PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between Brian Peppers (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and John Simons III (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). I can't wait for this one - let's get the fighter introductions out of the way and get this one started!

Peppers
vs
Simons III

150 cm
26
144 lbs
17 - 4 - 0

172 cm
29
143 lbs
20 - 11 - 1

Good wrestling
World class MT
KO power

ADCC Champion
Excellent boxer
Granite chin

Hellbent, Inc.™

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the bantamweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 17 - 4 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Brian Peppers!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 20 - 11 - 1, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, John Simons III!
The judges for this bout are Felipe Paraventi, Paulo Santos and Daniel Cesar.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Simons III misses with a takedown
and Peppers makes him pay by landing a thudding low kick.
Simons III tries to clinch but fails miserably
and Peppers counters with a leg kick.
A solid body kick from Peppers.
Simons III misses with a takedown attempt
and Peppers connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Simons III has his head slapped from side to side by a 3 punch combination. That must have hurt him.
Peppers misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Peppers fakes the leg kick and cracks Simons III in the body.
Peppers wants to clinch up but Simons III keeps it at a distance.
Simons III shoots in for a takedown but Peppers shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Brian Peppers has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of John Simons III.
Simons III tries to clinch but fails miserably
enabling Peppers to counter with a crisp jab.
Peppers thumps Simons III with a low kick.
Simons III shoots in for a takedown but Peppers shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Simons III looks gassed!
Peppers throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Simons III with a poor takedown

and Peppers moves into the clinch.
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!
Peppers lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
A nice glancing elbow lands by Peppers.

It looks like John Simons III has been cut.
Peppers lands an elbow inside that Simons III shrugs off.
Peppers lands a body shot.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Good body shot from Peppers.
Some stalling of biblical proportions here from Peppers.
A short right from Peppers on the inside.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Peppers.
Simons III tries to score a body lock takedown but Peppers shows good agility there to stay on his feet.
Peppers tries a knee to the head but Simons III blocks it.
Peppers lands a right hand that snaps the head of Simons III backwards.
Peppers missing with knees to the body.
Peppers lands with a short punch from the clinch.
Peppers stalls.
Peppers lands a body punch - he's looking to wear down Simons III.
Peppers tries to land a knee to the head but Simons III blocks with his arms.
Simons III tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.
Peppers is trying to wear down his opponent with knees to the body.
A nice left hand lands by Peppers.
Peppers lands a left hand that snaps the head of Simons III backwards.
Peppers pushes Simons III back against the cage and unloads with a body punch.
Peppers scores with a shoulder strike.
Peppers misses with a knee strike.
Peppers lands a shoulder strike.
Kneeeeees! The crowd are calling for knees to the body. Peppers obliges.
Peppers looking to slow down the pace here.
Peppers prevents a takedown attempt there.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Peppers landing knees to the body. They look like they could hurt.
Peppers lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Simons III backwards.
Still in the clinch, Peppers scores with a nice short uppercut.
Simons III tries to pull guard but Peppers won't allow it.
A bit of stalling here from Peppers.
Peppers working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
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!
Peppers lands a body punch - he's looking to wear down Simons III.
Peppers lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
Peppers lands a left hand.
Peppers lands a right hand that snaps the head of Simons III backwards.
Come on Peppers - let's have some action - none of this stalling nonsense.
Simons III tries to jump guard but he falls flat on his backside. Peppers smiles and moves away.
Peppers fakes a head shot and lands one to the body.
The crowd cheers as Peppers lands an impressive looking overhand right. Simons III doesn't seem phased though.
Simons III fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Peppers tries a head kick but it misses.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Nice cross by Peppers.

Peppers gets in close and instigates a clinch.
Simons III tries to pull guard but Peppers won't allow it.
A shot in the inside from Peppers.
Simons III jumps guard but Peppers stands there with Simons III around his waist. Simons III gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch.
Peppers lands with a left to the head.
Peppers managing to block the knees to the body from Simons III.
Peppers tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
A right hook to the body lands for Peppers.

