PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Cajun Xander (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Nero Aurelius (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Cajun Xander is staring across the cage at his opponent, tweaking his nipples... Tweaking his own nipples that is.

Xander
vs
Aurelius

170 cm
28
196 lbs
25 - 5 - 1

187 cm
28
195 lbs
12 - 5 - 1

Good wrestling
World class boxer
Insanely flexible

Good wrestler
World class MT
Good gas tank

Brute

Crippler's Corner
Black Hand Fight Gear & Laundry

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 25 - 5 - 1, fighting out of Hilo, Cajun Xander!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 12 - 5 - 1, fighting out of Las Vegas, Nero Aurelius!
The judges for this bout are Jeff Smith, Roger Salmon and Ryoma Takatsuka.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Xander throws the left hand but Aurelius avoids the punch easily.
Nero Aurelius seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Xander throws a right hand that misses
and Xander takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Aurelius lands with a nice body kick.
Aurelius dances in quickly and lands a nice inside leg kick on Xander. That did some damage!
Like a baseball bat into the meat of his leg there - nice leg kick by Aurelius.
Xander missing with a left hand there. Aurelius was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Aurelius misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.

Aurelius scores a trip takedown into side control. Nice.
Aurelius in side control, trying to ground and pound but not landing this time.
The referee asks Aurelius politely if he wouldn't mind getting on with it and actually doing something. Aurelius prefers to stall for the moment though.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Xander tries to get back to half guard but can't.
Aurelius trying to control the action but Xander is working from the bottom.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Aurelius looking to punish the body of his opponent here but Xander is avoiding damage well.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Aurelius is looking to take a break and control but Xander is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Xander might be looking to lock onto one of his opponent's long limbs for a submission, whilst we're on the ground.
Xander takes an elbow right on the bridge of the nose and winces in pain.
Xander is sneaking out the side here. He's bucked Aurelius off and has taken his back!
Aurelius is being controlled on the ground here - he must escape this position otherwise surely the end is near.
Aurelius holding on to Xander's left wrist, preventing the choke.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Xander trying desperately to keep hold of the dominant position.
Aurelius tries to break free.
Xander wants to control but Aurelius is keeping busy.
You can see the frustration on Aurelius's face… He knows he is in trouble unless he improves his position sooner rather than later.
Aurelius has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
Aurelius trying to control the hands but Xander breaks the grip.
Will Xander go for the finish here or will he try and keep control of the position?
Aurelius tries to escape the position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Aurelius is being controlled on the ground here - he must escape this position otherwise surely the end is near.
Aurelius tries to roll but Xander sticks to his back.
Aurelius rolls and manages to get back to half guard. Nicely done.
Aurelius wants to get back to full guard but Xander has mounted him!
Xander can't quite control the action as he would like just now, as Aurelius is looking to escape.
Xander looking to ground and pound but Aurelius is blocking nicely.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Xander throws a strike there. Aurelius manages to avoid it well and slips a leg under to get to half guard.
Aurelius tries to get to full guard but Xander has control of the leg.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

Xander escapes and gets back to his feet.

Aurelius shoots in and scores a nice double leg takedown into half guard.
Aurelius seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Xander does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.
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!
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Aurelius throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.
Xander keeping control of the leg, stopping his opponent passing to mount.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Nero Aurelius dominated that round.
That's time! Back to the action!

Xander dances in quickly and lands a nice inside leg kick on Aurelius. That did some damage!
Aurelius throws a push kick but Xander slaps the foot to one side.
Xander takes a hook to the side of the head. I wonder if that's got his ears ringing.

Aurelius scores a trip takedown into side control. Nice.
Xander is working hard to escape and get back to his feet. After a battle for position, Aurelius asserts his dominance and retains side control.
Xander isn't going anywhere.
Aurelius throwing strikes but missing, from side control.
Xander tries to get back to half guard but can't.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Xander managing to avoid any damage from the strikes thrown by Aurelius.
Aurelius working the head with strikes.
Xander dodges the ground and pound from Aurelius.
Xander is trying to escape and get back to his feet.
Xander tries to bench press Aurelius off him but Aurelius keeps the position.
Aurelius with the ground and pound but Xander regains half guard under the barage of strikes.
Aurelius wants to control but Xander is keeping him busy.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Aurelius is looking to advance position but Xander won't allow it.
Nero Aurelius has got the better of the ground game so far.
Aurelius seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Xander does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.
Aurelius wants to pass to mount but Xander is defending the position.
Xander is pressing down on Aurelius's left leg trying to get back to full guard. He's managed it.
Aurelius working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Xander wants to stand up but Aurelius is controlling him.
Aurelius trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Aurelius trying to control the position from guard on top but Xander is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Aurelius loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Aurelius trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Xander looking to control.
Aurelius looking to pass the guard.
Aurelius missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Aurelius tries to free his leg and advance position but Xander is retaining full guard.
We must be close to a standup if these guys don't pick up the pace.
Aurelius wants to control from the top but Xander keeps moving.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Well, the referee has seen enough. Neither fighter is active enough on the ground so he's stood them back up.
Xander on the wrong end of a decent looking cross there.
Xander connects with a nice looking jab.
Aurelius thuds a mid kick into his opponent's body. That will wear on Xander if he has to take too many more of those.
Cajun Xander is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Thud! ouch! good body kick from Aurelius - that will leave a mark!
Aurelius throws a half hearted mid kick.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.

