PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Rex Mason (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Cthulhu Fhtagn (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). The crowd seem to be enjoying Fhtagn's choice of entrance music: Cthulhu Fhtagn!. Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the cage.

Mason
vs
Fhtagn

187 cm
24
215 lbs
8 - 4 - 0

194 cm
19
209 lbs
3 - 0 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Basic striking
Experienced

BJJ Blue Belt
Decent boxing
Solid chin

St. Paul's Apparel

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the light heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 8 - 4 - 0, fighting out of London, Rex Mason!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 3 - 0 - 0, fighting out of London, Cthulhu Fhtagn!
The judges for this bout are Steven Brown, Chris Edwards and Richard Clark.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
The fight stays on the outside here - Fhtagn looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Mason fails with a takedown attempt.
Fhtagn wants to clinch.
Fhtagn connects with a good right hand that stumbles Mason. Mason circles away out of range and recomposes himself.

Mason pushes Fhtagn up against the cage in a clinch.
Fhtagn tries to land knees in the clinch but Mason avoids the damage to the body.
Fhtagn misses with a knee to the head.
Fhtagn misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Mason.
Mason leaning against his opponent.
Fhtagn tries a knee to the head but he's missed.

Fhtagn manages to break the clinch.

Fhtagn closes the distance and clinches.
Mason is trying to drag Fhtagn to the mat but Fhtagn just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.
Mason managing to block the knees to the body from Fhtagn.
Mason is working for takedown but Fhtagn is calmly controlling the position for now.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Rex Mason. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Fhtagn tries to land a knee to the head but Mason blocks with his arms.
Fhtagn gets underhooks to prevent Mason's takedown attempt.
Fhtagn landing knees to the body. They look like they could hurt.
Mason goes for a takedown in the clinch but Fhtagn prevents it.
Mason blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.
Fhtagn letting Mason take a breather here.

Fhtagn breaks from the clinch.
Fhtagn fails to land with a series of punches.

Mason fakes an overhand right and shoots for a takedown. Fhtagn sprawls well initially but Mason persists and gets the takedown into half guard.
Mason is breathing heavily.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Mason is trying to work for a kimura but Fhtagn is defending well.
Fhtagn wants to get back to his feet.
Fhtagn is looking for a sweep. Mason is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.

Mason is looking for a kimura. It's going to be difficult to finish that from half guard though and Fhtagn defends it well.
Fhtagn is looking for a sweep. Mason is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

Mason is sneakily working for an arm triangle but Fhtagn sees it coming and defends easily.
Fhtagn is trying to stand up here but Mason is controlling him well.

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.

Mason is thinking about going for an arm triangle but he can't free his leg.

The referee has ruled that neither fighter is active enough on the ground and has stood them back up.
Fhtagn throws a quick head kick that skims the top of Mason's head.
Mason shoots in looking for a takedown. Fhtagn tries to sprawl out of it but Mason keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Fhtagn manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Mason walks into a left hand.
Fhtagn scores with a kick to the body.

Fhtagn clinches with his opponent.
Fhtagn lands an elbow just above Mason 's eye.

Fhtagn breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Fhtagn fails in his attempt to clinch.
Fhtagn lands a jab-cross combination.
Wow, both these guys are really going for it!
Fhtagn fakes the leg kick and cracks Mason in the body.
Mason has a nice red mark on his side after a thudding body kick by Fhtagn.
Fhtagn lands a nice looking body shot.
Fhtagn looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.

Fhtagn moves into the clinch.
Fhtagn using the Thai clinch to land knees to the body.
Fhtagn lands a nice knee to the body.
Fhtagn landing some nice looking knees to the body.

Fhtagn breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Fhtagn throws a shot to the body.
Mason drops his hands momentarily and Fhtagn takes advantage with a crisp shot to the head.
Fhtagn connects with a single shot there.
Fhtagn throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Fhtagn closes the distance but Mason moves to the side

and Mason counters with a driving takedown into guard. Nice work there by Mason.

Mason drops back looking for a heel hook - he quickly realises he's not going to get it but Fhtagn manages to dive on top of him before he can escape and now Mason has Fhtagn in his guard.

