PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Matthew Hosking (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Billy Howards (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Hosking comes to the ring accompanied by War Machine. Both fighter's entrance songs getting the crowd jumping here.

Hosking
vs
Howards

180 cm
21
190 lbs
4 - 3 - 0

188 cm
22
185 lbs
3 - 1 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Basic striking
Experienced

BJJ Blue Belt
Decent boxing
Granite chin

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 4 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Sydney, Matthew Hosking!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 3 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Sydney, Billy Howards!
The judges for this bout are Skip Squint, Winston Howard and Donatello Bradman.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Hosking closes the distance and clinches.
Hosking lands a shoulder strike.
Howards working hard to break the clinch.
Howards jumps guard but his hands slip and he falls flat on his back. Well, he's made himself look a right mug there, as Hosking walks away with a smile on his face. Howards gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head.
A right-left combo lands from Howards.
Howards tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Hosking was well out of range. Poor timing from Howards.
Howards lands with a shot to the body.
Howards's jab looks to have found its range, popping Hosking under the eye.

Hosking has Howards up against the ropes in a clinch.
Hosking jumps guard but Howards stands there with Hosking around his waist. Hosking gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch.
Hosking tries for a takedown but Howards manages to get underhooks.

Hosking has Howards pressed up against the ropes. He's trying to work for a single leg takedown. Hosking pulls back from the cage and twists to the side, sending Howards tumbling to the mat - Hosking dives into Howards's guard.
Howards is wriggling around but Hosking manages to pass to half guard.

Howards makes some distance and scrambles quickly back to his feet. Nice work!
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Hosking stuffs the takedown.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Hosking fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Howards, pushing him back against the ropes.
Howards avoiding damage.
Howards misses with the head strike.
Hosking tries to stall but Howards uses the opportunity to gain a better position.
Howards wants a takedown but no success here.
Matthew Hosking has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Billy Howards.
A short right from Howards.

Hosking manages to break the clinch.

Hosking moves into range and clinches up with Howards.
Hosking is working for a takedown up against the ropes. He can't get it on this occasion though.

Hosking has double underhooks and is working for a body lock takedown. He's got it. The fighters land in half guard but Howards regains guard immediately.
Howards wants to stand and escape but Hosking is having none of it.
Howards is looking to stand back up... there's a bit of a scramble and Hosking dives into side control.
Hosking tries to land with some ground and pound but misses.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Howards can't do much from the bottom here.
Howards wants to get back to his feet but Hosking is dominant here and he's now got Howards's back!
Howards is trying to get back to his feet but he's not managed it yet.
Hosking trying to control.
Howards wants to control his opponent's hands but Hosking gets his hands free.
Hosking scores with punches and elbows.
Howards trying to get back to his feet but Hosking is in full control for now.
Can Howards hold on?! Hosking is landing more strikes to his hapless foe.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Howards holding both Hosking 's hands and preventing any damage.

Hosking is looking for the choke from the back position but Howards is controlling his hands well.
Howards is trying to get back to his feet but he's not managed it yet.
The fighters are tangled up in the ropes here. We might need a restart if the fighters can't break free themselves.

Hosking is working really hard to secure the rear naked choke. Howards defends successfully for a significant amount of time. Both fighters are looking very determined.
Howards has the hand control, trying to stop the rear naked choke.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Hosking has Howards flattened out and is raining down punches.
Howards wants to escape the position.

Howards manages to stand up with Hosking still on his back. Eventually Hosking drops to his feet and we're back in the standing position.

Hosking closes the distance and clinches.
A frustrated look appears on Howards's face as he tries to break the clinch.
Hosking is trying to slow down the pace in the clinch, to catch his breath.
Hosking has Howards pushed against the ropes.
Howards blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Hosking lands a nice elbow from the clinch.
Hosking lands a knee to the head there! That was nasty!
Both fighters working to control the clinch.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Matthew Hosking dominated that round.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

Hosking darts in and clinches Howards up against the ropes.
Hosking is trying to stall.

Hosking lands a takedown into guard.
Howards is looking to stand up but Hosking isn't so interested in that idea.
Howards looking to control.

Howards throws his legs up looking for a submission but Hosking uses it to pass to side control.

Hosking has had enough of the ground for now and decides to stand.
Hosking displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Howards throws out the jab.
Howards throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Hosking sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Howards darts in trying to clinch

and Hosking holds on and brings the fighters into a clinch.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Hosking has had enough of the clinch and is looking to separate.
Howards takes an elbow to the temple.
Howards tries to land a knee to the head but misses.

