PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between James Hetfield (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Victor Washington (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Hetfield comes to the cage accompanied by seek & destroy. Victor Washington told me before the fight that he's been watching a lot of DVDs so let's see if that helps him in this one! I can't wait to find out!

Hetfield
vs
Washington

170 cm
22
168 lbs
3 - 1 - 1

180 cm
24
174 lbs
3 - 7 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Granite chin

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Knockout power

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, in the welterweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 3 - 1 - 1, fighting out of Los Angeles, James Hetfield!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 3 - 7 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Victor Washington!
The judges for this bout are Don Winkell, Jack Bonds and Timothy Bukovac.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Washington shoots in but doesn't get the takedown
and Hetfield counters with a three punch combination, finished off with a leg kick. Nice work.
Washington looks really tired already! That doesn't bode well for a good, competitive fight!

Hetfield moves into the clinch successfully.
Washington tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.

Hetfield's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
A solid body kick from Hetfield.
Hetfield scores with a jab to the body.
Washington fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
Sloppy strikes from Hetfield. Those never looked like landing.

Hetfield clinches up against the cage.

Hetfield breaks the clinch.
Hetfield works Washington's body with a nice hook.
Hetfield lands a slapping body shot.
This has been an exciting period of action!

Hetfield moves into the clinch.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Hetfield escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
A head kick misses from Washington.
Hetfield bobs and weaves and then throws a good body kick.
Hetfield connects with a high kick.
Hetfield misses with a two punch combination.
A slapping body kick lands there for Washington.
Nice sprawl there from Hetfield as Washington shoots in.
James Hetfield has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Victor Washington.
Danga de danga de dang - Hetfield scores with a four punch combination!
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Hetfield is defended easily by Washington.
Hetfield tries a head kick but it misses.
Washington fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Hetfield gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.
Still in the clinch, Hetfield scores with a nice short uppercut.
Hetfield lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Washington backwards.

Hetfield breaks the clinch.
Hetfield shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Washington defends it nicely.
Washington scores with a kick to the body.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Washington closes the distance and clinches up with Hetfield, looking for a takedown. Washington pushes Hetfield against the cage but Hetfield circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Hetfield explodes with a nice body kick and back out of range. Nice work.

Hetfield clinches.

Washington ties up his opponent against the cage and manages to drag the fight down to the ground. Washington no doubt will be looking to work submissions from his guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
The referee is pacing around the two fighters - he looks like he's thinking about a standup.
Washington looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Hetfield has decided he wants to stand but the closed guard of Washington is proving hard to escape from.

Washington escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Hetfield gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.
Washington is controlling Hetfield's posture.

Washington is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
Hetfield stands up over Washington, holding his feet. He dives back in and lands a decent shot to the head.

Washington had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Hetfield defends it easily.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Hetfield accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
The fighters are going at a pretty good pace and they're both starting to sweat now.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Hetfield accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Hetfieldis looking to pass into half guard but Washington pushes him away with his feet and jumps on top - now Washington is in guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
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!
Hetfield is trying to control the position but Washington postures up.
Hetfield is looking to get back to his feet but can't, whilst Washington is controlling him.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Washington slips effortlessly into side control - very nice.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Washington throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Hetfield.

Hetfield moves into the clinch successfully.

Hetfield pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.

Washington fakes an overhand right and shoots for a takedown. Hetfield sprawls well initially but Washington persists and gets the takedown into half guard.
Hetfield is trying to stand back up but Washington is controlling him
Hetfield pushes Washington off but Washington dives into side control.

Washington stands up and we're back to a striking position.
Hetfield throws a body kick but he wasn't in range.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Hetfield tries to close the distance and clinch but Washington swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Hetfield displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Washington.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Washington shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Hetfield as he jumps to the side.
Washington on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by Hetfield. Hetfield obviously looking to wear him down.
Hetfield throws a head kick that connects with a bit of head and a bit of hand.
Good work by Washington as he checks the leg kick.
Hetfield tries to clinch but Washington is having none of it.
Washington misses with a few strikes there.
James Hetfield is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Washington has a takedown stuffed.
James Hetfield has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Victor Washington.

Hetfield gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.

