PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Bruce Banner (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Thomas Benjamin Jr (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Banner comes to the cage accompanied by xavier rudd - energy song. Benjamin Jr has chosen Sans Pression - Numéro 1 as his entrance music. These two fighters really are very evenly matched on the feet - it will be fascinating to see who can assert themselves in that aspect of the fight.

Banner
vs
Benjamin Jr

180 cm
29
192 lbs
16 - 4 - 0

180 cm
24
185 lbs
11 - 4 - 0

Abu Dhabi Champ
Excellent boxer
Cardio machine

Good wrestler
World class boxer
Granite chin

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Fight Club Clothing™

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 16 - 4 - 0, fighting out of Sydney, Bruce Banner!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 11 - 4 - 0, fighting out of Sydney, Thomas Benjamin Jr!
The judges for this bout are Donatello Bradman, Damien Edna and Hugh Johnson.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Benjamin Jr slips under a jab.
Benjamin Jr uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Banner.
Banner takes a jab right on the nose. That must have hurt but he shrugs his shoulders and looks to return the favor.

Banner shoots in and gets a takedown into half guard. Banner showed some decent athleticism there.
Banner throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.
Banner thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Benjamin Jr's head.
Benjamin Jr keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Banner thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Benjamin Jr's head.
Banner misses with a head shot. Benjamin Jr uses the momentum to regain guard.
Banner throws a big right hand that misses.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Banner is sitting in guard, working some ground and pound.
Banner postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Banner loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Banner tries to free his leg and advance position but Benjamin Jr is retaining full guard.
Banner in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Banner wants to control from the top but Benjamin Jr keeps moving.
Banner trying to pass the guard. He's being very persistent here but Benjamin Jr manages to land a sweep and now he's on top!
Banner looking to hit a scissor sweep but Benjamin Jr is one step ahead there.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Benjamin Jr wants to control from the top but Banner keeps moving.

The ref stands the fighters back up, due to lack of action by Thomas Benjamin Jr.
Banner looks to throw the jab but Benjamin Jr is out of range.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Banner thows a body shot but no joy.
Benjamin Jr uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Banner.
Banner misses with a hook. Benjamin Jr ducked under it nicely.
Thomas Benjamin Jr is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Banner throws a nice looking combination but Benjamin Jr bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Well, he's not going to score with shots like that. A lazy body kick attempt from Benjamin Jr.
Benjamin Jr misses the jab.
Banner ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Benjamin Jr with a body punch. A glancing blow.
Benjamin Jr blocks the body kick.
Banner ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Benjamin Jr moves away.
Banner fakes a jab and then connects with a hook.
Benjamin Jr connects with a lovely jab that went straight through the gap between Banner's hands.
Benjamin Jr takes a step back and watches a body kick go sailing past his mid section.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Benjamin Jr throws a low kick but Banner avoids it.
Benjamin Jr scores with a crisp jab that stopped Banner in his tracks.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Banner uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Benjamin Jr.
Banner misses the jab.
Benjamin Jr swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Benjamin Jr bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Benjamin Jr misses the shot to the body.
Thomas Benjamin Jr seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Banner misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
Banner misses with a body shot.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Benjamin Jr with a body punch. A glancing blow.
Benjamin Jr will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
Benjamin Jr uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Banner.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close round but I would say that Bruce Banner will probably get the nod.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!

Benjamin Jr throws a body kick but he wasn't in range.
Benjamin Jr connects with the punch.
Banner with a body punch. A glancing blow.
Banner checks a leg kick.

Banner closes the distance and looks for a trip takedown... aaaand he's got it - Banner lands in his opponent's guard.
Banner trying to control but Benjamin Jr is working from the bottom.
Benjamin Jr manages to land a sweep and now he's in mount on top!
Banner is writhing around trying to get back to his feet.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Banner regains half guard.
Banner is positioning himself well to prevent Benjamin Jr advancing to mount.

Banner is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Benjamin Jr pulls his head out easily.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Benjamin Jr moves nicely into side control.

Benjamin Jr stands up and beckons Banner to his feet.
Benjamin Jr throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Banner.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Banner takes a step back and watches a body kick go sailing past his mid section.
Benjamin Jr ducks down and throws a hook to the body.
Banner misses with a low kick.
A looping hook to the body misses from Benjamin Jr. Banner does a little dance to reset his feet.
Banner takes a thudding leg kick, right into the meat of the thigh.
Benjamin Jr throws a right hand that Banner ducks under and follows up with a left that Banner also avoids with ease.
Benjamin Jr scores with a push kick.
Benjamin Jr thumps Banner with a low kick.
Benjamin Jr misses with a few strikes there.
Benjamin Jr throws a push kick but Banner slaps the foot to one side.
Benjamin Jr lands with a nice body kick.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
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!
Benjamin Jr keeps his opponent at a distance with a nice jab.
Benjamin Jr is looking to chop away at Banner's legs.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Banner throws a chopping leg kick but Benjamin Jr manages to avoid taking any serious damage.
Benjamin Jr throws a leg kick but he was too far away and it doesn't land.
Banner throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Benjamin Jr.
Benjamin Jr slips under a jab from Banner.
Benjamin Jr swings away with a leg kick that misses.
Benjamin Jr throws a nice outside leg kick.
Benjamin Jr throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Benjamin Jr throws a lazy right hand but Banner sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Benjamin Jr ducks under a wild hook from Banner.
Banner lands with a cross.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Benjamin Jr thows a body kick. Banner tries to catch it but that hurt him.
Benjamin Jr looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.
Benjamin Jr lands with an overhand left.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Thomas Benjamin Jr showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!

