PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between Gabriele Ghiotto (ranked 781 p4p, 1830 weight class) and Morello Hawthorne (ranked 61 p4p, 114 weight class). Morello Hawthorne has the eye of the tiger tonight.

Ghiotto
vs
Hawthorne

165 cm
20
135
7 - 0 - 0

159 cm
22
130
5 - 5 - 0

Powerful takedowns
Excellent MT
Cardio machine

Good wrestler
Good low kicks
Good gas tank

Ma Balls Is Hot Clothing

NARCOS

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the bantamweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 7 - 0 - 0, fighting out of London, Gabriele Ghiotto!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 5 - 5 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Morello Hawthorne!
The judges for this bout are Anni Minnemäki, Tarja Halkonen and Matti Vanhoillinen.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Ghiotto paws at his opponent with the jab and then lunges in with a straight, right on the button.
Nice body punch from Hawthorne.
Hawthorne scores with a jab to the head.
Hawthorne throws a big shot that misses.
Ghiotto has a takedown stuffed.
Hawthorne throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Hawthorne keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Ghiotto looks to land a left hand but Hawthorne moved out of range nicely.
Hawthorne connects with a jab.

Ghiotto changes levels and drives through with a really nice takedown into side control. Hawthorne looks really pissed at himself for not defending that better.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.

Ghiotto tries for a kimura but Hawthorne is defending well.
Hawthorne is sneaking out the side here. He's bucked Ghiotto off and has taken his back!
Ghiotto tries to escape the position - he's now mounted. Is that better or worse? Hard to tell!
Ghiotto can't escape the position.
Hawthorne can't quite control the action as he would like just now, as Ghiotto is looking to escape.
Hawthorne wants to stand but Ghiotto is holding on to him, trying to stop him posturing up.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Hawthorne looking to control and managing it successfully.
Hawthorne tries to stand up but he's trapped just for the moment.
Ghiotto is writhing around trying to get back to his feet.
Ghiotto is desperately trying to improve his position but Hawthorne has a good base and remains in mount.
Hawthorne is stalling here but it's allowed Ghiotto to get half guard.
Ghiotto wants to get back to full guard.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Hawthorne tries to stand and escape but Ghiotto is controlling the position.
Ghiotto trying to control but Hawthorne postures up.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Ghiotto wants to get back to full guard.
Ghiotto is working hard here to advance position.
Hawthorne wants to get back to his feet.
Hawthorne is using up a lot of energy trying to get back to his feet. Perhaps he should improve his position first.

The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.
Hawthorne throws a lazy right hand but Ghiotto sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Hawthorne stuffs the takedown attempt from Ghiotto. Ghiotto gets slowly back to his feet.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Hawthorne takes a jab right on the kisser.
Ghiotto looks to land a combination but Hawthorne avoids it well.
Ghiotto connects with a right hand. Hawthorne shakes it off.
A cross from Hawthorne lands.
Hawthorne stuffs the takedown.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Gabriele Ghiotto. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Hawthorne throws a body shot but no joy.
Ghiotto lands an overhand right.
Ghiotto has his hands up protecting his head but a hook from Hawthorne finds it's way round the side to connect with Ghiotto's head.
Hawthorne avoids the body shot from Ghiotto.
Morello Hawthorne seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Hawthorne misses with a looping right.
Ghiotto looks to score with a jab to the body but Hawthorne is just out of range.
Hawthorne throws a hook but Ghiotto blocks it.
A looping hook to the body misses from Hawthorne. Ghiotto does a little dance to reset his feet.
A low kick from Hawthorne misses

and Ghiotto counters with a nice double leg into half guard.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Hawthorne is refusing to be controlled, as Ghiotto sits in half guard.
Ghiotto perhaps working for something from half guard, or maybe not. It looks like he's just sitting there.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Ghiotto wants to take a breather but Hawthorne is having none of it.

Ghiotto is working for a kimura but Hawthorne is defending it quite comfortably.
Hawthorne is looking to escape.

