PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between Sing Ali (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Sub Hero (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Ali comes to the cage accompanied by Prince Ali - Reprise. Hero is bouncing up and down as he enters the arena, backed by Giant Squid - Panthalassa. Sing Ali could well score a knockout today. He has the power to get to Sub Hero's chin.

Ali
vs
Hero

225 cm
25
145 lbs
12 - 1 - 0

164 cm
25
143 lbs
10 - 2 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Excellent boxer
Very strong

Powerful takedowns
Basic striking
Powerful

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 12 - 1 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Sing Ali!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 10 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Sub Hero!
The judges for this bout are Valeri Chadov, Ivan Kurochkin and Viktor Lagutenko.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Hero swings for the body but Ali moves out of range.
Ali scores with a jab to the head.

Hero shoots in for a takedown from distance. He catches Ali napping and manages to drive through into side control!
Check out the look on Hero's face as he threw that strike - that's one determined fighter!

Ali is rocked!
Ali is not content to let Hero control the position.
Hero misses with an attempted head punch from side control.
Hero has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
Hero sitting in side control, looking to soften his opponent up with elbows and hammerfists but Ali is avoiding damage well and looking to escape the position.
Ali dodges the ground and pound from Hero.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Hero cracks Ali with a big elbow.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Hero trying to control the action but Ali is working from the bottom.
Hero tries to land with some ground and pound but misses.
Ali is not content to let Hero control the position.
Ali managing to avoid any damage from the strikes thrown by Hero.
Ali really does look like a pencil wearing a pair of gloves. Let's hope he has a gameplan to suit that ridiculous body shape.
Hero working the head and body with strikes.

That's two 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.
Hero working the ground and pound but he's contacting the mat, not the fighter.
Hero lands an elbow.
Hero is maintaining the dominant position - no doubt Ali will start to get frustrated soon if he's not already.
Hero landing with strikes to the head and body from side control.
Oh Ali is still in real trouble! Will he be able to recover?!!
Hero throws a strike aimed at the side of Ali's head but Ali avoids it well.
Ali seems to have got his legs back now.
Hero throws a knee to the body but it doesn't do much damage.
Sloppy strikes there by Hero.
Ali knows he needs to get back to his feet asap. He's simply no match for Hero on the ground.
Hero in side control, throwing shots but Ali defends.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Hero working away.
Sloppy strikes there by Hero.
Hero working the ground and pound but Ali is defending the strikes.
Hero is looking to take a break and control but Ali is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.

Neither fighter is doing enough for the referee's liking and he's decided to stand them back up.
Hero shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Ali pinned against the cage. Ali gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.

Hero shoots in for a takedown! He's got it and he's managed to land in full mount! That's better than Hero was expecting from the takedown attempt, I'm sure!
Hero looking to ground and pound but Ali is blocking nicely.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Hero scoring with strikes but Ali is staying in there.
Hero controlling from mount.
Hero punching from mount but Ali doing a good job of avoiding damage.
Hero throwing sloppy strikes here. Perhaps if he tightened up his striking from such a dominant position, he'd be able to finish easier.
Ali wants to hold on but Hero pushes him away.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Sub Hero dominated that round.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business.

Hero closes the distance and scores a nice trip takedown into half guard. Ali did well to prevent Hero getting side control.
Hero is just content to waste time from the top position. Ali takes advantage of the situation and regains full guard.
Hero trying to control the position from guard on top but Ali is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Hero might have to switch it up a bit here because his efforts to control Ali kaven't been going to plan, at least at the current moment in time.
Hero throws a big right hand that misses.
Hero 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.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Hero postures up.
Ali keeping moving, preventing Hero from controlling successfully.
Hero tries to free his leg and advance position but Ali is retaining full guard.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Ali throws a jab to the body, straight down the pipe. Boom. That sent Hero stumbling backwards but he manages to regain his composure quickly.
Ali scores with a jab to the head.
Hero throws a hook to the side of Ali's head but Ali sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Hero has a takedown stuffed.
Hero needs to keep his hands up - Ali had a free shot at his head there.
Sing Ali is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.

That's two 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.
Hero shoots in but no luck this time.

