PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Kim Figueroa (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Jimmy Governor (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Figueroa comes to the cage accompanied by Ride the Lighting. Governor has chosen Didgeridoo as his entrance music, which hasn't gone down very well with the crowd. Kim Figueroa has the better chin. Will he look to stand and bang today?

Figueroa
vs
Governor

165 cm
27
150 lbs
23 - 1 - 0

172 cm
26
150 lbs
13 - 9 - 0

Good wrestling
World class MT
Granite chin

Good wrestler
World class boxer
Good gas tank

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the featherweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 23 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Kim Figueroa!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 13 - 9 - 0, fighting out of Hilo, Jimmy Governor!
The judges for this bout are Jack Bonds, and Frank Antenori.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Governor swinging wildly here.
Governor moves out of range of the leg kick from Figueroa.
Governor scores with a punch to the gut of his opponent.
Kim Figueroa seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Governor cracks Figueroa with a good shot that sees him stumbling back into the cage.
Governor shoots in and drives through. Figueroa sprawls well.
Governor lands with a thumping leg kick.
Governor shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Figueroa as he avoids it easily.
Governor moves out of range of the body kick from Figueroa.
Governor takes an uppercut right on the jaw but it doesn't phase him.
A left lands for Figueroa.
The fighters circling - Figueroa throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Figueroa dances in quickly and lands a nice inside leg kick on Governor. That did some damage!
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Figueroa throws a low kick but his opponent is out of range.
Figueroa misses with a body punch
and Governor counters with a lovely shot to the body.
Figueroa keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Figueroa looks to throw the jab but Governor is out of range.
Figueroa lands with an uppercut that bounces Governor off the cage and back into range.
Governor tries to score with a leg kick but it misses it's target.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Governor chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Figueroa can pounce on him.
Governor tries to score with a low kick but Figueroa moves his leg out of the way.
Figueroa throws a leg kick but Governor sees it coming and moves out of range.
Figueroa throws a leg kick but Governor sees it coming and moves out of range.
Figueroa scores with a nice head shot.
Figueroa misses with a leg kick
and Governor counters with a slapping leg kick.
Figueroa lands with a cross.
Governor avoids the head kick by Figueroa.
Figueroa thuds a left hand into Governor's body.
Figueroa swings for the body but Governor moves out of range.
Figueroa checks a leg kick.
Figueroa just misses with a punch to the body.
Figueroa slips in close and lands a nice hook before moving back out of range.
The fight stays on the outside here - Figueroa looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Governor walks into a stiff left hand from Figueroa.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Governor throws a head kick but Figueroa moves out of range.
Figueroa missing with a left hand there. Governor was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Figueroa fakes a couple of low kicks, before throwing one on the third attempt. It connects and Governor has to reset his feet before getting ready to engage.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Governor slips under a jab.
A swing and a miss from Figueroa.
Governor uses good footwork to get in and out, landing a nice hook.
Figueroa avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Figueroa finds nothing but air with that leg kick attempt.
Governor lands with a head kick! That's gotta hurt.
Figueroa wants to slow Governor down by chopping away at his legs.
Governor throws a low kick but his opponent is out of range.
Figueroa is looking to land body kicks.
Governor checks the leg kick nicely there.
A low kick from Governor is predictable there
and Figueroa counters with an outside leg kick.
Governor lands a nice leg kick that just misses Figueroa's sensitive parts.
Figueroa looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Governor takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.
Figueroa throws a leg kick which misses Governor's front leg but catches the back leg as Governor tries to avoid it.
Figueroa misses with a low kick.
Governor swings wildly with a hook that is half blocked by Figueroa.
Figueroa with a hook.
Governor takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.
Governor throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Governor takes a swing at Figueroa's ribcage but misses.
Figueroa fakes a jab and throws a low kick but Governor checks it well.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Governor.
Kim Figueroa has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Jimmy Governor.
A clash of legs there as Governor blocks the low kick.
Governor throws a decent looking leg kick but it doesn't land clean.
A lazy left from Figueroa finds it's target.
Governor throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Figueroa is really peppering his opponent's head with punches.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Figueroa thuds a mid kick into his opponent's body. That will wear on Governor if he has to take too many more of those.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Figueroa throws a head kick that half lands.
Governor just misses with a punch to the body.
Governor tries to check the leg kick but that clearly hurt him.
Figueroa scores with a jab to the jaw of his opponent.
Governor connects with a lovely jab that went straight through the gap between Figueroa's hands.
Figueroa swings for the body but Governor moves out of range.
Figueroa tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Governor was well out of range. Poor timing from Figueroa.
Figueroa misses with a low kick.
Figueroa with a nice looking leg kick. You could hear that one land in a back row.
Figueroa throws a leg kick but Governor checks it.
Figueroa scores with a push kick.
Governor's leg has a nasty welt from taking a succession of leg kicks. That must be slowing him down.
Governor throws a leg kick but Figueroa sees it coming and moves out of range.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Governor throws a low kick, looking for Figueroa's leg but Figueroa calmly moves out of range.
Governor ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Figueroa moves away.
Governor uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Figueroa.
Governor defending well as Figueroa loads up on a big left hand.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Kim Figueroa dominated that round.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action.

