PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between First Last (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Branko Popovic (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). The crowd seem to be enjoying Popovic's choice of entrance music: None. Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the cage.

Last
vs
Popovic

180 cm
21
205 lbs
5 - 1 - 0

193 cm
24
219 lbs
9 - 5 - 1

Good wrestling
Solid boxing
Granite chin

BJJ Purple Belt
Excellent boxer
Heavy handed

Deadly Clothing

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the light heavyweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 5 - 1 - 0, fighting out of New York, First Last!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 9 - 5 - 1, fighting out of New York, Branko Popovic!
The judges for this bout are Russell Pearce, Eddie Farnsworth and John Kavanagh.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Popovic throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Last scores with a nice right hand.
Last misses the shot to the body.
Last throws a hook but Popovic avoids it easily.
Popovic shoots in and drives through. Last sprawls well.
Last swinging wildly here.
Last bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Popovic listening to his corner there, landing a nice uppercut.

It looks like First Last has been cut.

Last decides to change it up a bit and drives through with a nice takedown into half guard.
Last trying to control the action but Popovic is working from the bottom.
Popovic won't allow Last to pass to mount.
Popovic is staying active underneath Last, who seems content to just control the action from this position.
Popovic looks like he's trying to stand up.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Last not landing any meaningful shots this time.
Popovic is looking to improve his position.

The referee has ruled that neither fighter is active enough on the ground and has stood them back up.
Good exchange - Last coming out on top.
Popovic gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily
letting Last counter with a right hand.
Popovic walks into a straight right hand from Last.
Popovic avoids the body shot from Last.
Popovic ducks right into an uppercut from Last.
Popovic throws a sloppy head kick and Last moves out of range easily.
Last's corner calls for a 1-2. Last obliges with the 1 part as he scores the single shot and moves back out of range.
Last connects with a looping left hand that seems like it dazed Popovic momentarily.
Last digs a good body shot into Popovic's ribs.
Popovic looks gassed!

Last drives through with a really nice takedown into side control.
Popovic tries to bench press Last off him but Last keeps the position.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Popovic stops Last from passing to mount.
Last trying to control the position but Popovic is working away.
Last throws a strike aimed at the side of Popovic's head but Popovic avoids it well.
Last postures up a little and throws a couple of hammerfists but they don't connect properly.
Last has been looking to land a fair amount of strikes on the ground. He might be looking to soften his opponent up in order to work for a submission.
Last 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.
Last creates a bit of distance and throws down some hard shots.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Popovic is not content to let Last control the position.
Last scores with a couple of short elbows.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Last working the ground and pound but Popovic is defending the strikes.
Last lands a few punches from side control.
The strikes coming from Last are missing the target in this wave of attacks.
Last 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.
Last trying to control the position but Popovic is working away.
Last landing strikes.
Last throwing strikes but missing, from side control.
Last throws a strike aimed at the side of Popovic's head but Popovic avoids it well.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Popovic prevents Last from moving into mount.
Last creates some space and throws a big elbow, but Popovic sees it coming and moves his head just enough to avoid the strike.
Last postures up a little and throws a couple of hammerfists but they don't connect properly.
Last trying to control the position but Popovic is working away.
Popovic avoids any damage from the ground and pound of Last.
Last landing with strikes to the head and body from side control.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Last tries to advance to mount but Popovic denies him.

Neither fighter is doing enough for the referee's liking and he's decided to stand them back up.
No joy there for Popovic, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

First Last dominated that round.
The cut man is working on First Last's cut.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!

Last with a body punch. A glancing blow.
Popovic pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Last misses with a straight right.
Popovic shoots for a takedown but Last saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
Popovic looks to land a left hand but Last moved out of range nicely.
Popovic misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.

Last gets a takedown into half guard.
Last thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.

Last seems to be looking for submissions.
Last wants to take a breather but Popovic is having none of it.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Last is going to have to think about doing something other than just controlling because Popovic is managing to avoid having the position dictated to him.
Last thows a big elbow that misses, also allowing Popovic to regain full guard.
Last slips nicely into half guard.
Popovic is trying is best to control the position here.
Popovic is looking to control Last's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Popovic avoid being mounted?
Last is trying to control. Popovic wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.
Last tries to pass the half guard into mount. Popovic knows what he's doing though and prevents the attempt.

