PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Big Mel Manhoef (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Matt Ryan (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Matt Ryan is the more experienced fighter, so let's see if that makes a difference tonight.

Mel Manhoef
vs
Ryan

188 cm
21
260 lbs
1 - 0 - 0

195 cm
19
265 lbs
3 - 0 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Dangerous knees
Granite chin

Decent wrestler
Brawler
Enjoys gardening

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of London, Big Mel Manhoef!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 3 - 0 - 0, fighting out of London, Matt Ryan!
The judges for this bout are James Ackerman, Chris Edwards and Steven Brown.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Manhoef throws a sloppy head kick and Ryan moves out of range easily.
Manhoef tries to clinch up but Ryan circles away and keeps his distance.

Ryan forces Manhoef back against the cage and clinches.
Manhoef tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Ryan avoids it.
Manhoef using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Ryan has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
Manhoef with the Thai clinch, lands a knee to the head.
Manhoef using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Ryan has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
Manhoef tries to land a knee to the head but misses.

Ryan ties up his opponent against the cage and manages to drag the fight down to the ground. Ryan no doubt will be looking to work submissions from his guard.
Manhoef pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Ryan is keeping the position for now.
Manhoef prevents Ryan from getting back to his feet.
Manhoef would like to get this fight back to the feet but can't get free from the closed guard.
Manhoef postures up.
Manhoef is looking to stand up but Ryan won't let him.
Manhoef is fighting to break Ryan's control of his arms but Ryan is doing a good job of controlling the position at the moment.

OK we're going to have a standup here. Matt Ryan hasn't been effective enough on the ground and the referee wants a restart.
Ryan throws a wild combination but nothing lands.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Manhoef moves into range and clinches up with Ryan.

Ryan breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Manhoef throws a head kick that connects with a bit of head and a bit of hand.
Ryan shoots for a double leg takedown but Manhoef sprawls well. He's pushed Ryan's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Manhoef throws a head kick that half lands.
Ryan shoots in for a double leg but Manhoef sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
Ryan attempts a leg kick but it's missed by a good margin.
A head kick misses from Manhoef.
Manhoef tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Ryan keeps the fight on the outside.
Manhoef is looking to clinch but Ryan is avoiding it.

The fight moves into the clinch position.
Ryan tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.
Big Mel Manhoef has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Matt Ryan.

Ryan has managed to pull guard. Let's see whether he can work an aggressive guard. It will also be interesting to see what tactics Manhoef uses from the top position.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Ryan keeping full guard, as Manhoef tries to pass.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Manhoef is frustrating his opponent with some stalling tactics from top position.
Manhoef wants to control from the top but Ryan keeps moving.
Ryan looking for a sweep. Not yet Ryan, not yet.

Manhoef gets to his feet. Ryan looking to butt scoot but the ref puts an end to that. On your feet son!
Ryan tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Manhoef swivels and escapes.
Manhoef thumps Ryan with a low kick.
Manhoef scores with a kick to the body.
Ryan looks gassed!
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.

Manhoef gets in close and instigates a clinch.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Ryan looking for a takedown.
Manhoef stops a takedown attempt from Ryan.
Manhoef working Ryan over with knees to the body.
Manhoef using the Thai clinch to land knees to the body.
The fans in attendance giving it up for the two fighters, who have really let it all hang out in the last minute or so!
Manhoef connects with a nasty looking knee right to Ryan's face.
Manhoef with the Thai clinch, lands a knee to the head.
Manhoef with a knee to the head.
Manhoef connects with a nasty looking knee right to Ryan's face.
Manhoef with a knee to the head.
Manhoef lands a knee to the head.
Knees in the clinch landing for Manhoef.
Manhoef landing some nice looking knees to the body.
Manhoef with a knee to the head.
Manhoef tries to land a knee to the head but Ryan blocks with his arms.
Manhoef tries to land a knee to the head but misses.

Ryan manages to pull guard. Let's see whether he can land a sub off his back.
Ryan has a closed guard, preventing Manhoef from standing up.
Manhoef trying to control the position from guard on top but Ryan is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Manhoef stops Ryan from standing up.
Ryan pulls Manhoef in close to his closed guard and prevents Manhoef from doing any damage or advancing position.
Manhoef stays in close to Ryan's body and controls the position.

