PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between Tim Key (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Richard Lionheart (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Key's entrance music is Till I Collapse - Eminem. A fine choice. Lionheart is bobbing his head along to his entrance song: Van Damme - Lion Heart (Final Fight). Tim Key has a significant reach advantage - let's see if he can make it count.

Key
vs
Lionheart

172 cm
27
142 lbs
26 - 6 - 1

160 cm
31
142 lbs
22 - 9 - 1

Good wrestling
Excellent boxer
Granite chin

Good wrestler
World class boxer
Good gas tank

ACME-Blood Red Q158 Always $30 (5% Laundry SALE)
160!

STEEL PENN'S - STEEL TERROR: Video Proven 160Q

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the bantamweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 26 - 6 - 1, fighting out of Helsinki, Tim Key!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 22 - 9 - 1, fighting out of Helsinki, Richard Lionheart!
The judges for this bout are Tarja Halkonen, Johanna Lukiainen and Anni Minnemäki.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Key smiles there as he lands a nice right hand right on the button.
Key tries to close the distance and clinch but Lionheart swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Lionheart shoots in looking for a takedown but Key manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Lionheart's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
Lionheart misses with a body shot.
Key throws a two punch combo that lands nicely.
Lionheart lands a jab to Key's midsection.
Lionheart looks to land a right hand but Key moved out of range.
Key on the wrong end of a decent looking cross there.
Key lands with a nice body punch.

Lionheart gets tackled into the cage by Key. Key maintains the clinch.
Key doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Lionheart misses with a body punch.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Key.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.

Lionheart pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Lionheart throws an overhand right that lands on Key's shoulder, as Key tries to avoid the shot.
Jab from Lionheart.
Key avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Lionheart swings for the body but Key moves out of range.
Lionheart ducks low and lands a nice hook to the body of his opponent.
Lionheart scores with a jab to the head.
Lionheart wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.
Key ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Lionheart moves away.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Key wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.
Nice jab there from Lionheart.
Lionheart lands a jab. Then a cross. Then finally a nice hook to the body. Good work there by Lionheart.
Lionheart missing with a left hand there. Key was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Lionheart.
Key tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in the close the distance. Lionheart manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Lionheart lands a jab to the nose.
Key throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Lionheart sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Wow, both these guys are really going for it!
Lionheart throws a hook to the side of Key's head but Key sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Key is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Lionheart.
Lionheart slips under a jab from Key.

Key has Lionheart up against the cage in a clinch.
Key tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Lionheart's elbow.
Lionheart lands an uppercut.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Key misses with a shot to the kidneys.

Lionheart has dropped down and is working for a takedown. Key is trying to keep an underhook but Lionheart manages to get the takedown into half guard.
Key is refusing to be controlled, as Lionheart sits in half guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Lionheart missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
Lionheart throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
The fighters are battling for position here. Key manages to regain full guard. Nice work.
Lionheart trying to move into half guard but instead Key has managed to sweep!

Key is holding a leg here, probably looking for an ankle lock - he drops back and goes for it! Lionheart is in trouble! Is it all over??? No! Lionheart has escaped and now he's on top!
Key keeping moving, preventing Lionheart from controlling successfully.
Lionheart throwing strikes from guard but Key blocks nicely.
Lionheart works over Key with some ground and pound from guard.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Key is on top in guard.

Key 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.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Key throwing strikes from guard but Lionheart blocks nicely.

Lionheart throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.
Key wants to control from the top but Lionheart keeps moving.
Key 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.

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

Lionheart had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Key defends it easily.
Key is taking a break and basically stalling. The referee will not allow him to do that for long.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Lionheart escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Key gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.
Key tries to free his leg and advance position but Lionheart is retaining full guard.

Lionheart is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Key is aware though and is defending well.
Key showing good wrestling skills to control the position.
Key pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Lionheart 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!
Lionheart keeping moving, preventing Key from controlling successfully.
Key slips effortlessly into side control - very nice.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but Richard Lionheart will probably get the nod.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

Lionheart bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Lionheart throws a nice looking combination but Key bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Lionheart's corner calls for a 1-2. Lionheart obliges with the 1 part as he scores the single shot and moves back out of range.
Key misses with a hook. Lionheart ducked under it nicely.
Lionheart misses with a body shot.
Key throws a lazy right hand but Lionheart sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Key tries to close the distance and clinch up but Lionheart swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Key clobbers Lionheart with an overhand right that has the crowd gasping. That made a horrendous noise.
Key takes a swing at Lionheart's ribcage but misses.
Key loads up on a big right hand but Lionheart slips the punch.
Lionheart fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Key manages to avoid it.
Lionheart throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Key displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Lionheart throws out the jab.
Key misses with the combination.

