PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Rocky Balbacoa (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Harrison Copeland (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Balbacoa
vs
Copeland

192 cm
18
200 lbs
1 - 3 - 0

201 cm
18
200 lbs
1 - 0 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Good in bed

BJJ Blue Belt
Basic striking
Solid chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the light heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 1 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Sydney, Rocky Balbacoa!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Sydney, Harrison Copeland!
The judges for this bout are Donatello Bradman, John Mangel and Hugh Johnson.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Copeland shoots in for a takedown but Balbacoa shows good takedown defense.
Copeland closes the distance and clinches up with Balbacoa, looking for a takedown. Copeland pushes Balbacoa against the cage but Balbacoa circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Copeland shoots in but no luck this time.
Rocky Balbacoa has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Harrison Copeland.
Copeland closes the distance and clinches up with Balbacoa, looking for a takedown. Copeland pushes Balbacoa against the cage but Balbacoa circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Copeland is a painfully thin specimen of a man. You do wonder whether a good body kick would snap him clean in two.
Balbacoa shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Copeland defends it nicely.
A good leg kick by Copeland.
Nice sprawl there from Balbacoa as Copeland shoots in.

Copeland closes the distance and clinches.
Balbacoa throws an elbow but it's blocked.
Balbacoa blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.
Copeland lands an elbow that stopped Balbacoa in his tracks for a moment.
Balbacoa fails to pull the fight into his guard.
Balbacoa blocks an elbow strike.
Balbacoa is trying to slow down the pace of the fight but Copeland is keeping busy.
Copeland connects with a knee to the head.
Copeland tries to land a knee to the head but Balbacoa blocks with his arms.
Balbacoa tries for a takedown but Copeland manages to get underhooks.
Copeland lands a nice knee to the body.
Copeland landing knees to the head.
Copeland misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Balbacoa.
Copeland lands an elbow inside that Balbacoa shrugs off.
Copeland tries to land knees in the clinch but Balbacoa avoids the damage to the body.
Balbacoa is looking for a takedown up against the cage. Copeland gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Copeland keeps control of Balbacoa as he tries to wriggle out of the double underhooks.
Nice elbow from Copeland.
Balbacoa is breathing heavily.
Copeland crunches a lovely knee into Balbacoa's ribcage.
Copeland tries a knee to the head but he's missed.
Kneeeeees! The crowd are calling for knees to the body. Copeland obliges.
Knees in the clinch landing for Copeland.
Copeland misses with a knee to the head.
Balbacoa tries to circle away but Copeland has him pinned against the cage.
Copeland comes over the top with an elbow. That landed flush.

Balbacoa pulls guard successfully.
Balbacoa looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Balbacoa managing to control the position.

Copeland stands up from guard. Let's bang!

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Copeland clinches up against the cage.
Balbacoa misses with a hook from the clinch.
Copeland lands a nice knee to the body.
Copeland landing knees to the head.
Copeland creates a bit of space for himself and sneaks an elbow through Balbacoa's defenses.
Copeland connects with a nasty looking knee right to Balbacoa's face.
Balbacoa takes a knee to the side of the body.
Copeland lands a damaging elbow.
Balbacoa blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.
Copeland misses with a knee strike.
Copeland misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Balbacoa.
The pace really dropping off here, momentarily.
Copeland lands a knee to the body.
Copeland lands a knee to the body.
Copeland tries a knee to the head but Balbacoa blocks it.
Balbacoa trying to stall but Copeland improves his position.
Copeland connects with a knee to the head.

Balbacoa breaks the clinch.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Balbacoa misses with a wild combination.
Copeland misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
Balbacoa shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Copeland but Copeland pushes him off and we're back to square one.

Copeland closes the distance and clinches.
Balbacoa fails to pull the fight into his guard.
Copeland scores a nice knee to the body.
Copeland lands a nice elbow.
Copeland utilising his Muay Thai to score with a knee to the body.
Copeland scores with a knee to the head.
Balbacoa tries for a takedown but Copeland manages to get underhooks.
Copeland lands an elbow inside that Balbacoa shrugs off.
Copeland prevents Balbacoa from breaking the clinch.
Copeland connects with a knee to the head.
Copeland with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.
Balbacoa misses with some punches.
Copeland working Balbacoa over with knees to the body.
Copeland unloads a knee to the mid-section.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Copeland creates a bit of space for himself and sneaks an elbow through Balbacoa's defenses.
Balbacoa takes an elbow to the temple.
Copeland misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Balbacoa.
Copeland gets underhooks to prevent Balbacoa's takedown attempt.
Balbacoa is working for takedown but Copeland is calmly controlling the position for now.
Balbacoa is working for a takedown up against the cage. He can't get it on this occasion though.
Copeland landing knees to the head.
Copeland trying to land knees to the body.
Copeland blocking some punches.
Copeland unloads a knee to the mid-section.
Copeland landing knees to the body. They look like they could hurt.
Copeland tries a knee to the head but he's missed.
Copeland connects with a nasty looking knee right to Balbacoa's face.
Copeland lands a glancing elbow in the clinch.
Copeland gets underhooks to prevent Balbacoa's takedown attempt.
Copeland unloads a knee to the mid-section. Balbacoa lets out a prehistoric sounding urrrrgh.
Copeland misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Balbacoa.
Copeland working Balbacoa over with knees to the body.
Copeland landing knees to the head.
Copeland lands a knee to the body.
Copeland misses with a knee strike.
Copeland blocking some punches.
Balbacoa takes an elbow to the temple.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Harrison Copeland dominated that round.
That's time! Back to the action!

