PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Phil The Phantom (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Yacoub Qura (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). The Phantom comes to the cage accompanied by Super Freak. The crowd seem to be enjoying Qura's choice of entrance music: The Finest - MF Doom. Phil The Phantom had a look across the cage there at his opponent. He definitely means business

The Phantom
vs
Qura

160 cm
20
179 lbs
7 - 0 - 0

185 cm
22
170 lbs
7 - 4 - 0

Good wrestling
Solid boxing
Very quick

BJJ Purple Belt
Good kicks
Powerful

Red Light Clothing ► Amsterdam!

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the welterweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 7 - 0 - 0, fighting out of New York, Phil The Phantom!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 7 - 4 - 0, fighting out of New York, Yacoub Qura!
The judges for this bout are Chad Campbell, John Kavanagh and John Roberts.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Qura connects with the punch.
Qura connects with a nice looking jab.

The Phantom drives through with a really nice takedown into side control.
The Phantom working the ground and pound.
Qura pushes The Phantom away and creates a bit of space to escape. He's almost out here... but no, The Phantom gets a good hold of his legs and remains firmly in side control.
The Phantom throwing strikes but missing, from side control.
The Phantom wants to control but Qura is keeping him busy.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Qura pushes The Phantom away and creates a bit of space to escape. He's almost out here... but no, The Phantom gets a good hold of his legs and remains firmly in side control.
The ground and pound from The Phantom seems to be hitting the mat more than his opponent.
The Phantom throws an elbow but Qura slips to the side and avoids it well.
The Phantom cracks Qura with an elbow. That is naaassty.
The Phantom throwing strikes but missing, from side control.
The Phantom wants to lay and pray for a moment but Qura keeps working.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Qura wants to escape from the position here - easier said than done!
Qura regains half guard, as The Phantom was trying to land strikes.
Qura looks like he's trying to stand up.
The Phantom scoring with strikes to the body and head.
The Phantom seems to be taking a bit of a break to think of his next move. He lands a short punch in the meantime.
The Phantom stops Qura from getting back to his feet.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The Phantom seems to be taking a bit of a break to think of his next move. He lands a short punch in the meantime.
The Phantom looks to score some points with some ground and pound.
The Phantom is trying to control. Qura wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.
Qura avoiding damage under a succession of punches from The Phantom.
The Phantom working the head and body with strikes.
Qura wants to get back to his feet.
Qura is not content to let The Phantom control the position.
The Phantom not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Qura pushes The Phantom off looking to stand but The Phantom dives back in and keeps control.
The Phantom sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Qura defending well though.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

It looks like we're going to have a standup here. Neither fighter is doing enough on the ground.
Qura stuffs the takedown attempt from The Phantom. The Phantom gets slowly back to his feet.
Qura tries to clinch but The Phantom is having none of it.
Qura lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but The Phantom circles away quickly and effectively.
Qura swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Qura slaps away a takedown attempt from The Phantom, before circling back to the center of the mat.
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Qura tries to clinch there but The Phantom circles away.
The Phantom ducks under a wild hook from Qura.

The Phantom darts in and lands a nice takedown into half guard.
The Phantom throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.
The Phantom scoring with strikes to the body and head.
The Phantom thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
The Phantom sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Qura defending well though.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The Phantom throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.
Qura pushes The Phantom off looking to stand but The Phantom dives back in and keeps control.

Neither fighter is doing enough for the referee's liking and he's decided to stand them back up.

The Phantom is looking for a takedown here. He's shot in and has managed to get it, finishing up in Qura's half guard.
The Phantom seems to be taking a bit of a break to think of his next move. He lands a short punch in the meantime.
Qura looks gassed!
The Phantom scores with a couple of good hammerfists.
The Phantom thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Qura's head.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Qura blocking the ground and pound attempt from The Phantom.
The Phantom slows the pace down in half guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Phil The Phantom 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.

Qura throws a series of punches but The Phantom avoids them all with ease.
The Phantom fails to land the takedown.
The Phantom throws a shot from downtown. Qura moves away and avoids it.

The Phantom looks for a takedown. He's got it. We're now in half guard.
Qura blocking the ground and pound attempt from The Phantom.
The Phantom sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Qura defending well though.
Qura keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
The Phantom throwing shots but Qura is blocking nicely.
The Phantom is trying to control. Qura wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.