A chopping leg kick lands by Figueroa.
Figueroa throws a body kick despite being completely out of range
and Governor counters with a leg kick that reverborates around the arena.
Good work by Figueroa as he checks the leg kick.
Some bone on bone action there as Governor checks a low kick. Luckily it wasn't a particularly hard one.
Governor throws a big shot that misses.
Kim Figueroa is winning the standup battle so far.
Governor checks the leg kick nicely there.
Figueroa connects with a crisp jab.
Figueroa tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Governor throws a hook to the side of Figueroa's head but Figueroa sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Governor takes an uppercut right on the jaw but it doesn't phase him.
Figueroa chopping away at his opponent's legs.
Figueroa throws a low kick, looking for Governor's leg but Governor calmly moves out of range.
A jab from Governor finds it's way through Figueroa's defenses.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Figueroa tries to close the distance and clinch up but Governor swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Figueroa throws a leg kick which misses Governor's front leg but catches the back leg as Governor tries to avoid it.
Governor misses with a low kick.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Figueroa staying out of range there.
Figueroa moves out of range of the body kick from Governor.
Figueroa throws a decent looking leg kick but it doesn't land clean.
Figueroa misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.

Governor looking to shoot here. He's gone for it and he's landed a takedown into mount! Oh, that's bad for Figueroa!
The referee claps his hands together and tells the fighters to work.
Governor thuds his fist into the canvas! Oooouch!
Figueroa wants to control but Governor is having none of it.
Governor has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
Governor sends his fist crashing into the mat - the crowd let out a collective ooooooh. Let's hope he's not broken it!
Figueroa tries to hold on but Governor postures up.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The referee warns Figueroa that he has to improve his position here as he takes two more clean shots to the head.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Governor with good strikes from the mount here!
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Governor landing strikes from the mount and Figueroa is in trouble!
Governor throwing sloppy strikes here. Perhaps if he tightened up his striking from such a dominant position, he'd be able to finish easier.
Figueroa gets back to half guard.
Governor throwing shots but Figueroa is blocking nicely.
Figueroa blocking the ground and pound attempt from Governor.
Governor with the ground and pound but Figueroa uses the opportunity to regain guard.
Governor throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Figueroa works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Governor throws an elbow that misses. Figueroa uses the momentum to reverse the position. He's now in Governor's guard. Nice move by Figueroa!

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Governor keeping full guard, as Figueroa tries to pass.
Governor trying to keep a closed guard but Figueroa is proving a slippery customer.
Figueroa wants to control from the top but Governor keeps moving.

Governor is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
Figueroa wants to pass the guard but Governor is keeping the position.
Figueroa trying to control the position from guard on top but Governor is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Governor has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Figueroa can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.
Figueroa is fighting to break Governor's control of his arms but Governor is doing a good job of controlling the position at the moment.
Figueroa postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Governor is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move.
Governor seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Figueroa does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Figueroa tries to roll over but Governor keeps him under control.
Governor looks to land a strike but Figueroa avoids it nicely and regains full guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Jimmy Governor showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

Governor misses the shot to the body.
Figueroa throws a leg kick which misses Governor's front leg but catches the back leg as Governor tries to avoid it.
Governor fakes a head punch and goes low to the body. Nicely done.
Governor throws a leg kick that misses.
Figueroa lands with a good body shot.
Governor looks shocked there as he takes a right hand to the temple.
Figueroa has a takedown stuffed.
Figueroa defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Governor.
Donk. Governor catches Figueroa right on the button with a cross.
Governor throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Figueroa's waist but Figueroa gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Governor off to one side.
Governor blocks the body kick.
Figueroa lands with a nice body kick.
Figueroa takes a jab on the nose there. A little bit of blood seems to be coming out. Hopefully that won't affect his breathing.
Figueroa tries to clinch up but Governor circles away and keeps his distance.
Figueroa moves out of range of the leg kick from Governor.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Figueroa avoids the body shot from Governor.
Figueroa looks to throw the jab but Governor is out of range.
A good leg kick by Figueroa.
Governor chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Figueroa can pounce on him.
Figueroa with a lazy takedown attempt
and Governor counters with a straight punch to the midsection.
Governor takes a thudding leg kick, right into the meat of the thigh.
Figueroa lands a leg kick that knocks Governor off balance momentarily.
Governor throws a shot from downtown. Figueroa moves away and avoids it.
Governor throws a half hearted mid kick.
Governor takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Figueroa lands with a two punch combination before moving back out of range.
Figueroa takes a swing at Governor's ribcage but misses.

