PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Kenny Gomi (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Fink McIllhenny (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Gomi kept the crowd waiting but all that was forgotten when his ring entrance music started. The incomparable musical genius that is Slaap lekker!. Fink McIllhenny has the better chin. Will he look to stand and bang today?

Gomi
vs
McIllhenny

175 cm
35
167 lbs
34 - 17 - 1

182 cm
28
165 lbs
15 - 3 - 1

Great wrestler
Excellent boxer
Insanely flexible

Good wrestler
Lethal high kicks
Good gas tank

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the lightweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 34 - 17 - 1, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Kenny Gomi!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 15 - 3 - 1, fighting out of New York, Fink McIllhenny!
The judges for this bout are Matheus Silva, Thiago Cunha and Leandro Rodrigues.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
A shot to the liver by Gomi. Beautiful body shot.
Gomi shoots in but doesn't get the takedown
and McIllhenny counters with a straight punch to the midsection.
McIllhenny is looking to land body kicks.
McIllhenny throws a series of punches but Gomi moves out of range.
McIllhenny thuds a left hand into Gomi's body.
The crowd cheers as McIllhenny lands an impressive looking overhand right. Gomi doesn't seem phased though.
A punch combination from Gomi misses.
Gomi misses the jab.
McIllhenny misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Gomi.
McIllhenny looks to land a right hand but Gomi moved out of range.
McIllhenny pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
McIllhenny swinging wildly here.
Gomi takes a body punch but keeps moving.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Gomi looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.
Gomi moves out of range as McIllhenny strikes.
McIllhenny cracks Gomi with a right hand to the side of the head.

Gomi drives through with a really nice takedown into side control.
Gomi is looking to take a break and control but McIllhenny is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Gomi moving around in side mount but really he's just happy to control for now.
McIllhenny is sneaking out the side here. He's bucked Gomi off and has taken his back!
Gomi tries to roll but McIllhenny sticks to his back.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Gomi looks to control his opponent's hands but he's not mananging it at the moment.
Gomi turns into McIllhenny and is now in his guard.
Gomi throws a big elbow that misses.
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!
Hammerfist, elbow! yells Gomi's corner. There ya go! There ya go!
McIllhenny looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Gomi throwing strikes but missing.
McIllhenny keeping moving, preventing Gomi from controlling successfully.
Gomi works over McIllhenny with some ground and pound from guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
McIllhenny not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
Gomi lands a couple of elbows.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Gomi controlling from the guard. I say controlling but really, he's stalling.
Gomi loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
McIllhenny working a defensive guard here.
Gomi wants to control from the top but McIllhenny keeps moving.
The fighters are starting to get a bit slippery now, which will make submissions a bit more difficult.
Gomi pushes down on McIllhenny's leg and manages to get into half guard.
McIllhenny is not content to let Gomi control the position.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Well, if Gomi is going to just lie there, perhaps we should talk about what we're having for dinner tonight… I'm having a ham and pineapple pizza… Yum. Can't wait.
McIllhenny wants to control but Gomi is keeping busy and won't allow it.
McIllhenny is looking to improve his position.
McIllhenny misses with some strikes from the bottom.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

