PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Cormac McCarthy (ranked 727 p4p, 914 weight class) and Manolito Tai Kung (ranked 93 p4p, 117 weight class). Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

McCarthy
vs
Tai Kung

183 cm
26
175
13 - 5 - 0

180 cm
35
170
29 - 15 - 0

Great wrestler
World class boxer
Insanely flexible

Good wrestler
World class MT
Good gas tank

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Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the welterweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 13 - 5 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Cormac McCarthy!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 29 - 15 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Manolito Tai Kung!
The judges for this bout are Ren Mimura, Tatsuya Matsuyama and Shigeki Fujiwara.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Tai Kung takes a jab right on the kisser.
Tai Kung will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
Tai Kung tries to work over McCarthy's front leg with a kick but McCarthy checks it.
Tai Kung takes an uppercut right on the button but keeps his composure.
Tai Kung throws a body kick despite being completely out of range

and McCarthy decides to take the opportunity to score a takedown. He's landed in Tai Kung's guard.
Tai Kung working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from McCarthy.
Tai Kung bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in McCarthy's guard.

Tai Kung stopping the sweep attempt from McCarthy.
Tai Kung looking to control the position here, rather than advance.
Tai Kung must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.
McCarthy looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
McCarthy is doing well to control the posture of his opponent and prevent any damage.

That's one minute gone in the round.
McCarthy keeping moving, preventing Tai Kung from controlling successfully.
Tai Kung trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
McCarthy keeping moving, preventing Tai Kung from controlling successfully.
Tai Kung showing good wrestling skills to control the position.
Tai Kung being controlled here momentarily.
McCarthy throwing strikes off his back to little effect.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.
Tai Kung is fighting to break McCarthy's control of his arms but McCarthy is doing a good job of controlling the position at the moment.

The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up.
McCarthy misses with a takedown attempt
and Tai Kung counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
McCarthy works his jab well there, keeping his opponent at a distance.
Tai Kung lands with a straight right. McCarthy didn't see that one coming.
We've been hearing reports that McCarthy has been drilling takedowns in recent sessions so let's see if that has an impact on the result of this fight.
Tai Kung waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract McCarthy.
Sloppy strikes from Tai Kung. Those never looked like landing.
Tai Kung throws a looping overhand right but McCarthy ducks down to avoid it.
McCarthy is looking to counter punch.
Tai Kung misses with a body shot.
A looping hook to the body misses from Tai Kung. McCarthy does a little dance to reset his feet.
It looked like McCarthy was looking amped, ready to throw a big counter but didn't commit.
McCarthy shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Tai Kung swings away with a counter right hand but no contact made.
Tai Kung throws a head kick that misses.
Tai Kung will need to close the distance a bit before he attacks - that leg kick was thrown from too far away.
Tai Kung displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as McCarthy throws out the jab.
McCarthy ducks low and lands a nice hook to the body of his opponent.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
A big left from McCarthy misses.
McCarthy bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Tai Kung throws the left hand but McCarthy avoids the punch easily.
Tai Kung works his jab well there, keeping his opponent at a distance.
Tai Kung looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.
McCarthy blocks a head kick by Tai Kung.
McCarthy uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Tai Kung.
Tai Kung throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Tai Kung throws a leg kick

and McCarthy counters with a nice double leg into half guard.
McCarthy wants to take a breather but Tai Kung is having none of it.
McCarthy passes the guard and advances to mount!
Tai Kung avoids a strike by McCarthy and manages to complete a very nice reversal in the process, to end up in McCarthy's guard! Fantastic escape!

That's four minutes gone in the round.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
McCarthy manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Tai Kung manages to get himself to full guard.

McCarthy throws a big elbow that misses.
Tai Kung pulls McCarthy in close to prevent any damage.
Tai Kung avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as McCarthy accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
McCarthy throws a big elbow that misses.
McCarthy postures up in Tai Kung's guard and throws a big left but Tai Kung blocks it.
McCarthy advances position into side control!
McCarthy throwing shots but missing, from side control.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close round but I would say that Cormac McCarthy will probably get the nod.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!

McCarthy slips under a jab.
McCarthy lands a lovely overhand right.
McCarthy takes a nasty kick to the mid section... That should keep him thinking. Does he try and block and risk a head kick landing?
McCarthy throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Tai Kung sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Tai Kung tries to land a front kick but McCarthy steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed.
A little feinted left hand from McCarthy on the counter but he doesn't commit to it.
Tai Kung fakes high and swings low for a body shot but McCarthy manages to avoid it.
Tai Kung just misses with a punch to the body.
McCarthy jabs Tai Kung to the body, keeping him at a distance.
Tai Kung throws an overhand right that lands on McCarthy's shoulder, as McCarthy tries to avoid the shot.
Tai Kung throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Tai Kung throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Manolito Tai Kung seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Tai Kung takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.
A leg kick checked by McCarthy.
It looked like McCarthy wanted to counter with a hook but didn't fully commit.
McCarthy throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Good standup being displayed there by McCarthy as he connects with a hook.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Nice jab there from Tai Kung.
McCarthy fails with the takedown.
Tai Kung throws out a counter right but McCarthy avoids it with no problem.
McCarthy misses with a lunging right hand
and Tai Kung counters with a straight punch to the midsection.
Tai Kung misses with a low kick.

