PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Dirk Diggler (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Steve Cantwell (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Diggler comes to the cage accompanied by kick my ass......rehab. Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Diggler
vs
Cantwell

185 cm
25
200 lbs
11 - 8 - 0

187 cm
28
195 lbs
11 - 5 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Solid Muay Thai
Very strong

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Solid chin

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 11 - 8 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Dirk Diggler!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 11 - 5 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Steve Cantwell!
The judges for this bout are Gwen Towbar, Daniel Franklin and Tiny Johnson.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Sloppy strikes from Diggler. Those never looked like landing.
Cantwell throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Diggler misses with a jab, cross combination.
Diggler lands a jab followed by a nice looking cross.
A shot to the body from Cantwell misses
and Diggler counters with a nice leg kick.
Cantwell tries a head kick but it misses.
Diggler defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Cantwell.
Cantwell fails to land with a series of punches.
Diggler tries to bum rush Cantwell with a series of wild strikes but Cantwell uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Diggler throws a right and a left that both miss.
Cantwell dodges the punch combination from Diggler.
Diggler looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Some wild striking there from Diggler.
Diggler misses with a double jab.
Diggler throws a right and a left that both miss.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Sloppy strikes from Diggler. Those never looked like landing.

The fight moves into the clinch position.
Diggler tries to land a knee to the head but Cantwell blocks with his arms.
Diggler wants to stall.
Cantwell is trying to pull guard but being pressed up against the cage enables Diggler to keep the fight standing.
Diggler misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Cantwell.
Cantwell wants to break free but Diggler has control.
Cantwell managing to block the knees to the body from Diggler.
Cantwell is trying to pull guard but Diggler turns him against the cage and we stay in the clinch.
Dirk Diggler has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Steve Cantwell.

Cantwell has dropped down and is working for a takedown. Diggler is trying to keep an underhook but Cantwell manages to get the takedown into half guard.
Diggler is trying to stand back up but Cantwell is controlling him
Cantwell scoring with strikes to the body and head.
Diggler wants to get back to his feet.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Diggler kicks off Cantwell and gets to his feet.
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!
Diggler lands with a thumping leg kick.
Cantwell throws a lazy right hand but Diggler sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Diggler moves into range and throws a combination. A nice jab followed by a hook to the body.
Diggler goes to the watering hole and comes back with a big thumbs up from the judges as he scores a three punch combo.
Diggler will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
Diggler misses with a two punch combination.
Cantwell misses with a series of wild punches.
Diggler stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Diggler wants it to stay on the feet.
Cantwell lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Diggler circles away quickly and effectively.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Diggler jabs away that one connects to the head of his opponent.
Diggler tries to bum rush Cantwell with a series of wild strikes but Cantwell uses good footwork to avoid the assault.

Diggler gets in close and instigates a clinch.
Diggler is working on a leg, looking for a takedown but Cantwell is defending well.
Diggler landing knees to the head.

It looks like Steve Cantwell has been cut.
Diggler is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Cantwell is defending well for now.

Cantwell escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Cantwell dodges the punch combination from Diggler.
Cantwell jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Cantwell circles away from the clinch attempt.
Cantwell connects with a nice looking jab.

Diggler rushes Cantwell and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.
Cantwell is defending well against a takedown attempt.
Diggler utilising his Muay Thai to score with a knee to the body.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Diggler tries a knee to the head but Cantwell blocks it.
Diggler lands a knee to the head there! That was nasty!
Cantwell blocks an elbow strike from Diggler.
Cantwell drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Diggler using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Cantwell has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
Cantwell is trying to force a seperation but Diggler has the dominant position.
Cantwell wants to push off and get back to the center of the mat but Diggler has him pressed against the cage.
Diggler utilising his Muay Thai to score with a knee to the body.
Cantwell looks winded!
Diggler comes over the top with an elbow. That landed flush.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Diggler lands a knee to the head.
Diggler stalling.
Cantwell wants to break the clinch but can't.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Dirk Diggler dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Steve Cantwell's cut.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.

Diggler has his head snapped back a nice jab. A little nod from Diggler there as he acknowledges the shot.
Diggler lands a jab, followed by a cross and another cross, as Cantwell backs up against the cage.
Diggler misses with a double jab.
Diggler misses with a wild combination.
Cantwell dives in and grabs Diggler's left leg, looking for a takedown. Diggler pushes down on Cantwell's head and hops out.

