The Island Season 14, 135 lbs, Round 3 PBP Commentary

Co-main event

Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between Buzz Bullard (ranked 761 p4p, 470 weight class) and Jeremy King (ranked 57 p4p, 38 weight class). King has chosen Hail to the King - Avenged Sevenfold as his entrance music. These two fighters really are very evenly matched on the feet - it will be fascinating to see who can assert themselves in that aspect of the fight.

Bullard
vs
King

170 cm
27
143
10 - 4 - 0

169 cm
27
135
9 - 2 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Solid Muay Thai
Very strong

BJJ Blue Belt
Excellent MT
Granite chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the bantamweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 10 - 4 - 0, fighting out of The Island, Buzz Bullard!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 9 - 2 - 0, fighting out of The Island, Jeremy King!
The judges for this bout are Peter Branson, Sandra Marshall and Michael Johnstone.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Bullard shoots in looking for a takedown. King tries to sprawl out of it but Bullard keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. King manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
King doesn't fully commit to the body shot counter.
Jeremy King seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
King thows a left - swing and a miss!
Bullard attempts a counter takedown but King avoids it well and moves away.
Bullard looks to clinch
and King cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
King throws a looping overhand right but Bullard ducks down to avoid it.
Bullard drops down looking for a counter takedown but King sprawls and moves away.
King throws a poor cross that misses
and Bullard counters with a straight right hand.
Bullard fails with the takedown.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Bullard will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Buzz Bullard. That's going to take a lot out of him.

King moves into range and clinches up with Bullard.
Bullard struggles to land a body shot inside as King controls his hands.
King tries a body shot but Bullard blocks it.

That's one minute gone in the round.
King misses with a body punch.
Come on Bullard - let's have some action - none of this stalling nonsense.
Bullard blocks a body shot from King.
King misses with a body punch.
Bullard misses with a hook to the ribs.
King misses with a punch to the body.
King tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Bullard's elbow.
King is pressed up against the cage. Bullard has hold of a leg and is looking to drag King down to the mat. King avoids the attempt though and has circled away. We're back to striking at a distance.
Bullard takes a shot to the eye socket. That's gotta hurt.
Bullard avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Bullard has been talking about how he's improved his wrestling in the run up to the fight so let's see if that's enough to sway the balance.
King throws a lazy uppercut

and Bullard counters by moving into the clinch. Good anticipation by Bullard.
King prevents the takedown attempt.

Bullard manages to pull guard. Let's see whether he can land a sub off his back.
King trying to control but Bullard is working from the bottom.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Bullard is on top in guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Bullard works a leg free and moves into half guard.
Bullard seems to be taking a bit of a break to think of his next move. He lands a short punch in the meantime.
King is looking for a sweep. Bullard is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Bullard is just sitting in half guard, waiting for something to happen.
King is looking to improve his position.
Still in half guard, Bullard seems content to control.
King is trying to control but can't.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Bullard throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
King is not content to let Bullard control the position.
King trying to control but Bullard postures up.
King is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Bullard missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
King is looking for a sweep. Bullard is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
King blocking the ground and pound attempt from Bullard.

Bullard looking for a kimura but he'll have to free his other leg if he wants to finish that. Perhaps he's just using it as a distraction technique.
Bullard not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
King looks more muscular than last time we saw him. He must have been on the weights.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Well. There's a bit of a lull in the action here and the crowd are starting to get restless.
Bullard wants to pass to mount but King is defending the position.
Bullard frees up his trapped foot and advances to mount.
King takes a big shot to the head but keeps on trying to improve his position.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Bullard misses with a series of strikes from mount. He'll no doubt be working on his ground and pound when he gets back to the gym.
Bullard thowing shots but they're missing.
Bullard sends his fist crashing into the mat - the crowd let out a collective ooooooh. Let's hope he's not broken it!
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Buzz Bullard dominated that round.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!

King looks to land a left hand but Bullard moved out of range nicely.
Bullard feinted with a counter takedown.
King misses with a straight right.
Bullard throws a head kick that misses
and King cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Bullard uses good head movement to avoid the hook from King.
King lands a jab-cross combination.

Bullard is rocked!
King throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Bullard sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Oh Bullard is still all over the place! His legs are completely gone! Will he be able to recover?!!
Bullard showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from King.
King throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
King throws the left hand but Bullard avoids the punch easily.
Bullard changes levels looking for a counter takedown but doesn't commit.
Bullard seems to have got his legs back now.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Bullard shoots in for a takedown and gets it. Let's see what he's got on the mat.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
King working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Bullard.
Bullard controls from within his opponent's guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Bullard trying to control but King is working from the bottom.
Bullard is taking a break and basically stalling. The referee will not allow him to do that for long.
Bullard trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Bullard has been looking to land a fair amount of strikes on the ground. He might be looking to soften his opponent up in order to work for a submission.
Bullard landing with the ground and pound.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Bullard with a flurry of punches that miss.
Bullard postures up and lands some nice ground and pound.
Bullard postures up and lands some nice ground and pound.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A few boos can be heard. I'm sure they will multiply if the fighters don't pick up the pace.
Bullard sitting in guard, not really doing much.
Bullard is looking to work some ground and pound but King has wrist control.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Bullard accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Bullard's corner is telling him to maintain position.
Bullard preventing the sweep.
Buzz Bullard overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Bullard works a leg free and moves into half guard.
Bullard is just sitting in half guard, waiting for something to happen.
Bullard wants to take a breather but King is having none of it.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Bullard wants to pass to mount but King is defending the position.
Bullard drops an elbow to the side of King's head.

