PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Saso Murko (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Henry Poppy IV (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Saso Murko has the better chin. Will he look to stand and bang today?

Murko
vs
Poppy IV

175 cm
25
210 lbs
2 - 0 - 0

190 cm
21
210 lbs
1 - 1 - 0

Good wrestling
Solid boxing
Granite chin

Good wrestler
Excellent boxer
Powerful

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the light heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 2 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Hilo, Saso Murko!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Hilo, Henry Poppy IV!
The judges for this bout are , and .

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Poppy IV misses with a jab to the body
enabling Murko to counter with a crisp jab.
Poppy IV uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Murko.
Murko wants to clinch up but Poppy IV keeps it at a distance.
Poppy IV misses with a left hand
and he gets countered with a snapping leg kick.
Poppy IV tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Murko was well out of range. Poor timing from Poppy IV.
Murko wants to clinch but Poppy IV slips to the side
and Poppy IV makes him pay by landing a nice hook to the body before moving out of range.
Poppy IV misses with a looping right.
Poppy IV misses with the combination.
Poppy IV throws a lazy uppercut

and Murko counters into the clinch. Nicely done.
Murko has Poppy IV pressed against the cage.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Murko.
Murko scores with a hook to the body.
Poppy IV wants to break free. God knows he wants to breaaaak freeee.
Murko prevents Poppy IV from breaking the clinch.
Murko is trying to slow down the pace in the clinch, to catch his breath.
Murko lands a hook to the side of the head.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Murko throws a head punch that misses.
Stalling in the clinch from Murko.
Murko lands a left hand.
Poppy IV misses with a punch to the body.
Murko blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Poppy IV wants to break free but Murko has control.
Poppy IV fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Poppy IV has had enough of the clinch and is looking to separate.
Murko works for underhooks and lands a body shot in the process.
Murko content to slow the pace in the clinch.
Murko is looking to control Poppy IV's arms but Poppy IV gets an underhook and turns him. Now Murko has his back to the cage.
Maybe Murko would be better served going for some more strikes rather than trying to control so much.
Murko is working Poppy IV over against the cage.
Murko keeps the fight in the clinch, despite Poppy IV's efforts to push away.
Poppy IV wants to break the clinch but can't.
Poppy IV misses with a punch on the inside.
Murko lands a hook to the body. It's hard to tell if that hurt Poppy IV or not.
Poppy IV tries to pull guard but Murko won't allow it.
Murko lands a nice looking hook to the body, against the cage.
Poppy IV misses with a body punch.
Murko lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Poppy IV backwards.
Murko swings wildly with an uppercut but Poppy IV uses good head movement to avoid it.
Nice body punch from Murko - that landed with a thud.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Come on Murko - let's have some action - none of this stalling nonsense.
Poppy IV tries to pull guard but Murko holds him up against the cage and eventually Poppy IV drops back down to his feet.
Murko presses Poppy IV against the cage and delivers a mid-strength body shot.
Poppy IV working hard to break the clinch.
Murko lands on the inside with an uppercut.
Murko dictating the pace here, as the fighters clinch against the cage.
A right hand to the body from Murko.
Murko scores with a nice hook to the head.
Stalling in the clinch from Murko.
Poppy IV struggles to land a body shot inside as Murko controls his hands.
Murko is struggling to control the position.
Murko lands a right hand.
Poppy IV wants to get back to striking at distance but Murko won't allow it.
Poppy IV swings wildly with an uppercut but Murko uses good head movement to avoid it.
Murko working aggressively here.
A bit of stalling here from Murko.
Poppy IV working hard to break the clinch.
Murko lands a body punch - he's looking to wear down Poppy IV.
Poppy IV looks like he'd prefer to be striking at range right now.
Murko misses with a punch to the body.
Murko is trying to maintain a safe position but Poppy IV gets an underhook and turns Murko into the cage.
Murko scores with a hook to the body.
Murko keeps control of Poppy IV as he tries to wriggle out of the double underhooks.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Murko blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Poppy IV working aggressively here.
Poppy IV goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Good anti-grappling being displayed by Poppy IV as Murko tries to tie him up.
Murko works for underhooks and lands a body shot in the process.
Poppy IV misses with the head strike.
Murko lands with a right to the head.
Murko lands a hook that snaps the head of Poppy IV backwards.
Murko stays in close to his opponent and throws a right hand to the body.
Poppy IV working hard to break the clinch.
Nice body punch from Murko - that landed with a thud.
Murko lands a right hand.
Murko keeps the fight in the clinch, despite Poppy IV's efforts to push away.
Poppy IV looks gassed!
Murko blocks an uppercut.
Murko is stalling here. The referee will be looking to step in if he doesn't pick up the pace.
Poppy IV trying to stall but Murko improves his position.
Murko tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Poppy IV's elbow.
Poppy IV is trying to force a seperation but Murko has the dominant position.
Murko pressing his opponent against the cage.
A short right from Murko.
Murko digs a right hand into Poppy IV's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Poppy IV's gas tank.
Poppy IV can't break the clinch.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Murko digs a right hand underneath Poppy IV's ribcage. Poppy IV let out a lung full of air as it connected.
Poppy IV blocks an uppercut.
Murko lands with a short head shot on the inside.
Murko dictating the pace here, as the fighters clinch against the cage.
Murko works for underhooks and lands a body shot in the process.
Poppy IV misses with some punches.
Murko cracks Poppy IV with a nice body shot.
Murko is working Poppy IV over against the cage.

