PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between JJ Spinks (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and CHUCCK Lidell (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). CHUCCK Lidell has the power to score a knockout today if he connects clean with JJ Spinks's chin.

Spinks
vs
Lidell

199 cm
18
280 lbs
1 - 1 - 0

188 cm
18
210 lbs
2 - 4 - 1

Good wrestling
Brawler
Cuts easily

BJJ White Belt
Basic striking
Solid chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 1 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, JJ Spinks!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 2 - 4 - 1, fighting out of Las Vegas, CHUCCK Lidell!
The judges for this bout are Stewart Dunkirk, Tiny Johnson and Alan Glass.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Spinks fails with a takedown attempt.
Spinks tries for a takedown but Lidell sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Lidell stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Lidell wants it to stay on the feet.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for JJ Spinks. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Lidell digs a good body shot into Spinks's ribs.
Spinks looks for a takedown but Lidell sprawls well.
Spinks tries to score a power double leg takedown but Lidell sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Spinks somewhat.
Spinks throws a hook but Lidell blocks it.

Spinks looks for a takedown. He's got it. We're now in half guard.
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.
Spinks seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Lidell does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.
Spinks is breathing heavily.
Lidell is looking to improve his position.
Spinks is trying to control the action in half guard but Lidell is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.
Lidell regains full guard, whilst avoiding punches from Spinks.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Spinks scores with a decent looking elbow strike.
Spinks trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Lidell trying to control the position.
Spinks throws a big right hand that misses.

Neither fighter is doing enough for the referee's liking and he's decided to stand them back up.
Spinks tries for a takedown but Lidell sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Spinks dives in and grabs Lidell's left leg, looking for a takedown. Lidell pushes down on Spinks's head and hops out.
Lidell throws a head kick that Spinks semi-blocks.
Lidell throws a series of punches but Spinks avoids them all with ease.

Spinks is looking for a takedown here. He's shot in and has managed to get it, finishing up in Lidell's half guard.
Lidell is looking to improve his position.
Spinks performing his best blanket impression for a moment.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Spinks will need to keep those long limbs tucked in whilst he's on the ground, to prevent any submissions.
Spinks scoring with strikes to the body and head.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Lidell on the receiving end of some nice ground and pound.
Spinks sitting and controlling from the 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. Spinks connects with a nice short shot to Lidell's temple.
Spinks working some ground and pound from close in. He's looking to maintain this position and strike for a while by the looks of things... although he'll probably advance to full mount in a minute now I've said that.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Lidell looking for submissions off his back.
Lidell is trying to defend against the ground and pound but Spinks scores with a couple of nice shots.
Spinks scoring with strikes to the body and head.
Spinks slips a nice elbow through Lidell's hands, connecting with Lidell's forehead.
Spinks prevents Lidell from improving his position.
Spinks wants to free his trapped foot but Lidell is holding on for dear life with his legs.
Spinks looks towards his corner to check for any instructions. The corner give him nothing to work with, so he cracks Lidell with a short hammerfist. I guess that's as good as any advice he could get in this position.
Spinks working over Lidell with some ground and pound. Lidell looks like he wants out of this position, which is understandable.
Spinks seems to be taking a bit of a break to think of his next move. He lands a short punch in the meantime.
Lidell won't allow Spinks to pass to mount.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Nice strikes from Spinks there.
Spinks trying to mount his opponent but Lidell defends it.
Spinks lands with a punch from 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. Spinks connects with a nice short shot to Lidell's temple.
Spinks working some ground and pound from close in. He's looking to maintain this position and strike for a while by the looks of things... although he'll probably advance to full mount in a minute now I've said that.
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. Spinks connects with a nice short shot to Lidell's temple.
Spinks working Lidell over with strikes.
Spinks lands with a punch from half guard.
Spinks takes advantage of the dominant position to land a couple of big hammer fists.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Spinks winds up and cracks Lidell with a swinging punch to the side of the head.
Spinks prevents Lidell from standing back up.
Neither fighter is being very active at the moment, with Spinks in particular looking to stall.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

JJ Spinks dominated that round.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

Spinks shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Lidell as he jumps to the side.
Lidell tries to close the distance and clinch up but Spinks swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Spinks shoots for a double leg takedown but Lidell sprawls well. He's pushed Spinks's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.

