PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a super heavyweight MMA rules bout between Anastasio Gamboa (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and John Pope (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Gamboa's entrance music is Wu-Tang Clan - Careful (Click, Click). A fine choice. John Pope will no doubt be looking to use his reach advantage to good effect.

Gamboa
vs
Pope

187 cm
25
207 lbs
2 - 1 - 0

200 cm
29
157 lbs
6 - 10 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Solid boxing
Granite chin

BJJ Blue Belt
Great elbows
Powerful

Damnfield clothing

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the super heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 2 - 1 - 0, fighting out of London, Anastasio Gamboa!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 6 - 10 - 0, fighting out of London, John Pope!
The judges for this bout are Sam Margolis, Donald Grub and Paul Tew.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Pope throws a head kick that looked like it stung.
Pope tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Gamboa paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Pope throws a leg kick which misses Gamboa's front leg but catches the back leg as Gamboa tries to avoid it.
Pope tries to close the distance and clinch but Gamboa swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Pope just misses with a punch to the body.
A looping hook to the body misses from Pope. Gamboa does a little dance to reset his feet.
Gamboa steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Pope.
Pope wants to clinch.
Pope lands a head kick. Gamboa smiles back at him and beckons him forward.
Pope cracks Gamboa with an open hand slap.

Gamboa clinches.
Gamboa blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.
Gamboa is working for a takedown up against the cage. He can't get it on this occasion though.
Gamboa blocks the elbow strike.
With the fighters up against the cage, Pope throws an elbow but misses.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
A nice glancing elbow lands by Pope.
A nice glancing elbow lands by Pope.
Pope is trying to slow down the pace of the fight but Gamboa is keeping busy.
Gamboa takes an elbow to the temple.
Gamboa can't get the takedown.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Pope prevents a takedown attempt there.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Anastasio Gamboa. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Pope tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Gamboa avoids it.
Gamboa tries for a takedown but Pope manages to get underhooks.
A nice glancing elbow lands by Pope.
Pope is pressed up against the cage. Gamboa has hold of a leg and is looking to drag Pope down to the mat. Pope avoids the attempt though and has circled away. We're back to striking at a distance.
A swing and a miss from Pope.
Pope lands a nice shot that snaps Gamboa's head back.
Pope throws a right high kick that is partially blocked by Gamboa.
Gamboa works over Pope's head and body with a nice combination.
Pope is looking to clinch but Gamboa is avoiding it.

Gamboa manages to get an easy takedown there - catching Pope on his heels. He'll look to pass Pope's guard now, I'm sure.
The referee is pacing around the two fighters - he looks like he's thinking about a standup.
Gamboa landing with the ground and pound.

Pope had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Gamboa defends it easily.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.

Pope working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Gamboa doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Gamboa manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Gamboa scoring with punches to the head and body.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Pope escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Gamboa gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.
Gamboa might be looking to lock onto one of his opponent's long limbs for a submission, whilst we're on the ground.

Pope working for a triangle but Gamboa defends it easily.
Pope keeping moving, preventing Gamboa from controlling successfully.
Hammerfist, elbow! yells Gamboa's corner. There ya go! There ya go!
Pope is a painfully thin specimen of a man. You do wonder whether a good body kick would snap him clean in two.

Pope looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.
Gamboa is working the ground and pound from guard. He might want to try advancing position though to get more of an impact.
Gamboa is working the ground and pound from guard. He might want to try advancing position though to get more of an impact.
Pope keeping full guard, as Gamboa tries to pass.
The fighters are starting to get a bit slippery now, which will make submissions a bit more difficult.
Gamboa trying to control the position from guard on top but Pope is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Pope is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Gamboa defends well.

Pope is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Gamboa working some strikes from top position.
Gamboa looking to sit in guard and control but Pope gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top.
Pope throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Gamboa works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Gamboa doesn't do any damage with a couple of strikes from the bottom.
Pope pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Gamboa is keeping the position for now.
Pope landing with the ground and pound.
Both fighters really going for it on the ground here!
Pope trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Pope throws a big elbow that misses.
Pope lands a couple of digs.
Pope throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Pope postures up in Gamboa's guard and throws a big left but Gamboa blocks it.
Pope in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Pope has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
Gamboa trying to strike from the bottom but really, it's not the best position to be doing that from!
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!
Gamboa is trying to control the position but Pope postures up.
Gamboa wants to sweep but no luck.
Pope throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Gamboa works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Gamboa preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Gamboa trying to control the position.
Pope working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Gamboa looking for a sweep. Not yet Gamboa, not yet.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Pope accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Gamboa trying to punch from his back but it's not doing any damage.
Gamboa preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Gamboa looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

John Pope dominated that round.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

Gamboa takes a head kick and keeps coming.
Pope throws a big shot that misses.
Gamboa tries to score a power double leg takedown but Pope sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Gamboa somewhat.
Pope wants to clinch up but Gamboa keeps it at a distance.
Pope uses good footwork to get in and out, landing a nice hook.
Pope tries to clinch but Gamboa moves out of range.
Gamboa swats away the attempt to clinch by Pope.

