PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between Chen Zhen (ranked 2742 p4p, 1213 weight class) and Henry The Crab (ranked 141 p4p, 66 weight class). Zhen comes to the cage accompanied by Sampans. 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.

Zhen
vs
The Crab

169 cm
41
131
35 - 25 - 1

170 cm
32
140
26 - 15 - 0

Good wrestling
World class boxer
Very quick

Excellent grappler
Excellent boxer
Good gas tank

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 35 - 25 - 1, fighting out of Las Vegas, Chen Zhen!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 26 - 15 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Henry The Crab!
The judges for this bout are Jack Bonds, Don Winkell and Percy O'Donnell.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Zhen waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract The Crab.

The Crab is looking for a takedown here. He's shot in and has managed to get it, finishing up in Zhen's half guard.

Zhen manages to escape and get back to his feet!
Zhen misses with a head kick.
The fight stays on the outside here - The Crab looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
The Crab dives in for a single leg takedown but Zhen sprawls and the fighters end up clinched against the cage.
Zhen is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by The Crab.

The Crab darts in and lands a nice takedown into half guard.
This has been an exciting period of action!

The Crab is trying to work for a kimura. This could be trouble! No, Zhen has managed to free his arm - good work.
Zhen is trying to stand up here but The Crab is controlling him well.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Zhen is defending against the submission attempts here by The Crab.
Zhen is doing well to avoid being mounted. He's controlling the position at the moment.
Zhen wants to improve his position but The Crab is controlling well.
Zhen blocking the ground and pound attempt from The Crab.
The Crab seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Zhen does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.
The Crab might have to switch it up a bit here because his efforts to control Zhen haven't been going to plan, at least at the current moment in time.
Zhen is trying to control but can't.
The Crab is figuring out what he wants to do next.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.

The Crab is working for a submission of some sort.
Zhen tries to roll over but The Crab keeps him under control.
Zhen is trying to stand up here but The Crab is controlling him well.
The Crab is trying to control the action in half guard but Zhen is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.

The Crab is trying to work for a kimura but Zhen is defending well.
The Crab wants to free his trapped foot but Zhen is holding on for dear life with his legs.
The Crab thows a huge punch but Zhen dodges it nicely.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Zhen is looking to improve his position.

The Crab is working for a submission of some sort.
The Crab looking to pass the half guard. Not this time.
The Crab seems content to maintain position for now, rather than mounting any offense.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Zhen throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
The Crab shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Zhen sprawls well. Zhen wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. The Crab gets slowly back to his feet.
The Crab shoots in for a takedown but Zhen shows good takedown defense.
Chen Zhen has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Henry The Crab.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are showing their displeasure at the lack of action as loud boos ring out around the arena.
Zhen looks to score with a jab to the body but The Crab is just out of range.
The Crab stumbles momentarily as he takes a strong leg kick from Zhen.
Zhen throws a hook to the side of The Crab's head but The Crab sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.

The Crab clinches up against the cage.
The Crab is working on a leg, looking for a takedown but Zhen is defending well.
The Crab lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
The Crab changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Zhen fights it off and pushes away nicely.
Zhen misses with a hook. The Crab ducked under it nicely.
Henry The Crab seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Zhen connects with a high kick.
The Crab misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.

The Crab scores with a nice takedown into half guard. Let's see what he's got on the ground.
Zhen is trying to stand.
The Crab is keen to just control but Zhen is a slippery customer.
Zhen wants to control but The Crab is keeping busy.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
The Crab prevents Zhen from standing back up.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close round but I would say that Chen Zhen will probably get the nod.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

The Crab shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Zhen but Zhen pushes him off and we're back to square one.

The Crab scores with a takedown into Zhen's guard.

Zhen uses the cage to get back to his feet.
Zhen scores with a nice head shot.
Zhen fakes low and throws an overhand right that catches The Crab on the side of the head.
The Crab has a takedown stuffed.
Zhen scores with a jab to the jaw of his opponent.
This has been an exciting period of action!
A telegraphed right hand from Zhen misses the target.
The Crab has a takedown stuffed.
Chen Zhen has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Henry The Crab.

That's one minute gone in the round.
The Crab keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Zhen.
Zhen stuffs the takedown.
Zhen keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
Zhen swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.
Zhen lands with a nice low kick. That'll leave a bruise.
Zhen cracks The Crab with an open hand slap.
The Crab fails with a takedown attempt.
The Crab takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
The Crab doesn't succeed with the takedown
and Zhen counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
The Crab walks into a straight right hand from Zhen.
Zhen stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Zhen wants it to stay on the feet.
Zhen displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from The Crab.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The Crab looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Zhen is fending him off so far but The Crab persists. Nope, Zhen circles away and we're back to standing.
The Crab is breathing heavily.
Zhen stuns The Crab with a nice body shot, before stepping back out of range.
Zhen throws a quick inside leg kick.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
The Crab on the wrong end of a vicious looking body shot.
Zhen cracks The Crab with a hook to the jaw. Both fighters smile at eachother and high-five before getting back down to business.
The Crab closes this distance looking for a takedown but Zhen circles away.
Zhen connects with a looping left hand that seems like it dazed The Crab momentarily.
The Crab takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
The Crab on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by Zhen. Zhen obviously looking to wear him down.
The Crab tries for a takedown but Zhen sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
The Crab tries for a takedown but Zhen circles away easily
and Zhen counters with a nice body shot.
The Crab takes an uppercut right on the button but keeps his composure.
The Crab darts in looking for a takedown but Zhen gets double underhooks and turns The Crab into the cage.
The Crab on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by Zhen. Zhen obviously looking to wear him down.
The Crab on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by Zhen. Zhen obviously looking to wear him down.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
The Crab misses with a takedown attempt - Zhen sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
The Crab ducks right into an uppercut from Zhen.
The Crab is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
The Crab takes one to the side of the head.
Zhen's jab looks to have found its range, popping The Crab under the eye.
Zhen throws a front kick that sends The Crab stumbling back into the cage.
Zhen misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from The Crab.
The Crab closes the distance and takes a jab right on the nose as he does so.

