PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Gary Dove (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. The crowd giving both fighters a great reception on their way into the arena. That's good to see.

Dove
vs
Rourke

190 cm
27
196 lbs
14 - 3 - 0

182 cm
30
196 lbs
21 - 11 - 0

Good wrestling
World class boxer
Insanely flexible

Good wrestler
Lethal high kicks
Good gas tank

Syndicate Nutrition (DUS)

•• Beast Mode ••
Perkele!

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 14 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Sydney, Gary Dove!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 21 - 11 - 0, fighting out of Sydney, Mikko Rourke!
The judges for this bout are Eliza Hachem, Steve Erwin and Damien Edna.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Rourke connects with a looping right hand.
Dove avoids the body shot from Rourke.
Crunch! Dove slams his shin into Rourke's torso.

Rourke looking for a takedown here - he's got it.
Dove wants to sweep but no luck.

Dove had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Rourke defends it easily.
Rourke stands and throws Dove's legs to the side, diving into side control.
Dove struggling a bit here.
Dove is looking to reverse the position.
Dove is working hard here to advance position.
Rourke trying to control the position but Dove is working away.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Rourke tries to score with some ground and pound. Dove controls his posture well this time though and the shots don't do any damage.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Dove is positioning himself to get back to half guard.
Dove is not content to let Rourke control the position.
Dove manages to get one leg in to regain half guard.
Rourke thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
Dove is looking to control Rourke's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Dove avoid being mounted?
Dove is refusing to be controlled, as Rourke sits in half guard.
Dove tries to roll over but Rourke keeps him under control.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Dove wants to control but Rourke is keeping busy and won't allow it.

Rourke seems to be looking for submissions.

Rourke seems to be working for a kimura but Dove defends the submission attempt.
The fighters are starting to get a bit slippery now, which will make submissions a bit more difficult.
Dove is looking to control Rourke's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Dove avoid being mounted?
Dove has hold of Rourke's hands but Rourke slips his arm to the side and lands an elbow.
Dove is trying to maintain the position but Rourke is very close to passing his half guard.
Rourke controlling the action here.

Rourke is looking for a kimura. It's going to be difficult to finish that from half guard though and Dove defends it well.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Rourke is looking to take a break and control but Dove is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Rourke seems to be looking for submissions.
Rourke misses with a head shot. Dove uses the momentum to regain guard.
Rourke trying to control the position from guard on top but Dove is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

Dove looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.
Rourke trying to control the position from guard on top but Dove is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Dove 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.
Rourke missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Rourke missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Dove looking for a sweep. Not yet Dove, not yet.
Rourke is intent on slowing down the pace of the fight, simply looking to control.
Rourke scores with a decent looking elbow strike.
Dove keeping moving, preventing Rourke from controlling successfully.
Rourke is in a good position here but he's just trying to control... And he's not even managing to do that successfully.
Dove trying to control the position.
Dove preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Rourke slips effortlessly into side control - very nice.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Rourke working the ground and pound.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Dove throws a shot to the body.
Rourke throws a jab but it's blocked by Dove.
Rourke throws a looping overhand right but Dove ducks down to avoid it.
Rourke attempts a low kick but it misses it's target.
Dove tries a low kick but Rourke avoids it.
Dove lands with a cross.
Dove smiles there as he lands a nice right hand right on the button.
Dove attempts a low kick but it misses it's target.
Rourke throws a jab but it's blocked by Dove.
Nice shot lands for Dove.
Boom, another hit is landed. "You're gunna get knocked out" taunts Rourke, as that shot connected.
Good shot there by Rourke.
Rourke gets cracked with a nice right hand there by Dove.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Rourke slaps away a takedown attempt from Dove, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Dove takes a shot right to the bread basket.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Rourke throws a hook to the side of Dove's head but Dove sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
A shot to the liver by Rourke. Beautiful body shot.
Dove ducks under a wild hook from Rourke.
Rourke throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Dove tried to score with a low kick but Rourke checks it.
Good leg kick by Rourke there. It's the ones that make that thud noise that hurt and that was an almighty thud.
Rourke throws a lazy right hand but Dove sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Rourke connects with a crisp jab.
Rourke throws a looping overhand right but Dove ducks down to avoid it.
Rourke works his jab well there, keeping his opponent at a distance.
Rourke throws the left hand but Dove avoids the punch easily.
Nice jab there from Dove.
Mikko Rourke seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Dove lands an overhand right.
Rourke feints and then cracks Dove's leading leg with a nice low kick. He's obviously looking to slow Dove down.
Dove throws a right and a left that both miss.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Rourke throws a leg kick
and Dove makes him pay by landing a nice hook to the body before moving out of range.
Rourke lands with a nice low kick. That'll leave a bruise.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Rourke throws a low kick but Dove avoids it.
Dove throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Rourke throws a looping overhand right but Dove ducks down to avoid it.
Dove defending well as Rourke loads up on a big left hand.
A jab from Rourke misses.
Rourke misses with the combination.
Dove throws a solid leg kick but Rourke takes the impact on his shin and smiles at Dove.
Dove ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Rourke moves away.
Dove moves out of range of the leg kick from Rourke.
Mikko Rourke seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Dove throws a lazy right hand but Rourke sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Dove avoids a punch combination nicely.
Dove fails to land with a series of punches.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Rourke lunges in with an uppercut that skims his opponent's chin.
Nice sprawl there from Rourke as Dove shoots in.
Dove throws a leg kick but Rourke moved away.
Dove throws a head kick that misses.
Dove blocks a jab.
Rourke misses with an uppercut. Dove saw that one coming.
Dove misses with a body kick.
Rourke tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Dove was well out of range. Poor timing from Rourke.
Dove is using his height advantage well here, landing a good percentage of his punches.
Rourke scores with a leg kick.
Rourke swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Rourke throws a jab but it's blocked by Dove.
A lazy left from Dove finds it's target.
Rourke scores with a sloppy punch to the body. Not much technique there but it did the business.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Rourke misses with a leg kick
and Dove makes him pay by landing a nice hook to the body before moving out of range.
Rourke throws a leg kick but Dove moved away.
Rourke scores with a crisp jab that stopped Dove in his tracks.
Dove misses with a body shot.
Rourke keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Both fighters circling a little - Rourke finishes the exchange with a kick to the body.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Dove takes a shot to the eye socket. That's gotta hurt.
Rourke misses with a straight left.
Dove wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.
Rourke doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
Dove throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
A looping hook to the body misses from Rourke. Dove does a little dance to reset his feet.
Rourke misses with a looping left.
Rourke throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close second round but Mikko Rourke will probably get the nod - 10:9.
That's time! Dove's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

