PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Brandon Gonzalos (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Alex Mercer (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Gonzalos
vs
Mercer

180 cm
18
170 lbs
2 - 1 - 1

185 cm
25
185 lbs
1 - 0 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Granite chin

BJJ Blue Belt
Good kicks
Determined

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the middleweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 2 - 1 - 1, fighting out of Hilo, Brandon Gonzalos!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Alex Mercer!
The judges for this bout are Roosa Järviläinen, Ben Zyskovitsi and Arvi Lind.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Gonzalos fails with a takedown attempt.
Mercer throws a nice head kick!
Mercer misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Mercer throws a head kick that misses.

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

Mercer breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Gonzalos looks for a takedown but Mercer sprawls well.
Mercer throws a head kick that half lands.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Gonzalos takes a kick to the side of the head.
Mercer lands with a head kick! That's gotta hurt.
Gonzalos blocks a head kick by Mercer.
Gonzalos takes a head kick and keeps coming.

Gonzalos is rocked!
Gonzalos pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Gonzalos pivots as if he's going to throw a leg kick but stops half way.
Gonzalos throws a sloppy head kick and Mercer moves out of range easily.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Gonzalos lets the fists fly and connects with a left straight followed by a right hook.
Mercer connects with a high kick.

Mercer forces Gonzalos back against the cage and clinches.

Mercer escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Mercer throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Mercer scores to the head and body with a nice combination!
Mercer lands a nice looking kick to the body. Gonzalos takes a step back to recover.
Gonzalos shoots in for a double leg but Mercer sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Brandon Gonzalos. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Gonzalos is breathing heavily.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Mercer fakes a couple of low kicks, before throwing one on the third attempt. It connects and Gonzalos has to reset his feet before getting ready to engage.
A kick lands to the mid section there for Mercer.
Alex Mercer is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Gonzalos throws a left and a right that both miss
and Mercer counters with a body kick that stops Gonzalos in his tracks momentarily.

Mercer clinches with his opponent.
Mercer connects with a knee to the head.

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

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Gonzalos doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
Mercer scores with a head kick. Gonzalos tried to block it but didn't get his arm up in time.
Mercer throws a head kick that Gonzalos semi-blocks.
That's a knee to de groin and it's over and out! Gonzalos crumples to the ground after an illegal strike from Mercer - the referee stops the clock and Gonzalos gets 5 minutes to recover from that one. "I'm sorry" says Mercer. Gonzalos manages to get back to his feet and the fight resumes.
Mercer scores with a straight right hand, right through his opponent's guard.
This is turning into a torrid day at the office for Gonzalos. He's trying desperately to land a takedown but he's failing miserably and getting slapped silly on the feet to compound his misery.
A low kick from Gonzalos misses
and Mercer counters with a body kick.
Mercer plants his feet and lands a nice head kick!
Gonzalos is looking to clinch but Mercer is avoiding it.
Mercer feints with a shoulder and throws a nice leg kick to Gonzalos's calf.
Mercer throws a head kick that connects with a bit of head and a bit of hand.
Gonzalos takes a jab on the nose. He smiles like he loves it and keeps coming.

Mercer darts in and clinches Gonzalos up against the cage.
Gonzalos swings away with an uppercut that misses.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Mercer breaks from the clinch.
Alex Mercer seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Gonzalos shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Mercer as he jumps to the side.

Mercer closes the distance and clinches.

Mercer breaks from the clinch.
Mercer connects with a high kick.
Gonzalos shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Mercer but Mercer pushes him off and we're back to square one.
Mercer shuffles to his left behind two crisp jabs. Gonzalos eats them both and turns towards Mercer to reposition himself and eats a stinging right hand-left hook combo.
A head kick from Mercer lands but Gonzalos takes it in his stride.
Mercer lands a jab to the head.

Mercer closes the distance and clinches.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Mercer prevents a takedown attempt there.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Gonzalos takes an elbow to the forehead.