Gamboa dives in and scores a takedown into Pope's guard.
Pope keeping moving, preventing Gamboa from controlling successfully.

Pope looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.
Gamboa working from the guard for now, landing some ground and pound.
Gamboa knows he needs to get back to his feet asap. He's simply no match for Pope on the ground.
Gamboa scoring with punches to the head and body.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Gamboa is taking a break and basically stalling. The referee will not allow him to do that for long.
Gamboa works over Pope with some ground and pound from guard.
Pope controls Gamboa momentarily but Gamboa frees himself.

Gamboa avoids a guillotine attempt easily.
Pope looking to control.
Gamboa chips away with some ground and pound.

Pope is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
Gamboa lands a couple of elbows.

Pope has his foot on Gamboa's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Gamboa works his way back into a safe position though.

Pope working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Gamboa doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Gamboa manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.
Pope is breathing heavily.
Gamboa scoring with punches to the head and body.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Pope is looking for a triangle but Gamboa pushes his legs off easily.
Pope is trying to control the position from the bottom.
Gamboa lands a couple of elbows.
Pope keeping moving, preventing Gamboa from controlling successfully.
Gamboa makes a bit of distance and scores with some ground and pound, still in guard.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Pope controls Gamboa momentarily but Gamboa frees himself.
Gamboa lands a couple of decent looking shots.
Pope looking to control.
Gamboa controls the pace of the fight for a moment.
Gamboa's ground tactics aren't going to win him many fans. Let's hope he's got fireworks for us if he gets back to his feet because he's not doing much on the ground.
Gamboa is in close to Pope's body, working some short punches and elbows.

Pope has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Gamboa can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.

Pope has his foot on Gamboa's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Gamboa works his way back into a safe position though.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Pope looking for a guillotine here but Gamboa defends easily.
Gamboa wants to control from the top but Pope keeps moving.
Gamboa is going to have to think about doing something other than just controlling because Pope is managing to avoid having the position dictated to him.
Gamboa makes a bit of distance and scores with some ground and pound, still in guard.
Gamboa stands up over Pope, holding his feet. He dives back in and lands a decent shot to the head.
Gamboa scoring with some ground and pound.
Gamboa seems content to control from guard here. He's going to have to remain active though if he doesn't want to get stood back up.
Pope not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Gamboa connects with a couple of short punches.

Pope is looking for a triangle but Gamboa pushes his legs off easily.
Gamboa is working the ground and pound from guard. He might want to try advancing position though to get more of an impact.

Pope looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.
Gamboa stands up over Pope, holding his feet. He dives back in and lands a decent shot to the head.
Gamboa trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Gamboa looking to control the position here, rather than advance.
Gamboa landing some decent shots from guard.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Gamboa distracts Pope with his right hand and drops a big elbow with his other arm.
Gamboa landing some decent shots from guard.

Pope looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Anastasio Gamboa dominated that second round.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin! This is the final round!

Gamboa throws a series of punches but Pope avoids them all with ease.
Pope dodges the punch combination from Gamboa.
Pope moves in looking to clinch but Gamboa pushes him off.

Gamboa drops down and drives through with a powerful takedown into guard.
Hammerfist, elbow! yells Gamboa's corner. There ya go! There ya go!

Pope looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.

Pope is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Gamboa defends well.

Pope is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Gamboa is aware though and is defending well.
Pope takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Pope has momentary wrist control but Gamboa slips an elbow through the middle.

Pope is looking for a triangle but Gamboa pushes his legs off easily.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Gamboa landing some decent shots from guard.
Gamboa connects with a couple of short punches.
Gamboa trying to control the position from guard on top but Pope is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Pope has momentary wrist control but Gamboa slips an elbow through the middle.
Gamboa stands up over Pope, holding his feet. He dives back in and lands a decent shot to the head.

Pope looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.
Gamboa connects with a couple of short punches.