Nice sprawl there from Copeland as Balbacoa shoots in.

Copeland takes the fight into the clinch.
Copeland landing knees to the head.
Balbacoa has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Copeland is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.
Copeland putting his Muay Thai to good use. He has Balbacoa in a tight clinch and is doing some damage with knees to the body.
Balbacoa takes an elbow to the forehead.
Copeland lands a nice elbow.
Balbacoa takes an elbow to the temple.
Knees in the clinch landing for Copeland.
Copeland lands a knee to the body.
Copeland connects with a nasty looking knee right to Balbacoa's face.
Copeland lands an elbow inside.
Copeland with the Thai clinch, lands a knee to the head.
Copeland missing with knees to the body.
Copeland is trying to wear down his opponent with knees to the body.
Copeland comes over the top with an elbow. That landed flush.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Copeland putting his Muay Thai to good use. He has Balbacoa in a tight clinch and is doing some damage with knees to the body.
Balbacoa makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
Balbacoa on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
Balbacoa is trying to work out of this bad position, with his back against the cage.
Nice elbow from Copeland.
Copeland putting his Muay Thai to good use. He has Balbacoa in a tight clinch and is doing some damage with knees to the body.
Copeland putting his Muay Thai to good use. He has Balbacoa in a tight clinch and is doing some damage with knees to the body.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Copeland with a knee to the head.
Copeland has Balbacoa pressed against the cage, preventing Balbacoa from circling away and getting back to striking at range.
Copeland putting his Muay Thai to good use. He has Balbacoa in a tight clinch and is doing some damage with knees to the body.
Copeland throws a knee to the head but misses.
Balbacoa avoiding damage as Copeland throws knees to the body.
Balbacoa is trying to work for a single leg takedown but Copeland pulls him back up using the underhooks.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Rocky Balbacoa. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Copeland using the Thai clinch to land knees to the body.

Balbacoa pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.

Balbacoa gets caught on his heels momentarily as he allows Copeland to score an easy takedown into full guard.
Balbacoa working a defensive guard here.
Balbacoa 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.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Balbacoa trying to punch from his back but it's not doing any damage.

Copeland decides he's had enough of playing guard and decides to stand. Come on Balbacoa, up you get!

Copeland clinches with his opponent.
Copeland utilising his Muay Thai to score with a knee to the body.
Copeland connects with a nasty looking knee right to Balbacoa's face.
Balbacoa looks like he'd prefer to be striking at range right now.
Copeland lands an elbow that stopped Balbacoa in his tracks for a moment.
Copeland misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Balbacoa.
Copeland tries to land a knee to the head but misses.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Balbacoa tightens his grip and picks Copeland up, before dumping him to the ground. Copeland manages to land in guard.
Balbacoa trying to control the position from guard on top but Copeland is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Balbacoa throws and elbow that misses. Copeland uses the momentum to reverse the position. He's now in Balbacoa's guard. Nice move by Copeland!
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Copeland gets to his feet - Balbacoa follows without any prompting.
A solid leg kick lands there for Copeland.

Copeland rushes Balbacoa and presses him up against the cage.
Knees in the clinch landing for Copeland.
Copeland lands a knee to the head.
Nice elbow from Copeland.
Copeland keeps the fight in the clinch, despite Balbacoa's efforts to push away.
Balbacoa takes a knee to the side of the body.
Balbacoa on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
Copeland misses with a knee to the head.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Harrison Copeland showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
That's time! Back to the action! This is the final round!

Balbacoa throws a series of punches but Copeland avoids them all with ease.
Copeland tries to clinch but Balbacoa is having none of it.
Nice takedown defense from Balbacoa. No joy for Copeland on that attempt.
Copeland misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.

Balbacoa drives through with a takedown into guard.

Copeland pushes Balbacoa off for just long enough to get back to his feet. Very athletic spring there.
Copeland tries to clinch up.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.

Copeland has taken the fight to the clinch.
Balbacoa trying to control the position but instead, Copeland has worked for underhooks and has pushed Balbacoa into the cage.
Copeland lands a good knee to the midsection. Balbacoa won't want to take too many of those.
Copeland trying to land knees to the body.
Balbacoa tries to pull guard but Copeland won't allow it.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Balbacoa avoiding damage as Copeland throws knees to the body.
Copeland tries a knee to the head but Balbacoa blocks it.
Balbacoa is looking for a takedown up against the cage. Copeland gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.
Copeland lands a knee to the head there! That was nasty!
Balbacoa changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Copeland fights it off and pushes away nicely.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Rocky Balbacoa. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Copeland gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily

and Balbacoa holds on and brings the fighters into a clinch.
Copeland tries to land knees in the clinch but Balbacoa avoids the damage to the body.
Copeland gets an overhook and lands an elbow to the side of the head.
Balbacoa avoiding damage as Copeland throws knees to the body.
Copeland trying to land knees to the body.
Copeland throws an elbow that misses.
Balbacoa has Copeland pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Copeland manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.
Copeland connects with a nasty looking knee right to Balbacoa's face.
Balbacoa tries to stall but Copeland uses the opportunity to gain a better position.
Balbacoa throws a head punch that misses.
Copeland utilising his Muay Thai to score with a knee to the body.
Copeland missing with knees to the body.
Balbacoa content to slow the pace in the clinch.
Balbacoa blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.
Copeland connects with a knee to the head.

