PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between Ray Cappo (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Gegard Houellebecq (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Houellebecq is bobbing his head along to his entrance song: The Prodigy - Spitfire. These two fighters really are very evenly matched on the feet - it will be fascinating to see who can assert themselves in that aspect of the fight.

Cappo
vs
Houellebecq

180 cm
24
140 lbs
8 - 8 - 0

174 cm
22
145 lbs
3 - 0 - 0

Powerful takedowns
Great elbows
Very quick

Good wrestler
World class MT
Good gas tank

***** Supertouch Clothing *****

KAISER
Hellraiser Fightgear ($10 Clothing)

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the bantamweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 8 - 8 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Ray Cappo!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 3 - 0 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Gegard Houellebecq!
The judges for this bout are Aleksandr Martynov, Igor Prikhodko and Fedor Mirinova.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Cappo throws a hook to the side of Houellebecq's head but Houellebecq sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Cappo is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Houellebecq.
The fighters circling - Cappo throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
A jab lands there for Houellebecq.
Houellebecq lands a nice leg kick that just misses Cappo's sensitive parts.
Houellebecq keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Cappo.
Houellebecq throws a lazy right hand but Cappo sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Houellebecq paws at his opponent with the jab and then lunges in with a straight, right on the button.
Houellebecq swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Houellebecq feints and then cracks Cappo's leading leg with a nice low kick. He's obviously looking to slow Cappo down.
Houellebecq looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.
Cappo wants to clinch up but Houellebecq keeps it at a distance.
Houellebecq misses with a right hand
and Cappo counters with a three punch combination, finished off with a leg kick. Nice work.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Houellebecq doesn't manage to clinch there - Cappo circles away.
Cappo on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by Houellebecq. Houellebecq obviously looking to wear him down.
Houellebecq connects with a leg kick. Cappo looked like he was expecting something else and didn't defend it.
Oooooooooooh, not good. A low kick from Houellebecq 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 Cappo has 5 minutes to recover. He's OK now though... a thumbs up from Cappo and we're back underway with a touch of gloves.
Houellebecq is looking to score with low kicks.
Houellebecq ducks down and throws a hook to the body.
Houellebecq throws an off balance right hand
and Cappo counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Houellebecq is looking to land body kicks.
Cappo steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Houellebecq.
Houellebecq connects with a nice looking jab.
Jab, jab by Houellebecq - just one landing.
Gegard Houellebecq seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Cappo shapes like he's going to throw a leg kick but settles back down.
Cappo avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Cappo chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Houellebecq can pounce on him.
Cappo really does look like a pencil wearing a pair of gloves. Let's hope he has a gameplan to suit that ridiculous body shape.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Houellebecq tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Cappo moves in looking to clinch but Houellebecq pushes him off.
Houellebecq scores with a sloppy punch to the body. Not much technique there but it did the business.
A head kick from Houellebecq lands but Cappo takes it in his stride.
Cappo swings widly with a right hand
and Houellebecq counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Houellebecq loads up on a big right hand but Cappo slips the punch.
Houellebecq is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Cappo.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Houellebecq scores with a crisp jab that stopped Cappo in his tracks.
Houellebecq throws a quick head kick that skims the top of Cappo's head.
Cappo fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Houellebecq bobbing and weaving, closes the distance and lands a hook to the side of Cappo's head.
Houellebecq pivots, looking for a leg kick but Cappo is out of range and Houellebecq settles back down.
Houellebecq sizes up Cappo with a pawing jab and scores with a straight right down the middle.
Houellebecq keeps the fight on the outside.
Houellebecq throws a body punch but Cappo moves out of range.
Houellebecq throws a right high kick that is partially blocked by Cappo.
Houellebecq misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Cappo tries to clinch but Houellebecq is having none of it.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Cappo moves away from the strike by Houellebecq.
A slapping leg kick lands for Houellebecq.
Houellebecq moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.

Cappo moves into the clinch.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Cappo dictating the pace here, as the fighters clinch against the cage.
Houellebecq creates a bit of space for himself and sneaks an elbow through Cappo's defenses.
Cappo landing some nice looking knees to the body.
Cappo is looking to break free of the clinch but Houellebecq has double underhooks.

Houellebecq has clasped his hands together around Cappo's back... aaand, he's got a takedown into side control. Nicely done.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
We must be close to a standup if these guys don't pick up the pace.
Houellebecq scores with a couple of short elbows.
Cappo tries to work a leg under to get back to half guard but Houellebecq wriggles his own leg back out and remains in side control.
Cappo takes a couple of big shots there - the referee warns him that he has to defend himself better.
Cappo on the wrong end of some ground and pound.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Gegard Houellebecq dominated that round.
That's time! Back to the action!

Cappo moves out of range of the body kick.
Houellebecq pushes Cappo away with a front kick.
Houellebecq misses with an attempted mid kick.
Cappo slips a straight right by Houellebecq.
Cappo misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Houellebecq.
Cappo takes one on the button.
Houellebecq leaves Cappo with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.

Houellebecq drives through with a takedown into guard.
Cappo is trying to control the position but Houellebecq postures up.
Houellebecq scores with a decent looking elbow strike.

Cappo is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Houellebecq is aware though and is defending well.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Houellebecq trying to control but Cappo is working from the bottom.
Houellebecq tries to free his leg and advance position but Cappo is retaining full guard.
Cappo is trying to keep Houellebecq in close.
Houellebecq forces his way into half guard.

