PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between Joey Horatius (ranked 1668 p4p, 93 weight class) and Zac Zane (ranked 3210 p4p, 161 weight class). The crowd giving both fighters a great reception on their way into the arena. That's good to see.

Horatius
vs
Zane

164 cm
19
135 lbs
3 - 0 - 0

165 cm
25
140 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

Good wrestling
Brawler
Cardio machine

BJJ White Belt
Excellent MT
Tends to cut

Fist MMA Gear

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the bantamweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 3 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Hilo, Joey Horatius!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Hilo, Zac Zane!
The judges for this bout are James Atkins, Richard Clark and Andrew Berry.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Horatius lands a slapping body shot.
Horatius swings and misses with a shot to the body
letting Zane counter with a right hand.
Zane dodges the punch combination from Horatius.

Zane clinches up with Horatius and pushes him back against the cage.

Horatius breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Zane is defended easily by Horatius.
Zane wants to clinch.
A counter left hand to the body from Horatius misses its target.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Horatius staying out of range there.
Zane fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Horatius is looking to counter with a shot to the body.
A jab from Horatius misses.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Zane with a poor takedown
and Horatius counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Joey Horatius has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Zac Zane.
A big left from Horatius misses.
Zane tries to counter by closing the distance.
Horatius swinging wildly here.
A big left from Horatius misses.
As Horatius backs off Zane throws a huge counter combo but Horatius manages to avoid it all.
Zane scores with a nice looking left hook and follows it up with an uppercut!

Zane moves into range and clinches up with Horatius.
Horatius lands a body punch in the clinch.
Zane is looking to take this one to the mat.
Zane prevents a body shot from Horatius.

Zane pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Horatius swings for the body but Zane moves out of range.
Horatius comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.
Zane will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
It looked like Horatius was trying to counter with a body shot coming off that last attack from Zane.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Horatius swings for the body but Zane moves out of range.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Sloppy strikes from Horatius. Those never looked like landing.
Zane tries a counter takedown but it's more of a dummy move, and he uses it to push himself away.
Left hook, right uppercut from Horatius.
Horatius just misses with a punch to the body.
A jab from Horatius misses.
Zane bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Horatius lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Zane circles away quickly and effectively.
Zane tries to counter with a clinch but Horatius shakes him off and moves away.
Horatius throws a body punch but Zane moves out of range.
A nice combination there by Horatius.
Joey Horatius seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Horatius swinging wildly here.
Horatius looks to score with a jab to the body but Zane is just out of range.
A looping hook to the body misses from Horatius. Zane does a little dance to reset his feet.
Zane looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Horatius is fending him off so far but Zane persists. Nope, Horatius circles away and we're back to standing.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Zane scores with a shot to the body.
Zane throws a series of punches but Horatius moves out of range.
Horatius throws a series of punches but Zane avoids them all with ease.
Horatius stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Horatius wants it to stay on the feet.
Zane tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Horatius paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Joey Horatius is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Zane tries to clinch but Horatius is having none of it.
Zane avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Despite the aggression on Zane's face he doesn't fully commit to the counter.
Horatius leaves Zane with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
Horatius swinging wildly here.
Horatius ducks low and lands a nice hook to the body of his opponent.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Horatius scores with a sloppy right hand. Zane should have avoided that one.
Zane shoots in for a takedown but Horatius shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Horatius was looking to counter that last move with a shot to the body but he didn't commit.
Nice shot lands for Horatius.
Horatius throws a body punch but Zane moves out of range.
Horatius fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Zane manages to avoid it.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Horatius throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
A cross from Horatius lands.
Nice takedown defense from Horatius. No joy for Zane on that attempt.
Horatius defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Zane.
Horatius is looking to counter with a shot to the body.
Horatius just misses with a punch to the body.
Horatius misses with a double jab.
Horatius ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Zane moves away.
Zane throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
A quick step to the side and Horatius tries to counter with a shot to the body but it doesn't connect.
Some wild striking there from Horatius.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Joey Horatius 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.

