PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Poncjusz Zabawka (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Officer Franklin (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Officer Franklin will no doubt be trying to keep this one on the feet, where he has a distinct advantage.

Zabawka
vs
Franklin

163 cm
22
140 lbs
5 - 1 - 0

171 cm
22
142 lbs
10 - 2 - 0

Powerful takedowns
Good kicks
Granite chin

BJJ Purple Belt
Excellent boxer
Good gas tank

1337 ANZAC

Vandal Fight Boutique (prices $8 - $30)
Vandal Fight Boutique (prices $8 - $30)

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the featherweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 5 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Poncjusz Zabawka!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 10 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Officer Franklin!
The judges for this bout are Yukihiro Shimada, Shirou Masuda and Yuuki Gou.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Zabawka tries to move into range but Franklin moves to the side and lands with a nice right hand.
Oooooooooooh, not good. A low kick from Zabawka 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 Franklin has 5 minutes to recover. He's OK now though... a thumbs up from Franklin and we're back underway with a touch of gloves.
A nice leg kick lands there from Zabawka.
Zabawka is looking to slow Franklin down with leg kicks.

Zabawka drives through with a takedown into Franklin's guard. Let's see what he can do from the top position.
The referee is asking the fighters to pick up the pace.
Zabawka throwing strikes but missing.
Zabawka throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Franklin is trying to control the position but Zabawka postures up.
Zabawka loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Franklin avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Zabawka throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Franklin works some decent striking defense from the bottom.

Franklin looking for a guillotine here but Zabawka defends easily.
Zabawka throws a big right hand that misses.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Franklin has control of Zabawka's left arm, preventing Zabawka from doing any damage.
Zabawka throws a big elbow that misses.
Zabawka with a couple of shots to the head there. Not particularly brutal.
Zabawka throwing strikes from guard but Franklin blocks nicely.
Franklin is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Zabawka sneaks a leg through and gets to half guard. That was like a knife through butter how easily he passed Franklin's guard.
Franklin is looking for a sweep. Zabawka is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Franklin keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Zabawka not landing any meaningful shots this time.
Zabawka looking to pass the half guard. Not this time.
Zabawka trying to control from Franklin's half guard. Franklin has other ideas though and has regained full guard.
Zabawka wants to control from the top but Franklin keeps moving.
A real slowdown in the pace of the fight for a moment, as Franklin holds on and takes a little breather.
Zabawka is looking to work some ground and pound but Franklin has wrist control.
Zabawka throws a strike but Franklin rolls with it and manages to sweep. Now he's in guard on top.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
This has been an exciting period of action!
The fighters are starting to get a bit slippery now, which will make submissions a bit more difficult.
Franklin content to stall in guard here.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Zabawka is trying to keep Franklin in close.
Zabawka keeping full guard, as Franklin tries to pass.
Franklin trying to control but Zabawka is working from the bottom.
Franklin seems content to control from guard here. He's going to have to remain active though if he doesn't want to get stood back up.
Zabawka trying to control the position.

The ref stands the fighters back up, due to lack of action by Officer Franklin.
Franklin avoids a lazy jab quite easily.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Franklin works Zabawka's body with a nice hook.
Franklin looks to clinch
and Zabawka counters with a body kick.
Zabawka looking to land some kicks to the body here.
Franklin has his front leg slapped to the side - a nice low kick landing there from Zabawka.
Officer Franklin is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Franklin avoids a low kick by using good footwork.
Zabawka shoots in but Franklin avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Zabawka swats away the attempt to clinch by Franklin.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Zabawka ducks right into an uppercut from Franklin.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Poncjusz Zabawka dominated that round.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.

Franklin thows a body shot but no joy.
Zabawka walks forward and throws out a flicking leg kick. Franklin checks it nicely though, as he moves to the side.
Franklin moves out of range as Zabawka throws a body kick.
Franklin fakes and then throws a beautiful body shot. Zabawka looks a bit winded and takes a step backwards to take a breath.
Zabawka looks shocked there as he takes a right hand to the temple.
Franklin changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.
Franklin is looking to clinch but Zabawka is avoiding it.
Franklin looks to land a right hand but Zabawka moved out of range.
Franklin lands with a cross to side of his opponent's head.
Zabawka fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Franklin scores with a body shot.
Zabawka lands a nice leg kick that just misses Franklin's sensitive parts.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Franklin is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Zabawka shoots for a double leg takedown but Franklin sprawls well. He's pushed Zabawka's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Officer Franklin seems to be getting the better of the standup.
The fighters circle momentarily. Franklin darts into range and connects with a nice straight punch.
Zabawka on the wrong end of an overhand right that came out of nowhere.
Franklin dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Franklin lands a powerful looking uppercut that connected with his opponent's jaw.
Franklin looks to clinch
and Zabawka counters with a good, hard body kick but Franklin shrugs it off.
Franklin misses with a straight left.
Zabawka takes one to the side of the head.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Zabawka defending well as Franklin loads up on a big left hand.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Franklin rushes Zabawka and presses him up against the cage.
Franklin lands a left hand.
A short right from Franklin on the inside.
Franklin lands a hook to the side of the head.
Zabawka misses with a punch on the inside.
A short right from Franklin on the inside.
A nice left hand lands by Franklin.
Franklin content to slow the pace in the clinch.
Franklin dodges an elbow strike from Zabawka.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Franklin lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.

