PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Paul Bourque (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Jed Masilungan (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Masilungan comes into a darkened arena with his song building. Dead End kicks in, the lights come on and the crowd goes wild! What a showman! I'm sure you'll be fascinated to know that I was talking to some pointless Z list celebrity before the fight and he thought that Jed Masilungan was going to win. Let's see if he was right.

Bourque
vs
Masilungan

192 cm
27
162 lbs
20 - 0 - 0

178 cm
24
168 lbs
14 - 1 - 0

Decent wrestler
Excellent boxer
KO power

ADCC Champion
Excellent MT
Good gas tank

STEEL PENN'S SKIN SHOP / Money Exchange!

Conviction
Conviction

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 20 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Paul Bourque!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 14 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Jed Masilungan!
The judges for this bout are Edson Gomes, Luis Engracia and Leandro Rodrigues.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Bourque throws a shot from downtown. Masilungan moves away and avoids it.
A big left from Bourque misses.
A clash of legs there as Bourque blocks the low kick.
Bourque throws a series of punches but Masilungan avoids them all with ease.
Bourque throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Masilungan misses the shot to the body.
Masilungan shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Bourque sprawls well. Bourque wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Masilungan gets slowly back to his feet.
Bourque lands a nice shot that snaps Masilungan's head back.
Bourque thows a left - swing and a miss!

That's one minute gone in the round.
No joy there for Bourque, who threw a few shots but didn't land.

Masilungan drives through with a takedown into guard.
Masilungan trying to control the position from guard on top but Bourque is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

Masilungan drops back for a leg! It's a sloppy attempt though and Masilungan jumps back into guard quickly, to retain the dominant position.
Masilungan looking to pass the guard.
Masilungan trying to control the position from guard on top but Bourque is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Masilungan stopping the sweep attempt from Bourque.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Masilungan working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Masilungan working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Masilungan with a flurry of punches that miss.
Bourque keeping full guard, as Masilungan tries to pass.
Masilungan throwing strikes but missing.
Bourque on his back here. We all know that wrestlers don't like being on their back so let's see if Bourque tries to get out of the position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Masilungan looking to pass the guard.
Masilungan is looking to advance position but Bourque has hit a scissor sweep - now he's on top in mount!
Bourque avoids the attempt from Masilungan to control.
Both fighters really going for it on the ground here!
Masilungan tries to reverse the position but Bourque maintains control.
Masilungan is squirming around, avoiding Bourque's attempts to control the action.

Bourque get's back to his feet.
A bone on bone clash there as Bourque blocks the leg kick.

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.
Masilungan shapes like he's going to throw a leg kick but settles back down.
Masilungan displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Bourque throws out the jab.
Bourque takes a thudding leg kick, right into the meat of the thigh.
Bourque scores with a nice looking left hook and follows it up with an uppercut!
Bourque blocks a low kick nicely.
Masilungan looking to throw a kick but he's pulled out of it.
Bourque throws a lazy right hand but Masilungan sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Bourque moves out of range of the body kick from Masilungan.
Masilungan scores with a kick to the midsection.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Paul Bourque dominated that round.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!

Bourque throws a series of strikes that have Masilungan backpedaling.
Bourque really does look like a pencil wearing a pair of gloves. Let's hope he has a gameplan to suit that ridiculous body shape.
Masilungan fails with the takedown.
Bourque swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Bourque connects nicely with a jab. Noted by the judges no doubt.
Bourque throws a hook to the side of Masilungan's head but Masilungan sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Bourque has his front leg slapped to the side - a nice low kick landing there from Masilungan.
Bourque misses with a wild body shot.
That kick from Masilungan tenderised Bourque's leg. Bourque is trying to keep his angry face on.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Masilungan tries for a takedown but Bourque sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Masilungan tries to clinch there but Bourque circles away.
Paul Bourque is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Masilungan slips under a jab.