Mason is working an open guard so Fhtagn takes the opportunity to get back to his feet.
Fhtagn misses with a jab, cross combination.
Fhtagn tries to clinch up.
Fhtagn fails with an attempt to clinch.
Fhtagn lands with a slapping head kick.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Fhtagn tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Fhtagn stuns Mason with a nice body shot, before stepping back out of range.
Fhtagn lands a jab-cross combination.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Fhtagn moves into range and throws a combination. A nice jab followed by a hook to the body.
Fhtagn misses with a jab, cross combination.
Fhtagn thuds his shin into the meat of Mason's side.
Fhtagn connects with a jab.
Fhtagn keeps Mason at a distance using the push kick.
Fhtagn tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Mason paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Fhtagn looks to land a combination. Mason sees it coming but can only parry a couple of the shots.
Fhtagn moves in looking to clinch but Mason pushes him off.

Fhtagn closes the distance and clinches.
Knees in the clinch landing for Fhtagn.
Fhtagn lands an elbow that stopped Mason in his tracks for a moment.

It looks like Rex Mason has been cut.
Fhtagn lands a glancing elbow in the clinch.
Mason takes an elbow to the temple.
Fhtagn connects with a knee to the head.
Mason takes an elbow to the temple.
Knees in the clinch landing for Fhtagn.
Mason takes an elbow to the temple.

Fhtagn escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Fhtagn lands a jab. Then a cross. Then finally a nice hook to the body. Good work there by Fhtagn.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Fhtagn looks to land a combination but Mason avoids it well.
Cthulhu Fhtagn seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.

Fhtagn clinches up with Mason and pushes him back against the cage.
A knee to the head by Fhtagn.
Mason tries to score a body lock takedown but Fhtagn shows good agility there to stay on his feet.
Fhtagn connects with a knee to the head.
Fhtagn misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Mason.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Cthulhu Fhtagn dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Rex Mason's cut.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

Mason walks into a straight right hand from Fhtagn.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Mason.
Fhtagn cracks a nice hook into Mason's ribs.
Mason swats away the attempt to clinch by Fhtagn.

Mason shoots in for a takedown! He's got it and he's managed to land in full mount! That's better than Mason was expecting from the takedown attempt, I'm sure!

Mason jumps to side control looking for an arm triangle but Fhtagn manages to avoid the submission attempt.

Mason goes for an armbar! This could be all over! Wait, no, Fhtagn rolls with the submission and now he's on top in Mason's guard! Nice work there by Fhtagn!
Fhtagn tries to stand but Mason is controlling from the bottom.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Fhtagn preventing the sweep.

Mason working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Fhtagn doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Fhtagn manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.

Mason throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.
Fhtagn stays in close to Mason's body and controls the position.
Fhtagn must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.

Mason looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.
Mason keeping moving, preventing Fhtagn from controlling successfully.

That's two 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.

It looks like we're going to have a standup here. Neither fighter is doing enough on the ground.
Mason takes a kick to the side of the head.

Mason has closed the distance and engaged Fhtagn in a clinch.
Mason tries to stall but Fhtagn uses the opportunity to gain a better position.
Fhtagn using the Thai clinch to land knees to the body.
Fhtagn unloads a knee to the mid-section. Mason lets out a prehistoric sounding urrrrgh.
Fhtagn creates a bit of space for himself and sneaks an elbow through Mason's defenses.
Fhtagn lands an elbow just above Mason 's eye.
Mason avoiding damage as Fhtagn throws knees to the body.
Knees in the clinch landing for Fhtagn.
Fhtagn gets an overhook and lands an elbow to the side of the head.
Fhtagn landing some nice looking knees to the body.
Fhtagn creates a bit of space for himself and sneaks an elbow through Mason's defenses.
Fhtagn lands a damaging elbow.

Fhtagn breaks the clinch.
Cthulhu Fhtagn seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Fhtagn dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Fhtagn throws a jab to the body, straight down the pipe. Boom. That sent Mason stumbling backwards but he manages to regain his composure quickly.
Fhtagn cracks Mason with an open hand slap.
Fhtagn goes for a high kick. It partially lands.
Fhtagn is looking to clinch but Mason is avoiding it.
Rex Mason is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Fhtagn tries to grapple but his opponent circles

and Mason counters with a nice double leg into half guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Fhtagn wants to improve his position but Mason is controlling well.

Mason is trying to work for a kimura but Fhtagn is defending well.
Mason working to pass to mount. He's got his hand pressing down on Fhtagn's thigh. Fhtagn counters though and makes it back to full guard.
Fhtagn trying to keep a closed guard but Mason is proving a slippery customer.
Mason stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Fhtagn swivels though and keeps the full guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.
Mason passes easily into side control. Nice work.
Fhtagn wants to get back to his feet.
Fhtagn gets one leg under and gets the fight to half guard.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.