Horatius connects with a jab.
Horatius leaves Zane with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
Zane has a takedown stuffed.
Some wild striking there from Horatius.
Zane pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Horatius is looking to wear down Zane with body shots, infact he's throwing more body shots than head shots at the moment.
Horatius thuds a left hand into Zane's body.
Zac Zane is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Zane misses with a two punch combination.
Zane wants to clinch up but Horatius keeps it at a distance.
Zane avoids the body shot from Horatius.
Horatius cracks Zane with a good shot that sees him stumbling back into the cage.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Zane looks for a takedown but Horatius sprawls well.
Joey Horatius has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Zac Zane.
Horatius throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Zane tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Horatius swivels and escapes.
Horatius fakes a head shot and lands one to the body.
Zane is breathing heavily.
Horatius lands a slapping body shot.
Horatius misses with a double jab
and Zane counters with a three punch combination, finished off with a leg kick. Nice work.
Some wild striking there from Horatius.
Horatius just misses with a punch to the body.
Zane appears to be waiting to throw a counter punch to the body.
Zane fails with a takedown attempt.
Horatius throws a big counter combination but Zane scrambles out of danger and avoids any damage.
Horatius throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Horatius misses with a looping left.
Horatius will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
Horatius misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Zane.
Horatius is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Zane.
Horatius avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Horatius lands a glancing blow to the side of Zane's head.
Zane moves in looking to clinch but Horatius pushes him off.
Zane keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Horatius looks to land a right hand but Zane moved out of range.
Horatius throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Zane sees it coming and avoids it easily.
The fight stays on the outside here - Zane looks like he's thinking about clinching though.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Horatius pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Horatius has not gone for a single takedown so far in this fight, which seems like a very strange tactic when you consider that he has the superior wrestling and BJJ.
Zane tries to bum rush Horatius with a series of wild strikes but Horatius uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Zane uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Horatius.
Zane wants to clinch.
Zane tries a head kick but it misses.
Zane avoids the body shot from Horatius.
Horatius misses the shot to the body.
Zane unleashes a big counter combination but Horatius bobs and weaves and avoids any damage.
Horatius rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Zane moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Horatius tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Zane was well out of range. Poor timing from Horatius.
Horatius connects with a slap. Keep your fist closed son.
Zane doesn't manage to clinch there - Horatius circles away.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Horatius misses with a wild body shot.
Zane uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Horatius.
Zane fails with the takedown.
Boom, another hit is landed. "You're gunna get knocked out" taunts Horatius, as that shot connected.
Zane keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Zane takes a body punch but keeps moving.
Zane misses with a double jab.
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!
Zane moves away from the strike by Horatius.
Zane takes one on the chin but keeps coming.
Zane shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Horatius pinned against the cage. Horatius gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Joey Horatius dominated that second round.
That's time! Back to the action!

Horatius throws a shot from downtown. Zane moves away and avoids it.
Zane changes levels for a counter takedown but doesn't follow through with his attempt.
Joey Horatius is winning the standup battle so far.
Horatius checks a leg kick.
Zane is looking to clinch.
Horatius with a body punch. A glancing blow.
Zane keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Horatius is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Zane can do to turn this around?
Horatius misses with a wild body shot.
Zane is trying hard to land a takedown here. Horatius sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
Horatius throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Horatius takes a swing at Zane's ribcage but misses.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Zane gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily
enabling Horatius to counter with a crisp jab.
Zane dives in and grabs Horatius's left leg, looking for a takedown. Horatius pushes down on Zane's head and hops out.
Joey Horatius has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Zac Zane.
Zane takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Zane avoids the body shot from Horatius.
Horatius pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Zane is trying to counter with his kicks.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Horatius swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Zane shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Horatius but Horatius pushes him off and we're back to square one.
Horatius lets the fists fly and connects with a left straight followed by a right hook.

Zane is rocked!
Horatius lands a nice looking body shot.
Horatius thows a left - swing and a miss!
Horatius fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Zane manages to avoid it.
Zane will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
Zane takes one on the chin but keeps coming.
Zane is still on wobbly legs! Can Horatius finish him?
Horatius thows a left - swing and a miss!
Horatius throws a big shot that misses.
Zane tries a counter takedown but it's more of a dummy move, and he uses it to push himself away.
Zane tries to clinch but Horatius moves out of range.
Zane seems to have recovered his senses.
Horatius fakes a jab and then connects with a hook.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Horatius jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Zane keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Horatius.
Zane throws a nice looking combination but Horatius bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Horatius leaves Zane with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
Well, he's not going to score with shots like that. A lazy body kick attempt from Zane.
Zane avoids the body shot from Horatius.
Horatius misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Zane.
Zane tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Zane is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Horatius throws the left hand but Zane avoids the punch easily.
Horatius throws a body shot but no joy.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Horatius fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Zane manages to avoid it.
Horatius throws a body shot but no joy.
Zane shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Horatius scores with a sloppy punch to the body. Not much technique there but it did the business.
Horatius ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Zane moves away.
Horatius misses with a jab, cross combination.
Horatius jabs Zane right on the nose. Zane blinks but takes it well.
Zane takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.
Zane throws a body punch but Horatius moves out of range.
Horatius lands with a nice body punch.
Horatius scores with a reasonable looking shot to the body. Zane doesn't seem bothered though.
Horatius throws an overhand right that lands on Zane's shoulder, as Zane tries to avoid the shot.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Horatius looks to score with a jab to the body but Zane is just out of range.
Horatius ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Zane moves away.
Horatius throws a body punch but Zane moves out of range.
Zane feints the counter takedown.
Horatius throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Horatius walks into a stiff left hand from Zane.
Horatius keeps the fight on the outside.
Zane avoids a punch combination nicely.
Horatius swings for the body but Zane moves out of range.
Horatius throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Zane.
Zane shoots in for a takedown but Horatius shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Horatius takes a swing at Zane's ribcage but misses.
Zane keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Joey Horatius clearly takes that round.
That's time! Horatius's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