Zabawka gets control of Franklin's arms and successfully pulls guard. Zabawka will no doubt be looking for submissions off his back.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Franklin stopping the sweep attempt from Zabawka.
Zabawka pulls Franklin in close to prevent any damage.
Zabawka looking to sweep using the butterfly guard but Franklin puts pay to that idea as he passes nicely into half guard.
Zabawka trying to control here.
Zabawka gets back to full guard.
Zabawka is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Zabawka throws a big elbow that misses, also allowing Franklin to regain full guard.
Zabawka pushes down on Franklin's leg and manages to get into half guard.
Franklin has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Zabawka is working away from the top position though.
Franklin is trying to get back to full guard.
Zabawka thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Zabawka with the ground and pound but Franklin uses the opportunity to regain guard.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Franklin is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move.
Poncjusz Zabawka overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Zabawka is looking for a sweep. Franklin is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Officer Franklin showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

Zabawka misses with a body kick.
Franklin cracks Zabawka with a good jab.
Franklin scores with a sloppy punch to the body. Not much technique there but it did the business.
Franklin scores with a sloppy right hand. Zabawka should have avoided that one.
Zabawka looks to land a body kick but Franklin moved away.
Zabawka misses with a kick to the body.
Franklin takes a swing at Zabawka's ribcage but misses.
Franklin bobbing and weaving, closes the distance and lands a hook to the side of Zabawka's head.
Zabawka ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Zabawka misses with a kick to the body.
Zabawka takes one on the button.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Franklin keeps his opponent at a distance with a nice jab.
Franklin lands with an overhand left.

Franklin pushes Zabawka up against the cage in a clinch.
Franklin leaning against his opponent.
Franklin has used his reach advantage pretty well so far tonight.
Zabawka tries to pull guard but Franklin won't allow it.
Franklin blocks a body shot from Zabawka.
Zabawka has had enough of the clinch and is looking to separate.
Franklin stalling here - the referee won't stand for too much of that.
Zabawka with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.
Zabawka tries to break the clinch but Franklin is controlling the position.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Stalling in the clinch from Franklin.
Franklin working some nice short punches in the clinch.
Franklin digs a right hand into Zabawka's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Zabawka's gas tank.
Franklin lands a hook that snaps the head of Zabawka backwards.
Zabawka is working hard here but doesn't seem to be able to control effectively, up against the cage.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Franklin prevents Zabawka from breaking the clinch.
Franklin gets double underhooks to prevent a takedown attempt from Zabawka.
Zabawka jumps guard but Franklin stands there with Zabawka around his waist. Zabawka gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Poncjusz Zabawka. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Zabawka tries to circle away but Franklin has him pinned against the cage.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Good anti-grappling being displayed by Franklin as Zabawka tries to tie him up.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Franklin.
Franklin lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
Franklin misses with a hook to the ribs.
Come on Franklin - let's have some action - none of this stalling nonsense.
Zabawka looking to stall.
Franklin controlling the action here for a moment.
Zabawka misses with a knee strike.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Zabawka is trying to work for a single leg takedown but Franklin pulls him back up using the underhooks.
Franklin stalling here - the referee won't stand for too much of that.
Franklin throws an elbow but it's blocked.

Zabawka breaks from the clinch.
Jab from Franklin.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Franklin is looking to clinch but Zabawka is avoiding it.
Zabawka is looking to land body kicks.
Zabawka fails with a takedown attempt.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Officer Franklin really dominated that round.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!

Franklin throws a jab when Zabawka was well out of range.
Franklin misses with a body shot.
Franklin steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Zabawka.
The sound of bone on bone echoes around the arena as Franklin checks a leg kick.
Zabawka avoids the body shot from Franklin.