Hetfield manages to break the clinch.
James Hetfield is winning the standup battle so far.
Washington shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Hetfield as he avoids it easily.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Washington shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Hetfield but Hetfield pushes him off and we're back to square one.
Washington wants to land a leg kick but Hetfield is out of range.
Hetfield defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Washington.
Hetfield throws a body kick that sends a sickening thudding noise reverberating around the arena.
Washington is trying hard to land a takedown here. Hetfield sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.

Hetfield scores with a takedown into Washington's guard.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Hetfield wants to stand and escape but instead Washington has hit a sweep and he's now on top in guard.
Hetfield knows he needs to get back to his feet asap. He's simply no match for Washington on the ground.
Hetfield looking to control.
Hetfield wants to control but Washington passes easily into half guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Washington stands, ready to strike. The ref makes him back up and allows Hetfield to get to his feet.
Horrible takedown by Washington or perhaps it was just good defense by Hetfield which made him look bad.
Hetfield leaves Washington with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
Washington tries for a takedown but Hetfield sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Washington takes a shot to the eye socket. That's gotta hurt.
Victor Washington seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.

Hetfield looks for a takedown. He's got it. We're now in half guard.
Washington moves into full guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Washington has an active guard here but Hetfield has managed to pass into half guard.

Hetfield stands up and beckons Washington to join him on the feet.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Hetfield goes for a spinning back kick but it misses.
Hetfield throws a right hand that Washington ducks under and follows up with a left that Washington also avoids with ease.

Hetfield scores with a nice takedown into half guard. Let's see what he's got on the ground.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Hetfield working Washington over with strikes.
Hetfield working over Washington with some ground and pound. Washington looks like he wants out of this position, which is understandable.
Hetfield thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.

Washington looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Hetfield throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Washington shoots in for a takedown but Hetfield shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Hetfield scores with a jab. Washington acknowledges it with a nod of the head.
Hetfield bobbing and weaving, closes the distance and lands a hook to the side of Washington's head.
Hetfield ducks down and throws a hook to the body.
Washington shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Hetfield defends it nicely.
Washington throws a quick head kick that skims the top of Hetfield's head.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Hetfield swinging wildly here.
Washington's corner calls for a 1, 2 combination and Washington duly obliges.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Hetfield shuffles to his left behind two crisp jabs. Washington eats them both and turns towards Hetfield to reposition himself and eats a stinging right hand-left hook combo.
Hetfield shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Washington as he avoids it easily.
Nice shot lands for Washington.

Washington gets a takedown into half guard.

Washington seems to be working for a kimura but Hetfield defends the submission attempt.
Washington prevents Hetfield from standing back up.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Washington is thwarting Hetfield's attempts to control the position.
Washington passes to side control.
Washington working away.

Washington wants to work for a kimura but he's foiled early by Hetfield, who protects the arm well.
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!
Hetfield seems a little lost for a moment, as Washington dominates the positioning.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Washington working the ground and pound but he's contacting the mat, not the fighter.
Washington misses with an attempted head punch from side control.
Hetfield tries to improve position but can't.
Hetfield is trying to escape and get back to his feet.
Hetfield is letting Washington control him for a moment.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The referee looks like he's ready to step in and stand the fighters back up.
The strikes coming from Washington are missing the target in this wave of attacks.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Hetfield is trying to escape and get back to his feet.

Washington decides to take the fight back to the feet.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Washington shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Hetfield pinned against the cage. Hetfield gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
Hetfield explodes with a nice body kick and back out of range. Nice work.
Hetfield moves into range and throws a lovely three punch combination.
Hetfield thuds a left hand into Washington's body.
Washington has a nice red mark on his side after a thudding body kick by Hetfield.
Hetfield throws a right high kick that is partially blocked by Washington.
A head kick misses from Washington.
Washington misses with a few strikes there.
Washington shoots in for a double leg but Hetfield sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
It's got to the stage where if one of these guys blows hard enough, the other might fall over.
Hetfield closes the distance and lands a one-two.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Washington lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Hetfield circles away quickly and effectively.
Hetfield throws a mid kick that lands with a slap.
Washington shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Hetfield defends it nicely.
James Hetfield has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Victor Washington.

Hetfield has Washington up against the cage in a clinch.

Hetfield breaks the clinch.
Hetfield pivots as if he's going to throw a leg kick but stops half way.
Washington tries for a takedown but Hetfield sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.

