PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Mike Cozad (ranked 4538 p4p, 6113 weight class) and Bert Newton (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Mike Cozad has the better chin. Will he look to stand and bang today?

Cozad
vs
Newton

195 cm
18
275
0 - 0 - 0

186 cm
21
263
2 - 3 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Excellent MT
Granite chin

BJJ Blue Belt
Basic striking
Determined

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Amsterdam, Mike Cozad!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 2 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Sydney, Bert Newton!
The judges for this bout are Paul Aken, Albert Achterberg and Nard Betker.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Cozad clinches up with Newton and pushes him back against the cage.
Newton looks really tired already! That doesn't bode well for a good, competitive fight!
Cozad stops a takedown attempt from Newton.
Both guys are working to get underhooks.
Newton goes for a takedown attempt but Cozad pushes him away and we're back to fighting at a distance.
Newton changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Cozad tries to avoid it but Newton manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Cozad to the ground. Cozad escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Mike Cozad has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Bert Newton.

Cozad instigates a clinch.
Cozad taking a breather.
Cozad is trying to maintain a safe position but Newton gets an underhook and turns Cozad into the cage.
Cozad is working hard here but doesn't seem to be able to control effectively, up against the cage.
Cozad holding his opponent close, against the cage.
Cozad stalling in the clinch but Newton improves position.
The ref breaks the fighters up, due to lack of action by Mike Cozad.
Cozad misses with a hook.
Newton changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Cozad tries to avoid it but Newton manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Cozad to the ground. Cozad escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.

Cozad closes the distance and clinches.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Cozad looking to slow down the pace here.
Good anti-grappling being displayed by Newton as Cozad tries to tie him up.
Cozad is working hard here but doesn't seem to be able to control effectively, up against the cage.
Cozad looking to slow down the pace here.
Cozad can't seem to implement his control oriented gameplan at the moment. That's no bad thing of course, for those of us who want to see a good fight.
Cozad trying to stall but Newton improves his position.

That's one minute gone in the round.
The ref breaks the fighters up, due to lack of action by Mike Cozad.

Cozad clinches.
Cozad taking a breather.
A battle for position here, against the cage.
Both guys are working to get underhooks.
Cozad taking a breather.
Cozad trying to stall but Newton improves his position.
The ref breaks the fighters up, due to lack of action by Mike Cozad.
Newton changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Cozad tries to avoid it but Newton manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Cozad to the ground. Cozad escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Cozad could do with losing a few pounds - he looks very soft around the mid section, to put it politely.

Newton gets tackled into the cage by Cozad. Cozad maintains the clinch.
Good anti-grappling being displayed by Newton as Cozad tries to tie him up.
Newton's coach down at Hotrod Express MMA Training was telling us pre-fight that they have been working on Newton's balance. Obviously they view that as a key factor in the outcome of this fight.
A real battle for position is taking place between these two warriors.
Maybe Cozad would be better served going for some more strikes rather than trying to control so much.
A real battle for position is taking place between these two warriors.
Cozad seems a little flustered. He's come in with the intention of controlling the clinch but Newton is preventing him from doing so, at least for the moment.
Cozad is trying to maintain a safe position but Newton gets an underhook and turns Cozad into the cage.
Both fighters working to control the clinch.
The ref breaks the fighters up, due to lack of action by Mike Cozad.
Good work by Newton as he checks the leg kick.
A jab from Cozad misses.
Nice defenses there by Newton.

Cozad moves into the clinch successfully.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Cozad stalling in the clinch but Newton improves position.
Cozad trying to control the position but instead, Newton has worked for underhooks and has pushed Cozad into the cage.
A real battle for position is taking place between these two warriors.
Cozad tries to stall but Newton uses the opportunity to gain a better position.
Cozad looking to slow down the pace here.
The ref breaks the fighters up, due to lack of action by Mike Cozad.

Newton dives in and scores a takedown into Cozad's guard.
Cozad wants to sweep but no luck.
Cozad is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.

Cozad has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Newton can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.
Newton slows down the pace of the fight, as he sits in guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Newton stopping the sweep attempt from Cozad.

Newton drops back for a leg! It's a sloppy attempt though and Newton jumps back into guard quickly, to retain the dominant position.
Newton throws a big right hand that misses.
Newton is intent on slowing down the pace of the fight, simply looking to control.
The fighters are starting to get a bit slippery now, which will make submissions a bit more difficult.
Cozad keeping full guard, as Newton tries to pass.
Newton trying to control but Cozad is working from the bottom.

Cozad is looking for a triangle but Newton pushes his legs off easily.
Cozad knows he needs to get back to his feet asap. He's simply no match for Newton on the ground.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
There's not a lot going on here and the crowd are letting the fighters know they're not willing to tolerate a lack of action.
Newton sitting in guard here, content to control.
The referee is pacing around the two fighters, thinking about a standup.
Newton postures up.

