PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Randy Orton (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Melvin Manhoef (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Chooooooooon! I think Orton might be my favorite fighter, now he's come out to Woodkid - Run Boy Run . Manhoef has chosen Killing In The Name as his entrance music. Randy Orton has a significant reach advantage - let's see if he can make it count.

Orton
vs
Manhoef

201 cm
28
222 lbs
23 - 5 - 2

173 cm
36
205 lbs
27 - 28 - 1

Great wrestler
Great elbows
Insanely flexible

BJJ Purple Belt
World class boxer
Good gas tank

Alpha-Male Nutritional Supplements (q160)
Sparta Fightware

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the light heavyweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 23 - 5 - 2, fighting out of Amsterdam, Randy Orton!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 27 - 28 - 1, fighting out of Montreal, Melvin Manhoef!
The judges for this bout are Paul Aken, Wagner Zegers and Albert Achterberg.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Manhoef misses with a wild combination.
Orton misses with a takedown attempt - Manhoef sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Orton uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Manhoef.
Orton is trying hard to land a takedown here. Manhoef sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Orton.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Randy Orton. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Orton fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Manhoef avoids it really well and circles away.
Manhoef misses with a two punch combination.
A looping hook to the body misses from Manhoef. Orton does a little dance to reset his feet.
Orton fails with a takedown attempt from distance.

Orton shoots in and gets a takedown into Manhoef's guard.
The referee looks like he's ready to step in and stand the fighters back up.
Orton with a flurry of punches that miss.
Orton postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Manhoef has been taking part in the yoga sessions down at Johny Fighting Temple. Presumably he's going to look for a slick submission... Or maybe he's looking to avoid one.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Orton has decided he wants to stand but the closed guard of Manhoef is proving hard to escape from.
Orton throws a big elbow that misses.
Orton 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.
Manhoef working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Orton.
Manhoef avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
The fighters are trapped in the ropes so we're going to have a reposition here. The ref calls for a break and repositions the fighters in the center of the ring.
Orton is working Manhoef over from the guard. He should look to pass the guard and do a little more damage with these strikes.
Manhoef working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Orton.
Manhoef keeping full guard, as Orton tries to pass.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Orton missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Manhoef utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Orton throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Manhoef works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Manhoef is looking to stand back up but Orton counters by passing into half guard. Oops... bit sloppy there by Manhoef.
Orton sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Manhoef defending well though.
Manhoef wants to get back to his feet.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Manhoef blocking the ground and pound attempt from Orton.
Orton 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.
Orton thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
Orton throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
Manhoef wants to get back to his feet.
Manhoef taking some punishment here, with Orton in his half guard.
Orton throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.
Manhoef blocking the ground and pound attempt from Orton.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Orton not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
Manhoef avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Orton.
Manhoef keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Manhoef looks like he's trying to stand up.
Orton missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Orton missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
Orton will need to keep those long limbs tucked in whilst he's on the ground, to prevent any submissions.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Orton throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.
Manhoef is looking to escape.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Randy Orton dominated that round.
That's time! Orton's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

Orton throws a decent looking leg kick but it doesn't land clean.
Manhoef throws a body kick that digs right into the meat.

Orton closes the distance and looks for a trip takedown... aaaand he's got it - Orton lands in his opponent's guard.
Randy Orton overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Manhoef wants to stand up but Orton is controlling him.
Orton lands a couple of elbows.
Orton looking to pass the guard.
Orton landing some decent shots from guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Orton with a flurry of punches that miss.
Orton trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Orton is looking to work some ground and pound but Manhoef has wrist control.
Orton cracks Manhoef with a solid left hand.
Manhoef preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Manhoef wants to get back to his feet but Orton is in a dominant position and won't allow it.
Orton throws an elbow that misses. Manhoef uses the momentum to reverse the position. He's now in Orton's guard. Nice move by Manhoef!
Manhoef wants to get up but he can't break Orton's closed guard. He needs to be careful trying to break the legs open, as he's open to submissions here.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Orton is avoiding any damage by keeping wrist control.
Manhoef must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.
The referee is pacing around the two fighters - he looks like he's thinking about a standup.
Manhoef wants to stand and escape but instead Orton has hit a sweep and he's now on top in guard.
Orton throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Manhoef works some decent striking defense from the bottom.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Hammerfist, elbow! yells Orton's corner. There ya go! There ya go!
Orton in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Orton throwing strikes from guard but Manhoef blocks nicely.
Orton throws a strike but Manhoef rolls with it and manages to sweep. Now he's in guard on top.
Manhoef wants to stand and escape but instead Orton has hit a sweep and he's now on top in guard.
Orton working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Orton stops Manhoef from standing up.
Orton trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
We've been hearing that Orton has been drilling a lot of ground and pound in training, so let's see if he get the finish.
Orton throws a big elbow that misses.
Orton with a couple of shots to the head there. Not particularly brutal.
Manhoef wants to stand up but Orton is controlling him.
Orton stands up over Manhoef, holding his feet. He dives back in and lands a decent shot to the head.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Orton is working Manhoef over from the guard. He should look to pass the guard and do a little more damage with these strikes.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Randy Orton dominated that second round.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!