That's two 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.
Balbacoa avoiding damage as Copeland throws knees to the body.
Copeland throws an elbow but it's blocked.
Copeland lands an elbow that stopped Balbacoa in his tracks for a moment.
Balbacoa is trying to break the clinch but Copeland has him pressed against the cage.
Balbacoa takes a knee right on the jaw!
Copeland using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Balbacoa has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
Copeland lands a good knee to the midsection. Balbacoa won't want to take too many of those.
Copeland tries a knee to the head but Balbacoa blocks it.

Balbacoa's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.

Copeland tries to keep at a distance but Balbacoa has taken the fight into the clinch.
Balbacoa trying to land knees to the body.
Copeland landing knees to the body.
A knee to the head by Copeland.
Copeland trying to land knees to the body.
Copeland lands a nice elbow.
Copeland has Balbacoa pressed against the cage, preventing Balbacoa from circling away and getting back to striking at range.
Copeland lands a nice elbow from the clinch.
Balbacoa looking for a takedown.
Copeland is trying to wear down his opponent with knees to the body.
Copeland gets an overhook and lands an elbow to the side of the head.
Copeland tries to land a knee to the head but Balbacoa blocks with his arms.
Copeland putting his Muay Thai to good use. He has Balbacoa in a tight clinch and is doing some damage with knees to the body.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Balbacoa takes an elbow to the forehead.
A knee to the head by Copeland.
Copeland is trying to wear down his opponent with knees to the body.
Copeland gets an overhook and lands an elbow to the side of the head.
Balbacoa takes an elbow to the forehead.
Copeland unloads a knee to the mid-section. Balbacoa lets out a prehistoric sounding urrrrgh.
Balbacoa wants to push off and get back to the center of the mat but Copeland has him pressed against the cage.
Copeland utilising his Muay Thai to score with a knee to the body.
Balbacoa wants to break free but Copeland has control.
Copeland is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Balbacoa is defending well for now.
Balbacoa is trying to work out of this bad position, with his back against the cage.
Nice elbow from Copeland.
Copeland is trying to wear down his opponent with knees to the body.
Copeland lands an elbow that stopped Balbacoa in his tracks for a moment.
Balbacoa avoiding damage as Copeland throws knees to the body.
A real battle for position is taking place between these two warriors.
Balbacoa takes a knee to the side of the body.
Balbacoa avoiding damage as Copeland throws knees to the body.
Copeland tries a knee to the head but he's missed.
Balbacoa is trying to break the clinch but Copeland has him pressed against the cage.
Copeland landing knees to the body.
Copeland misses with a knee to the head.
A frustrated look appears on Balbacoa's face as he tries to break the clinch.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are hurling abuse towards the fighters... You can hardly blame them though because there isn't a lot going on in the fight.
Copeland gets an overhook and lands an elbow to the side of the head.
Balbacoa has hold of a leg and is looking for a trip takedown. Copeland avoids it nicely though and we remain in the clinch.
Copeland gets an overhook and lands an elbow to the side of the head.
Copeland's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
Copeland putting his Muay Thai to good use. He has Balbacoa in a tight clinch and is doing some damage with knees to the body.
Balbacoa jumps guard but his hands slip and he falls flat on his back. Well, he's made himself look a right mug there, as Copeland walks away with a smile on his face. Balbacoa gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head.
Balbacoa tries to close the distance and clinch up but Copeland swats him away and circles back towards the center.

Copeland darts in and clinches Balbacoa up against the cage.
Balbacoa jumps guard but Copeland stands there with Balbacoa around his waist. Balbacoa gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch.
Copeland lands a knee to the body.
Copeland is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Balbacoa is defending well for now.
Copeland landing knees to the head.
Copeland looking to throw knees to the head but Balbacoa is blocking nicely.
Balbacoa blocks the elbow strike.
Balbacoa fails to pull guard.
Rocky Balbacoa has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Copeland trying to land knees to the body.
Copeland lands a damaging elbow.
With the fighters up against the cage, Balbacoa throws an elbow but misses.
Balbacoa takes an elbow to the forehead.
Copeland lands a glancing elbow in the clinch.
Copeland missing with knees to the body.
A body shot lands from Balbacoa.

And that's the end of the fight!
I would just about give that final round to Harrison Copeland.
I've got Copeland 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 Donatello Bradman scores the fight 27:30
Judge John Mangel scores the fight 27:30
Judge Hugh Johnson scores the fight 27:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Harrison Copeland!