The ref stands the fighters back up. Big Mel Manhoef wasn't doing enough on the ground.
Manhoef closes the distance but Ryan moves to the side

and Ryan counters with a nice single leg takedown and he's in Manhoef's guard now.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Manhoef is looking to stand up but Ryan isn't so interested in that idea.
Manhoef has his hands on Ryan's head, controlling the position.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Ryan looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
Manhoef throws a sloppy head kick and Ryan moves out of range easily.
Manhoef throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Ryan misses the shot to the body.

Manhoef moves into the clinch.
Manhoef tries a knee to the head but Ryan blocks it.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Ryan tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.
Manhoef utilising his Muay Thai to score with a knee to the body.
Manhoef using the Thai clinch to land knees to the body.
Manhoef unloads a knee to the mid-section.
Manhoef unloads a knee to the mid-section.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Manhoef landing knees to the head.
Manhoef with a knee to the head.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Manhoef landing knees to the body. They look like they could hurt.
Manhoef lands a nice knee to the body.
Manhoef with the Thai clinch, lands a knee to the head.
Manhoef tries to land knees in the clinch but Ryan avoids the damage to the body.
Ryan tries to score a body lock takedown but Manhoef shows good agility there to stay on his feet.
Big Mel Manhoef has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Matt Ryan.
Ryan wants a takedown.
Manhoef lands a knee to the head there! That was nasty!
Manhoef with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.

Ryan decides to pull guard.
Manhoef looking to control the position here, rather than advance.
Ryan is avoiding any damage by keeping wrist control.

Ryan working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Manhoef doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Manhoef manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Manhoef stands and throws Ryan's legs to the side, diving into side control.

Manhoef decides to stand up, so the ref orders Ryan to his feet.
Manhoef throws a head kick that half lands.
Manhoef thumps Ryan with a low kick.
Manhoef throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
A decent looking body kick lands there for Manhoef.
Manhoef throws a quick head kick that skims the top of Ryan's head.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Manhoef goes for a high kick. It partially lands.
An inside leg kick lands from Manhoef.
Manhoef lands with a kick to the temple. Ryan shrugs as if to say "is that all you've got?"
Manhoef tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in the close the distance. Ryan manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Ouch! a nice leg kick from Manhoef, right into the meat.

Manhoef fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Ryan, pushing him back against the cage.
Manhoef looking to throw knees to the head but Ryan is blocking nicely.
Ryan has Manhoef pushed against the cage.
Manhoef lands a good knee to the midsection. Ryan won't want to take too many of those.
Manhoef landing knees to the head.
Knees in the clinch landing for Manhoef.
A knee to the head by Manhoef.
Manhoef unloads a knee to the mid-section.
Ryan jumps guard but Manhoef stands there with Ryan around his waist. Ryan gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch.
Manhoef connects with a nasty looking knee right to Ryan's face.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Manhoef tries to land a knee to the head but misses.
Ryan tries for a takedown. No joy.
Manhoef landing knees to the head.
Manhoef gets underhooks to prevent Ryan's takedown attempt.
Manhoef connects with a nasty looking knee right to Ryan's face.
Ryan tries to pull guard but can't drag his opponent to the mat. Manhoef just stands there and leans against the cage.
Manhoef using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Ryan has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
Manhoef misses with a knee to the head.
Ryan wants a takedown but no success here.
Manhoef working Ryan over with knees to the body.
Manhoef lands a knee to the head.
Manhoef landing knees to the body.
Ryan fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Ryan avoiding damage as Manhoef throws knees to the body.
Ryan is looking for a takedown up against the cage. Manhoef gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.
Manhoef working Ryan over with knees to the body.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Manhoef crunches a lovely knee into Ryan's ribcage.
Manhoef tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Ryan avoids it.
Manhoef missing with knees to the body.
Ryan manages to get underhooks and slows down the pace for a moment.
Manhoef prevents the takedown attempt.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Big Mel Manhoef dominated that second round.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business. This is the final round!