Mercer escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Mercer bobs and weaves and throws out a fast jab that snaps Gonzalos's head backwards.
Gonzalos fails in his attempt to clinch.
Gonzalos takes a body punch but keeps moving.
Mercer connects with a high kick.

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

Mercer escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!

Mercer closes the distance and clinches.

Mercer breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Gonzalos tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in the close the distance. Mercer manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Alex Mercer dominated that round.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.

Gonzalos avoids the head kick by Mercer.
Mercer lands with a cross to side of his opponent's head.
Gonzalos tries to score a power double leg takedown but Mercer sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Gonzalos somewhat.
A slapping leg kick lands for Mercer.
Gonzalos shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Mercer has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Mercer throws a head kick that Gonzalos semi-blocks.
Gonzalos tries to close the distance and clinch up but Mercer swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Mercer throws a head kick that half lands.

It looks like Brandon Gonzalos has been cut.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Gonzalos looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Brandon Gonzalos. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Mercer lands a head kick. Gonzalos smiles back at him and beckons him forward.
Oh Gonzalos is still all over the place! His legs are completely gone! Will he be able to recover?!!
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Mercer ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Gonzalos seems to have got his legs back now.
Mercer tries to clinch but Gonzalos is having none of it.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Gonzalos fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Mercer throws a head kick that looked like it stung.
Mercer throws a head kick that looked like it stung.
Mercer lands a head kick!
Gonzalos on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by Mercer. Mercer obviously looking to wear him down.

Mercer rushes Gonzalos and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.

Mercer escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.

Mercer lands a big head kick that sends Gonzalos tumbling to the mat! Mercer takes a step backwards and waves Gonzalos back to his feet - he wants the finish!
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Mercer tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Mercer throws a head kick that looked like it stung.
Mercer moves into range and throws a combination. A nice jab followed by a hook to the body.
Mercer tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Gonzalos paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Mercer throws a head kick that connects with a bit of head and a bit of hand.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Mercer circles away from the clinch attempt.
Gonzalos fails with an attempt to clinch.
Gonzalos misses with a leg kick
and Mercer counters with a kick to the head that grazes his opponent. Gonzalos is lucky that one didn't land flush.
No luck for Gonzalos with that takedown attempt.

Mercer moves into the clinch.

Mercer's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Gonzalos shoots in for a takedown but Mercer shows good takedown defense.
Gonzalos takes a head kick and keeps coming.
Gonzalos throws a head kick that misses
and Mercer counters with a big head kick but Gonzalos shrugs it off.
Gonzalos has his head slapped from side to side by a 3 punch combination. That must have hurt him.
Mercer tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Gonzalos avoids the head kick by Mercer.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Gonzalos tries to clinch up but Mercer circles away and keeps his distance.
Mercer wants to clinch up but Gonzalos keeps it at a distance.
Brandon Gonzalos is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Gonzalos looks for the body kick but Mercer saw that one coming.

Mercer clinches up against the cage.

Mercer breaks from the clinch.
A shot to the liver by Gonzalos. Beautiful body shot.
Mercer throws a quick head kick that skims the top of Gonzalos's head.
Mercer lands with a nice body kick.
Mercer is looking to clinch.
Gonzalos tries to clinch up.
Mercer plants his feet and lands a nice head kick!
Gonzalos throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Mercer's waist but Mercer gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Gonzalos off to one side.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Mercer scores with a head kick.

Gonzalos closes the distance and clinches.
Gonzalos is working for takedown but Mercer is calmly controlling the position for now.

Mercer breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Mercer moves into range and lands a nice body kick.
Mercer ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Mercer is looking to clinch but Gonzalos is avoiding it.
Gonzalos tries to land a front kick but Mercer steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed.
Gonzalos takes a kick to the side of the head.
Gonzalos will be looking to protect his midsection after taking some solid kicks to the body.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Gonzalos.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Mercer throws a head kick that connects with a bit of head and a bit of hand.
Gonzalos shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Mercer as he jumps to the side.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Alex Mercer showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The cut man is working on Brandon Gonzalos's cut.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action! Let's get this one finished - here comes the final round!

