PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Dave Earp (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Cody Elkins (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Cody Elkins has the eye of the tiger tonight.

Earp
vs
Elkins

169 cm
18
155 lbs
4 - 1 - 0

170 cm
22
151 lbs
2 - 2 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Counter striker
Granite chin

BJJ Blue Belt
Basic striking
Powerful

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the featherweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 4 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Dave Earp!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 2 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Cody Elkins!
The judges for this bout are George Francis, Robert Twigg and Frank Dennis.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Elkins lands with a shot to the body.
Earp fails with a takedown attempt.
Elkins tests Earp's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Earp shoots in but Elkins avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Earp tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Elkins swivels and escapes.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Dave Earp. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Elkins moves into range and connects with a jab.

Earp shoots in and bounces Elkins off the cage to secure the takedown into guard.
Earp throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.

Elkins wriggles free and stands up.

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

That's one minute gone in the round.
A right hand to the body from Elkins.

Elkins breaks from the clinch.

Elkins moves into the clinch successfully.
Elkins is trying to work out of this bad position, with his back against the cage.
Elkins wants to break the clinch but can't.
Elkins stops a takedown attempt from Earp.
Elkins wants to break free but Earp has control.
Earp looking for a takedown.

Elkins breaks from the clinch.

Elkins gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.
Elkins scores with an uppercut up the middle.
A right handed body shot lands from Elkins.

Elkins escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Earp shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Elkins but Elkins pushes him off and we're back to square one.
Cody Elkins seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Earp fails with the takedown.
Earp is breathing heavily.

Elkins closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the cage.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Elkins is trying to work out of this bad position, with his back against the cage.
Elkins will no doubt start fighting again in a minute but for now he's just having a little rest, leaning Earp up against the cage.
Elkins is leaning against Earp and scores with a nice uppercut to the body.
Elkins has had enough of the clinch but Earp keeps him there for the moment.
Elkins can't break the clinch.
The pace slowing considerably in the clinch, as Elkins takes a break from that fighting nonsense to think about the finer things in life.
A short left from Elkins.
Elkins digs a right hand underneath Earp's ribcage. Earp let out a lung full of air as it connected.
Elkins tries to break the clinch but Earp is controlling the position.
Earp drops down looking for an ankle pick but Elkins pulls his leg out and moves away.

Elkins gets in close and instigates a clinch.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Elkins is trying to break free.
Elkins lands a shot to the body.
Elkins is trying to break the clinch but Earp has him pressed against the cage.
Elkins digs a right hand underneath Earp's ribcage. Earp let out a lung full of air as it connected.

Elkins breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.

The fight moves into the clinch position.
A nice right hand lands inside from Elkins.
Elkins is trying to work out of this bad position, with his back against the cage.
Elkins lands a body shot.
Elkins is stalling here.
Elkins receives a warning from the referee for stalling.

Elkins escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Left hook, right uppercut from Elkins.

Elkins instigates a clinch.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Elkins tries to break the clinch but Earp is controlling the position.
A right hand to the body from Elkins.
Elkins is trying to break free.

Elkins breaks from the clinch.
Elkins stuffs the takedown attempt from Earp. Earp gets slowly back to his feet.

Elkins darts in and clinches Earp up against the cage.
Elkins is trying to work out of this bad position, with his back against the cage.
Elkins wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.
Elkins wants to break free. God knows he wants to breaaaak freeee.
Elkins scores with a shot to the side of Earp's head.
Elkins is leaning against Earp and scores with a nice uppercut to the body.
Elkins stops a takedown attempt from Earp.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Elkins lands with a left to the head.
Stalling in the clinch from Elkins.

Elkins breaks the clinch.
Earp fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Elkins clinches up against the cage.
Elkins lands a body punch in the clinch.
Elkins works for underhooks and lands a body shot in the process.
Earp goes for a takedown attempt but Elkins pushes him away and we're back to fighting at a distance.
Earp takes an uppercut right on the button but keeps his composure.
Earp shoots in for a takedown but Elkins shows good takedown defense.
Nice sprawl there from Elkins as Earp shoots in.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Dave Earp. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Earp shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Elkins but Elkins pushes him off and we're back to square one.
Elkins lets the fists fly and connects with a left straight followed by a right hook.

Elkins rushes Earp and presses him up against the cage.
Elkins lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
Elkins's corner are urging him to control the action in the clinch for a moment, rather than mount any serious offense. I'm sure the crowd appreciate those instructions... not.

That's one minute gone in the round.
with the fighters clinched against the cage, Elkins creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
Dave Earp is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.

Elkins has Earp up against the cage in a clinch.
Elkins is trying to break the clinch but Earp has him pressed against the cage.
Elkins wants to break free but Earp has control.
Elkins wants to push off and get back to the center of the mat but Earp has him pressed against the cage.
Elkins is trying to work out of this bad position, with his back against the cage.
Earp changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Elkins fights it off and pushes away nicely.
Elkins stuffs the takedown.
Cody Elkins is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Earp circles away from the clinch attempt.
Elkins fails with an attempt to clinch.
Earp shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Elkins pinned against the cage. Elkins gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
Earp tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Elkins swivels and escapes.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
My god... these two guys really need to pick up the pace or everyone will leave to go get a beer.
Earp looks shocked there as he takes a right hand to the temple.

