PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Ulysses Corbin (ranked 1313 p4p, 1037 weight class) and Magnus Thorgard (ranked 194 p4p, 151 weight class). Magnus Thorgard told me before the fight that he's been watching a lot of DVDs so let's see if that helps him in this one! I can't wait to find out!

Corbin
vs
Thorgard

189 cm
20
219
7 - 2 - 0

194 cm
19
220
4 - 3 - 0

Good wrestling
Counter fighter
Very strong

Powerful takedowns
Excellent boxer
Good gas tank

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Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the light heavyweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 7 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Montreal, Ulysses Corbin!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 4 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Sydney, Magnus Thorgard!
The judges for this bout are Ian Loll, William Peck and Yves DeLean.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Corbin blocks a leg kick.
Corbin looks to land a left hand but Thorgard moved out of range nicely.
Corbin misses with a straight right.
Thorgard swings away with a body shot that misses
and Thorgard takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Thorgard misses with a wild body shot.
Thorgard punishes Corbin's body with a nice straight punch.
We can't be sure of the tactics at this early stage but we have heard that Thorgard has been working on his takedowns a lot in the buildup to the fight and we can only assume he's going to look to take this to the mat.
Thorgard throws a low kick but it's checked well by Corbin.
Corbin looks to throw the jab but Thorgard is out of range.

Corbin shoots in for a takedown from distance. He catches Thorgard napping and manages to drive through into side control!
You can see the frustration on Thorgard's face, being in this tough position on the bottom.
Thorgard is trying to avoid being dragged into an even worse position than he's already in but Corbin is staying active.
Thorgard tries to improve position but can't.
Thorgard avoids any damage from the ground and pound of Corbin.
Thorgard is trying to get back to half guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Thorgard avoids any damage from the ground and pound of Corbin.
Thorgard manages to land a sweep and he's now on top! Lovely Jiu Jitsu!
Corbin on his back here. We all know that wrestlers don't like being on their back so let's see if Corbin tries to get out of the position.
Corbin is trying to defend against the ground and pound but Thorgard scores with a couple of nice shots.
Corbin is trying is best to control the position here.
Thorgard missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
Corbin is looking for a sweep. Thorgard is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Corbin is trying to defend against the ground and pound but Thorgard scores with a couple of nice shots.
Thorgard trying to mount his opponent but Corbin defends it.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Thorgard trying to control from half guard but Corbin is working away.
Thorgard lands a big shot. The thud that echoes around the arena is like music to the fans' ears.
Thorgard not landing any meaningful shots this time.
Thorgard working Corbin over with strikes.
Corbin wants to improve his position but Thorgard is controlling well.
Corbin trying to control here.
Thorgard missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.
Corbin trying to control from the bottom.
Corbin wants to improve his position but Thorgard is controlling well.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Thorgard missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.
Corbin is looking to control Thorgard's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Corbin avoid being mounted?
Thorgard not landing any meaningful shots this time.
Thorgard is scoring with some nice ground and pound from the dominant position.
Corbin trying to control here.
Thorgard is scoring with some nice ground and pound from the dominant position.

Thorgard is working for a submission of some sort.
Thorgard drops an elbow to the side of Corbin's head.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Corbin trying to control from the bottom.
Thorgard is scoring with some nice ground and pound from the dominant position.
Thorgard with the ground and pound but Corbin uses the opportunity to regain guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Thorgard trying to control but Corbin is working from the bottom.
Thorgard throwing strikes but missing.

Corbin looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Thorgard trying to control the position from guard on top but Corbin is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Magnus Thorgard dominated that round.
That's time! Corbin's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

Thorgard shoots in but doesn't get the takedown
and Thorgard takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Corbin misses with an uppercut.
Thorgard throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Corbin seem to be loading up, looking for a big counter.
Thorgard thows a left - swing and a miss!
Corbin throws a sloppy body shot
and Thorgard cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Nice takedown defense from Corbin. No joy for Thorgard on that attempt.
Thorgard has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
This fight brought to you by 5M nutrition - it's mmmmm tasty. Nice jab by Thorgard.
Corbin looks to score with a jab to the body but Thorgard is just out of range.
Thorgard defending well as Corbin loads up on a big left hand.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Thorgard misses with a takedown attempt

and Corbin counters into the clinch. Nicely done.
Ulysses Corbin has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Magnus Thorgard.
Thorgard is looking for a takedown.
Thorgard misses with some punches.
Corbin is working hard here but doesn't seem to be able to control effectively, up against the cage.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Thorgard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Corbin working aggressively here.
Corbin tries to throw a body punch but Thorgard avoids it by throwing Corbin back against the cage.
Corbin gets underhooks to prevent Thorgard's takedown attempt.
Corbin taking a break, stalling in the clinch.
Thorgard drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it.
I was talking to Corbin's coach per-fight and he was telling me that they'd been working on the clinch in the runup to this fight.

