PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Luisito Banaag (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Kenny Finch (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Chooooooooon! I think Banaag might be my favorite fighter, now he's come out to Soulfly - Pain. 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.

Banaag
vs
Finch

190 cm
23
220 lbs
3 - 3 - 0

188 cm
24
223 lbs
5 - 2 - 0

Good wrestling
World class MT
Insanely flexible

Good wrestler
Decent boxing
Granite chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the light heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 3 - 3 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Luisito Banaag!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 5 - 2 - 0, fighting out of New York, Kenny Finch!
The judges for this bout are Alyssa Summers, Steve Montenegro and Franklyn Lucas.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Banaag scores with a head kick.

It looks like Kenny Finch has been cut.
Finch tries to bum rush Banaag with a series of wild strikes but Banaag uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
A shot to the liver by Finch. Beautiful body shot.
Nice takedown defense from Banaag. No joy for Finch on that attempt.
Banaag scores with a sloppy punch to the body. Not much technique there but it did the business.
Finch doesn't manage to clinch there - Banaag circles away.
Finch takes a push kick to the midsection and stumbles backwards.
Finch tries to clinch up but Banaag circles away and keeps his distance.
Finch chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Banaag can pounce on him.
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!
Finch chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Banaag can pounce on him.
Banaag tries to score with a leg kick but it misses it's target.
Banaag lunges in with an uppercut that skims his opponent's chin.
Finch has his takedown stuffed
enabling Banaag to counter with a crisp jab.
Finch on the wrong end of a nice low kick. He's acting like it's no big deal but he doesn't want to take many more of those.

Finch drops down and drives through with a powerful takedown into guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
We must be close to a standup if these guys don't pick up the pace.
Finch prevents Banaag from getting back to his feet.
Finch trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Finch won't allow Banaag to sweep him here.
Finch throws a big right hand that misses.
A real slowdown in the pace of the fight for a moment, as Banaag holds on and takes a little breather.
Finch wants to control from the top but Banaag keeps moving.
Finch has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
Banaag has a closed guard, preventing Finch from standing up.

The ref stands the fighters back up, due to lack of action by Kenny Finch.
Finch shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Banaag defends it nicely.
Luisito Banaag has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Kenny Finch.

Finch tries to keep at a distance but Banaag has taken the fight into the clinch.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Banaag prevents a takedown attempt there.

Banaag manages to break the clinch.
Finch tries to clinch but Banaag is having none of it.
Sloppy strikes from Finch. Those never looked like landing.
Finch shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Banaag defends it nicely.
Finch takes a thudding leg kick, right into the meat of the thigh.
Finch shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Banaag as he jumps to the side.
A decent looking body kick lands there for Banaag.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Finch misses with a takedown attempt - Banaag sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Luisito Banaag is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.

Finch shoots in and scores a nice double leg takedown into half guard.

Finch is trying to work for a kimura. This could be trouble! No, Banaag has managed to free his arm - good work.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Banaag is looking to control Finch's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Banaag avoid being mounted?
Finch tries to pass to full mount but Banaag defends it.
Banaag avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Finch.
Banaag slips a foot under and gets full guard. Nice work.
Banaag pulls Finch in to control the position.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Finch passes Banaag's right leg, so he's now in half guard.
Banaag wants to control but Finch is keeping busy.
Banaag is positioning himself well to prevent Finch advancing to mount.
Finch working the head and body with strikes.
Finch is just sitting in half guard, waiting for something to happen.
Banaag taking some punishment here, with Finch in his half guard.
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!
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Finch not landing any meaningful shots this time.
Banaag has hold of Finch's hands but Finch slips his arm to the side and lands an elbow.
Banaag avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Finch.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but Kenny Finch will probably get the nod.
The cut man is working on Kenny Finch's cut.
That's time! Banaag's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

Finch doesn't manage to clinch there - Banaag circles away.
A decent looking body kick lands there for Banaag.
Finch throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Banaag's waist but Banaag gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Finch off to one side.
Luisito Banaag is winning the standup battle so far.
A nice inside leg kick there by Banaag. That's going to slow Finch down.
Banaag lands a high kick!
Banaag is looking to slow Finch down with leg kicks.
Banaag swats away the attempt to clinch by Finch.
Banaag scores with a jab. Finch acknowledges it with a nod of the head.
Finch fails to land the takedown.
Banaag tries a head kick but it misses.

