PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Adam Jones (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Preston Barksdale (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). These two fighters really are very evenly matched on the feet - it will be fascinating to see who can assert themselves in that aspect of the fight.

Jones
vs
Barksdale

185 cm
22
193 lbs
1 - 0 - 0

187 cm
22
191 lbs
1 - 0 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Big heart

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Granite chin

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 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of New York, Adam Jones!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of New York, Preston Barksdale!
The judges for this bout are Lou da Vinci, Anthony Taglia and Joseph Jones.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Jones has taken the fight to the clinch.
Jones avoids the elbow strike from Barksdale, against the cage.
Jones managing to block the knees to the body from Barksdale.
Barksdale lands a knee to the body.
Barksdale looking to stall.
Jones misses with a knee strike.
Barksdale landing some nice looking knees to the body.
Barksdale tries to pull guard but Jones won't allow it.
Jones avoiding damage as Barksdale throws knees to the body.
Jones is looking to control Barksdale's arms but Barksdale gets an underhook and turns him. Now Jones has his back to the cage.
Barksdale wants to break free but Jones has control.
Jones prevents Barksdale from breaking the clinch.
Jones keeps control of Barksdale as he tries to wriggle out of the double underhooks.
Barksdale wants to break the clinch but can't.
With the fighters up against the cage, Barksdale throws an elbow but misses.

Barksdale breaks the clinch.
Jones avoids the head kick by Barksdale.

Jones clinches.
Jones lands with a short punch from the clinch.
A short right from Jones.
Jones misses with a knee to the head.
Barksdale is looking to break free of the clinch but Jones has double underhooks.
Jones stops a takedown attempt from Barksdale.

Barksdale breaks from the clinch.
Jones tries to clinch up but Barksdale circles away and keeps his distance.
Preston Barksdale seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Jones moves into range and throws a lovely three punch combination.
Jones tries to clinch but Barksdale is having none of it.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Jones fails with the takedown.
A jab from Jones does it's job there.
Barksdale misses with a body kick.
Barksdale loads up on a big right hand but Jones slips the punch.
Thud! ouch! good body kick from Barksdale - that will leave a mark!

Jones moves into the clinch successfully.
Barksdale missing with knees to the body.
Jones misses with a knee to the head.

Jones manages to break the clinch.
Jones moves into range and throws a lovely three punch combination.
Barksdale dips down and scores with a jab to the body.

Jones gets a clinch.
Jones with an attempt at a knee that misses.
Both guys are working to get underhooks.
Jones is breathing heavily.
Barksdale throws an elbow but it's blocked.
Barksdale wants a takedown.
Adam Jones has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Preston Barksdale.
Barksdale looks to throw an elbow but misses.
Barksdale is looking to break free of the clinch but Jones has double underhooks.
Barksdale misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Jones.
Barksdale is trying to break the clinch but Jones has him pressed against the cage.
Barksdale trying to land knees to the body.
Jones misses with a knee strike.

Barksdale manages to break the clinch.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Jones throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Barksdale looks shocked there as he takes a right hand to the temple.
Barksdale throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Jones doesn't manage to clinch there - Barksdale circles away.
Jones fails with an attempt to clinch.
Barksdale misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Jones tries to clinch but Barksdale is having none of it.
Jones fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Barksdale uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Jones.
Barksdale tries to grapple but his opponent circles
letting Jones counter with a right hand.
Barksdale misses with a takedown

and Jones counters into the clinch. Nicely done.
Jones tries a knee to the head but he's missed.
Barksdale wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.
Jones prevents the takedown attempt.
Barksdale can't break the clinch.

Jones jumps into guard, dragging Barksdale to the mat.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Barksdale wants to control from the top but Jones keeps moving.
Jones looking for a sweep. Not yet Jones, not yet.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Jones wants to control here, rather than go for any submissions from the bottom. At least for now.
Barksdale stops Jones from standing up.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Barksdale passes Jones's left leg - he's now in half guard.
Barksdale is keen to just control but Jones is a slippery customer.

