PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between John Bridge (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Mikael Sundqvist (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Bridge
vs
Sundqvist

175 cm
22
185 lbs
10 - 7 - 1

188 cm
21
198 lbs
5 - 2 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Counter striker
Very strong

Good wrestler
Decent boxing
Powerful

Battalion Athletics

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the middleweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 10 - 7 - 1, fighting out of Montreal, John Bridge!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 5 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Montreal, Mikael Sundqvist!
The judges for this bout are Elvis Blanc, Trevor Gratis and Gregory Folan.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
No joy there for Bridge, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Sundqvist lands with a cross to side of his opponent's head.

It looks like John Bridge has been cut.
Sundqvist looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Bridge is fending him off so far but Sundqvist persists. Nope, Bridge circles away and we're back to standing.

Sundqvist closes the distance and gets a double leg, slamming Bridge to the mat! Bridge manages to get full guard.
Sundqvist stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Bridge swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Sundqvist prevents Bridge from getting back to his feet.
Sundqvist trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Sundqvist working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Bridge is working an open guard here, looking to improve his position. No doubt that will leave him open to counters but at least he's being more offensive.

Sundqvist drops back for a leg! It's a sloppy attempt though and Sundqvist jumps back into guard quickly, to retain the dominant position.
Sundqvist postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Bridge preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Bridge might be looking to lock onto one of his opponent's long limbs for a submission, whilst we're on the ground.

It looks like we're going to have a standup here. Neither fighter is doing enough on the ground.

Bridge drives through and clinches with Sundqvist against the cage.
Sundqvist blocking some punches.
Bridge throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Sundqvist blocks it with crossed arms.
Bridge trying to land knees to the body.
A right hand to the body from Sundqvist.
Sundqvist's corner are urging him to control the action in the clinch for a moment, rather than mount any serious offense. I'm sure the crowd appreciate those instructions... not.
Sundqvist blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
With the fighters up against the cage, Bridge throws an elbow but misses.
Nice body punch from Sundqvist.
Bridge lands on the inside with an uppercut.
Bridge can't break the clinch.
Sundqvist pushes Bridge back against the cage and unloads with a body punch.

Bridge manages to break the clinch.
Sundqvist throws a hook but Bridge blocks it.
Sundqvist misses with a double jab.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Sundqvist blocks a leg kick.
Bridge looks to score with a jab to the body but Sundqvist is just out of range.
Sundqvist lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Bridge circles away quickly and effectively.
Bridge takes one to the side of the head.
Bridge misses with a looping left.
No joy there for Sundqvist, who threw a few shots but didn't land.

Sundqvist shoots in and bounces Bridge off the cage to secure the takedown into guard.
Sundqvist is pushing down on Bridge's leg trying to pass to half guard. Bridge is fighting to maintain full guard but Sundqvist has managed to sneak the leg through.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Sundqvist is taking a breather. Bridge says something to him but it's hard to make out. Perhaps he's telling him to get on with it and actually do something.
Bridge wants to get back to his feet.
Sundqvist is looking for the mount but instead finds himself back in full guard.
Sundqvist tries to free his leg and advance position but Bridge is retaining full guard.
Bridge looking to control the pace of the fight rather than finish it.
Bridge on his back here. We all know that wrestlers don't like being on their back so let's see if Bridge tries to get out of the position.
Sundqvist trying to control the position from guard on top but Bridge is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are hurling abuse towards the fighters... You can hardly blame them though because there isn't a lot going on in the fight.
Bridge is looking to stand up but Sundqvist isn't so interested in that idea.
Sundqvist tries to free his leg and advance position but Bridge is retaining full guard.
Sundqvist trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Bridge manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Sundqvist manages to get himself to full guard.
The fighters are starting to get a bit slippery now, which will make submissions a bit more difficult.
Bridge stopping the sweep attempt from Sundqvist.
Bridge postures up in Sundqvist's guard and throws a big left but Sundqvist blocks it.
Sundqvist has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
Sundqvist wants to sweep here but Bridge controlling him for the moment.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Mikael Sundqvist dominated that round.
The cut man is working on John Bridge's cut.
That's time! Bridge's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

Bridge looking to shoot here. He's gone for it and he's landed a takedown into mount! Oh, that's bad for Sundqvist!
Bridge throws an elbow from mount that misses. Lucky escape for Sundqvist because Bridge loaded up on that one.
Sundqvist wants to control but Bridge is having none of it.
Bridge landing punches.
Bridge sends his fist crashing into the mat - the crowd let out a collective ooooooh. Let's hope he's not broken it!
Bridge controlling the position easily from mount.
Bridge breaks from Sundqvist's wrist control and lands an elbow.
Bridge thuds his fist into the canvas! Oooouch!

