|
|
PBP Commentary |
Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Joe Exotic (ranked 2 p4p, 36 weight class) and Jake Bird (ranked 1 p4p, 4 weight class). Exotic comes to the cage accompanied by Joe Exotic - I Saw a Tiger. 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.
 |
|
 |
| 186 cm
29
185
22 - 8 - 1 |
|
170 cm
34
195
27 - 15 - 0 |
Abu Dhabi Champ
World class boxer
Insanely flexible |
|
Olympic wrestler
World class boxer
Granite chin |
|
| |
|
Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the middleweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 22 - 8 - 1, fighting out of New York, Joe Exotic!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 27 - 15 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Jake Bird!
The judges for this bout are Richard Clark, William Gold and James Atkins.
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Exotic ducks under a wild hook from Bird.
Bird throws a looping overhand right but Exotic ducks down to avoid it.
Exotic uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Bird.
Exotic paws at his opponent with the jab and then lunges in with a straight, right on the button.
Exotic staying out of range there.
Exotic throws a body kick that misses.
Bird checks a low kick from Exotic.
Exotic looks to have improved his striking defense since last time we saw him fight.
A solid leg kick lands there for Exotic.
Exotic lands a nice looking body shot.
Exotic throws a head kick that misses.
Bird throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Bird throws a jab but it's blocked by Exotic.
Bird throws a sloppy body shot
and Exotic counters with a lovely shot to the body.
Exotic throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Good exchange - Exotic coming out on top.
Bird moves out of range as Exotic strikes.
Bird is definitely looking for the counter takedowns here.
A nice leg kick from Exotic, right into the meat of the thigh.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Exotic throws the kick towards the body but Bird avoids it.
Exotic wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Bird misses with a hook to the body
letting Exotic counter with a right hand.
A left lands for Bird.
Bird lands a body shot.
Bird ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Exotic moves away.
Exotic bobs and weaves and throws out a fast jab that snaps Bird's head backwards.
Bird takes an uppercut right on the jaw but it doesn't phase him.
Exotic throws a head kick that misses.
Exotic lands a leg kick that knocks Bird off balance momentarily.
Exotic is using his reach advantage well here, landing the more effective single shots from range.
Exotic misses with a looping right.
Bird is definitely looking for the counter takedowns here.
Exotic ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Bird moves away.
Bird is definitely looking for the counter takedowns here.
Exotic slips under a jab.
Bird takes a shot to the eye socket. That's gotta hurt.
Exotic throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Bird is really struggling to land any decent head shots against his taller opponent.
Bird throws an overhand right that lands on Exotic's shoulder, as Exotic tries to avoid the shot.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Bird uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Exotic.
Exotic uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Bird.
Exotic misses with a straight left.
Bird tries to check a leg kick but that clearly hurt him.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Bird misses with a hook
and he gets countered with a snapping leg kick.
Bird takes a thudding leg kick, right into the meat of the thigh.
A slapping leg kick lands for Exotic.
Nice cross by Exotic.
Bird throws a lazy right hand but Exotic sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Exotic slaps away a takedown attempt from Bird, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Exotic swings for the body but Bird moves out of range.
Nice body punch from Bird.
A momentary lapse in concentration from Exotic enables Bird to shoot in and score with a neat double leg. Exotic manages to secure a closed guard as the fighters hit the mat.
Exotic keeping full guard, as Bird tries to pass.
Exotic throws his legs up looking for a submission but Bird uses it to pass to side control.
Bird thinks about going for a far side armbar but bails out and retains the dominant position instead.
Exotic tries to buck Bird off but Bird is having none of it.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Bird looking for an arm triangle but it's way too loose to do anything.
Bird working hard here to secure a kimura but he's not really in the right position for it.
Exotic sneaks a leg under to get back to half guard.
Exotic is looking to control Bird's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Exotic avoid being mounted?
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.
