PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Matthieu Benoit (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Duke LaCrosse (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Matthieu Benoit could well score a knockout today. He has the power to get to Duke LaCrosse's chin.

Benoit
vs
LaCrosse

185 cm
24
193 lbs
13 - 5 - 1

184 cm
24
202 lbs
15 - 8 - 0

Abu Dhabi Champ
World class boxer
Cardio machine

Good wrestler
World class boxer
Good gas tank

Hades ®

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the middleweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 13 - 5 - 1, fighting out of New York, Matthieu Benoit!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 15 - 8 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Duke LaCrosse!
The judges for this bout are Daniel Franklin, Stewart Dunkirk and Alan Glass.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Benoit fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Benoit explodes with a nice body kick and back out of range. Nice work.
Benoit misses with a right hand

and LaCrosse counters with a nice double leg into half guard.
LaCrosse trying to mount his opponent but Benoit defends it.
The referee calls for the fighters to work.
Benoit manages to get to full guard.
Benoit wants to sweep here but LaCrosse controlling him for the moment.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Benoit had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. LaCrosse defends it easily.

Benoit is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. LaCrosse is aware though and is defending well.
Benoit keeping moving, preventing LaCrosse from controlling successfully.
LaCrosse postures up.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.
Benoit pulls LaCrosse in close to his closed guard and prevents LaCrosse from doing any damage or advancing position.
LaCrosse with a flurry of punches that miss.
Benoit looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Benoit working a defensive guard here.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
LaCrosse wants to pass the guard but Benoit is keeping the position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Benoit is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move.
Benoit sitting and controlling from the half guard.

Benoit seems to be looking for submissions.
Benoit not doing much here.
Benoit thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed LaCrosse's head.

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.
Benoit missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
LaCrosse wants to improve his position but Benoit is controlling well.
Benoit seems content to maintain position for now, rather than mounting any offense.

Benoit is trying for a guillotine from the top but the pressure isn't in the right place so LaCrosse is just riding it out for now. Benoit eventually gives up the hold.

LaCrosse is defending against the submission attempts here by Benoit.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close round but I would say that Matthieu Benoit will probably get the nod.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!

LaCrosse gets cracked there but stands up to it.
Benoit swings widly with a right hand

and LaCrosse counters with a nice single leg takedown and he's in Benoit's guard now.
Benoit looking to sweep using the butterfly guard but LaCrosse puts pay to that idea as he passes nicely into half guard.
Benoit is looking to improve his position.
LaCrosse stalling.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Benoit is concentrating on defense, preventing LaCrosse from advancing position.
Benoit trying to control from the bottom.
LaCrosse looking to pass the half guard. Not this time.
Benoit moves into full guard.

Benoit looking for submissions from the bottom but instead LaCrosse passes into side control.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.
LaCrosse connects with a decent looking elbow from side control that caused Benoit some visible discomfort.
LaCrosse is looking to take a break and control but Benoit is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Benoit is looking for a sweep.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Benoit holds on to LaCrosse's head and controls the position momentarily.
LaCrosse misses with a strike but at least he's keeping busy, looking to cause some damage - that will still help him when it comes to the judges scorecards.
Benoit is trying to get back to half guard. He's pushing on LaCrosse's leg. He's managed it. Nice work.
Benoit blocking the ground and pound attempt from LaCrosse.
LaCrosse is just sitting in half guard, waiting for something to happen.

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.
Benoit trying to control but LaCrosse postures up.
LaCrosse moves nicely into side control.
Benoit can't do much from the bottom here.
LaCrosse scores with a couple of short elbows.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Duke LaCrosse showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action.

A nice leg kick lands there from LaCrosse.
LaCrosse ducks under a wild hook from Benoit.
Benoit throws an off balance right hand
and Benoit takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Benoit misses with an uppercut
and LaCrosse counters with a leg kick.
Benoit misses with a hook
and LaCrosse counters with a body kick.
LaCrosse defending well as Benoit loads up on a big left hand.
Nice defenses there by Benoit.
Benoit scores with a big left there. The judges will like that one.
LaCrosse is looking to clinch.
Benoit lands a glancing blow to the side of LaCrosse's head.