McCarthy shoots in for a takedown from distance. He catches Tai Kung napping and manages to drive through into side control!
McCarthy trying to control the position but Tai Kung is working away.
McCarthy tries to cartwheel into mount but he doesn't manage it.
McCarthy misses with an attempted head punch from side control.
McCarthy wants to take a breather but Tai Kung manages to regain guard - a lesson learnt for McCarthy.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
McCarthy passes Tai Kung's right leg, so he's now in half guard.
The two fighters exchange a few words. I couldn't hear what they were saying but maybe it's more fun if you make it up yourself. McCarthy connects with a nice short shot to Tai Kung's temple.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
McCarthy thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
Tai Kung trying to control from the bottom.
McCarthy working Tai Kung over with strikes.
McCarthy has been looking to land a fair amount of strikes on the ground. He might be looking to soften his opponent up in order to work for a submission.
McCarthy thows a huge punch but Tai Kung dodges it nicely.
McCarthy looks towards his corner to check for any instructions. The corner give him nothing to work with, so he cracks Tai Kung with a short hammerfist. I guess that's as good as any advice he could get in this position.
McCarthy trying to control the action but Tai Kung is working from the bottom.
Cormac McCarthy overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Tai Kung is trying to defend against the ground and pound but McCarthy scores with a couple of nice shots.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Tai Kung wants to get back to full guard.
Tai Kung trying to control from the bottom.
McCarthy with the ground and pound but Tai Kung uses the opportunity to regain guard.
Tai Kung avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
McCarthy wants to control from the top but Tai Kung keeps moving.
McCarthy throws a strike but Tai Kung rolls with it and manages to sweep. Now he's in guard on top.

McCarthy is trying to keep Tai Kung in close.
McCarthy lands a beautiful sweep and he's now moved into his opponent's guard.

A big thud reverberates around the arena there as McCarthy accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
McCarthy content to strike from guard, landing some decent shots.
McCarthy tries to free his leg and advance position but Tai Kung is retaining full guard.
McCarthy passes Tai Kung's left leg - he's now in half guard.
McCarthy throwing shots but Tai Kung is blocking nicely.
McCarthy throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.
McCarthy sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Tai Kung defending well though.
Tai Kung wants to control but McCarthy is keeping busy.
Tai Kung is trying to defend against the ground and pound but McCarthy scores with a couple of nice shots.
McCarthy missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
McCarthy sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Tai Kung defending well though.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Cormac McCarthy dominated that second 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. This is the final round!

Tai Kung jabbing away but nothing is landing.
McCarthy throws a jab when Tai Kung was well out of range.
Tai Kung connects with a lovely right hand, straight down the pipe.
McCarthy lands a jab to the head.
McCarthy keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Tai Kung.
Tai Kung scores with a reasonable looking shot to the body. McCarthy doesn't seem bothered though.
McCarthy tests Tai Kung's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Tai Kung connects with a body shot.
Tai Kung bobs and weaves and throws out a fast jab that snaps McCarthy's head backwards.
Tai Kung takes a hook to the side of the head. I wonder if that's got his ears ringing.
Tai Kung slips a straight right by McCarthy.
Tai Kung moves out of range as McCarthy strikes.
McCarthy walks into a left hand.

That's one minute gone in the round.
McCarthy misses with a straight left.
McCarthy stuns Tai Kung with a nice body shot, before stepping back out of range.
Tai Kung waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract McCarthy.
Tai Kung swings wildly with a couple of big hooks

and McCarthy counters with a nice shoot takedown that brings the fighters to the ground.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as McCarthy accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
McCarthy throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Tai Kung keeping full guard, as McCarthy tries to pass.
McCarthy postures up and lands a big shot to Tai Kung's brow.
McCarthy scoring with some ground and pound.
Tai Kung keeping full guard, as McCarthy tries to pass.
McCarthy trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Tai Kung keeping moving, preventing McCarthy from controlling successfully.
McCarthy in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
McCarthy missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
McCarthy stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Tai Kung swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Manolito Tai Kung has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
McCarthy throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Tai Kung works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
McCarthy throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Tai Kung keeping full guard, as McCarthy tries to pass.
The referee is asking the fighters to pick up the pace.
McCarthy is pushing down on Tai Kung's leg trying to pass to half guard. Tai Kung is fighting to maintain full guard but McCarthy has managed to sneak the leg through.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
McCarthy works his way into full mount!
Tai Kung can't escape the position.
McCarthy postures up and cracks his opponent a couple of times before moving back into close ground control. Tai Kung looks a forlorn figure.
Tai Kung bucks up and manages to get a nice reversal! He's in guard on the top - nicely done!
McCarthy tries to land a sweep but no joy.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now McCarthy is on top in guard.

McCarthy scores with a decent looking elbow strike.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as McCarthy accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
McCarthy trying to control the position from guard on top but Tai Kung is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
McCarthy is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Tai Kung can do to turn this around?
Tai Kung preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Cormac McCarthy is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
McCarthy showing good wrestling skills to control the position.
McCarthy seems to have a rather negative gameplan on the ground. He seems keen to just score the takedown and hold down Tai Kung for as long as he can get away with.

And that's the end of the fight!
Cormac McCarthy showed his dominance in that final round.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for McCarthy, 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 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Ren Mimura scores the fight 30:27
Judge Tatsuya Matsuyama scores the fight 30:27
Judge Shigeki Fujiwara scores the fight 30:27

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Cormac McCarthy!
During a confident post fight interview, Cormac McCarthy thanked all his fans. He seemed very genuine when describing how motivated his fans keep him.