Dove shoots in for a double leg but Rourke sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
Dove ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Rourke moves away.
Dove chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Rourke can pounce on him.
Rourke is looking to slow Dove down with leg kicks.
Rourke throws a nice outside leg kick.
Rourke throws a jab but it's blocked by Dove.
Dove listening to his corner there, landing a nice uppercut.
Rourke showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Dove.
Dove scores with a leg kick.
Rourke misses with a wild body shot.
Rourke scores with a big left there. The judges will like that one.
Dove lands with a head kick! That's gotta hurt.
Rourke avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Rourke bobs and weaves and unloads with a good uppercut.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Dove thumps Rourke with a low kick.
Dove just misses with a punch to the body.
Rourke throws a head kick that looked like it stung.
Dove ducks under a wild hook from Rourke.
Dove throws a looping overhand right but Rourke ducks down to avoid it.
Rourke shoots in but Dove avoids the takedown attempt easily.

Dove looking for a takedown here - he's got it.
Rourke avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Dove trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Dove throws a strike but Rourke rolls with it and manages to sweep. Now he's in guard on top.
Rourke postures up.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Rourke postures up in Dove's guard and throws a big left but Dove blocks it.
Rourke preventing the sweep.
Rourke's corner is telling him to maintain position.
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!

Dove looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.
Rourke trying to control the position from guard on top but Dove is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Dove preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Rourke must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.
Dove trying to control the position.

Dove is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Rourke is aware though and is defending well.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Rourke engaging in some classic timewasting tactics.
Rourke with a flurry of punches that miss.
Rourke trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Dove looking to hit a scissor sweep but Rourke is one step ahead there.
Rourke trying to control but Dove is working from the bottom.
A real slowdown in the pace of the fight for a moment, as Dove holds on and takes a little breather.
Rourke with a flurry of punches that miss.
Dove looking to hit a scissor sweep but Rourke is one step ahead there.
Rourke throwing strikes but missing.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Dove looking to hit a scissor sweep but Rourke is one step ahead there.
Rourke throwing strikes from guard but Dove blocks nicely.
Dove utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Rourke missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Rourke wants to control from the top but Dove keeps moving.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.

Dove working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Rourke doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Rourke manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close round but Gary Dove did the better work so I'd imagine he'll take it.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

Dove throws an overhand right that lands on Rourke's shoulder, as Rourke tries to avoid the shot.
Rourke throws a head kick but Dove moves out of range.
Dove fakes a jab and scores with a low kick.
Jab, jab by Rourke - just one landing.
Dove throws a couple of head shots and lands with the final one - a decent hook, which struck Rourke on the side of the head.
Rourke avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
A low kick from Rourke is predictable there
and Dove counters with a body kick.
Dove checks the leg kick nicely there.
A looping hook to the body misses from Rourke. Dove does a little dance to reset his feet.
Rourke connects with a body shot.
Dove avoids a kick to the body.
Rourke looks to throw the jab but Dove is out of range.