Key rushes Lionheart and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.
A right hook to the body lands for Key.
Key letting Lionheart take a breather here.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Key misses with some punches.
Lionheart misses with a punch to the body.
Lionheart blocking some punches.
Key lands with a left to the head.
Key struggles to land a body shot inside as Lionheart controls his hands.
Lionheart prevents a body shot from Key.
Key lands a hook to the side of the head.
Lionheart is clearly stalling here... Pick up the pace son.
Key pushes off an throws an elbow but Lionheart leans to the side and avoids it. We're back to clinching against the cage.
Key misses with a short punch on the inside.
Lionheart is working for takedown but Key is calmly controlling the position for now.
Key digs a right hand into Lionheart's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Lionheart's gas tank.
Lionheart blocks an uppercut.

Lionheart breaks from the clinch.
Key looks to score with a jab to the body but Lionheart is just out of range.
Key takes an uppercut right on the button but keeps his composure.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
This fight brought to you by 5M nutrition - it's mmmmm tasty. Nice jab by Lionheart.
Lionheart just misses with a punch to the body.
Key lands a jab to the head.
Key misses the jab.
This has been an exciting period of action!
A big left from Key misses.
Key moves in looking to clinch but Lionheart pushes him off.
Key connects with a looping left hand that seems like it dazed Lionheart momentarily.
Lionheart listening to his corner there, landing a nice uppercut.
Key dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Lionheart slips a straight right by Key.

Key closes the distance and clinches.
Key lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Lionheart.
Key works on Lionheart's body with a couple of short punches.
Lionheart lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Key backwards.

Lionheart manages to break the clinch.
Richard Lionheart seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Key wants to clinch up but Lionheart keeps it at a distance.
Key thows a left - swing and a miss!

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Key bobs and weaves and throws out a fast jab that snaps Lionheart's head backwards.
Key cracks a nice hook into Lionheart's ribs.
A left lands for Key.
Lionheart staying out of range there.
A telegraphed right hand from Lionheart misses the target.

Key rushes Lionheart and presses him up against the cage.
Lionheart drops to a knee looking for a takedown but Key gets the underhooks and prevents it.
Key blocks an uppercut.
Key doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Key tries to throw a body punch but Lionheart avoids it by throwing Key back against the cage.
Nice body punch from Key.
Key misses with a short punch on the inside.
Key tries a body shot but Lionheart blocks it.

Lionheart breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.

Key has managed to clinch.
Lionheart has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Key is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.
Tim Key has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Richard Lionheart.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Lionheart is trying to break free.
Key lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Lionheart backwards.
Lionheart misses with a short punch on the inside.
Key tries a body shot but Lionheart blocks it.
Key is leaning against Lionheart and scores with a nice uppercut to the body.
Lionheart dictating the pace here, as the fighters clinch against the cage.
Key tries to throw a body punch but Lionheart avoids it by throwing Key back against the cage.
Key misses with the head strike.

Key pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Lionheart tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Key was well out of range. Poor timing from Lionheart.
Key uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Lionheart.
Lionheart keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Lionheart ducks under a wild hook from Key.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Lionheart blocks a head kick by Key.
Lionheart staying out of range there.
Key uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Lionheart.
Key tries to clinch but Lionheart moves out of range.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Tim Key dominated that second round.
That's time! Back to the action!

Lionheart manages to get an easy takedown there - catching Key on his heels. He'll look to pass Key's guard now, I'm sure.
Key is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.
Lionheart lands a couple of decent looking shots.
Key is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.
Lionheart trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Key wants to stand up but Lionheart is controlling him.
Lionheart postures up and scores with a shot to the body and a follow up elbow to the head.
Richard Lionheart has got the better of the ground game so far.
Key manages to land a sweep and now he's in mount on top!

Key working for a submission but Lionheart is keeping him at bay.
Key wants to control the pace but Lionheart is squirming around nicely.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Lionheart is desperately trying to improve his position but Key has a good base and remains in mount.
Lionheart really wants to buck Key off and get back to his feet.
Lionheart tries to lock up and control but Key gives him a forearm to the face and pushes him away.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Lionheart is in all sorts of trouble here.
Key wants to control the pace but Lionheart is squirming around nicely.