Masilungan shoots in for a takedown! He's got it and he's managed to land in full mount! That's better than Masilungan was expecting from the takedown attempt, I'm sure!
Bourque holding onto his opponent's waist for dear life, as Masilungan tries to land some strikes to get him to release his grip.
Masilungan throwing shots from mount but they're not landing.
Masilungan wants to control the action but instead Bourque gets a body lock and reverses into Masilungan's guard! Nice work!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Masilungan is on top in guard.
Bourque avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Masilungan lands a couple of digs.
Masilungan trying to control the position from guard on top but Bourque is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Masilungan wants to pass the guard but Bourque is keeping the position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Masilungan throws and elbow that misses. Bourque uses the momentum to reverse the position. He's now in Masilungan's guard. Nice move by Bourque!
Bourque knows he needs to get back to his feet asap. He's simply no match for Masilungan on the ground.
Masilungan managing to control the position.

Bourque stands up from guard. Let's bang!
Masilungan looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Bourque is fending him off so far but Masilungan persists. Nope, Bourque circles away and we're back to standing.
Paul Bourque has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Jed Masilungan.
Masilungan misses with a few strikes there.
Masilungan tries to close the distance and clinch but Bourque swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Masilungan tries to clinch but Bourque is having none of it.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Bourque throws a right hand that Masilungan ducks under and follows up with a left that Masilungan also avoids with ease.
Masilungan lands an overhand left. A wild punch that just about connected.
Masilungan misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.

Masilungan looking to shoot here. He's gone for it and he's landed a takedown into mount! Oh, that's bad for Bourque!
Masilungan tries to control but Bourque wriggling away.
Bourque can't escape the position.
Masilungan controlling from mount.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close second round but Jed Masilungan will probably get the nod - 10:9.
That's time! Bourque's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

Masilungan closes the distance and looks for a trip takedown... aaaand he's got it - Masilungan lands in his opponent's guard.
Masilungan passes Bourque's left leg - he's now in half guard.
Masilungan thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
Masilungan looking to pass the half guard. Not this time.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Masilungan sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Bourque defending well though.
Masilungan not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
Masilungan tries to pass the half guard into mount. Bourque knows what he's doing though and prevents the attempt.
Masilungan is keen to just control but Bourque is a slippery customer.
Still in half guard, Masilungan seems content to control.

Masilungan is trying to work for a kimura but Bourque is defending well.
Masilungan missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Well. There's a bit of a lull in the action here and the crowd are starting to get restless.
Masilungan perhaps working for something from half guard, or maybe not. It looks like he's just sitting there.
Masilungan throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
Masilungan throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.
Masilungan trying to control from half guard but Bourque is working away.
Masilungan throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
Masilungan perhaps working for something from half guard, or maybe not. It looks like he's just sitting there.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
We must be close to a standup if these guys don't pick up the pace.

Masilungan seems to be working for a kimura but Bourque defends the submission attempt.
Masilungan not landing any meaningful shots this time.
Masilungan throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
Masilungan has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
The referee calls for the fighters to work.
Masilungan sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Bourque defending well though.

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.
Masilungan performing his best blanket impression for a moment.
Masilungan works his way into side control.
Bourque is trying to get back to half guard.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Masilungan trying to control the action but Bourque is working from the bottom.
Masilungan lands an elbow.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Jed Masilungan really dominated that round.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

Bourque keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
Bourque throws a jab when Masilungan was well out of range.
A telegraphed right hand from Bourque misses the target.
That kick from Masilungan tenderised Bourque's leg. Bourque is trying to keep his angry face on.
Bourque throws a hook but Masilungan avoids it easily.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Masilungan slips under a jab from Bourque.
Masilungan shoots in looking for a takedown. Bourque tries to sprawl out of it but Masilungan keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Bourque manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Masilungan fakes with a right hand and throws a good leg kick, right into the thigh. That had to hurt Bourque.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Masilungan connects with a high kick.
Masilungan tries a head kick but it misses.
Bourque throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Bourque misses the jab.
Masilungan pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Masilungan throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.

