PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Pierce Russell (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Bobby Sparks (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Sparks has chosen Viva Las Vegas by Dead Kennedys as his entrance music. Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the cage.

Russell
vs
Sparks

176 cm
22
167 lbs
8 - 2 - 0

180 cm
20
170 lbs
6 - 0 - 0

Good wrestling
Solid boxing
Granite chin

Good wrestler
Decent boxing
Granite chin

White Gorilla Nutrition

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the lightweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 8 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Montreal, Pierce Russell!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 6 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Montreal, Bobby Sparks!
The judges for this bout are Robert Douchet, Gregory Folan and Dillan Fox.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Russell throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.

Sparks closes the distance and looks for a trip takedown... aaaand he's got it - Sparks lands in his opponent's guard.
Sparks trying to control the position from guard on top but Russell is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Sparks throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Sparks wants to control from the top but Russell keeps moving.
Russell is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Sparks trying to control but Russell is working from the bottom.

The ref stands the fighters back up. Bobby Sparks was stalling too much, according to the referee.
Russell takes a swing at Sparks's ribcage but misses.
Russell swinging wildly here.
Sparks tries to close the distance and clinch up but Russell swats him away and circles back towards the center.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Russell throws a right and a left that Sparks avoids nicely.
Russell swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Russell stuffs the takedown.
Sparks throws a nice looking combination but Russell bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Russell defending well as Sparks loads up on a big left hand.
Left hook, right uppercut from Sparks.
Sparks missing with a left hand there. Russell was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Russell tries to bum rush Sparks with a series of wild strikes but Sparks uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Sparks tries to clinch but Russell is having none of it.
Russell misses the shot to the body.
Russell looks to land a combination but Sparks avoids it well.
Nice uppercut there from Sparks.
The fight stays on the outside here - Sparks looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Sparks on the wrong end of a vicious looking body shot.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Sparks misses with an uppercut.
Sparks fakes low and throws an overhand right that catches Russell on the side of the head.
Russell goes to the watering hole and comes back with a big thumbs up from the judges as he scores a three punch combo.

It looks like Bobby Sparks has been cut.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Russell misses with a few strikes there.
Sparks lands with an overhand left.
A slapping leg kick lands for Sparks.
No joy there for Russell, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Sparks bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Russell is looking to wear down Sparks with body shots, infact he's throwing more body shots than head shots at the moment.
Russell throws a nice looking combination but Sparks bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Russell throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Sparks avoids the body shot from Russell.
Oooooooooooh, not good. A low kick from Sparks lands where it shouldn't have, right in the... well, you know what he did? He kicked him in the penis. He's injured, injured bad. The referee sends both fighters to their corners and Russell has 5 minutes to recover. He's OK now though... a thumbs up from Russell and we're back underway with a touch of gloves.
Some wild striking there from Sparks.
Russell fakes and then throws a beautiful body shot. Sparks looks a bit winded and takes a step backwards to take a breath.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Sparks closes this distance looking for a takedown but Russell circles away.
Sparks looks to land a combination but Russell avoids it well.
Sparks looks gassed!
Russell misses with a wild body shot.
Sparks misses with a takedown
and Russell counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Pierce Russell has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Bobby Sparks.
Sloppy strikes from Sparks. Those never looked like landing.
A punch combination from Russell misses.
Bobby Sparks seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Russell scores with a jab. Sparks acknowledges it with a nod of the head.