Qura kicks The Phantom off and gets back to his feet.
The Phantom has a takedown stuffed.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Qura fails to land with a series of punches.
The Phantom shoots in but Qura avoids the takedown attempt easily.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Phil The Phantom. That's going to take a lot out of him.
The Phantom shoots in looking for a takedown. Qura tries to sprawl out of it but The Phantom keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Qura manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Qura lets loose with a powerful body kick. The Phantom will feel that in the morning.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Qura keeps his opponent at a distance with a nice jab.
The Phantom fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
The Phantom shoots for a double leg takedown but Qura sprawls well. He's pushed The Phantom's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
The Phantom takes a jab right on the kisser.
The Phantom tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Qura swivels and escapes.
The Phantom showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Qura.

Qura moves into the clinch successfully.
The Phantom drops down looking for an ankle pick but Qura pulls his leg out and moves away.
The Phantom takes a body kick right on the floating rib. Ouchie.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Qura misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Qura is looking to clinch.
Qura looks to land a combination. The Phantom sees it coming but can only parry a couple of the shots.
Qura tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
The Phantom tries for a takedown but Qura sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Qura misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
The Phantom tries to move into range but Qura moves to the side and lands with a nice right hand.
Qura throws a head kick that The Phantom semi-blocks.
Yacoub Qura is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Nice sprawl there from Qura as The Phantom shoots in.
Phil The Phantom is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Qura misses with a few strikes there.
Qura misses with the combination.
Nice takedown defense from Qura. No joy for The Phantom on that attempt.
Qura ducks low and lands a nice hook to the body of his opponent.

The Phantom 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.

Qura uses the cage to get back to his feet.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
The Phantom shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Qura lands a head kick. The Phantom smiles back at him and beckons him forward.
Qura closes the distance and lands a one-two.
Qura lands a high kick!
Qura defends well against a solid takedown attempt from The Phantom.
The Phantom shoots in for a double leg but Qura sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
Qura lands a body shot.
Phil The Phantom seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
The Phantom takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.
The Phantom showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Qura.
The Phantom takes a body kick right on the floating rib. Ouchie.
The Phantom throws a left and a right that both miss
and Qura counters with a two punch combo.
Good shot there by Qura.
Qura connects with a high kick.

Qura clinches up against the cage.
Qura working hard to break the clinch.
Qura is trying to work out of this bad position, with his back against the cage.

The Phantom is working on a single leg takedown against the cage. Qura can't fight it off and eventually The Phantom manages to take the fight to the floor. Qura looks annoyed but at least he's managed to land in guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Qura is edging up against the cage. He's using the cage to get back to his feet. Nice work there - the fighters are clinched.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
The Phantom wants a takedown.
A frustrated look appears on Qura's face as he tries to break the clinch.
The Phantom has hold of a leg and is looking for a trip takedown. Qura avoids it nicely though and we remain in the clinch.

Qura's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Qura lands with a head kick! That's gotta hurt.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
The Phantom with a lazy takedown attempt
and Qura counters with a kick to the head that grazes his opponent. The Phantom is lucky that one didn't land flush.
The Phantom has his head snapped back a nice jab. A little nod from The Phantom there as he acknowledges the shot.
The Phantom shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
A nice inside leg kick there by Qura. That's going to slow The Phantom down.
Qura throws a quick head kick that skims the top of The Phantom's head.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Yacoub Qura showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

The Phantom fails to land the takedown.
Qura throws a right and a left that both miss.
Qura is using his reach advantage to land shots from outside his opponent's range.

The Phantom drives through with a takedown into guard.
The Phantom is sitting in guard, working some ground and pound.
The Phantom chips away with some ground and pound.
Qura wants to stand and escape but The Phantom is having none of it.
The Phantom trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Qura is looking to stand up but The Phantom isn't so interested in that idea.
The Phantom missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.

Qura wriggles free and stands up.

