PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Marcus Phoenix (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Bryan Bernie (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Phoenix comes to the cage accompanied by Im Still Fly - Page ft. Drake. Marcus Phoenix has a significant reach advantage - let's see if he can make it count.

Phoenix
vs
Bernie

192 cm
22
218 lbs
10 - 0 - 0

180 cm
21
220 lbs
7 - 3 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Excellent boxer
Very strong

Powerful takedowns
Counter striker
Powerful

MADE IN GERMANY

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 10 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Montreal, Marcus Phoenix!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 7 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Montreal, Bryan Bernie!
The judges for this bout are Alec Ball, Steve Smith and Trevor Gratis.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
The fight stays on the outside here - Phoenix looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Phoenix misses with a two punch combination.
Marcus Phoenix seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Nice defenses there by Bernie.
Phoenix attempts a leg kick but it's missed by a good margin.
A big right from Phoenix misses.

Bernie fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Phoenix, pushing him back against the cage.
A short right from Phoenix on the inside.
Bernie is looking to control Phoenix's arms but Phoenix gets an underhook and turns him. Now Bernie has his back to the cage.
Bernie is looking to break free of the clinch but Phoenix has double underhooks.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Phoenix is looking to control Bernie's arms but Bernie gets an underhook and turns him. Now Phoenix has his back to the cage.
Bernie is trying to break free.
Phoenix lands a body shot.

Phoenix breaks from the clinch.

Phoenix moves into the clinch successfully.

Phoenix pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Phoenix slips in close and lands a nice hook before moving back out of range.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Phoenix throws a leg kick but Bernie moved away.
Bernie fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Phoenix manages to avoid it.
Bernie slips a jab from Phoenix.
A big right from Phoenix misses.
Phoenix throws a low kick but Bernie avoids it.
Bernie takes a step back and watches a body kick go sailing past his mid section.
Phoenix connects with a lovely right hand, straight down the pipe.

It looks like Bryan Bernie has been cut.

Bernie closes the distance, clinches up and gets a nice trip takedown into side control. Very smooth.
Phoenix stops Bernie from passing to mount.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Phoenix tries to buck Bernie off but Bernie is having none of it.
Phoenix stops Bernie from passing to mount.

Bernie is looking for a kimura. He might have it! No, Phoenix has escaped the position, nice work there.
Phoenix wants to control but Bernie postures up.
Phoenix managing to avoid any damage from the strikes thrown by Bernie.
Bernie passes to full mount! That's big trouble for Phoenix!

Bernie goes for an armbar but he's fallen flat on his backside there and now Phoenix is on top in guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Phoenix is frustrating his opponent with some stalling tactics from top position.
Bernie looking to hit a scissor sweep but Phoenix is one step ahead there.
Phoenix has decided he wants to stand but the closed guard of Bernie is proving hard to escape from.
Bernie is trying to hold Phoenix in close to prevent damage but Phoenix has managed to pass into half guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are showing their displeasure at the lack of action as loud boos ring out around the arena.
Bernie regains full guard. Nicely done.
Phoenix stays in close to Bernie's body and controls the position.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Phoenix stopping the sweep attempt from Bernie.
Phoenix wants to control from the top but Bernie keeps moving.

Bernie looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.
Bernie 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.
Bernie manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Phoenix manages to get himself to full guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Marcus Phoenix dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Bryan Bernie'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.

Bernie checks the leg kick.
Phoenix throws a jab but it's blocked by Bernie.
Bernie is on the wrong end of a nice combination from Phoenix.
Phoenix misses with a wild body shot.
Bernie swings away with a leg kick that misses.
Phoenix fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Bernie manages to avoid it.
A big right from Phoenix misses.
Phoenix just misses with a punch to the body.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Phoenix misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Bernie.
Bernie takes a solid shot to the body. That one hurt him but he's trying not to show it.
Bernie tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Phoenix connects with the punch.
Bernie shoots in but Phoenix avoids the takedown attempt easily.
The sound of bone on bone echoes around the arena as Bernie checks a leg kick.
Marcus Phoenix is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Bernie avoids the head kick by Phoenix.
Phoenix throws a quick inside leg kick.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Bernie takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
Phoenix ducks down and throws a hook to the body.
Bernie is breathing heavily.
Bernie has his head slapped from side to side by a 3 punch combination. That must have hurt him.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Bernie takes a really solid shot there but just smiles back and shrugs his shoulders.
Phoenix throws a big shot that misses.
Phoenix motions for Bernie to come forward. Phoenix throws a leg kick but it misses it's target.
A looping hook to the body misses from Phoenix. Bernie does a little dance to reset his feet.
Phoenix throws a low kick but his opponent is out of range.
A looping hook to the body misses from Phoenix. Bernie does a little dance to reset his feet.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Phoenix is looking to score with low kicks.
Phoenix misses the shot to the body.
Phoenix is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Bernie.
Phoenix throws an overhand right that lands on Bernie's shoulder, as Bernie tries to avoid the shot.
Bernie ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Phoenix moves away.
Phoenix throws a front kick aimed at Bernie's knee but Bernie avoids it well.
Phoenix jabs away that one connects to the head of his opponent.

