PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Fabio Jones (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Robin Banks (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Jones comes to the cage accompanied by Life Goes On. Man, I cannot wait for this one!

Jones
vs
Banks

185 cm
32
155 lbs
22 - 14 - 1

150 cm
28
159 lbs
8 - 6 - 1

Abu Dhabi Champ
Excellent boxer
Cardio machine

Olympic wrestler
World class boxer
Good gas tank

Brute

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the lightweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 22 - 14 - 1, fighting out of Sydney, Fabio Jones!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 8 - 6 - 1, fighting out of Sydney, Robin Banks!
The judges for this bout are Donatello Bradman, Skip Squint and Eliza Hachem.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Banks fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Jones manages to avoid it.
Banks misses with a double jab.
Banks fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
Banks misses with a low kick.
Jones throws a hook but Banks blocks it.
Jones misses with a wild body shot.
Decent striking displayed by Jones there.
Banks moves into range and throws a lovely three punch combination.
Jones tries to close the distance and clinch but Banks swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Jones is looking to clinch but Banks is avoiding it.
A jab from Jones does it's job there.
Jones wants to clinch up but Banks keeps it at a distance.
Banks misses with a jab, cross combination.
Jones moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
Banks throws a big shot that misses.
Jones uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Banks.
Banks avoids a lazy jab quite easily.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Jones pushes Banks up against the cage in a clinch.
Banks has a couple of punches blocked by Jones.
An uppercut to the body lands inside from Banks.
A short body shot lands from Banks as the two fighters clinch.
Jones tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Jones is looking for a takedown up against the cage. Banks gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.
Banks lands a body punch - he's looking to wear down Jones.

Banks breaks the clinch.
Jones keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Jones shoots in looking for a takedown. Banks tries to sprawl out of it but Jones keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Banks manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Jones throws a body punch but Banks moves out of range.
Jones throws out a powerful jab.
Banks on the wrong end of a decent looking cross there.
Banks displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Jones throws out the jab.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Jones throws a lazy uppercut
and Banks counters with a nice jab to the body that keeps Jones thinking.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Jones throws the left hand but Banks avoids the punch easily.
Jones tries to clinch there but Banks circles away.
Jones misses with a lunging right hand
and Banks counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.

Banks decides to change it up a bit and drives through with a nice takedown into half guard.

Banks is looking for a kimura here.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Banks seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Jones does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.
Banks working Jones over with strikes.
Jones is pressing down on Banks's left leg trying to get back to full guard. He's managed it.

Jones has his foot on Banks's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Banks works his way back into a safe position though.
Jones will need to keep those long limbs tucked in whilst he's on the ground, to prevent any submissions.

Jones is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
Jones has Banks pulled in close to control his posture.
Jones keeping moving, preventing Banks from controlling successfully.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Jones working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Banks doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Banks manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.
Banks postures up in Jones's guard and throws a big left but Jones blocks it.
Banks is frustrating his opponent with some stalling tactics from top position.
Banks throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Banks distracts Jones with his right hand and drops a big elbow with his other arm.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

Jones working for a triangle but Banks defends it easily.

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

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Jones utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Banks lands a nice shot whilst sitting in his opponent's guard.
Jones pulls Banks in close to prevent any damage.
Banks loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.

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

Jones is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Banks is aware though and is defending well.
Banks with a couple of shots to the head there. Not particularly brutal.
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!
Banks pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Jones is keeping the position for now.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Hammerfist, elbow! yells Banks's corner. There ya go! There ya go!
Banks wants to control from the top but Jones keeps moving.
Banks sneaks a leg through and gets to half guard. That was like a knife through butter how easily he passed Jones's guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but Robin Banks will probably get the nod.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!

Jones lands a vicious shot with the stealth of a sniper and the strength of a viper. Are vipers that strong? I can think of lots of things that are stronger than a viper - not many rhyme with sniper though.
Banks ducks low and lands a nice hook to the body of his opponent.
Banks throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Jones bobbing and weaving, closes the distance and lands a hook to the side of Banks's head.
Banks steps to his left, right into the path of a big body kick from Jones. That one must have hurt.
Jones looks to throw the jab but Banks is out of range.
Jones doesn't manage to clinch there - Banks circles away.
Nice shot lands for Jones.

Banks shoots in for a takedown and gets it. Let's see what he's got on the mat.
Robin Banks has got the better of the ground game so far.