Key is standing up, even though he is in mount.
Key misses the shot to the body.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Key throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Key takes one to the chin there.
Key takes a big uppercut there. He seems a bit wobbly but no, he's OK.
A swing and a miss from Key.
Key takes an uppercut right on the jaw but it doesn't phase him.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Key takes a swing at Lionheart's ribcage but misses.
Lionheart slips a straight right by Key.
Lionheart misses with a body shot.
Lionheart keeps the fight on the outside.
Key looks to throw the jab but Lionheart is out of range.
Lionheart just misses with a punch to the body.
Lionheart takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.
Key uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Lionheart.
Lionheart looks to score with a jab to the body but Key is just out of range.
Lionheart lands a two punch combo.
Key wants to clinch up but Lionheart keeps it at a distance.
Lionheart fakes a head punch and goes low to the body. Nicely done.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
A big right from Lionheart misses.
Key takes a solid shot to the body. That one hurt him but he's trying not to show it.
Key swings away with a body shot that misses
and Key takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Lionheart slips a jab from Key.
Key scores with a hook.
Lionheart takes a head kick and shrugs it off.
Key misses with a wild body shot.
Lionheart swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Tim Key is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.

Lionheart drives through with a really nice takedown into side control.
Key struggling a bit here.
An elbow from Lionheart crashes against the mat.
Lionheart has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
Lionheart in side control lands a decent elbow.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Key manages to get back to half guard.
Lionheart lands strikes from half guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Key regains full guard. Nicely done.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Lionheart accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Lionheart is fighting to break Key's control of his arms but Key is doing a good job of controlling the position at the moment.
Lionheart is looking to work some ground and pound but Key has wrist control.
Key controls Lionheart momentarily but Lionheart frees himself.
Lionheart prevents Key from getting back to his feet.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Lionheart showing good wrestling skills to control the position.
We've had a lack of effective grappling in the last minute or so, which could well see a referee standup.
Lionheart keeps in close for a moment and lands a decent shot to the side of Key's head.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Lionheart postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Key looking to control.
Key seems keen to control rather than go for a submission, at least for now.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Richard Lionheart really dominated that round.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!

Key defending well as Lionheart loads up on a big left hand.

Key instigates a clinch.
Lionheart has Key pushed against the cage.
Key lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
Key swings wildly with an uppercut but Lionheart uses good head movement to avoid it.
Lionheart has Key pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Key manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.
Key misses with a body punch.
Key prevents the takedown attempt.
Lionheart wants a takedown but no success here.
Tim Key has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Richard Lionheart.
Key has a couple of punches blocked by Lionheart.
Key is defending well against a takedown attempt.
A right hand to the body from Key.
Lionheart is absolutely dripping with sweat - he looks exhausted.
Key working some nice short punches in the clinch.
Key lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Lionheart has had enough of the clinch but Key keeps him there for the moment.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Lionheart is trying to break the clinch but Key has him pressed against the cage.
Lionheart is working on a leg, looking for a takedown but Key is defending well.
Key cracks Lionheart with a nice body shot.
A short uppercut from Key.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Key.
Key tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Lionheart avoids it.
Lionheart struggles to land a body shot inside as Key controls his hands.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Lionheart.

Lionheart has hold of one of Key's legs. Key is fighting the takedown attempt but Lionheart gets the trip and lands the takedown into guard.
Key wants to stand up but Lionheart is controlling him.
Key preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Key looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Key is working hard here to advance position.
Key wants to stand and escape but Lionheart is having none of it.
Key seems keen to control rather than go for a submission, at least for now.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The referee must be thinking about standing these guys back up.
Lionheart throws a big elbow that misses.
Key lands a beautiful switch and he's in full mount! That could spell trouble for Lionheart!
Lionheart is desperately trying to get back to half guard.

Key stands up from the dominant position. He obviously fancies his chances standing.
Key looks to score with a jab to the body but Lionheart is just out of range.
Key waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Lionheart.

Key closes the distance and clinches.
Lionheart lands a body punch.
Key can't find room to land a body shot as Lionheart controls the action.
Key's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!

