PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Edward Simpson (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Benedikt Pushkar (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the cage.

Simpson
vs
Pushkar

189 cm
29
235 lbs
21 - 16 - 0

212 cm
31
285 lbs
15 - 10 - 0

Good wrestling
World class MT
Cardio machine

Olympic wrestler
Excellent boxer
Good gas tank

Tab laundry WEEK

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 21 - 16 - 0, fighting out of Amsterdam, Edward Simpson!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 15 - 10 - 0, fighting out of Amsterdam, Benedikt Pushkar!
The judges for this bout are Wagner Zegers, Paul Aken and Nard Betker.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Simpson throws a low kick but Pushkar moves out of range easily.
Pushkar avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Simpson misses with an attempted mid kick.
Pushkar will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
Pushkar shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Simpson pinned against the cage. Simpson gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
Nice defenses there by Pushkar.

Pushkar looking to score a takedown here. Simpson is defending well but Pushkar drives through and ends up in Simpson's guard.
Simpson pulls Pushkar in close to prevent any damage.
Simpson working a defensive guard here.
Pushkar postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Pushkar trying to control the position from guard on top but Simpson is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

The ref stands the fighters back up. Edward Simpson wasn't doing enough on the ground.
Simpson wants to clinch.
Simpson checks a low kick from Pushkar.
Simpson misses with an attempted mid kick.
The fight stays on the outside here - Simpson looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Pushkar attempts a leg kick but it's missed by a good margin.
Simpson throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Simpson loads up on a big right hand but Pushkar slips the punch.
Pushkar defending well as Simpson loads up on a big left hand.
Pushkar fails with the takedown.
Edward Simpson has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Benedikt Pushkar.
Nice takedown defense from Simpson. No joy for Pushkar on that attempt.
Pushkar dodges the punch combination from Simpson.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Simpson misses with an attempted mid kick.
Simpson throws a nice looking combination but Pushkar bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Simpson wants to clinch up but Pushkar keeps it at a distance.
Simpson connects with a single shot there.
Edward Simpson is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Simpson is looking to clinch.
Edward Simpson seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Pushkar keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Pushkar ducks under a wild hook from Simpson.
Simpson tries to clinch but Pushkar moves away

and Pushkar counters with a nice double leg into half guard.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Pushkar throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
Pushkar throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.
Pushkar looks over to his corner - he wants some instructions but his corner are not responding.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Pushkar is keen to just control but Simpson is a slippery customer.

Benedikt Pushkar has forced the referee to step in and restart the fight on the feet.
Pushkar jabs Simpson to the body, keeping him at a distance.
Simpson throws a lazy right hand but Pushkar sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Pushkar throws a head kick but Simpson moves out of range.
Simpson is really struggling to find his range with his punches. Pushkar's reach advantage is clearly causing him problems.
Simpson lands with a good body shot.
Pushkar misses with a wild combination.
Simpson tries to clinch up.
Simpson takes a solid shot to the body. That one hurt him but he's trying not to show it.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Simpson swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Simpson goes for a spinning back kick but it misses.
Pushkar attempts a low kick but it misses it's target.
That's a knee to de groin and it's over and out! Pushkar crumples to the ground after an illegal strike from Simpson - the referee stops the clock and Pushkar gets 5 minutes to recover from that one. "I'm sorry" says Simpson. Pushkar manages to get back to his feet and the fight resumes.
Simpson misses with a body kick.
Pushkar keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Simpson.
Simpson throws the kick towards the body but Pushkar avoids it.
Simpson avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Pushkar avoids the body shot from Simpson.
Pushkar closes the distance and clinches up with Simpson, looking for a takedown. Pushkar pushes Simpson against the cage but Simpson circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Simpson lands a nice looking kick to the body. Pushkar takes a step back to recover.
Pushkar scores with a crisp jab that stopped Simpson in his tracks.
Simpson is pinned up against the cage taking some big shots here. The referee is looking closely deciding whether he should stop the fight.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Simpson goes for a spinning back kick but it misses.
Pushkar shoots in looking for a takedown but Simpson manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Pushkar's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
Simpson throws a body kick but he wasn't in range.
Pushkar takes a thudding leg kick, right into the meat of the thigh.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but Benedikt Pushkar will probably get the nod.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action.