It looks like Duke LaCrosse has been cut.
Benoit throws a good cross that connects.
Benoit swings and misses with a shot to the body
and LaCrosse counters with a slapping leg kick.
Benoit throws a lazy right hand but LaCrosse sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.

That's one minute gone in the round.
LaCrosse lands with a hook. Benoit tried to avoid it but it clipped the top of his head.
A big right from Benoit misses.
Benoit thows a left - swing and a miss!
Benoit throws a lazy uppercut
and LaCrosse counters with a shot to the ribs. That looked like it hurt.
A nice leg kick lands there from LaCrosse.
LaCrosse cracks Benoit with a good shot that sees him stumbling back into the cage.
Benoit misses with a hook.
Nice sprawl there from LaCrosse as Benoit shoots in.
LaCrosse keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Benoit is looking to clinch.
Benoit lands with a straight right. LaCrosse didn't see that one coming.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
LaCrosse looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.
Benoit avoids the head kick by LaCrosse.
LaCrosse throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
LaCrosse uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Benoit.
LaCrosse lands a nice looking body kick.
Benoit throws an off balance right hand
and LaCrosse counters with a leg kick.
Benoit throws an ugly left hook that misses
and LaCrosse counters with a flying knee. Nice.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
LaCrosse avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Matthieu Benoit seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Benoit misses with a right hand
and LaCrosse counters with a good low kick that Benoit was not able to check.
Benoit rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
and LaCrosse counters with an inside leg kick.
Benoit misses with an attempted mid kick.
Duke LaCrosse seems to be getting the better of the standup.

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

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Benoit is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. LaCrosse is defending well for now.
LaCrosse prevents Benoit from breaking the clinch.
LaCrosse trying to land knees to the body.
LaCrosse comes over the top with an elbow. That landed flush.

It looks like Matthieu Benoit has been cut.
LaCrosse throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Benoits head.
Benoit lands a nice shot to the body.
Benoit fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Benoit misses with a shot to the kidneys.
LaCrosse is trying to wear down his opponent with knees to the body.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
LaCrosse throws a punch but it's blocked by Benoit.
Benoit misses with a hook to the ribs.
A right handed body shot lands from Benoit.
A right hook to the body lands for LaCrosse.
LaCrosse lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
Benoit swings away with an uppercut that misses.
LaCrosse putting his Muay Thai to good use. He has Benoit in a tight clinch and is doing some damage with knees to the body.
Benoit wants to break the clinch but can't.
A shot in the inside from Benoit.
LaCrosse throws a knee to the head but misses.
A body shot lands from LaCrosse.
LaCrosse lands a shoulder strike.
A short body shot lands from LaCrosse as the two fighters clinch.
LaCrosse presses Benoit against the cage and delivers a mid-strength body shot.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
LaCrosse lands a hook to the body. It's hard to tell if that hurt Benoit or not.
A nice left hand lands by LaCrosse.
LaCrosse lands a hook that snaps the head of Benoit backwards.
A left hand lands to the body for LaCrosse.
LaCrosse lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
A short right hand to the side of the head by LaCrosse.
Knees in the clinch landing for LaCrosse.
LaCrosse lands a shoulder strike.
LaCrosse comes over the top with an elbow. That landed flush.
Benoit tries to pull guard but LaCrosse holds him up against the cage and eventually Benoit drops back down to his feet.
LaCrosse works on Benoit's body with a couple of short punches.
LaCrosse lands a nice uppercut.
Benoit trying to land knees to the body.
Benoit is trying to force a seperation but LaCrosse has the dominant position.
LaCrosse lands a right hand.
LaCrosse lands a nice uppercut.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
A body shot lands from LaCrosse.
LaCrosse lands an elbow just above Benoit 's eye.
LaCrosse throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Benoits head.
A nice left hand lands by LaCrosse.
A right hand to the body from LaCrosse.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Duke LaCrosse really dominated that round.
Both fighters have cut men working on them during the interval.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!