Peppers breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Jab from Peppers.
Peppers scores with a jab to the head.
Simons III shoots in and drives through. Peppers sprawls well.
Peppers closes the distance and lands a one-two.
Simons III takes one on the button.
Peppers connects with an inside leg kick.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Peppers lands a nice looking body shot.
Brian Peppers is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Peppers moves into range and lands a nice body kick.

Peppers rushes Simons III and presses him up against the cage.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
A nice right hand lands inside from Peppers.
Peppers gets through Simons III's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
Peppers misses with a knee to the head.
A right hand to the body from Peppers.

Peppers breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Peppers connects with an inside leg kick.
Ooooh, nice body kick lands from Peppers. Simons III shrugs it off though.

Peppers closes the distance and clinches.
Peppers gets an overhook and lands an elbow to the side of the head.
Peppers missing with knees to the body.
Simons III fails to pull the fight into his guard.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Peppers using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Simons III has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
A right hook to the body lands for Peppers.
Simons III tries to jump guard but he falls flat on his backside. Peppers smiles and moves away.

Peppers fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Simons III, pushing him back against the cage.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Brian Peppers dominated that round.
The cut man is working on John Simons III's cut.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business.

Peppers smiles there as he lands a nice right hand right on the button.

Peppers gets caught on his heels momentarily as he allows Simons III to score an easy takedown into full guard.
Simons III wants to control from the top but Peppers keeps moving.
Simons III stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Peppers swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Peppers is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.

Simons III postures up as if he's going to throw some strikes but drops back for an ankle! Peppers is in big trouble! He looks ready to tap! But no, he's escaped and dives on top of Simons III, into his guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Simons III is breathing heavily.
Peppers preventing the sweep.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Peppers trying to control but Simons III is working from the bottom.

Simons III has his foot on Peppers's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Peppers works his way back into a safe position though.

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

Simons III looking for a guillotine here but Peppers defends easily.

Peppers decides he's had enough of playing guard and decides to stand. Come on Simons III, up you get!
Brian Peppers is winning the standup battle so far.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are getting on the fighters' backs, as the pace has dropped off in the last minute or so.
Peppers scores with a sloppy punch to the body. Not much technique there but it did the business.
Peppers thumps Simons III with a low kick.

Peppers gets in close and instigates a clinch.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Peppers.
Peppers lands a right hand that snaps the head of Simons III backwards.
Simons III cracks Peppers with a nice body shot.
Peppers scores with a hook to the body.
Peppers lands with a left to the head.
Peppers is struggling to control the position.

Peppers breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Simons III wants to clinch but Peppers slips to the side
and Peppers cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Peppers scores with a leg kick.
Peppers throws a quick inside leg kick.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Peppers tries to close the distance and clinch but Simons III swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Simons III doesn't succeed with the takedown

and Peppers counters by moving into the clinch.
Simons III throws an elbow that misses.
Simons III fails to pull guard.

Peppers breaks from the clinch.
Simons III shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Peppers defends it nicely.
Brian Peppers has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of John Simons III.
Simons III keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Simons III gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily
and Peppers counters with a left to the body.

The fight moves into the clinch position.
Peppers is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Simons III can do to turn this around?
The pace slowing considerably in the clinch, as Peppers takes a break from that fighting nonsense to think about the finer things in life.
Peppers with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Simons III tries to pull guard but Peppers holds him up against the cage and eventually Simons III drops back down to his feet.
Peppers cracks Simons III with a nice body shot.
A nice left hand lands by Peppers.
Simons III fails to pull the fight into his guard.
Peppers lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Simons III backwards.
Peppers lands a shoulder strike.
Peppers lands an uppercut.
Peppers working aggressively here.
Simons III tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.
Simons III lands a hook to the body. It's hard to tell if that hurt Peppers or not.
Peppers lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Simons III backwards.
Peppers gets double underhooks to prevent a takedown attempt from Simons III.
Peppers prevents the takedown attempt.
Peppers leaning his opponent against the cage.
Peppers lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
Peppers with an attempt at a knee that misses.
Peppers works for underhooks and lands a body shot in the process.
Peppers digs a right hand into Simons III's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Simons III's gas tank.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Brian Peppers dominated that second round.
The cut man is working on John Simons III's cut.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!

