PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Jack Meeoff (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Roy Country (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Meeoff comes to the cage accompanied by bodies. Jack Meeoff had a look across the cage there at his opponent. He definitely means business

Meeoff
vs
Country

188 cm
29
212 lbs
12 - 11 - 0

195 cm
27
217 lbs
7 - 4 - 0

Abu Dhabi Champ
Excellent boxer
Granite chin

ADCC Champion
Excellent boxer
Good gas tank

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the light heavyweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 12 - 11 - 0, fighting out of New York, Jack Meeoff!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 7 - 4 - 0, fighting out of New York, Roy Country!
The judges for this bout are Jorge Garcia, Russell Pearce and Lou da Vinci.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Meeoff clinches.
Both fighters working to control the clinch.
Country stalling the fight.
Country has hold of a leg and is looking for a trip takedown. Meeoff avoids it nicely though and we remain in the clinch.

Meeoff gets control of Country's arms and successfully pulls guard. Meeoff will no doubt be looking for submissions off his back.
Meeoff being controlled here, momentarily.

Meeoff is looking for a triangle but Country pushes his legs off easily.
Country trying to control the position from guard on top but Meeoff is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Country engaging in some classic timewasting tactics.
Country stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Meeoff swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Meeoff keeping moving, preventing Country from controlling successfully.

That's one minute gone in the round.

The ref stands the fighters back up, due to lack of action by Roy Country.
Meeoff defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Country.
Country thows a body shot but no joy.
Meeoff shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Country as he avoids it easily.
Country checks a leg kick nicely.
Country is looking to clinch.
Meeoff looks to land a combination but Country avoids it well.
Meeoff lands a head kick. Country smiles back at him and beckons him forward.

Meeoff 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.
Meeoff trying to control the position from guard on top but Country is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Country not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
Meeoff postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Meeoff trying to control but Country is working from the bottom.
Meeoff throwing strikes but missing.
Meeoff 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.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Meeoff pushes down on Country's leg and manages to get into half guard.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Country is looking to improve his position.
Meeoff thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.

Meeoff is sneakily working for an arm triangle but Country sees it coming and defends easily.
Country gets back to full guard.
Meeoff won't allow Country to sweep him here.
Country avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Meeoff postures up in Country's guard and throws a big left but Country blocks it.
Meeoff with a flurry of punches that miss.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Country has momentary wrist control but Meeoff slips an elbow through the middle.
Country controlling the position.
Meeoff is looking to work some ground and pound but Country has wrist control.
Country keeping full guard, as Meeoff tries to pass.
Meeoff trying to control the position from guard on top but Country is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

Country wriggles free and stands up.
Country throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Country tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Meeoff was well out of range. Poor timing from Country.
Country doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
Country ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Meeoff moves away.
Country sizes up Meeoff with a pawing jab and scores with a straight right down the middle.
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!
Country looks to score with a jab to the body but Meeoff is just out of range.
The fight stays on the outside here - Country looks like he's thinking about clinching though.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Meeoff misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.

Meeoff decides to change it up a bit and drives through with a nice takedown into half guard.
Meeoff thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Country's head.
Meeoff looking to pass the half guard. Not this time.

Meeoff seems to be working for a kimura but Country defends the submission attempt.
Country is pressing down on Meeoff's left leg trying to get back to full guard. He's managed it.
Meeoff wants to stand and escape but instead Country has hit a sweep and he's now on top in guard.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Country sitting in guard here, content to control.
Meeoff controls Country momentarily but Country frees himself.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Jack Meeoff dominated that round.
That's time! Meeoff's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

Country scores with a shot to the body.
Nice body punch from Country.
Jack Meeoff seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.

Meeoff looking to shoot here. He's gone for it and he's landed a takedown into mount! Oh, that's bad for Country!
Country really trying hard to get back to half guard here.
Meeoff dominating with strikes here.
Meeoff trying to control but Country is having none of it.
Meeoff thowing strikes but they're hitting the gloves, not doing any damage.
Country is wriggling around trying to escape.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Meeoff lands a big shot there that rocks Country but he's holding on and managing to survive for now.
Meeoff thowing shots but they're missing.
Country holding onto his opponent's waist for dear life, as Meeoff tries to land some strikes to get him to release his grip.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Meeoff putting on the heat here with some good ground and pound!

Meeoff goes for an armbar but he's fallen flat on his backside there and now Country is on top in guard.
Country advances position into side control!
Meeoff is positioning himself to get back to half guard.
Country wants to control but Meeoff is keeping him busy.
The referee asks Country politely if he wouldn't mind getting on with it and actually doing something. Country prefers to stall for the moment though.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Country trying to control the position but Meeoff is working away.