Ghiotto wants to work for an arm triangle but Hawthorne is really keeping half guard well and defending the submission attempt.
Hawthorne is trying to stand.

The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.
A looping hook to the body misses from Ghiotto. Hawthorne does a little dance to reset his feet.
A good leg kick by Hawthorne.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but Morello Hawthorne will probably get the nod.
That's time! Back to the action!

Hawthorne misses with a looping right.
Hawthorne stalks Ghiotto and leaps in with a furious combination of punches. Uppercuts and crosses smash into Ghiotto's face. Ghiotto staggers backwards, shaken.
Ghiotto swings for the body but Hawthorne moves out of range.
Morello Hawthorne seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Hawthorne throws a jab when Ghiotto was well out of range.

Ghiotto throws the overhand right but ducks down into a quick takedown attempt. Hawthorne was covering up waiting for the punch and Ghiotto finishes the takedown easily into guard.
Hawthorne is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Hawthorne working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Ghiotto doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Ghiotto manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Hawthorne wants to get back to his feet but Ghiotto is in a dominant position and won't allow it.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Ghiotto trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Ghiotto engaging in some classic timewasting tactics.

The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up.
Hawthorne throws a head kick that misses.
Ghiotto cracks Hawthorne with a right hand to the side of the head.
Ghiotto jabbing away but nothing is landing.
A nice side step and Hawthorne releases a counter shot to the body, but it doesn't find it's home.
Ghiotto takes a shot to the eye socket. That's gotta hurt.

Ghiotto dives in and scores a takedown into Hawthorne's guard.
Ghiotto won't allow Hawthorne to get back to his feet.
Ghiotto trying to control but Hawthorne is working from the bottom.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Gabriele Ghiotto overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Hawthorne being controlled here, momentarily.
Hawthorne wants to stand and escape but Ghiotto is having none of it.
Ghiotto trying to control but Hawthorne is working from the bottom.
Hawthorne keeping full guard, as Ghiotto tries to pass.
If this pace continues, the referee will definitely step in and force a standup.
Hawthorne is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.

The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.
Ghiotto checks a leg kick.
Morello Hawthorne is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Ghiotto steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Hawthorne.
Ghiotto half commits to a counter takedown before pushing away, out of range.
Hawthorne throws a series of strikes that have Ghiotto backpedaling.

Ghiotto shoots in and scores a nice double leg takedown into half guard.

Hawthorne is defending against the submission attempts here by Ghiotto.
Ghiotto stalling away here and it's allowed Hawthorne to slip out his trapped foot and regain full guard.
Ghiotto trying to control but Hawthorne is working from the bottom.
Hawthorne is looking to stand up but Ghiotto isn't so interested in that idea.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Ghiotto trying to control the position from guard on top but Hawthorne is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Ghiotto slips effortlessly into side control - very nice.
Hawthorne felt the need to train up his defensive grappling in the buildup to the fight. Presumably he was expecting to be in a difficult position like this, so let's see if he can get out of it.
Ghiotto prevents Hawthorne from escaping the position.

Ghiotto working hard here to secure a kimura but he's not really in the right position for it.
Ghiotto tries to cartwheel into mount but he doesn't manage it.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Hawthorne is trying to get back to his feet.
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 Gabriele Ghiotto will probably get the nod.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare each other down, ready to get back to the action.

Ghiotto moves away from the strike by Hawthorne.
Hawthorne throws a right hand that Ghiotto ducks under and follows up with a left that Ghiotto also avoids with ease.
Hawthorne throws a right hand that Ghiotto ducks under and follows up with a left that Ghiotto also avoids with ease.
A good leg kick by Hawthorne.
Ghiotto goes for a double leg but Hawthorne avoids the attempt and the two fighters end up clinched against the cage as Hawthorne continues to drive forward.
Hawthorne looks like he wants to counter punch here.
Ghiotto tries a body shot but Hawthorne blocks it.
Hawthorne blocks a body shot from Ghiotto.
Hawthorne pushes Ghiotto back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.
Hawthorne looks like he'd prefer to be striking at range right now.
Hawthorne looks like he'd prefer to be striking at range right now.
Ghiotto blocks an elbow strike.
Ghiotto lands with a light punch inside.
Ghiotto working aggressively here.
Hawthorne lands an uppercut.
Hawthorne misses with an elbow strike.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Hawthorne blocks a body shot from Ghiotto.