The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.
Bert Newton seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.

Cozad moves into the clinch.
Cozad is pressed up against the cage. Newton has hold of a leg and is looking to drag Cozad down to the mat. Cozad avoids the attempt though and has circled away. We're back to striking at a distance.
Cozad cracks Newton with a hook to the jaw. Both fighters smile at eachother and high-five before getting back down to business.
Mike Cozad is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Newton.
Cozad throws a hook but Newton avoids it easily.
Cozad scores with a big left there. The judges will like that one.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.

Cozad closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the cage.
Cozad looking to stall.
Cozad is trying to maintain a safe position but Newton gets an underhook and turns Cozad into the cage.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

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

Newton gets his head snapped back by a nice shot there.
Newton shoots in looking for a takedown but Cozad manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Newton's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
Newton fails with a takedown attempt.
Cozad drops down looking for a counter takedown but Newton sprawls and moves away.
Cozad wants to slow Newton down by chopping away at his legs.

Newton gets tackled into the cage by Cozad. Cozad maintains the clinch.
Cozad taking a breather.
Cozad is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Newton can do to turn this around?
Cozad is trying to maintain a safe position but Newton gets an underhook and turns Cozad into the cage.
Cozad wants to stall.
Cozad is looking to control Newton's arms but Newton gets an underhook and turns him. Now Cozad has his back to the cage.
The ref breaks the fighters up, due to lack of action by Mike Cozad.
Cozad throws a hook but Newton avoids it easily.
Nice defenses there by Newton.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Nice defenses there by Newton.
Newton drops down looking to force a counter takedown but Cozad defends it well.
Newton is breathing heavily.
Newton throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Cozad's waist but Cozad gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Newton off to one side.
Cozad changes levels looking for a counter takedown but doesn't commit.
Mike Cozad has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Bert Newton.

Cozad forces Newton back against the cage and clinches.
Cozad looking to slow down the pace here.
Cozad looking to stall.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Cozad looking to stall.
Cozad is working hard here but doesn't seem to be able to control effectively, up against the cage.
Cozad is trying to stall.
The ref breaks the fighters up, due to lack of action by Mike Cozad.

Cozad forces Newton back against the cage and clinches.
Cozad trying to control the position but instead, Newton has worked for underhooks and has pushed Cozad into the cage.
Cozad is trying to maintain a safe position but Newton gets an underhook and turns Cozad into the cage.
Cozad taking a breather.
Cozad is working hard here but doesn't seem to be able to control effectively, up against the cage.
Cozad is looking to control Newton's arms but Newton gets an underhook and turns him. Now Cozad has his back to the cage.
The ref breaks the fighters up, due to lack of action by Mike Cozad.
Cozad throws the left hand but Newton avoids the punch easily.

Cozad rushes Newton and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Cozad is trying to stall.
Cozad looking to stall.
Newton changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Cozad fights it off and pushes away nicely.

Cozad gets in close and instigates a clinch.
Cozad looking to stall.
Good anti-grappling being displayed by Newton as Cozad tries to tie him up.
Cozad trying to stall but Newton improves his position.
The ref breaks the fighters up, due to lack of action by Mike Cozad.

Cozad has managed to clinch.
Cozad trying to stall but Newton improves his position.
Cozad looking to slow down the pace here.
Newton is working for a takedown up against the cage. He can't get it on this occasion though.
Both guys are working to get underhooks.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Both fighters working to control the clinch.
Cozad looking to stall.
The ref breaks the fighters up, due to lack of action by Mike Cozad.

Cozad moves into range and clinches up with Newton.
Cozad wants to stall.
Cozad looking to slow down the pace here.
Mike Cozad has scored more points in the clinch so far.
Come on Cozad - let's have some action - none of this stalling nonsense.
Both guys are working to get underhooks.
A battle for position here, against the cage.
The ref breaks the fighters up, due to lack of action by Mike Cozad.

Cozad clinches.
Cozad is trying to slow down the pace of the fight but Newton is keeping busy.
Newton looking for a takedown.
A battle for position here, against the cage.
Cozad is trying to stall.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Cozad is trying to maintain a safe position but Newton gets an underhook and turns Cozad into the cage.
Cozad trying to control the position but instead, Newton has worked for underhooks and has pushed Cozad into the cage.
The ref breaks the fighters up, due to lack of action by Mike Cozad.
Newton shoots in and drives through. Cozad sprawls well.
Cozad displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Newton.
Cozad attempts a counter takedown but Newton avoids it well and moves away.

Cozad moves into the clinch successfully.
Both fighters working to control the clinch.
Both fighters working to control the clinch.
Newton tries for a takedown but Cozad manages to get underhooks.
Cozad is looking to control Newton's arms but Newton gets an underhook and turns him. Now Cozad has his back to the cage.
Cozad is trying to maintain a safe position but Newton gets an underhook and turns Cozad into the cage.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Good anti-grappling being displayed by Newton as Cozad tries to tie him up.
The ref breaks the fighters up, due to lack of action by Mike Cozad.
Newton steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Cozad.