Diggler clinches.
Diggler tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Cantwell avoids it.
Diggler misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Cantwell.
Diggler has Cantwell pressed against the cage, preventing Cantwell from circling away and getting back to striking at range.
Diggler misses with a knee strike.
Diggler using the Thai clinch to land knees to the body.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Cantwell is trying to pull guard but being pressed up against the cage enables Diggler to keep the fight standing.
Cantwell is breathing heavily.
Diggler landing knees to the body. They look like they could hurt.
Diggler missing with knees to the body.
A knee to the head by Diggler.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Cantwell takes an elbow to the temple.
Diggler lands a good knee to the midsection. Cantwell won't want to take too many of those.
Diggler with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.
Diggler has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Cantwell is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.
Diggler with the Thai clinch, lands a knee to the head.
Diggler lands a nice knee to the body.
A knee to the head by Diggler.
Cantwell is trying to force a seperation but Diggler has the dominant position.
Diggler throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Cantwell blocks it with crossed arms.
Diggler tries to land knees in the clinch but Cantwell avoids the damage to the body.
Diggler tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Cantwell avoids it.
Cantwell has dropped down and is looking to force the takedown but it's defended by Diggler after a bit of a struggle.
Dirk Diggler has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Steve Cantwell.
Diggler prevents a takedown attempt there.
Diggler scores with a knee to the head.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Diggler just leaning against Cantwell, taking a breather.
Diggler landing knees to the head.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Diggler with the Thai clinch, lands a knee to the head.
Cantwell tries to circle away but Diggler has him pinned against the cage.
Cantwell jumps guard but his hands slip and he falls flat on his back. Well, he's made himself look a right mug there, as Diggler walks away with a smile on his face. Cantwell gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head.
Diggler misses with a few strikes there.
Diggler lands a jab, followed by a cross and another cross, as Cantwell backs up against the cage.
Cantwell has his head slapped from side to side by a 3 punch combination. That must have hurt him.
Diggler scores with a crisp jab that stopped Cantwell in his tracks.
A punch combination from Cantwell misses.
Diggler slaps away a takedown attempt from Cantwell, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Diggler throws a right and a left that both miss.
Cantwell lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Diggler circles away quickly and effectively.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
A chopping leg kick lands by Diggler.
Diggler thuds his right hand into Cantwell's forehead from close range. That could be painful for both fighters.
Diggler shoots in and drives through. Cantwell sprawls well.
No joy there for Cantwell, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
A right-left combo lands from Diggler.
Diggler misses with a few strikes there.
Diggler throws a two punch combo that lands nicely.
Diggler throws a right hand that Cantwell ducks under and follows up with a left that Cantwell also avoids with ease.
Diggler wants to clinch up but Cantwell keeps it at a distance.
A looping hook to the body misses from Cantwell. Diggler does a little dance to reset his feet.
Diggler tries to bum rush Cantwell with a series of wild strikes but Cantwell uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Cantwell shoots in looking for a takedown but Diggler manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Cantwell's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
Diggler misses with a two punch combination.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Cantwell has his front leg slapped to the side - a nice low kick landing there from Diggler.
Cantwell fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
Diggler swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Diggler looks to land a combination. Cantwell sees it coming but can only parry a couple of the shots.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Cantwell looks for a takedown but Diggler sprawls well.
No joy there for Diggler, who threw a few shots but didn't land.

Diggler gets a clinch.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Some stalling of biblical proportions here from Diggler.
Diggler scores with a knee to the head.
Diggler tries to land a knee to the head but misses.
Diggler tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Cantwell avoids it.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Dirk Diggler dominated that second round.
The cut man is working on Steve Cantwell's cut.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

Diggler fakes and then throws a beautiful body shot. Cantwell looks a bit winded and takes a step backwards to take a breath.
Diggler tries to close the distance and clinch but Cantwell swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.

Cantwell drives through with a takedown into Diggler's guard. Let's see what he can do from the top position.
Cantwell controlling from the top position.
Cantwell prevents Diggler from getting back to his feet.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Diggler keeping moving, preventing Cantwell from controlling successfully.
Cantwell takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
If this pace continues, the referee will definitely step in and force a standup.
Cantwell trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Diggler wants to stand up but Cantwell is controlling him.

The ref stands the fighters back up, due to lack of action by Steve Cantwell.
Diggler fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Diggler shoots in and drives through. Cantwell sprawls well.
A combination from Cantwell does no damage.
The fight stays on the outside here - Diggler looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Diggler keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
Cantwell slips a jab and a cross from Diggler.
Diggler misses with a jab, cross combination.
Some wild striking there from Cantwell.