Pope is rocked!
Anastasio Gamboa overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Gamboa cracks Pope with a solid left hand.
Pope is still in real trouble! Can Gamboa finish him?
Gamboa is working Pope over from the guard. He should look to pass the guard and do a little more damage with these strikes.
Gamboa chips away with some ground and pound.
Gamboa lands a couple of digs.
Hammerfist, elbow! yells Gamboa's corner. There ya go! There ya go!

Pope is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Gamboa defends well.
Gamboa has to be careful here, sitting in the guard of a superior BJJ player.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Gamboa scoring with some ground and pound.
Gamboa with a nice head shot there.
Gamboa working from the guard for now, landing some ground and pound.

Gamboa gets to his feet. Pope looking to butt scoot but the ref puts an end to that. On your feet son!
John Pope is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.

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

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Gamboa with a couple of shots to the head there. Not particularly brutal.
Hammerfist, elbow! yells Gamboa's corner. There ya go! There ya go!
Pope throws a couple of shots from the bottom but they don't land.
Gamboa makes a bit of distance and scores with some ground and pound, still in guard.
Gamboa postures up and scores with a shot to the body and a follow up elbow to the head.

Pope looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.
Gamboa scoring with punches to the head and body.
Gamboa lands a couple of digs.
Gamboa lands a couple of decent looking shots.
Gamboa keeps in close for a moment and lands a decent shot to the side of Pope's head.

Pope had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Gamboa defends it easily.
Gamboa postures up and scores with a shot to the body and a follow up elbow to the head.
Gamboa working some strikes from top position.
Gamboa scores with a decent looking elbow strike.

Pope has his foot on Gamboa's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Gamboa works his way back into a safe position though.
Gamboa landing some decent shots from guard.

Gamboa got a little sloppy there for a moment and Pope has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Gamboa has managed to get both his arms back between Pope's legs - danger averted.
Gamboa lands a couple of digs.

Pope escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Gamboa gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.
Gamboa content to strike from guard, landing some decent shots.
Gamboa keeps in close for a moment and lands a decent shot to the side of Pope's head.
Gamboa is working the ground and pound from guard. He might want to try advancing position though to get more of an impact.
Pope controls Gamboa momentarily but Gamboa frees himself.

Pope has his foot on Gamboa's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Gamboa works his way back into a safe position though.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Gamboa sitting in guard here, content to control.
Gamboa working in close now, lands a nice elbow to the side of Pope's head.

Pope working for a triangle but Gamboa defends it easily.
Hammerfist, elbow! yells Gamboa's corner. There ya go! There ya go!
Gamboa is taking a break and basically stalling. The referee will not allow him to do that for long.
Gamboa distracts Pope with his right hand and drops a big elbow with his other arm.
Gamboa lands a couple of elbows.
Gamboa keeps in close for a moment and lands a decent shot to the side of Pope's head.

Pope had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Gamboa defends it easily.
Gamboa pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Pope is keeping the position for now.
Hammerfist, elbow! yells Gamboa's corner. There ya go! There ya go!
Gamboa is frustrating his opponent with some stalling tactics from top position.
Gamboa content to strike from guard, landing some decent shots.
Gamboa connects with a couple of short punches.
Pope is trying to keep Gamboa in close.
Pope has momentary wrist control but Gamboa slips an elbow through the middle.
Gamboa postures up and lands a big shot to Pope's brow.
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!
Gamboa lands a couple of digs.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Gamboa landing some decent shots from guard.
Gamboa works over Pope with some ground and pound from guard.
Gamboa scoring with some ground and pound.

Pope is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Gamboa defends well.
Gamboa content to strike from guard, landing some decent shots.
Gamboa wants to stand but Pope is controlling his posture from full guard.
Gamboa trying to control the position from guard on top but Pope is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

Pope is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Gamboa is aware though and is defending well.

Pope looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.

Pope escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Gamboa gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Gamboa tries to free his leg and advance position but Pope is retaining full guard.

And that's the end of the fight!
Anastasio Gamboa showed his dominance in that final round.
I think Gamboa has won this one but let's see what the judges have to say. 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 Sam Margolis scores the fight 29:28
Judge Donald Grub scores the fight 29:28
Judge Paul Tew scores the fight 29:28

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Anastasio Gamboa!
Anastasio Gamboa very nearly forgot to thank Damnfield clothing amongst all the excitement of his win but just as the interview came to a close, he screamed their name. Hopefully he'll get a few nice freebies in the mail as a thank you.