PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Buddy Barnett (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Enrico Hygione (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Barnett's ring entrance music is that housewives' favourite, 2 minutes to midnight. This should be fireworks!

Barnett
vs
Hygione

180 cm
24
190 lbs
4 - 6 - 0

185 cm
23
185 lbs
1 - 5 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Basic striking
Big right hand

BJJ Blue Belt
Good kicks
Knockout power

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the middleweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 4 - 6 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Buddy Barnett!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 5 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Enrico Hygione!
The judges for this bout are George Francis, Gwen Towbar and Wesley Smith.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Hygione throws a leg kick but Barnett moved away.
Hygione stuffs the takedown.
Barnett throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Hygione's waist but Hygione gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Barnett off to one side.
Barnett has a takedown stuffed.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Buddy Barnett. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Barnett shoots in but Hygione avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Barnett tries to score a power double leg takedown but Hygione sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Barnett somewhat.
Barnett shoots in for a takedown but Hygione shows good takedown defense.
Buddy Barnett seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Hygione lands a head kick!
Danga de danga de dang - Hygione scores with a four punch combination!
Hygione looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.
Danga de danga de dang - Hygione scores with a four punch combination!
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!
Barnett looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Hygione is fending him off so far but Barnett persists. Nope, Hygione circles away and we're back to standing.
Barnett fails to land the takedown.
Barnett is breathing heavily.
Barnett fails with a takedown attempt.
Hygione thuds a mid kick into his opponent's body. That will wear on Barnett if he has to take too many more of those.
Hygione lands with a cross to side of his opponent's head.
Hygione throws a head kick that looked like it stung.
Hygione goes to the watering hole and comes back with a big thumbs up from the judges as he scores a three punch combo.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Hygione throws a sloppy head kick and Barnett moves out of range easily.
Barnett takes a body punch but keeps moving.

Hygione drops Barnett with a nice combination! Hygione dives into Barnett's guard, looking to finish!

Barnett is rocked!

It looks like Buddy Barnett has been cut.

Barnett looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.
Oh Barnett is still in real trouble! Will he be able to recover?!!
Hygione throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Barnett seems to have got his legs back now.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Hygione stands up over Barnett, holding his feet. He dives back in and lands a decent shot to the head.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Hygione throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Barnett works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Hygione with a flurry of punches that miss.
Hygione lands a couple of digs.
Hygione wants to stand but Barnett is controlling his posture from full guard.
Barnett keeping moving, preventing Hygione from controlling successfully.

Well, the referee has seen enough. Neither fighter is active enough on the ground so he's stood them back up.
Barnett blocks a head kick by Hygione.
Hygione throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Barnett.
Hygione lands a head kick. Barnett smiles back at him and beckons him forward.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Hygione lands with a kick to the temple. Barnett shrugs as if to say "is that all you've got?"

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Hygione works over Barnett's head and body with a nice combination.
Barnett takes a head kick and keeps coming.
A good leg kick by Hygione.
Hygione misses with a wild combination.
Hygione throws a quick head kick that skims the top of Barnett's head.
Barnett tries to check the leg kick but that clearly hurt him.
Hygione goes to the watering hole and comes back with a big thumbs up from the judges as he scores a three punch combo.
Hygione moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
Barnett gets cracked there but stands up to it.
Hygione lands a high kick!
Barnett shoots in looking for a takedown. Hygione tries to sprawl out of it but Barnett keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Hygione manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Hygione misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Enrico Hygione is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Barnett chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Hygione can pounce on him.
Thud! ouch! good body kick from Hygione - that will leave a mark!
A head kick misses from Hygione.
Hygione lands with a nice low kick. That'll leave a bruise.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Hygione looks to land a combination but Barnett avoids it well.
Hygione turns his hip over beautifully as he lands a nice leg kick.
Hygione misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
A solid leg kick lands there for Hygione.
Hygione is working the combinations to good effect here.
Hygione throws a right hand that Barnett ducks under and follows up with a left that Barnett also avoids with ease.
Hygione lands a jab, followed by a cross and another cross, as Barnett backs up against the cage.
Hygione misses with a few strikes there.
Barnett misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
Hygione keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
This is turning into a torrid day at the office for Barnett. He's trying desperately to land a takedown but he's failing miserably and getting slapped silly on the feet to compound his misery.
Barnett shoots for a takedown but Hygione saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
A chopping leg kick lands by Hygione.
Barnett is hobbling a little on that front leg after taking quite a few leg kicks so far in this fight.
Left hook, right uppercut from Hygione.
Barnett blocks a head kick by Hygione.
Hygione displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Barnett.
Hygione misses with a head kick.
Barnett shoots in and drives through. Hygione sprawls well.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Nice sprawl there from Hygione as Barnett shoots in.
Hygione misses with a two punch combination.
Hygione throws a head kick that misses.
Hygione fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Barnett is defended easily by Hygione.
A punch combination from Hygione misses.
Barnett closes this distance looking for a takedown but Hygione circles away.
A chopping leg kick lands by Hygione.
Barnett tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Hygione swivels and escapes.
Hygione lands with a two punch combination before moving back out of range.
Barnett dodges the punch combination from Hygione.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Hygione misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Hygione throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Hygione throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Barnett shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Hygione defends it nicely.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Enrico Hygione dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Buddy Barnett's cut.
That's time! Back to the action!

