PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Ryan McCarthy (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and John McClane (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). McClane has chosen Nightmare by Avenged Sevenfold as his entrance music, which hasn't gone down very well with the crowd. John McClane will no doubt be trying to keep this one on the feet, where he has a distinct advantage.

McCarthy
vs
McClane

170 cm
23
195 lbs
11 - 4 - 0

184 cm
23
197 lbs
12 - 4 - 0

Good wrestling
Solid boxing
KO power

Decent wrestler
Excellent boxer
Powerful

Battalion Athletics

Koffin Inc.
Koffin Inc.

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 11 - 4 - 0, fighting out of Sydney, Ryan McCarthy!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 12 - 4 - 0, fighting out of Sydney, John McClane!
The judges for this bout are Damien Edna, Hugh Johnson and Bruno Hogan.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
McClane misses the shot to the body.

McClane lands a left and a right that send McCarthy crashing to the mat, dazed. McClane thinks about following him to the mat but decides to wave him back up to his feet!
A shot to de liver by McCarthy. Beautiful body shot.
A shot to the body from McClane misses
and McCarthy counters with a lovely shot to the body.
This has been an exciting period of action!
McClane throws a body punch but McCarthy moves out of range.
McClane slips a straight right by McCarthy.

McCarthy shoots in from a long way out. He's driving through with the takedown attempt and he eventually gets it, landing in McClane's guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
McCarthy looking to pass the guard.
McCarthy postures up and lands some nice ground and pound.
McClane really doesn't want to stay on the ground with McCarthy. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.
McClane is trying to control the position from the bottom.
McCarthy trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.

That's one minute gone in the round.

McCarthy postures up as if he's going to throw some strikes but drops back for an ankle! McClane is in big trouble! He looks ready to tap! But no, he's escaped and dives on top of McCarthy, into his guard.
McCarthy is trying to hold McClane in close to prevent damage but McClane has managed to pass into half guard.
McClane with a momentary lay and pray from half guard.
McCarthy moves into full guard.
McClane wants to pass the guard but McCarthy is keeping the position.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
McCarthy is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
McClane wants to control from the top but McCarthy keeps moving.
McCarthy throws a couple of shots from the bottom but they don't land.
McClane is intent on slowing down the pace of the fight, simply looking to control.
McClane won't allow McCarthy to sweep him here.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
McCarthy punching to the body, from the bottom.

McCarthy is working an open guard so McClane takes the opportunity to get back to his feet.
McClane thows a body shot but no joy.
John McClane is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
McCarthy misses with a body shot.
McClane tries to grapple but his opponent circles
enabling McCarthy to counter with a crisp jab.
McCarthy misses with a hook.
McClane comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.
McCarthy swats away the attempt to clinch by McClane.
John McClane seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
McClane moving in and out of range nicely, whilst landing the scoring shot.
McCarthy fails to land with a series of punches.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
McCarthy avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
McClane uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by McCarthy.
McClane avoids the body shot from McCarthy.
McClane misses the jab.
A solid leg kick lands there for McClane.
McCarthy misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from McClane.
McClane connects with a right hand. McCarthy shakes it off.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
McClane lands a powerful looking uppercut that connected with his opponent's jaw.
Jab by McClane.

McCarthy is rocked!
No luck with that takedown attempt from McCarthy.
Oh McCarthy is still all over the place! His legs are completely gone! Will he be able to recover?!!
McClane throws a combination that misses

and McCarthy counters with a nice shoot takedown that brings the fighters to the ground.
McCarthy seems to have got his legs back now.
McClane controls McCarthy momentarily but McCarthy frees himself.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
McCarthy trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

John McClane dominated that round.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action.