Spinks scores with a takedown into Lidell's guard.
Spinks with a couple of shots to the head there. Not particularly brutal.
Lidell working a defensive guard here.
Spinks landing with the ground and pound.
Spinks slips nicely into half guard.
Spinks is scoring with some nice ground and pound from the dominant position.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Spinks working some ground and pound from close in. He's looking to maintain this position and strike for a while by the looks of things... although he'll probably advance to full mount in a minute now I've said that.
Spinks is looking to take a break and control but Lidell is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Spinks is nestled in close to Lidell, controlling him well. He's worked in a nice elbow to the side of the head as well, for good measure.
Spinks seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Lidell does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.
Spinks working over Lidell with some ground and pound. Lidell looks like he wants out of this position, which is understandable.
JJ Spinks overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
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. Spinks connects with a nice short shot to Lidell's temple.
Spinks is keeping good posture, landing some ground and pound.
Lidell is trying to stand back up but Spinks is controlling him
Spinks is nestled in close to Lidell, controlling him well. He's worked in a nice elbow to the side of the head as well, for good measure.
Spinks is keeping good posture, landing some ground and pound.
We get told so often about how wrestlers don't like to be on their backs. Let's see if Lidell can do anything to dispel that myth.
Spinks is trying to control. Lidell wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Spinks is nestled in close to Lidell, controlling him well. He's worked in a nice elbow to the side of the head as well, for good measure.
Spinks seems to be taking a bit of a break to think of his next move. He lands a short punch in the meantime.
Still in half guard, Spinks seems content to control.
Spinks moves nicely into side control.
Spinks scores with punches from side control.
Lidell takes a nasty elbow to the side of the head.
Spinks connects with a decent looking elbow from side control that caused Lidell some visible discomfort.
Spinks lands a knee to the body and follows it up with some ground and pound to the head. That will wear Lidell down.
Spinks cracks Lidell with an elbow. That is naaassty.
Lidell can't do much from the bottom here.
Spinks working the ground and pound.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Spinks lands a few punches from side control.
Spinks in side control lands a decent elbow.
Spinks in side control, just content to control the action for now.
Spinks scores with punches from side control.
Lidell tries to improve position but can't.
Spinks scoring with punches and elbows.
Spinks scores with a couple of nice shots to the head there. The referee takes a look at Lidell to see if he's OK.
Spinks working the body and head with strikes.
Lidell is trying to stand back up. He's worked his way up against the cage but Spinks has just dragged him back down to the mat.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Spinks lands a nice forearm strike.
Spinks landing a few strikes.
Spinks wants to control but Lidell is keeping him busy.
Spinks lands an elbow.
You can see the frustration on Lidell's face, being in this tough position on the bottom.
Lidell trying to remain calm as Spinks controls from the top position.
Check out the look on Spinks's face as he threw that strike - that's one determined fighter!
Spinks scores with a couple of nice shots to the head there. The referee takes a look at Lidell to see if he's OK.
Spinks wants to control but Lidell is keeping him busy.
Lidell takes a couple of big shots there - the referee warns him that he has to defend himself better.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

JJ Spinks dominated that second round.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action. The crowd applaud as we get ready to start the final round!

Spinks shoots for a takedown but Lidell saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
Spinks shoots in and drives through. Lidell sprawls well.
Lidell slaps away a takedown attempt from Spinks, before circling back to the center of the mat.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for JJ Spinks. That's going to take a lot out of him.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Spinks.
Nice takedown defense from Lidell. No joy for Spinks on that attempt.
Lidell lands with a head kick! That's gotta hurt.
Spinks fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Lidell avoids it really well and circles away.

Lidell moves into the clinch.
Lidell is stalling here.
Spinks tries for a takedown. No joy.

Lidell's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Spinks shoots in for a takedown but Lidell shows good takedown defense.
Spinks tries to score a power double leg takedown but Lidell sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Spinks somewhat.
Lidell tries to clinch up but Spinks circles away and keeps his distance.
Spinks fails to land the takedown.
Lidell chopping away at his opponent's legs.

Lidell closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the cage.
Spinks drops down looking for an ankle pick but Lidell pulls his leg out and moves away.
Lidell lands a pitter patter jab to the forehead of his opponent.
Lidell stuffs the takedown attempt from Spinks. Spinks gets slowly back to his feet.
A nice combination there by Lidell.
CHUCCK Lidell has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Spinks shoots in for a takedown but Lidell shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Spinks shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Lidell as he avoids it easily.
Spinks looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
Lidell stuffs the takedown attempt from Spinks. Spinks gets slowly back to his feet.
Lidell throws a head kick but Spinks moves out of range.
Spinks shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Lidell but Lidell pushes him off and we're back to square one.
Lidell throws a head kick but Spinks moves out of range.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Spinks is defended easily by Lidell.
CHUCCK Lidell is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Lidell throws a head kick that connects with a bit of head and a bit of hand.
Spinks shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Lidell pinned against the cage. Lidell gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
Lidell works over Spinks's head and body with a nice combination.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Spinks tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Lidell swivels and escapes.
Spinks shoots in but Lidell avoids the takedown attempt easily.
A head kick from Lidell lands but Spinks takes it in his stride.
Lidell leaves Spinks with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
JJ Spinks seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Spinks shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Spinks looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
Lidell stalks Spinks and leaps in with a furious combination of punches. Uppercuts and crosses smash into Spinks's face. Spinks staggers backwards, shaken.
Spinks avoids the head kick by Lidell.
Spinks fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Lidell avoids it really well and circles away.
Lidell tries to clinch up but Spinks circles away and keeps his distance.

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.

Spinks shoots in looking for a single leg takedown. Lidell is trying to defend but Spinks finishes it well and ends up in half guard. Let's see if he can advance position further.
Lidell tries to kick Spinks off but Spinks keeps his base steady and stays in half guard.
Spinks wants to control but Lidell is keeping him busy.
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. Spinks connects with a nice short shot to Lidell's temple.
Lidell tries to kick Spinks off but Spinks keeps his base steady and stays in half guard.
Spinks is figuring out what he wants to do next.
Spinks winds up and cracks Lidell with a swinging punch to the side of the head.

And that's the end of the fight!
CHUCCK Lidell comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think Spinks has won this one but let's see what the judges have to say. 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 Stewart Dunkirk scores the fight 29:28
Judge Tiny Johnson scores the fight 29:28
Judge Alan Glass scores the fight 29:28

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... JJ Spinks!