Hygione throws a right and a left that both miss.

Barnett closes the distance and looks for a trip takedown... aaaand he's got it - Barnett lands in his opponent's guard.

Barnett drops back looking for a leg! Hygione is in trouble here! The fighters roll with the hold and Hygione manages to kick Barnett off! Barnett jumps back into Hygione's guard.

Hygione wriggles free and stands up.
Enrico Hygione seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Hygione feints with a shoulder and throws a nice leg kick to Barnett's calf.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Barnett tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Hygione swivels and escapes.
Hygione scores with a one two! Barnett had his feet all tangled up there and couldn't avoid the strikes.
Hygione scores with a three punch combo!
Hygione throws a quick head kick that skims the top of Barnett's head.
Hygione misses with a jab, cross combination.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Hygione feints and then cracks Barnett's leading leg with a nice low kick. He's obviously looking to slow Barnett down.
Barnett chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Hygione can pounce on him.
Hygione throws a nice looking combination but Barnett bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
A jab from Hygione finds it's way through Barnett's defenses.
Hygione tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Hygione misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Hygione throws a body kick that digs right into the meat.
Hygione fails to land with a series of punches.
Hygione has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Barnett has a takedown stuffed.
Barnett fails with the takedown.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Buddy Barnett. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Barnett shoots in for a takedown but Hygione shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
A head kick from Hygione lands but Barnett takes it in his stride.
Hygione chopping away at his opponent's legs.
Hygione throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Barnett.
Hygione misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Barnett shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Hygione as he jumps to the side.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Barnett is trying hard to land a takedown here. Hygione sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
Hygione tries a head kick but it misses.
Barnett shoots in but no luck this time.
Hygione moves into range and throws a combination. A nice jab followed by a hook to the body.
Nice takedown defense from Hygione. No joy for Barnett on that attempt.
Nice takedown defense from Hygione. No joy for Barnett on that attempt.
Hygione connects with a leg kick. He turned his hip over nicely there.
A left and a right from Hygione both land. Nice combination.
Hygione digs a good hook to Barnett's body.
Barnett fails with the takedown.
Barnett is trying hard to land a takedown here. Hygione sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
Barnett needs to keep his hands up - Hygione had a free shot at his head there.
Barnett fails with a takedown attempt.
Barnett takes a head kick and shrugs it off.
Barnett shoots in looking for a takedown. Hygione tries to sprawl out of it but Barnett keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Hygione manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Hygione tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Hygione throws a right and a left that Barnett avoids nicely.
Horrible takedown by Barnett or perhaps it was just good defense by Hygione which made him look bad.
Buddy Barnett is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Hygione lands a high kick!
Good leg kick by Hygione there. It's the ones that make that thud noise that hurt and that was an almighty thud.
Barnett throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Hygione's waist but Hygione gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Barnett off to one side.
Barnett shoots in but Hygione avoids the takedown attempt easily.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Barnett.
Hygione lands a head kick. Barnett smiles back at him and beckons him forward.
Hygione lands a leg kick. The shin dug right into the meat of the thigh.
Barnett showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Hygione.
Hygione leaves Barnett with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Hygione defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Barnett.
Hygione throws a nice looking combination but Barnett bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.

Barnett is looking for a takedown here. He's shot in and has managed to get it, finishing up in Hygione's half guard.