Aurelius shoots in and gets a takedown into half guard. Aurelius showed some decent athleticism there.
Aurelius not doing much here.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Xander is trying to stand back up but Aurelius is controlling him
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Nero Aurelius showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!

Aurelius attempts a low kick but it misses it's target.
Xander uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Aurelius.
The sound of bone on bone echoes around the arena as Aurelius checks a leg kick.
Aurelius checks the leg kick.
Xander moves forwards but Aurelius connects with a nice, crisp jab.
Xander looks shocked there as he takes a right hand to the temple.
An inside leg kick from Aurelius misses.
Xander connects with a solid leg kick.
This fight brought to you by 5M nutrition - it's mmmmm tasty. Nice jab by Aurelius.
Aurelius moves out of range of the strikes.
Xander throws a nice looking combination but Aurelius bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Aurelius takes a step back and watches a body kick go sailing past his mid section.
Xander avoids the body shot from Aurelius.
A looping hook to the body misses from Xander. Aurelius does a little dance to reset his feet.
Xander delivers a nice body kick.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Aurelius throws a nice outside leg kick.
Aurelius throws a low kick but Xander moves out of range easily.
Aurelius connects with a body shot that sends Xander's belly button to the back.
Xander is looking to clinch.
Xander misses with a low kick as Aurelius jumps back.
Aurelius lands a vicious shot with the stealth of a sniper and the strength of a viper. Are vipers that strong? I can think of lots of things that are stronger than a viper - not many rhyme with sniper though.
Aurelius tries to land a front kick but Xander steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed.
Aurelius is using his reach advantage to land shots from outside his opponent's range.
Aurelius misses with a wild combination.
Xander moves his head to the side to avoid a jab but walks straight into a cross.
Aurelius tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Xander swivels and escapes.
Xander takes a swing at Aurelius's ribcage but misses.
Aurelius pivots as if he's going to throw a leg kick but stops half way.
Xander takes one on the chin but keeps coming.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Aurelius tries to land a front kick but Xander steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed.
Xander misses with a looping left.
Aurelius jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Aurelius slips a jab and a cross from Xander.
Nero Aurelius seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Xander throws a hook but Aurelius blocks it.
Well, he's not going to score with shots like that. A lazy body kick attempt from Aurelius.
Xander is looking to score with low kicks.
Aurelius avoids a kick to the body.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Xander misses with a low kick as Aurelius jumps back.
Aurelius throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
A solid leg kick lands there for Aurelius.
Good work by Aurelius as he checks the leg kick.
A jab from Aurelius misses.
Xander is really struggling to find his range with his punches. Aurelius's reach advantage is clearly causing him problems.
An inside leg kick lands from Xander.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Xander goes for a spinning back kick but it misses.
Aurelius tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Xander was well out of range. Poor timing from Aurelius.
An inside leg kick lands from Aurelius.
Aurelius connects with a looping right hand.
Aurelius stooping low to avoid any incoming strikes and then lunges in with an uppercut come cross that lands flush.
Xander misses with an uppercut.
Decent striking displayed by Aurelius there.
Xander displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Aurelius throws out the jab.
Aurelius scores with a head kick. Xander tried to block it but didn't get his arm up in time.
Aurelius lands a lovely overhand right.
Xander pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Aurelius misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
Xander swings for the body but Aurelius moves out of range.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Aurelius attempts a low kick but it misses it's target.
Xander avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Xander checks the leg kick.
Xander misses with a hook.
Xander blocks a jab.
Xander throws a body punch but Aurelius moves out of range.
Aurelius looking to land some kicks to the body here.
Xander will need to close the distance a bit before he attacks - that leg kick was thrown from too far away.
Xander slips a jab from Aurelius.
Aurelius fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Xander avoids it really well and circles away.
Cajun Xander has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Nero Aurelius.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Aurelius lands a two punch combo.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Aurelius clobbers Xander with an overhand right that has the crowd gasping. That made a horrendous noise.
Aurelius uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Xander.
Aurelius throws a jab but it's blocked by Xander.