Exotic is looking for a sweep. Bird is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Bird is looking for a kimura but Exotic is holding onto that half guard position, so it's hard for Bird to get the leverage.
Exotic is looking for a sweep. Bird 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.
Exotic trying to control here.
Bird has been taking part in the yoga sessions down at Zero Tolerance. Presumably he's going to look for a slick submission... Or maybe he's looking to avoid one.
Bird is working for a kimura but Exotic is defending it quite comfortably.
Bird wants to work for an arm triangle but Exotic is really keeping half guard well and defending the submission attempt.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.
Joe Exotic dominated that round.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!
Exotic takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.
Exotic is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Bird can do to turn this around?
A big left from Exotic misses.
A slapping leg kick lands for Exotic.
A low kick from Exotic misses
and Bird decides to take the opportunity to score a takedown. He's landed in Exotic's guard.
Exotic had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Bird defends it easily.
Bird postures up as if he's going to throw some strikes but drops back for an ankle! Exotic is in big trouble! He looks ready to tap! But no, he's escaped and dives on top of Bird, into his guard.
Exotic preventing the sweep.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Bird keeping full guard, as Exotic tries to pass.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Exotic is looking to work some ground and pound but Bird has wrist control.
Exotic will need to keep those long limbs tucked in whilst he's on the ground, to prevent any submissions.
Bird is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Exotic defends well.
Exotic pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Bird is keeping the position for now.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Bird working a defensive guard here.
Bird throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.
Exotic passes into half guard.
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.
Bird is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Exotic passes into side control, despite Bird's attempt to control the position.
Bird gets one leg under and gets the fight to half guard.
Bird looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
Bird looking for submissions from an awkward position here.
Bird gets full guard.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Exotic trying to control the position from guard on top but Bird is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Exotic stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Bird swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Bird has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Exotic can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.
Bird is trying to control the position but Exotic postures up.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Exotic accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Bird throws his legs up looking to secure a triangle. Oh, that looks pretty tight, I gotta say! Exotic escapes and throws Bird's legs to the side, diving into side control!
Bird is looking to slip a leg under and get half guard but Exotic is one step ahead and moves to full mount!
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Bird tries to improve his position but instead Exotic has taken his back!
Bird can't escape the position.
Bird is keeping busy.
Bird manages to reverse the position and now he's in Exotic's guard. Nice work there by Bird.
Exotic is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Bird is aware though and is defending well.
Bird has gone for a leg lock! Exotic slips out almost immediately though and dives into Bird's guard.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Bird wants to control the position but Exotic says "no thanks buddy" and passes to half guard.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.
That was a close second round but I would say that Joe Exotic will probably get the nod.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.
Bird looks to land a left hand but Exotic moved out of range nicely.
Exotic is looking to counter punch.
Bird misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Exotic.
Bird connects with a lovely jab that went straight through the gap between Exotic's hands.
Exotic scores with a shot to the body.
Exotic throws a shot to the body.
Bird has his hands up protecting his head but a hook from Exotic finds it's way round the side to connect with Bird's head.
Exotic is using his height advantage well here, landing a good percentage of his punches.
Bird avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Exotic misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Exotic lands a jab to the nose.
Bird misses with an uppercut
enabling Exotic to counter with a crisp jab.
Bird misses with the combination.
Bird avoids a kick to the body.
Bird throws a hook but Exotic avoids it easily.
Exotic takes a body punch but keeps moving.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
A chopping leg kick lands by Exotic.
Bird slips under a jab.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Bird with poor footwork there. He got himself in a bit of a tangle, enabling Exotic to score with a decent uppercut.
A good leg kick by Exotic.
The fighters circling - Exotic throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Bird is definitely looking for the counter takedowns here.
Bird fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Exotic manages to avoid it.
Bird's leg has a nasty welt from taking a succession of leg kicks. That must be slowing him down.
That kick from Exotic tenderised Bird's leg. Bird is trying to keep his angry face on.
