PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Advice Mallard (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Paul Phoenix (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). We have two fighters making their debuts here, so let's see who comes out of this one with their first professional victory.

Mallard
vs
Phoenix

195 cm
20
165 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

194 cm
25
165 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

Good takedowns
Counter striker
Cuts easily

Good takedowns
Brawler
Solid chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the lightweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Sydney, Advice Mallard!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Sydney, Paul Phoenix!
The judges for this bout are Skip Squint, Bruno Hogan and Steve Erwin.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Phoenix fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Mallard, pushing him back against the cage.

Phoenix gets control of Mallard's arms and successfully pulls guard. Phoenix will no doubt be looking for submissions off his back.
We must be close to a standup if these guys don't pick up the pace.

Mallard 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.
Mallard stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Phoenix swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Phoenix has his hands on Mallard's head, controlling the position.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Mallard passes Phoenix's left leg - he's now in half guard.

Mallard is looking for a kimura here.

Mallard is actively looking for submissions here but good counter grappling here from Phoenix as he works his way to full guard.

Mallard 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 one minute gone in the round.
Mallard trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.

Phoenix has his feet on Mallard's hips. He pushes off and gets to his feet. Nice work.

Phoenix changes levels and drives through with a really nice takedown into side control. Mallard looks really pissed at himself for not defending that better.
Mallard trying to control but Phoenix flips him over like a cheap hooker and has his back!
Mallard trying to control the hands but Phoenix won't let him.
So, who will make the next big move? In this position it could be crucial.
It looks like Phoenix might be adopting somewhat of a lay and pray gameplan here, which I'm sure won't go down too well with the paying fans in attendance... Or the ring announcers come to think of it.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Mallard tries to roll but Phoenix sticks to his back.
Mallard is working hard here to advance position.
Phoenix is riding his opponent, not letting Mallard buck him off.
Mallard tries to roll but Phoenix sticks to 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!
Mallard trying to control but he's just got himself in more trouble.
Phoenix scores with strikes from the back.
Mallard turns into Phoenix and is now in his guard.
Mallard really does look like a pencil wearing a pair of gloves. Let's hope he has a gameplan to suit that ridiculous body shape.

Mallard thinks about going for a leg but decides against it, in order to maintain the position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Mallard drops back, looking for a kneebar! Phoenix looks panicked! The fighters roll across the mat, one looking to finish, one looking to escape. Phoenix looks to have wriggled free... Yes, he's got his leg free and he's dived into side control! Good work there from Phoenix!
Mallard is looking for a sweep.
Mallard can't do much from the bottom here.

Phoenix stands up and we're back to a striking position.
Paul Phoenix seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Mallard fails miserably with a takedown attempt.

Mallard tries to keep at a distance but Phoenix has taken the fight into the clinch.
Mallard jumps guard but his hands slip and he falls flat on his back. Well, he's made himself look a right mug there, as Phoenix walks away with a smile on his face. Mallard gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Mallard takes a swing at Phoenix's ribcage but misses.
Nice sprawl there from Mallard as Phoenix shoots in.
Phoenix shoots and misses
and Mallard counters with an outside leg kick.
Phoenix shoots in for a double leg but Mallard sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
Advice Mallard has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Paul Phoenix.
Nice takedown defense from Mallard. No joy for Phoenix on that attempt.
Phoenix looks winded!
Phoenix fails with the takedown.
Mallard swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Mallard misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Phoenix tries to close the distance and clinch up but Mallard swats him away and circles back towards the center.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Mallard throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
A combination from Mallard does no damage.
Mallard with a poor takedown

and Phoenix counters with a nice double leg into half guard.
Mallard moves into full guard.

Mallard is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
Phoenix trying to control the position from guard on top but Mallard is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Paul Phoenix has got the better of the ground game so far.

Phoenix got a little sloppy there for a moment and Mallard has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Phoenix has managed to get both his arms back between Mallard's legs - danger averted.
Phoenix must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.
Phoenix's corner is telling him to maintain position.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!

Phoenix stands up and waves to Mallard to follow him.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Phoenix manages to get an easy takedown there - catching Mallard on his heels. He'll look to pass Mallard's guard now, I'm sure.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Phoenix wanted to stand there but Mallard had control of the position.
Phoenix wants to pass the guard but Mallard is keeping the position.
Phoenix is breathing heavily.

Phoenix avoids a guillotine attempt easily.

Mallard has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Phoenix can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.
Phoenix landing some decent shots from guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Phoenix controls the pace of the fight for a moment.
Phoenix sneaks a leg through and gets to half guard. That was like a knife through butter how easily he passed Mallard's guard.

Mallard looking for submissions off his back.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!

Mallard looking for submissions from an awkward position here.
Phoenix is working hard to pass the guard. He's done it - he's now in full mount! Trouble for Mallard!
Phoenix controlling from mount.
Mallard wants to control but Phoenix is having none of it.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Phoenix content just to control the position here.
Mallard regains half guard.

Mallard looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
Mallard wants to control but Phoenix is keeping busy.
Still in half guard, Phoenix seems content to control.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Mallard trying to control but Phoenix postures up.

Mallard actively working from the bottom here.
Mallard wants to get back to full guard.
Phoenix controlling the action here.
We may be looking at a referee standup if the pace doesn't pick up soon.

Mallard looking for submissions from an awkward position here.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.

Phoenix is trying to work for a kimura. This could be trouble! No, Mallard has managed to free his arm - good work.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Paul Phoenix showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
That's time! Mallard's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight. This is the final round!

Phoenix shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Mallard sprawls well. Mallard wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Phoenix gets slowly back to his feet.
Phoenix lands a two punch combo.

Phoenix drives through with a takedown into Mallard's guard. Let's see what he can do from the top position.

Mallard is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.

Phoenix drops back for a leg! It's a sloppy attempt though and Phoenix jumps back into guard quickly, to retain the dominant position.
Phoenix takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Phoenix is looking to stand up but Mallard won't let him.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Mallard working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Phoenix doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Phoenix manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.
Phoenix wants to control from the top but Mallard keeps moving.

Mallard escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Phoenix gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.

Phoenix stands up from Mallard's guard - Phoenix perhaps looking for a knockout.

Phoenix clinches with his opponent.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Phoenix pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Mallard lands a leg kick and bounces back out of range.
Mallard shoots in for a takedown but Phoenix shows good takedown defense.
Phoenix uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Mallard.

Phoenix has closed the distance and engaged Mallard in a clinch.

Phoenix jumps guard and drags Mallard to the mat. He's obviously going to be looking for submissions 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!

Mallard drops back looking for a heel hook - he quickly realises he's not going to get it but Phoenix manages to dive on top of him before he can escape and now Mallard has Phoenix in his guard.
Phoenix stays in close to Mallard's body and controls the position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Phoenix scores with a decent looking elbow strike.
Phoenix's corner is telling him to maintain position.

Mallard looking to try and escape his hips here, looking for a submission. It looks like he's going for a triangle but Phoenix is defending well. Mallard quickly switches to an armbar and extends the arm! Phoenix has no choice but to tap, to a very quick submission! Wow, that was lightning fast! Mallard celebrates on the cage, with the crowd.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:37 of round 3, we have a winner by way of Submission (Armbar). Advice Mallard!