McCarthy moves out of range of the strikes.
McClane loads up on a big right hand but McCarthy slips the punch.
McClane thows a left - swing and a miss!
McCarthy keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from McClane.
A swing and a miss from McClane.
McClane tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
McCarthy throws a nice looking combination but McClane bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
McCarthy fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
McCarthy is looking to wear down McClane with body shots, infact he's throwing more body shots than head shots at the moment.
McCarthy ducks under a wild hook from McClane.
McCarthy closes the distance and clinches up with McClane, looking for a takedown. McCarthy pushes McClane against the cage but McClane circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
McClane connects with a body shot.
A combination from McClane does no damage.
McClane with a jab.
McCarthy circles away from the clinch attempt.
McClane throws a head kick that misses.

That's one minute gone in the round.
McCarthy takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.
McCarthy takes a jab right on the kisser.
McCarthy throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
McClane lands a straight punch to the body, keeping McCarthy at a distance.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
McClane throws a one two combo.
A big left from McClane misses.

McCarthy looks for a takedown. He's got it. We're now in half guard.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
McClane is trying to get back to full guard.
McCarthy throws a strike but McClane avoids it easily and moves to full guard.
McCarthy won't allow McClane to sweep him here.
McCarthy looking to pass the guard.
We get told so often about how wrestlers don't like to be on their backs. Let's see if McClane can do anything to dispel that myth.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
McCarthy trying to control but McClane is working from the bottom.
McClane looking to control.
McClane is adopting a defensive guard.
McCarthy loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
McCarthy lands the left hand.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
McCarthy will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Ryan McCarthy. That's going to take a lot out of him.
McClane on the wrong end of an overhand right that came out of nowhere.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
McClane tries to close the distance and clinch up but McCarthy swats him away and circles back towards the center.
McCarthy tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but McClane was well out of range. Poor timing from McCarthy.
A jab from McClane finds it's way through McCarthy's defenses.
McCarthy avoids the body shot from McClane.
McClane throws the left hand but McCarthy avoids the punch easily.
McClane tries to clinch up
letting McCarthy counter with a right hand.
McClane takes a swing at McCarthy's ribcage but misses.
McClane uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by McCarthy.
McCarthy throws a right and a left that McClane avoids nicely.
McClane misses with an uppercut.
McClane tries to clinch up

and McCarthy counters with a driving takedown into guard. Nice work there by McCarthy.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
McCarthy throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
McClane trying to keep a closed guard but McCarthy is proving a slippery customer.
McClane tries to land a sweep but no joy.
McCarthy slips nicely into half guard.
McCarthy is controlling the pace.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

John McClane showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
That's time! Back to the action!

McClane scores with a jab. McCarthy acknowledges it with a nod of the head.
McClane tries to score with an inside leg kick but telegraphs it and McCarthy is able to avoid easily.

McClane gets caught flat footed, as McCarthy shoots in with a quick takedown into guard.
McCarthy wants to control from the top but McClane keeps moving.
McClane controls McCarthy momentarily but McCarthy frees himself.
McClane avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
McCarthy throwing strikes from guard but McClane blocks nicely.
McCarthy postures up.
McCarthy trying to control the position from guard on top but McClane is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

That's one minute gone in the round.
McClane tries to land a sweep but no joy.

McClane is looking for a triangle but McCarthy pushes his legs off easily.

It looks like we're going to have a standup here. Neither fighter is doing enough on the ground.
McClane throws a right and a left that both miss.
McCarthy will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
McCarthy misses the jab.
McClane takes a shot to the body in his stride.
McClane lands a nice looking body shot.
McClane takes a swing at McCarthy's ribcage but misses.
McCarthy looks to land a combination. McClane sees it coming but can only parry a couple of the shots.
McClane takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
McCarthy misses with a body shot.
McClane ducks low and lands a nice hook to the body of his opponent.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
McClane has his head slapped from side to side by a 3 punch combination. That must have hurt him.
McCarthy keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
McClane lunges at McCarthy with a hook that half lands and is half blocked by McCarthy's hand.
McCarthy uses good head movement to avoid the hook from McClane.
McClane tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.

