PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between WatchingFrom TheNoseBleeds (ranked 2249 p4p, 2113 weight class) and Felipe Couture (ranked 292 p4p, 280 weight class). Felipe Couture has the better chin. Will he look to stand and bang today?

TheNoseBleeds
vs
Couture

179 cm
26
193
3 - 1 - 0

194 cm
26
185
6 - 1 - 0

Good wrestling
Brawler
Very strong

Good wrestler
Counter fighter
Powerful

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the middleweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 3 - 1 - 0, fighting out of The Island, WatchingFrom TheNoseBleeds!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 6 - 1 - 0, fighting out of The Island, Felipe Couture!
The judges for this bout are David Hoff, Dirk Anderson and Michael Johnstone.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
TheNoseBleeds tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Couture was well out of range. Poor timing from TheNoseBleeds.
TheNoseBleeds tries to close the distance and clinch but Couture swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Couture catches TheNoseBleeds with a nice straight right. He seems pissed - ooooh, it's on now! On like donkey kong!

Couture moves into the clinch.
Couture looks more muscular than last time we saw him. He must have been on the weights.
TheNoseBleeds stops a takedown attempt from Couture.

TheNoseBleeds has double underhooks and is working for a body lock takedown. He's got it. The fighters land in half guard but Couture regains guard immediately.
Couture avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
TheNoseBleeds content to strike from guard, landing some decent shots.
TheNoseBleeds might be looking to lock onto one of his opponent's long limbs for a submission, whilst we're on the ground.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as TheNoseBleeds accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Couture looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
TheNoseBleeds 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.
TheNoseBleeds postures up.

That's one minute gone in the round.
TheNoseBleeds trying to control but Couture is working from the bottom.
We get told so often about how wrestlers don't like to be on their backs. Let's see if Couture can do anything to dispel that myth.
TheNoseBleeds stopping the sweep attempt from Couture.
Couture trying to control the position.
Couture avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Couture keeping full guard, as TheNoseBleeds tries to pass.
TheNoseBleeds 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.
Couture keeping moving, preventing TheNoseBleeds from controlling successfully.

The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are getting on the fighters' backs, as the pace has dropped off in the last minute or so.
TheNoseBleeds shoots in looking for a takedown but Couture manages to keep the fight standing, pushing TheNoseBleeds's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
Couture avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
TheNoseBleeds defending well as Couture loads up on a big left hand.
TheNoseBleeds looks to be in better condition than last time we saw him fight. Obviously he's been working hard on his cardio.

TheNoseBleeds decides to change it up a bit and drives through with a nice takedown into half guard.
TheNoseBleeds wants to control but Couture is keeping him busy.
Couture keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
TheNoseBleeds is keeping good posture, landing some ground and pound.
TheNoseBleeds working Couture over with strikes.
TheNoseBleeds not doing much here.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
TheNoseBleeds wants to pass to mount but Couture is defending the position.
Well, if TheNoseBleeds is going to just lie there, perhaps we should talk about what we're having for dinner tonight… I'm having a ham and pineapple pizza… Yum. Can't wait.
TheNoseBleeds lands strikes from half guard.
TheNoseBleeds is figuring out what he wants to do next.
TheNoseBleeds throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.

That's four 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.
Couture is working for an escape here. He's hooked one of TheNoseBleeds's legs and he's managed to sneak out and take TheNoseBleeds's back!
TheNoseBleeds wants to control his opponent's hands but Couture gets his hands free.
TheNoseBleeds is trying to stand back up.
TheNoseBleeds is being controlled on the ground here - he must escape this position otherwise surely the end is near.
TheNoseBleeds is trying to get back to his feet but Couture has full control of the position and if anything, TheNoseBleeds has just worked his way into a worse spot.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Will Couture go for the finish here or will he try and keep control of the position?
TheNoseBleeds just trying to survive but Couture is wriggling into a better position, looking to finish.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

WatchingFrom TheNoseBleeds dominated that round.
That's time! Back to the action!