That's one minute gone in the round.
Bridge landing strikes, looking to finish!
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Sundqvist is desperately trying to get back to half guard.
Sundqvist throwing punches from his back but nothing is landing.
Bridge lands a big elbow.
Bridge with a couple of short strikes.
Bridge working the ground and pound effectively.
Bridge sends his fist crashing into the mat - the crowd let out a collective ooooooh. Let's hope he's not broken it!
Bridge unloading with bombs!
Sundqvist manages to regain half guard. Good work.
Sundqvist punching from the bottom.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Sundqvist is staying active underneath Bridge, who seems content to just control the action from this position.
Bridge trying to control from Sundqvist's half guard. Sundqvist has other ideas though and has regained full guard.
Bridge in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Bridge trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Sundqvist wants to sweep but no luck.
Bridge has to be careful here, sitting in the guard of a superior BJJ player.
Bridge postures up and scores with a shot to the body and a follow up elbow to the head.

Bridge gets to his feet. Sundqvist looking to butt scoot but the ref puts an end to that. On your feet son!
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
No luck with that takedown attempt from Bridge.
Bridge moves in looking to clinch but Sundqvist pushes him off.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Bridge lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Sundqvist circles away quickly and effectively.
Bridge wants to clinch.

Sundqvist closes the distance and looks for a trip takedown... aaaand he's got it - Sundqvist lands in his opponent's guard.
Sundqvist trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
John Bridge overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Bridge is looking to get back to his feet but can't, whilst Sundqvist is controlling him.
Sundqvist postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Sundqvist loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Bridge wants to stand but Sundqvist is controlling the position.
Sundqvist trying to control the position from guard on top but Bridge is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Bridge preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Sundqvist looking to sit in guard and control but Bridge gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top.
Sundqvist tries to land a sweep but no joy.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

John Bridge dominated that second round.
The cut man is working on John Bridge's cut.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

Sundqvist connects with a body shot.
Bridge staying out of range there.
Sundqvist fails with a takedown attempt.
Bridge throws a sloppy head kick and Sundqvist moves out of range easily.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Sundqvist avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Bridge on the wrong end of a vicious looking body shot.
Sundqvist waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Bridge.
Mikael Sundqvist seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Bridge gets cracked there but stands up to it.
Bridge throws a combination that misses
and Sundqvist counters with a stiff right hand.
Sundqvist dives in and grabs Bridge's left leg, looking for a takedown. Bridge pushes down on Sundqvist's head and hops out.
Sundqvist just misses with a punch to the body.
Sundqvist doesn't manage to clinch there - Bridge circles away.

Sundqvist has managed to clinch.
Sundqvist lands a right hand that snaps the head of Bridge backwards.

Bridge breaks the clinch.
A clash of legs there as Sundqvist blocks the low kick.
Sundqvist blocks a head kick by Bridge.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Sundqvist tests Bridge's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Sundqvist checks a low kick from Bridge.
Bridge tries to clinch up but Sundqvist circles away and keeps his distance.
Sundqvist swings for the body but Bridge moves out of range.

Sundqvist gets the takedown into side control.
Bridge is trying to improve his position.
Bridge sneaks a leg under to get back to half guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Bridge is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.

Bridge has one foot on Sundqvist's thigh - he pushes off and manages to get back to his feet.
Sundqvist has used his reach advantage pretty well so far tonight.
Sundqvist misses with a takedown
and Bridge counters with a straight right hand.
John Bridge has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Mikael Sundqvist.
A head kick misses from Bridge.
Bridge avoids a punch combination nicely.
Bridge displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Sundqvist throws out the jab.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Sundqvist misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Bridge.
Sundqvist tries for a takedown but Bridge sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Bridge misses with a straight left.
Bridge tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Bridge slaps away a takedown attempt from Sundqvist, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Sundqvist takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Bridge misses with a few strikes there.
Sundqvist is using his reach advantage to land shots from outside his opponent's range.
Sundqvist misses with a double jab.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Mikael Sundqvist really dominated that round.
The cut man is working on John Bridge's cut.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action.

Bridge plants his feet and lands a nice head kick!
No luck for Bridge with that takedown attempt.
Bridge tries to bum rush Sundqvist with a series of wild strikes but Sundqvist uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
The crowd cheers as Sundqvist lands an impressive looking overhand right. Bridge doesn't seem phased though.
A punch combination from Bridge misses.
Sundqvist throws a right and a left that Bridge avoids nicely.
Sundqvist avoids a kick to the body.
Sundqvist tries to clinch but fails miserably
and Sundqvist takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Some bone on bone action there as Sundqvist checks a low kick. Luckily it wasn't a particularly hard one.
Sundqvist is moving around nicely and scores here with a single head shot.
Bridge shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Sundqvist as he jumps to the side.
A looping hook to the body misses from Sundqvist. Bridge does a little dance to reset his feet.