Figueroa drives through and clinches with Governor against the cage.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Nice elbow from Figueroa.
Governor drops down looking for an ankle pick but Figueroa pulls his leg out and moves away.
Kim Figueroa has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Jimmy Governor.
Governor just misses with a punch to the body.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Figueroa keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
The fighters circling - Governor throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Governor tries a low kick but Figueroa avoids it.
Figueroa ducks under a wild hook from Governor.
Figueroa throws out a powerful jab.
Governor misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
Governor just misses with a punch to the body.
Governor circles away from the clinch attempt.
Figueroa tries to bum rush Governor with a series of wild strikes but Governor uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Governor defending well as Figueroa loads up on a big left hand.
Governor takes a shot right to the bread basket.
Governor misses with an uppercut.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Governor scores a trip takedown into side control. Nice.
Governor misses with an attempted head punch from side control.
Figueroa is trying to improve his position.
You can see the frustration on Figueroa's face, being in this tough position on the bottom.
Governor wants to lay and pray for a moment but Figueroa keeps working.
Governor looking to punish the body of his opponent here but Figueroa is avoiding damage well.
You can see the frustration on Figueroa's face, being in this tough position on the bottom.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Governor working the ground and pound.
Figueroa struggling a bit here.
An elbow from Governor crashes against the mat.
Governor tries to land with some ground and pound but misses.
Governor working away diligently from side control. Landing strikes effectively there - that will score him some points on the judges scorecards.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Figueroa is looking to regain half guard here but Governor keeps moving and retains side control.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Governor throwing shots but missing, from side control.
Governor lands a few punches from side control.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close round but Kim Figueroa did the better work so I'd imagine he'll take it.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.

Governor gets cracked with a nice right hand there by Figueroa.
Governor throws a head kick that Figueroa semi-blocks.
Governor shoots in for a double leg but Figueroa sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
Figueroa lands a nice leg kick that just misses Governor's sensitive parts.
A chopping leg kick lands by Figueroa.
Figueroa looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.
Figueroa throws a leg kick which misses Governor's front leg but catches the back leg as Governor tries to avoid it.
Governor connects with a hook to the side of his opponent's head.
Figueroa throws a decent looking leg kick but it doesn't land clean.
Figueroa throws a front kick aimed at Governor's knee but Governor avoids it well.
Figueroa feints with a shoulder and throws a nice leg kick to Governor's calf.

Figueroa pushes Governor up against the cage in a clinch.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Governor misses with a hook to the ribs.
Figueroa prevents a body shot from Governor.
Figueroa struggles to land a body shot inside as Governor controls his hands.
Governor dodges an elbow strike from Figueroa.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Governor is looking for a takedown up against the cage. Figueroa gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.
Governor lands with a short shot to the head.
Governor misses with the head strike.
Figueroa lands a body punch in the clinch.
Governor is absolutely dripping with sweat - he looks exhausted.
Governor wants a takedown but no success here.
Kim Figueroa has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Jimmy Governor.
Figueroa blocks a body shot from Governor.
Governor looking to stall.
Figueroa missing with knees to the body.

Governor works for the underhooks and manages to get a trip takedown into guard.
Figueroa has his hands on Governor's head, controlling the position.
Figueroa not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Figueroa wants to sweep but no luck.
Figueroa has Governor pulled in close to control his posture.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Figueroa is trying to keep Governor in close.