Jones manages to escape and get back to his feet!
Jones fails with an attempt to clinch.
Jones tries to clinch up but Barksdale circles away and keeps his distance.
Barksdale tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.

Barksdale darts in and lands a nice takedown into half guard.
Jones is doing well to avoid being mounted. He's controlling the position at the moment.
Jones is not content to let Barksdale control the position.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Jones looks like he's trying to stand up.
The fighters are starting to get a bit slippery now, which will make submissions a bit more difficult.
Jones is refusing to be controlled, as Barksdale sits in half guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Jones throws a strike from the bottom that misses.
Jones is looking for a sweep. Barksdale is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.

The referee has ruled that neither fighter is active enough on the ground and has stood them back up.
Jones scores with a big left there. The judges will like that one.

It looks like Preston Barksdale has been cut.
Barksdale gets off balance looking for a body kick

and Jones counters by moving into the clinch.

Jones breaks from the clinch.
Jones connects with a jab.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
A clash of legs there as Barksdale blocks the low kick.

Jones gets in close and instigates a clinch.
Jones leaning his opponent against the cage.
Jones drops down looking for an ankle pick but Barksdale pulls his leg out and moves away.
Jones tries to clinch there but Barksdale circles away.
Barksdale wants to clinch but Jones slips to the side
and Jones counters with a three punch combo that has Barksdale backing up. Barksdale nods at Jones to acknowledge the strikes.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Barksdale shoots for a takedown but Jones saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
Danga de danga de dang - Jones scores with a four punch combination!
Barksdale closes the distance looking to clinch

and Jones counters with a nice single leg takedown and he's in Barksdale's guard now.
Hammerfist, elbow! yells Jones's corner. There ya go! There ya go!
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Adam Jones dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Preston Barksdale's cut.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business.

Jones fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Barksdale will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.

Jones takes the fight into the clinch.
Jones prevents Barksdale from breaking the clinch.
Barksdale using the Thai clinch to land knees to the body.

Barksdale breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Barksdale takes a step towards his opponent and connects with a left hand, before circling away.

Barksdale fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Jones, pushing him back against the cage.

Barksdale manages to break the clinch.

Barksdale drives through and clinches with Jones against the cage.
Barksdale can't break the clinch.
Barksdale wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.
Barksdale scores a nice knee to the body.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!

Barksdale breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Barksdale will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
Barksdale throws a combination that misses

and Jones counters by moving into the clinch. Good anticipation by Jones.
Barksdale can't break the clinch.
Barksdale drops to a knee looking for a takedown but Jones gets the underhooks and prevents it.
Adam Jones has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Preston Barksdale.
Jones looking to slow down the pace here.

Jones manages to break the clinch.
Jones looks to land a combination but Barksdale avoids it well.
Barksdale looks for a takedown but Jones sprawls well.
Barksdale is breathing heavily.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Barksdale keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
Barksdale takes one on the button.
Barksdale gets cracked there but stands up to it.

Jones gets a clinch.
Barksdale's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
Barksdale wants to push off and get back to the center of the mat but Jones has him pressed against the cage.
Jones tries to land knees in the clinch but Barksdale avoids the damage to the body.
Jones will no doubt start fighting again in a minute but for now he's just having a little rest, leaning Barksdale up against the cage.
Jones prevents the takedown attempt.
Jones blocks the elbow strike.
Barksdale is trying to work out of this bad position, with his back against the cage.
Barksdale wants to break free but Jones has control.
Barksdale goes for a takedown in the clinch but Jones prevents it.
Some stalling of biblical proportions here from Jones.

Jones breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.

Jones moves into range and clinches up with Barksdale.
Jones missing with knees to the body.
Jones scores with a knee to the head.
Barksdale takes a knee right on the jaw!

Jones breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Barksdale takes one on the chin but keeps coming.

Jones moves into the clinch.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Jones lands with a left to the head.
Jones on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.

Jones escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.

Jones shoots in and bounces Barksdale off the cage to secure the takedown into guard.
Jones controls the pace of the fight for a moment.
Jones cracks Barksdale with a solid left hand.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Jones would like to get this fight back to the feet but can't get free from the closed guard.
Jones slows down the pace of the fight for a moment. He'll need to remain active if he doesn't want to see the fight stood back up.
Jones preventing the sweep.