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

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Cantwell on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
Diggler lands a nice knee to the body.
Diggler has Cantwell pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Cantwell manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.
Diggler lands a knee to the head there! That was nasty!
Diggler lands a glancing elbow in the clinch.
Cantwell takes a knee to the side of the body.
Diggler lands a damaging elbow.
Diggler lands a glancing elbow in the clinch.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Diggler lands a knee to the head there! That was nasty!
Cantwell managing to block the knees to the body from Diggler.
Diggler prevents a takedown attempt there.
Diggler scores with a knee to the head.
Some stalling of biblical proportions here from Diggler.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Cantwell is working for a takedown up against the cage. He can't get it on this occasion though.
Dirk Diggler has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Steve Cantwell.
A knee to the head by Diggler.
Diggler avoiding damage.
Diggler throws a knee to the head but misses.
Diggler unloads a knee to the mid-section. Cantwell lets out a prehistoric sounding urrrrgh.
Dirk Diggler has scored more points in the clinch so far.
Cantwell is trying to break the clinch but Diggler has him pressed against the cage.
Diggler misses with a knee strike.
Diggler throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Cantwell blocks it with crossed arms.
Diggler throws a knee to the head but misses.
Cantwell managing to block the knees to the body from Diggler.
Diggler is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Cantwell can do to turn this around?
Diggler using the Thai clinch to land knees to the body.
Diggler looking to throw knees to the head but Cantwell is blocking nicely.
Cantwell is trying to push Diggler away but Diggler has him pressed against the cage, so he's going nowhere.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Diggler trying to land knees to the body.
A bit of stalling here from Diggler.
Cantwell is trying to break the clinch but Diggler has him pressed against the cage.
Diggler using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Cantwell has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
Cantwell tries to pull guard but Diggler forces him back to his feet, against the cage.
Diggler is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Cantwell is defending well for now.
Cantwell on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
Diggler misses with a knee strike.
Diggler prevents a takedown attempt there.
Diggler using the Thai clinch to land knees to the body.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Cantwell letting Diggler take a breather here.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Cantwell avoids a wild elbow strike from Diggler.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Dirk Diggler clearly takes that round.
The cut man is working on Steve Cantwell's cut.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.

Diggler will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
Cantwell swinging wildly here.

Diggler rushes Cantwell and presses him up against the cage.
Diggler tries to land a knee to the head but Cantwell blocks with his arms.
Cantwell can't break the clinch.
Cantwell is trying to push Diggler away but Diggler has him pressed against the cage, so he's going nowhere.
Cantwell blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.
Diggler keeps control of Cantwell as he tries to wriggle out of the double underhooks.
Diggler missing with knees to the body.
Diggler using the Thai clinch to land knees to the body.
Diggler unloads a knee to the mid-section. Cantwell lets out a prehistoric sounding urrrrgh.
Cantwell is absolutely dripping with sweat - he looks exhausted.
Cantwell stops a takedown attempt from Diggler.
Cantwell wants a takedown.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Cantwell avoiding damage as Diggler throws knees to the body.
Diggler misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Cantwell.
Diggler landing knees to the body. They look like they could hurt.
Diggler lands a nice knee to the body.
Diggler connects with a nasty looking knee right to Cantwell's face.
Diggler unloads a knee to the mid-section.
Diggler lands a nice elbow from the clinch.
Diggler trying to land knees to the body.
Diggler comes over the top with an elbow. That landed flush.
Diggler creates a bit of space for himself and sneaks an elbow through Cantwell's defenses.
Cantwell on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
Diggler wants to take the fight to the mat but Cantwell manages to get underhooks and keep the fight in the clinch.
Diggler landing some nice looking knees to the body.

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

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Cantwell throws a head kick but Diggler moves out of range.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Diggler scores with a nice one two combo and darts back out of range to avoid anything coming in the opposite direction.
Cantwell throws a nice looking combination but Diggler bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Dirk Diggler is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Diggler throws a right and a left that both miss.
Dirk Diggler is winning the standup battle so far.
Diggler moves into range and throws a lovely three punch combination.
Cantwell avoids a punch combination nicely.
Cantwell looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Diggler is fending him off so far but Cantwell persists. Nope, Diggler circles away and we're back to standing.
Left hook, right uppercut from Diggler.
Diggler rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Cantwell moves out of range and avoids them all easily.

Cantwell tries to keep at a distance but Diggler has taken the fight into the clinch.
Cantwell tries to score a body lock takedown but Diggler shows good agility there to stay on his feet.
Dirk Diggler has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Steve Cantwell.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
A nice glancing elbow lands by Diggler.
Diggler crunches a lovely knee into Cantwell's ribcage.
Diggler creates a bit of space for himself and sneaks an elbow through Cantwell's defenses.
Diggler slowing the pace effectively.
Cantwell managing to block the knees to the body from Diggler.