Kim Figueroa has forced the referee to step in and bring the fight back to the feet.
Figueroa throws a leg kick but Governor moved away.
Governor is looking to chop away at Figueroa's legs.
Governor throws a leg kick but Figueroa sees it coming and moves out of range.
A solid leg kick lands there for Figueroa.
Governor takes a kick to the side of the head.
Governor throws a decent looking leg kick but it doesn't land clean.
Figueroa tries to score with an inside leg kick but telegraphs it and Governor is able to avoid easily.
Governor shoots in looking for a takedown but Figueroa manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Governor's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Governor needs to keep his hands up - Figueroa had a free shot at his head there.
Figueroa misses with a shot to the body
and Governor counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Governor takes a step back and watches a body kick go sailing past his mid section.
Figueroa thuds his right hand into Governor's forehead from close range. That could be painful for both fighters.
Governor lands a nice looking body shot.
Governor throws an overhand right that lands on Figueroa's shoulder, as Figueroa tries to avoid the shot.
Governor misses with a body kick.
Figueroa just misses with a punch to the body.
Figueroa fakes a couple of low kicks, before throwing one on the third attempt. It connects and Governor has to reset his feet before getting ready to engage.
Figueroa lands a kick to the ribs of his opponent. Nice work there - in and out in a flash.
Governor lands a nice hook to Figueroa's body. Figueroa takes it in his stride and looks to land his own strikes.
Figueroa ducks low and lands a nice hook to the body of his opponent.
Governor throws a hook but Figueroa blocks it.
Governor looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Governor misses the jab.
Governor throws a half hearted mid kick.
Governor is pinned up against the cage taking some big shots here. The referee is looking closely deciding whether he should stop the fight.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Figueroa takes a thudding leg kick, right into the meat of the thigh.
Figueroa lands a jab. Then a cross. Then finally a nice hook to the body. Good work there by Figueroa.
Governor with a hook.
Governor shoots in for a takedown but Figueroa shows good takedown defense.
Figueroa moves out of range of the strikes.
Figueroa tries a head kick but it misses.
Governor misses with a takedown attempt - Figueroa sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Figueroa buckles his opponent's knee momentarily with a nice leg kick.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
A slapping body kick lands there for Figueroa.
Governor is looking to chop away at Figueroa's legs.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Kim Figueroa had his way with Jimmy Governor in that round.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin! This is the final round!

Governor misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Figueroa.
Figueroa scores with a leg kick.
Figueroa thows a leg kick but Governor checks it
and Governor connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Figueroa attempts a low kick but it misses it's target.
Figueroa catches Governor with a nice straight right. He seems pissed - ooooh, it's on now! On like donkey kong!
Figueroa throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Figueroa tries to clinch up.
Figueroa tries to score with a leg kick but it misses it's target.
Governor tries for a takedown but Figueroa sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Figueroa throws a leg kick but Governor sees it coming and moves out of range.
Governor walks straight into an uppercut. Luckily it didn't land flush.
Governor misses with a leg kick
and Figueroa makes him pay by landing a thudding low kick.

Figueroa gets caught napping as Governor dives in and scores a takedown. Figueroa manages to retain guard.

Figueroa is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Governor is aware though and is defending well.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Figueroa preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Both of our modern day gladiators look out of it here - an gruelling 5 rounds of action taking it's toll on them, no doubt.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Figueroa working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Governor.
Governor passes Figueroa's left leg - he's now in half guard.
Governor is keen to just control but Figueroa is a slippery customer.
Figueroa keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Figueroa is trying to defend against the ground and pound but Governor scores with a couple of nice shots.
Figueroa is trying to control but can't.
Governor not landing any meaningful shots this time.
Figueroa manages to get to full guard.
Governor's corner is telling him to maintain position.
Jimmy Governor has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Governor throws a big elbow that misses.
Governor scoring with punches to the head and body.
Governor with a couple of shots to the head there. Not particularly brutal.
Governor with a flurry of punches that miss.
Governor wants to pass the guard but Figueroa is keeping the position.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Figueroa working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Governor.
Governor throws an elbow that misses. Figueroa uses the momentum to reverse the position. He's now in Governor's guard. Nice move by Figueroa!

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Governor trying to control the position here.
Figueroa chips away with some ground and pound.
Governor is trying to keep Figueroa in close.
Figueroa is taking a break and basically stalling. The referee will not allow him to do that for long.
Governor keeping moving, preventing Figueroa from controlling successfully.

Well, the referee has seen enough. Neither fighter is active enough on the ground so he's stood them back up.
Governor fails with a takedown attempt from distance.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Figueroa goes for a spinning back kick but it misses.
Governor pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Governor has a pretty nasty looking mouse under his right eye.
Governor takes a thudding leg kick, right into the meat of the thigh.
Governor misses the shot to the body.
Governor looks to score with a jab to the body but Figueroa is just out of range.
Figueroa scores with a straight right hand, right through his opponent's guard.
Figueroa moves out of range of the body kick from Governor.
Kim Figueroa is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Figueroa goes for a high kick. It partially lands.
Figueroa chopping away at his opponent's legs.
A solid leg kick lands there for Figueroa.
This has been an exciting period of action!
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Figueroa loads up on a big right hand but Governor slips the punch.
Figueroa connects with a leg kick. Governor looked like he was expecting something else and didn't defend it.

Figueroa clinches up with Governor and pushes him back against the cage.
Governor tries a body shot but Figueroa blocks 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 Kim Figueroa.
I think Figueroa 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 Jack Bonds scores the fight 47:48
Judge Percy O'Donnell scores the fight 47:48
Judge Frank Antenori scores the fight 49:46

In favor of your winner, by split decision... Jimmy Governor!
Jimmy Governor is the new featherweight champion!
Our winner, Jimmy Governor, made sure he spent some time buttering up the crowd during his post fight interview, which will no doubt bring him a few more fans.