PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between Nicholas Thibeau (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Dolores Haze (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Thibeau comes to the cage accompanied by Amazing - Kanye West . Nicholas Thibeau has a significant reach advantage - let's see if he can make it count.

Thibeau
vs
Haze

169 cm
22
135 lbs
2 - 0 - 0

150 cm
18
130 lbs
1 - 0 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Excellent boxer
Big right hand

BJJ Purple Belt
Counter striker
Solid chin

Jerusalem Fight Gear

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the bantamweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 2 - 0 - 0, fighting out of New York, Nicholas Thibeau!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of New York, Dolores Haze!
The judges for this bout are Russell Pearce, Chad Campbell and Lou da Vinci.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Thibeau throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Thibeau connects with a body shot.
Haze takes one on the chin but keeps coming.
Haze keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Haze misses the shot to the body.
Nicholas Thibeau seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
The fighters circling - Thibeau throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Thibeau fails in his attempt to clinch.
Thibeau throws a right and a left that Haze avoids nicely.
Thibeau throws a jab when Haze was well out of range.
Thibeau fails to land with a series of punches.
Thibeau slow jab from Haze misses its intended target.
Haze takes one on the chin but keeps coming.
Haze avoids a punch combination nicely.
Thibeau misses with a body shot.
Thibeau wants to clinch.
Thibeau throws a series of punches but Haze moves out of range.

That's one minute gone in the round.
The fight stays on the outside here - Thibeau looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Thibeau scores with a body shot.
Thibeau looks to land a combination. Haze sees it coming but can only parry a couple of the shots.
Thibeau fails with an attempt to clinch.
Haze uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Thibeau.
Thibeau fails in his attempt to clinch.
Thibeau misses with a jab, cross combination.
Thibeau wants to clinch.
Thibeau tries to clinch up.
Thibeau throws a series of punches but Haze avoids them all with ease.
Haze bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Thibeau scores with a crisp jab that stopped Haze in his tracks.
Thibeau is using his reach advantage well here, landing the more effective single shots from range.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Thibeau lands with a nice combination. Haze backs away looking to recover.
Thibeau misses with a straight right.
A choreographed right hand from Thibeau misses the target.
Thibeau pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Thibeau wants to clinch up but Haze keeps it at a distance.
Thibeau tries to clinch up.
Thibeau tries to clinch but Haze moves out of range.
Thibeau looks to score with a jab to the body but Haze is just out of range.
Thibeau is looking to clinch but Haze is avoiding it.
Haze keeps the fight on the outside.
Thibeau swings for the body but Haze moves out of range.
Thibeau tries to bum rush Haze with a series of wild strikes but Haze uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Thibeau throws a jab but it's blocked by Haze.
Thibeau swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Thibeau ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Haze moves away.
Haze walks into a left hand.
Thibeau is looking to take this fight into the clinch.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Thibeau swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Thibeau is breathing heavily.
Thibeau doesn't manage to clinch there - Haze circles away.
Haze moves out of range as Thibeau strikes.
Haze avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Haze takes a punch to the jaw and another one to the bread basket.
The fight stays on the outside here - Thibeau looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Haze slips a jab and a cross from Thibeau.

Haze clinches up with Thibeau and pushes him back against the cage.
Haze tries to score a body lock takedown but Thibeau shows good agility there to stay on his feet.
Both guys are working to get underhooks.
Thibeau tries to break the clinch but Haze is controlling the position.

Haze pulls Thibeau into guard.

Thibeau avoids a guillotine attempt easily.

Haze looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.
Haze working a defensive guard here.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Haze throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Haze is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move.

Haze is looking for a kimura. It's going to be difficult to finish that from half guard though and Thibeau defends it well.
Haze trying to pass the guard but Thibeau defending well.
Both fighters really going for it on the ground here!
Thibeau keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Haze is working hard to pass the guard. He's done it - he's now in full mount! Trouble for Thibeau!
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Haze wants to take his opponent's back but he's not managed it.