Thorgard breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Thorgard throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Corbin is looking to counter with a shot to the body.

Corbin gets caught napping as Thorgard dives in and scores a takedown. Corbin manages to retain guard.
Corbin pulls Thorgard in close to his closed guard and prevents Thorgard from doing any damage or advancing position.
Corbin looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Thorgard lands a couple of decent looking shots.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Thorgard missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Thorgard sneaks a leg through and gets to half guard. That was like a knife through butter how easily he passed Corbin's guard.

Thorgard is working for submissions here but there's nothing on.
Corbin keeping control of the position.
Corbin wants to control but Thorgard is keeping busy.
Corbin is looking for a sweep. Thorgard is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Thorgard missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.
Corbin wants to get back to full guard.
Corbin knows he needs to get back to his feet asap. He's simply no match for Thorgard on the ground.
Thorgard thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Corbin's head.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Corbin keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Corbin tries to roll over but Thorgard keeps him under control.
Thorgard wants to lay and pray for a moment but Corbin keeps working.
Corbin keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Thorgard throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.

Thorgard is looking for a kimura. It's going to be difficult to finish that from half guard though and Corbin defends it well.
Thorgard sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Corbin defending well though.
Thorgard missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.
Thorgard wants to control but Corbin is keeping him busy.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.
Good work by Corbin as he checks the leg kick.
Corbin walks straight into an uppercut. Luckily it didn't land flush.
Corbin has his takedown stuffed
and Thorgard counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Corbin is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Thorgard.
Nice cross by Thorgard.
Thorgard fakes and then throws a beautiful body shot. Corbin looks a bit winded and takes a step backwards to take a breath.
Thorgard stooping low to avoid any incoming strikes and then lunges in with an uppercut come cross that lands flush.
Thorgard uses good footwork to get in and out, landing a nice hook.
Corbin walks straight into a jab right on the nose. That one stung - he's blinking and trying to clear his head.
Corbin throws a right hand that Thorgard ducks under and follows up with a left that Thorgard also avoids with ease.
Thorgard is loading up here, looking for a big counter of his own.
Thorgard throws a big shot that misses.
Thorgard connects with a slap. Keep your fist closed son.
Corbin throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Thorgard sees it coming and avoids it easily.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Magnus Thorgard showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.

Thorgard with a body punch. A glancing blow.
Thorgard punishes Corbin's body with a nice straight punch.
Corbin misses the shot to the body.
Thorgard tries for a takedown but Corbin sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Thorgard scores with a punch to the head.
A telegraphed right hand from Thorgard misses the target.
Thorgard throws a shot from downtown. Corbin moves away and avoids it.
Corbin slips under a jab.
Nice cross by Thorgard.
Corbin misses the jab.
It seemed like Thorgard was going to counter with the hook but didn't fully commit to it.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Thorgard throws a looping overhand right but Corbin ducks down to avoid it.
Thorgard lands a glancing blow to the side of Corbin's head.
Thorgard bobs and weaves and unloads with a good uppercut.
The crowd cheers as Thorgard lands an impressive looking overhand right. Corbin doesn't seem phased though.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Corbin keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Corbin takes one on the button.
Thorgard lands a nice shot that snaps Corbin's head back.
Thorgard throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Corbin sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Thorgard lands with a good body shot.
Corbin jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Magnus Thorgard seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Thorgard scores with the left hand. Corbin knows he should have avoided that one.
Thorgard tries to score with an inside leg kick but telegraphs it and Corbin is able to avoid easily.
Corbin pushing out the jab but it's not landing.

Corbin closes the distance and clinches up, looking for a takedown. He shifts his weight and gets a nice trip into half guard.
Corbin slows the pace down in half guard.
Thorgard is trying to control but can't.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Thorgard won't allow Corbin to pass to mount.
Thorgard moves into full guard.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Thorgard bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Corbin's guard.