Gomi is looking for an arm triangle, whilst trying to pass to side control. McIllhenny doesn't seem that keen to cooperate though. No luck this time Gomi.
McIllhenny keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Gomi checks the leg kick.
McIllhenny throws a looping overhand right but Gomi ducks down to avoid it.
Good leg kick by McIllhenny there. It's the ones that make that thud noise that hurt and that was an almighty thud.
McIllhenny misses with an uppercut.
Gomi moves his head to the side to avoid a jab but walks straight into a cross.
McIllhenny throws a jab but it's blocked by Gomi.
Gomi wants to clinch up but McIllhenny keeps it at a distance.
McIllhenny lands with a cross to side of his opponent's head.
A slow jab from McIllhenny misses its intended target.
Sloppy strikes from McIllhenny. Those never looked like landing.
Gomi tries to clinch there but McIllhenny circles away.
McIllhenny lands with a shot to the body.
McIllhenny throws a jab when Gomi was well out of range.
Kenny Gomi is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Gomi staying out of range there.
A telegraphed right hand from McIllhenny misses the target.
Gomi shoots in for a takedown but McIllhenny shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Gomi throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
McIllhenny throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
McIllhenny looks to land a right hand but Gomi moved out of range.
Gomi shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts McIllhenny as he jumps to the side.
McIllhenny goes for a spinning back kick but it misses.
McIllhenny darts in and out, connecting with a jab.
Gomi shoots for a takedown but McIllhenny saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Kenny Gomi. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Gomi steps to the side to avoid the strikes from McIllhenny.
Fink McIllhenny seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Gomi moves in looking to clinch but McIllhenny pushes him off.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
McIllhenny bobs and weaves and throws out a fast jab that snaps Gomi's head backwards.
Gomi looks for a takedown but McIllhenny sprawls well.
Gomi ducks under a wild hook from McIllhenny.
McIllhenny jabbing away but nothing is landing.
A looping hook to the body misses from McIllhenny. Gomi does a little dance to reset his feet.
Nice jab there from McIllhenny.
Gomi shoots in but no luck this time.
McIllhenny misses with a kick to the body
and Gomi counters with a straight punch to the midsection.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Gomi closes this distance looking for a takedown but McIllhenny circles away.
Gomi is looking to clinch.
A telegraphed right hand from McIllhenny misses the target.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
McIllhenny lands a really nice looking cross but Gomi seems unphased.
Gomi closes this distance looking for a takedown but McIllhenny circles away.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Gomi.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Gomi is defended easily by McIllhenny.
McIllhenny lands a nice looking body shot.
McIllhenny throws a hook but Gomi blocks it.
McIllhenny throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
A looping hook to the body misses from McIllhenny. Gomi does a little dance to reset his feet.
McIllhenny throws a body punch but Gomi moves out of range.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Gomi feints and as McIllhenny raises his hands in defense, Gomi changes levels and drives through with a takedown into guard.
McIllhenny is trying to keep Gomi in close.
Gomi distracts McIllhenny with his right hand and drops a big elbow with his other arm.
Gomi is looking to work some ground and pound but McIllhenny has wrist control.
Gomi won't allow McIllhenny to sweep him here.
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!

McIllhenny is active off his back here, looking for submissions.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Gomi accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Gomi has been looking to land a fair amount of strikes on the ground. He might be looking to soften his opponent up in order to work for a submission.
McIllhenny has control of Gomi's left arm, preventing Gomi from doing any damage.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Gomi connects with a couple of short punches.
Gomi not doing a lot at the moment. He'll have to show some more aggression or the fight will get stood up.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Fink McIllhenny showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.

McIllhenny throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
McIllhenny smiles there as he lands a nice right hand right on the button.
Gomi takes an uppercut right on the button but keeps his composure.
McIllhenny throws a low kick, looking for Gomi's leg but Gomi calmly moves out of range.
Gomi wants to clinch but McIllhenny slips to the side
and McIllhenny counters with an outside leg kick.
Gomi misses with a body shot.
McIllhenny throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd.
Gomi shoots in for a takedown but McIllhenny shows good takedown defense.
McIllhenny scores with a sloppy punch to the body. Not much technique there but it did the business.