Simpson cracks a nice hook into Pushkar's ribs.
Pushkar shoots in looking for a takedown but Simpson manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Pushkar's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
Simpson scores with a push kick.
Simpson misses with a wild body shot.
A big left from Simpson misses.
Pushkar ducks down and throws a hook to the body.
Pushkar fails with the takedown.
Some bone on bone action there as Pushkar checks a low kick. Luckily it wasn't a particularly hard one.
Pushkar throws a leg kick that misses.
A slapping body kick lands there for Simpson.
Thud! ouch! good body kick from Simpson - that will leave a mark!
Simpson throws a body kick but he was well out of range there.
Simpson throws a body kick but he was well out of range there.
Pushkar lands a nice hook to Simpson's body. Simpson takes it in his stride and looks to land his own strikes.

Pushkar moves into range and clinches up with Simpson.
Pushkar tries for a takedown but Simpson manages to get underhooks.
Edward Simpson has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Benedikt Pushkar.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Pushkar takes an elbow to the temple.

It looks like Benedikt Pushkar has been cut.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Pushkar blocks the elbow strike.
Pushkar blocks the elbow strike.

Pushkar is working on a single leg takedown against the cage. Simpson can't fight it off and eventually Pushkar manages to take the fight to the floor. Simpson looks annoyed but at least he's managed to land in guard.
Pushkar throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Pushkar trying to control but Simpson is working from the bottom.
Simpson might be looking to lock onto one of his opponent's long limbs for a submission, whilst we're on the ground.
Pushkar trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Simpson looking to hit a scissor sweep but Pushkar is one step ahead there.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Simpson keeping moving, preventing Pushkar from controlling successfully.

The ref stands the fighters back up. Benedikt Pushkar was stalling too much, according to the referee.
Pushkar fails with the takedown.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Pushkar.
Simpson scores with a nice strike.
Pushkar fakes with the hands and throws a leg kick but Simpson is out of range.
Pushkar slips under a jab.
Simpson fakes low and throws an overhand right that catches Pushkar on the side of the head.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Simpson swings and misses with a hook to the body.

Simpson has Pushkar up against the cage in a clinch.
Simpson is pressed up against the cage. Pushkar has hold of a leg and is looking to drag Simpson down to the mat. Simpson avoids the attempt though and has circled away. We're back to striking at a distance.
Pushkar on the wrong end of a kick to the body.
Simpson does a little shimmy and throws a leg kick. The leg kick missed by a considerable margin though, making him look a little bit silly for doing the shimmy.
Simpson connects with a good right hand that stumbles Pushkar. Pushkar circles away out of range and recomposes himself.
Simpson buckles his opponent's knee momentarily with a nice leg kick.
Pushkar will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
Pushkar looks for a takedown but Simpson sprawls well.
Simpson lands with a hook. Pushkar tried to avoid it but it clipped the top of his head.
Simpson dances in quickly and lands a nice inside leg kick on Pushkar. That did some damage!
Simpson dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Simpson tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Pushkar throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Simpson moves in looking to clinch but Pushkar pushes him off.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
No luck for Pushkar with that takedown attempt.
Pushkar shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Simpson as he avoids it easily.
Pushkar is breathing heavily.
Simpson connects with a leg kick. He turned his hip over nicely there.
Pushkar moves out of range as Simpson throws a body kick.
Simpson connects with a right hand. Pushkar shakes it off.
Simpson pivots as if he's going to throw a leg kick but stops half way.
Simpson fakes a head punch and goes low to the body. Nicely done.
Simpson lets loose with a powerful body kick. Pushkar will feel that in the morning.
Simpson misses with a body kick.
Simpson misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Pushkar.
Simpson is looking to clinch but Pushkar is avoiding it.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Pushkar.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Simpson throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Pushkar shoots in looking for a takedown but Simpson manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Pushkar's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
Edward Simpson is winning the standup battle so far.