Aurelius throws a loose over hand right and dives in with a double leg takedown. Xander tries to sprawl but it's too late and the fighters hit the mat. Aurelius is in Xander's guard.
Aurelius stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Xander swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Xander is looking to get back to his feet but can't, whilst Aurelius is controlling him.
Aurelius looking to pass the guard.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Aurelius accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Aurelius pushing down on Xander's thigh, trying to pass to half guard. He's managed it... Nice work.
Aurelius seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Xander does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.
Aurelius lands with a punch from half guard.
Aurelius has freed up his trapped foot and advances to mount.
Xander wants to control but Aurelius is having none of it.
Xander tries to reverse the position but Aurelius maintains control.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Aurelius lands a shot to the body, followed up by a shot to the exposed head of his trapped opponent.
Xander tries to lock up and control but Aurelius gives him a forearm to the face and pushes him away.
Aurelius wants to control the pace but Xander is squirming around nicely.
Aurelius throws an elbow from mount that misses. Lucky escape for Xander because Aurelius loaded up on that one.
Aurelius misses with a series of strikes from mount. He'll no doubt be working on his ground and pound when he gets back to the gym.
Xander is writhing around trying to get back to his feet.
Xander wants to get back to his feet.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Xander tries to hold on but Aurelius pushes him away.
Aurelius dominating with strikes here.
Xander is trying to escape the mount.
Aurelius lands a couple of nice shots there from mount.
Xander is looking to get to half guard.
Aurelius lands a shot to the body, followed up by a shot to the exposed head of his trapped opponent.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Aurelius throws an elbow from mount that misses. Lucky escape for Xander because Aurelius loaded up on that one.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Aurelius is in the full mount, landing strikes.
Xander avoids a series of strikes thrown by Aurelius.
Aurelius has his opponent pinned against the cage, landing some nasty ground and pound that is really making a bit of a mess out of Xander's face.
Aurelius with a couple of short strikes.
Aurelius lands an elbow that was bordering on illegal but the referee lets it go with a warning.
It's got to the stage where if one of these guys blows hard enough, the other might fall over.
Aurelius looking to control but Xander is working nicely, looking to advance position himself.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Aurelius unloading with bombs!

Xander is rocked!
Xander is writhing around trying to get back to his feet.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Nero Aurelius dominated that fourth round.
That's time! Xander's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight. Let's hear some noise people - this is the final round!

Xander thows a body shot but no joy.
Xander thumps Aurelius with a low kick.
Aurelius swings for the body but Xander moves out of range.
Xander takes an uppercut right on the jaw but it doesn't phase him.
Aurelius throws a chopping leg kick but Xander manages to avoid taking any serious damage.
Aurelius tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Xander was well out of range. Poor timing from Aurelius.
Aurelius moves out of range as Xander throws a body kick.
Xander feints and then cracks Aurelius's leading leg with a nice low kick. He's obviously looking to slow Aurelius down.
A solid leg kick lands there for Xander.
Xander looks for the body kick but Aurelius saw that one coming.
Aurelius misses with an attempted mid kick.
Aurelius connects with a nice looking jab.
Aurelius swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Xander feints and then cracks Aurelius's leading leg with a nice low kick. He's obviously looking to slow Aurelius down.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Xander takes a step back and watches a body kick go sailing past his mid section.
Aurelius moving in and out of range nicely, whilst landing the scoring shot.
Aurelius misses with a straight left.
Aurelius scores with a slapping inside leg kick.
Xander throws a solid leg kick but Aurelius takes the impact on his shin and smiles at Xander.
Aurelius checks a leg kick.
Aurelius walks straight into a jab right on the nose. That one stung - he's blinking and trying to clear his head.

It looks like Nero Aurelius has been cut.
Xander keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.

Xander has closed the distance and engaged Aurelius in a clinch.
A head punch on the inside from Xander fails to land.
Xander lands a nice uppercut.
Xander throws a head punch that misses.
Xander misses with a punch to the body.
Nice body punch from Xander.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Xander throws a head punch that misses.
Cajun Xander has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Xander keeps control of Aurelius as he tries to wriggle out of the double underhooks.
Xander is leaning against Aurelius and scores with a nice uppercut to the body.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!

Aurelius's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Aurelius throws a hook but Xander blocks it.
Xander takes a swing at Aurelius's ribcage but misses.
Xander fails in his attempt to clinch.
Aurelius scoring well with a low kick there.
Aurelius keeps Xander at a distance using the push kick.
Xander drops his hands and takes a jab to the jaw for his troubles.
Xander misses the shot to the body.
Aurelius throws a body kick that misses.
Xander tries a head kick but it misses.
Xander misses with a low kick.
Nero Aurelius is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Xander thows a left - swing and a miss!

Xander gets caught flat footed, as Aurelius shoots in with a quick takedown into guard.
Aurelius wants to control from the top but Xander keeps moving.
Aurelius looking to pass the guard.

Xander looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.
Aurelius trying to control the position from guard on top but Xander is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Aurelius slips nicely into half guard, despite the strikes coming from Xander.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Aurelius stops Xander from getting back to his feet.
Aurelius is controlling the pace.
Xander is trying to defend against the ground and pound but Aurelius scores with a couple of nice shots.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.

Xander looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
Xander throws a sloppy strike from the bottom. He's now off balance and Aurelius manages to pass to side control.

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 Cajun Xander.
I think Aurelius 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 Jeff Smith scores the fight 46:49
Judge Roger Salmon scores the fight 46:50
Judge Ryoma Takatsuka scores the fight 45:50

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Nero Aurelius!
Nero Aurelius is the new middleweight champion!
After winning the bout, Nero Aurelius thanked all his fans and promised he'd do even better in his next fight. The crowd seemed to love his humility.