Gomi forces McIllhenny back against the cage and clinches.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Gomi.
McIllhenny lands with a short punch from the clinch.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Gomi drops down looking for an ankle pick but McIllhenny pulls his leg out and moves away.
Gomi checks a low kick. Bone on bone - not my idea of a good time.
Gomi looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Kenny Gomi. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Gomi shoots in for a takedown but McIllhenny shows good takedown defense.
Gomi takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.
Gomi uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from McIllhenny.
McIllhenny throws a body punch but Gomi moves out of range.
Gomi on the wrong end of a nice jab.
Gomi throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around McIllhenny's waist but McIllhenny gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Gomi off to one side.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Gomi fails in his attempt to clinch.
Fink McIllhenny seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Gomi keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Gomi fakes high and swings low for a body shot but McIllhenny manages to avoid it.
Gomi is looking to wear down McIllhenny with body shots, infact he's throwing more body shots than head shots at the moment.
McIllhenny ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Gomi moves away.
Gomi moves his head to the side to avoid a jab but walks straight into a cross.
Gomi tries to clinch up.
McIllhenny throws an overhand right that lands on Gomi's shoulder, as Gomi tries to avoid the shot.
Gomi misses with a takedown
and McIllhenny counters with a nice jab to the body that keeps Gomi thinking.
McIllhenny stooping low to avoid any incoming strikes and then lunges in with an uppercut come cross that lands flush.
McIllhenny thuds his right hand into Gomi's forehead from close range. That could be painful for both fighters.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
McIllhenny throws a body kick but he wasn't in range.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
McIllhenny misses with a left hand

and Gomi counters with a nice single leg takedown and he's in McIllhenny's guard now.
Gomi won't allow McIllhenny to sweep him here.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Gomi accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
McIllhenny utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Gomi accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Gomi loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
McIllhenny is trying to keep Gomi in close.
McIllhenny working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Gomi.
Gomi is fighting to break McIllhenny's control of his arms but McIllhenny is doing a good job of controlling the position at the moment.
The referee must be thinking about standing these guys back up.
McIllhenny keeping moving, preventing Gomi from controlling successfully.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Gomi is frustrating his opponent with some stalling tactics from top position.
This has been an exciting period of action!

The ref calls for a clean break and stands the fighters back up. Fink McIllhenny wasn't active enough on the ground.
Gomi swings for the body but McIllhenny moves out of range.
Gomi ducks under a wild hook from McIllhenny.
Gomi looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? McIllhenny is fending him off so far but Gomi persists. Nope, McIllhenny circles away and we're back to standing.
McIllhenny lands with a good body shot.
McIllhenny takes a swing at Gomi's ribcage but misses.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
McIllhenny looks to land a left hand but Gomi moved out of range nicely.
McIllhenny throws a body kick that sends a sickening thudding noise reverberating around the arena.
Gomi shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Fink McIllhenny really dominated that round.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!

McIllhenny fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Gomi manages to avoid it.
McIllhenny throws a looping overhand right but Gomi ducks down to avoid it.
Nice defenses there by Gomi.
McIllhenny swats away the attempt to clinch by Gomi.
Gomi shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with McIllhenny but McIllhenny pushes him off and we're back to square one.
McIllhenny throws a big shot that misses.
McIllhenny connects with a jab.
McIllhenny misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Gomi.
Gomi fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
McIllhenny throws a poor cross that misses
and Gomi counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Gomi tries to clinch up but McIllhenny circles away and keeps his distance.
Gomi swings and misses with a hook to the body.
McIllhenny defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Gomi.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Kenny Gomi. That's going to take a lot out of him.
McIllhenny misses with a body punch

and Gomi decides to take the opportunity to score a takedown. He's landed in McIllhenny's guard.
Kenny Gomi overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Gomi wants to control from the top but McIllhenny keeps moving.
McIllhenny looking to hit a scissor sweep but Gomi is one step ahead there.
McIllhenny looking to control the pace of the fight rather than finish it.
Gomi passes McIllhenny's left leg - he's now in half guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
McIllhenny is controlling Gomi's trapped leg to prevent Gomi from advancing to side control.
Gomi looks to score some points with some ground and pound.
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!
Gomi prevents McIllhenny from improving his position.
McIllhenny is persisting with the attempt to improve his position.
Gomi throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.