Peppers throws a nice inside leg kick.
Peppers lands a jab followed by a nice looking cross.
Peppers misses with an uppercut.
Peppers throws a head kick but Simons III moves out of range.
Simons III shoots in but doesn't get the takedown
and Peppers counters with a nice low kick that buckles Simons III's knee momentarily.
Peppers fails in his attempt to clinch.
Simons III misses with a double jab
and Peppers counters with a thumping low kick.
A solid leg kick lands there for Peppers.
A nice inside leg kick there by Peppers. That's going to slow Simons III down.

Peppers drives through and clinches with Simons III against the cage.
Peppers makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
Simons III takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Peppers lands with a light punch inside.
Peppers pushes Simons III back against the cage and unloads with a body punch.
Peppers gets an overhook and lands an elbow to the side of the head.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Peppers stalling here - the referee won't stand for too much of that.
Simons III avoids a wild elbow strike from Peppers.
Peppers throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Simons III blocks it with crossed arms.
A short right from Peppers.
Simons III tries to pull guard but Peppers won't allow it.
Simons III drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Brian Peppers has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of John Simons III.
Peppers misses with an elbow over the top.
Peppers lands a body shot.
Some stalling of biblical proportions here from Peppers.
Peppers landing knees to the head.
Peppers lands a knee to the body.
Peppers slowing the pace effectively.
Simons III takes a shot to the head.
Simons III's leg has a nasty welt from taking a succession of leg kicks. That must be slowing him down.
Peppers lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Simons III backwards.
Good anti-grappling being displayed by Simons III as Peppers tries to tie him up.
Peppers misses with a knee strike.
Simons III tries to pull guard but Peppers won't allow it.
Peppers landing knees to the body.
Peppers lands a hook that snaps the head of Simons III backwards.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Peppers throws a hook to the body. More of an arm punch but it's all scoring with the judges.
Simons III tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.

Simons III jumps guard and drags Peppers to the mat. He's obviously going to be looking for submissions off his back.
Peppers trying to control but Simons III is working from the bottom.
Peppers's corner is telling him to maintain position.
Simons III trying to keep a closed guard but Peppers is proving a slippery customer.

Simons III looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.
Peppers might be looking to lock onto one of his opponent's long limbs for a submission, whilst we're on the ground.
Peppers trying to stand up but can't free himself from Simons III's guard.
Peppers trying to control the position from guard on top but Simons III is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
The referee claps his hands together and tells the fighters to work.

Brian Peppers has forced the referee to step in and bring the fight back to the feet.
Peppers doesn't manage to clinch there - Simons III circles away.
Simons III takes a nasty kick to the mid section... That should keep him thinking. Does he try and block and risk a head kick landing?
Peppers tries to close the distance and clinch but Simons III swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Simons III fails with the takedown
and Peppers counters with a good low kick that Simons III was not able to check.
Peppers misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Brian Peppers is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.

Peppers pushes Simons III up against the cage in a clinch.
Peppers lands a knee to the head.
A nice left hand lands by Peppers.
Peppers lands a body shot.
Simons III tries to pull guard but can't drag his opponent to the mat. Peppers just stands there and leans against the cage.

Simons III pulls guard effortlessly.

Peppers gets to his feet - Simons III follows without any prompting.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Peppers swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Peppers connects with a leg kick. He turned his hip over nicely there.
Simons III looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.

Peppers takes the fight into the clinch.
A short body shot lands from Peppers as the two fighters clinch.
Peppers tries to land a knee to the head but Simons III blocks with his arms.

Simons III jumps guard and drags Peppers to the mat. He's obviously going to be looking for submissions off his back.

Peppers gets to his feet - Simons III follows without any prompting.
Simons III has his takedown stuffed
and Peppers makes him pay by landing a nice hook to the body before moving out of range.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Peppers bobs and weaves and then throws a good body kick.