Jones is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
Banks loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.

Jones is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Banks is aware though and is defending well.
Banks tries to free his leg and advance position but Jones is retaining full guard.
Jones wants to sweep here but Banks controlling him for the moment.
Jones bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Banks's guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Jones controls from within his opponent's guard.
Jones trying to control but Banks is working from the bottom.
Jones works a leg free and moves into half guard.
Jones controlling the action here.
Jones moves into full mount! Banks won't be happy about that!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Jones looking to finish with strikes here!
Jones looking to ground and pound but Banks is blocking nicely.
Banks is in a horrible position here, under a barrage of strikes, he's managing to avoid any damage.
Jones trying to control but he's not successful this time.
Jones is going to have to think about doing something other than just controlling because Banks is managing to avoid having the position dictated to him.
Jones in mount throwing good strikes here, bouncing his opponent's head off the canvas.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Jones trying to control but he's not successful this time.
Jones avoids the attempt from Banks to control.
Jones throwing sloppy strikes, which aren't doing any damage.
Jones throws a strike there. Banks manages to avoid it well and slips a leg under to get to half guard.
Banks is looking to control Jones's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Banks avoid being mounted?
Banks avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Jones.
Jones thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Banks's head.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Banks is not content to let Jones control the position.
Jones throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.
Jones 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.
Jones sitting and controlling from the half guard.
Jones throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.
Jones thows a huge punch but Banks dodges it nicely.
Jones sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Banks defending well though.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Jones slips a nice elbow through Banks's hands, connecting with Banks's forehead.
Jones is looking to advance position but Banks won't allow it.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Fabio Jones dominated that second round.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

Banks misses with a few strikes there.
Jones rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
and Banks counters with a shot to the ribs. That looked like it hurt.
Banks lands with a cross to side of his opponent's head.
Fabio Jones is winning the standup battle so far.
Jones throws a lazy right hand but Banks sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Jones really does look like a pencil wearing a pair of gloves. Let's hope he has a gameplan to suit that ridiculous body shape.
The sound of bone on bone echoes around the arena as Banks checks a leg kick.
Banks connects with a body shot.
Banks keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Jones.

Banks 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.
Jones keeping moving, preventing Banks from controlling successfully.
Banks scoring with punches to the head and body.
Jones working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Banks.

Jones looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.
Banks must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Banks keeps in close for a moment and lands a decent shot to the side of Jones's head.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Banks wants to control from the top but Jones keeps moving.
Banks in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Banks scoring with punches to the head and body.

Jones has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Banks can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.

Banks 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.
Banks lands a couple of decent looking shots.
Banks trying to control but Jones is working from the bottom.
Hammerfist, elbow! yells Banks's corner. There ya go! There ya go!

Banks thinks about going for a leg but decides against it, in order to maintain the position.

Jones working for a triangle but Banks defends it easily.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Banks trying to control the position from guard on top but Jones is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

Jones is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Banks is aware though and is defending well.
Banks passes Jones's left leg - he's now in half guard.
Banks is nestled in close to Jones, controlling him well. He's worked in a nice elbow to the side of the head as well, for good measure.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Jones works his way to full guard. Good work.
Banks works over Jones with some ground and pound from guard.
Banks stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Jones swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Banks lands a couple of digs.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Jones has his foot on Banks's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Banks works his way back into a safe position though.
Jones wants to sweep but no luck.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Banks connects with a couple of short punches.
Banks tries to free his leg and advance position but Jones is retaining full guard.
Banks throws a big right hand that misses.
Banks wants to control from the top but Jones keeps moving.

Jones working for a triangle but Banks defends it easily.
Banks works over Jones with some ground and pound from guard.

Jones escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Banks gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.
Banks advances position into side control!

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Jones is looking to regain half guard here but Banks keeps moving and retains side control.
Banks creates a bit of distance and throws down some hard shots.
Jones is looking for a sweep.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Banks just content to control the position.
Banks landing a few strikes.

Jones is rocked!
Jones tries to bench press Banks off him but Banks keeps the position.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Jones is working to avoid the ground and pound but Banks connects with a decent elbow.
Oh Jones is still in real trouble! Will he be able to recover?!!
Banks working away diligently from side control. Landing strikes effectively there - that will score him some points on the judges scorecards.
Jones is looking to regain half guard here but Banks keeps moving and retains side control.
Banks lands a few punches from side control.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Robin Banks really dominated that round.
That's time! Jones's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

Jones misses the jab.
Jones seems to have got his legs back now.
Banks connects with a body shot.
Jones throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Banks bobbing and weaving, closes the distance and lands a hook to the side of Jones's head.