Cappo is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Houellebecq pulls his head out easily.
Cappo blocking the ground and pound attempt from Houellebecq.
Cappo trying to control here.
Houellebecq thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Cappo's head.
Houellebecq prevents Cappo from improving his position.
Houellebecq throwing shots but Cappo is blocking nicely.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Cappo works his way to full guard. Good work.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

Cappo working away from the bottom but not quite defensive enough there because Houellebecq has passed into half guard!
Houellebecq is trying to control the action in half guard but Cappo is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.
Houellebecq prevents Cappo from standing back up.
Houellebecq wants to lay and pray for a moment but Cappo keeps working.
Houellebecq is just sitting in half guard, waiting for something to happen.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Cappo wants to control but Houellebecq is keeping busy and won't allow it.
Cappo misses with some strikes from the bottom.
The referee must be thinking about standing these guys back up.
Houellebecq wants to lay and pray for a moment but Cappo keeps working.
Cappo tries to roll over but Houellebecq keeps him under control.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Houellebecq lands strikes from half guard.
Cappo is trying to stand up here but Houellebecq is controlling him well.

Cappo looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.

Houellebecq is looking for a kimura here.
Cappo wants to improve his position but Houellebecq is controlling well.
Gegard Houellebecq has got the better of the ground game so far.

Houellebecq is looking for a kimura but Cappo is holding onto that half guard position, so it's hard for Houellebecq to get the leverage.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Cappo is not content to let Houellebecq control the position.
Cappo is trying to stand.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Cappo has hold of Houellebecq's hands but Houellebecq slips his arm to the side and lands an elbow.
Cappo manages to get to full guard.
Cappo keeping moving, preventing Houellebecq from controlling successfully.
Houellebecq controlling from the top position.
Houellebecq content to strike from guard, landing some decent shots.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Houellebecq lands a couple of elbows.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Houellebecq postures up and lands a big shot to Cappo's brow.
Cappo throws a couple of shots from the bottom but they don't land.
Cappo is trying to keep Houellebecq in close.

Cappo has an active guard here but Houellebecq has managed to pass into half guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Gegard Houellebecq showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action! This is the final round!

Cappo throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Houellebecq.
Cappo keeps his opponent at a distance with a nice jab.
Cappo drops his hands and takes a jab to the jaw for his troubles.
Houellebecq is looking to score with low kicks.
Cappo uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Houellebecq.
Houellebecq circles away from the clinch attempt.
Houellebecq lands with an uppercut that bounces Cappo off the cage and back into range.

Houellebecq forces Cappo back against the cage and clinches.

Houellebecq has double underhooks and is working for a body lock takedown. He's got it. The fighters land in half guard but Cappo regains guard immediately.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Houellebecq wants to control from the top but Cappo keeps moving.
Houellebecq might have to switch it up a bit here because his efforts to control Cappo kaven't been going to plan, at least at the current moment in time.
Houellebecq controls from within his opponent's guard.
Cappo throwing some rather feeble looking strikes off his back.
Houellebecq trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.

Houellebecq drops back, looking for a kneebar! Cappo looks panicked! The fighters roll across the mat, one looking to finish, one looking to escape. Cappo looks to have wriggled free... Yes, he's got his leg free and he's dived into side control! Good work there from Cappo!
Houellebecq manages to get back to half guard.
Houellebecq slips a foot under and gets full guard. Nice work.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Houellebecq manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Cappo manages to get himself to full guard.
Houellebecq works over Cappo with some ground and pound from guard.

Cappo is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Houellebecq defends well.

Cappo looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Cappo tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Houellebecq wants to control from the top but Cappo keeps moving.
Houellebecq slips effortlessly into side control - very nice.
Houellebecq cracks Cappo with an elbow. That is naaassty.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Cappo is looking for a sweep.
Houellebecq grinds an elbow into Cappo's temple.

Houellebecq is trying to get an arm triangle but Cappo is defending well.
Houellebecq working the body and head with strikes.
Houellebecq lands a knee to the body and follows it up with some ground and pound to the head. That will wear Cappo down.

Cappo is rocked!
Houellebecq is chipping away with strikes.
Oh Cappo is still in real trouble! Will he be able to recover?!!
Cappo is trying to get back to half guard. He's pushing on Houellebecq's leg. He's managed it. Nice work.
Houellebecq missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
Cappo is pressing down on Houellebecq's left leg trying to get back to full guard. He's managed it.
Cappo trying to keep a closed guard but Houellebecq is proving a slippery customer.
Gegard Houellebecq is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
Cappo seems to have got his legs back now.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Houellebecq is just sitting in guard, looking to avoid any submissions.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Cappo is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Houellebecq is aware though and is defending well.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.

Cappo is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
Houellebecq sitting in guard, not really doing much.
Houellebecq has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Houellebecq chips away with some ground and pound.
Cappo controls Houellebecq momentarily but Houellebecq frees himself.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Houellebecq controlling from the top position.
Let's hope that Houellebecq 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.

And that's the end of the fight!
Gegard Houellebecq comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I've got Houellebecq 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 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Aleksandr Martynov scores the fight 27:30
Judge Igor Prikhodko scores the fight 27:30
Judge Fedor Mirinova scores the fight 27:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Gegard Houellebecq!