Horatius tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Zane was well out of range. Poor timing from Horatius.
Horatius swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Zane avoids the body shot from Horatius.
Zane is looking to clinch but Horatius is avoiding it.
Zane fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
A quick step to the side and Horatius tries to counter with a shot to the body but it doesn't connect.
Horatius misses with an uppercut.
Despite the aggression on Zane's face he doesn't fully commit to the counter.
Zane shoots in but no luck this time.
Zane is trying desperately to land a takedown but Horatius is having absolutely none of it. This is turning into a bit of a nightmare for Zane.
Zane on the wrong end of a decent looking cross there.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Horatius throws out a loose jab but Zane uses good head movement to avoid it.
Horatius throws a body punch but Zane moves out of range.
Horatius throws a body shot but no joy.
Horatius keeps the fight on the outside.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Zane throws a solid leg kick but Horatius takes the impact on his shin and smiles at Zane.
Horatius takes a solid shot to the body. That one hurt him but he's trying not to show it.
Horatius throws a big shot that misses.
Zane tries to clinch but Horatius moves out of range.
Zane takes a really solid shot there but just smiles back and shrugs his shoulders.
Zane fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Zane is absolutely dripping with sweat - he looks exhausted.
Zane changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Horatius tries to avoid it but Zane manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Horatius to the ground. Horatius escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Horatius swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.
Joey Horatius has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Zac Zane.
Zane is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Horatius scores with a nice strike.
Horatius misses with a wild body shot.
Horatius listening to his corner there, landing a nice uppercut.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Horatius slaps away a takedown attempt from Zane, before circling back to the center of the mat.
A quick step to the side and Horatius tries to counter with a shot to the body but it doesn't connect.
Zane throws a lazy head kick
and Horatius counters with a nice uppercut.
Horatius throws a jab but it's blocked by Zane.
Horatius just misses with a punch to the body.
Good exchange - Horatius coming out on top.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Zane wants to clinch.
Horatius scores with a sloppy punch to the body. Not much technique there but it did the business.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Horatius is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Zane.
Nice body punch from Horatius.
Horatius throws a nice looking combination but Zane bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Zane fails with the takedown.
Horatius looks to score with a jab to the body but Zane is just out of range.
Horatius changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.
Zane takes a jab on the nose. He smiles like he loves it and keeps coming.
Horatius throws a poor cross that misses
and Zane counters with a stiff right hand.
Horatius circles away from the clinch attempt.
Zane will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
Horatius misses the shot to the body.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Zane displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Horatius throws out the jab.
Horatius thuds a left hand into Zane's body.
Zane has his head snapped back a nice jab. A little nod from Zane there as he acknowledges the shot.
Horatius misses the shot to the body.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Zane takes a jab right on the kisser.
Zane steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Horatius.
Horatius misses with a body shot.
Zane lets it all go there with a big combo counter but none of the punches connected.
Horatius lands a nice looking body shot.
Horatius stalks Zane and leaps in with a furious combination of punches. Uppercuts and crosses smash into Zane's face. Zane staggers backwards, shaken.
Horatius stuffs the takedown attempt from Zane. Zane gets slowly back to his feet.
Zane fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Horatius avoids it really well and circles away.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Joey Horatius had his way with Zac Zane in that round.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin! This is the final round!

Zane uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Horatius.
Zane tries a counter takedown but it's more of a dummy move, and he uses it to push himself away.

Zane fakes a strike and closes the distance, dragging Horatius to the ground. Zane is now in Horatius's guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Horatius wants to control here, rather than go for any submissions from the bottom. At least for now.
Horatius manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Zane manages to get himself to full guard.

Horatius controls from within his opponent's guard.
Horatius scores with a decent looking elbow strike.
Horatius makes a bit of distance and scores with some ground and pound, still in guard.
Horatius makes a bit of distance and scores with some ground and pound, still in guard.
Horatius seems content to control from guard here. He's going to have to remain active though if he doesn't want to get stood back up.
Horatius continues to stall.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Horatius is working Zane over from the guard. He should look to pass the guard and do a little more damage with these strikes.
Horatius pushes down on Zane's leg and manages to get into half guard.
Horatius lands a massive shot from half guard that has rocked Zane! More strikes land and this one is all over! Horatius jumps to his feet and is applauded loudly by the crowd!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:37 of round 5, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Joey Horatius!
Joey Horatius retains his bantamweight title!