Manhoef lands a head kick. Ryan smiles back at him and beckons him forward.
Ryan keeps the fight on the outside.
Manhoef throws a mid kick that lands with a slap.
Ryan misses with a wild body shot.

Manhoef rushes Ryan and presses him up against the cage.
Ryan jumps guard but his hands slip and he falls flat on his back. Well, he's made himself look a right mug there, as Manhoef walks away with a smile on his face. Ryan gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head.
Ryan shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Manhoef as he avoids it easily.
Manhoef is looking to slow Ryan down with leg kicks.
Manhoef throws a head kick that half lands.
Ryan walks forward, straight into a front kick from Manhoef.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Manhoef fails in his attempt to clinch.
Manhoef goes for a high kick. It partially lands.
Manhoef is looking to clinch.
Big Mel Manhoef is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Manhoef pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Manhoef tries to clinch up but Ryan circles away and keeps his distance.
Manhoef lands with a nice body kick.
Manhoef fakes a jab and scores with a low kick.
Ryan blocks a head kick by Manhoef.

Manhoef closes the distance and clinches.
Manhoef tries to land a knee to the head but Ryan blocks with his arms.
Manhoef scores with a knee to the head.
Manhoef with the Thai clinch, lands a knee to the head.
Manhoef lands a knee to the head.
Ryan blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.
Ryan tries to jump guard but he falls flat on his backside. Manhoef smiles and moves away.
Big Mel Manhoef has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Matt Ryan.
Manhoef stuffs the takedown.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Manhoef scores with a head kick. Ryan tried to block it but didn't get his arm up in time.
Big Mel Manhoef is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Manhoef misses with a head kick.
Nice sprawl there from Manhoef as Ryan shoots in.
Ryan takes a head kick and shrugs it off.
Big Mel Manhoef is winning the standup battle so far.
Manhoef keeps the fight on the outside.
Manhoef lands a kick to the ribs of his opponent. Nice work there - in and out in a flash.
A kick lands to the mid section there for Manhoef.
Manhoef throws a body kick that sends a sickening thudding noise reverberating around the arena.
Manhoef lands a nice leg kick that just misses Ryan's sensitive parts.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Ryan swats away the attempt to clinch by Manhoef.
Manhoef lands with a slapping head kick.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Manhoef stuffs the takedown.
Manhoef tries to close the distance and clinch but Ryan swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.

The fight moves into the clinch position.
Ryan has developed a nice purple lump on his ribcage, as a result of some heavy body kicks from Manhoef.
Manhoef lands a good knee to the midsection. Ryan won't want to take too many of those.
Manhoef landing some nice looking knees to the body.
Manhoef lands a knee to the head there! That was nasty!
Manhoef landing knees to the body.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Manhoef lands a knee to the body.
Manhoef connects with a nasty looking knee right to Ryan's face.
Manhoef with an attempt at a knee that misses.
Manhoef using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Ryan has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
Manhoef misses with a knee to the head.
Manhoef prevents the takedown attempt.
Manhoef misses with a knee to the head.

Ryan jumps into guard, dragging Manhoef to the mat.
Manhoef tries to free his leg and advance position but Ryan is retaining full guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Manhoef tries to stand but Ryan is controlling from the bottom.

Ryan has butterfly guard. He's looking to stand up here. He pushes Manhoef off him and springs to his feet nicely. The crowd applauds.
Big Mel Manhoef is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Ryan darts in trying to clinch
and Manhoef makes the exchange count by landing a cracking kick to the body. Ryan really felt that one!
Ryan throws a lazy body kick
and Manhoef counters with an inside leg kick.
Manhoef throws a nice head kick!
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Manhoef lands with a kick to the temple. Ryan shrugs as if to say "is that all you've got?"
Manhoef throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Matt Ryan has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Manhoef throws a head kick that misses.

And that's the end of the fight!
Big Mel Manhoef showed his dominance in that final round.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Manhoef, 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 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge James Ackerman scores the fight 30:27
Judge Chris Edwards scores the fight 30:25
Judge Steven Brown scores the fight 30:25

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Big Mel Manhoef!