Dove shoots in for a takedown and gets it. Oh and he's advanced to full mount straight away.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Dove lands with some strikes.
Rourke takes a big shot to the head but keeps on trying to improve his position.
Dove can't quite control the action as he would like just now, as Rourke is looking to escape.
Dove controlling his opponent.
Dove lands a big shot there that rocks Rourke but he's holding on and managing to survive for now.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Rourke tries to reverse the position but Dove maintains control.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Dove lands a big shot there that rocks Rourke but he's holding on and managing to survive for now.
Dove lands an elbow that was bordering on illegal but the referee lets it go with a warning.
Rourke tries to hold on but Dove postures up.
Rourke is looking to improve his position but Dove isn't that keen on the idea.
Rourke is persisting with the attempt to improve his position.
Dove lands with some vicious ground and pound - can Rourke hang on?
Dove content just to control the position here.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Dove in mount throwing good strikes here, bouncing his opponent's head off the canvas.
Gary Dove overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Dove wants to control the pace but Rourke is squirming around nicely.
A nice elbow there by Dove.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Dove is in the full mount, landing strikes.
Dove looking to control but Rourke is working nicely, looking to advance position himself.
Dove breaks from Rourke's wrist control and lands an elbow.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Dove landing punches.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Rourke is writhing around trying to get back to his feet.
Dove content just to control the position here.
Dove prevents Rourke from getting the reversal.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Dove scores with a couple of good head shots there.
Dove landing punches.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Gary Dove had his way with Mikko Rourke in that round.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action! So, we enter the final round. Let's see if either fighter can bring us a finish, or whether we're going to the judges scorecards.

Dove avoids the body shot from Rourke.
Dove looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
Rourke lands a nice shot that snaps Dove's head back.
Dove dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Rourke throws a leg kick but Dove sees it coming and moves out of range.
Rourke uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Dove.
Rourke moves away from the strike by Dove.
Rourke takes a big uppercut there. He seems a bit wobbly but no, he's OK.
Dove slips under a jab.
Rourke throws a feint and then finishes with a kick to the body.
Dove slips under a jab from Rourke.
Rourke uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Dove.
Dove shoots in for a double leg but Rourke sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Rourke feints a straight left to the body, then turns around with a flashy move and hits Doves jaw with a dramatic spinning back fist!
Rourke swings for the body but Dove moves out of range.
Nice takedown defense from Rourke. No joy for Dove on that attempt.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Gary Dove. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Rourke missing with a left hand there. Dove was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Rourke showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Dove.
Rourke misses with a two punch combination.
Dove fakes a jab and then connects with a hook.
Dove moves away from the strike by Rourke.
Rourke lands with a thumping leg kick.
Dove connects with an inside leg kick.
Rourke checks a low kick. Bone on bone - not my idea of a good time.
Dove lands a leg kick. The shin dug right into the meat of the thigh.
Rourke throws a leg kick
and Dove cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Dove throws a low kick but Rourke avoids it.
A shot to the liver by Rourke. Beautiful body shot.
Rourke fakes a jab and scores with a low kick.
Nice shot by Dove.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Rourke stuns Dove with a nice body shot, before stepping back out of range.
Rourke throws a hook to the side of Dove's head but Dove sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Rourke misses with a left hand
and Dove counters with a left to the body.
Rourke fakes a couple of low kicks, before throwing one on the third attempt. It connects and Dove has to reset his feet before getting ready to engage.
Rourke lands a powerful looking uppercut that connected with his opponent's jaw.
Dove throws an overhand right that lands on Rourke's shoulder, as Rourke tries to avoid the shot.
A big left from Rourke misses.
Rourke connects with a looping left hand that seems like it dazed Dove momentarily.
Rourke's jab looks to have found its range, popping Dove under the eye.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Dove throws a nice looking combination but Rourke bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Rourke jabs away that one connects to the head of his opponent.
Dove missing with a left hand there. Rourke was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Dove throws a leg kick but Rourke sees it coming and moves out of range.
Dove throws a wild body kick that Rourke sees coming a mile off.
Rourke lunges in with an uppercut that skims his opponent's chin.
Dove swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
A jab from Dove finds it's way through Rourke's defenses.
Rourke misses with a body punch
and Dove counters nicely by changing levels and landing a hook to the body.
Rourke looks to throw the jab but Dove is out of range.
Dove slips a straight right by Rourke.
Rourke swings wildly with a couple of big hooks
and Dove counters with a straight punch to the midsection.
Dove thuds a left hand into Rourke's body.
Rourke takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Rourke throws a sloppy head kick
and Dove connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Rourke is wobbling all over the place through exhaustion. Will he make it to the final bell?
Dove ducks under a wild hook from Rourke.
Dove bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Rourke takes a swing at Dove's ribcage but misses.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Dove lands with a straight right. Rourke didn't see that one coming.
A head kick misses from Rourke.
Rourke fails with the takedown
and Dove counters nicely by changing levels and landing a hook to the body.
Dove connects with a right hand. Rourke shakes it off.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Dove is defended easily by Rourke.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Dove tries to work over Rourke's front leg with a kick but Rourke checks it.

And that's the end of the fight!
That was a close round. You could make an argument for either fighter but I would give it to Gary Dove.
I think Dove 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 Eliza Hachem scores the fight 48:48
Judge Steve Erwin scores the fight 47:49
Judge Damien Edna scores the fight 48:47

The fight is ruled a draw!
Gary Dove retains his title. It's always disappointing when a championship fight ends as a draw but that's what happens when you leave the fight in the judges hands!