Jones gets to his feet and steps away from his opponent.
Jones doesn't manage to clinch there - Barksdale circles away.
Barksdale tries to clinch up
and Jones counters with a series of strikes. Barksdale will be more careful next time no doubt.
Barksdale shoots in for a takedown but Jones shows good takedown defense.
Barksdale fails in his attempt to clinch.
Barksdale shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Barksdale throws a head kick that misses.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Barksdale wants to clinch but Jones slips to the side
and Jones counters with a straight punch to the midsection.
Barksdale throws a hook but Jones avoids it easily.
Jones fails in his attempt to clinch.
Jones avoids the head kick by Barksdale.
Jones tries to clinch up but Barksdale circles away and keeps his distance.
Barksdale lands a head kick!

Jones is rocked!

It looks like Adam Jones has been cut.
Barksdale tries a head kick but it misses.
Oh Jones is still all over the place! His legs are completely gone! Will he be able to recover?!!
Barksdale misses with a takedown attempt - Jones sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Adam Jones is winning the standup battle so far.
Jones fails with an attempt to clinch.
Jones seems to have got his legs back now.
A choreographed right hand from Barksdale misses the target.
No joy there for Jones, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Barksdale slips under a jab from Jones.
The fight stays on the outside here - Barksdale looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Barksdale throws a sloppy head kick and Jones moves out of range easily.
Barksdale shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Jones as he jumps to the side.
Barksdale tries a head kick but it misses.

Jones moves into the clinch.
Preston Barksdale seems to be working more effectively in the clinch in the fight so far.
Barksdale wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.
Barksdale is looking for a takedown up against the cage. Jones gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.
Jones changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Barksdale fights it off and pushes away nicely.
Adam Jones is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Barksdale throws a head kick that misses.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Barksdale gets a clinch.
Jones looking to stall.
Barksdale trying to land knees to the body.
Barksdale lands a nice knee to the body.
Barksdale drops to a knee looking for a takedown but Jones gets the underhooks and prevents it.
Jones tries a knee to the head but Barksdale blocks it.
Barksdale takes a knee right on the jaw!
Jones trying to land knees to the body.

Barksdale manages to break the clinch.
Jones tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Barksdale paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Barksdale tries a head kick but it misses.
Jones fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Jones tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Barksdale paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Barksdale shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Jones pinned against the cage. Jones gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Barksdale is on the wrong end of a nice combination from Jones.
This has been an exciting period of action!

Jones drives through and clinches with Barksdale against the cage.
Jones misses with a knee to the head.
Barksdale tries to break the clinch but Jones is controlling the position.
Jones landing knees to the head.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close second round but I would say that Adam Jones will probably get the nod.
Both fighters have cut men working on them during the interval.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business. This is the final round!

Barksdale fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Jones moves in looking to clinch but Barksdale pushes him off.
Jones looks to land a combination. Barksdale sees it coming but can only parry a couple of the shots.
Some wild striking there from Jones.

Jones drives through and clinches with Barksdale against the cage.
With the fighters up against the cage, Barksdale throws an elbow but misses.
Jones lands a shoulder strike.

Barksdale breaks from the clinch.
Barksdale clinches but Jones breaks the clinch
and Jones counters with a one-two to the body.
Jones throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.

Barksdale has closed the distance and engaged Jones in a clinch.
Jones prevents Barksdale from breaking the clinch.

Jones manages to break the clinch.
Jones tries to clinch up but Barksdale circles away and keeps his distance.
Barksdale tries to clinch but Jones is having none of it.

Jones drives through and clinches with Barksdale against the cage.
Barksdale stalling in the clinch but Jones improves position.
Jones lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Barksdale backwards.

Jones manages to break the clinch.
Jones blocks a head kick by Barksdale.

Jones moves into the clinch successfully.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Barksdale throws an elbow but it's blocked.
Barksdale on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
Barksdale is looking to break free of the clinch but Jones has double underhooks.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Barksdale wants to break the clinch but can't.