Ghiotto successfully pulls guard.
Hawthorne wanted to stand there but Ghiotto had control of the position.
Ghiotto working a defensive guard but Hawthorne passes into half guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Ghiotto wants to sweep but Hawthorne has passed to side control!
Ghiotto tries to work a leg under to get back to half guard but Hawthorne wriggles his own leg back out and remains in side control.
Hawthorne tries to stand but Ghiotto is controlling his head.
Ghiotto is trying to get back to half guard.
Hawthorne wants to stand but Ghiotto is controlling his arm.
Ghiotto wants to control but Hawthorne postures up.
Ghiotto is looking to reverse the position.
Hawthorne wants to stand but Ghiotto is controlling his arm.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Neither fighter has done anything of merit for a good minute or two here and the crowd are not happy about it.
Ghiotto is trying to control Hawthorne's posture but Hawthorne avoids it.
It looks like the ref is thinking about a standup.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
A right-left combo lands from Hawthorne.
Ghiotto takes a body punch but keeps moving.
Hawthorne takes a shot right to the bread basket.
Ghiotto ducks under a wild hook from Hawthorne.
Hawthorne throws a low kick but his opponent is out of range.
Hawthorne throws a series of punches but Ghiotto avoids them all with ease.
Hawthorne misses with a body shot.

Ghiotto closes the distance and looks for a trip takedown... aaaand he's got it - Ghiotto lands in his opponent's guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Ghiotto trying to control the position from guard on top but Hawthorne is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Hawthorne is looking to stand back up but Ghiotto counters by passing into half guard. Oops... bit sloppy there by Hawthorne.
Ghiotto stops Hawthorne from getting back to his feet.

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.

The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.
Hawthorne tries to land a leg kick but Ghiotto saw it coming and moves away.
Hawthorne tries a head kick but it misses.
Ghiotto stumbles momentarily as he takes a strong leg kick from Hawthorne.
Hawthorne looks to land a combination but Ghiotto avoids it well.
Ghiotto tries to counter with a takedown but Hawthorne is quick to defend against it.
A looping hook to the body misses from Hawthorne. Ghiotto does a little dance to reset his feet.

Ghiotto closes the distance and gets a double leg, slamming Hawthorne to the mat! Hawthorne manages to get full guard.
Ghiotto trying to control but Hawthorne is working from the bottom.
Hawthorne keeping full guard, as Ghiotto tries to pass.
Ghiotto won't allow Hawthorne to get back to his feet.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Morello Hawthorne really dominated that round.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

A jab from Hawthorne misses.
Hawthorne falls off balance throwing a combination

and Ghiotto counters with a takedown into side control! That could mean trouble for Hawthorne!
Hawthorne is working hard to escape and get back to his feet. After a battle for position, Ghiotto asserts his dominance and retains side control.
Hawthorne wants to get back to his feet but Ghiotto is dominant here and he's now got Hawthorne's back!

Hawthorne defending nicely against the rear naked choke attempt.
Hawthorne is trying to get back to his feet but he's not managed it yet.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Ghiotto seems to have improved his submission grappling technique since last time we saw him. Let's see if he can pull off a submission.

That's one minute gone in the round.
The crowd hopeful of a finish here - Ghiotto's supporters are on their feet, screaming for him to go for the rear naked choke.
Hawthorne wants to get back to his feet.

Ghiotto has his opponent's back and is working for the choke.

Hawthorne preventing the rear naked choke attempt from Ghiotto.