Hosking escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Matthew Hosking is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Hosking with a body punch. A glancing blow.
Hosking tries to close the distance and clinch up against the ropes but Howards paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Howards checks a low kick from Hosking.
Howards tries to clinch

and Hosking counters with a shoot takedown into half guard.
We get told so often about how wrestlers don't like to be on their backs. Let's see if Howards can do anything to dispel that myth.
Howards is looking to escape.

Hosking stands up and beckons Howards to join him on the feet.
Howards is breathing heavily.
Hosking with poor footwork there. He got himself in a bit of a tangle, enabling Howards to score with a decent uppercut.
Hosking tries to clinch up.
Howards staying out of range there.
Howards fails in his attempt to clinch.
Howards tries to clinch up but Hosking circles away and keeps his distance.
Hosking throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Hosking throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Howards.
Billy Howards seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Howards throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Hosking has his hands up protecting his head but a hook from Howards finds it's way round the side to connect with Hosking's head.
Hosking tries to land a front kick but Howards steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed.
Hosking walks into a left hand.
Hosking throws a series of punches but Howards moves out of range.
Hosking lands a jab-cross combination.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Howards lands a two punch combo.
Howards thows a body shot but no joy.
Howards tries to close the distance and clinch up but Hosking swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Hosking tries to clinch up against the ropes, rushing in the close the distance. Howards manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Howards has used his reach advantage pretty well so far tonight.
Hosking tries to score a power double leg takedown but Howards sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Hosking somewhat.
Howards throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd.
Howards throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Howards closes the distance and clinches up with Hosking, looking for a takedown. Howards pushes Hosking against the ropes but Hosking circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Howards misses with a series of wild punches.
Howards fails in his attempt to clinch.
Howards tries to close the distance and clinch up but Hosking swats him away and circles back towards the center.

Howards closes the distance and clinches.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Hosking is trying to force a seperation but Howards has the dominant position.
Howards tries to pull guard but Hosking holds him up against the ropes and eventually Howards drops back down to his feet.
Howards lands a hook to the body. It's hard to tell if that hurt Hosking or not.
Hosking drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Howards drops to a knee looking for a takedown but Hosking gets the underhooks and prevents it.
Matthew Hosking has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Billy Howards.
Hosking lands an elbow that stopped Howards in his tracks for a moment.
Howards working aggressively here.
Howards swings away with an uppercut that misses.

Howards breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Howards fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Hosking manages to avoid it.

Howards darts in and clinches Hosking up against the ropes.
Howards wants to push off and get back to the center of the mat but Hosking has him pressed against the ropes.
Howards wants to get back to striking at distance but Hosking won't allow it.

That's four 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.
A right hand to the body from Howards.
Howards misses with a short punch on the inside.
Hosking wants to stall.
Hosking lands a shoulder strike.
Hosking trying to control the position but instead, Howards has worked for underhooks and has pushed Hosking into the ropes.

Hosking pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
The fight stays on the outside here - Hosking looks like he's thinking about clinching though.

Hosking clinches up with Howards and pushes him back against the ropes.
Howards tries to jump guard but he falls flat on his backside. Hosking smiles and moves away.
Howards darts in trying to clinch
and Hosking counters with a low kick, right behind Howards 's knee.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
No luck for Hosking with that takedown attempt.
Howards throws a series of punches but Hosking moves out of range.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Matthew Hosking dominated that second round.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the ring so we can get back down to business.

Howards looks to score with a jab to the body but Hosking is just out of range.
Howards lets the fists fly and connects with a left straight followed by a right hook.
Hosking tries to clinch but Howards is having none of it.
Hosking tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Howards swivels and escapes.
Howards falls off balance throwing a combination

and Hosking counters into the clinch. Nicely done.
Howards works on Hosking's body with a couple of short punches.
Hosking is trying to slow down the pace in the clinch, to catch his breath.

Howards breaks the clinch.
Howards throws a jab, cross combination which is slipped
and Hosking counters with a one-two to the body.
Howards moves into range and throws a combination. A nice jab followed by a hook to the body.
Howards throws a two punch combo that lands nicely.
Howards scores with a punch to the head.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
A head kick misses from Hosking.
Howards is throwing a lot of body shots here, looking to wear down Hosking rather than just go for the knockout.
Hosking fails in his attempt to clinch.
Howards ducks low and lands a nice hook to the body of his opponent.
Hosking misses with a head kick.
Howards just misses with a punch to the body.
Howards closes the distance but Hosking moves to the side

and Hosking counters with a nice single leg takedown and he's in Howards's guard now.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Howards wants to stand but Hosking is controlling the position.
Matthew Hosking overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Howards is using up a lot of energy trying to get back to his feet. Perhaps he should improve his position first.
Howards utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Howards is looking to stand up but Hosking isn't so interested in that idea.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are showing their displeasure at the lack of action as loud boos ring out around the arena.
Hosking working some strikes from top position.
Hosking works over Howards with some ground and pound from guard.