Banaag takes the fight into the clinch.
Banaag throws a knee to the head but misses.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!

Banaag pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Finch throws a right hand that Banaag ducks under and follows up with a left that Banaag also avoids with ease.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Banaag throws a nice head kick!
Finch fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Luisito Banaag has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Kenny Finch.

Banaag gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.
Finch tries for a takedown. No joy.
Finch jumps guard but his hands slip and he falls flat on his back. Well, he's made himself look a right mug there, as Banaag walks away with a smile on his face. Finch gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head.
Finch takes a hook to the side of the head. I wonder if that's got his ears ringing.
Finch shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Banaag as he avoids it easily.
Kenny Finch is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Finch tries to clinch but Banaag is having none of it.
Banaag cracks the inside of Finch's front leg.
Banaag plants his feet and lands a nice head kick!
Finch tries to clinch up.
Finch with a poor takedown
and Banaag counters with a nice uppercut.
Finch is breathing heavily.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Banaag throws a right high kick that is partially blocked by Finch.
Banaag lands a kick to the ribs of his opponent. Nice work there - in and out in a flash.
Banaag lands with a slapping head kick.
Finch changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Banaag tries to avoid it but Finch manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Banaag to the ground. Banaag escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
This fight brought to you by 5M nutrition - it's mmmmm tasty. Nice jab by Banaag.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Banaag gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.
Banaag throws a knee to the head but misses.
Banaag is stalling here.
Banaag looking to throw knees to the head but Finch is blocking nicely.

Banaag's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Banaag avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Finch fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Banaag misses with a hook. Finch ducked under it nicely.
Good leg kick by Banaag there. It's the ones that make that thud noise that hurt and that was an almighty thud.
Banaag throws a right high kick that is partially blocked by Finch.
Finch tries to close the distance and clinch up but Banaag swats him away and circles back towards the center.
A big left from Banaag misses.
Banaag walks forward and throws out a flicking leg kick. Finch checks it nicely though, as he moves to the side.
Banaag misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Banaag throws a head kick that misses.
Finch tries for a takedown but Banaag sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Banaag tests Finch's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Finch shoots in but Banaag avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Like a baseball bat into the meat of his leg there - nice leg kick by Banaag.
Banaag lands with a thumping leg kick.
Finch shoots in but no luck this time.
Finch shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Banaag but Banaag pushes him off and we're back to square one.
Finch throws a nice looking combination but Banaag bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Banaag moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.

Banaag rushes Finch and presses him up against the cage.
Banaag gets double underhooks to prevent a takedown attempt from Finch.
Finch goes for a takedown attempt but Banaag pushes him away and we're back to fighting at a distance.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Banaag throws a nice outside leg kick.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Finch lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Banaag circles away quickly and effectively.
Finch is looking to clinch.
Finch shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Banaag but Banaag pushes him off and we're back to square one.
Finch doesn't succeed with the takedown
and Banaag counters with an inside leg kick.
Banaag connects with a solid leg kick.
Banaag feints and then cracks Finch's leading leg with a nice low kick. He's obviously looking to slow Finch down.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!

Banaag closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the cage.

Banaag breaks the clinch.
Banaag stooping low to avoid any incoming strikes and then lunges in with an uppercut come cross that lands flush.
Banaag throws a quick inside leg kick.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Luisito Banaag dominated that second round.
The cut man is working on Kenny Finch's cut.
That's time! Back to the action! The crowd applaud as we get ready to start the final round!

A head kick from Banaag lands but Finch takes it in his stride.
Finch sees a low kick coming and goes to check it, but it's actually a body kick and it thuds into his unprotected ribs.
Banaag connects with a leg kick. He turned his hip over nicely there.
Finch shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Banaag sprawls well. Banaag wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Finch gets slowly back to his feet.