A big left from TheNoseBleeds misses.
Some bone on bone action there as TheNoseBleeds checks a low kick. Luckily it wasn't a particularly hard one.
TheNoseBleeds thows a left - swing and a miss!
WatchingFrom TheNoseBleeds seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
TheNoseBleeds avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
TheNoseBleeds tries to counter with a takedown but Couture is quick to defend against it.
Couture tries for a takedown but TheNoseBleeds sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
TheNoseBleeds half commits to a counter takedown before pushing away, out of range.
Nice sprawl there from Couture as TheNoseBleeds shoots in.
TheNoseBleeds throws a jab when Couture was well out of range.
Couture uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from TheNoseBleeds.
TheNoseBleeds ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
TheNoseBleeds attempts a counter takedown but Couture avoids it well and moves away.
TheNoseBleeds throws a hook to the side of Couture's head but Couture sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
TheNoseBleeds takes a jab on the nose there. A little bit of blood seems to be coming out. Hopefully that won't affect his breathing.
TheNoseBleeds will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
TheNoseBleeds fails with a takedown attempt.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for WatchingFrom TheNoseBleeds. That's going to take a lot out of him.

That's one minute gone in the round.
A big right from Couture misses.
TheNoseBleeds slips under a jab.
Nice sprawl there from Couture as TheNoseBleeds shoots in.
Couture throws a front kick aimed at TheNoseBleeds's knee but TheNoseBleeds avoids it well.
TheNoseBleeds is really struggling to find his range with his punches. Couture's reach advantage is clearly causing him problems.
Couture throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Couture looks to land a left hand but TheNoseBleeds moved out of range nicely.
A telegraphed right hand from Couture misses the target.
Couture looks to land a right hand but TheNoseBleeds moved out of range.
TheNoseBleeds swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Couture drops down looking to force a counter takedown but TheNoseBleeds defends it well.
TheNoseBleeds blocks a jab.
TheNoseBleeds checks a low kick. Bone on bone - not my idea of a good time.
TheNoseBleeds tries to counter with a takedown but Couture is quick to defend against it.
Couture fakes a jab and throws a low kick but TheNoseBleeds checks it well.
A jab from TheNoseBleeds misses.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
TheNoseBleeds dives in and grabs Couture's left leg, looking for a takedown. Couture pushes down on TheNoseBleeds's head and hops out.
TheNoseBleeds closes this distance looking for a takedown but Couture circles away.
Couture throws a low kick but TheNoseBleeds moves out of range easily.
TheNoseBleeds changes levels looking for a counter takedown but doesn't commit.
TheNoseBleeds lands with an overhand left.
TheNoseBleeds uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Couture.
TheNoseBleeds blocks a jab.
Couture throws a decent looking leg kick but it doesn't land clean.
TheNoseBleeds fails with a takedown attempt.
TheNoseBleeds throws a jab when Couture was well out of range.
Couture is definitely looking for the counter takedowns here.
Couture throws a leg kick but TheNoseBleeds checks it.
TheNoseBleeds throws a jab when Couture was well out of range.
Couture tries a counter takedown but it's more of a dummy move, and he uses it to push himself away.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Couture slips in close and lands a nice hook before moving back out of range.
Couture throws a leg kick that misses.
Couture throws a big shot that misses.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Couture.
TheNoseBleeds throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Couture is definitely looking for the counter takedowns here.
Couture avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
TheNoseBleeds throws a looping overhand right but Couture ducks down to avoid it.
TheNoseBleeds checks a leg kick.
TheNoseBleeds closes the distance but Couture moves to the side

and Couture counters with a nice shoot takedown that brings the fighters to the ground.

TheNoseBleeds kicks Couture off and gets to his feet.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
TheNoseBleeds throws a jab when Couture was well out of range.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Couture misses with a looping left.
Nice defenses there by Couture.
Couture slips a straight right by TheNoseBleeds.
The fighters circling - Couture throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Couture pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Couture slips a jab from TheNoseBleeds.
TheNoseBleeds throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Couture with the counter takedown but TheNoseBleeds avoids it easily.
TheNoseBleeds throws a shot from downtown. Couture moves away and avoids it.
TheNoseBleeds displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Couture throws out the jab.
TheNoseBleeds tries to counter with a takedown but Couture is quick to defend against it.
No luck for TheNoseBleeds with that takedown attempt.
Couture dives in for a single leg takedown but TheNoseBleeds sprawls and the fighters end up clinched against the cage.
TheNoseBleeds changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

A close second round but Felipe Couture will probably get the nod - 10:9.
That's time! 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.

Couture tries to score with an inside leg kick but telegraphs it and TheNoseBleeds is able to avoid easily.
TheNoseBleeds shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Couture but Couture pushes him off and we're back to square one.
Couture misses with a hook. TheNoseBleeds ducked under it nicely.
TheNoseBleeds misses with a hook. Couture ducked under it nicely.
Couture slips a straight right by TheNoseBleeds.
Couture throws out a loose jab but TheNoseBleeds uses good head movement to avoid it.
TheNoseBleeds rushes in with a sloppy looking punch

and Couture counters with a takedown into side control! That could mean trouble for TheNoseBleeds!
Couture wants to control but TheNoseBleeds is keeping him busy.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
TheNoseBleeds tries to escape but Couture is in control.
TheNoseBleeds is looking to reverse the position.