Orton tries to score a power double leg takedown but Manhoef sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Orton somewhat.
Orton shoots in but Manhoef avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Manhoef lands with a nice combination. Orton backs away looking to recover.

It looks like Randy Orton has been cut.
Orton shoots for a takedown but Manhoef saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Randy Orton. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Orton changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Manhoef tries to avoid it but Orton manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Manhoef to the ground. Manhoef escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
No joy there for Manhoef, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Orton closes the distance and clinches up with Manhoef, looking for a takedown. Orton pushes Manhoef against the ropes but Manhoef circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.

Manhoef feints and then winds up with a huge right hand that connects perfectly and sends Orton sprawling to the canvas! Orton rolls over backwards and springs off the ropes and manages to regain his footing - how acrobatic! Oh, he's still wobbly - can Manhoef finish him?!

Orton is rocked!
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Manhoef tries to bum rush Orton with a series of wild strikes but Orton uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Oh Orton is still all over the place! His legs are completely gone! Will he be able to recover?!!
Manhoef stuffs the takedown attempt from Orton. Orton gets slowly back to his feet.
Manhoef swinging wildly here.
Manhoef misses with a hook. Orton ducked under it nicely.
Orton seems to have got his legs back now.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Orton fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
Melvin Manhoef is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Manhoef looks to land a right hand but Orton moved out of range.
Melvin Manhoef is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
A combination from Manhoef does no damage.
Manhoef misses with a head kick.

Manhoef drops Orton with a beautiful combination! Orton stares up at his opponent, who ushers him back to his feet - Manhoef is looking for the KO!
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Manhoef connects with a leg kick. Orton looked like he was expecting something else and didn't defend it.
Melvin Manhoef seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Orton throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Manhoef's waist but Manhoef gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Orton off to one side.
Manhoef throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Orton.
Manhoef misses with a hook. Orton ducked under it nicely.

Orton feints and as Manhoef raises his hands in defense, Orton changes levels and drives through with a takedown into guard.
Orton throws a big elbow that misses.
Manhoef avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Orton trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Orton missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Orton working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Orton loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Manhoef preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Orton with a nice head shot there.
Orton in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Orton postures up and scores with a shot to the body and a follow up elbow to the head.
Orton throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Manhoef works some decent striking defense from the bottom.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Orton trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Orton passes into half guard.
Manhoef really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Orton. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.
Orton not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.

Manhoef makes some distance and scrambles quickly back to his feet. Nice work!
Orton misses with a takedown attempt
and Manhoef counters with an inside leg kick.
Orton dives in and grabs Manhoef's left leg, looking for a takedown. Manhoef pushes down on Orton's head and hops out.
Manhoef digs a good hook to Orton's body.
Orton shoots in for a takedown but Manhoef shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
A clash of legs there as Orton blocks the low kick.

Orton closes the distance and gets a trip takedown into side control. Manhoef quickly recovers to half guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Orton missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Manhoef regains full guard, whilst avoiding punches from Orton.
Orton is looking to work some ground and pound but Manhoef has wrist control.
Orton trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Orton lands a couple of decent looking shots.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Manhoef avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
The fighters are tangled up in the ropes here. We might need a restart if the fighters can't break free themselves.
Manhoef is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Melvin Manhoef really dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Randy Orton's cut.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!

A jab from Manhoef misses.

Orton shoots in and gets a takedown into half guard. Orton showed some decent athleticism there.
Orton slips a nice elbow through Manhoef's hands, connecting with Manhoef's forehead.
Orton misses with a head shot. Manhoef uses the momentum to regain guard.
Orton throws a big elbow that misses.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Orton throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Orton working from the guard for now, landing some ground and pound.
Manhoef avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Orton throwing strikes from guard but Manhoef blocks nicely.
Manhoef working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Orton.
Orton throws a big right hand that misses.
Manhoef utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Manhoef working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Orton.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Manhoef wants to get back to his feet but he's too absorbed in his own little project and Orton manages to pass to side control.
Orton not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
Orton throwing shots but Manhoef is blocking nicely.
Orton seems to be taking a bit of a break to think of his next move. He lands a short punch in the meantime.
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!
Orton has freed up his trapped foot and advances to mount.
Orton scoring with some good ground and pound from mount here. Will he manage to finish Manhoef?

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Orton cracks Manhoef with a nasty head shot there - the crowd let out an audible gasp there, as the noise reverberated around the arena.
Orton lands a big shot there that rocks Manhoef but he's holding on and managing to survive for now.

Manhoef is rocked!
Orton postures up and throws a big right hand. BOOM! Right on the button! Manhoef is out cold - huge knockout for Orton!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:43 of round 4, we have a winner by way of KO (Strikes). Randy Orton!
Randy Orton retains his light heavyweight title!
Randy Orton seemed lost for words in his post fight interview but he remembered to thank his fans and directed everyone to his website.