Banner has his front leg slapped to the side - a nice low kick landing there from Benjamin Jr.
Benjamin Jr fakes with the hands and throws a leg kick but Banner is out of range.
A nice inside leg kick there by Benjamin Jr. That's going to slow Banner down.

Banner is looking for a takedown here. He's shot in and has managed to get it, finishing up in Benjamin Jr's half guard.
Banner wants to lay and pray for a moment but Benjamin Jr keeps working.
Banner thows a huge punch but Benjamin Jr dodges it nicely.
Banner wants to lay and pray for a moment but Benjamin Jr keeps working.
Banner passes the guard and advances to mount!

That's one minute gone in the round.
Banner punching from mount but Benjamin Jr doing a good job of avoiding damage.
Benjamin Jr blocking the ground and pound.
Banner unloads with some shots from mount but Benjamin Jr bucks and avoids them well.
Banner scoring with strikes but Benjamin Jr is staying in there.
Banner lands an elbow that was bordering on illegal but the referee lets it go with a warning.
Banner punching from mount but Benjamin Jr doing a good job of avoiding damage.
Banner throws some wild stikes that Benjamin Jr manages to avoid easily.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Banner wants to control the pace but Benjamin Jr is squirming around nicely.
Banner takes a little breather and maintains the position. The referee will be looking for him to stay active from such a dominant position though.
Benjamin Jr is writhing around trying to get back to his feet.
Banner breaks from Benjamin Jr's wrist control and lands an elbow.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Banner working Benjamin Jr over with strikes here.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Banner looking to finish Benjamin Jr with some ground and pound. This is bad for Benjamin Jr!
Banner avoids the attempt from Benjamin Jr to control.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Banner moves into side control, trying to work for a kimura. That looks painful! Will he finish!!?? No, Benjamin Jr has worked his arm free - good work by Benjamin Jr!
Benjamin Jr can't do much from the bottom here.
Benjamin Jr is trying to avoid being dragged into an even worse position than he's already in but Banner is staying active.
Banner laying and praying for a moment but Benjamin Jr takes advantage and regains half guard.
Benjamin Jr is looking to control Banner's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Benjamin Jr avoid being mounted?

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Banner throws a strike but Benjamin Jr avoids it easily and moves to full guard.
Banner wants to control from the top but Benjamin Jr keeps moving.
Benjamin Jr seems keen to control Banner's posture.
Banner has been looking to land a fair amount of strikes on the ground. He might be looking to soften his opponent up in order to work for a submission.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Banner throws and elbow that misses. Benjamin Jr uses the momentum to reverse the position. He's now in Banner's guard. Nice move by Benjamin Jr!
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Bruce Banner clearly takes that round.
That's time! Back to the action!

Banner throws a low kick but it's checked well by Benjamin Jr.
Banner misses with a right hand
and he gets countered with a snapping leg kick.
Benjamin Jr throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Banner.
Banner throws a series of punches but Benjamin Jr moves out of range.
Benjamin Jr attempts a low kick but it misses it's target.
Banner lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Benjamin Jr circles away quickly and effectively.
Banner looks shocked there as he takes a right hand to the temple.
Benjamin Jr slips a jab from Banner.
Banner slips a jab from Benjamin Jr.
Jab from Benjamin Jr.
Banner checks a low kick. Bone on bone - not my idea of a good time.
Benjamin Jr closes the distance and takes a jab right on the nose as he does so.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Banner avoids a kick to the body.
Banner lunges at Benjamin Jr with a hook that half lands and is half blocked by Benjamin Jr's hand.
Benjamin Jr paws at his opponent with the jab and then lunges in with a straight, right on the button.
Benjamin Jr fakes with the hands and throws a leg kick but Banner is out of range.
Banner throws a push kick but Benjamin Jr slaps the foot to one side.
Thomas Benjamin Jr seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Benjamin Jr avoids the body shot from Banner.
Banner scores with a jab to the jaw.
Banner misses the shot to the body.
Banner shoots in for a double leg but Benjamin Jr sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
Banner scores with a nice right hand.
Banner throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Benjamin Jr moves away from the strike by Banner.
Banner throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Banner misses with a lunging right hand
and Benjamin Jr cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Banner avoids the body shot from Benjamin Jr.
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!
Benjamin Jr throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd.
It's got to the stage where if one of these guys blows hard enough, the other might fall over.
Benjamin Jr looking to throw a kick but he's pulled out of it.
Benjamin Jr throws a leg kick but Banner checks it.
Banner takes a nice looking leg kick right on the meat of his thigh there.
Banner thows a body shot but no joy.
Benjamin Jr just misses with a punch to the body.
Banner misses with a right hand
and Benjamin Jr counters with a head kick.
Banner ducks under a wild hook from Benjamin Jr.
Banner misses with a body shot.
Benjamin Jr ducks down and throws a hook to the body.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Benjamin Jr lands with a head kick! That's gotta hurt.