Poppy IV breaks from the clinch.
Murko buckles his opponent's knee momentarily with a nice leg kick.
Poppy IV misses with a right hand
and Murko counters with a shot to the ribs. That looked like it hurt.
Poppy IV avoids the body shot from Murko.
Poppy IV misses with a shot to the body

and Murko holds on and brings the fighters into a clinch.
Poppy IV wants to get back to striking at distance but Murko won't allow it.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Murko lands a right hand.
Poppy IV jumps guard but his hands slip and he falls flat on his back. Well, he's made himself look a right mug there, as Murko walks away with a smile on his face. Poppy IV gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head.
Saso Murko has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Henry Poppy IV.
Poppy IV moves out of range of the strikes.
Murko throws out a loose jab but Poppy IV uses good head movement to avoid it.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Poppy IV keeps the fight on the outside.
Poppy IV lands a jab to the nose.
Poppy IV swings widly with a right hand

and Murko counters by moving into the clinch. Good anticipation by Murko.
Poppy IV wants to get back to striking at distance but Murko won't allow it.
Murko lands a body punch in the clinch.
Poppy IV can't find room to land a body shot as Murko controls the action.
Poppy IV tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Murko misses with some punches.
Poppy IV lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Murko backwards.
Poppy IV is trying to break the clinch but Murko has him pressed against the cage.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Murko.
Poppy IV working hard to break the clinch.
Murko lands a body punch in the clinch.
A body shot lands from Murko.
A short left from Murko.
Murko lands a shot to the body.
Murko scores with a hook to the body.
Good body shot from Murko.
Murko lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Poppy IV backwards.
Poppy IV is breathing heavily.
Murko works on Poppy IV's body with a couple of short punches.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Murko.
An uppercut to the body lands inside from Poppy IV.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Poppy IV tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Murko swings wildly with an uppercut but Poppy IV uses good head movement to avoid it.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Good anti-grappling being displayed by Poppy IV as Murko tries to tie him up.
Poppy IV blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Poppy IV can't break the clinch.
Murko has a couple of punches blocked by Poppy IV.
Poppy IV throws a punch but it's blocked by Murko.
Murko stalling the fight.
A body shot lands from Murko.
Poppy IV misses with a body punch.
A body shot lands from Murko.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Murko.
Poppy IV takes a shot to the head.
Stalling in the clinch from Murko.
A short uppercut from Murko.
Murko works on Poppy IV's body with a couple of short punches.
Murko blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Murko lands an uppercut.
Poppy IV is trying to break the clinch but Murko is controlling him.
Poppy IV struggles to land a body shot inside as Murko controls his hands.
Murko throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Poppy IVs head.
Murko scores with a hook to the body.
A battle for position here, against the cage.
Murko lands a body punch.
Poppy IV throws a head punch that misses.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A left hand lands to the body for Murko.
The pace really dropping off here, momentarily.
Saso Murko has scored more points in the clinch so far.
Poppy IV is trying to break the clinch but Murko is controlling him.
Poppy IV's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Murko prevents Poppy IV from breaking the clinch.
Murko lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
Murko works on Poppy IV's body with a couple of short punches.
Murko cracks Poppy IV with a nice body shot.
Murko lands with a short punch from the clinch.
Both guys are working to get underhooks.
Murko lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Poppy IV backwards.
The pace really dropping off here, momentarily.
Poppy IV blocks an uppercut.
Poppy IV tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Poppy IV has had enough of the clinch and is looking to separate.
Murko lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
A short body shot lands from Murko as the two fighters clinch.
Poppy IV can't find room to land a body shot as Murko controls the action.
Murko misses with the head strike.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Poppy IV throws a punch but it's blocked by Murko.
Murko makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
Murko misses with a punch on the inside.
Poppy IV is trying to push Murko away but Murko has him pressed against the cage, so he's going nowhere.
Murko is working hard here but doesn't seem to be able to control effectively, up against the cage.
Poppy IV wants to break free. God knows he wants to breaaaak freeee.
Murko lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
Poppy IV struggles to land a body shot inside as Murko controls his hands.
Some stalling of biblical proportions here from Murko.
Poppy IV has had enough of the clinch but Murko keeps him there for the moment.
Murko slows down the pace here.
Murko is looking to control Poppy IV's arms but Poppy IV gets an underhook and turns him. Now Murko has his back to the cage.
Murko stalling in the clinch.
The ref breaks the fighters up, due to lack of action by Saso Murko.
Murko staying out of range there.
Poppy IV tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Murko was well out of range. Poor timing from Poppy IV.
Poppy IV misses the body punch
and Murko counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Murko throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Poppy IV sees it coming and avoids it easily.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A looping hook to the body misses from Poppy IV. Murko does a little dance to reset his feet.
Henry Poppy IV seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Poppy IV swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Murko connects with a solid leg kick.
Poppy IV misses with a body shot.