Cozad has managed to clinch.
Good anti-grappling being displayed by Newton as Cozad tries to tie him up.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Mike Cozad dominated that second round.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action. This is the final round!

Newton takes a body punch but keeps moving.

Cozad gets in close and instigates a clinch.
Cozad looking to slow down the pace here.
Cozad is working hard here but doesn't seem to be able to control effectively, up against the cage.
A real battle for position is taking place between these two warriors.
Newton looking for a takedown.
Both guys are working to get underhooks.
Cozad is working hard here but doesn't seem to be able to control effectively, up against the cage.
The ref breaks the fighters up, due to lack of action by Mike Cozad.
Cozad misses with a jab, cross combination.
Cozad throws out a loose jab but Newton uses good head movement to avoid it.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Cozad moves into the clinch.
Cozad looking to stall.
Cozad wants to stall.
Newton takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Cozad is looking to control Newton's arms but Newton gets an underhook and turns him. Now Cozad has his back to the cage.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Good anti-grappling being displayed by Newton as Cozad tries to tie him up.
Cozad is trying to slow down the pace of the fight but Newton is keeping busy.
The ref breaks the fighters up, due to lack of action by Mike Cozad.
Cozad misses with an uppercut.

Cozad closes the distance and pushes Newton back into the cage.
Newton has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Cozad is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.
Newton is trying to work for a single leg takedown but Cozad pulls him back up using the underhooks.
Mike Cozad has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Bert Newton.
Good anti-grappling being displayed by Newton as Cozad tries to tie him up.
Both fighters working to control the clinch.
Both fighters working to control the clinch.
Both guys are working to get underhooks.
Both fighters working to control the clinch.
The ref breaks the fighters up, due to lack of action by Mike Cozad.
No luck for Newton with that takedown attempt.
Cozad throws a low kick but Newton avoids it.
Cozad misses with an uppercut.

Cozad closes the distance and pushes Newton back into the cage.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Cozad looking to stall.
Newton is trying to work for a single leg takedown but Cozad pulls him back up using the underhooks.
Cozad stalling against the cage.
Cozad stalling in the clinch but Newton improves position.
Both guys are working to get underhooks.
A real battle for position is taking place between these two warriors.
The ref breaks the fighters up, due to lack of action by Mike Cozad.
Cozad throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Newton sees it coming and avoids it easily.
And Newton tries to counter it with a takedown but Cozad pushes his down on his head and steps out.

Cozad has Newton up against the cage in a clinch.
Cozad trying to control the position but instead, Newton has worked for underhooks and has pushed Cozad into the cage.
Newton drops to a knee looking for a takedown but Cozad gets the underhooks and prevents it.
Cozad trying to control the position but instead, Newton has worked for underhooks and has pushed Cozad into the cage.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Cozad is working hard here but doesn't seem to be able to control effectively, up against the cage.
A real battle for position is taking place between these two warriors.
Cozad is trying to maintain a safe position but Newton gets an underhook and turns Cozad into the cage.
The ref breaks the fighters up, due to lack of action by Mike Cozad.
Cozad throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Newton sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Cozad throws a hook but Newton avoids it easily.
Bert Newton is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Cozad jabbing away but nothing is landing.

Cozad closes the distance and clinches.
Cozad is trying to slow down the pace of the fight but Newton is keeping busy.
Cozad prevents the takedown attempt.
Cozad looking to slow down the pace here.
Cozad stalling in the clinch but Newton improves position.
Cozad trying to control the position but instead, Newton has worked for underhooks and has pushed Cozad into the cage.
Good anti-grappling being displayed by Newton as Cozad tries to tie him up.

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.
The ref breaks the fighters up, due to lack of action by Mike Cozad.
Newton blocks a jab.
Cozad stuffs the takedown.
Newton ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Newton with the counter takedown but Cozad avoids it easily.
Cozad misses with an uppercut.
Newton feints the counter takedown.
Cozad throws a hook to the side of Newton's head but Newton sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Newton changes levels for a counter takedown but doesn't follow through with his attempt.
Cozad missing with a left hand there. Newton was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
A big right from Cozad misses.
Newton staying out of range there.

Cozad clinches up with Newton and pushes him back against the cage.
A battle for position here, against the cage.
Mike Cozad is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Cozad stalling in the clinch but Newton improves position.
Cozad stops a takedown attempt from Newton.
Bert Newton has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Cozad stalling in the clinch but Newton improves position.

And that's the end of the fight!
Mike Cozad showed his dominance in that final round.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Cozad, 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 Paul Aken scores the fight 30:25
Judge Albert Achterberg scores the fight 30:25
Judge Nard Betker scores the fight 30:25

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Mike Cozad!