PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Hamilton Eslay (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Mikko Rourke (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Rourke has chosen Rolling Stones - Paint it black as his entrance music. Mikko Rourke 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!

Eslay
vs
Rourke

191 cm
24
200 lbs
10 - 2 - 0

182 cm
28
196 lbs
17 - 9 - 0

Good wrestling
World class boxer
Granite chin

Good wrestler
Lethal high kicks
Good gas tank

SPARTA FIGHTWARE-GTI

Perkele!
- - - - - All Nutrients 160 - - - - -

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 10 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Sydney, Hamilton Eslay!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 17 - 9 - 0, fighting out of Sydney, Mikko Rourke!
The judges for this bout are Summer Carpenter, Hugh Johnson and John Mangel.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Eslay lands a jab-cross combination.
Eslay shoots in looking for a takedown. Rourke tries to sprawl out of it but Eslay keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Rourke manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Nice takedown defense from Rourke. No joy for Eslay on that attempt.
Rourke moving in and out of range nicely, whilst landing the scoring shot.
Rourke slips under a jab.
Rourke staying out of range there.
Rourke moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
Eslay takes an uppercut right on the jaw but it doesn't phase him.
Rourke shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Eslay as he jumps to the side.
Eslay lands a nice hook to Rourke's body. Rourke takes it in his stride and looks to land his own strikes.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Eslay misses with a wild body shot.
Eslay misses with a few strikes there.
Eslay looks to land a left hand but Rourke moved out of range nicely.
Eslay throws a big shot that misses.
Rourke ducks under a wild hook from Eslay.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Eslay blocks a head kick by Rourke.
Rourke tries to move into range but Eslay moves to the side and lands with a nice right hand.
Rourke scores with a three punch combo!
Rourke displaying good standup as he scores with a three punch combination.
Rourke misses with a head kick.
Eslay ducks under a wild hook from Rourke.
Rourke cracks Eslay with a hook to the jaw. Both fighters smile at eachother and high-five before getting back down to business.
Rourke throws a looping overhand right but Eslay ducks down to avoid it.
Eslay moves out of range as Rourke strikes.
Nice straight punches there by Eslay. You know Roy Jones Jr respects the hands of Eslay.
Eslay on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by Rourke. Rourke obviously looking to wear him down.
A decent looking body kick lands there for Rourke.
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 punch lands to the side of Eslay 's head but he takes it in his stride.
Eslay fails with a takedown attempt.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Hamilton Eslay. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Rourke throws a right and a left that Eslay avoids nicely.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Eslay shoots for a double leg takedown but Rourke sprawls well. He's pushed Eslay's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Rourke throws the left hand but Eslay avoids the punch easily.
Rourke listening to his corner there, landing a nice uppercut.
Rourke misses with a wild combination.
Rourke misses with a hook. Eslay ducked under it nicely.
Eslay keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Eslay takes a hook to the side of the head. I wonder if that's got his ears ringing.
A jab from Eslay misses.
Eslay looks to land a left hand but Rourke moved out of range nicely.
Rourke throws a hook but Eslay avoids it easily.
Mikko Rourke seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Rourke lands with a cross to side of his opponent's head.
Eslay uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Rourke.
Rourke avoids a punch combination nicely.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Rourke misses the jab.
Eslay shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Rourke defends it nicely.
Rourke shoots in for a takedown but Eslay shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Rourke connects with a crisp jab.
That kick from Rourke tenderised Eslay's leg. Eslay is trying to keep his angry face on.
Eslay gets his head snapped back by a nice shot there.
Rourke misses with a low kick.
Eslay fails to land with a series of punches.
Rourke misses with a hook. Eslay ducked under it nicely.
Eslay is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Rourke.
Eslay blocks a jab.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Eslay catches Rourke with a nice straight right. He seems pissed - ooooh, it's on now! On like donkey kong!
A nice leg kick lands there from Rourke.
Eslay keeps his opponent at a distance with a nice jab.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
A swing and a miss from Eslay.
Rourke jabs away that one connects to the head of his opponent.
Eslay thows a body shot but no joy.
Eslay closes the distance and takes a jab right on the nose as he does so.
Rourke moves out of range of the strikes.
A slow jab from Rourke misses its intended target.
Rourke lands with a right hand.
Rourke takes a swing at Eslay's ribcage but misses.
Rourke is landing a lot of head punches in this opening round! Eslay had better start moving his head a bit unless he wants his face to turn into pâté.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Rourke swats away the attempt to clinch by Eslay.
Rourke shoots in but no luck this time.
A nice inside leg kick there by Rourke. That's going to slow Eslay down.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Mikko Rourke dominated that round.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!