McCarthy looking to shoot here. He's gone for it and he's landed a takedown into mount! Oh, that's bad for McClane!
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
McCarthy controlling from the full mount.
The referee warns McClane that he has to improve his position here as he takes two more clean shots to the head.
McCarthy avoids the attempt from McClane to control.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

McCarthy is in full mount, looking to secure a guillotine but McClane is surviving well by controlling McCarthy's body position as best he can.
McClane wriggling around on the bottom manages to avoid the strikes thrown by McCarthy.
McCarthy avoids the attempt from McClane to control.
McCarthy lands a shot to the body, followed up by a shot to the exposed head of his trapped opponent.
McClane is looking to get to half guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
McCarthy lands a big elbow.
McCarthy trying to control but he's not successful this time.

McCarthy is looking to secure an arm. He's managed it! He's pivoting for an armbar - that looks tight! But McClane has managed to get out of it and now he's in a dominant position. Nice work from McClane!
McClane is looking to stand up but McCarthy won't let him.
Ryan McCarthy overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
McClane trying to control the position from guard on top but McCarthy is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Ryan McCarthy clearly takes that round.
That's time! McCarthy's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

McCarthy fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
McCarthy avoids the head kick by McClane.
McCarthy just misses with a punch to the body.

McClane moves into range and clinches up with McCarthy.
McCarthy goes for a takedown in the clinch but McClane prevents it.
McClane lands a shoulder strike.
A head punch blocked on the inside by McClane.
McClane scores with a shot to the side of McCarthy's head.
McClane lands with a light punch inside.
McClane fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
McCarthy digs a right hand underneath McClane's ribcage. McClane let out a lung full of air as it connected.
McClane misses with a hook to the ribs.

McCarthy escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
McClane scores with a nice head shot.

That's one minute gone in the round.
McClane scores with a reasonable looking shot to the body. McCarthy doesn't seem bothered though.
It's got to the stage where if one of these guys blows hard enough, the other might fall over.
McCarthy throws an uppercut from half a mile away. McClane sees it coming and avoids it easily.
McClane slaps away a takedown attempt from McCarthy, before circling back to the center of the mat.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Ryan McCarthy. That's going to take a lot out of him.
McClane misses the jab.
This fight brought to you by 5M nutrition - it's mmmmm tasty. Nice jab by McClane.
McCarthy looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.
McClane moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
McClane tries to close the distance and clinch up but McCarthy swats him away and circles back towards the center.
McClane fakes high and swings low for a body shot but McCarthy manages to avoid it.
McClane scores with a jab to the body.
John McClane seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Some wild striking there from McClane.
McClane swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
McClane connects with a looping right hand.
McClane swings wildly with a couple of big hooks
and McCarthy counters with a three punch combination, finished off with a leg kick. Nice work.
McCarthy throws a jab but it's blocked by McClane.
McClane misses with a wild body shot.
McClane tries to clinch

and McCarthy decides to take the opportunity to score a takedown. He's landed in McClane's guard.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
McCarthy working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
McClane wants to control here, rather than go for any submissions from the bottom. At least for now.
McCarthy throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
McClane is trying to control the position from the bottom.
McCarthy 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.
McCarthy trying to control the position from guard on top but McClane is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
McClane tries to land a sweep but no joy.
McCarthy postures up.

McClane throws his legs up looking to secure a triangle. Oh, that looks pretty tight, I gotta say! McCarthy escapes and throws McClane's legs to the side, diving into side control!
McCarthy wants to lay and pray for a moment but McClane keeps working.

Neither fighter is doing enough for the referee's liking and he's decided to stand them back up.
McClane tries to clinch but McCarthy is having none of it.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.
McClane rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but McCarthy moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
McCarthy takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.
McClane is using his reach advantage to land shots from outside his opponent's range.
McClane scores with a jab to the body.
Good work by McClane as he checks the leg kick.
McCarthy ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
McCarthy on the wrong end of a nice hook.
McClane misses the shot to the body.
McClane throws a push kick but McCarthy slaps the foot to one side.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
McClane tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
McClane throws a hook but McCarthy blocks it.
McCarthy misses with a head kick.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

John McClane dominated that fourth round.
That's the end of the interval. I'm sure that seemed a lot quicker than a minute for our two fighters! Back to the action. Let's hear some noise people - this is the final round!

