PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Clay Mercer (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and John Thompson (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Mercer comes into the arena with Kid CuDi - Wylin Cuz I'm Young blaring out of the sound system. 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.

Mercer
vs
Thompson

189 cm
26
219 lbs
12 - 4 - 0

190 cm
26
215 lbs
10 - 2 - 0

Good wrestling
World class MT
Insanely flexible

Olympic wrestler
Excellent MT
Good gas tank

Brute
Legion of Pain Nutrition

TFP Graphics - Pit Inc

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 12 - 4 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Clay Mercer!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 10 - 2 - 0, fighting out of New York, John Thompson!
The judges for this bout are Cecil Peabody, Alan Glass and Daniel Franklin.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Nice body punch from Thompson.
Mercer wants to clinch.
Mercer tries to clinch but Thompson moves out of range.
Thompson missing with a left hand there. Mercer was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
A jab from Thompson misses.
Thompson misses with a series of wild punches.
Thompson stooping low to avoid any incoming strikes and then lunges in with an uppercut come cross that lands flush.
Thompson scores with a jab to the head.
Thompson fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Mercer avoids it really well and circles away.
Nice body punch from Thompson.

Mercer clinches up against the cage.

That's one minute gone in the round.
A battle for position here, against the cage.
Thompson is looking to control Mercer's arms but Mercer gets an underhook and turns him. Now Thompson has his back to the cage.
Thompson is looking for a takedown up against the cage. Mercer gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.
Thompson slows down the pace here.
Mercer is trying to maintain a safe position but Thompson gets an underhook and turns Mercer into the cage.
Mercer is trying to break the clinch but Thompson is controlling him.
Thompson blocks an elbow strike.
Thompson working aggressively here.
Mercer is trying to maintain a safe position but Thompson gets an underhook and turns Mercer into the cage.
Thompson misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Mercer lands an uppercut.
Thompson can't find room to land a body shot as Mercer controls the action.
Mercer blocks a body shot from Thompson.
Thompson misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Mercer lands a damaging elbow.
Thompson misses with the head strike.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Thompson working aggressively here.
Nice elbow from Mercer.
Thompson is trying to work for a single leg takedown but Mercer pulls him back up using the underhooks.
Clay Mercer has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of John Thompson.

Mercer manages to break the clinch.

Mercer moves into range and clinches up with Thompson.
Thompson misses with a punch to the body.
Mercer lands a right hand that snaps the head of Thompson backwards.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Mercer digs a right hand into Thompson's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Thompson's gas tank.
Mercer throws an elbow but it misses.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Mercer.
Thompson goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Mercer is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Thompson is defending well for now.
Mercer scores with an uppercut up the middle.
Thompson dodges an elbow strike from Mercer.
Mercer keeps control of Thompson as he tries to wriggle out of the double underhooks.
Mercer lands an uppercut.
Thompson misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Mercer can't find room to land a body shot as Thompson controls the action.
Thompson lands on the inside with an uppercut.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Thompson looking to stall.
Mercer's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
Thompson lands a left hand that snaps the head of Mercer backwards.
Thompson lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Mercer backwards.
Mercer blocking some punches.
Thompson slowing the pace effectively.
Mercer misses with some punches.
Thompson misses with a shot to the kidneys.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Mercer.
Thompson has hold of a leg and is looking for a trip takedown. Mercer avoids it nicely though and we remain in the clinch.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Thompson avoids a wild elbow strike from Mercer.
Mercer lands an elbow that stopped Thompson in his tracks for a moment.

Mercer breaks the clinch.
Mercer just misses with a punch to the body.
Mercer tries to close the distance and clinch but Thompson swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
A big left from Mercer misses.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Thompson lands a nice hook to Mercer's body. Mercer takes it in his stride and looks to land his own strikes.
Thompson throws a series of punches but Mercer avoids them all with ease.
Thompson tries to clinch but Mercer moves out of range.
Thompson shoots in for a takedown but Mercer shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Thompson throws a jab but it's blocked by Mercer.
Mercer swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Mercer swings away with a body shot that misses
and Mercer takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Mercer thumps Thompson with a low kick.
Thompson thows a left - swing and a miss!
Thompson moves out of range of the body kick from Mercer.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Mercer tries to check the leg kick but that clearly hurt him.
Mercer lands a nice hook to Thompson's body. Thompson takes it in his stride and looks to land his own strikes.
Mercer tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Thompson shoots in but no luck this time.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but John Thompson will probably get the nod.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business.