That has opened up Bryan Bernie's cut even more.
Bernie needs to keep his hands up - Phoenix had a free shot at his head there.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Phoenix looks to score with a jab to the body but Bernie is just out of range.
Nice shot by Phoenix.
Phoenix scores with a jab to the jaw of his opponent.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Phoenix connects with a looping right hand.
Phoenix scores with a punch to the gut of his opponent.
Phoenix connects with a nice looking jab.
Bernie takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.
Phoenix is using his reach advantage well here, landing the more effective single shots from range.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Phoenix throws a right hand that Bernie ducks under and follows up with a left that Bernie also avoids with ease.
A decent looking cross lands there for Phoenix.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Marcus Phoenix dominated that second round.
The cut man is working on Bryan Bernie's cut.
That's time! Phoenix's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

Phoenix stuns Bernie with a nice body shot, before stepping back out of range.
Phoenix cracks Bernie with an open hand slap.
Phoenix tries to bum rush Bernie with a series of wild strikes but Bernie uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Phoenix lands a head shot.
Phoenix lands a nice looking body shot.
Phoenix is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Bernie can do to turn this around?
Phoenix misses with a low kick.
A jab from Phoenix does it's job there.

The cut above Bryan Bernie's eye is starting to cause him problems now.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Phoenix cracks Bernie with a good jab.
Phoenix throws a feint and then finishes with a kick to the body.
Bernie takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Phoenix delivers a nice body kick.
Crunch! Phoenix slams his shin into Bernie's torso.
Phoenix lands a nice looking body kick.
Phoenix lands with a shot to the body.
Bernie gets cracked with a nice right hand there by Phoenix.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Phoenix lands a slapping body shot.
Bernie takes a push kick to the midsection and stumbles backwards.
Phoenix throws out a token jab with nothing on it.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Bernie takes one on the chin but keeps coming.
Phoenix looks to score with a jab to the body but Bernie is just out of range.
Phoenix uses good footwork to get in and out and land a nice right hand before Bernie has time to react.
Bernie moves out of range of the strikes.
Phoenix throws a hook to the side of Bernie's head but Bernie sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Phoenix misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Bernie tries to clinch but Phoenix moves out of range.
Phoenix tries to clinch but Bernie is having none of it.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Bernie avoids the body shot from Phoenix.
Bernie fails in his attempt to clinch.

Bernie clinches with his opponent.
Bernie tries to circle away but Phoenix has him pinned against the cage.
Bernie is looking for a takedown up against the cage. Phoenix gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.
Bernie trying to control the position but instead, Phoenix has worked for underhooks and has pushed Bernie into the cage.
Phoenix lands a right hand.

Bryan Bernie's cut is absolute horrible now. This looks like something out of a horror film with blood covering both fighters.
Bernie trying to stall but Phoenix improves his position.
Bernie has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Phoenix is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.
Phoenix gets through Bernie's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
A left hand lands to the body for Phoenix.
Phoenix lands a body shot.
Phoenix lands a hook to the side of the head.
Phoenix working some nice short punches in the clinch.
Phoenix stalling in the clinch.
Phoenix lands a nice shot to the body.
Phoenix lands a body punch in the clinch.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Bernie's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
Phoenix throws a hook to the body. More of an arm punch but it's all scoring with the judges.
Phoenix is using his height advantage well here, landing a good percentage of his punches.

