PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Jeremy Cunnigham (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Leon The Professional (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Cunnigham comes to the cage accompanied by Jeremy. The Professional is bobbing his head along to his entrance song: Chop 'em Down. Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the cage.

Cunnigham
vs
The Professional

179 cm
25
160 lbs
10 - 2 - 0

183 cm
26
161 lbs
13 - 1 - 0

Powerful takedowns
Counter striker
Very quick

BJJ Purple Belt
Good kicks
Granite chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the lightweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 10 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Amsterdam, Jeremy Cunnigham!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 13 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Amsterdam, Leon The Professional!
The judges for this bout are Nard Betker, Aafke Stam and Paulsen Ambrosius.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Ouch! a nice leg kick from The Professional, right into the meat.
The Professional tries to score with a leg kick but it misses it's target.
Cunnigham looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? The Professional is fending him off so far but Cunnigham persists. Nope, The Professional circles away and we're back to standing.
Cunnigham bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
The Professional tries to close the distance and clinch but Cunnigham swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
A telegraphed right hand from Cunnigham misses the target.
The Professional scores with a nice right hand.
Cunnigham throws a big shot that misses.
Cunnigham defending well as The Professional loads up on a big left hand.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
The Professional tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in the close the distance. Cunnigham manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
The Professional looking to throw a kick but he's pulled out of it.

Cunnigham closes the distance, clinches up and gets a nice trip takedown into side control. Very smooth.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Cunnigham is trying to land an Americana. He has the arm isolated but The Professional is keeping cool and he's avoided the danger for now.

Cunnigham is looking to finish here, going for an Americana. The Professional knows the correct defense though, so he's OK.
Cunnigham working the strikes but The Professional uses the opportunity to regain half guard.

Cunnigham seems to be looking for submissions.
The Professional is looking to improve his position.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.

Cunnigham is working for a kimura here but The Professional manages to reverse the position and he's now in Cunnigham's guard.
The Professional trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
The Professional looking to control the position here, rather than advance.
Cunnigham working a defensive guard but The Professional manages to pass into side control anyway.
Cunnigham tries to work a leg under to get back to half guard but The Professional wriggles his own leg back out and remains in side control.
The Professional tries to advance to mount but Cunnigham denies him.
Cunnigham is trying to get back to half guard. He's pushing on The Professional's leg. He's managed it. Nice work.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Cunnigham wants to control but The Professional is keeping busy and won't allow it.
The Professional prevents Cunnigham from improving his position.
Cunnigham moves his hips nicely and gets into full guard.

Cunnigham has his foot on The Professional's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. The Professional works his way back into a safe position though.

Cunnigham throws his legs up looking to secure a triangle. Oh, that looks pretty tight, I gotta say! The Professional escapes and throws Cunnigham's legs to the side, diving into side control!
Cunnigham is looking for a sweep.
The Professional just content to control the position.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Cunnigham is looking to regain half guard here but The Professional keeps moving and retains side control.
Cunnigham manages to get one leg in to regain half guard.

The Professional decides to return to a standing position.
A slapping body kick lands there for The Professional.
Cunnigham shoots in looking for a takedown but The Professional manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Cunnigham's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
The Professional is looking to slow Cunnigham down with leg kicks.
The Professional misses with a straight right.
The Professional connects with a leg kick. He turned his hip over nicely there.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Leon The Professional dominated that round.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business.

The Professional misses with a hook.
Cunnigham shoots in looking for a takedown but The Professional manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Cunnigham's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
The Professional stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and The Professional wants it to stay on the feet.
The Professional tries a head kick but it misses.
Cunnigham throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around The Professional's waist but The Professional gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Cunnigham off to one side.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Jeremy Cunnigham. That's going to take a lot out of him.
The Professional pulls out of a head kick attempt.
The Professional feints with a shoulder and throws a nice leg kick to Cunnigham's calf.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
The Professional throws a low kick but Cunnigham avoids it.
Cunnigham throws an overhand right that lands on The Professional's shoulder, as The Professional tries to avoid the shot.
Cunnigham has his head slapped from side to side by a 3 punch combination. That must have hurt him.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Cunnigham bobs and weaves into range and then changes levels and scores with a nice takedown into side control.
Cunnigham misses with the ground and pound.