Peppers closes the distance and pushes Simons III back into the cage.
Peppers is stalling here. The referee will be looking to step in if he doesn't pick up the pace.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Brian Peppers clearly takes that round.
The cut man is working on John Simons III's cut.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business.

Peppers scores with a nice strike.

Peppers drives through and clinches with Simons III against the cage.
Peppers misses with a punch on the inside.
Simons III jumps guard but Peppers stands there with Simons III around his waist. Simons III gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch.
Simons III looking for a takedown.
A shot in the inside from Peppers.
Peppers misses with a hook from the clinch.
Simons III goes for a takedown in the clinch but Peppers prevents it.
Brian Peppers has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of John Simons III.
Peppers doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Peppers comes over the top with an elbow. That landed flush.
Peppers misses with a short punch on the inside.
Simons III tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.
Simons III goes for a takedown in the clinch but Peppers prevents it.
Peppers lands a body shot in the clinch.
Peppers lands an elbow inside.

That has opened up John Simons III's cut even more.
Peppers working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
Simons III is absolutely dripping with sweat - he looks exhausted.
Peppers lands an elbow inside that Simons III shrugs off.
A short right from Peppers on the inside.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Still in the clinch, Peppers scores with a nice short uppercut.

Peppers breaks the clinch.
Simons III takes one to the chin there.

Peppers has closed the distance and engaged Simons III in a clinch.
Simons III looking to throw knees to the head but Peppers is blocking nicely.
Peppers unloads a knee to the mid-section. Simons III lets out a prehistoric sounding urrrrgh.
A right hand to the body from Peppers.
Peppers just leaning against Simons III, taking a breather.
A short uppercut from Peppers.
Peppers works on Simons III's body with a couple of short punches.
A real battle for position is taking place between these two warriors.
A nice glancing elbow lands by Peppers.
Peppers pushes off an throws an elbow but Simons III leans to the side and avoids it. We're back to clinching against the cage.
Simons III tries to pull guard but Peppers won't allow it.
Simons III fails to pull guard.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, Peppers creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
Peppers lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.

Peppers pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Simons III has developed a nice purple lump on his ribcage, as a result of some heavy body kicks from Peppers.
Peppers lets loose with a powerful body kick. Simons III will feel that in the morning.
Peppers fakes a couple of low kicks, before throwing one on the third attempt. It connects and Simons III has to reset his feet before getting ready to engage.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Peppers throws a right hand that Simons III ducks under and follows up with a left that Simons III also avoids with ease.
Peppers connects with a lovely right hand, straight down the pipe.
Peppers lands with a straight right. Simons III didn't see that one coming.

Peppers clinches.
Simons III avoids a wild elbow strike from Peppers.
Peppers is pressed up against the cage. Simons III has hold of a leg and is looking to drag Peppers down to the mat. Peppers avoids the attempt though and has circled away. We're back to striking at a distance.
Simons III takes a head kick and shrugs it off.

Peppers moves into the clinch successfully.
Simons III drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Peppers scores with an uppercut up the middle.
Peppers lands a right hand that snaps the head of Simons III backwards.
Peppers working some nice short punches in the clinch.
Come on Peppers - let's have some action - none of this stalling nonsense.
Peppers makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
With the two fighters working up against the cage, Peppers just misses with a elbow thrown towards Simons III's brow.
Simons III takes a knee right on the jaw!

The cut above John Simons III's eye is starting to cause him problems now.
Nice body punch from Peppers - that landed with a thud.
Peppers lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
Peppers tries to land a knee to the head but misses.

Peppers escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Peppers misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Peppers lands a kick to the ribs of his opponent. Nice work there - in and out in a flash.
Boom, another hit is landed. "You're gunna get knocked out" taunts Peppers, as that shot connected.
Simons III fails with the takedown
and Peppers counters with a low kick, right behind Simons III 's knee.
Peppers misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Some wild striking there from Peppers.
Peppers scores with a slapping inside leg kick.