Banaag moves into the clinch.

Banaag breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Finch tries for a takedown but Banaag circles away easily
and Banaag counters with a head kick. That will keep Finch thinking before he tries any more sloppy attacks!
Banaag scores with a kick to the body.
Banaag fakes a couple of low kicks, before throwing one on the third attempt. It connects and Finch has to reset his feet before getting ready to engage.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Banaag is looking to slow Finch down with leg kicks.
Finch takes a kick to the body and keeps moving.
Finch has developed a nice purple lump on his ribcage, as a result of some heavy body kicks from Banaag.
Finch takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Banaag cracks the inside of Finch's front leg.
Banaag lands with a nice low kick. That'll leave a bruise.
Banaag throws a head kick that looked like it stung.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Finch takes one on the button.

Banaag takes the fight into the clinch.
Banaag lands a knee to the head.
Banaag holding his opponent close, against the cage.
Banaag prevents the takedown attempt.
Luisito Banaag has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Kenny Finch.
Banaag scores with a knee to the head.
Banaag is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Finch can do to turn this around?
Finch fails to pull the fight into his guard.

Banaag breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Banaag lands with a slapping head kick.
Banaag connects with a leg kick. He turned his hip over nicely there.
Finch wants to clinch up but Banaag keeps it at a distance.
Finch closes this distance looking for a takedown but Banaag circles away.
Banaag fakes a couple of low kicks, before throwing one on the third attempt. It connects and Finch has to reset his feet before getting ready to engage.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Banaag lands a nice shot to the body.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Finch wants to clinch but Banaag slips to the side
and Banaag counters with a good low kick that Finch was not able to check.

Banaag has Finch up against the cage in a clinch.
Banaag landing knees to the head.
Finch is working for a takedown up against the cage. He can't get it on this occasion though.

Banaag's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Banaag throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Finch fails with the takedown.
Luisito Banaag seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
This fight brought to you by 5M nutrition - it's mmmmm tasty. Nice jab by Banaag.
Finch gets cracked there but stands up to it.

Finch takes the fight into the clinch.

Banaag breaks the clinch.
Banaag chopping away at his opponent's legs.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Banaag throws a quick inside leg kick.
Banaag scores with a jab to the head.
Banaag scores with a spinning back kick!
Finch stumbles momentarily as he takes a strong leg kick from Banaag.
Finch fails with a takedown attempt.
Finch has his takedown stuffed
and Banaag connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Banaag fakes with a right hand and throws a good leg kick, right into the thigh. That had to hurt Finch.
Banaag scores with a big left there. The judges will like that one.
Banaag connects with a leg kick. He turned his hip over nicely there.
Finch fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Banaag throws a head kick that misses.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Banaag chopping away at his opponent's legs.
A chopping leg kick lands by Banaag.
Finch on the wrong end of a nice low kick. He's acting like it's no big deal but he doesn't want to take many more of those.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Banaag fakes with a right hand and throws a good leg kick, right into the thigh. That had to hurt Finch.
That kick from Banaag tenderised Finch's leg. Finch is trying to keep his angry face on.
Banaag connects nicely with a jab. Noted by the judges no doubt.
Banaag misses with a head kick.
Banaag misses with a straight right.
Ooooh, nice body kick lands from Banaag. Finch shrugs it off though.

Banaag closes the distance and pushes Finch back into the cage.
Banaag trying to control the position but instead, Finch has worked for underhooks and has pushed Banaag into the cage.

Banaag escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Banaag misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Finch.
Banaag tries a head kick but it misses.

And that's the end of the fight!
Luisito Banaag showed his dominance in that final round.
I think Banaag 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 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Alyssa Summers scores the fight 29:28
Judge Steve Montenegro scores the fight 29:28
Judge Franklyn Lucas scores the fight 29:28

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Luisito Banaag!
Luisito Banaag thanked the fans post fight for their support.