roll with some of the heavy punches. The second round ends with both fighters gaining some ground, leaving the judges with a tough call on their hands. 

Isaac Cohen’s Scorecard (Unofficial): 10-9 Elamin (20-18 Elamin)

ROUND THREE: The final round commences, and the fighters have left it all in the cage as evidence from their heavy breathing. MANDEM has really found his rhythm, stuffing takedowns and sprawling with confidence. He’s dialed in on Elamin’s cadence, stuffing the takedown attempts and countering with punishing and precise boxing. Elamin, desperate to regain control, fires off a high head kick that connects flush with MANDEM’s guard. MANDEM counters with a devastating uppercut, snapping Elamin’s head back. The crowd roars as MANDEM unleashes a furious combination, battering Elamin against the fence. Elamin, bloodied but unyielding, makes an impetuous grappling attempt, but MANDEM’s defense is razor sharp now. With the final seconds ticking away, MANDEM lands a powerful right cross, sending Elamin reeling. The final horn sounds, and MANDEM raises his hands in triumph, believing he’s rallied back in the final round to potentially sway the fight in his favor.

Isaac Cohen’s Scorecard (Unofficial): 10-9 MANDEM (29-28 Elamin)

JUDGES’ SCORECARDS
Ammar Elamin  10 10 9: 29
MANDEM  9 9 10: 28

Ammar Elamin  10 9 9: 28
MANDEM  9 10 10: 29

Ammar Elamin  10 9 9: 28
MANDEM  9 10 10: 29

Winner: MANDEM by Split Decision

Statistics: Ammar Elamin
Punches 24/62 (38%)
Kicks 10/18 (56%)
Clinch strikes 4/8 (50%)
Takedowns 5/8 (63%)
GnP strikes 12/20 (60%)
Submissions 0/2 (0%)
Clinch Attempts 2/4 (50%)
Time on the ground 242 s

Statistics: MANDEM
Punches 37/85 (43%)
Kicks 12/23 (52%)
Clinch strikes 6/11 (55%)
Takedowns 0/0 (0%)
GnP strikes 17/27 (63%)
Submissions 0/0 (0%)
Clinch Attempts 1/3 (33%)
Time on the ground 242 s

Isaac Cohen’s Opinion: Although I scored this in favor of Ammar Elamin, I’m not screaming robbery. Round one was clearly for Elamin and round three was clearly for MANDEM. I can see a world where people believe MANDEM won the second round, which was the closest round that was gonna swing this fight for the winner. With this win, I believe we see a number next to MANDEM’s name in the next update of the rankings, and with these two matched up fairly recently and splitting the series at one a piece, I’m sure we will inevitably see the trilogy down the road, and hopefully it has a lot at stake.

ROUND ONE: The big men meet in the center of the octagon, sizing each other up. Levandrier, the slightly shorter but stockier of the two, circles cautiously. Makonza, a rangy striker, starts to establish his jab. Levandrier dips and weaves, working his way inside, looking for an opening. Makonza fires off a vicious leg kick, but Levandrier checks it and shoots in for a takedown. The crowd roars as he drives Makonza against the cage. With his wrestling prowess on full display, Levandrier secures a body lock and lifts Makonza off the canvas, slamming him down with authority. On the ground, Levandrier transitions into Makonza’s guard, showing his mat skills. He unleashes a flurry of punishing shots, forcing Makonza to cover up. The crowd is on its feet as the tension thickens. Makonza is tough, but Levandrier’s relentless assault takes a toll. Makonza’s guard weakens, and Levandrier seizes the moment. He postures up, raining down heavy fists and elbows. The referee watches closely as Makonza struggles to defend himself. And there it is! Levandrier lands a brutal right hand, sending Makonza’s head snapping back, and the referee steps in to stop the fight. Dax Levandrier claims a stunning victory with a knockout finish in the first round!