Sundqvist shoots in looking for a single leg takedown. Bridge is trying to defend but Sundqvist finishes it well and ends up in half guard. Let's see if he can advance position further.
Sundqvist is keen to just control but Bridge is a slippery customer.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Sundqvist content to sit in half guard and control for a moment.
Sundqvist is looking to take a break and control but Bridge is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Bridge wants to control but Sundqvist is keeping busy and won't allow it.
Bridge is trying to stand.
Sundqvist working to pass to mount. He's got his hand pressing down on Bridge's thigh. Bridge counters though and makes it back to full guard.

Neither fighter is doing enough for the referee's liking and he's decided to stand them back up.
Bridge finds nothing but air with that leg kick attempt.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Bridge looks to land a combination but Sundqvist avoids it well.
Bridge throws a right and a left that both miss.
Bridge steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Sundqvist.
A telegraphed right hand from Bridge misses the target.
Sundqvist fails with the takedown

and Bridge counters by clinching up.

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.
Sundqvist wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.
Bridge trying to land knees to the body.
A battle for position here, against the cage.
Sundqvist blocks a punch to the side of the head.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Sundqvist.
Sundqvist drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Sundqvist tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.

Bridge drags the fight down to the ground.
Bridge trying to control the position.
Sundqvist trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Bridge is trying to control the position but Sundqvist postures up.
Sundqvist slows down the pace of the fight for a moment. He'll need to remain active if he doesn't want to see the fight stood back up.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close fourth round but Mikael Sundqvist will probably get the nod - 10:9.
The cut man is working on John Bridge's cut.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action. The crowd applaud as we get ready to start the final round!

Bridge closes this distance looking for a takedown but Sundqvist circles away.
Sundqvist displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Bridge.
Sundqvist uses good footwork to get in and out, landing a nice hook.
Bridge throws a left and a right that both miss

and Sundqvist counters with a driving takedown into guard. Nice work there by Sundqvist.
Sundqvist advances to half guard.
Sundqvist prevents Bridge from standing back up.
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.
Sundqvist controlling the action here.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Sundqvist throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.
Sundqvist sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Bridge defending well though.
Bridge trying to control here.

Sundqvist is looking for an arm triangle, whilst trying to pass to side control. Bridge doesn't seem that keen to cooperate though. No luck this time Sundqvist.
Bridge is not content to let Sundqvist control the position.
John Bridge has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

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.
Bridge avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Sundqvist.

Neither fighter is doing enough for the referee's liking and he's decided to stand them back up.
Bridge throws a head kick that half lands.
Bridge throws a left and a right that both miss
and Sundqvist makes him pay by landing a nice hook to the body before moving out of range.
Bridge dances in quickly and lands a nice inside leg kick on Sundqvist. That did some damage!
Bridge throws a series of punches but Sundqvist avoids them all with ease.
Bridge swings wildly with a couple of big hooks
and Sundqvist counters with a three punch combo that has Bridge backing up. Bridge nods at Sundqvist to acknowledge the strikes.
Bridge misses with a few strikes there.
Mikael Sundqvist is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Sundqvist blocks a low kick nicely.
Bridge slaps away a takedown attempt from Sundqvist, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Sundqvist closes the distance but Bridge moves to the side
and Bridge counters with a straight punch to the midsection.
Sundqvist works over Bridge's head and body with a nice combination.
Sundqvist connects with a lovely right hand, straight down the pipe.
Sundqvist throws a body punch but Bridge moves out of range.

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.
Bridge misses with a looping left.
Bridge throws a series of punches but Sundqvist avoids them all with ease.
Sundqvist walks forward and throws out a flicking leg kick. Bridge checks it nicely though, as he moves to the side.
Sundqvist lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Bridge circles away quickly and effectively.
Bridge throws a right and a left that both miss.
Sundqvist slips under a jab.

Bridge shoots in and gets a takedown into half guard. Bridge showed some decent athleticism there.
Sundqvist trying to control from the bottom.

And that's the end of the fight!
Mikael Sundqvist comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think Sundqvist 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 Elvis Blanc scores the fight 46:49
Judge Trevor Gratis scores the fight 46:49
Judge Gregory Folan scores the fight 46:49

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Mikael Sundqvist!
Mikael Sundqvist is the new middleweight champion!