Rourke displaying good standup as he scores with a three punch combination.
Eslay displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Rourke throws out the jab.
Rourke throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Eslay fails to land with a series of punches.
Rourke swings and misses with a shot to the body
and Eslay counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Nice defenses there by Rourke.
Rourke is looking to slow Eslay down with leg kicks.
Rourke misses with a hook.
Eslay throws the left hand but Rourke avoids the punch easily.
Rourke throws a nice inside leg kick.
Eslay throws a series of punches but Rourke moves out of range.
Rourke feints with a shoulder and throws a nice leg kick to Eslay's calf.
A good leg kick by Rourke.

Rourke darts in and lands a nice takedown into half guard.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
The referee is pacing around the two fighters - he looks like he's thinking about a standup.
Rourke throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Eslay avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Rourke.
Eslay manages to get to full guard.
Rourke trying to control the position from guard on top but Eslay is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Rourke postures up and lands a big shot to Eslay's brow.
Eslay is working an open guard here, looking to improve his position. No doubt that will leave him open to counters but at least he's being more offensive.
Hammerfist, elbow! yells Rourke's corner. There ya go! There ya go!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Eslay looking to sweep here. No luck so far.

Eslay is looking for a triangle but Rourke pushes his legs off easily.
Rourke trying to control the position from guard on top but Eslay is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Hammerfist, elbow! yells Rourke's corner. There ya go! There ya go!

Rourke 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.
Rourke stands up over Eslay, holding his feet. He dives back in and lands a decent shot to the head.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Rourke forces his way into half guard.
Eslay is trying to stand back up but Rourke is controlling him
Rourke not landing any meaningful shots this time.
Rourke throwing shots but Eslay is blocking nicely.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Rourke with a momentary lay and pray from half guard.
Rourke sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Eslay defending well though.
Rourke prevents Eslay from improving his position.
Rourke trying to pass the guard but Eslay defending well.

Eslay looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.

Rourke is working for a submission of some sort.
Mikko Rourke has got the better of the ground game so far.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Rourke working the head and body with strikes.
Rourke trying to control the pace.
Eslay trying to hold on to Rourke's head to control him but Rourke postures up.
Rourke prevents Eslay from improving his position.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Rourke stops Eslay from getting back to his feet.
Rourke works his way into side control.
Rourke wants to take a breather but Eslay manages to regain guard - a lesson learnt for Rourke.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Mikko Rourke showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action.

Eslay takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.
Rourke throws a two punch combo that lands nicely.
Eslay blocks the body kick.
Rourke is pinned up against the cage taking some big shots here. The referee is looking closely deciding whether he should stop the fight.
Eslay feints a jab promting Rourke to slip. Eslay then demonstrates his capabilities by jabbing again. Rourke slips again and ducks right into an uppercut.
Eslay avoids the body shot from Rourke.
A shot to the liver by Rourke. Beautiful body shot.
Eslay tries to move into range but Rourke moves to the side and lands with a nice right hand.
Hamilton Eslay is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Rourke takes a step towards his opponent and connects with a left hand, before circling away.
Rourke swats away the attempt to clinch by Eslay.
Eslay takes a hook to the side of the head. I wonder if that's got his ears ringing.

That's one minute gone in the round.
The fighters circling - Eslay throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Rourke misses with a hook.
Mikko Rourke seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Eslay cracks Rourke with a right hand to the side of the head.
Rourke slips a jab and a cross from Eslay.

Rourke closes the distance and after a bit of a stuggle, scores a takedown into Eslay's guard.
Rourke throws a big right hand that misses.
Eslay is trying to control the position but Rourke postures up.
Eslay wants to stand but Rourke is controlling the position.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Rourke trying to control the position from guard on top but Eslay is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Rourke slows down the pace of the fight for a moment. He'll need to remain active if he doesn't want to see the fight stood back up.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The referee is pacing around the two fighters - he looks like he's thinking about a standup.