Hero closes the distance and looks for a trip takedown... aaaand he's got it - Hero lands in his opponent's guard.
Ali wants to get back to his feet but Hero is in a dominant position and won't allow it.
Hero looking to pass the guard.
Ali working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Hero.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Ali can't do much from the bottom at the moment, as Hero controls the pace.
Hero is looking to work some ground and pound but Ali has wrist control.
Hero is working the ground and pound from guard. He might want to try advancing position though to get more of an impact.
Ali keeping moving, preventing Hero from controlling successfully.
Hero looking to pass the guard.
Hero is looking to work some ground and pound but Ali has wrist control.

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

Hero drops back looking for a leg! Ali is in trouble here! The fighters roll with the hold and Ali manages to kick Hero off! Hero jumps back into Ali's guard.
Hero looking to sit in guard and control but Ali gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Ali controlling from the top position.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Sub Hero showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Hero.
Ali scores with a jab to the body.
Ali is using his reach advantage well here, landing the more effective single shots from range.
Ali comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.
Hero shoots in looking for a takedown. Ali tries to sprawl out of it but Hero keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Ali manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Ali scores with a jab to the body.
Hero shoots in looking for a takedown. Ali tries to sprawl out of it but Hero keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Ali manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Sing Ali has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Sub Hero.
Hero takes a shot to the body in his stride.
Ali lands a slapping body shot.
Hero will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
Ali swings wildly with a hook that is half blocked by Hero.
Ali scores with a jab to the body.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Ali works Hero's body with a nice hook.

Hero shoots in for a takedown from distance. He catches Ali napping and manages to drive through into side control!
Hero takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Ali regains half guard, as Hero was trying to land strikes.
Hero looks to land a strike but Ali avoids it nicely and regains full guard.
Ali will need to keep those long limbs tucked in whilst he's on the ground, to prevent any submissions.
Hero tries to free his leg and advance position but Ali is retaining full guard.
Hero content to strike from guard, landing some decent shots.
Hero trying to control but Ali is working from the bottom.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Hero accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.

Ali kicks Hero off and gets to his feet.
Hero changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Ali tries to avoid it but Hero manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Ali to the ground. Ali escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Ali drops his hands momentarily and Hero takes advantage with a crisp shot to the head.
Hero looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
Sub Hero is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Nice body punch from Ali.
Ali stuffs the takedown.
Ali paws at his opponent with the jab and then lunges in with a straight, right on the button.
Ali misses with a jab, cross combination.
Sub Hero seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Hero throws a combination that misses
and Ali counters with a left to the body.
Ali throws a jab to the body, straight down the pipe. Boom. That sent Hero stumbling backwards but he manages to regain his composure quickly.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Ali scores with a reasonable looking shot to the body. Hero doesn't seem bothered though.
Ali digs a good hook to Hero's body.
Hero shoots in but no luck this time.
Ali lands a right hook to the body.
Hero circles away from the clinch attempt.
Ali paws at his opponent with the jab and then lunges in with a straight, right on the button.
Hero fails with a takedown attempt.

Hero changes levels and drives through with a really nice takedown into side control. Ali looks really pissed at himself for not defending that better.
Ali avoids any damage from the ground and pound of Hero.
Hero working away.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Ali taking a bit of punishment here - Hero scoring with strikes.
Ali is trying to get back to his feet.
Hero in side control, throwing shots but Ali defends.
Hero wants to control but Ali is keeping him busy.
The ground and pound from Hero seems to be hitting the mat more than his opponent.
Hero trying to control the action but Ali is working from the bottom.

Neither fighter is doing enough for the referee's liking and he's decided to stand them back up.
Ali lands a right hook to the body.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Sing Ali clearly takes that round.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action.

Ali gets caught flat footed, as Hero shoots in with a quick takedown into guard.
Hero in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Hero stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Ali swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Hero postures up in Ali's guard and throws a big left but Ali blocks it.
Hero throws a big right hand that misses.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Hero is looking to work some ground and pound but Ali has wrist control.
Hero throws a big right hand that misses.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Hero looking to control the position here, rather than advance.
Hero stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Ali swivels though and keeps the full guard.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Ali lands a nice shot to the body.
Hero shoots in but doesn't get the takedown
enabling Ali to counter with a crisp jab.
Hero shoots in for a double leg but Ali sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
This fight brought to you by 5M nutrition - it's mmmmm tasty. Nice jab by Ali.