Sparks feints and then dives in with a takedown. That was a long way out but the feint bought him enough time to close the distance and complete the takedown. Now we'll play guard for a bit and see who can get the better of that position.
Sparks throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Russell works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Sparks tries to free his leg and advance position but Russell is retaining full guard.
Russell on his back here. We all know that wrestlers don't like being on their back so let's see if Russell tries to get out of the position.
Sparks throws a big right hand that misses.
Sparks pushing down on Russell's thigh, trying to pass to half guard. He's managed it... Nice work.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Russell punching from the bottom.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Sparks is pressing down on Russell's thigh, looking to free his foot. Russell is holding on for now.
Russell is looking for a sweep. Sparks is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Russell is in trouble now - Sparks has advanced to mount!
The fighters are going at a pretty good pace and they're both starting to sweat now.
Russell sneaks a leg back under and regains half guard and is working straight away to try and get back to guard. He hasn't managed just yet though.
Sparks working Russell over with strikes.
Russell is looking for a sweep. Sparks is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Sparks wants to pass the guard but Russell is defending well.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Sparks not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
Russell blocking the ground and pound attempt from Sparks.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but Bobby Sparks will probably get the nod.
The cut man is working on Bobby Sparks's cut.
That's time! Russell's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

Russell lands with a two punch combination before moving back out of range.
Russell throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.

Sparks gets a clinch.
Russell misses with some punches.
Russell throws a hook to the body. More of an arm punch but it's all scoring with the judges.
Russell misses with a punch on the inside.
Sparks softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
Sparks tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Russell avoids it.
Russell lands with a short head shot on the inside.
Russell working some nice short punches in the clinch.
Some stalling of biblical proportions here from Sparks.
Russell lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
A head punch on the inside from Russell fails to land.
Russell tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Sparks's elbow.

Russell breaks the clinch.
Sparks lands a nice shot that snaps Russell's head back.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Russell misses with a two punch combination.
Sparks looks to throw the jab but Russell is out of range.
Russell thuds a left hand into Sparks's body.
Russell throws a right and a left that both miss.
Sparks blocks a jab.

Sparks shoots in for a takedown! He's got it and he's managed to land in full mount! That's better than Sparks was expecting from the takedown attempt, I'm sure!
Sparks is breathing heavily.
Sparks has his opponent pinned against the cage, landing some nasty ground and pound that is really making a bit of a mess out of Russell's face.
BOOM! Sparks connects with a massive shot to the dome!
Sparks has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
Sparks cracks Russell with a nasty head shot there - the crowd let out an audible gasp there, as the noise reverberated around the arena.
Russell can't escape the position.
Sparks scoring with some good ground and pound from mount here. Will he manage to finish Russell?
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Russell is trying desperately to improve position.
Russell tries to hold on but Sparks pushes him away.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Sparks lands a heavy elbow.
Sparks lands an elbow that was bordering on illegal but the referee lets it go with a warning.
Russell is trying desperately to improve position.
Russell knows he needs to get back to his feet asap. He's simply no match for Sparks on the ground.
Sparks with good strikes from the mount here!
Sparks is still in mount, landing shots to his trapped opponent. Russell can't stay in a position like this for much longer.
Russell is desperately trying to improve his position but Sparks has a good base and remains in mount.
Sparks pausing momentarily but resumes with a couple of decent strikes that do a bit of damage.
Sparks lands a nice shot to the head.
Russell keeping his composure momentarily, calmly looking to get back to half guard.
Sparks breaks from Russell's wrist control and lands an elbow.
Sparks punishing his opponent with strikes.
Sparks connects with a couple of good shots from mount.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Sparks looking to secure an arm triangle but Russell defends it well.
Sparks landing punches.
Russell is wriggling around trying to escape.
Sparks putting on the heat here with some good ground and pound!
Sparks punishing his opponent with strikes.
Russell is trying to escape the mount.
Sparks looking to ground and pound his opponent to a finish here.
Russell in a bad spot here, taking shots to the head.
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!
Sparks with a couple of short strikes.
Russell in a bad spot here, taking shots to the head.
Russell is desperately trying to improve his position but Sparks has a good base and remains in mount.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd growing excited in anticipation of a finish here! Right on cue, Sparks cracks his opponent with a massive right hand that draws loud cheers!
Sparks is in the full mount, landing strikes.
BOOM! Sparks connects with a massive shot to the dome!
Russell is looking to get to half guard.
Russell tries to lock up and control but Sparks gives him a forearm to the face and pushes him away.
Russell takes a big shot to the head but keeps on trying to improve his position.
Russell is bucking up trying to escape but Sparks cracks him with another couple of good strikes.
Russell is wriggling around trying to escape.
Sparks in mount throwing good strikes here, bouncing his opponent's head off the canvas.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Sparks scoring with strikes but Russell is staying in there.
Sparks wants to control the pace but Russell is squirming around nicely.
Bobby Sparks has got the better of the ground game so far.
Russell working to try and regain half guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Bobby Sparks showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The cut man is working on Bobby Sparks'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. And we move into the final round!