That's two 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.
Last thows a huge punch but Popovic dodges it nicely.
Last is looking to advance position but Popovic won't allow it.
Popovic keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.

The referee has ruled that neither fighter is active enough on the ground and has stood them back up.
Last lands with a straight right. Popovic didn't see that one coming.
Popovic misses with a takedown attempt - Last sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Popovic throws a right and a left that both miss.
Popovic is breathing heavily.
Jab from Last.
A big left from Last misses.

Last throws the overhand right but ducks down into a quick takedown attempt. Popovic was covering up waiting for the punch and Last finishes the takedown easily into guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Popovic keeping full guard, as Last tries to pass.
Last throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Popovic works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Last in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Last postures up in Popovic's guard and throws a big left but Popovic blocks it.
Last advances position into side control!
The strikes coming from Last are missing the target in this wave of attacks.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Neither fighter has done anything of merit for a good minute or two here and the crowd are not happy about it.

Last looking for an arm triangle but it's way too loose to do anything.
Popovic taking a bit of punishment here - Last scoring with strikes.
Popovic manages to work his way to half guard, despite Last's best efforts.
Last wants to pass the guard but Popovic is defending well.
Popovic trying to control here.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

First Last dominated that second round.
The cut man is working on First Last's cut.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

Last misses the jab.
Popovic lands with a nice combination. Last backs away looking to recover.
Last lands a right hook to the body.
Last takes a swing at Popovic's ribcage but misses.
Last wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.
A combination from Last does no damage.

Popovic gets caught on his heels momentarily as he allows Last to score an easy takedown into full guard.
Popovic controlling Last's posture.

Last drops back looking for a heel hook - he quickly realises he's not going to get it but Popovic manages to dive on top of him before he can escape and now Last has Popovic in his guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Last 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.
Last bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Popovic's guard.
Popovic is doing well to control the posture of his opponent and prevent any damage.
Last in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Last wants to control from the top but Popovic keeps moving.
Last throwing strikes from guard but Popovic blocks nicely.
Popovic controls Last momentarily but Last frees himself.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are getting on the fighters' backs, as the pace has dropped off in the last minute or so.
Last trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Last trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
First Last overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Last tries to free his leg and advance position but Popovic is retaining full guard.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Popovic avoids the body shot from Last.
Last lands a glancing blow to the side of Popovic's head.
Last lands a nice shot to the body.
Branko Popovic is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Popovic takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Last slips under a jab from Popovic.
Decent striking displayed by Last there.
Last misses with a body shot.

Last shoots in for a takedown and gets it. Oh and he's advanced to full mount straight away.
Last postures up and cracks his opponent a couple of times before moving back into close ground control. Popovic looks a forlorn figure.
We get told so often about how wrestlers don't like to be on their backs. Let's see if Popovic can do anything to dispel that myth.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Last landing strikes from the mount and Popovic is in trouble!
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Popovic is trying to escape the mount.
Last raining down shots from the mount!
Last looking to finish with strikes here!
Popovic is desperately trying to improve his position but Last has a good base and remains in mount.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Last has his opponent pinned against the cage, landing some nasty ground and pound that is really making a bit of a mess out of Popovic's face.
Last in mount throwing good strikes here, bouncing his opponent's head off the canvas.
The fans in attendance giving it up for the two fighters, who have really let it all hang out in the last minute or so!
Popovic is wriggling around trying to escape.
Last landing strikes from the mount.
Last putting on the heat here with some good ground and pound!
Last tries to control but Popovic wriggling away.
Last unloading with bombs!
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Last trying to control but Popovic is having none of it.
BOOM! Last connects with a massive shot to the dome!
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

First Last clearly takes that round.
The cut man is working on First Last's cut.
That's time! Last's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

Popovic fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Popovic misses with a jab to the body

and Last counters with a shoot takedown. Popovic fights it but they end up in guard.
Last passes Popovic's left leg - he's now in half guard.
Last sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Popovic defending well though.
Last not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
Last not landing any meaningful shots this time.
Last works his way into side control.
Last misses with an attempted head punch from side control.
Last wants to control but Popovic is keeping him busy.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Popovic is working to avoid the ground and pound but Last connects with a decent elbow.
Popovic is absolutely dripping with sweat - he looks exhausted.
Last is looking to take a break and control but Popovic is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Last cracks Popovic with a big right hand but Popovic just smiles back at him and invites him to have another go.
Popovic takes a couple of big shots there - the referee warns him that he has to defend himself better.
Last is looking to take a break and control but Popovic is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Popovic is trying to get back to half guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Last throws a strike aimed at the side of Popovic's head but Popovic avoids it well.