Haze is working on an americana here. Ooh, that looks pretty nasty! Nope, Thibeau has managed to escape the submission attempt.

Haze is in full mount, looking to secure a guillotine but Thibeau is surviving well by controlling Haze's body position as best he can.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Dolores Haze 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.

Thibeau closes the distance but Haze moves to the side

and Haze moves into the clinch.
Haze tries for a takedown. No joy.
Haze can't get the takedown.
Thibeau stops a takedown attempt from Haze.
Nicholas Thibeau has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Dolores Haze.
Thibeau pushes Haze back against the cage and unloads with a body punch.
Both guys are working to get underhooks.
Haze blocks a body shot from Thibeau.
Thibeau can't find room to land a body shot as Haze controls the action.
Haze drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Haze misses with a punch to the body.
Thibeau looking to stall.
Haze tries to pull guard but Thibeau won't allow it.
Haze changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Thibeau fights it off and pushes away nicely.
Thibeau throws a series of punches but Haze moves out of range.
Thibeau closes the distance but Haze moves to the side

and Haze counters with a shoot takedown. Thibeau fights it but they end up in guard.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Haze tries to free his leg and advance position but Thibeau is retaining full guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Haze gets to his feet and steps away from his opponent.
Haze takes a solid shot to the body. That one hurt him but he's trying not to show it.
Danga de danga de dang - Thibeau scores with a four punch combination!
Haze takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
Thibeau wants to clinch but Haze slips to the side

and Haze counters with a nice double leg into guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Thibeau wants to stand up but Haze is controlling him.
Haze trying to control the position from guard on top but Thibeau is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Haze won't allow Thibeau to sweep him here.
Haze passes into half guard.
Thibeau has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Haze is working away from the top position though.
The fighters are battling for position here. Thibeau manages to regain full guard. Nice work.
Thibeau avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Dolores Haze has got the better of the ground game so far.
Haze trying to control the position from guard on top but Thibeau is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Thibeau lands a beautiful switch and he's in full mount! That could spell trouble for Haze!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Thibeau tries to stand up but he's trapped just for the moment.
Haze is desperately trying to improve his position but Thibeau has a good base and remains in mount.
Thibeau tries to control but Haze wriggling away.
Thibeau is trying to stand up but he's being controlled by his opponent.
Haze throwing punches from his back but nothing is landing.
Thibeau is looking to stand but Thibeau has his arms wrapped tightly around him, looking to prevent the damage.
Haze can't escape the position.
Haze is persisting with the attempt to improve his position.
Thibeau trying to control but Haze is having none of it.
Haze wants to control but Thibeau is having none of it.
Haze regains half guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Thibeau tries to stand but his hand is stuck under Haze.
The fighters are battling for position here. Haze manages to regain full guard. Nice work.
Haze has a closed guard, preventing Thibeau from standing up.
Haze tries to strike from the bottom.
Haze looking for a sweep. Not yet Haze, not yet.
Haze manages to land a sweep and now he's in mount on top!

Haze goes for an armbar but Thibeau turns quickly into his guard - lovely anticipation from Thibeau.
Thibeau tries to free his leg and advance position but Haze is retaining full guard.

Haze is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
Haze manages to land a sweep and now he's in mount on top!

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Haze unloads with some shots from mount but Thibeau bucks and avoids them well.
Haze throwing sloppy strikes, which aren't doing any damage.

Haze has hold of Thibeau's left arm, perhaps looking for a submission. The two fighters tussle over control of the isolated limb and Thibeau manages to get his arm back to his side and away from danger.
Thibeau blocking the ground and pound.
Haze lands a nice shot to the head.

Haze working for a submission but Thibeau is keeping him at bay.
Thibeau avoids a series of strikes thrown by Haze.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Thibeau avoids a series of strikes thrown by Haze.