Thorgard lands a nice shot whilst sitting in his opponent's guard.
Corbin keeping moving, preventing Thorgard from controlling successfully.
Thorgard tries to free his leg and advance position but Corbin is retaining full guard.
Thorgard content to strike from guard, landing some decent shots.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Thorgard loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Corbin working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Thorgard.
Thorgard is just sitting in guard, looking to avoid any submissions.
Corbin has Thorgard pulled in close to control his posture.
Thorgard throws a big elbow that misses.
Thorgard trying to control the position from guard on top but Corbin is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Thorgard with a flurry of punches that miss.
The referee looks like he's ready to step in and stand the fighters back up.
Thorgard lands a couple of digs.
Thorgard stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Corbin swivels though and keeps the full guard.

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.
Thorgard trying to pass the guard. He's being very persistent here but Corbin manages to land a sweep and now he's on top!

Corbin looking to sit in guard and control but Thorgard gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top.

Thorgard lands a couple of elbows.
Corbin has momentary wrist control but Thorgard slips an elbow through the middle.
Thorgard landing with the ground and pound.
Thorgard has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
Thorgard preventing the sweep.
Thorgard connects with a couple of short punches.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Magnus Thorgard really 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.

Thorgard throws a nice looking combination but Corbin bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Corbin slips a jab from Thorgard.
Corbin swung with a counter punch to the body but it didn't connect.
Corbin gets cracked with a nice right hand there by Thorgard.
Corbin lands a jab to the nose.
Thorgard lunges in with an uppercut that skims his opponent's chin.
Corbin on the wrong end of a decent looking cross there.
Thorgard scores with a hook.
Corbin is trying hard to land a takedown here. Thorgard sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
Corbin needs to keep his hands up - Thorgard had a free shot at his head there.
Corbin blocks a jab.
Nice cross by Thorgard.
Corbin scores with a reasonable looking shot to the body. Thorgard doesn't seem bothered though.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Thorgard slips under a jab.
Thorgard misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Corbin tries to clinch but Thorgard moves out of range.
Thorgard keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Thorgard misses with a lunging right hand
and Corbin counters with a straight right hand.
Thorgard misses with a looping right.
Thorgard lands the left hand.

Thorgard shoots in and gets a takedown into Corbin's guard.
Corbin is trying to control the position from the bottom.
Corbin is going to have to think about doing something other than just controlling because Thorgard is managing to avoid having the position dictated to him.
Thorgard sitting in guard here, content to control.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Thorgard content to strike from guard, landing some decent shots.
Thorgard stopping the sweep attempt from Corbin.
Thorgard slows down the pace of the fight for a moment. He'll need to remain active if he doesn't want to see the fight stood back up.
Thorgard content to strike from guard, landing some decent shots.

Corbin has his foot on Thorgard's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Thorgard works his way back into a safe position though.
Thorgard in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Corbin looking to sweep using the butterfly guard but Thorgard puts pay to that idea as he passes nicely into half guard.
Thorgard seems to be taking a bit of a break to think of his next move. He lands a short punch in the meantime.
Thorgard looks to score some points with some ground and pound.
Corbin is looking for a sweep. Thorgard is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Nice strikes from Thorgard there.
Magnus Thorgard has got the better of the ground game so far.
Thorgard lands strikes from half guard.
Thorgard looks to score some points with some ground and pound.

Corbin is rocked!
Corbin is looking for a sweep. Thorgard is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Oh Corbin is still in real trouble! Will he be able to recover?!!
It's got to the stage where if one of these guys blows hard enough, the other might fall over.
Thorgard trying to control the pace.
Corbin seems to have got his legs back now.
Thorgard working the head and body with strikes.
Corbin is trying to defend against the ground and pound but Thorgard scores with a couple of nice shots.
Corbin avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Thorgard.
Thorgard is scoring with some nice ground and pound from the dominant position.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Corbin is trying to maintain the position but Thorgard is very close to passing his half guard.
Thorgard trying to control the action but Corbin is working from the bottom.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Thorgard is nestled in close to Corbin, controlling him well. He's worked in a nice elbow to the side of the head as well, for good measure.

Thorgard is trying to work for a kimura but Corbin is defending well.
Corbin on the receiving end of some nice ground and pound.
Thorgard scores with a big shot! Corbin's head bounced off the canvas with a huge thud! More strikes land and the referee has jumped in to save Corbin! He was hurt real bad - good stoppage!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:56 of round 4, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Magnus Thorgard!
Magnus Thorgard is the new light heavyweight champion!
A very excited looking Magnus Thorgard made sure he remembered to thank all the fans both in the arena and on the internet. He said all the coolest people spend all day on MMA websites, which got a big reaction.