Last looking for an arm triangle but it's way too loose to do anything.
Last is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Popovic can do to turn this around?
Last tries to score with some ground and pound. Popovic controls his posture well this time though and the shots don't do any damage.
Last in side control lands a nice looking series of punches and elbows.
Popovic managing to avoid any damage from the strikes thrown by Last.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Last postures up a little and throws a couple of hammerfists but they don't connect properly.
Last 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.
Popovic parries the strikes from Last easily there. Last is wary of posturing up too much because it might enable Popovic to escape.
Popovic tries to buck Last off but Last is having none of it.

Last is looking to finish here, going for an Americana. Popovic knows the correct defense though, so he's OK.
Popovic tries to get back to half guard but can't.

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.
Last throws a strike aimed at the side of Popovic's head but Popovic avoids it well.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

The referee has ruled that neither fighter is active enough on the ground and has stood them back up.
Popovic takes a solid shot to the body. That one hurt him but he's trying not to show it.
Popovic shoots and misses

and Last counters with a driving takedown into guard. Nice work there by Last.
Last trying to control but Popovic is working from the bottom.
Popovic controls Last momentarily but Last frees himself.
Last postures up in Popovic's guard and throws a big left but Popovic blocks it.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

First Last had his way with Branko Popovic in that round.
The cut man is working on First Last's cut.
That's time! Back to the action! This is the final round!

Last shoots in for a double leg but Popovic sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.

Popovic shoots in for a takedown from distance. He catches Last napping and manages to drive through into side control!
Last is trying to control Popovic's posture but Popovic avoids it.
Popovic working the ground and pound but he's contacting the mat, not the fighter.
Last manages to get back to half guard.
Popovic missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.
Last is working for an escape here. He's hooked one of Popovic's legs and he's managed to sneak out and take Popovic's back!
Will Last go for the finish here or will he try and keep control of the position?
Last is working the ground and pound here and the referee is taking a close look at Popovic. He must escape soon or this one will be stopped.
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.
Popovic looking very determined here, making life difficult for Last.
Even with his hooks in, Last manages to miss with strikes from the back.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Last is working the ground and pound. Can Popovic escape?
Last is trying to stick to Popovic's back but Popovic is turning into Last. He's managed to reverse the position - now he's in Last's guard. Polite applause from the crowd in appreciation of some nice Jiu Jitsu by Popovic.
Popovic preventing the sweep.
Last not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
Last manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Popovic manages to get himself to full guard.
Popovic is trying to control the position from the bottom.
Popovic working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Last.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are getting on the fighters' backs, as the pace has dropped off in the last minute or so.
Last stands and throws Popovic's legs to the side, diving into side control.
Popovic stops Last from passing to mount.
Last throwing strikes but Popovic manages to buck up and roll into a nice reversal - now he's on top in side control!

Popovic is looking for a kimura. He might have it! No, Last has escaped the position, nice work there.
Last sneaks back into half guard.
Last gets back to full guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Last bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Popovic's guard.
Last throws a big right hand that misses.
Last trying to control but Popovic is working from the bottom.
Last stands and throws Popovic's legs to the side, diving into side control.
Last working the ground and pound but Popovic is defending the strikes.
Last is looking to take a break and control but Popovic is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Popovic is looking to regain half guard here but Last keeps moving and retains side control.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Neither fighter has done anything of merit for a good minute or two here and the crowd are not happy about it.
Last creates some space and throws a big elbow, but Popovic sees it coming and moves his head just enough to avoid the strike.
Branko Popovic has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Last is looking to take a break and control but Popovic is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.

Well, the referee has seen enough. Neither fighter is active enough on the ground so he's stood them back up.
Popovic on the wrong end of a nice hook.
Popovic has a takedown stuffed.
Popovic looks for a takedown but Last sprawls well.
Last throws a series of punches but Popovic moves out of range.

And that's the end of the fight!
First Last showed his dominance in that final round.
Well Last 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 Russell Pearce scores the fight 50:44
Judge Eddie Farnsworth scores the fight 50:44
Judge John Kavanagh scores the fight 50:45

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... First Last!
First Last retains his light heavyweight title!