McCarthy slips a jab from McClane.
McCarthy takes a swing at McClane's ribcage but misses.

McClane rushes McCarthy and presses him up against the cage.
McClane cracks McCarthy with a nice body shot.
McCarthy has had enough of the clinch but McClane keeps him there for the moment.
A nice right hand lands inside from McClane.
McCarthy is trying to work for a single leg takedown but McClane pulls him back up using the underhooks.
McClane is working McCarthy over against the cage.
A quick uppercut on the inside from McClane.
McCarthy blocks a punch to the side of the head.
McClane looking to slow down the pace here.
McCarthy working hard to break the clinch.
McClane lands with a short punch from the clinch.
McClane lands on the inside with an uppercut.
McCarthy is trying to drag McClane to the mat but McClane just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.
McClane presses McCarthy against the cage and delivers a mid-strength body shot.

That's one minute gone in the round.
McClane gets underhooks to prevent McCarthy's takedown attempt.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Ryan McCarthy. That's going to take a lot out of him.
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.
McClane lands a left hand.
McClane is clearly stalling here... Pick up the pace son.
McClane swings wildly with an uppercut but McCarthy uses good head movement to avoid it.
McClane working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
McCarthy misses with a shot to the kidneys.
A nice left hand lands by McClane.
McClane works for underhooks and lands a body shot in the process.
McClane swings wildly with an uppercut but McCarthy uses good head movement to avoid it.
McCarthy's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
A quick uppercut on the inside from McClane.
McClane tried to land a shot to the body but connects with McCarthy's elbow.
McCarthy tries a body shot but McClane blocks it.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.
McClane keeps control of McCarthy as he tries to wriggle out of the double underhooks.
Good anti-grappling being displayed by McClane as McCarthy tries to tie him up.
McClane scores with a shot to the side of McCarthy's head.
McClane struggles to land a body shot inside as McCarthy controls his hands.
McClane holding his opponent close, against the cage.
A quick uppercut on the inside from McClane.
McClane lands with a short shot to the head.
McCarthy misses with a body punch.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for McCarthy.
McClane makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
A short right from McClane on the inside.
A head punch on the inside from McClane fails to land.
McCarthy looking for a takedown.
McClane lands with a light punch inside.
McCarthy misses with a short punch on the inside.
McClane throws a head punch that misses.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
McClane scores with a shot to the side of McCarthy's head.
A short left from McClane.
McClane pushes McCarthy back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.
McClane lands with a short shot to the head.
McClane lands a hook that snaps the head of McCarthy backwards.
McCarthy blocking some punches.
McClane lands a shoulder strike.
McClane misses with the head strike.
McClane lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
McCarthy blocks a punch to the side of the head.
A right hand to the body from McClane.
McClane throws a head punch that misses.
McClane lands a body punch in the clinch.
McClane lands a shot to the body.
McClane tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Nice body punch from McClane - that landed with a thud.
McCarthy tries for a takedown but McClane manages to get underhooks.
McClane working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A nice right hand lands inside from McClane.
McClane lands a nice looking hook to the body, against the cage.
A shot in the inside from McClane.
McClane lands on the inside with an uppercut.
McClane scores with an uppercut up the middle.
McClane throws a hook to the body. More of an arm punch but it's all scoring with the judges.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, McClane creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
McClane scores with an uppercut up the middle.
McClane lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
McClane lands a right hand.
McClane lands on the inside with an uppercut.
McClane lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
McClane softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
McClane lands a body shot in the clinch.
McClane lands a shoulder strike.
McCarthy has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. McClane is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.
McClane has McCarthy pressed against the cage.

And that's the end of the fight!
John McClane comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think McClane 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 Damien Edna scores the fight 46:49
Judge Hugh Johnson scores the fight 45:49
Judge Bruno Hogan scores the fight 46:49

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