Sparks lands an overhand left. A wild punch that just about connected.
Russell throws a combination that misses
enabling Sparks to counter with a crisp jab.
Sparks tries to score a power double leg takedown but Russell sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Sparks somewhat.
Russell lands a nice looking body shot.
Russell fakes a head punch and goes low to the body. Nicely done.
Sparks is trying hard to land a takedown here. Russell sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
This fight brought to you by 5M nutrition - it's mmmmm tasty. Nice jab by Russell.
Russell throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Sparks ducks under a wild hook from Russell.
Russell comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.
Russell catches Sparks with a nice straight right. He seems pissed - ooooh, it's on now! On like donkey kong!
Russell ducks down and throws a hook to the body.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Russell avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Sparks doesn't manage to clinch there - Russell circles away.
Russell avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Russell tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Sparks was well out of range. Poor timing from Russell.
Sparks looks to land a combination but Russell avoids it well.
Russell throws a right and a left that both miss.

Sparks feints and then dives in with a takedown. That was a long way out but the feint bought him enough time to close the distance and complete the takedown. Now we'll play guard for a bit and see who can get the better of that position.
Russell is pulling down on Sparks's head to control his posture.
Sparks trying to control but Russell is working from the bottom.
Russell looking for a sweep. Not yet Russell, not yet.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Sparks trying to control but Russell is working from the bottom.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Sparks looking to pass the guard.
Sparks in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Sparks won't allow Russell to sweep him here.
Sparks trying to control the position from guard on top but Russell is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Russell looking for a sweep. Not yet Russell, not yet.

The ref calls for a clean break and stands the fighters back up. Bobby Sparks wasn't active enough on the ground.
Sparks shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Russell defends it nicely.
Pierce Russell has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Bobby Sparks.
Sparks closes the distance and takes a jab right on the nose as he does so.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Russell slips a straight right by Sparks.
Pierce Russell is winning the standup battle so far.
Russell looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Sparks darts in and clinches Russell up against the cage.
Russell misses with a punch on the inside.
Sparks blocks an uppercut.
Russell lands a body shot.
Russell lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
Russell scores with a nice hook to the head.
A short left from Russell.
Both guys are working to get underhooks.
Russell lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
Sparks wants to push off and get back to the center of the mat but Russell has him pressed against the cage.
Russell blocks the elbow strike.
A right hook to the body lands for Russell.
An uppercut to the body lands inside from Russell.
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!
A short right from Russell on the inside.
Russell misses with a body punch.
Bobby Sparks is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A short left from Russell.
Russell is trying to push Sparks away but Sparks has him pressed against the cage, so he's going nowhere.
Sparks tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Russell's elbow.

Russell breaks the clinch.
Russell misses with a wild body shot.
Pierce Russell is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Russell lands a powerful looking uppercut that connected with his opponent's jaw.
Sparks misses with a body shot.
Sparks uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Russell.
Sparks tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in the close the distance. Russell manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Russell showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Sparks.
Pierce Russell is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Russell throws a hook to the side of Sparks's head but Sparks sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Russell misses with a hook. Sparks ducked under it nicely.
Pierce Russell has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Nice uppercut lands for Russell. That snapped Sparks's head back.

And that's the end of the fight!
Pierce Russell showed his dominance in that final round.
I think Sparks has won this one but let's see whether the judges agree with me. 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 Robert Douchet scores the fight 28:29
Judge Gregory Folan scores the fight 28:29
Judge Dillan Fox scores the fight 28:29

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Bobby Sparks!
Bobby Sparks made sure to mention his sponsor, White Gorilla Nutrition in his post fight interview.