The ref stands the fighters back up, due to lack of action by Mikko Rourke.
Eslay wants to clinch up but Rourke keeps it at a distance.
No luck for Eslay with that takedown attempt.
Eslay moves out of range as Rourke strikes.
Eslay misses with a body shot
and Rourke cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Eslay fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Eslay steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Rourke.
Rourke throws a head kick but Eslay moves out of range.
Eslay is hobbling a little on that front leg after taking quite a few leg kicks so far in this fight.
Nice takedown defense from Rourke. No joy for Eslay on that attempt.
Rourke lands the left hand.
Eslay with a hook.
Rourke lands a nice looking body kick.
Rourke lands a jab to the nose.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Rourke ducks under a wild hook from Eslay.
A combination from Eslay does no damage.
Rourke throws a head kick but Eslay moves out of range.
Eslay throws a jab when Rourke was well out of range.
Eslay is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Rourke just misses with a punch to the body.
Eslay is pinned up against the cage taking some big shots here. The referee is looking closely deciding whether he should stop the fight.
Rourke slips in close and lands a nice hook before moving back out of range.
Eslay on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by Rourke. Rourke obviously looking to wear him down.
Rourke looks to land a combination. Eslay sees it coming but can only parry a couple of the shots.
Rourke throws a hook but Eslay blocks it.
Rourke throws a head kick but Eslay moves out of range.
Eslay throws a hook but Rourke blocks it.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Eslay stuns Rourke with a nice body shot, before stepping back out of range.
Rourke swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Rourke misses with a kick to the body.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Rourke feints and then cracks Eslay's leading leg with a nice low kick. He's obviously looking to slow Eslay down.
Rourke lunges at Eslay with a hook that half lands and is half blocked by Eslay's hand.
Eslay misses with a few strikes there.
This is turning into a torrid day at the office for Eslay. He's trying desperately to land a takedown but he's failing miserably and getting slapped silly on the feet to compound his misery.
Rourke misses with a body shot.
Rourke fakes a jab and then connects with a hook.
Rourke looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Rourke lands a slapping body shot.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Eslay misses the body punch
and Rourke counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Eslay fails in his attempt to clinch.
Eslay takes a thudding leg kick, right into the meat of the thigh.
Eslay throws a right and a left that both miss.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Mikko Rourke really dominated that 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.

Eslay pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Eslay misses the shot to the body.
Rourke lands a leg kick and bounces back out of range.
Eslay throws a right hand that misses
enabling Rourke to counter with a crisp jab.
Eslay is looking to clinch.
Rourke throws the left hand but Eslay avoids the punch easily.
Rourke lands a kick to the ribs of his opponent. Nice work there - in and out in a flash.

Rourke scores a trip takedown into side control. Nice.
Eslay is not content to let Rourke control the position.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Rourke landing strikes.
Eslay is working to avoid the ground and pound but Rourke connects with a decent elbow.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Rourke grinds an elbow into Eslay's temple.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Rourke trying to control the action but Eslay is working from the bottom.
Eslay being controlled for a moment.
Rourke trying to control the action but Eslay is working from the bottom.
Eslay is looking for a sweep.
Eslay manages to get one leg in to regain half guard.
Rourke sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Eslay defending well though.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Rourke performing his best blanket impression for a moment.
Rourke thows a huge punch but Eslay dodges it nicely.

Eslay looking for submissions from an awkward position here.
Rourke lands with a punch from half guard.

Eslay looking for submissions from an awkward position here.
It's got to the stage where if one of these guys blows hard enough, the other might fall over.
Eslay is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Rourke is looking to stall here but Eslay recovers full guard.
Eslay utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Eslay keeping moving, preventing Rourke from controlling successfully.
Rourke throwing strikes but missing.
Rourke trying to control the position from guard on top but Eslay is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Rourke is working the ground and pound from guard. He might want to try advancing position though to get more of an impact.
Rourke trying to control but Eslay is working from the bottom.
The referee claps his hands together and tells the fighters to work.
Rourke throwing strikes but missing.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Rourke working in close now, lands a nice elbow to the side of Eslay's head.
Eslay avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Eslay wants to sweep here but Rourke controlling him for the moment.

