PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between Guy Downs (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Sarah Northcote (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Sarah Northcote acknowledges the crowd's support as he enters the cage.

Downs
vs
Northcote

175 cm
19
143 lbs
4 - 3 - 0

165 cm
22
138 lbs
6 - 2 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Basic striking
Granite chin

Good takedowns
Brawler
Granite chin

[†]FALCON CLOTHING[†]

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 4 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Hilo, Guy Downs!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 6 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Sarah Northcote!
The judges for this bout are , and .

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Downs closes the distance and scores a nice trip takedown into half guard. Northcote did well to prevent Downs getting side control.
We could do with one of the fighters taking the initiative a bit more on the ground - they're both waiting to capitalize on a mistake.
Downs is trying to control the action in half guard but Northcote is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.
Northcote wants to improve his position but Downs is controlling well.
Northcote is trying to control but can't.
Northcote is trying to get back to full guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Downs content to control rather than advance.
Northcote is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.

Northcote has guillotine here! It looks pretty tight! Could this be all over! No, Downs escapes and passes into side control at the same time. Nice work there by Downs!
Northcote is trying to control Downs's posture but Downs avoids it.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Northcote throws a couple of strikes even though he's not really in a good position to do so.

Downs decides to stand back up. Downs steps back and let's Northcote get back to his feet.
Downs scores with a three punch combo!
Downs throws a nice looking combination but Northcote bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Downs closes this distance looking for a takedown but Northcote circles away.
Downs shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Northcote as he avoids it easily.

Downs takes the fight into the clinch.
Downs misses with a punch to the body.
Northcote tries to score a body lock takedown but Downs shows good agility there to stay on his feet.

Downs's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Northcote circles away from the clinch attempt.
Wow, both these guys are really going for it!

Northcote closes the distance and clinches.

Northcote has Downs pressed up against the cage. He's trying to work for a single leg takedown. Northcote pulls back from the cage and twists to the side, sending Downs tumbling to the mat - Northcote dives into Downs's guard.

Northcote postures up as if he's going to throw some strikes but drops back for an ankle! Downs is in big trouble! He looks ready to tap! But no, he's escaped and dives on top of Northcote, into his guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Downs stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Northcote swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Northcote is trying to keep Downs in close.

Northcote had isolated an arm as going for an omaplata. Downs is defending the submission well but is in a very vulnerable position. Northcote Is leaning forward trying to finish the omaplata but decides to abandon it, and take Downs's back instead.

Downs is having to fend off submission attempts from Northcote, who is looking to sink in the choke. Northcote doesn't have the hooks in though and Downs manages to reverse position! He's now on top, in his opponent's guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Northcote looks to be working for a triangle here. Oh, it looks like he might have it! Downs has picked Northcote up and slammed him! Northcote can't keep hold of the triangle and Downs manages to pass to side control!
Northcote looks gassed!
Northcote is trying to improve his position.
Northcote sneaks a leg under to get back to half guard.
Downs is figuring out what he wants to do next.
Downs is thwarting Northcote's attempts to control the position.

Downs stands up out of the half guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Downs tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Northcote paws at him with a jab and circles away.

Downs closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the cage.
Downs prevents the takedown attempt.
Downs prevents a takedown attempt there.
Guy Downs has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Sarah Northcote.
Downs is trying to break free.
Downs tries to pull guard but can't drag his opponent to the mat. Northcote just stands there and leans against the cage.
Downs lands a body punch - he's looking to wear down Northcote.

Downs breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Downs looks to land a combination but Northcote avoids it well.
Downs throws a two punch combo that lands nicely.

It looks like Sarah Northcote has been cut.
Northcote showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Downs.
Downs swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.

Downs pushes Northcote up against the cage in a clinch.
Downs tries to circle away but Northcote has him pinned against the cage.
Downs wants to break free. God knows he wants to breaaaak freeee.
A frustrated look appears on Downs's face as he tries to break the clinch.
Northcote changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Downs fights it off and pushes away nicely.
Northcote blocks a head kick by Downs.
Downs misses with a few strikes there.
Northcote throws a low kick but Downs avoids it.
Northcote is looking to slow Downs down with leg kicks.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Guy Downs dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Sarah Northcote's cut.
That's time! Downs's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

Northcote slips a jab and a cross from Downs.
Downs rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Northcote moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Northcote shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Downs gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily

and Northcote counters with a nice single leg takedown and he's in Downs's guard now.
Northcote looking to sit in guard and control but Downs gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top.
Downs is looking to stand up but Northcote won't let him.
Downs trying to control the position from guard on top but Northcote is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

Northcote working for a triangle but Downs defends it easily.

Northcote looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.
Northcote is breathing heavily.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Northcote is looking for a triangle but Downs pushes his legs off easily.
Downs controlling from the guard. I say controlling but really, he's stalling.