Country is trying to get an arm triangle but Meeoff is defending well.
Country is looking to take a break and control but Meeoff is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.

Country is trying to land an Americana. He has the arm isolated but Meeoff is keeping cool and he's avoided the danger for now.
A lull in the action here as Country stalls from top position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Meeoff is looking to work his way out of this bad position but Country is controlling him well.
Country moves into full mount!
Meeoff is desperately trying to get back to half guard.

Country is going oldschool here, as he tries to force Meeoff to tap using a forearm choke. This isn't 1993 though, so Meeoff shrugs it off.
Country trying to control but he's not successful this time.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Meeoff is working to get back to half guard.
Country controlling from the full mount.
Meeoff is squirming around, avoiding Country's attempts to control the action.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Meeoff keeping his composure momentarily, calmly looking to get back to half guard.
Country controlling from mount.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close second round but I would say that Jack Meeoff will probably get the nod.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

Country works Meeoff's body with a nice hook.
Meeoff misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.

Country forces Meeoff back against the cage and clinches.

Meeoff successfully pulls guard.
Country is just sitting in guard, looking to avoid any submissions.
Country trying to control but Meeoff is working from the bottom.
Country controlling from the guard. I say controlling but really, he's stalling.

Country got a little sloppy there for a moment and Meeoff has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Country has managed to get both his arms back between Meeoff's legs - danger averted.
Country wants to control from the top but Meeoff keeps moving.

That's one minute gone in the round.
The referee looks like he's ready to step in and stand the fighters back up.
Country stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Meeoff swivels though and keeps the full guard.

OK we're going to have a standup here. Roy Country hasn't been effective enough on the ground and the referee wants a restart.
Country thows a body shot but no joy.
Country bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Jack Meeoff is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.

Meeoff shoots in for a takedown! He's got it and he's managed to land in full mount! That's better than Meeoff was expecting from the takedown attempt, I'm sure!
Meeoff manages to capitalize on a mistake by Country to take his back!
Country turns into Meeoff and is now in his guard.
Country postures up.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Country trying to control but Meeoff is working from the bottom.

Meeoff escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Country gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.

Meeoff working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Country doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Country manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Country passes Meeoff's right leg, so he's now in half guard.
Country trying to advance position but Meeoff counters by regaining guard.
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 big thud reverberates around the arena there as Country accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.

Meeoff looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.
Country wants to control from the top but Meeoff keeps moving.
Country controlling from the top position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Country slips nicely into half guard.
Country wants to control but Meeoff is keeping him busy.
Neither fighter is being very active at the moment, with Country in particular looking to stall.
Let's hope that Country has the urge to step up the pace any second now because for the last 15 or 20 seconds he's just been holding on tight.
Meeoff is trying to stand up here but Country is controlling him well.
Country stalling away here and it's allowed Meeoff to slip out his trapped foot and regain full guard.
Country trying to control the position from guard on top but Meeoff is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

The ref stands the fighters back up, due to lack of action by Roy Country.
Meeoff throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Meeoff tries to clinch there but Country circles away.
Meeoff moves in looking to clinch but Country pushes him off.

Meeoff drops down and drives through with a powerful takedown into guard.
Country not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
Meeoff wanted to stand there but Country had control of the position.
Meeoff being controlled here momentarily.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.

Roy Country has forced the referee to step in and restart the fight on the feet.
Meeoff throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close third round but Roy Country just about did enough to take it.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action.

Country throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd.
Country throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Country misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Meeoff.

Country darts in and clinches Meeoff up against the cage.
Country is working hard here but doesn't seem to be able to control effectively, up against the cage.
Meeoff tries to jump guard but he falls flat on his backside. Country smiles and moves away.
Meeoff fails with the takedown.
Country dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
It's got to the stage where if one of these guys blows hard enough, the other might fall over.
Country misses with a wild body shot.