Peppers darts in and clinches Simons III up against the cage.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Simons III has hold of one of Peppers's legs. Peppers is fighting the takedown attempt but Simons III gets the trip and lands the takedown into guard.
Simons III won't allow Peppers to get back to his feet.
Simons III is stalling in the full guard.
Peppers keeping moving, preventing Simons III from controlling successfully.

Peppers is edging up against the cage. He's using the cage to get back to his feet. Nice work there - the fighters are clinched.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Peppers misses with a punch on the inside.
Peppers misses with the head strike.
Simons III goes for a takedown attempt but Peppers pushes him away and we're back to fighting at a distance.
Peppers leaves Simons III with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Brian Peppers had his way with John Simons III in that round.
The cut man is working on John Simons III's cut.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action! Ladies and gentlemen, this is the final round!

Simons III takes a thudding leg kick, right into the meat of the thigh.
Peppers defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Simons III.
Peppers throws a nice outside leg kick.
A head kick from Peppers lands but Simons III takes it in his stride.
Peppers swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Simons III misses with a takedown attempt

and Peppers moves into the clinch.
Peppers lands a left hand that snaps the head of Simons III backwards.
Peppers lands a knee to the body.
Peppers throws a knee to the head but misses.
Peppers landing knees to the body. They look like they could hurt.
Peppers lands with a right to the head.

Peppers breaks from the clinch.
Peppers scores with a jab to the body.
Both of our modern day gladiators look out of it here - an gruelling 5 rounds of action taking it's toll on them, no doubt.
Decent striking displayed by Peppers there.

Peppers moves into the clinch.
Simons III is trying to drag Peppers to the mat but Peppers just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.
Brian Peppers has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of John Simons III.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Peppers lands a shoulder strike.
Peppers lands a hook to the side of the head.
Peppers lands a nice elbow.
Peppers lands a hook to the side of the head.
Peppers works on Simons III's body with a couple of short punches.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, Peppers creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
Nice body punch from Peppers - that landed with a thud.
Peppers scores with an uppercut up the middle.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Peppers.
Peppers works on Simons III's body with a couple of short punches.
Simons III jumps guard but Peppers stands there with Simons III around his waist. Simons III gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch.
Simons III takes an elbow to the forehead.
Peppers lands with a left to the head.
Nice elbow from Peppers.
A hook to the body from Peppers.
Peppers just leaning against Simons III, taking a breather.
Peppers throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Simons IIIs head.
Peppers pushes Simons III back against the cage and unloads with a body punch.
Peppers lands with a short head shot on the inside.
Peppers is struggling to control the position.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Simons III avoiding damage as Peppers throws knees to the body.
Peppers lands a shoulder strike.
Simons III jumps guard but his hands slip and he falls flat on his back. Well, he's made himself look a right mug there, as Peppers walks away with a smile on his face. Simons III gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head.
Peppers thows a body kick. Simons III tries to catch it but that hurt him.

Peppers closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the cage.
Peppers lands a body punch in the clinch.
Peppers lands a nice knee to the body.
Peppers lands a left hand that snaps the head of Simons III backwards.

Peppers pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Simons III shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Peppers pinned against the cage. Peppers gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
A chopping leg kick lands by Peppers.
Peppers cracks Simons III with an open hand slap.
Peppers turns his hip over beautifully as he lands a nice leg kick.
Simons III misses with a takedown
and Peppers counters with a nice low kick that buckles Simons III's knee momentarily.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Peppers lands a nice shot to the body.
Simons III takes a punch to the jaw and another one to the bread basket.

John Simons III's cut is absolute horrible now. This looks like something out of a horror film with blood covering both fighters.
Simons III on the wrong end of a vicious looking body shot.

Peppers has managed to clinch.
Peppers displaying some good clinch control by pressing Simons III up against the cage.
Peppers connects with a knee to the head.
Peppers lands a shot to the body.
Peppers lands an elbow just above Simons III 's eye.

The referee calls the doctor in to look at John Simons III's cut. Oh no, the doctor has called an end to the bout!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:47 of round 5, we have a winner by way of TKO (Cut). Brian Peppers!
Brian Peppers retains his bantamweight title!