Bird misses with a body shot.
Exotic throws a shot to the body.
Joe Exotic is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Exotic misses with a body shot.
Bird throws a body punch but Exotic moves out of range.
Exotic lands a slapping body shot.
Exotic cracks Bird with a good shot that sees him stumbling back into the cage.
Exotic dances in quickly and lands a nice inside leg kick on Bird. That did some damage!
Exotic throws an overhand right that lands on Bird's shoulder, as Bird tries to avoid the shot.
Exotic ducks under a wild hook from Bird.
Bird takes a body punch but keeps moving.
Exotic throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Bird throws a body punch but Exotic moves out of range.
A little feinted left hand from Exotic on the counter but he doesn't commit to it.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
A bone on bone clash there as Bird blocks the leg kick.
Bird misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Exotic.
Exotic scores with a nice head shot.
Nice straight punches there by Exotic. You know Roy Jones Jr respects the hands of Exotic.
Bird misses with a hook. Exotic ducked under it nicely.
Exotic connects with a lovely jab that went straight through the gap between Bird's hands.
Bird on the wrong end of a decent looking cross there.
Exotic blocks a jab.
Bird scores with a jab to the body.
Bird scores with a punch to the head.
Exotic tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Bird was well out of range. Poor timing from Exotic.
Bird is definitely looking for the counter takedowns here.
Bird shakes his hands off, looking to compose himself, but takes a jab to the jaw whilst he does it.
Bird moves out of range of the strikes.
Bird throws out a loose jab but Exotic uses good head movement to avoid it.
Exotic misses the shot to the body.
Exotic sizes up Bird with a pawing jab and scores with a straight right down the middle.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Exotic thows a left - swing and a miss!
Exotic throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Bird misses with an uppercut.
Exotic swings wildly with a hook that is half blocked by Bird.
Exotic connects with a crisp jab.
Bird keeping at a good range here, avoiding a leg kick.
Exotic pivots, looking for a leg kick but Bird is out of range and Exotic settles back down.
Exotic fakes with the hands and throws a leg kick but Bird is out of range.
Bird takes a head kick and keeps coming.
Exotic throws a leg kick but Bird sees it coming and checks it nicely.
Exotic tries a head kick but it misses.
Bird ducks low and lands a nice hook to the body of his opponent.
Bird moves to clinch but Exotic breaks away
and Exotic counters with a stiff right hand.
Bird has a pretty nasty looking mouse under his right eye.
Bird lands with a nice body punch.
Bird swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Exotic lands a really nice looking cross but Bird seems unphased.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Exotic throws a leg kick but Bird checks it.
Exotic tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Exotic bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Exotic misses the jab.
Bird throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Bird misses with a jab to the body
and Exotic connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Bird slips a straight right by Exotic.
Bird swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Exotic motions for Bird to come forward. Exotic throws a leg kick but it misses it's target.
Exotic thows a left - swing and a miss!
Bird moves out of range of the strikes.
Exotic connects with a nice looking jab.
Bird uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Exotic.
Exotic lands a beauty of a right hand that gets the crowd cheering.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Bird clinches up with Exotic and pushes him back against the cage.
Bird decides to pull guard.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.
Joe Exotic clearly takes that round.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!
Bird tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Exotic was well out of range. Poor timing from Bird.
Exotic swings for the body but Bird moves out of range.
Bird fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Exotic manages to avoid it.
A jab from Bird misses.
Exotic explodes with a nice body kick and back out of range. Nice work.
Bird uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Exotic.
Bird with the counter takedown but Exotic avoids it easily.
Bird takes a body punch but keeps moving.
Bird dives in and scores a takedown into Exotic's guard.
Bird trying to control the position from guard on top but Exotic is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Bird drops back for a leg but he's not going to get it - he lets go and Exotic dives on top into guard.
Exotic tries to free his leg and advance position but Bird is retaining full guard.