Haze is working on an americana here. Ooh, that looks pretty nasty! Nope, Thibeau has managed to escape the submission attempt.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Haze with shots to the head and body - Thibeau looks very uncomfortable down there.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Dolores Haze showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
That's time! Thibeau's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight. This is the final round!

Thibeau stalks Haze and leaps in with a furious combination of punches. Uppercuts and crosses smash into Haze's face. Haze staggers backwards, shaken.
Thibeau rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Haze moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Thibeau takes a swing at Haze's ribcage but misses.
Thibeau tries to clinch

and Haze counters by clinching up.
Thibeau is trying to slow down the pace of the fight but Haze is keeping busy.
Haze looking for a takedown.
Haze is trying to work for a single leg takedown but Thibeau pulls him back up using the underhooks.

Haze manages to pull guard.
Thibeau has to be careful here, sitting in the guard of a superior BJJ player.
Haze wants to sweep here but Thibeau controlling him for the moment.

Haze looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.
Thibeau wants to stand but Haze is controlling his posture from full guard.
Haze bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Thibeau's guard.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Haze stands and throws Thibeau's legs to the side, diving into side control.
Haze tries to advance to mount but can't.

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

That's one minute gone in the round.
Thibeau wants to get back to his feet.

Haze is looking to finish here, going for an Americana. Thibeau knows the correct defense though, so he's OK.
Thibeau is trying to get back to his feet.
Thibeau tries to bench press Haze off him but Haze keeps the position.

Haze is looking for a kimura. He might have it! No, Thibeau has escaped the position, nice work there.

Haze tries for a kimura but Thibeau is defending well.
Thibeau is trying to escape and get back to his feet.

That's two 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.
Haze controlling the position from side mount.
Thibeau is trying to buck Haze off.

Haze thinks about going for a far side armbar but bails out and retains the dominant position instead.

Haze tries for a kimura. Not really close to a finish though.

Haze wants to work for a kimura but he's foiled early by Thibeau, who protects the arm well.
Thibeau manages to get back to half guard.
Haze trying to control from half guard but Thibeau is working away.
Haze thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Thibeau's head.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Thibeau is looking to escape.
Haze tries to pass to full mount but Thibeau defends it.
Haze stops Thibeau from getting back to his feet.
Haze performing his best blanket impression for a moment.
Thibeau is trying to stand.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Haze circles away from the clinch attempt

and Haze counters by moving into the clinch. Good anticipation by Haze.
Nicholas Thibeau has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Thibeau misses with some punches.
Haze has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Thibeau is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.
Nicholas Thibeau has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Dolores Haze.
Haze blocks a body shot from Thibeau.
Thibeau is leaning against Haze and scores with a nice uppercut to the body.
Haze changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Thibeau fights it off and pushes away nicely.
Haze walks into a left hand.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Haze avoids a punch combination nicely.
Some wild striking there from Thibeau.
Haze circles away from the clinch attempt

and Haze moves into the clinch.
Haze can't get the takedown.
Thibeau is trying to slow down the pace of the fight but Haze is keeping busy.
Thibeau gets underhooks to prevent Haze's takedown attempt.
Thibeau is trying to slow down the pace in the clinch, to catch his breath.
Haze prevents Thibeau from breaking the clinch.
Thibeau misses with a punch on the inside.
Haze prevents Thibeau from breaking the clinch.
Thibeau has a couple of punches blocked by Haze.
Haze keeps control of Thibeau as he tries to wriggle out of the double underhooks.
Thibeau throws a punch but it's blocked by Haze.
Haze looking for a takedown.

Haze jumps guard.
Thibeau is looking to stand up but Haze won't let him.
Haze 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.

And that's the end of the fight!
Dolores Haze comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I've got Haze 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 Russell Pearce scores the fight 27:30
Judge Chad Campbell scores the fight 27:30
Judge Lou da Vinci scores the fight 27:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Dolores Haze!