That's one minute gone in the round.
TheNoseBleeds wants to escape from the position here - easier said than done!
TheNoseBleeds stops Couture from passing to mount.
TheNoseBleeds is trying to buck Couture off.
The referee looks like he's ready to step in and stand the fighters back up.
TheNoseBleeds tries to get back to half guard but can't.
TheNoseBleeds is looking to work his way out of this bad position but Couture is controlling him well.

The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.
Couture throws a hook but TheNoseBleeds avoids it easily.

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.
TheNoseBleeds leaves Couture with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
TheNoseBleeds misses with an uppercut. Couture saw that one coming.
TheNoseBleeds lunges at Couture with a hook that half lands and is half blocked by Couture's hand.
TheNoseBleeds looks to land a right hand but Couture moved out of range.
Couture with the counter takedown but TheNoseBleeds avoids it easily.
The sound of bone on bone echoes around the arena as TheNoseBleeds checks a leg kick.
Couture uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from TheNoseBleeds.
TheNoseBleeds looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Couture is fending him off so far but TheNoseBleeds persists. Nope, Couture circles away and we're back to standing.
Couture tries a counter takedown but it's more of a dummy move, and he uses it to push himself away.
TheNoseBleeds displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Couture throws out the jab.
TheNoseBleeds throws a hook but Couture blocks it.
Couture with the counter takedown but TheNoseBleeds avoids it easily.
Felipe Couture seems to be getting the better of the standup.
TheNoseBleeds shoots for a takedown but Couture saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for WatchingFrom TheNoseBleeds. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Couture is looking to chop away at TheNoseBleeds's legs.
Couture misses with a looping left.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
TheNoseBleeds slips a jab from Couture.
TheNoseBleeds uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Couture.
TheNoseBleeds attempts a counter takedown but Couture avoids it well and moves away.
Couture shoots for a double leg takedown but TheNoseBleeds sprawls well. He's pushed Couture's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Couture misses with a hook.
TheNoseBleeds shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Couture with the counter takedown but TheNoseBleeds avoids it easily.
TheNoseBleeds jabbing away but nothing is landing.
And Couture tries to counter it with a takedown but TheNoseBleeds pushes his down on his head and steps out.
TheNoseBleeds misses with a looping right.
Couture throws an uppercut from half a mile away. TheNoseBleeds sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Couture misses with a low kick.
TheNoseBleeds shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Couture throws an overhand right that lands on TheNoseBleeds's shoulder, as TheNoseBleeds tries to avoid the shot.
A jab from Couture misses.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
TheNoseBleeds tries to close the distance and clinch but Couture swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Oooooooooooh, not good. A low kick from Couture lands where it shouldn't have, right in the... well, you know what he did? He kicked him in the penis. He's injured, injured bad. The referee sends both fighters to their corners and TheNoseBleeds has 5 minutes to recover. He's OK now though... a thumbs up from TheNoseBleeds and we're back underway with a touch of gloves.
TheNoseBleeds paws at his opponent with the jab and then lunges in with a straight, right on the button.
TheNoseBleeds displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Couture throws out the jab.
TheNoseBleeds thows a left - swing and a miss!
And Couture tries to counter it with a takedown but TheNoseBleeds pushes his down on his head and steps out.
Couture avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Couture misses with a looping right.
TheNoseBleeds throws the left hand but Couture avoids the punch easily.
TheNoseBleeds closes the distance and clinches up with Couture, looking for a takedown. TheNoseBleeds pushes Couture against the cage but Couture circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Couture waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract TheNoseBleeds.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
TheNoseBleeds misses with an uppercut.
TheNoseBleeds goes for a double leg but Couture avoids the attempt and the two fighters end up clinched against the cage as Couture continues to drive forward.
This has been an exciting period of action!
TheNoseBleeds goes for a takedown attempt but Couture pushes him away and we're back to fighting at a distance.

And that's the end of the fight!
Felipe Couture comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think Couture 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 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge David Hoff scores the fight 28:29
Judge Dirk Anderson scores the fight 28:29
Judge Michael Johnstone scores the fight 28:29

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Felipe Couture!