Barnett is trying for a guillotine from the top but the pressure isn't in the right place so Hygione is just riding it out for now. Barnett eventually gives up the hold.

Barnett is working for a kimura but Hygione is defending it quite comfortably.
Barnett stops Hygione from getting back to his feet.

Barnett wants to work for an arm triangle but Hygione is really keeping half guard well and defending the submission attempt.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Enrico Hygione showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The cut man is working on Buddy Barnett's cut.
That's time! Back to the action! And we move into the final round!

Hygione throws a head kick that connects with a bit of head and a bit of hand.
Hygione fakes the leg kick and cracks Barnett in the body.
Barnett shoots in but no luck this time.
Hygione fakes with a right hand and throws a good leg kick, right into the thigh. That had to hurt Barnett.
Hygione cracks Barnett with an open hand slap.
Hygione feints and then cracks Barnett's leading leg with a nice low kick. He's obviously looking to slow Barnett down.
Hygione goes to the watering hole and comes back with a big thumbs up from the judges as he scores a three punch combo.
Barnett has a takedown stuffed.
Hygione throws a head kick that looked like it stung.
Hygione stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Hygione wants it to stay on the feet.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Buddy Barnett. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Hygione throws a head kick that misses.
Hygione throws a head kick that connects with a bit of head and a bit of hand.
Hygione lands a jab, followed by a cross and another cross, as Barnett backs up against the cage.
Some wild striking there from Hygione.
Hygione connects with a looping right hand.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Hygione throws a head kick that half lands.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Hygione stuffs the takedown attempt from Barnett. Barnett gets slowly back to his feet.
Some wild striking there from Hygione.
Hygione throws a body kick that digs right into the meat.
Barnett shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Hygione as he avoids it easily.
Hygione throws a head kick that looked like it stung.
Barnett closes this distance looking for a takedown but Hygione circles away.
Barnett blocks a head kick by Hygione.
Barnett looks for a takedown but Hygione sprawls well.
Hygione throws a head kick but Barnett moves out of range.
Barnett tries for a takedown but Hygione sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Hygione throws a head kick but Barnett moves out of range.
Hygione stuffs the takedown attempt from Barnett. Barnett gets slowly back to his feet.
Hygione lands with a head kick! That's gotta hurt.
Barnett shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Hygione defends it nicely.
Barnett fails with the takedown.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Barnett dives in and grabs Hygione's left leg, looking for a takedown. Hygione pushes down on Barnett's head and hops out.
Barnett shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Hygione as he avoids it easily.
No joy there for Hygione, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
A combination from Hygione does no damage.
Horrible takedown by Barnett or perhaps it was just good defense by Hygione which made him look bad.
Hygione lands a head kick. Barnett smiles back at him and beckons him forward.
Hygione throws a leg kick which misses Barnett's front leg but catches the back leg as Barnett tries to avoid it.
Barnett shoots for a takedown but Hygione saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
Barnett shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Hygione pinned against the cage. Hygione gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
Hygione misses with a jab, cross combination.

Barnett shoots in from a long way out. He's driving through with the takedown attempt and he eventually gets it, landing in Hygione's guard.
Hygione wants to stand but Barnett is controlling the position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Hygione is using up a lot of energy trying to get back to his feet. Perhaps he should improve his position first.

Barnett drops back for a leg! It's a sloppy attempt though and Barnett jumps back into guard quickly, to retain the dominant position.
Hygione wants to get back to his feet but Barnett is in a dominant position and won't allow it.

Barnett drops back for a leg! It's a sloppy attempt though and Barnett jumps back into guard quickly, to retain the dominant position.

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

Hygione got a little sloppy there for a moment and Barnett has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Hygione has managed to get both his arms back between Barnett's legs - danger averted.

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.

Barnett throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.

Barnett is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Hygione is aware though and is defending well.

Barnett throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.
Hygione working from the guard for now, landing some ground and pound.
Barnett 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.

Barnett had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Hygione defends it easily.
Buddy Barnett has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Hygione 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 fight!
Enrico Hygione comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I've got Hygione winning every round here. Surely the decision will go his way and he'll pick up a well deserved decision victory. 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 George Francis scores the fight 26:30
Judge Gwen Towbar scores the fight 26:30
Judge Wesley Smith scores the fight 26:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Enrico Hygione!