Ghiotto looking for the RNC.
Hawthorne is trying to stand back up.
Hawthorne is in a world of trouble here. He's outmatched on the ground here and he'd better get Ghiotto off his back sharpish unless he wants to be submitted.
Hawthorne looking very determined here, making life difficult for Ghiotto.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Hawthorne trying to get back to his feet but Ghiotto is in full control for now.

Hawthorne is staying cool under pressure, defending well against the rear naked choke attempt from his opponent.

Ghiotto is looking for the choke from the back position but Hawthorne is controlling his hands well.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Ghiotto looking for the choke but no joy.
Hawthorne wants to get back to his feet.

Hawthorne showing good submission defense here.
Hawthorne is trying to stand back up.

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.

Ghiotto working for a choke but Hawthorne is defending well.
Hawthorne wants to get back to his feet.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
The crowd hopeful of a finish here - Ghiotto's supporters are on their feet, screaming for him to go for the rear naked choke.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Gabriele Ghiotto had his way with Morello Hawthorne in that round.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare each other down, ready to get back to the action. 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.

Hawthorne misses the jab.
Hawthorne misses with a low kick as Ghiotto jumps back.
Ghiotto shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Hawthorne throws a leg kick which misses Ghiotto's front leg but catches the back leg as Ghiotto tries to avoid it.
Ghiotto takes a solid shot to the body. That one hurt him but he's trying not to show it.

Hawthorne gets caught napping as Ghiotto dives in and scores a takedown. Hawthorne manages to retain guard.
Ghiotto prevents Hawthorne from getting back to his feet.
Ghiotto wants to control from the top but Hawthorne keeps moving.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Ghiotto stops Hawthorne from standing up.
Ghiotto trying to control the position from guard on top but Hawthorne is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Hawthorne wants to stand and escape but Ghiotto is having none of it.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Hawthorne looking to hit a scissor sweep but Ghiotto is one step ahead there.
Ghiotto wants to control from the top but Hawthorne keeps moving.

The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up.
Hawthorne tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Ghiotto throws a body punch but Hawthorne moves out of range.
As Ghiotto backs off Hawthorne throws a huge counter combo but Ghiotto manages to avoid it all.
Ghiotto looks for a takedown but Hawthorne sprawls well.
Ghiotto showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Hawthorne.
Ghiotto blocks a jab.
Ghiotto fails to land the takedown.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Gabriele Ghiotto. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Hawthorne throws a looping overhand right but Ghiotto ducks down to avoid it.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Ghiotto closes the distance and clinches up, looking for a takedown. He shifts his weight and gets a nice trip into half guard.
Ghiotto trying to control from half guard but Hawthorne is working away.
Hawthorne looks like he's trying to stand up.
Ghiotto passes to full mount!

Ghiotto goes for an armbar but he's not got it… Hawthorne turns into him and now he's in Ghiotto's guard.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Hawthorne has decided he wants to stand but the closed guard of Ghiotto is proving hard to escape from.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Ghiotto not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.

Ghiotto is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
Ghiotto managing to control the position.
Hawthorne has decided he wants to stand but the closed guard of Ghiotto is proving hard to escape from.

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.
Ghiotto is controlling Hawthorne's posture.
Ghiotto trying to keep a closed guard but Hawthorne is proving a slippery customer.
Ghiotto wants to control the position but Hawthorne says "no thanks buddy" and passes to half guard.
Hawthorne seems to have lost interest with the ground game and is thinking about standing back up.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Ghiotto trying to hold on to Hawthorne's head to control him but Hawthorne postures up.

The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.

And that's the end of the fight!
Morello Hawthorne comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think Hawthorne has won this one but let's see whether the judges agree with me. 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 Anni Minnemäki scores the fight 47:48
Judge Tarja Halkonen scores the fight 46:49
Judge Matti Vanhoillinen scores the fight 46:49

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Morello Hawthorne!
Morello Hawthorne is the new bantamweight champion!