The Phantom scores with a takedown into Qura's guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Qura scrambles and gets back to his feet.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Qura throws a head kick that connects with a bit of head and a bit of hand.
The Phantom fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Qura avoids it really well and circles away.
The Phantom doesn't succeed with the takedown
and Qura counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Phil The Phantom. That's going to take a lot out of him.
No luck with that takedown attempt from The Phantom.
Qura wants to clinch up but The Phantom keeps it at a distance.
The Phantom misses with a takedown attempt - Qura sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
The Phantom will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
Qura will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
Qura lands a high kick!
Nice uppercut there from Qura.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Qura looks for the body kick but The Phantom saw that one coming.
Yacoub Qura seems to be getting the better of the standup.
The crowd cheers as Qura lands an impressive looking overhand right. The Phantom doesn't seem phased though.
Qura turns his hip over beautifully as he lands a nice leg kick.
The Phantom shoots in for a takedown but Qura shows good takedown defense.
The Phantom shoots in for a takedown but Qura shows good takedown defense.
Qura jabs The Phantom right on the nose. The Phantom blinks but takes it well.
Qura with a jab.
Qura lands with a nice combination. The Phantom backs away looking to recover.
Qura has used his reach advantage pretty well so far tonight.
Qura scoring well with a low kick there.
Qura lands a high kick!
Qura lands with a head kick! That's gotta hurt.
No joy there for Qura, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
The Phantom tries to clinch but Qura moves out of range.
Qura tries to close the distance and clinch up but The Phantom swats him away and circles back towards the center.

The Phantom throws the overhand right but ducks down into a quick takedown attempt. Qura was covering up waiting for the punch and The Phantom finishes the takedown easily into guard.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Qura is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.
The Phantom might be looking to lock onto one of his opponent's long limbs for a submission, whilst we're on the ground.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
The Phantom throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Qura is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.
Qura preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
The Phantom loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.

Qura is edging up against the cage. He's using the cage to get back to his feet. Nice work there - the fighters are clinched.
The Phantom has Qura pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Qura manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.

That's four 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.

The Phantom gets a nice trip takedown into half guard.
The Phantom throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
Qura wants to get back to his feet.
The Phantom is nestled in close to Qura, controlling him well. He's worked in a nice elbow to the side of the head as well, for good measure.
Qura wants to get back to his feet.
Qura regains full guard, whilst avoiding punches from The Phantom.
Qura preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
The Phantom landing some decent shots from guard.
The Phantom loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close round but Phil The Phantom did the better work so I'd imagine he'll take it.
That's time! Back to the action!

The Phantom shoots in with a lovely double leg takedown. Qura manages to land in full guard to minimise the damage.
The Phantom missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Qura wants to stand but The Phantom is controlling the position.
The Phantom postures up in Qura's guard and throws a big left but Qura blocks it.
The Phantom trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Qura working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from The Phantom.
The Phantom wants to control from the top but Qura keeps moving.
The Phantom scores with a decent looking elbow strike.
The Phantom postures up in Qura's guard and throws a big left but Qura blocks it.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Neither fighter is doing enough for the referee's liking and he's decided to stand them back up.

Qura gets taken down but at least he's managed to land in guard.
The Phantom trying to control the position from guard on top but Qura is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
It's got to the stage where if one of these guys blows hard enough, the other might fall over.
The Phantom throwing strikes but missing.
The Phantom won't allow Qura to get back to his feet.
The Phantom throws and elbow that misses. Qura uses the momentum to reverse the position. He's now in The Phantom's guard. Nice move by Qura!
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Qura accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Qura trying to control the position from guard on top but The Phantom is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Qura working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Qura pulls out of a head kick attempt.
The Phantom moves away from the strike by Qura.
The Phantom looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
The Phantom avoids a punch combination nicely.
The Phantom doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
The Phantom fails in his attempt to clinch.
The Phantom has his head slapped from side to side by a 3 punch combination. That must have hurt him.

The Phantom scores with a nice takedown into half guard. Let's see what he's got on the ground.
The Phantom thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
Phil The Phantom overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Qura avoiding damage under a succession of punches from The Phantom.
The Phantom not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
The Phantom landing with strikes to the body and head, softening up his opponent.
Qura wants to get back to his feet.
The Phantom not landing any meaningful shots this time.
The Phantom with the ground and pound but Qura uses the opportunity to regain guard.
The Phantom looking to sit in guard and control but Qura gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top.
Qura keeps in close for a moment and lands a decent shot to the side of The Phantom's head.
Qura throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Qura stopping the sweep attempt from The Phantom.
The Phantom throwing some rather feeble looking strikes off his back.

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.
Qura preventing the sweep.
Qura stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. The Phantom swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Qura in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
The Phantom throws a couple of shots from the bottom but they don't land.

Neither fighter is doing enough for the referee's liking and he's decided to stand them back up.
Qura misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
The Phantom fails with a takedown attempt.
The Phantom fails with the takedown
and Qura counters with a three punch combination, finished off with a leg kick. Nice work.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Phil The Phantom. That's going to take a lot out of him.
The Phantom will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
Qura lets the fists fly and connects with a left straight followed by a right hook.
Qura scores with a sloppy right hand. The Phantom should have avoided that one.
Qura connects with a crisp jab.
The Phantom shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Qura as he avoids it easily.
Qura misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.