Elkins fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Earp, pushing him back against the cage.
Good body shot from Elkins.
Elkins has had enough of the clinch but Earp keeps him there for the moment.
A right handed body shot lands from Elkins.
Elkins wants to break the clinch but can't.
Elkins throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Earps head.
Earp tries for a takedown. No joy.
Elkins wants to break free. God knows he wants to breaaaak freeee.
Elkins wants to push off and get back to the center of the mat but Earp has him pressed against the cage.
Elkins lands with a short head shot on the inside.
Elkins working some nice short punches in the clinch.
Elkins stalling against the cage.
Earp changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Elkins fights it off and pushes away nicely.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Earp misses with a takedown attempt - Elkins sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Elkins is looking to take this fight into the clinch.

Elkins gets in close and instigates a clinch.
The pace slowing considerably in the clinch, as Elkins takes a break from that fighting nonsense to think about the finer things in life.
Elkins is trying to break free.
Elkins working some nice short punches in the clinch.
Good body shot from Elkins.
Elkins wants to get back to striking at distance but Earp won't allow it.

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

Elkins moves into range and clinches up with Earp.
with the fighters clinched against the cage, Elkins creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Earp takes one to the chin there.
Danga de danga de dang - Elkins scores with a four punch combination!
Elkins scores with a hook to the body. Earp takes a step back and tries to catch his breath.
Elkins keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
A right-left combo lands from Elkins.
Elkins has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Elkins lands a nice hook to Earp's body. Earp takes it in his stride and looks to land his own strikes.
Elkins wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Elkins works over Earp's head and body with a nice combination.
Elkins tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Earp paws at him with a jab and circles away.

Elkins clinches with his opponent.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Elkins wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.
Elkins can't break the clinch.
Elkins lands a body punch - he's looking to wear down Earp.
Elkins lands a body punch - he's looking to wear down Earp.
A hook to the body from Elkins.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Cody Elkins showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action! The crowd applaud as we get ready to start the final round!

Earp tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Elkins swivels and escapes.

The fight moves into the clinch position.
Elkins gets double underhooks to prevent a takedown attempt from Earp.
Elkins lands a hook to the side of the head.

Elkins breaks from the clinch.
Elkins tries to clinch there but Earp circles away.
Earp shoots in but Elkins avoids the takedown attempt easily.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Dave Earp. That's going to take a lot out of him.

Elkins gets in close and instigates a clinch.
Earp goes for a takedown attempt but Elkins pushes him away and we're back to fighting at a distance.
Earp shoots for a takedown but Elkins saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
Earp takes a really solid shot there but just smiles back and shrugs his shoulders.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Elkins gets a clinch.
Earp prevents Elkins from breaking the clinch.
Elkins wants to break free but Earp has control.
Elkins manages to get underhooks and slows down the pace for a moment.
Elkins digs a right hand into Earp's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Earp's gas tank.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Elkins has had enough of the clinch but Earp keeps him there for the moment.
Elkins prevents the takedown attempt.
Elkins wants to break the clinch but can't.
Elkins is looking to break free of the clinch but Earp has double underhooks.
Earp is working for takedown but Elkins is calmly controlling the position for now.
Earp has Elkins pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Elkins manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.
Elkins content to slow the pace in the clinch.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A short left from Elkins.

Elkins breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Elkins throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd.
Elkins lands a jab. Then a cross. Then finally a nice hook to the body. Good work there by Elkins.

Elkins gets in close and instigates a clinch.
Earp drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it.
A short body shot lands from Elkins as the two fighters clinch.
Earp wants a takedown but no success here.
Elkins can't break the clinch.
Elkins scores with a nice hook to the head.
Elkins wants to break free but Earp has control.
Earp prevents Elkins from breaking the clinch.
A short right from Elkins.
Elkins tries to break the clinch but Earp is controlling the position.
Earp tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.
Elkins throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Earps head.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Elkins is looking to break free of the clinch but Earp has double underhooks.
Elkins prevents a takedown attempt there.
Elkins tries to break the clinch but Earp is controlling the position.
Elkins scores with a nice hook to the head.
Elkins is trying to work out of this bad position, with his back against the cage.
Elkins manages to get underhooks and slows down the pace for a moment.
Earp prevents Elkins from breaking the clinch.
Earp prevents Elkins from breaking the clinch.
Elkins tries to break the clinch but Earp is controlling the position.
Earp has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Elkins is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.
Elkins pushes Earp back against the cage and unloads with a body punch.
Some stalling of biblical proportions here from Elkins.
Elkins prevents the takedown attempt.
Elkins holding his opponent close, against the cage.
Elkins lands a left hand.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Well. There's a bit of a lull in the action here and the crowd are starting to get restless.
Elkins lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Earp backwards.
Elkins is looking to break free of the clinch but Earp has double underhooks.
Elkins is stalling here.

Earp turns his back and goes for a hip toss. It's a bit messy but it gets the job done and Earp manages to end up in side control.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Elkins is trying to control Earp's posture but Earp avoids it.
Elkins is looking to regain half guard here but Earp keeps moving and retains side control.
Elkins is trying to escape and get back to his feet.
Dave Earp has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
We get told so often about how wrestlers don't like to be on their backs. Let's see if Elkins can do anything to dispel that myth.
Earp throws an elbow but Elkins slips to the side and avoids it well.
Earp connects with a decent looking elbow from side control that caused Elkins some visible discomfort.
Elkins gets back to half guard.
Earp working the head and body with strikes.

And that's the end of the fight!
Cody Elkins comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I've got Elkins 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 George Francis scores the fight 26:30
Judge Robert Twigg scores the fight 26:30
Judge Frank Dennis scores the fight 26:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Cody Elkins!