Mercer connects with a jab.
Nice uppercut there from Thompson.
Thompson jabs at Mercer's body.
Mercer scores with the left hand. Thompson knows he should have avoided that one.
Mercer throws a lazy head kick

and Thompson counters with a takedown into full mount! That could mean trouble for Mercer!
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Mercer is working to get back to half guard.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Mercer blocking the ground and pound.
Mercer wants to hold on but Thompson pushes him away.
Mercer regains half guard.
Mercer gets full guard.
Thompson wants to pass the guard but Mercer is keeping the position.
Thompson preventing the sweep.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Mercer keeping moving, preventing Thompson from controlling successfully.
Thompson throws a big right hand that misses.
Mercer trying to control the position.
Mercer controlling the position.
Thompson throwing strikes but missing.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Thompson throws a big elbow that misses.
Thompson throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Thompson throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Thompson pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Mercer is keeping the position for now.
Thompson loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Thompson works a leg free and moves into half guard.
Thompson working Mercer over with strikes.
Thompson takes advantage of the dominant position to land a couple of big hammer fists.
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!
Thompson missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.
Mercer avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Thompson.
The two fighters exchange a few words. I couldn't hear what they were saying but maybe it's more fun if you make it up yourself. Thompson connects with a nice short shot to Mercer's temple.
Mercer regains full guard. Nicely done.
Thompson wants to pass the guard but Mercer is keeping the position.
Thompson with a nice head shot there.
Thompson postures up.
Mercer wants to sweep but no luck.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Thompson lands a couple of elbows.
Thompson in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Thompson postures up in Mercer's guard and throws a big left but Mercer blocks it.
Thompson has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
Thompson throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Thompson tries to free his leg and advance position but Mercer is retaining full guard.
Thompson postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Thompson is working the ground and pound from guard. He might want to try advancing position though to get more of an impact.
Thompson throwing strikes from guard but Mercer blocks nicely.
Mercer avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Mercer wants to sweep but no luck.
Thompson trying to control but Mercer is working from the bottom.

Thompson 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 four minutes gone in the round.
Thompson pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Mercer is keeping the position for now.
Mercer tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Mercer has control of Thompson's left arm, preventing Thompson from doing any damage.
Mercer utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Mercer is trying to control the position but Thompson postures up.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Thompson pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Mercer is keeping the position for now.
Mercer preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

John Thompson 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. Let's hear some noise people - this is the final round!

Mercer throws a leg kick that misses.
Mercer misses with a kick to the body.
Mercer tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Thompson paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Thompson looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.
Mercer tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Mercer swings for the body but Thompson moves out of range.
Thompson tries to close the distance and clinch but Mercer swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Thompson misses with a looping right.
Thompson tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Mercer was well out of range. Poor timing from Thompson.
Thompson blocks a jab.
Mercer throws a push kick but Thompson slaps the foot to one side.
Mercer throws a hook but Thompson avoids it easily.

Thompson pushes Mercer up against the cage in a clinch.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Mercer blocks an uppercut.
Thompson is leaning against Mercer and scores with a nice uppercut to the body.
Mercer misses with a hook from the clinch.

Mercer breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Thompson avoids the head kick by Mercer.
A low kick from Mercer misses
and Thompson counters with a thumping low kick.
Horrible takedown by Thompson or perhaps it was just good defense by Mercer which made him look bad.
Thompson swings wildly with a hook that is half blocked by Mercer.
Mercer avoids a kick to the body.
Thompson throws a series of punches but Mercer avoids them all with ease.
Mercer swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Mercer tries to clinch up but Thompson circles away and keeps his distance.
Thompson misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Mercer.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Thompson lands a jab followed by a nice looking cross.

It looks like Clay Mercer has been cut.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Thompson misses with a body kick.
Mercer lunges in with an uppercut that skims his opponent's chin.
Thompson looks to land a left hand but Mercer moved out of range nicely.
Mercer throws a nice looking combination but Thompson bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Thompson moves out of range of the body kick.
John Thompson is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
Thompson fails with a takedown attempt.
Clay Mercer has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Mercer wants to clinch up but Thompson keeps it at a distance.
That kick from Thompson tenderised Mercer's leg. Mercer is trying to keep his angry face on.
A slapping body kick lands there for Thompson.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Mercer scores with a nice body kick.
Clay Mercer is winning the standup battle so far.
Thompson takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Mercer doesn't manage to clinch there - Thompson circles away.
Mercer scores with a jab to the jaw.
Thompson avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Thompson avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Thompson scores with a nice head shot.
Mercer works the jab nicely.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Thompson on the wrong end of a nice jab.
Thompson lands a right hook to the body.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Thompson.
Clay Mercer has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of John Thompson.
Thompson looks to throw the jab but Mercer is out of range.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A big right from Mercer misses.

Thompson changes levels and drives through with a really nice takedown into side control. Mercer looks really pissed at himself for not defending that better.
Mercer sneaks a leg under to get back to half guard.
Mercer is staying active underneath Thompson, who seems content to just control the action from this position.
Mercer is trying to get back to full guard.
Thompson trying to control the pace.
Let's hope that Thompson has the urge to step up the pace any second now because for the last 15 or 20 seconds he's just been holding on tight.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Mercer moves his hips nicely and gets into full guard.
Mercer wants to sweep here but Thompson controlling him for the moment.

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 Clay Mercer.
I think Thompson 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 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Cecil Peabody scores the fight 28:29
Judge Alan Glass scores the fight 28:29
Judge Daniel Franklin scores the fight 28:29

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... John Thompson!
A less than humble John Thompson misjudged his post fight interview somewhat and came across a little too arrogant whilst trying to hype up his own abilities.