Lionheart's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Lionheart throws a shot from downtown. Key moves away and avoids it.
A swing and a miss from Key.
Lionheart lands a body shot.
A big left from Lionheart misses.
Lionheart throws a body punch but Key moves out of range.
Key is looking to clinch.
Lionheart with a jab.
Lionheart shoots for a takedown but Key saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
Key needs to keep his hands up - Lionheart had a free shot at his head there.
Key misses with an uppercut. Lionheart saw that one coming.
Key waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Lionheart.
Lionheart lands with an uppercut that bounces Key off the cage and back into range.
Key is looking to clinch.
Key throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Key takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.
Key throws a hook but Lionheart avoids it easily.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Key misses with a body shot

so Lionheart counters with a double leg into guard. Good agility.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Lionheart postures up.
Lionheart chips away with some ground and pound.
Lionheart postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Key avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Key keeping moving, preventing Lionheart from controlling successfully.
Lionheart postures up in Key's guard and throws a big left but Key blocks it.

Key manages to escape and get back to his feet.
Lionheart dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Key cracks Lionheart with a nice right hand that draws applause from the crowd.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Key cracks the inside of Lionheart's front leg.

Key gets caught flat footed, as Lionheart shoots in with a quick takedown into guard.
Lionheart is sitting in guard, working some ground and pound.
Lionheart tries to free his leg and advance position but Key is retaining full guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close fourth round but I would say that Tim Key will probably get the nod.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action. The crowd applaud as we get ready to start the final round!

The fight stays on the outside here - Key looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Key cracks Lionheart with a right hand to the side of the head.
Lionheart misses with a looping left.
Lionheart with a hook.
Key misses with a wild body shot.
Lionheart looks to throw the jab but Key is out of range.
Key ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Lionheart thows a left - swing and a miss!
Key slips a jab from Lionheart.
Lionheart bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Key throws a shot to the body.

Lionheart looking for a takedown here - he's got it.
Key is trying to keep Lionheart in close.
Lionheart loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Lionheart with a couple of shots to the head there. Not particularly brutal.
Key wants to sweep but no luck.
Key looking to control the pace of the fight rather than finish it.
Key looking for a sweep. Not yet Key, not yet.
Lionheart trying to control but Key is working from the bottom.
Lionheart throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Lionheart engaging in some classic timewasting tactics.

Neither fighter is doing enough for the referee's liking and he's decided to stand them back up.
Lionheart scores with a jab. Key acknowledges it with a nod of the head.
Key takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.
Lionheart keeps his opponent at a distance with a nice jab.
Key looks like he's developed a pretty tasty lump over his left eye. He'll need to avoid taking much more damage to that.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Key misses with a right hand
and Lionheart connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Lionheart on the wrong end of a vicious looking body shot.
Key takes a big uppercut there. He seems a bit wobbly but no, he's OK.
Lionheart keeps the fight on the outside.
Lionheart will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
Nice straight punches there by Key. You know Roy Jones Jr respects the hands of Key.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Key punishes Lionheart's body with a nice straight punch.
Lionheart misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Key.
Lionheart scores with a jab to the body.
Lionheart cracks Key with a right hand to the side of the head.
Lionheart with a jab.
Key scores with a leg kick.
Key tries to clinch up.
Lionheart thuds a left hand into Key's body.
Key throws a hook but Lionheart blocks it.
Key looks to score with a jab to the body but Lionheart is just out of range.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Nice defenses there by Key.
Lionheart fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Key manages to avoid it.
Key connects with a jab.
Key comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.

Lionheart is looking for a takedown here. He's shot in and has managed to get it, finishing up in Key's half guard.
Lionheart is wobbling all over the place through exhaustion. Will he make it to the final bell?
Lionheart prevents Key from improving his position.
Key keeping hold of Lionheart's head, controlling as best he can.
Key avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Lionheart.
Key wants to improve his position but Lionheart is controlling well.
Key is trying to stand.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Lionheart thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Key's head.
Lionheart sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Key defending well though.
Key tries to get to full guard but Lionheart has control of the leg.
Lionheart sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Key defending well though.
Lionheart wants to control but Key is keeping him busy.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Lionheart is nestled in close to Key, controlling him well. He's worked in a nice elbow to the side of the head as well, for good measure.
Lionheart working Key over with strikes.
Key keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Key is refusing to be controlled, as Lionheart sits in half guard.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Key pushes Lionheart off looking to stand but Lionheart dives back in and keeps control.
Lionheart throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.

And that's the end of the fight!
Richard Lionheart comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think Lionheart has won this one but let's see whether the judges agree with me. 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 Tarja Halkonen scores the fight 46:49
Judge Johanna Lukiainen scores the fight 47:49
Judge Anni Minnemäki scores the fight 47:48

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Richard Lionheart!
Richard Lionheart is the new bantamweight champion!
During a confident post fight interview, Richard Lionheart thanked all his fans. He seemed very genuine when describing how motivated his fans keep him.