Franklin closes the distance and clinches.
Zabawka tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.
Franklin slowing the pace effectively.
Franklin lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
Franklin lands with a right to the head.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Zabawka tries to pull guard but Franklin holds him up against the cage and eventually Zabawka drops back down to his feet.
Nice body punch from Franklin - that landed with a thud.
Franklin is leaning against Zabawka and scores with a nice uppercut to the body.
A shot in the inside from Franklin.

Zabawka pulls guard effortlessly.
Zabawka looking to hit a scissor sweep but Franklin is one step ahead there.
Franklin trying to control but Zabawka is working from the bottom.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Zabawka working a defensive guard here.
Franklin in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.

Zabawka working for submissions but it's allowed Franklin to get to half guard.
Franklin moves into full mount! Zabawka won't be happy about that!
Zabawka is working to get back to half guard.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Zabawka is working hard here to advance position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Franklin controlling from mount.

Franklin is standing up out of mount! Strange tactic there - he must really want this one on the feet!
Franklin scores with a shot to the body.
Officer Franklin seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Zabawka misses with an attempted mid kick.
Franklin lands a jab to the head.
Franklin scores with a straight right hand, right through his opponent's guard.
Zabawka tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Franklin closes the distance and clinches.
Zabawka takes a shot to the head.
Zabawka is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Franklin is defending well for now.
A head punch on the inside from Zabawka fails to land.
Zabawka takes a shot to the head.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Franklin digs a right hand underneath Zabawka's ribcage. Zabawka let out a lung full of air as it connected.
Zabawka is trying to work for a single leg takedown but Franklin pulls him back up using the underhooks.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Poncjusz Zabawka. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Franklin lands with a left to the head.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
A short body shot lands from Franklin as the two fighters clinch.
Franklin scores with a shoulder strike.
Franklin lands an elbow inside.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Officer Franklin dominated that fourth round.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin! This is the final round!

Franklin wants to clinch up but Zabawka keeps it at a distance.
Jab by Franklin.
Franklin clobbers Zabawka with an overhand right that has the crowd gasping. That made a horrendous noise.
Zabawka moves away from the strike by Franklin.
Zabawka swats away the attempt to clinch by Franklin.
Franklin avoids a kick to the body.
Franklin misses with a hook. Zabawka ducked under it nicely.
Zabawka takes a shot to the body in his stride.
Franklin scores with a punch to the gut of his opponent.
Zabawka swings away with a leg kick that misses.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Franklin waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Zabawka.
Zabawka on the wrong end of an overhand right that came out of nowhere.
A telegraphed right hand from Franklin misses the target.
Franklin slips in close and lands a nice hook before moving back out of range.
Zabawka closes this distance looking for a takedown but Franklin circles away.
Franklin wants to clinch up but Zabawka keeps it at a distance.
A punch lands to the side of Zabawka 's head but he takes it in his stride.
Zabawka bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
No luck for Zabawka with that takedown attempt.
Franklin looks to throw the jab but Zabawka is out of range.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Franklin loads up on a big right hand but Zabawka slips the punch.
Zabawka throws a low kick but Franklin moves out of range easily.
Poncjusz Zabawka has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

Franklin drives through and clinches with Zabawka against the cage.
A short body shot lands from Franklin as the two fighters clinch.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
A quick uppercut on the inside from Franklin.
Franklin prevents a body shot from Zabawka.
Franklin scores with an uppercut up the middle.
Zabawka doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Franklin lands a body shot in the clinch.
Zabawka can't find room to land a body shot as Franklin controls the action.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Franklin throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Zabawkas head.
Franklin throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Zabawkas head.
Franklin stalls.
Zabawka can't break the clinch.
Franklin goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
A nice right hand lands inside from Franklin.
A short left from Franklin.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Zabawka tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Franklin avoids it.
Zabawka tries to pull guard but Franklin forces him back to his feet, against the cage.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Poncjusz Zabawka. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Zabawka looking for a takedown.
Franklin lands a nice uppercut.
Zabawka tries for a takedown. No joy.
Officer Franklin is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
Zabawka letting Franklin take a breather here.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Franklin works for underhooks and lands a body shot in the process.
Franklin lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.

And that's the end of the fight!
Officer Franklin comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think Franklin 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 5 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Yukihiro Shimada scores the fight 46:49
Judge Shirou Masuda scores the fight 46:49
Judge Yuuki Gou scores the fight 46:49

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Officer Franklin!
Officer Franklin is the new featherweight champion!
Officer Franklin gave a mention to Vandal Fight Boutique (prices $8 - $30) in his post fight interview. That will please them (and hopefully generate some sales).