Washington scores with a takedown into Hetfield's guard.
Hetfield is trying to control the position but Washington postures up.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Washington forces his way into half guard.

Washington seems to be working for a kimura but Hetfield defends the submission attempt.
Washington is taking a breather. Hetfield says something to him but it's hard to make out. Perhaps he's telling him to get on with it and actually do something.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Washington missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Washington stands up out of the half guard.
Hetfield tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in the close the distance. Washington manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Washington listening to his corner there, landing a nice uppercut.

Washington dives in and scores a takedown into Hetfield's guard.
Hetfield keeping moving, preventing Washington from controlling successfully.
Hetfield working a defensive guard but Washington manages to pass into side control anyway.
Washington misses with a strike but at least he's keeping busy, looking to cause some damage - that will still help him when it comes to the judges scorecards.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Washington creates some space and throws a big elbow, but Hetfield sees it coming and moves his head just enough to avoid the strike.
Hetfield is trying to stand back up. He's worked his way up against the cage but Washington has just dragged him back down to the mat.
Washington trying to control the position but Hetfield is working away.
Washington working away.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.

Washington tries for a kimura but Hetfield is defending well.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Victor Washington dominated that fourth round.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action! This is the final round!

Hetfield gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.
Hetfield keeps the fight in the clinch, despite Washington's efforts to push away.

Hetfield breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Washington takes a nice looking leg kick right on the meat of his thigh there.
Washington shoots and misses
and Hetfield makes the exchange count by landing a cracking kick to the body. Washington really felt that one!

Hetfield closes the distance and clinches up, looking for a takedown. He shifts his weight and gets a nice trip into half guard.
Washington wants to control but Hetfield is keeping busy.
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.
Hetfield working the head and body with strikes.
Hetfield throws a big elbow that misses, also allowing Washington to regain full guard.

Washington kicks Hetfield off and gets to his feet.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Washington swats away the attempt to clinch by Hetfield.
Washington connects with a nice looking jab.
Hetfield is trying hard to land a takedown here. Washington sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
Washington will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
Hetfield throws a body kick that digs right into the meat.

Hetfield pushes Washington up against the cage in a clinch.

Hetfield breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Washington doesn't succeed with the takedown
and Hetfield counters with a flying knee. Nice.
James Hetfield has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Victor Washington.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Washington.
Hetfield throws a right hand that Washington ducks under and follows up with a left that Washington also avoids with ease.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Hetfield throws the kick towards the body but Washington avoids it.
Washington shoots for a double leg takedown but Hetfield sprawls well. He's pushed Washington's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Washington tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Hetfield swivels and escapes.
Hetfield is looking to wear down Washington with body shots, infact he's throwing more body shots than head shots at the moment.
Washington lands with a slapping head kick.
Nice sprawl there from Hetfield as Washington shoots in.
Washington shoots for a takedown but Hetfield saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
Hetfield scores with a push kick.
Hetfield throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Washington avoids the head kick by Hetfield.
Washington shoots for a takedown but Hetfield saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Hetfield lands a leg kick. The shin dug right into the meat of the thigh.
Washington blocks a head kick by Hetfield.
Washington tries to score a power double leg takedown but Hetfield sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Washington somewhat.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Washington fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Washington fakes a jab and then connects with a hook.
Hetfield scores with the left hand. Washington knows he should have avoided that one.
Hetfield lands with a head kick! That's gotta hurt.

Washington shoots in from a long way out. He's driving through with the takedown attempt and he eventually gets it, landing in Hetfield's guard.
Hetfield is trying to control the position from the bottom.
Washington postures up in Hetfield's guard and throws a big left but Hetfield blocks it.
Hetfield is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Washington wants to control from the top but Hetfield keeps moving.

Washington is trying to work a guillotine from the top, or something like that? Don't know how he thinks he's going to get a finish from there.
Hetfield trying to control the position.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
If this pace continues, the referee will definitely step in and force a standup.
Washington won't allow Hetfield to get back to his feet.

And that's the end of the fight!
James Hetfield showed his dominance in that final round.
I think Hetfield 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 Don Winkell scores the fight for James Hetfield!
Judge Jack Bonds scores the fight for James Hetfield!
Judge Timothy Bukovac scores the fight for James Hetfield!

James Hetfield wins by unanimous decision!
James Hetfield thanked the fans post fight for their support.