LaCrosse connects with a leg kick. He turned his hip over nicely there.
Benoit shoots in but doesn't get the takedown
and LaCrosse counters with a body kick that brings a smile to the face of both fighters.
Benoit misses with an uppercut

and LaCrosse counters by moving into the clinch.
LaCrosse tries to land knees in the clinch but Benoit avoids the damage to the body.
Benoit tries to work over LaCrosse's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
An uppercut to the body lands inside from Benoit.
LaCrosse throws a nice elbow but it doesn't land.
LaCrosse blocks a punch to the side of the head.
The fighters are pressed against the cage, as the pace of the fight slows.
Benoit is hobbling a little on that front leg after taking quite a few leg kicks so far in this fight.
Benoit blocks an uppercut.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for LaCrosse.
Benoit misses with an elbow strike.
Duke LaCrosse seems to be working more effectively in the clinch in the fight so far.
LaCrosse fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Both guys are working to get underhooks.
A head punch on the inside from LaCrosse fails to land.
Benoit misses with a shot to the kidneys.

That's one minute gone in the round.
LaCrosse misses with a punch to the body.
LaCrosse on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
Benoit lands a body punch.
LaCrosse digs a right hand into Benoit's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Benoit's gas tank.
Benoit fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Benoit avoids a wild elbow strike from LaCrosse.
A left hand lands to the body for Benoit.
LaCrosse lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Benoit backwards.

Benoit breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Benoit swings widly with a right hand
and LaCrosse counters with a good low kick that Benoit was not able to check.
LaCrosse looks to score with a jab to the body but Benoit is just out of range.
A telegraphed right hand from Benoit misses the target.
Benoit throws a lazy uppercut
and LaCrosse counters with a body kick that stops Benoit in his tracks momentarily.
Benoit walks straight into a jab right on the nose. That one stung - he's blinking and trying to clear his head.
Benoit misses with a right hand
and LaCrosse counters with an outside leg kick.
Benoit throws a leg kick
and LaCrosse counters with a good low kick that Benoit was not able to check.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The fighters circling - Benoit throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Benoit swings and misses with a shot to the body
and LaCrosse counters with a left and a right that stings Benoit.
Benoit misses with a hook
and LaCrosse counters with a low kick, right behind Benoit 's knee.
A swing and a miss from Benoit.
LaCrosse connects with a solid leg kick.
LaCrosse shakes his hands off, looking to compose himself, but takes a jab to the jaw whilst he does it.
Benoit throws an ugly left hook that misses
and LaCrosse makes him pay by landing a thudding low kick.
Benoit misses with an uppercut
and LaCrosse counters with a thumping low kick.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
LaCrosse throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Benoit connects with a body shot that sends LaCrosse's belly button to the back.
Benoit throws a hook but LaCrosse avoids it easily.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
LaCrosse tries to close the distance and clinch but Benoit swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Benoit takes a swing at LaCrosse's ribcage but misses.
Benoit throws a combination that misses
and LaCrosse counters with a stiff right hand.
Benoit swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Benoit throws a right hand that misses
and LaCrosse makes him pay by landing a thudding low kick.
LaCrosse throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
LaCrosse tries to score with an inside leg kick but telegraphs it and Benoit is able to avoid easily.
Benoit on the wrong end of a nice low kick. He's acting like it's no big deal but he doesn't want to take many more of those.
LaCrosse moves out of range as Benoit throws a body kick.
Benoit misses with a jab, cross combination.
Benoit throws a poor cross that misses
and LaCrosse cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
LaCrosse scores with a leg kick.
A low kick from LaCrosse is predictable there
and Benoit counters with a left to the body.
LaCrosse is absolutely dripping with sweat - he looks exhausted.
Benoit misses with a body shot
and LaCrosse counters with a nice uppercut.
LaCrosse blocks the body kick.