Mercer plants his feet and lands a nice head kick!
Gonzalos misses with a looping right.
Nice sprawl there from Mercer as Gonzalos shoots in.

Mercer fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Gonzalos, pushing him back against the cage.
Mercer throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Gonzalos blocks it with crossed arms.
Gonzalos tries to break the clinch but Mercer is controlling the position.
The fighters are pressed against the cage, as the pace of the fight slows.
Kneeeeees! The crowd are calling for knees to the body. Mercer obliges.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.

Mercer breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Mercer lands with a nice body punch.
Mercer scores with a head kick. Gonzalos tried to block it but didn't get his arm up in time.
A head kick from Mercer lands but Gonzalos takes it in his stride.
Mercer tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in the close the distance. Gonzalos manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Gonzalos closes the distance and clinches up with Mercer, looking for a takedown. Gonzalos pushes Mercer against the cage but Mercer circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Mercer cracks a nice hook into Gonzalos's ribs.
Mercer scores with a head kick. Gonzalos tried to block it but didn't get his arm up in time.
Mercer lands with a head kick! That's gotta hurt.
Mercer throws a body kick that digs right into the meat.
A thudding body kick lands there by Mercer!
Gonzalos shoots in for a double leg but Mercer sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Brandon Gonzalos. That's going to take a lot out of him.

Gonzalos tries to keep at a distance but Mercer has taken the fight into the clinch.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Mercer looking to throw knees to the head but Gonzalos is blocking nicely.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Mercer breaks from the clinch.

Mercer moves into the clinch successfully.
Gonzalos is trying to pull guard but Mercer turns him against the cage and we stay in the clinch.

Mercer's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Gonzalos swings wildly with a couple of big hooks
and Mercer counters with a flying knee. Nice.
Gonzalos takes a kick to the side of the head.
Mercer throws a head kick that Gonzalos semi-blocks.
Mercer keeps the fight on the outside.
Gonzalos tries for a takedown but Mercer sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Mercer lands with a head kick! That's gotta hurt.
A head kick from Mercer lands but Gonzalos takes it in his stride.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Gonzalos closes the distance and pushes Mercer back into the cage.
Some stalling of biblical proportions here from Mercer.

Mercer escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Alex Mercer seems to be getting the better of the standup.

Gonzalos fakes an overhand right and shoots for a takedown. Mercer sprawls well initially but Gonzalos persists and gets the takedown into half guard.
We could do with one of the fighters taking the initiative a bit more on the ground - they're both waiting to capitalize on a mistake.
The referee is pacing around the two fighters - he looks like he's thinking about a standup.
Mercer tries to roll over but Gonzalos keeps him under control.
Mercer is trying to stand back up but Gonzalos is controlling him
Gonzalos is thwarting Mercer's attempts to control the position.
Mercer tries to kick Gonzalos off but Gonzalos keeps his base steady and stays in half guard.

Gonzalos is trying a forearm choke… I don't think that's going to do much at this level of the game.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Gonzalos uses his free foot to push down on Mercer's thigh. Eventually he works his other foot free and he's advanced to mount - this is trouble for Mercer.
Gonzalos is looking to take Mercer's back but instead Mercer gets back to half guard. Nice work.
Mercer regains full guard, whilst avoiding punches from Gonzalos.

And that's the end of the fight!
Alex Mercer comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I've got Mercer winning every round here. Surely the decision will go his way and he'll pick up a well deserved decision victory. 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 Roosa Järviläinen scores the fight 27:30
Judge Ben Zyskovitsi scores the fight 27:30
Judge Arvi Lind scores the fight 27:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Alex Mercer!
In his post fight interview, Alex Mercer started talking himself up. Luckily his charisma kept the crowd on side and gave him a good reception.