Howards is working an open guard so Hosking takes the opportunity to get back to his feet.
Hosking avoids a punch combination nicely.
Howards misses with a double jab.
Hosking lands a leg kick. The shin dug right into the meat of the thigh.
Hosking connects with a leg kick. He turned his hip over nicely there.
Hosking throws a quick head kick that skims the top of Howards's head.
Hosking circles away from the clinch attempt

and Hosking counters with a nice single leg takedown and he's in Howards's guard now.

Hosking stands up from guard. Let's bang!
Howards tries to clinch up

and Hosking decides to take the opportunity to score a takedown. He's landed in Howards's guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Hosking slips nicely into half guard.
Hosking is working hard to pass the guard. He's done it - he's now in full mount! Trouble for Howards!
Howards can't escape the position.

Hosking wants to finish this one by submission but Howards is holding onto his waist, trying to prevent any attacks from Hosking.
Hosking controlling from the full mount.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Howards tries to buck Hosking off but he can't manage it.
Howards is trying desperately to improve position.
The fighters are trapped in the ropes so we're going to have a reposition here. The ref calls for a break and repositions the fighters in the center of the ring.
Hosking landing strikes from the mount and Howards is in trouble!
Howards wants to use the ropes to get back to his feet here.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Hosking lands a heavy elbow.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Matthew Hosking clearly takes that round.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

Howards dives in and grabs Hosking's left leg, looking for a takedown. Hosking pushes down on Howards's head and hops out.
Howards slips a jab and a cross from Hosking.
Hosking fails in his attempt to clinch.
Howards fails with a takedown attempt.
Howards tries to grapple but his opponent circles
and Hosking counters with a slapping leg kick.
Billy Howards seems to be getting the better of the standup.

Hosking has managed to clinch.

Hosking pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Hosking stalks Howards and leaps in with a furious combination of punches. Uppercuts and crosses smash into Howards's face. Howards staggers backwards, shaken.

Hosking has Howards up against the ropes in a clinch.
Howards prevents the takedown attempt.
Howards is trying to work out of this bad position, with his back against the ropes.
Howards is trying to break free.
Howards is absolutely dripping with sweat - he looks exhausted.
Howards tries to break the clinch but Hosking is controlling the position.

Hosking escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.

Howards forces Hosking back against the ropes and clinches.

Hosking manages to break the clinch.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Hosking fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Howards, pushing him back against the ropes.
Howards tries to throw a body punch but Hosking avoids it by throwing Howards back against the cage.
Howards is trying to break the clinch but Hosking is controlling him.
A nice left hand lands by Hosking.
Hosking wants to push off and get back to the center of the mat but Howards has him pressed against the ropes.
Hosking tries for a takedown but Howards manages to get underhooks.
Howards swings wildly with an uppercut but Hosking uses good head movement to avoid it.
A left hand lands to the body for Howards.
With the two fighters working up against the ropes, Hosking just misses with a elbow thrown towards Howards's brow.

Hosking breaks from the clinch.
Howards connects with a jab.
Howards tries to clinch there but Hosking circles away.
Hosking on the wrong end of an overhand right that came out of nowhere.
Howards looks to score with a jab to the body but Hosking is just out of range.
Hosking lands with a thumping leg kick.
Howards fails in his attempt to clinch.
A punch combination from Hosking misses.
Hosking shoots for a takedown but Howards saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Matthew Hosking. That's going to take a lot out of him.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Howards fakes a head punch and goes low to the body. Nicely done.
Howards wants to clinch.
Howards slips a jab and a cross from Hosking.
Hosking shoots in for a takedown but Howards shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Howards is defended easily by Hosking.
Howards wants to clinch but Hosking slips to the side

and Hosking counters with a nice shoot takedown that brings the fighters to the ground.
Howards wants to get back to his feet but Hosking is in a dominant position and won't allow it.
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!
Howards wants to control the position but Hosking says "no thanks buddy" and passes to half guard.
Howards regains full guard. Nicely done.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Howards is looking to stand back up but Hosking counters by passing into half guard. Oops... bit sloppy there by Howards.
Hosking winds up and cracks Howards with a swinging punch to the side of the head.
Howards is trying to stand back up but Hosking is controlling him
Hosking is trying to control. Howards wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.
Howards is looking to improve his position.