The Crab gets the takedown into side control.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Zhen sneaks back into half guard.
Zhen is looking for a sweep. The Crab is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The Crab wants to control but Zhen is keeping him busy.
Zhen is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
The Crab wants to control but Zhen is keeping him busy.

The Crab is trying to work for a kimura. This could be trouble! No, Zhen has managed to free his arm - good work.
Zhen is looking for a sweep. The Crab is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
The Crab controlling the action here.
Zhen is trying to get back to full guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Chen Zhen dominated that second round.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action! This is the final round!

Zhen scores with a hook to the body. The Crab takes a step back and tries to catch his breath.
Zhen with a nice looking leg kick. You could hear that one land in a back row.
The Crab dives in for a single leg takedown but Zhen sprawls and the fighters end up clinched against the cage.
No luck with that takedown attempt from The Crab.
The Crab fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
Chen Zhen has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Henry The Crab.
Zhen throws a body punch but The Crab moves out of range.
Zhen throws a body shot but no joy.
The Crab shoots for a takedown but Zhen saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Zhen keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
Zhen is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that The Crab can do to turn this around?
The Crab shakes his hands off, looking to compose himself, but takes a jab to the jaw whilst he does it.
The Crab takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Zhen circles away from the clinch attempt.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Zhen with a jab.
Chen Zhen is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
The Crab tries to clinch
and Zhen counters with a stiff right hand.
Boom, another hit is landed. "You're gunna get knocked out" taunts Zhen, as that shot connected.
Zhen lands a vicious shot with the stealth of a sniper and the strength of a viper. Are vipers that strong? I can think of lots of things that are stronger than a viper - not many rhyme with sniper though.
The Crab closes the distance and clinches up with Zhen, looking for a takedown. The Crab pushes Zhen against the cage but Zhen circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
The Crab ducks under a wild hook from Zhen.
Zhen scores with the left hand. The Crab knows he should have avoided that one.
Zhen throws a series of strikes that have The Crab backpedaling.
The Crab closes this distance looking for a takedown but Zhen circles away.
Zhen tried to counter with a leg kick but The Crab avoided it.
Zhen looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.
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!
Zhen lands a vicious shot with the stealth of a sniper and the strength of a viper. Are vipers that strong? I can think of lots of things that are stronger than a viper - not many rhyme with sniper though.
Zhen scores with a slapping inside leg kick.
Zhen avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
The Crab fails with a takedown attempt.
Henry The Crab has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Zhen with the inside leg kick.
Zhen missing with a left hand there. The Crab was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Zhen displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from The Crab.
Zhen is looking to counter with a shot to the body.
Zhen moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
Zhen looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.
Zhen takes a swing at The Crab's ribcage but misses.
The Crab goes for a double leg but Zhen avoids the attempt and the two fighters end up clinched against the cage as Zhen continues to drive forward.
Boom, another hit is landed. "You're gunna get knocked out" taunts Zhen, as that shot connected.
Zhen connects with an inside leg kick.
Zhen throws out a loose jab but The Crab uses good head movement to avoid it.
The Crab ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
The Crab's leg has a nasty welt from taking a succession of leg kicks. That must be slowing him down.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Horrible takedown attempt by The Crab or perhaps it was just good defense by Zhen, which made it look bad.
Zhen cracks The Crab with a nice right hand that draws applause from the crowd.
The Crab tries to score a power double leg takedown but Zhen sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten The Crab somewhat.
Zhen throwing a counter right hand but The Crab manages to avoid it.
Zhen with a nice cross.
Zhen lands with a cross.
The Crab wants to clinch.

The Crab rushes Zhen and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Zhen scores with a nice hook to the head.

Zhen's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
The Crab takes a jab on the nose. He smiles like he loves it and keeps coming.
A solid leg kick lands there for Zhen.
Zhen keeps the fight on the outside.
Zhen throws a body punch but The Crab moves out of range.
The Crab doesn't succeed with the takedown
enabling Zhen to counter with a crisp jab.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Zhen bobs and weaves and throws out a fast jab that snaps The Crab's head backwards.
The Crab goes for a double leg but Zhen avoids the attempt and the two fighters end up clinched against the cage as Zhen continues to drive forward.
Zhen was looking to counter that move with a punch but didn't quite pull the trigger.
The Crab shakes his hands off, looking to compose himself, but takes a jab to the jaw whilst he does it.
The crowd cheers as Zhen lands an impressive looking overhand right. The Crab doesn't seem phased though.
Chen Zhen is winning the standup battle so far.
The Crab takes a jab right on the kisser.
Nice takedown defense from Zhen. No joy for The Crab on that attempt.
The Crab gets his head snapped back by a nice shot there.

And that's the end of the fight!
Chen Zhen showed his dominance in that final round.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Zhen, winning every round. Will the judges agree? They are the ones who matter, even if they are often depressingly incompetent. Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Jack Bonds scores the fight 30:26
Judge Don Winkell scores the fight 30:26
Judge Percy O'Donnell scores the fight 30:26

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Chen Zhen!
During a confident post fight interview, Chen Zhen thanked all his fans. He seemed very genuine when describing how motivated his fans keep him.
In defeat, Henry The Crab stepped up to the mic, saying 'Respect man, respect!'.