Bullard is looking for an arm triangle, whilst trying to pass to side control. King doesn't seem that keen to cooperate though. No luck this time Bullard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Bullard prevents King from improving his position.
Bullard missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.

Bullard is trying a forearm choke… I don't think that's going to do much at this level of the game.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The two fighters exchange a few words. I couldn't hear what they were saying but maybe it's more fun if you make it up yourself. Bullard connects with a nice short shot to King's temple.
King is in trouble now - Bullard has advanced to mount!
Bullard with the ground and pound from mount.
Bullard content just to control the position here.
Bullard with shots to the head and body - King looks very uncomfortable down there.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Bullard working King over with strikes here.
Bullard looking to control but King is working nicely, looking to advance position himself.
Bullard controlling from mount.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Buzz Bullard dominated that second round.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action! So, we enter the final round. Let's see if either fighter can bring us a finish, or whether we're going to the judges scorecards.

Bullard looks to land a right hand but King moved out of range.
King might want to mix his strikes up a bit more. He's just going for head shots at the moment and that can become a bit predictable.
King throws a big shot that misses.
Bullard moves out of range as King strikes.
Bullard slips under a jab from King.
Bullard takes an uppercut right on the button but keeps his composure.
King connects with a jab.
Bullard shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts King as he jumps to the side.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
A lazy left from Bullard finds it's target.
King misses with a hook.
King throws a right and a left that both miss.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Bullard punishes King's body with a nice straight punch.
King takes one on the chin but keeps coming.
Bullard is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that King can do to turn this around?
King misses with a left hand
and Bullard cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
King misses with a looping left.
Bullard slips under a jab.
Bullard throws a combination that misses
and King counters with a stiff right hand.
King keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
Bullard connects with a lovely right hand, straight down the pipe.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
King throws a right and a left that both miss.
A jab from King misses.

Bullard tries to keep at a distance but King has taken the fight into the clinch.
Bullard misses with a short punch on the inside.
King tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Bullard's elbow.
The fans in attendance giving it up for the two fighters, who have really let it all hang out in the last minute or so!
King struggles to land a body shot inside as Bullard controls his hands.
Stalling in the clinch from Bullard.
Jeremy King has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
King misses with a body punch.
King misses with a punch to the body.
King misses with a hook to the ribs.
King tries a body shot but Bullard blocks it.
King misses with a shot to the kidneys.
King misses with a punch to the body.
King doesn't land with the attempted body shot.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Bullard swings away with an uppercut that misses.
A right hand to the body from King.
Bullard goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
King struggles to land a body shot inside as Bullard controls his hands.
Bullard misses with the head strike.
King struggles to land a body shot inside as Bullard controls his hands.

Bullard ties up his opponent against the cage and manages to drag the fight down to the ground. Bullard no doubt will be looking to work submissions from his guard.

King got a little sloppy there for a moment and Bullard has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, King has managed to get both his arms back between Bullard's legs - danger averted.

King is posturing up here but Bullard has hold of an arm and he's gone for an armbar! King tries to roll out but it's too tight and King has to tap! Slick submission there by Bullard!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:51 of round 3, we have a winner by way of Submission (Armbar). Buzz Bullard!
A victorious Buzz Bullard thanked his army of followers in his post fight interview, telling people to make sure they follow him on Twitter.
Jeremy King spoke after the fight, saying 'Hail to the King, baby! Thank you to my opponent and all the fans, my coaches and I would like to thank my sponsor, Primal clothing.'.

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
50%

Main event

Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between Colby Taylor (ranked 358 p4p, 715 weight class) and Nicky Manu (ranked 27 p4p, 52 weight class). Manu comes into a darkened arena with his song building. Welcome to the Opera - Anyma & Grimes kicks in, the lights come on and the crowd goes wild! What a showman! I'm sure you'll be fascinated to know that I was talking to some pointless Z list celebrity before the fight and he thought that Nicky Manu was going to win. Let's see if he was right.

Taylor
vs
Manu

170 cm
27
145
12 - 1 - 1

169 cm
20
145
11 - 4 - 0

BJJ Brown Belt
Basic striking
Granite chin

Good wrestler
Basic striking
Powerful

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the bantamweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 12 - 1 - 1, fighting out of The Island, Colby Taylor!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 11 - 4 - 0, fighting out of The Island, Nicky Manu!
The judges for this bout are Bart Greer, Daniel Franklin and David Hoff.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Manu circles away from the clinch attempt.
Manu looks more muscular than last time we saw him. He must have been on the weights.
Taylor lands a body shot.