Benoit closes the distance and scores a nice trip takedown into half guard. LaCrosse did well to prevent Benoit getting side control.
Benoit is working hard to pass the guard. He's done it - he's now in full mount! Trouble for LaCrosse!
Benoit lands a nice shot to the head.
LaCrosse working to try and regain half guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Benoit looking to control but LaCrosse is working nicely, looking to advance position himself.
LaCrosse's corner are shouting for him to stand up but that's bad cornering - how is he meant to stand up when he's mounted? He should be looking to improve his position on the ground before trying to stand back up.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close fourth round but Duke LaCrosse will probably get the nod - 10:9.
Both fighters have cut men working on them during the interval.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin! This is the final round!

Benoit throws an off balance right hand
and LaCrosse counters with a nice body shot.
Benoit fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but LaCrosse avoids it really well and circles away.
Benoit misses with an uppercut. LaCrosse saw that one coming.
Benoit throws out a loose jab but LaCrosse uses good head movement to avoid it.
Benoit shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. LaCrosse defends it nicely.
Benoit circles away from the clinch attempt.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Benoit swings widly with a right hand

and LaCrosse holds on and brings the fighters into a clinch.
Benoit blocks a punch to the side of the head.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Benoit blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
LaCrosse doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
A body shot lands from LaCrosse.
With the fighters up against the cage, LaCrosse throws an elbow but misses.
LaCrosse throws a punch but it's blocked by Benoit.
Benoit jumps guard but his hands slip and he falls flat on his back. Well, he's made himself look a right mug there, as LaCrosse walks away with a smile on his face. Benoit gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Matthieu Benoit. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Benoit scores with a jab.
Benoit looks to land a left hand but LaCrosse moved out of range nicely.
Benoit throws a lazy uppercut
and LaCrosse counters with a leg kick.
An inside leg kick from LaCrosse misses.
Benoit looks to score with a jab to the body but LaCrosse is just out of range.
Benoit throws a right hand that misses
and LaCrosse counters with a good low kick that Benoit was not able to check.
LaCrosse takes a kick to the body and keeps moving.
LaCrosse is wobbling all over the place through exhaustion. Will he make it to the final bell?
Benoit tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in the close the distance. LaCrosse manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Benoit ducks down and throws a hook to the body but LaCrosse moves away.
Benoit is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by LaCrosse.
Benoit misses with a shot to the body
and LaCrosse counters with an outside leg kick.
LaCrosse feints with a shoulder and throws a nice leg kick to Benoit's calf.
Benoit throws a push kick but LaCrosse slaps the foot to one side.
Duke LaCrosse is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
LaCrosse throws a leg kick that is checked
and Benoit counters with a nice leg kick.
Benoit throws an off balance right hand
and LaCrosse counters with a head kick. That will keep Benoit thinking before he tries any more sloppy attacks!
Benoit lands a leg kick and bounces back out of range.
Benoit tries to clinch up but LaCrosse circles away and keeps his distance.
Benoit looks to throw the jab but LaCrosse is out of range.
Benoit fails with the takedown.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

LaCrosse drives through and clinches with Benoit against the cage.
Benoit swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Benoit tries to pull guard but LaCrosse won't allow it.

Benoit breaks the clinch.
Benoit lands with a cross.
Benoit connects with a lovely right hand, straight down the pipe.
LaCrosse uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Benoit.

Benoit is looking for a takedown here. He's shot in and has managed to get it, finishing up in LaCrosse's half guard.
LaCrosse is refusing to be controlled, as Benoit sits in half guard.

Benoit is looking for a kimura but he's never going to get it from there.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
LaCrosse taking some punishment here, with Benoit in his half guard.
Matthieu Benoit has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Benoit passes to full mount!

Benoit swings around for an armbar but it's a sloppy attempt and LaCrosse is now in Benoit's guard. A big mistake from Benoit there, giving up the dominant position!
LaCrosse trying to control the position from guard on top but Benoit is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

And that's the end of the fight!
Matthieu Benoit showed his dominance in that final round.
Well LaCrosse has outworked and out performed his opponent in all aspects of the game today. He was simply too good and the decision should be no more than a formality. 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 Daniel Franklin scores the fight 47:48
Judge Stewart Dunkirk scores the fight 46:49
Judge Alan Glass scores the fight 47:48

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Duke LaCrosse!
Duke LaCrosse is the new middleweight champion!