Banner is rocked!
Banner works Benjamin Jr's body with a nice hook.
Oh Banner is still all over the place! His legs are completely gone! Will he be able to recover?!!
Banner shoots in looking for a takedown but Benjamin Jr manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Banner's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
Banner seems to have got his legs back now.
Banner scores with a jab to the jaw of his opponent.
Benjamin Jr misses with a straight left.
Banner fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Benjamin Jr manages to avoid it.
Like a baseball bat into the meat of his leg there - nice leg kick by Benjamin Jr.
Benjamin Jr throws a body punch but Banner moves out of range.
Benjamin Jr connects nicely with a jab. Noted by the judges no doubt.
Benjamin Jr throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Benjamin Jr lands with an overhand left.

Benjamin Jr tries to sprawl but Banner drives through with a takedown into half guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Banner looks to land a strike but Benjamin Jr avoids it nicely and regains full guard.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Banner accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Banner is taking a break and basically stalling. The referee will not allow him to do that for long.
Banner postures up in Benjamin Jr's guard and throws a big left but Benjamin Jr blocks it.
Banner loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Banner trying to control but Benjamin Jr is working from the bottom.
Benjamin Jr pulls Banner in to control the position.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Thomas Benjamin Jr dominated that fourth 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. This is the final round!

Benjamin Jr throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Banner scores with a nice strike.
Benjamin Jr misses with a wild body shot.
A good leg kick by Benjamin Jr.
Banner misses with a body shot.
This fight brought to you by 5M nutrition - it's mmmmm tasty. Nice jab by Benjamin Jr.
Benjamin Jr lands a jab followed by a nice looking cross.
Benjamin Jr misses with a body shot.
Banner tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Benjamin Jr was well out of range. Poor timing from Banner.
Benjamin Jr waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Banner.
Benjamin Jr connects with a looping right hand.
A solid leg kick lands there for Benjamin Jr.
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!
Banner moves out of range of the body kick from Benjamin Jr.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Banner scores with a straight right hand, right through his opponent's guard.
Banner misses with a jab to the body
and Benjamin Jr counters with a shot to the ribs. That looked like it hurt.

Banner closes the distance and clinches up, looking for a takedown. He shifts his weight and gets a nice trip into half guard.
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.
Banner missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
Banner working over Benjamin Jr with some ground and pound. Benjamin Jr looks like he wants out of this position, which is understandable.
Benjamin Jr is not content to let Banner control the position.

Banner is working for submissions here but there's nothing on.
Benjamin Jr preventing any damage for now, controlling his opponent's head.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Banner trying to control from half guard but Benjamin Jr is working away.
Banner sitting and controlling from the half guard.
Banner working some ground and pound from close in. He's looking to maintain this position and strike for a while by the looks of things... although he'll probably advance to full mount in a minute now I've said that.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Banner thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Benjamin Jr keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Banner with a momentary lay and pray from half guard.
Benjamin Jr works his way to full guard. Good work.
Banner trying to control the position from guard on top but Benjamin Jr is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Banner postures up in Benjamin Jr's guard and throws a big left but Benjamin Jr blocks it.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Benjamin Jr wants to sweep but no luck.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Banner accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Banner postures up and scores with a shot to the body and a follow up elbow to the head.
Banner is looking to work some ground and pound but Benjamin Jr has wrist control.
Banner trying to control but Benjamin Jr is working from the bottom.
Banner thows a big elbow that misses.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Benjamin Jr preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Bruce Banner overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Banner is looking to work some ground and pound but Benjamin Jr has wrist control.

And that's the end of the fight!
Bruce Banner showed his dominance in that final round.
I think Banner has won this one but let's see what the judges have to say. 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 Donatello Bradman scores the fight 48:48
Judge Damien Edna scores the fight 47:48
Judge Hugh Johnson scores the fight 48:47

The fight is ruled a draw!
Bruce Banner retains his title. It's always disappointing when a championship fight ends as a draw but that's what happens when you leave the fight in the judges hands!