Manu clinches.
Taylor misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Manu tries to throw a body punch but Taylor avoids it by throwing Manu back against the cage.

Taylor ties up his opponent against the cage and manages to drag the fight down to the ground. Taylor no doubt will be looking to work submissions from his guard.

Taylor is active off his back here, looking for submissions.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

Taylor looking for subs off his back but Manu has passed one foot through into half guard.
Taylor definitely looks more muscular than last time we saw him fight.

Taylor looking for submissions from an awkward position here.
Manu really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Taylor. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Taylor looking for submissions from an awkward position here.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Taylor looking for submissions off his back.
Taylor tries to roll over but Manu keeps him under control.

Taylor looking for submissions from an awkward position here.
Taylor is trying to maintain the position but Manu is very close to passing his half guard.

Taylor is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Manu pulls his head out easily.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
My god... these two guys really need to pick up the pace or everyone will leave to go get a beer.
Manu perhaps working for something from half guard, or maybe not. It looks like he's just sitting there.

Taylor is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Manu pulls his head out easily.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Manu wants to pass the guard but Taylor is defending well.
Taylor moves his hips nicely and gets into full guard.

Taylor has his foot on Manu's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Manu works his way back into a safe position though.
Taylor looking to control.
Manu has decided he wants to stand but the closed guard of Taylor is proving hard to escape from.
Manu trying to control but Taylor is working from the bottom.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Taylor is active off his back here, looking for submissions.
Taylor trying to keep a closed guard but Manu is proving a slippery customer.

Taylor has his foot on Manu's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Manu works his way back into a safe position though.

Taylor escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Manu gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.
Taylor manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Manu manages to get himself to full guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Manu keeping moving, preventing Taylor from controlling successfully.
Manu is working an open guard here, looking to improve his position. No doubt that will leave him open to counters but at least he's being more offensive.
Manu has a butterfly guard looking to sweep but Taylor has passed into side control.
Manu is looking to reverse the position.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Taylor just content to control the position.
Manu tries to buck Taylor off but Taylor is having none of it.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Colby Taylor dominated that round.
That's the end of the interval. I'm sure that seemed a lot quicker than a minute for our two fighters! Back to the action.

Taylor sizes up Manu with a pawing jab and scores with a straight right down the middle.
A big left from Taylor misses.
Taylor is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Manu can do to turn this around?
Manu throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Taylor lands with an overhand left.
Taylor misses with a looping left.
Taylor throws a hook but Manu avoids it easily.
Nice defenses there by Manu.
Manu uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Taylor.
Manu throws a hook but Taylor avoids it easily.
Manu scores with a decent looking hook.
A big right from Manu misses.
Taylor paws at his opponent with the jab and then lunges in with a straight, right on the button.
Taylor keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Manu.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Taylor scores with a crisp jab that stopped Manu in his tracks.
Manu connects with a right hand. Taylor shakes it off.
Manu circles away from the clinch attempt
and Taylor takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Manu misses with a hook.
Colby Taylor seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Taylor swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Taylor takes one to the side of the head.
Manu wants to clinch up but Taylor keeps it at a distance.
Taylor takes a step towards his opponent and connects with a left hand, before circling away.
Taylor misses with an uppercut
letting Manu counter with a right hand.
Taylor throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Manu wants to counter with a clinch but Taylor pushes him away.
Taylor on the wrong end of a nice jab.
Taylor rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
and Manu counters with a nice body shot.
Manu throws a series of punches but Taylor moves out of range.
The fighters circling - Taylor throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Taylor waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Manu.
Taylor just misses with a punch to the body.
A little jabbing left from Manu on the counter but it doesn't find it's target.
Manu throws a hook but Taylor blocks it.
Taylor throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
A little jabbing left from Manu on the counter but it doesn't find it's target.
Taylor avoids the body shot from Manu.
Manu scores with a hook to the body. Taylor takes a step back and tries to catch his breath.

Taylor darts in and clinches Manu up against the cage.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Taylor.
Manu tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Manu will no doubt start fighting again in a minute but for now he's just having a little rest, leaning Taylor up against the cage.

Taylor pulls Manu into guard.
Manu trying to control but Taylor is working from the bottom.
Taylor is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Nicky Manu has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Taylor keeping moving, preventing Manu from controlling successfully.

Manu has a momentary lapse of concentration, allowing Taylor to throw up a leg and lock on what appears to be a pretty tight triangle! Manu is fighting it off but it's all too little too late - Taylor pulls down on the head and he's put Manu to sleep! This one is all over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:59 of round 2, we have a winner by way of Submission (Triangle). Colby Taylor!
A relieved looking Colby Taylor thanked the fans for their support and gave the usual line about them being amazing. They seemed to believe that he actually meant it.