Hosking stands up from half guard.
Hosking stuffs the takedown.

Hosking has managed to clinch.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Hosking drags the fight down to the ground.
Howards wants to stand but Hosking has a closed guard, so he can't escape.
Howards trying to control but Hosking is working from the bottom.

Hosking pushes Howards off for just long enough to get back to his feet. Very athletic spring there.

Hosking forces Howards back against the ropes and clinches.

Hosking has moved round to his opponent's back and is looking for a suplex! Oh snap! He's tossed Howards clear over his head and slammed him to the mat!
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Howards is trying to stand back up.
Howards covers up after taking a massive shot to the side of the head.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Matthew Hosking had his way with Billy Howards in that round.
That's the end of the interval. I'm sure that seemed a lot quicker than a minute for our two fighters! Back to the action. This is the final round!

Howards is looking to clinch.
Howards misses the shot to the body.

Hosking looking for a takedown here - he's got it.

Howards throws his legs up looking to secure a triangle. Oh, that looks pretty tight, I gotta say! Hosking escapes and throws Howards's legs to the side, diving into side control!
Howards is trying to control Hosking's posture but Hosking avoids it.
Howards is trying to get back to his feet.
Hosking trying to control the action but Howards is working from the bottom.
Howards is wobbling all over the place through exhaustion. Will he make it to the final bell?
Hosking connects with a decent looking elbow from side control that caused Howards some visible discomfort.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Howards is trying to escape and get back to his feet.
Hosking working the ground and pound.
Howards wants to get back to his feet.
Howards is looking to get back to his feet here but Hosking is keeping cool and he's managed to take Howards's back.
Hosking has Howards flattened out and is raining down punches.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Can Howards hold on?! Hosking is landing more strikes to his hapless foe.
You can see the frustration on Howards's face… He knows he is in trouble unless he improves his position sooner rather than later.
Howards is trying to get back to his feet but he's not managed it yet.
Howards is trying to remain composed but Hosking is hammering down strikes to the side of his head.
Hosking struggling to keep hold of the position.

Hosking has decided that he can't make progress quickly enough from the back position and has rather unusually decided to stand up from the dominant position. Obviously he's going to be looking for the knockout on the feet here!
Hosking misses with a takedown attempt - Howards sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.

Hosking closes the distance and clinches.
Howards tries to pull guard but Hosking won't allow it.
Hosking is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Howards is defending well for now.
Hosking pushes off an throws an elbow but Howards leans to the side and avoids it. We're back to clinching against the ropes.
Howards's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Howards's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Howards tries to clinch but Hosking is having none of it.
Sloppy strikes from Hosking. Those never looked like landing.
Hosking tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Howards was well out of range. Poor timing from Hosking.
Good standup being displayed there by Howards as he connects with a hook.

Hosking darts in and clinches Howards up against the ropes.
Howards is trying to work out of this bad position, with his back against the ropes.
Hosking creates a bit of space for himself and sneaks an elbow through Howards's defenses.
Howards takes an elbow to the temple.
Both fighters working to control the clinch.
A nice left hand lands by Howards.
Howards is trying to slow down the pace of the fight but Hosking is keeping busy.
Howards avoids the elbow strike from Hosking, against the ropes.
Howards misses with the head strike.
Howards misses with some punches.
Hosking presses Howards against the ropes and delivers a mid-strength body shot.

Hosking is trying to trip Howards. He has hold of a leg but Howards is hopping around, keeping his balance for the moment. Hosking persists though and gets the takedown into guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Howards keeping moving, preventing Hosking from controlling successfully.

Howards has his feet on Hosking's hips. He pushes off and gets to his feet. Nice work.
Howards throws a combination. Hosking tries to block but a couple of punches get through.

Hosking has managed to clinch.
Hosking lands a body punch.
Hosking wants a takedown but no success here.

Howards pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Howards shoots in but Hosking avoids the takedown attempt easily.

Hosking gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Hosking prevents a body shot from Howards.
Hosking throws an elbow but it misses.
Billy Howards has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Matthew Hosking is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Howards doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Hosking is trying to drag Howards to the mat but Howards just about manages to keep his footing. He used the ropes to his advantage there.

And that's the end of the fight!
Matthew Hosking showed his dominance in that final round.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Hosking, 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 5 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Skip Squint scores the fight for Matthew Hosking!
Judge Winston Howard scores the fight for Matthew Hosking!
Judge Donatello Bradman scores the fight for Matthew Hosking!

Matthew Hosking wins by unanimous decision!
Matthew Hosking is the new middleweight champion!