Downs stands up from guard. Let's bang!
Downs dances in quickly and lands a nice inside leg kick on Northcote. That did some damage!
Downs fails with an attempt to clinch.
Well, he's not going to score with shots like that. A lazy body kick attempt from Northcote.
Guy Downs is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Northcote is looking to clinch but Downs is avoiding it.
Downs lands a jab. Then a cross. Then finally a nice hook to the body. Good work there by Downs.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Downs throws a quick head kick that skims the top of Northcote's head.
Downs goes to the watering hole and comes back with a big thumbs up from the judges as he scores a three punch combo.
Northcote steps to his left, right into the path of a big body kick from Downs. That one must have hurt.
Downs is looking to take this fight into the clinch.

Downs shoots in and bounces Northcote off the cage to secure the takedown into guard.
Downs trying to control but Northcote is working from the bottom.

Northcote working away from the bottom but not quite defensive enough there because Downs has passed into half guard!
Downs is thwarting Northcote's attempts to control the position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Still in half guard, Downs seems content to control.

Northcote actively working from the bottom here.

Northcote looking for a kimura from the bottom but Downs passes into side control!
Northcote is looking for a sweep.

Downs stands up and we're back to a striking position.
Downs tries to clinch there but Northcote circles away.
Downs displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Northcote.

Downs scores a trip takedown into side control. Nice.

Downs has had enough of the ground for now and decides to stand.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Downs clinches up against the cage.
Downs stops a takedown attempt from Northcote.
Guy Downs has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Sarah Northcote.

Downs breaks from the clinch.
Downs looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.

Downs feints and then dives in with a takedown. That was a long way out but the feint bought him enough time to close the distance and complete the takedown. Now we'll play guard for a bit and see who can get the better of that position.
Downs wanted to stand there but Northcote had control of the position.

Northcote working for a triangle but Downs defends it easily.

Northcote is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Downs defends well.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.

Northcote throws his legs up looking to secure a triangle. Oh, that looks pretty tight, I gotta say! Downs escapes and throws Northcote's legs to the side, diving into side control!
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Guy Downs dominated that second round.
The cut man is working on Sarah Northcote's cut.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!

Northcote has a takedown stuffed.
Downs throws a nice looking combination but Northcote bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Northcote misses with a takedown attempt - Downs sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Downs throws a head kick but Northcote moves out of range.
Northcote has his head slapped from side to side by a 3 punch combination. That must have hurt him.
Downs goes to the watering hole and comes back with a big thumbs up from the judges as he scores a three punch combo.
Downs goes to the watering hole and comes back with a big thumbs up from the judges as he scores a three punch combo.

Northcote looks for a takedown. He's got it. We're now in half guard.
Northcote is trying to control the action in half guard but Downs is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.
Guy Downs overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.

Downs is defending against the submission attempts here by Northcote.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.

Northcote is looking for a kimura. It's going to be difficult to finish that from half guard though and Downs defends it well.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Downs slips a foot under and gets full guard. Nice work.
Northcote wants to control from the top but Downs keeps moving.

Northcote has gone for a leg lock! Downs slips out almost immediately though and dives into Northcote's guard.
Downs is frustrating his opponent with some stalling tactics from top position.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.

Northcote working away from the bottom but not quite defensive enough there because Downs has passed into half guard!
It looks like Downs is going to stand back up.
Downs content to control rather than advance.
Northcote wants to sweep but Downs has passed to side control!

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Northcote tries to get back to half guard but can't.
You can see the frustration on Northcote's face, being in this tough position on the bottom.
Northcote misses with an elbow from the bottom.
Northcote manages to get one leg in to regain half guard.
Downs tries to pass the half guard into mount. Northcote knows what he's doing though and prevents the attempt.

Downs stands up from half guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
My god... these two guys really need to pick up the pace or everyone will leave to go get a beer.
A chopping leg kick lands by Downs.
Downs tries to close the distance and clinch but Northcote swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Downs scores with a three punch combo!
Northcote has his head slapped from side to side by a 3 punch combination. That must have hurt him.
Downs throws a head kick that half lands.
Downs throws a jab, cross combination which is slipped

and Northcote counters with a nice double leg into side control. Downs won't be happy with that.

Northcote tries for an arm triangle. That looks pretty tight to me. Is this one over!?! Possibly, maybe, no Northcote has let go of the choke. Obviously it wasn't as tight as we thought!

Northcote goes for an armbar! This could be all over! Wait, no, Downs rolls with the submission and now he's on top in Northcote's guard! Nice work there by Downs!
Downs advances position into side control!
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close round but Guy Downs did the better work so I'd imagine he'll take it.
The cut man is working on Sarah Northcote's cut.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!

Downs scores with a nice looking left hook and follows it up with an uppercut!
Downs shoots for a double leg takedown but Northcote sprawls well. He's pushed Downs's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Downs tries to grapple but his opponent circles

and Northcote counters with a takedown into full mount! That could mean trouble for Downs!
Northcote throws some wild stikes that Downs manages to avoid easily.
Downs tries to hold on but Northcote pushes him away.