Gomi is looking for an arm triangle, whilst trying to pass to side control. McIllhenny doesn't seem that keen to cooperate though. No luck this time Gomi.
Gomi blocks the strikes from McIllhenny.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
McIllhenny tries to roll over but Gomi keeps him under control.
McIllhenny wants to control but Gomi is keeping busy.
Gomi missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
Gomi trying to control the pace.

Gomi looking for a kimura but he'll have to free his other leg if he wants to finish that. Perhaps he's just using it as a distraction technique.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Gomi throwing shots but McIllhenny is blocking nicely.
McIllhenny regains full guard. Nicely done.
Gomi tries to free his leg and advance position but McIllhenny is retaining full guard.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Gomi is sitting in guard, working some ground and pound.
McIllhenny managing to control the position.
Gomi landing with the ground and pound.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Kenny Gomi had his way with Fink McIllhenny in that round.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action. This is the final round!

Gomi looks for a takedown. He's got it. We're now in half guard.
Gomi working some ground and pound from close in. He's looking to maintain this position and strike for a while by the looks of things... although he'll probably advance to full mount in a minute now I've said that.
Gomi not landing any meaningful shots this time.
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. Gomi connects with a nice short shot to McIllhenny's temple.

Gomi is trying to work for a kimura. This could be trouble! No, McIllhenny has managed to free his arm - good work.
Gomi sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. McIllhenny defending well though.
Gomi slips a nice elbow through McIllhenny's hands, connecting with McIllhenny's forehead.
Gomi missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.
McIllhenny is staying active underneath Gomi, who seems content to just control the action from this position.

That's one minute gone in the round.
McIllhenny is working for an escape here. He's hooked one of Gomi's legs and he's managed to sneak out and take Gomi's back!

McIllhenny looking for the RNC.
You can see the frustration on Gomi's face… He knows he is in trouble unless he improves his position sooner rather than later.
Gomi trying to control the hands but McIllhenny won't let him.
Gomi rolls and manages to get back to half guard. Nicely done.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
McIllhenny looks over to his corner - he wants some instructions but his corner are not responding.
McIllhenny trying to control the action but Gomi is working from the bottom.
McIllhenny is in a good position here but he's just trying to control... And he's not even managing to do that successfully.

The ref calls for a clean break and stands the fighters back up. Fink McIllhenny wasn't active enough on the ground.
McIllhenny thows a body shot but no joy.

Gomi dives in and scores a takedown into McIllhenny's guard.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
McIllhenny seems keen to control Gomi's posture.
Gomi wants to control from the top but McIllhenny keeps moving.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
McIllhenny controlling the position.
McIllhenny is trying to control the position from the bottom.
Gomi cracks McIllhenny with a solid left hand.
Gomi trying to control the position from guard on top but McIllhenny is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Gomi displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as McIllhenny throws out the jab.
Gomi blocks a jab.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
McIllhenny throws a body punch but Gomi moves out of range.
McIllhenny throws a body punch but Gomi moves out of range.
Gomi moves in looking to clinch but McIllhenny pushes him off.
A left lands for McIllhenny.
Gomi tries to check the leg kick but that clearly hurt him.
Gomi shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. McIllhenny defends it nicely.
McIllhenny misses with a leg kick
and Gomi cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
McIllhenny throws the left hand but Gomi avoids the punch easily.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
McIllhenny swings away with a body shot that misses
and Gomi counters with a one-two to the body.
Gomi tries to clinch but McIllhenny is having none of it.
Gomi chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before McIllhenny can pounce on him.

And that's the end of the fight!
Kenny Gomi showed his dominance in that final round.
I think Gomi 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 5 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Matheus Silva scores the fight 48:47
Judge Thiago Cunha scores the fight 48:47
Judge Leandro Rodrigues scores the fight 48:47

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Kenny Gomi!
Kenny Gomi retains his lightweight title!
Our winner, Kenny Gomi, made sure he spent some time buttering up the crowd during his post fight interview, which will no doubt bring him a few more fans.