Cunnigham working hard here to secure a kimura but he's not really in the right position for it.
Cunnigham trying to control the position but The Professional is working away.

Cunnigham is looking for a kimura. He might have it! No, The Professional has escaped the position, nice work there.
The Professional prevents Cunnigham from moving into mount.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The Professional regains half guard there - taking advantage of Cunnigham's attempt to lay and pray for a moment.
Cunnigham is trying to control the action in half guard but The Professional is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.
Cunnigham throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
The Professional trying to hold on to Cunnigham's head to control him but Cunnigham postures up.
Cunnigham wants to take a breather but The Professional is having none of it.

Cunnigham wants to work for an arm triangle but The Professional is really keeping half guard well and defending the submission attempt.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
The Professional tries to get to full guard but Cunnigham has control of the leg.
Cunnigham throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
Cunnigham wants to lay and pray for a moment but The Professional keeps working.

Cunnigham wants to work for an arm triangle but The Professional is really keeping half guard well and defending the submission attempt.
Cunnigham trying to control the action but The Professional is working from the bottom.

The Professional is defending against the submission attempts here by Cunnigham.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.

Cunnigham is working for submissions here but there's nothing on.
Cunnigham with the ground and pound but The Professional uses the opportunity to regain guard.
Cunnigham loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.

Cunnigham has gone for a leg lock! The Professional slips out almost immediately though and dives into Cunnigham's guard.
The Professional controlling from the guard. I say controlling but really, he's stalling.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close second round but Leon The Professional will probably get the nod - 10:9.
That's time! Back to the action!

The Professional finds nothing but air with that leg kick attempt.
The Professional throws the left hand but Cunnigham avoids the punch easily.
Cunnigham misses with a takedown attempt - The Professional sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
A chopping leg kick lands by The Professional.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
The Professional wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.

Cunnigham shoots in for a takedown and gets it. Oh and he's advanced to full mount straight away.
Cunnigham is stalling here but it's allowed The Professional to get half guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Cunnigham seems to be looking for submissions.
The Professional avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Cunnigham.

Cunnigham is looking for a kimura here.
The Professional is refusing to be controlled, as Cunnigham sits in half guard.
Cunnigham wants to free his trapped foot but The Professional is holding on for dear life with his legs.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.

Cunnigham is looking for a kimura but The Professional is holding onto that half guard position, so it's hard for Cunnigham to get the leverage.
Cunnigham not landing any meaningful shots this time.
The Professional is trying to get back to full guard.
Cunnigham trying to control from The Professional's half guard. The Professional has other ideas though and has regained full guard.
Cunnigham wants to control from the top but The Professional keeps moving.

Cunnigham postures up as if he's going to throw some strikes but drops back for an ankle! The Professional is in big trouble! He looks ready to tap! But no, he's escaped and dives on top of Cunnigham, into his guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

The Professional got a little sloppy there for a moment and Cunnigham has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, The Professional has managed to get both his arms back between Cunnigham's legs - danger averted.
The Professional stays in close to Cunnigham's body and controls the position.

Cunnigham is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and The Professional defends well.
The Professional slows down the pace of the fight, as he sits in guard.

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.
The Professional passes into half guard under a barage of strikes.
Cunnigham is looking to improve his position.
The Professional wants to pass the guard but Cunnigham is defending well.
Cunnigham slips a foot under and gets full guard. Nice work.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
The Professional is intent on slowing down the pace of the fight, simply looking to control.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close third round but Leon The Professional just about did enough to take it.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.

The Professional stuffs the takedown.
The Professional slips in close and lands a nice hook before moving back out of range.
Cunnigham takes a head kick and keeps coming.
Cunnigham loads up on a big right hand but The Professional slips the punch.
The Professional throws a low kick, looking for Cunnigham's leg but Cunnigham calmly moves out of range.
The Professional throws out a leg kick but Cunnigham moves out of range and The Professional only half commits.
The Professional cracks a nice hook into Cunnigham's ribs.
Cunnigham on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by The Professional. The Professional obviously looking to wear him down.
Cunnigham connects with a right hand. The Professional shakes it off.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Cunnigham thows a body shot but no joy.
The Professional dips to his left and cracks Cunnigham with an uppercut!
Cunnigham moves out of range of the body kick from The Professional.
A looping hook to the body misses from Cunnigham. The Professional does a little dance to reset his feet.