Northcote is thinking about an arm triangle here, looking to tighten it up before moving to side control. Downs can see it coming though and defends well with a couple of strikes to the head and some good arm positioning.
The crowd growing excited in anticipation of a finish here! Right on cue, Northcote cracks his opponent with a massive right hand that draws loud cheers!

Northcote moves into side control, trying to work for a kimura. That looks painful! Will he finish!!?? No, Downs has worked his arm free - good work by Downs!
It's got to the stage where if one of these guys blows hard enough, the other might fall over.
Downs can't do much from the bottom here.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Northcote working the strikes but Downs uses the opportunity to regain half guard.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Downs is looking to control Northcote's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Downs avoid being mounted?
Downs is staying active underneath Northcote, who seems content to just control the action from this position.
Northcote prevents Downs from improving his position.

Northcote wants to work for an arm triangle but Downs is really keeping half guard well and defending the submission attempt.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are showing their displeasure at the lack of action as loud boos ring out around the arena.
Downs controlling the position well.

It looks like we're going to have a standup here. Neither fighter is doing enough on the ground.
Downs tries to bum rush Northcote with a series of wild strikes but Northcote uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Northcote swats away the attempt to clinch by Downs.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Northcote is defended easily by Downs.
Northcote changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Downs tries to avoid it but Northcote manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Downs to the ground. Downs escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Downs displaying good standup as he scores with a three punch combination.

Downs clinches.

Downs pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Downs dodges the punch combination from Northcote.
Downs throws a series of strikes that have Northcote backpedaling.
Downs tries to clinch up but Northcote circles away and keeps his distance.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Downs throws a series of punches but Northcote moves out of range.

Downs shoots in from a long way out. He's driving through with the takedown attempt and he eventually gets it, landing in Northcote's guard.

Northcote is looking for a triangle but Downs pushes his legs off easily.
Downs has to be careful here, sitting in the guard of a superior BJJ player.
Northcote can't do much from the bottom at the moment, as Downs controls the pace.

Northcote looking for subs off his back but Downs has passed one foot through into half guard.
Neither fighter is being very active at the moment, with Downs in particular looking to stall.
Northcote is refusing to be controlled, as Downs sits in half guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Northcote wants to control but Downs is keeping busy.
Northcote tries to roll over but Downs keeps him under control.
Northcote wants to control but Downs is keeping busy.
Northcote tries to get to full guard but Downs has control of the leg.
Downs is thwarting Northcote's attempts to control the position.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close fourth round but I would say that Guy Downs will probably get the nod.
The cut man is working on Sarah Northcote's cut.
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. This is the final round!

Downs rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Northcote moves out of range and avoids them all easily.

Downs has taken the fight to the clinch.
Northcote is working for a takedown up against the cage. He can't get it on this occasion though.
Downs tries to circle away but Northcote has him pinned against the cage.
Northcote has Downs pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Downs manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.
Downs is trying to work out of this bad position, with his back against the cage.

Downs breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Northcote misses with a takedown attempt - Downs sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Guy Downs has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Sarah Northcote.
Downs lands with a nice low kick. That'll leave a bruise.
Downs with a nice looking leg kick. You could hear that one land in a back row.
Northcote chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Downs can pounce on him.
Downs throws a head kick that misses.
Guy Downs seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.

Downs shoots in for a takedown from distance. He catches Northcote napping and manages to drive through into side control!
Downs controlling from side mount.

Downs stands up and beckons Northcote to his feet.
Both of our modern day gladiators look out of it here - an gruelling 5 rounds of action taking it's toll on them, no doubt.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Downs shoots in for a takedown and gets it.
Northcote trying to hold on to Downs's head to control him but Downs postures up.
Downs prevents Northcote from improving his position.
Still in half guard, Downs seems content to control.
Downs's ground tactics aren't going to win him many fans. Let's hope he's got fireworks for us if he gets back to his feet because he's not doing much on the ground.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Northcote tries to regain full guard. Instead though, Downs has advanced to mount. Uh oh.
Northcote keeping his composure momentarily, calmly looking to get back to half guard.
Downs looking to control and managing it successfully.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Downs prevents Northcote from getting the reversal.
Northcote is persisting with the attempt to improve his position.
Northcote is writhing around trying to get back to his feet.

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.
Northcote is trying to escape the mount.
Downs sitting in mount, just looking to control for the moment.
Sarah Northcote has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Northcote can't escape the position.
Guy Downs is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.

And that's the end of the fight!
Guy Downs showed his dominance in that final round.
Well Downs has outscored his opponent in every aspect of the fight today. Only a scarily incompetent judge or two will keep him from a well deserved win... 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 Andi Peters scores the fight 50:45
Judge Gordon Ramsey scores the fight 50:45
Judge Frank Skinner scores the fight 48:47

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Guy Downs!
Guy Downs retains his bantamweight title!