Eslay looking for a guillotine here but Rourke defends easily.
Rourke trying to control but Eslay is working from the bottom.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Eslay keeping full guard, as Rourke tries to pass.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Mikko Rourke dominated that fourth round.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action! Let's get this one finished - here comes the final round!

Eslay bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Rourke connects with a lovely right hand, straight down the pipe.
Eslay throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Rourke sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Rourke lands a leg kick that knocks Eslay off balance momentarily.
Rourke displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Eslay.
Eslay works Rourke's body with a nice hook.
Rourke shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Eslay sprawls well. Eslay wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Rourke gets slowly back to his feet.
Rourke keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Eslay misses with the combination.
Eslay moves out of range of the strikes.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Rourke scores with a nice head shot.
Eslay scores with a nice looking left hook and follows it up with an uppercut!
Eslay looks like he's developed a pretty tasty lump over his left eye. He'll need to avoid taking much more damage to that.
Rourke walks into a stiff left hand from Eslay.
Eslay shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
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.
Rourke jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Eslay moves away from the strike by Rourke.
Eslay throws a series of punches but Rourke moves out of range.
Rourke moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
Rourke misses with a looping left.
Eslay keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Rourke.
Rourke loads up on a big right hand but Eslay slips the punch.
Eslay is looking to clinch.
Eslay swings and misses with a hook to the body.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Eslay looks to throw the jab but Rourke is out of range.
Rourke looks to land a left hand but Eslay moved out of range nicely.
Rourke feints with a shoulder and throws a nice leg kick to Eslay's calf.
Like a baseball bat into the meat of his leg there - nice leg kick by Rourke.
Rourke pivots as if he's going to throw a leg kick but stops half way.
Rourke throws a right and a left that both miss.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Eslay loads up on a big right hand but Rourke slips the punch.
Rourke avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Rourke has his hands up protecting his head but a hook from Eslay finds it's way round the side to connect with Rourke's head.
Eslay stumbles momentarily as he takes a strong leg kick from Rourke.
Rourke swats away the attempt to clinch by Eslay.
Hamilton Eslay has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
A looping hook to the body misses from Rourke. Eslay does a little dance to reset his feet.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Eslay swings for the body but Rourke moves out of range.

Eslay clinches.
Eslay tries to work over Rourke's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Rourke is looking for a takedown up against the cage. Eslay gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.

Rourke pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Eslay looks to land a combination but Rourke avoids it well.
Rourke throws an off balance right hand
and Eslay counters with a nice body shot.
Eslay looks to throw the jab but Rourke is out of range.
Eslay chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Rourke can pounce on him.
Rourke lands a leg kick. The shin dug right into the meat of the thigh.
Rourke walks into a stiff left hand from Eslay.
Rourke swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Rourke lands with a good body shot.
Rourke lands with a kick to the temple. Eslay shrugs as if to say "is that all you've got?"

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Eslay swings for the body but Rourke moves out of range.
Rourke swings wildly with a hook that is half blocked by Eslay.
Rourke connects with an inside leg kick.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Rourke scores with a slapping inside leg kick.
Rourke misses with a hook
letting Eslay counter with a right hand.
Eslay thows a body shot but no joy.
Eslay clobbers Rourke with an overhand right that has the crowd gasping. That made a horrendous noise.
Mikko Rourke is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
Rourke avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Rourke lands a kick to the ribs of his opponent. Nice work there - in and out in a flash.
Eslay staying out of range there.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Rourke connects with a leg kick. Eslay looked like he was expecting something else and didn't defend it.
Rourke uses good footwork to get in and out, landing a nice hook.
Rourke misses with a body kick.

And that's the end of the fight!
I would just about give that final round to Mikko Rourke.
I've got Rourke winning every round here. Surely the decision will go his way and he'll pick up a well deserved decision victory. 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 Summer Carpenter scores the fight 45:50
Judge Hugh Johnson scores the fight 45:50
Judge John Mangel scores the fight 45:50

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Mikko Rourke! Mikko Rourke retains his middleweight title!
Jumping up and down and very excited, Mikko Rourke waved his t-shirt featuring Perkele!'s logo in front of the cameras.