Murko takes the fight into the clinch.
Poppy IV tries to break the clinch but Murko is controlling the position.
Murko lands with a right to the head.
Murko prevents a body shot from Poppy IV.
Poppy IV tries to circle away but Murko has him pinned against the cage.
Poppy IV is trying to break the clinch but Murko is controlling him.
Murko is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Poppy IV can do to turn this around?
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Poppy IV blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Poppy IV throws a punch but it's blocked by Murko.
Murko holding his opponent close, against the cage.
A hook to the body from Murko.
Poppy IV is trying to break the clinch but Murko has him pressed against the cage.
Murko taking a break, stalling in the clinch.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Saso Murko dominated that second round.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action! This is the final round!

Poppy IV swings wildly with a couple of big hooks
and Murko connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Poppy IV is throwing a lot of body shots here, looking to wear down Murko rather than just go for the knockout.
Murko misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Poppy IV.
Poppy IV misses with a lunging right hand
and Murko connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
A swing and a miss from Poppy IV.
Poppy IV fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Murko manages to avoid it.
Poppy IV misses with a jab to the body
and Murko counters with a low kick, right behind Poppy IV 's knee.
Poppy IV throws an off balance right hand
and Murko counters with a stiff right hand.
Poppy IV swings wildly with a couple of big hooks
and Murko counters with a right hand to the body.
Poppy IV misses with a wild body shot.
Murko uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Poppy IV.
Poppy IV lands a nice shot to the body.
Poppy IV connects nicely with a jab. Noted by the judges no doubt.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Murko shuffles to his left behind two crisp jabs. Poppy IV eats them both and turns towards Murko to reposition himself and eats a stinging right hand-left hook combo.
Murko tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Poppy IV was well out of range. Poor timing from Murko.
Poppy IV throws an ugly left hook that misses
and Murko counters with a nice body shot.
Murko throws a lazy uppercut
and Poppy IV counters nicely by changing levels and landing a hook to the body.
Poppy IV ducks down and throws a hook to the body.
Murko misses the body punch
and Poppy IV counters with a nice jab to the body that keeps Murko thinking.
Murko throws a big shot that misses.
Poppy IV keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Poppy IV misses with a body punch
and Murko counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Murko misses the shot to the body.
Saso Murko is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Sloppy strikes from Poppy IV. Those never looked like landing.
Poppy IV ducks under a wild hook from Murko.
Murko tries to clinch but Poppy IV moves out of range.
Poppy IV missing with a left hand there. Murko was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Murko lands with a thumping leg kick.
Poppy IV misses with a telegraphed body shot
and Murko cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Poppy IV connects with a slap. Keep your fist closed son.
Murko uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Poppy IV.
Poppy IV takes a swing at Murko's ribcage but misses.
Poppy IV ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Murko moves away.
Murko fakes a head punch and goes low to the body. Nicely done.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Poppy IV takes a jab on the nose. He smiles like he loves it and keeps coming.
Poppy IV scores with a three punch combo!
Murko fakes a jab and scores with a low kick.
Poppy IV misses with a hook to the body

and Murko counters by moving into the clinch.
Murko is trying to slow down the pace of the fight but Poppy IV is keeping busy.
Poppy IV looks like he'd prefer to be striking at range right now.
Poppy IV doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Poppy IV wants to push off and get back to the center of the mat but Murko has him pressed against the cage.
Murko goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Poppy IV wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.
Murko misses with a punch to the body.
Poppy IV tries to throw a body punch but Murko avoids it by throwing Poppy IV back against the cage.
Poppy IV can't find room to land a body shot as Murko controls the action.
Murko lands a hook to the body. It's hard to tell if that hurt Poppy IV or not.
A right hook to the body lands for Murko.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Poppy IV is trying to force a seperation but Murko has the dominant position.
Poppy IV tries to break free but Murko pushes him back against the cage.
Nice body punch from Murko.
Poppy IV wants to break free but Murko has control.
Poppy IV tries to circle away but Murko has him pinned against the cage.
Poppy IV has had enough of the clinch and is looking to separate.
A short body shot lands from Murko as the two fighters clinch.
Poppy IV is looking to break free of the clinch but Murko has double underhooks.
A right handed body shot lands from Murko.
An uppercut to the body lands inside from Murko.
Murko blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Poppy IV struggles to land a body shot inside as Murko controls his hands.
Poppy IV takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Murko tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Poppy IV tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
A frustrated look appears on Poppy IV's face as he tries to break the clinch.
Murko stalling in the clinch.
Poppy IV can't find room to land a body shot as Murko controls the action.
Henry Poppy IV has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Poppy IV doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Murko working some nice short punches in the clinch.

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 Saso Murko.
Well Murko has outscored his opponent in every aspect of the fight today. Only a scarily incompetent judge or two will keep him from a well deserved win... 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 Andi Peters scores the fight 30:27
Judge Gordon Ramsey scores the fight 30:27
Judge Frank Skinner scores the fight 29:28

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Saso Murko!