Cunnigham throws the overhand right but ducks down into a quick takedown attempt. The Professional was covering up waiting for the punch and Cunnigham finishes the takedown easily into guard.
The Professional keeping full guard, as Cunnigham tries to pass.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
The Professional is trying to keep Cunnigham in close.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Cunnigham thows a big elbow that misses.
Cunnigham trying to control but The Professional is working from the bottom.

Cunnigham drops back looking for a heel hook - he quickly realises he's not going to get it but The Professional manages to dive on top of him before he can escape and now Cunnigham has The Professional in his guard.

Cunnigham is looking for a triangle but The Professional pushes his legs off easily.
The Professional must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.

Cunnigham isolates an arm and boxes in a triangle. The Professional stacks Cunnigham on his neck as he steps over and passes to the side. He's now in a much more dominant position where he can look to do some serious damage. Nice move by The Professional!

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Cunnigham can't do much from the bottom here.
Cunnigham gets back to half guard.

Cunnigham is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but The Professional pulls his head out easily.
The Professional is thwarting Cunnigham's attempts to control the position.
Cunnigham manages to get to full guard.

Cunnigham working for a triangle but The Professional defends it easily.

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.
The Professional seems content to control from guard here. He's going to have to remain active though if he doesn't want to get stood back up.

Cunnigham looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.
The Professional's corner is telling him to maintain position.
Cunnigham is trying to control the position but The Professional postures up.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Leon The Professional dominated that fourth round.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action. This is the final round!

The Professional ducks under a wild hook from Cunnigham.
The Professional throws a series of punches but Cunnigham moves out of range.
The Professional wants to clinch.
The Professional misses with a two punch combination.
Cunnigham tries to score a power double leg takedown but The Professional sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Cunnigham somewhat.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
The Professional misses with a few strikes there.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Cunnigham looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
The Professional scoring well with a low kick there.
The Professional throws a lazy right hand but Cunnigham sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Leon The Professional seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Cunnigham is defended easily by The Professional.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Jeremy Cunnigham. That's going to take a lot out of him.
The Professional fakes with a right hand and throws a good leg kick, right into the thigh. That had to hurt Cunnigham.
The Professional tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Cunnigham paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Cunnigham is hobbling a little on that front leg after taking quite a few leg kicks so far in this fight.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A good leg kick by The Professional.
The Professional misses with a straight left.
Some bone on bone action there as Cunnigham checks a low kick. Luckily it wasn't a particularly hard one.
The Professional scores with a slapping inside leg kick.
The Professional swings and misses with a shot to the body

and Cunnigham counters with a nice shoot takedown that brings the fighters to the ground.
Cunnigham throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Cunnigham controlling from the top position.
The Professional has control of Cunnigham's left arm, preventing Cunnigham from doing any damage.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Cunnigham won't allow The Professional to sweep him here.
Cunnigham stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. The Professional swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Cunnigham looking to sit in guard and control but The Professional gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top.
Cunnigham controlling The Professional's posture.
Cunnigham wants to sweep here but The Professional controlling him for the moment.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A few boos can be heard. I'm sure they will multiply if the fighters don't pick up the pace.

Cunnigham working for submissions but it's allowed The Professional to get to half guard.
Cunnigham trying to control from the bottom.
Leon The Professional is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.

Cunnigham looking for submissions from an awkward position here.
Cunnigham has a hand on The Professional's thigh, trying to get back to full guard. The Professional takes advantage of the position though and mounts him!
The Professional controlling from mount.

And that's the end of the fight!
I would just about give that final round to Leon The Professional.
I've got The Professional 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 5 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Nard Betker scores the fight 45:50
Judge Aafke Stam scores the fight 45:50
Judge Paulsen Ambrosius scores the fight 45:50

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Leon The Professional! Leon The Professional retains his lightweight title!