Mason seems to be looking for submissions.
Fhtagn holds on for dear life, maintaining half guard for now.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Cthulhu Fhtagn showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The cut man is working on Rex Mason's cut.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business. This is the final round!

No luck for Mason with that takedown attempt.
Fhtagn looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Jab, cross, leg kick. Nice combination by Fhtagn!
Mason throws the left hand but Fhtagn avoids the punch easily.
Fhtagn keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
Mason will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Rex Mason. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Fhtagn throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Fhtagn fakes a head punch and goes low to the body. Nicely done.
Fhtagn wants to clinch

and Mason counters with a nice shoot takedown that brings the fighters to the ground.
Rex Mason overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Fhtagn trying to control the position.

Fhtagn stands up and beckons Mason to his feet.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Mason drops his hands and takes a jab to the jaw for his troubles.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Mason is looking to clinch but Fhtagn is avoiding it.
Mason throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Fhtagn's waist but Fhtagn gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Mason off to one side.
A punch combination from Fhtagn misses.
Mason takes a kick to the body and keeps moving.
Fhtagn scores to the head and body with a nice combination!
Fhtagn misses with a jab, cross combination.
Fhtagn wants to clinch up but Mason keeps it at a distance.
Mason avoids the clinch attempt nicely.

Fhtagn moves into the clinch.
Knees to the body from Fhtagn.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.

Fhtagn breaks the clinch.
Fhtagn throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Mason.
Fhtagn doesn't manage to clinch there - Mason circles away.
Mason shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Fhtagn as he avoids it easily.
Fhtagn stalks Mason and leaps in with a furious combination of punches. Uppercuts and crosses smash into Mason's face. Mason staggers backwards, shaken.
Mason will be looking to protect his midsection after taking some solid kicks to the body.

Fhtagn moves into the clinch successfully.
Fhtagn gets an overhook and lands an elbow to the side of the head.
Fhtagn with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.
Knees in the clinch landing for Fhtagn.
Fhtagn lands an elbow just above Mason 's eye.
Fhtagn missing with knees to the body.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Fhtagn misses with a knee strike.
Fhtagn with the Thai clinch, lands a knee to the head.
Knees to the body from Fhtagn.

Mason gets the body lock takedown. After a quick scramble, Fhtagn regains guard.

Mason drops back, looking for a kneebar! Fhtagn looks panicked! The fighters roll across the mat, one looking to finish, one looking to escape. Fhtagn looks to have wriggled free... Yes, he's got his leg free and he's dived into side control! Good work there from Fhtagn!
Fhtagn tries to get to his feet but he's trapped momentarily.
Mason manages to work his way to half guard, despite Fhtagn's best efforts.
Mason gets full guard.
Fhtagn would like to get this fight back to the feet but can't get free from the closed guard.
Well,Mason is on his way to losing a decision here. Can he use his experience to pull something off in the closing minutes?

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

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Mason tries to land a sweep but no joy.

Mason throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.
Fhtagn wants to stand but Mason is controlling his posture from full guard.
Fhtagn preventing the sweep.

Mason escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Fhtagn gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.
Fhtagn 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.

That's four 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.
Fhtagn trying to control but Mason is working from the bottom.

The referee has ruled that neither fighter is active enough on the ground and has stood them back up.
Fhtagn throws a head kick that half lands.
Mason throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Fhtagn's waist but Fhtagn gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Mason off to one side.
Fhtagn uses good footwork to get in and out and land a nice right hand before Mason has time to react.
Mason circles away from the clinch attempt.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Mason will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
Fhtagn tries to clinch up.
Fhtagn lands a with a good body shot.
Rex Mason has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Fhtagn fails with an attempt to clinch.
A nice combination there by Fhtagn.

And that's the end of the fight!
Cthulhu Fhtagn comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I've got Fhtagn winning every round here. Surely the decision will go his way and he'll pick up a well deserved decision victory. 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 Steven Brown scores the fight for Cthulhu Fhtagn!
Judge Chris Edwards scores the fight for Cthulhu Fhtagn!
Judge Richard Clark scores the fight for Cthulhu Fhtagn!

Cthulhu Fhtagn wins by unanimous decision!