Cantwell has managed to pull guard. Let's see whether he can work an aggressive guard. It will also be interesting to see what tactics Diggler uses from the top position.
Diggler wants to stand but Cantwell has a closed guard, so he can't escape.
Cantwell looking to hit a scissor sweep but Diggler is one step ahead there.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Diggler passes Cantwell's right leg, so he's now in half guard.
Diggler wants to get back to his feet.
Diggler is working hard to pass the guard. He's done it - he's now in full mount! Trouble for Cantwell!
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Cantwell sneaks a leg back under and regains half guard and is working straight away to try and get back to guard. He hasn't managed just yet though.
Cantwell really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Diggler. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.
Diggler lands with a punch from half guard.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Diggler missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.
Cantwell trying to hold on to Diggler's head to control him but Diggler postures up.
Diggler not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Dirk Diggler had his way with Steve Cantwell in that round.
The cut man is working on Steve Cantwell's cut.
That's time! Diggler's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight. Let's get this one finished - here comes the final round!

Diggler moves into range and throws a combination. A nice jab followed by a hook to the body.
Diggler lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Cantwell circles away quickly and effectively.
Diggler lands a jab-cross combination.
Cantwell lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Diggler circles away quickly and effectively.
Diggler lands a nice leg kick that just misses Cantwell's sensitive parts.
Cantwell tries to land a front kick but Diggler steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed.
Diggler lands with a nice combination. Cantwell backs away looking to recover.
Diggler lands a jab followed by a nice looking cross.
Diggler goes to the watering hole and comes back with a big thumbs up from the judges as he scores a three punch combo.
No joy there for Cantwell, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Diggler throws a quick inside leg kick.

Diggler drives through and clinches with Cantwell against the cage.
Cantwell is wobbling all over the place through exhaustion. Will he make it to the final bell?
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!
Cantwell is trying to break the clinch but Diggler is controlling him.
Cantwell is working for takedown but Diggler is calmly controlling the position for now.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Diggler lands a knee to the body.
Diggler misses with a knee strike.
Cantwell wants to break the clinch but can't.
Diggler working Cantwell over with knees to the body.
Diggler scores with a knee to the head.
Diggler tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Cantwell avoids it.
Cantwell tries to pull guard but Diggler holds him up against the cage and eventually Cantwell drops back down to his feet.
Knees to the body from Diggler.
Cantwell takes a knee to the side of the body.
Diggler lands a knee to the body.
Diggler with a knee to the head.
Cantwell takes a knee right on the jaw!
Diggler putting his Muay Thai to good use. He has Cantwell in a tight clinch and is doing some damage with knees to the body.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Diggler throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Cantwell blocks it with crossed arms.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Diggler with an attempt at a knee that misses.
The referee calls for Diggler to work.
Diggler misses with a knee strike.

Cantwell manages to break the clinch.
Cantwell is trying hard to land a takedown here. Diggler sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
Dirk Diggler has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Steve Cantwell.
Diggler throws a series of strikes that have Cantwell backpedaling.
Cantwell shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Diggler lands three nice shots there - that looked like it hurt!
Diggler misses with a double jab.
Diggler misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
Cantwell shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Diggler gets in close and instigates a clinch.
Diggler with a knee to the head.
Diggler creates a bit of space for himself and sneaks an elbow through Cantwell's defenses.
Cantwell tries to circle away but Diggler has him pinned against the cage.
Cantwell is trying to break the clinch but Diggler has him pressed against the cage.
Cantwell managing to block the knees to the body from Diggler.
Diggler looking to stall.
Diggler tries to land knees in the clinch but Cantwell avoids the damage to the body.
Cantwell wants to break free but Diggler has control.

Cantwell wants the takedown. Diggler is fighting it off but Cantwell persists and manages to bring the fight to the ground, ending up in Diggler's guard against the cage.
Cantwell postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Cantwell won't allow Diggler to get back to his feet.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Cantwell makes a bit of distance and scores with some ground and pound, still in guard.
Diggler is looking to get back to his feet but can't, whilst Cantwell is controlling him.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Cantwell trying to control the position from guard on top but Diggler is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Dirk Diggler is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Cantwell prevents Diggler from getting back to his feet.

And that's the end of the fight!
Dirk Diggler showed his dominance in that final round.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Diggler, winning every round. Will the judges agree? They are the ones who matter, even if they are often depressingly incompetent. 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 Gwen Towbar scores the fight 50:45
Judge Daniel Franklin scores the fight 50:45
Judge Tiny Johnson scores the fight 50:45

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Dirk Diggler!
Dirk Diggler retains his middleweight title!
During a confident post fight interview, Dirk Diggler thanked all his fans. He seemed very genuine when describing how motivated his fans keep him.