PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Michael Hardy (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and James OConnor (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). We have two fighters making their debuts here, so let's see who comes out of this one with their first professional victory.

Hardy
vs
OConnor

167 cm
25
153 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

177 cm
18
150 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Solid boxing
Self confident

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Very confident

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the featherweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Sydney, Michael Hardy!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Sydney, James OConnor!
The judges for this bout are Skip Squint, John Mangel and Bruno Hogan.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Hardy defends well against a solid takedown attempt from OConnor.

Hardy gets in close and instigates a clinch.
OConnor tries to pull guard but can't drag his opponent to the mat. Hardy just stands there and leans against the cage.
Hardy stalls.
OConnor has Hardy pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Hardy manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.
Michael Hardy has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of James OConnor.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Hardy.
OConnor prevents Hardy from breaking the clinch.
A shot in the inside from Hardy.
OConnor is trying to slow down the pace of the fight but Hardy is keeping busy.
OConnor fails to pull the fight into his guard.
OConnor drops down looking for an ankle pick but Hardy pulls his leg out and moves away.
OConnor takes one to the side of the head.
Hardy connects with a lovely right hand, straight down the pipe.

Hardy gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.
Hardy lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.

That's one minute gone in the round.
OConnor takes a shot to the head.
OConnor has Hardy pressed against the cage, preventing Hardy from circling away and getting back to striking at range.

OConnor jumps guard and drags Hardy to the mat. He's obviously going to be looking for submissions off his back.
Hardy wants to stand but OConnor is controlling his posture from full guard.
OConnor trying to control the position.
Hardy would like to get this fight back to the feet but can't get free from the closed guard.

Hardy gets to his feet. OConnor looking to butt scoot but the ref puts an end to that. On your feet son!
Hardy stuffs the takedown attempt from OConnor. OConnor gets slowly back to his feet.

Hardy darts in and clinches OConnor up against the cage.
A battle for position here, against the cage.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Nice body punch from Hardy.
Hardy is stalling here.
OConnor jumps guard but Hardy stands there with OConnor around his waist. OConnor gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch.
OConnor tries to jump guard but he falls flat on his backside. Hardy smiles and moves away.
OConnor closes the distance looking to clinch
and Hardy counters with a lovely shot to the body.
OConnor looks gassed!

Hardy drops OConnor with a left and a right! Oh, OConnor is hurt - Hardy dives into side control looking to finish!

OConnor is rocked!

It looks like James OConnor has been cut.
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!

Hardy decides to stand back up. Hardy steps back and let's OConnor get back to his feet.
OConnor is still on wobbly legs! Can Hardy finish him?
Crack! Hardy connects with the perfect overhand right and OConnor falls face first to the canvas. Timbeeeeeeeer! Beautiful knockout for Hardy!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:50 of round 1, we have a winner by way of KO (Punch). Michael Hardy!