Simpson has taken the fight to the clinch.
Simpson lands an uppercut.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Edward Simpson dominated that second round.
The cut man is working on Benedikt Pushkar's cut.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action. And we move into the final round!

Simpson lands a nice shot that snaps Pushkar's head back.
A big left from Simpson misses.
Simpson throws an ugly left hook that misses
and Pushkar counters nicely by changing levels and landing a hook to the body.
Simpson is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Simpson closes the distance looking to clinch

and Pushkar counters with a takedown into side control! That could mean trouble for Simpson!
Pushkar is pausing for a moment. What's he doing? It looks like he's clearing his nose. Oh dude! He's shot a load of snot all down Simpson's shoulder. That is not cool.
Simpson defending against the ground and pound.
Pushkar has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
Simpson is not content to let Pushkar control the position.
It really doesn't seem like the step up in weight is hurting Simpson here at all. He's more than holding his own against the bigger man.
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!
Simpson prevents Pushkar from improving position.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Benedikt Pushkar has forced the referee to step in and restart the fight on the feet.
Pushkar thows a body shot but no joy.
Pushkar shoots for a takedown but Simpson saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
Simpson tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Simpson throws a jab when Pushkar was well out of range.
Simpson throws a wild body kick that Pushkar sees coming a mile off.
Simpson fakes a jab and scores with a low kick.
Pushkar is throwing a lot of body shots here, looking to wear down Simpson rather than just go for the knockout.
Simpson misses with a straight left.
Simpson lands a nice leg kick that just misses Pushkar's sensitive parts.
Simpson throws a series of strikes that have Pushkar backpedaling.
Pushkar has developed a nice purple lump on his ribcage, as a result of some heavy body kicks from Simpson.
A slow jab from Simpson misses its intended target.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Pushkar bobs and weaves into range and then changes levels and scores with a nice takedown into side control.
Simpson tries to get back to half guard but can't.
You can see the frustration on Simpson's face as Pushkar controls the position.
Pushkar working the strikes but Simpson uses the opportunity to regain half guard.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Pushkar thows a huge punch but Simpson dodges it nicely.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Simpson is trying to get back to full guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Pushkar with a momentary lay and pray from half guard.

The ref calls for a clean break and stands the fighters back up. Benedikt Pushkar wasn't active enough on the ground.
Simpson takes a swing at Pushkar's ribcage but misses.
Simpson throws a solid leg kick but Pushkar takes the impact on his shin and smiles at Simpson.
Simpson throws a feint and then finishes with a kick to the body.
Simpson just misses with a punch to the body.
Simpson throws a lazy right hand but Pushkar sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Good work by Pushkar as he checks the leg kick.
Simpson throws a head kick but Pushkar moves out of range.
Pushkar on the wrong end of a kick to the body.
A looping hook to the body misses from Simpson. Pushkar does a little dance to reset his feet.
Pushkar shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Simpson but Simpson pushes him off and we're back to square one.

Pushkar closes the distance, clinches up and gets a nice trip takedown into side control. Very smooth.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The referee asks Pushkar politely if he wouldn't mind getting on with it and actually doing something. Pushkar prefers to stall for the moment though.
Simpson tries to bench press Pushkar off him but Pushkar keeps the position.
An elbow from Pushkar crashes against the mat.
Simpson is looking to reverse the position.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Simpson prevents Pushkar from improving position.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Simpson struggling a bit here.

And that's the end of the fight!
I would just about give that final round to Benedikt Pushkar.
I think Pushkar 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 Wagner Zegers scores the fight 28:29
Judge Paul Aken scores the fight 28:29
Judge Nard Betker scores the fight 28:29

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Benedikt Pushkar!
An out of breath Benedikt Pushkar thanked his loyal fans in his post fight interview, giving them credit for his success over the course of his career.