Winner: Dax Levandrier by KO (GnP) at 3:34 Round 1

Statistics: Dax Levandrier
Punches 15/30 (50%)
Kicks 0/0 (0%)
Clinch strikes 0/0 (0%)
Takedowns 1/1 (100%)
GnP strikes 25/35 (71%)
Submissions 0/0 (0%)
Clinch Attempts 1/1 (100%)
Time on the ground 107 s

Statistics: Omar Makonza
Punches 10/25 (40%)
Kicks 3/8 (38%)
Clinch strikes 0/0 (0%)
Takedowns 0/0 (0%)
GnP strikes 0/0 (0%)
Submissions 0/0 (0%)
Clinch Attempts 0/1 (0%)
Time on the ground 107 s

Isaac Cohen’s Opinion: We got what was expected in this fight: two big meaty men slapping meat! This was a much needed win for Dax Levadrier, marking a significant turning point in his career, especially considering his previous struggles, having secured only one win in his last four bouts leading up to this pivotal night. Despite his age, there remains a valid sense of optimism surrounding his potential for a run at the prestigious Union GP Heavyweight Title. His journey towards the title is not without its setbacks, as he fell short in previous encounters against both former champion Owen Barnes and the reigning champion Viktor Volkov. These losses, however, serve as valuable learning experiences, highlighting areas where Levandrier can further refine his skills and strategy. With continued exposure to high-caliber opponents and opportunities for growth, there is genuine hope that he can surmount the challenges that lie ahead and eventually claim the championship he sets his sights on.

ROUND ONE: The opening bell rings for the Main Event, and both fighters touch gloves. Meyers, in front of his home crowd, starts with a quick jab, showcasing his striking prowess. Rogers, the grappling specialist, isn’t backing down. He shoots for a takedown, and Meyers sprawls. The two engage in a gritty clinch against the cage, trading short, sharp elbows and knees. Meyers finds success with shots to the body, while Rogers counters with a well-timed overhand right off the break. As the round progresses, Meyers starts finding his range with his combinations, connecting with a stinging left hook. Rogers responds by attempting another takedown, but Meyers defends brilliantly, staying on his feet. The crowd roars as they exchange ferocious punches until the horn sounds, ending a closely contested first round.

Isaac Cohen’s Scorecard (Unofficial): 10-9 Meyers

ROUND TWO: Meyers comes out with confidence, knowing he’s had success with his striking. He utilizes his footwork and boxing skills to keep Rogers at bay. A crisp one-two combination lands flush on Rogers’ jaw, followed by a thudding leg kick that buckles Rogers for a moment. Meyers seizes the opportunity and unleashes a barrage of punches, connecting with a powerful right hook that leaves Rogers stunned. Rogers desperately goes for another takedown, but Meyers shows his improved takedown defense, once again fending off Rogers’ advances. Benji Meyers’ striking continues to shine, with sharp jabs and body shots accumulating points. Rogers is showing signs of fatigue, struggling to keep up with the fast-paced stand-up action. The second round ends with Meyers clearly taking control.

Isaac Cohen’s Scorecard (Unofficial): 10-8 Meyers (20-17 Meyers)

ROUND THREE: With the scorecard potentially in jeopardy, Ray Rogers comes out with a sense of urgency in the third round. He pushes forward, looking for the takedown. Meyers attempts to keep the fight standing, but Rogers surprises him with a slick trip takedown, and it’s straight into Rogers’ world. Rogers transitions into a deep submission attempt, locking in a tight armbar. The crowd gasps as Meyers fights through the pain. With seconds ticking away, Meyers digs deep, showing tremendous heart, and manages to survive the round, escaping the submission attempt just before the horn. Rogers almost had it there, but Meyers’ resilience shines through, setting up a renewed intensity for the Main Event rounds.