Qura forces The Phantom back against the cage and clinches.
Qura wants to push off and get back to the center of the mat but The Phantom has him pressed against the cage.
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 Phil The Phantom will probably get the nod.
That's time! The Phantom's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight. 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.

Qura thows a body kick. The Phantom tries to catch it but that hurt him.
The Phantom takes a head kick and keeps coming.
The Phantom with a lazy takedown attempt
and Qura counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
The Phantom takes a shot to the nose. Hopefully that hasn't broken it.
The Phantom gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily
and Qura makes him pay by landing a thudding low kick.
Qura misses with a few strikes there.
A head kick from Qura lands but The Phantom takes it in his stride.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from The Phantom.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Phil The Phantom. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Qura works over The Phantom's head and body with a nice combination.
The Phantom takes an uppercut right on the button but keeps his composure.
Qura keeps his opponent at a distance with a nice jab.
The Phantom tries to score a power double leg takedown but Qura sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten The Phantom somewhat.
Qura lands a head kick. The Phantom smiles back at him and beckons him forward.
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.
The Phantom shoots in but doesn't get the takedown
and Qura counters with a big head kick but The Phantom shrugs it off.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Qura lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but The Phantom circles away quickly and effectively.
The fighters circle momentarily. Qura darts into range and connects with a nice straight punch.

Excellent takedown into side control there by The Phantom.
Sloppy strikes there by The Phantom.
Qura is pushing The Phantom's head away, looking to escape. The Phantom manages to hold on to the position though.
The Phantom landing with strikes to the head and body from side control.
The Phantom tries to land with some ground and pound but misses.
The Phantom wants to control but Qura is keeping him busy.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Qura tries to escape but The Phantom is in control.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Qura fails to land with a series of punches.
The Phantom doesn't succeed with the takedown
and Qura counters with a three punch combo that has The Phantom backing up. The Phantom nods at Qura to acknowledge the strikes.
Qura buckles his opponent's knee momentarily with a nice leg kick.
Qura defends well against a solid takedown attempt from The Phantom.
The Phantom shoots in for a takedown but Qura shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
The Phantom misses with a takedown attempt
and Qura makes him pay by landing a nice hook to the body before moving out of range.

The fight moves into the clinch position.
Qura is looking to break free of the clinch but The Phantom has double underhooks.

Qura breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Qura scores with a nice looking left hook and follows it up with an uppercut!
The Phantom shoots in but doesn't get the takedown
and Qura counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Qura displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from The Phantom.
The Phantom takes a kick to the side of the head.
The Phantom looks like he's developed a pretty tasty lump over his left eye. He'll need to avoid taking much more damage to that.
Qura connects with a high kick.
The Phantom gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily
and Qura counters with a leg kick.
Qura lands a jab followed by a nice looking cross.
Qura lands with a slapping head kick.

Qura closes the distance and clinches.
The Phantom changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Qura fights it off and pushes away nicely.
A decent looking cross lands there for Qura.
The Phantom with a poor takedown
and Qura counters with a nice body kick.
Yacoub Qura has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Qura lands three nice shots there - that looked like it hurt!

Qura fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with The Phantom, pushing him back against the cage.

Qura escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Qura throws a two punch combo that lands nicely.
Qura lands a high kick!
Qura goes to the watering hole and comes back with a big thumbs up from the judges as he scores a three punch combo.
Qura displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as The Phantom throws out the jab.
Qura throws a right and a left that both miss.
The Phantom takes a kick to the side of the head.
The Phantom shoots in and drives through. Qura sprawls well.
Qura lands with a head kick! That's gotta hurt.
The Phantom with a lazy takedown attempt
and Qura counters with a head kick.
Qura lands a jab to the head.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Some wild striking there from Qura.
Qura lands a straight punch to the body, keeping The Phantom at a distance.
Phil The Phantom is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
The Phantom shoots in but doesn't get the takedown
and Qura counters with a good, hard body kick but The Phantom shrugs it off.

And that's the end of the fight!
Yacoub Qura comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think The Phantom 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 5 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Chad Campbell scores the fight 48:48
Judge John Kavanagh scores the fight 48:47
Judge John Roberts scores the fight 48:47

In favor of your winner, by majority decision... Phil The Phantom!
Phil The Phantom is the new welterweight champion!