Exotic in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Exotic slips effortlessly into side control - very nice.
Exotic is trying to get an arm triangle but Bird is defending well.
Bird is looking for a sweep.
Bird manages to work his way to half guard, despite Exotic's best efforts.
Exotic is trying to control. Bird wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.
Bird wants to sweep but Exotic has passed to side control!
Exotic sitting in side control, looking to soften his opponent up with elbows and hammerfists but Bird is avoiding damage well and looking to escape the position.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Bird is looking for a sweep.
Bird keeps trying to improve his position.
Bird gets one leg under and gets the fight to half guard.
Jake Bird has got the better of the ground game so far.
Bird looking for subs from the bottom but Exotic mounts him!
Bird really trying hard to get back to half guard here.
Exotic goes for an armbar but he's not got it… Bird turns into him and now he's in Exotic's guard.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Bird looking to sit in guard and control but Exotic gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top.
Exotic showing good wrestling skills to control the position.
Bird is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Exotic accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.
Bird tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Bird working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Exotic doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Exotic manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.
Bird working for a triangle but Exotic defends it easily.
Bird trying to control the position.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Exotic stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Bird swivels though and keeps the full guard.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.
Joe Exotic had his way with Jake Bird in that round.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business. 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.
Bird shoots in from a long way out. He's driving through with the takedown attempt and he eventually gets it, landing in Exotic's guard.
Bird is holding a leg here, probably looking for an ankle lock - he drops back and goes for it! Exotic is in trouble! Is it all over??? No! Exotic has escaped and now he's on top!
Exotic avoids a guillotine attempt easily.
Exotic looking to control the position here, rather than advance.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Exotic wants to pass the guard but Bird is keeping the position.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Exotic advances position into side control!
Bird tries to control but Exotic manages to take his back.
Bird tries to escape the position - he's now mounted. Is that better or worse? Hard to tell!
Bird really trying hard to get back to half guard here.
Bird is persisting with the attempt to improve his position.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Bird manages to regain half guard. Good work.
Bird is looking for a sweep. Exotic is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Bird trying to control but Exotic postures up.
Exotic thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Bird's head.
Bird actively working from the bottom here.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Exotic is thinking about going for an arm triangle but he can't free his leg.
Bird looking for submissions from an awkward position here.
Bird is trying to maintain the position but Exotic is very close to passing his half guard.
Exotic wants to work for an arm triangle but Bird is really keeping half guard well and defending the submission attempt.
Exotic is sneakily working for an arm triangle but Bird sees it coming and defends easily.
Joe Exotic is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
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.
Bird tries to get to full guard but Exotic has control of the leg.
Bird wants to control but Exotic is keeping busy and won't allow it.
The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up.
Bird looks to land a left hand but Exotic moved out of range nicely.
Bird lands an overhand left. A wild punch that just about connected.
Bird takes one on the chin but keeps coming.
Exotic takes a step towards his opponent and connects with a left hand, before circling away.
Bird defending well as Exotic loads up on a big left hand.
Exotic pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Exotic lands a leg kick. The shin dug right into the meat of the thigh.
Bird misses the shot to the body.
Nice uppercut lands for Exotic. That snapped Bird's head back.
Jake Bird has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Bird swings for the body but Exotic moves out of range.
And that's the end of the fight!
Joe Exotic showed his dominance in that final round.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Exotic, 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 5 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Richard Clark scores the fight 50:45
Judge William Gold scores the fight 49:45
Judge James Atkins scores the fight 50:45
In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Joe Exotic!
Joe Exotic retains his middleweight title!
Joe Exotic decided to thank the fans in attendance for making a great atmosphere. It seemed to go down pretty well.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| S |
C
A |
G |
S |
C
B |
G |
|
S |
C |
G |
|
energy
A | B |
|
hype
A | B |
|
pop
A | B |
|
mgr
A | B |
|
FIGHT
RATING
49% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