Banks looks for a takedown. He's got it. We're now in half guard.
Jones blocking the ground and pound attempt from Banks.
Ground and pound from Banks.
Banks is trying to control. Jones wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.
Jones is trying to get back to full guard.
Banks seems to be taking a bit of a break to think of his next move. He lands a short punch in the meantime.
Jones regains full guard. Nicely done.
Banks tries to stand but Jones is controlling from the bottom.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Banks is working the ground and pound from guard. He might want to try advancing position though to get more of an impact.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Jones keeping moving, preventing Banks from controlling successfully.

Jones has his foot on Banks's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Banks works his way back into a safe position though.
Banks trying to control the position from guard on top but Jones is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Banks cracks Jones with a solid left hand.
Banks trying to control the position from guard on top but Jones is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Banks works over Jones with some ground and pound from guard.
Banks working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.

Jones throws his legs up looking to secure a triangle. Oh, that looks pretty tight, I gotta say! Banks escapes and throws Jones's legs to the side, diving into side control!
Jones tries to improve position but can't.
Banks lands a knee to the body and follows it up with some ground and pound to the head. That will wear Jones down.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Jones tries to get back to half guard but can't.
Banks working the head with strikes.
Banks scoring with punches from side control.
Banks scoring with punches and elbows.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Jones is not content to let Banks control the position.
Jones is positioning himself to get back to half guard.
Banks working the head and body with strikes.
You can see the frustration on Jones's face, being in this tough position on the bottom.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Jones tries to improve position but can't.
Banks scoring with punches from side control.
Banks wants to lay and pray for a moment but Jones keeps working.

Banks swings around for an armbar but Jones sees it coming a mile off and turns beautifully into Banks's guard.
Jones in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Banks avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Jones looking to sit in guard and control but Banks gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top.
Banks trying to control but Jones is working from the bottom.
Jones wants to sweep but no luck.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Banks loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Banks trying to control the position from guard on top but Jones is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Banks accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Jones working a defensive guard here.

Jones has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Banks can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.

Jones escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Banks gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.
It's got to the stage where if one of these guys blows hard enough, the other might fall over.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Banks is sitting in guard, working some ground and pound.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Banks stopping the sweep attempt from Jones.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Robin Banks dominated that fourth round.
That's time! Back to the action! This is the final round!

Banks looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Jones takes a swing at Banks's ribcage but misses.
Fabio Jones seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Banks ducks right into an uppercut from Jones.
Jones is using his reach advantage well here, landing the more effective single shots from range.
Nice cross by Banks.
Jones shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Jones defending well as Banks loads up on a big left hand.
Jones thows a left - swing and a miss!
Banks slips under a jab from Jones.
Robin Banks is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Jones checks a leg kick.
Banks dips to his left and cracks Jones with an uppercut!
Jones changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.
Banks shoots in for a double leg but Jones sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.

A momentary lapse in concentration from Banks enables Jones to shoot in and score with a neat double leg. Banks manages to secure a closed guard as the fighters hit the mat.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Banks utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Jones postures up in Banks's guard and throws a big left but Banks blocks it.
Banks seems keen to control rather than go for a submission, at least for now.
Banks keeping moving, preventing Jones from controlling successfully.
Jones loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Fabio Jones has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Jones keeps in close for a moment and lands a decent shot to the side of Banks's head.
Banks keeping moving, preventing Jones from controlling successfully.
Jones with a flurry of punches that miss.
Robin Banks is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
Jones trying to move into half guard but instead Banks has managed to sweep!

Jones had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Banks defends it easily.
Banks wants to control from the top but Jones keeps moving.
Banks preventing the sweep.

Jones has his feet on Banks's thighs here. He's pushed Banks off and worked for a very quick armbar from the bottom! He's flipped onto his stomach and he's cranking hard on the arm! Banks screams in pain and taps out! This one is all over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:58 of round 5, we have a winner by way of Submission (Armbar). Fabio Jones!
Fabio Jones retains his lightweight title!
Fabio Jones seemed lost for words in his post fight interview but he remembered to thank his fans and directed everyone to his website.