Jones breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Jones scores with a crisp jab that stopped Barksdale in his tracks.

Jones has managed to clinch.
Jones is pressed up against the cage. Barksdale has hold of a leg and is looking to drag Jones down to the mat. Jones avoids the attempt though and has circled away. We're back to striking at a distance.
Jones fails with the takedown.
No luck for Barksdale with that takedown attempt.
Adam Jones has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Preston Barksdale.

Barksdale rushes Jones and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.
Barksdale fails to pull the fight into his guard.
Jones is trying to break free.
Barksdale is looking to break free of the clinch but Jones has double underhooks.
Barksdale unloads a knee to the mid-section. Jones lets out a prehistoric sounding urrrrgh.
Barksdale trying to land knees to the body.

Barksdale breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.

Jones rushes Barksdale and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.
Barksdale takes a shot to the head.
Barksdale tries to score a body lock takedown but Jones shows good agility there to stay on his feet.
Barksdale tries for a takedown. No joy.
Barksdale misses with an elbow strike.
Barksdale is trying to break free.
Jones goes for a takedown attempt but Barksdale pushes him away and we're back to fighting at a distance.
Danga de danga de dang - Jones scores with a four punch combination!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Jones lands with an overhand left.
Barksdale fails with the takedown

and Jones counters with a shoot takedown into half guard.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for leaving it all in the cage!
Barksdale has hold of Jones's hands but Jones slips his arm to the side and lands an elbow.
Jones is keen to just control but Barksdale is a slippery customer.
Barksdale is looking for a sweep. Jones is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.

Jones escapes and gets back to his feet.
Barksdale tries to grapple but his opponent circles
and Jones counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Jones defending well as Barksdale loads up on a big left hand.
Preston Barksdale has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

Barksdale clinches.

Jones breaks the clinch.
Barksdale fails with the takedown.

Jones clinches with his opponent.
Barksdale is looking to break free of the clinch but Jones has double underhooks.
Barksdale tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.

Barksdale breaks from the clinch.
Jones lets the fists fly and connects with a left straight followed by a right hook.
Jones checks a leg kick.
A combination from Jones does no damage.
Jones stuffs the takedown.

Jones forces Barksdale back against the cage and clinches.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Jones makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
Jones tries to land a knee to the head but Barksdale blocks with his arms.
Barksdale has had enough of the clinch but Jones keeps him there for the moment.

Barksdale manages to pull guard.

Barksdale looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.

Jones decides he's had enough of playing guard and decides to stand. Come on Barksdale, up you get!
Barksdale avoids the body shot from Jones.
Barksdale tries to close the distance and clinch but Jones swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Jones takes a swing at Barksdale's ribcage but misses.
Barksdale misses with a hook.

Barksdale shoots in for a takedown and gets it.
Barksdale frees up his trapped foot and advances to mount.
Jones gets back to half guard.
Jones controlling the position for now.
Jones works his way to full guard. Good work.
Barksdale trying to pass the guard. He's being very persistent here but Jones manages to land a sweep and now he's on top!
Jones is intent on slowing down the pace of the fight, simply looking to control.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Barksdale has a closed guard, preventing Jones from standing up.

Barksdale working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Jones doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Jones manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.
Barksdale looking to control but Jones passes into half guard.
Jones wants to take a breather but Barksdale is having none of it.
Well, if Jones is going to just lie there, perhaps we should talk about what we're having for dinner tonight… I'm having a ham and pineapple pizza… Yum. Can't wait.
Jones seems to have a rather negative gameplan on the ground. He seems keen to just score the takedown and hold down Barksdale for as long as he can get away with.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.

Jones stands up from half guard.
Good standup being displayed there by Jones as he connects with a hook.

And that's the end of the fight!
Adam Jones showed his dominance in that final round.
Well Jones 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 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Lou da Vinci scores the fight 30:27
Judge Anthony Taglia scores the fight 30:27
Judge Joseph Jones scores the fight 30:27

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Adam Jones!