That's two 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.
Masilungan closes the distance and clinches up with Bourque, looking for a takedown. Masilungan pushes Bourque against the cage but Bourque circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Paul Bourque has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Jed Masilungan.
Masilungan lands a beauty of a right hand that gets the crowd cheering.
Masilungan changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Bourque tries to avoid it but Masilungan manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Bourque to the ground. Bourque escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Masilungan ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Bourque moves away.
Masilungan has his hands up protecting his head but a hook from Bourque finds it's way round the side to connect with Masilungan's head.
A solid leg kick lands there for Masilungan.
Bourque lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Masilungan circles away quickly and effectively.
Bourque slaps away a takedown attempt from Masilungan, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Masilungan moves away from the strike by Bourque.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Nice straight punches there by Bourque. You know Roy Jones Jr respects the hands of Bourque.
Both fighters circling a little - Masilungan finishes the exchange with a kick to the body.
Paul Bourque is winning the standup battle so far.
Masilungan walks into a straight right hand from Bourque.
Masilungan lands a nice looking body shot.
Bourque ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Masilungan moves away.
Masilungan defending well as Bourque loads up on a big left hand.
Bourque stooping low to avoid any incoming strikes and then lunges in with an uppercut come cross that lands flush.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Bourque misses with a wild body shot.
Paul Bourque is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Bourque throws a big shot that misses.
Masilungan dives in and grabs Bourque's left leg, looking for a takedown. Bourque pushes down on Masilungan's head and hops out.
Masilungan swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Masilungan throws a body kick but he was well out of range there.
Masilungan tries to close the distance and clinch but Bourque swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Masilungan shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Bourque pinned against the cage. Bourque gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
A telegraphed right hand from Bourque misses the target.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Paul Bourque had his way with Jed Masilungan in that round.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action! Let's hear some noise people - this is the final round!

A big right from Bourque misses.
Masilungan is trying hard to land a takedown here. Bourque sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
Masilungan scoring well with a low kick there.
Bourque stuffs the takedown attempt from Masilungan. Masilungan gets slowly back to his feet.
Bourque circles away from the clinch attempt.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Bourque takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.
A head kick misses from Masilungan.
Masilungan uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Bourque.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Bourque throws an overhand right that lands on Masilungan's shoulder, as Masilungan tries to avoid the shot.
Masilungan misses with a wild combination.
Masilungan shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Bourque pinned against the cage. Bourque gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
Paul Bourque has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Jed Masilungan.
Bourque tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Masilungan was well out of range. Poor timing from Bourque.
Masilungan delivers a nice body kick.

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.
Jab, cross, leg kick. Nice combination by Bourque!
Masilungan shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Bourque pinned against the cage. Bourque gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
Bourque misses with an uppercut.
Masilungan misses with a wild body shot.
Masilungan scores with a spinning back kick!
Bourque checks a leg kick.
Masilungan throws a head kick that connects with a bit of head and a bit of hand.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Bourque avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Bourque dodges the punch combination from Masilungan.
Masilungan shoots in for a double leg but Bourque sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
Masilungan shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Bourque pinned against the cage. Bourque gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
Masilungan looks to score with a jab to the body but Bourque is just out of range.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.
Bourque lands with a cross to side of his opponent's head.
Bourque is really head hunting here, hardly looking to strike to the body at all.
Masilungan tries to score with a leg kick but it misses it's target.
Bourque misses with a double jab

and Masilungan counters with a nice shoot takedown that brings the fighters to the ground.
Masilungan trying to control but Bourque is working from the bottom.
Bourque keeping full guard, as Masilungan tries to pass.

And that's the end of the fight!
That was a close round. You could make an argument for either fighter but I would give it to Paul Bourque.
I think Bourque has won this one but let's see what the judges have to say. 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 Edson Gomes scores the fight 49:46
Judge Luis Engracia scores the fight 49:46
Judge Leandro Rodrigues scores the fight 49:47

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Paul Bourque!
Paul Bourque retains his lightweight title!