Isaac Cohen’s Scorecard (Unofficial): 10-8 Rogers (28-27 Meyers)

ROUND FOUR: As the fourth round begins, Meyers appears to have regained his composure. He takes the center of the cage and feints a few strikes to keep Rogers guessing. Then, in a stunning display of athleticism, Meyers launches a head kick that connects squarely with Rogers’ temple. The crowd erupts as Rogers wobbles, and Meyers sees his opportunity. Sensing victory, Meyers swarms Rogers with blistering punches. Rogers is on wobbly legs, doing everything he can to defend himself. The referee closely watches the action, and with Rogers unable to mount any offense, he has no choice but to step in and call the fight. The hometown hero has done it! Benji Meyers has given the fans in Seattle a lot of reasons to be proud of the young lightweight prospect.

Winner: Benji Meyers by TKO (Punches) at 2:17 Round 4

Statistics: Benji Meyers
Punches 68/110 (62%)
Kicks 21/28 (75%)
Clinch strikes 12/18 (67%)
Takedowns 0/2 (0%)
GnP strikes 0/0 (0%)
Submissions 0/0 (0%)
Clinch Attempts 2/2 (100%)
Time on the ground 74 s

Statistics: Ray Rogers
Punches 36/60 (60%)
Kicks 5/12 (42%)
Clinch strikes 6/10 (60%)
Takedowns 1/4 (25%)
GnP strikes 0/0 (0%)
Submissions 0/1 (0%)
Clinch Attempts 0/1 (0%)
Time on the ground 74 s

Isaac Cohen’s Opinion: This is exactly what we needed to see out of Benji Meyers. His performance addressed the pressing question regarding his readiness for top-tier competition. He started fast, dominating the first two rounds with his impeccable striking. However, in the third round, he got caught in a deep armbar, a moment that nearly spelled the end of the fight. It was in this critical juncture that Meyers exhibited moxie, grit, and poise. He not only survived the armbar but also mounted a remarkable comeback, ultimately securing the dub in the fourth round. With this win, Meyers has now secured his third consecutive win, and has won five of his last six fights. Should he continue to hone his skills and maintain his winning ways, there is a strong possibility that he will be in contention for a title fight in the early part of 2024.

Venue: Climate Pledge Arena
Location: Seattle, Washington
Attendance: 17,227
Date: November 5, 2023
Fighter Payouts: $1,740,000
Gate: $2,555,000

FIGHT OF THE NIGHT
Benji Meyers vs Ray Rogers

PERFORMANCE OF THE NIGHT
Alexander Sokolov, Dax Levandrier

DISCLOSED EARNINGS
Dax Levandrier ($500,000)
Benji Meyers ($300,000)
Ray Rogers ($250,000)
MANDEM ($170,000)
Alexander Sokolov ($145,000)
Ammar Elamin ($110,000)
Omar Makonza ($75,000)
Kenjiro Nakamura ($70,000)
Da’vion Woodard ($60,000)
Cortez Gaines ($60,000)

QUICK RECAP
Kenjiro Nakamura def. Cortez Gaines by KO (Knees) at 2:57 Round 2
Alexander Sokolov def. Da’vion Woodard by TKO (Punches) at 3:09 Round 3
MANDEM def. Ammar Elamin by Split Decision (29-28 x2, 29-28)
Dax Levandrier def. Omar Makonza by KO (GnP) at 3:34 Round 1
Benji Meyers def. Ray Rogers by TKO (Punches) at 2:17 Round 4

EVENT EARNINGS
Ticket Sales: $2,555,000
Media Rights: $2,500,000
Sponsorship Deals: $5,000,000
Merchandise Sales: $600,000
Concessions: $400,000

Total Event Revenue: $10,055,000

EVENT EXPENSES
Fighter Payouts: $1,740,000
Staff Salaries: $2,000,000
Venue Rental: $500,000
Production Costs: $1,500,000
Medical Staff and Equipment: $500,000
Marketing and Advertising: $500,000
Insurance: $500,000
Miscellaneous Expenses: $500,000

Total Event Expenses: $7,240,000

Net Event Profit: $2,815,000