Country closes the distance and gets a double leg, slamming Meeoff to the mat! Meeoff manages to get full guard.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Country stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Meeoff swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Country controls from within his opponent's guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Meeoff can't keep his opponent in guard - Country advances to half guard, no doubt looking to mount.
Meeoff tries to kick Country off but Country keeps his base steady and stays in half guard.
Country controlling the action here.
Meeoff is staying active underneath Country, who seems content to just control the action from this position.
Country content to sit in half guard and control for a moment.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

The ref stands the fighters back up. Roy Country was stalling too much, according to the referee.
Meeoff shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Country defends it nicely.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Jack Meeoff. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Country misses with a shot to the body
and Meeoff connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Country ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Meeoff moves away.
A shot to the liver by Country. Beautiful body shot.
Country is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Country fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Meeoff manages to avoid it.
Nice body punch from Country.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Country feints a straight left to the body, then turns around with a flashy move and hits Meeoffs jaw with a dramatic spinning back fist!
Meeoff takes a shot right to the bread basket.
Meeoff shoots in and drives through. Country sprawls well.
Meeoff misses with an uppercut.
Country connects with a single shot there.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Meeoff shoots in for a takedown but Country shows good takedown defense.
Country is throwing a lot of body shots here, looking to wear down Meeoff rather than just go for the knockout.

Meeoff tries to sprawl but Country drives through with a takedown into half guard.
Country sitting and controlling from the half guard.
Meeoff tries to roll over but Country keeps him under control.
Country controlling the action here.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

The ref stands the fighters back up. Roy Country was stalling too much, according to the referee.
Meeoff misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Meeoff throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Country lands a right hook to the body.
Country just misses with a punch to the body.
Country shoots in but Meeoff avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Meeoff misses with a hook.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Country dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Country throws the left hand but Meeoff avoids the punch easily.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Meeoff closes the distance and clinches up with Country, looking for a takedown. Meeoff pushes Country against the cage but Country circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Country tries to close the distance and clinch up but Meeoff swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Country looks to score with a jab to the body but Meeoff is just out of range.
Country throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Meeoff sees it coming and avoids it easily.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Roy Country dominated that fourth round.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action. The crowd applaud as we get ready to start the final round!

Meeoff throws a nice inside leg kick.

Meeoff gets in close and instigates a clinch.
Country has Meeoff pressed against the cage.

Meeoff breaks the clinch.
Both fighters circling a little - Meeoff finishes the exchange with a kick to the body.
Country's jab looks to have found its range, popping Meeoff under the eye.
Meeoff throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Country's waist but Country gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Meeoff off to one side.
Country scores with a body shot.
Meeoff fails in his attempt to clinch.
Country looks to clinch
enabling Meeoff to counter with a crisp jab.
Meeoff looks to land a combination. Country sees it coming but can only parry a couple of the shots.
Country has used his reach advantage pretty well so far tonight.
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!
Country fails with a takedown attempt.
Country tries to clinch but Meeoff moves out of range.
Country is wobbling all over the place through exhaustion. Will he make it to the final bell?

That's one minute gone in the round.
Country swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Country misses with a body shot.

Meeoff manages to get an easy takedown there - catching Country on his heels. He'll look to pass Country's guard now, I'm sure.
Meeoff trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Country working a defensive guard here.
Meeoff 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.
Meeoff is sitting in guard, working some ground and pound.
Meeoff being controlled here momentarily.
Meeoff would like to get this fight back to the feet but can't get free from the closed guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Country trying to control the position.

OK we're going to have a standup here. Roy Country hasn't been effective enough on the ground and the referee wants a restart.
Meeoff wants to clinch.
No joy there for Meeoff, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Country misses with a takedown attempt - Meeoff sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Country throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Nice defenses there by Country.
Meeoff throws a shot to the body.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Meeoff fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Meeoff uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Country.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Meeoff tries to grapple but his opponent circles

and Country counters with a nice shoot takedown that brings the fighters to the ground.
Country wants to control from the top but Meeoff keeps moving.
Meeoff keeping full guard, as Country tries to pass.
Meeoff is trying to keep Country in close.

OK we're going to have a standup here. Roy Country hasn't been effective enough on the ground and the referee wants a restart.
Meeoff lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Country circles away quickly and effectively.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Country defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Meeoff.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Jack Meeoff. That's going to take a lot out of him.

Meeoff is looking for a takedown here. He's shot in and has managed to get it, finishing up in Country's half guard.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Meeoff trying to control from half guard but Country is working away.
Country wants to control but Meeoff is keeping busy and won't allow it.
Country avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Meeoff.
Country is not content to let Meeoff control the position.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Country is concentrating on defense, preventing Meeoff from advancing position.

And that's the end of the fight!
Jack Meeoff showed his dominance in that final round.
I think Meeoff 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 Jorge Garcia scores the fight 47:48
Judge Russell Pearce scores the fight 48:47
Judge Lou da Vinci scores the fight 48:48

The fight is ruled a draw!