That's two 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.
Ali fakes and then throws a beautiful body shot. Hero looks a bit winded and takes a step backwards to take a breath.
Hero takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.
Ali scores with a hook to the body. Hero takes a step back and tries to catch his breath.
Hero is absolutely dripping with sweat - he looks exhausted.
Ali leaves Hero with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
Sing Ali has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Sub Hero.
Nice sprawl there from Ali as Hero shoots in.
Hero misses with a double jab
and Ali counters with a stiff right hand.

Hero scores a trip takedown into side control. Nice.
Hero tries to cartwheel into mount but he doesn't manage it.
Hero misses with a strike but at least he's keeping busy, looking to cause some damage - that will still help him when it comes to the judges scorecards.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Hero is looking to take a break and control but Ali is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Sub Hero has got the better of the ground game so far.
Ali wants to get back to his feet but Hero drags him back down.
Ali is working to avoid the ground and pound but Hero connects with a decent elbow.

Hero is trying to land an Americana. He has the arm isolated but Ali is keeping cool and he's avoided the danger for now.
Ali wants to get back to his feet but Hero drags him back down.

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.
Hero laying and praying for a moment but Ali takes advantage and regains half guard.
Hero uses his free foot to push down on Ali's thigh. Eventually he works his other foot free and he's advanced to mount - this is trouble for Ali.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Hero throws some wild stikes that Ali manages to avoid easily.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close fourth round but Sub Hero will probably get the nod - 10:9.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business. This is the final round!

Hero misses with a takedown
and Ali counters with a stiff right hand.
Ali scores with a straight right hand, right through his opponent's guard.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Hero.

Hero shoots in for a takedown and gets it. Let's see what he's got on the mat.
Hero is looking to work some ground and pound but Ali has wrist control.
Ali tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Ali keeping moving, preventing Hero from controlling successfully.
Hero is wobbling all over the place through exhaustion. Will he make it to the final bell?

That's one minute gone in the round.
Hero looking to pass the guard.
Hero works a leg free and moves into half guard.
Hero tries to pass to full mount but Ali defends it.

That's two 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.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Hero looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
Sing Ali has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Sub Hero.
Hero misses with a takedown
and Ali counters nicely by changing levels and landing a hook to the body.
Ali is looking to wear down Hero with body shots, infact he's throwing more body shots than head shots at the moment.
Boom, another hit is landed. "You're gunna get knocked out" taunts Ali, as that shot connected.
Hero shoots in but doesn't get the takedown
and Ali counters with a left to the body.
Ali connects with a nice looking jab.
Hero takes an uppercut right on the button but keeps his composure.
Ali digs a good hook to Hero's body.
Sing Ali has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Sing Ali is winning the standup battle so far.
Hero takes a shot to the body in his stride.
Hero takes a jab right on the nose. That must have hurt but he shrugs his shoulders and looks to return the favor.
Ali throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd.
Hero takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
Hero misses with a takedown
and Ali counters with a nice uppercut.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Hero takes a shot right to the bread basket.
Ali lands a jab, followed by a cross and another cross, as Hero backs up against the cage.
Ali goes for a spinning back kick but it misses.
Ali stuns Hero with a nice body shot, before stepping back out of range.
Hero misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
Ali throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd.
Hero gets cracked there but stands up to it.
Ali scores with a punch to the head.
Hero fails with a takedown attempt.
Ali moves into range and connects with a jab.
Ali lands with a nice body punch.
Ali lands a jab.
Ali scores with a sloppy punch to the body. Not much technique there but it did the business.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Hero misses with a takedown attempt
and Ali counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Ali punishes Hero's body with a nice straight punch.
Ali fakes a jab and then connects with a hook.
Hero doesn't succeed with the takedown
and Ali counters with a nice uppercut.
Jab by Ali.
Hero will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
Sub Hero is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Ali dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Hero takes a body punch but keeps moving.
Hero on the wrong end of a vicious looking body shot.
Ali works Hero's body with a nice hook.
Hero has a pretty nasty looking mouse under his right eye.
Hero gets cracked there but stands up to it.
The fight stays on the outside here - Ali looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Hero looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Ali takes a swing at Hero's ribcage but misses.

And that's the end of the fight!
Sing Ali showed his dominance in that final round.
I think Hero 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 Valeri Chadov scores the fight 47:48
Judge Ivan Kurochkin scores the fight 47:48
Judge Viktor Lagutenko scores the fight 47:48

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Sub Hero! Sub Hero retains his bantamweight title!