Phoenix breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Phoenix lets the fists fly and connects with a left straight followed by a right hook.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Phoenix buckles his opponent's knee momentarily with a nice leg kick.
Phoenix scores with a nice looking left hook and follows it up with an uppercut!
Bernie takes one on the chin but keeps coming.
Bernie on the wrong end of a decent looking cross there.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Phoenix misses with a hook. Bernie ducked under it nicely.
Phoenix lands a nice shot to the body.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Bernie moves his head to the side to avoid a jab but walks straight into a cross.
Phoenix works his jab well there, keeping his opponent at a distance.
Nice defenses there by Bernie.
Well, he's not going to score with shots like that. A lazy body kick attempt from Phoenix.
Phoenix ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Bernie moves away.
Phoenix misses with a two punch combination.
Phoenix circles away from the clinch attempt.
Marcus Phoenix is winning the standup battle so far.
Phoenix throws a hook but Bernie blocks it.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Phoenix leaves Bernie with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
Phoenix ducks down and throws a hook to the body.
Bernie is absolutely dripping with sweat - he looks exhausted.
Phoenix misses with a wild body shot.
The fighters circling - Phoenix throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Bernie tries to clinch up but Phoenix circles away and keeps his distance.
Bernie takes one on the chin but keeps coming.
Phoenix leaves Bernie with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Bernie avoids a kick to the body.
The fighters circling - Phoenix throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Phoenix throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Bryan Bernie is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Phoenix throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Bernie takes an uppercut right on the button but keeps his composure.
Phoenix swinging wildly here.
Phoenix works his jab well there, keeping his opponent at a distance.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Decent striking displayed by Phoenix there.
Phoenix pivots, looking for a leg kick but Bernie is out of range and Phoenix settles back down.
Good work by Bernie as he checks the leg kick.
Phoenix throws a looping overhand right but Bernie ducks down to avoid it.
Phoenix throws a nice outside leg kick.
Bernie looks for a takedown but Phoenix sprawls well.
Marcus Phoenix has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Bryan Bernie.

Bernie closes the distance and scores a nice trip takedown into half guard. Phoenix did well to prevent Bernie getting side control.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Phoenix is in trouble now - Bernie has advanced to mount!
Phoenix is looking to improve his position but Bernie isn't that keen on the idea.
Bernie throwing sloppy strikes here. Perhaps if he tightened up his striking from such a dominant position, he'd be able to finish easier.
Bernie with shots to the head and body - Phoenix looks very uncomfortable down there.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Marcus Phoenix had his way with Bryan Bernie in that round.
The cut man is working on Bryan Bernie's cut.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action! The crowd applaud as we get ready to start the final round!

Phoenix lands a nice looking body shot.
Ouch! a nice leg kick from Phoenix, right into the meat.
Phoenix misses with a wild body shot.
Phoenix missing with a left hand there. Bernie was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Phoenix tests Bernie's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Bernie blocks a jab.
Phoenix cracks Bernie with a good jab.
Bernie checks a low kick from Phoenix.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Bernie gets cracked with a nice right hand there by Phoenix.
Phoenix jabs Bernie right on the nose. Bernie blinks but takes it well.

Bernie shoots in and gets a takedown into half guard. Bernie showed some decent athleticism there.
Bernie working to pass to mount. He's got his hand pressing down on Phoenix's thigh. Phoenix counters though and makes it back to full guard.
Bernie is wobbling all over the place through exhaustion. Will he make it to the final bell?
Bernie stands and throws Phoenix's legs to the side, diving into side control.
Bryan Bernie has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Phoenix manages to get one leg in to regain half guard.
Phoenix wants to sweep but Bernie has passed to side control!
Bernie passes to full mount! That's big trouble for Phoenix!

Bernie swings around for an armbar but it's a sloppy attempt and Phoenix is now in Bernie's guard. A big mistake from Bernie there, giving up the dominant position!
Bernie looking to sweep here. No luck so far.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Phoenix wants to control from the top but Bernie keeps moving.
Bernie is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move.
Bernie thows a huge punch but Phoenix dodges it nicely.

Bernie is trying to work for a kimura but Phoenix is defending well.
Phoenix is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
There's not a lot going on here and the crowd are letting the fighters know they're not willing to tolerate a lack of action.
Bernie missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.

Bernie is trying for a guillotine from the top but the pressure isn't in the right place so Phoenix is just riding it out for now. Bernie eventually gives up the hold.
Bernie not landing any meaningful shots this time.
Marcus Phoenix is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Phoenix is trying to get back to full guard.

And that's the end of the fight!
Marcus Phoenix showed his dominance in that final round.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Phoenix, winning every round. Will the judges agree? They are the ones who matter, even if they are often depressingly incompetent. 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 Alec Ball scores the fight 50:43
Judge Steve Smith scores the fight 50:43
Judge Trevor Gratis scores the fight 50:43

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