PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Jameson Thunder (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and John Spartan (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Thunder
vs
Spartan

185 cm
24
195 lbs
2 - 1 - 0

184 cm
24
195 lbs
1 - 0 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Excellent boxer
Granite chin

BJJ White Belt
Decent boxing
Solid chin

DTK Designs (Laundry)

The Big Kabosh

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, in the middleweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 2 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Jameson Thunder!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, John Spartan!
The judges for this bout are Chris Downing, Tiny Johnson and Frank Dennis.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Thunder throws a combination that misses
and Spartan counters with a one-two to the body.

Spartan closes the distance and gets a trip takedown into side control. Thunder quickly recovers to half guard.
The referee is pacing around the two fighters - he looks like he's thinking about a standup.
Spartan is working hard to pass the guard. He's done it - he's now in full mount! Trouble for Thunder!
Thunder is in a horrible position here. Spartan smacks him with another shot as he tries to escape the position.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Thunder avoids a series of strikes thrown by Spartan.
Spartan throwing shots from mount but they're not landing.
Spartan working the ground and pound effectively.

Spartan wants to finish this one by submission but Thunder is holding onto his waist, trying to prevent any attacks from Spartan.
Spartan takes a little breather and maintains the position. The referee will be looking for him to stay active from such a dominant position though.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Thunder tries to hold on but Spartan postures up.
Thunder really trying hard to get back to half guard here.
Spartan takes a little breather and maintains the position. The referee will be looking for him to stay active from such a dominant position though.
Spartan scoring with some good ground and pound from mount here. Will he manage to finish Thunder?

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Spartan unloads with some shots from mount but Thunder bucks and avoids them well.
Spartan working Thunder over with strikes here.
Spartan sitting in mount, just looking to control for the moment.
Spartan scores with a couple of good head shots there.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Spartan trying to control but Thunder is having none of it.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Thunder tries to lock up and control but Spartan gives him a forearm to the face and pushes him away.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Thunder is trying to escape the mount.
Spartan scores with a couple of good head shots there.
Spartan controlling the pace for now.
Spartan raining down shots from the mount!
Spartan has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Thunder tries to reverse the position but Spartan maintains control.

Spartan is working for a guillotine from mount but Thunder frees his head quite easily.
Spartan throws a sloppy strike and Thunder uses the opportunity to reverse the position! A bit of a scramble here and Thunder has ended up in Spartan's guard.
Thunder stopping the sweep attempt from Spartan.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Thunder closes the distance and pushes Spartan back into the cage.
Thunder is trying to maintain a safe position but Spartan gets an underhook and turns Thunder into the cage.
Spartan goes for a takedown in the clinch but Thunder prevents it.
Nice body punch from Spartan - that landed with a thud.
Thunder swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Thunder is trying to slow down the pace of the fight but Spartan is keeping busy.
Spartan keeps the fight in the clinch, despite Thunder's efforts to push away.
Spartan has Thunder pressed against the cage, preventing Thunder from circling away and getting back to striking at range.

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

Thunder closes the distance and clinches.
Thunder is looking to break free of the clinch but Spartan has double underhooks.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Spartan lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Thunder backwards.
Spartan stalling against the cage.
Thunder is trying to break free.
Spartan is trying to work for a single leg takedown but Thunder pulls him back up using the underhooks.
Thunder working aggressively here.
Thunder has a couple of punches blocked by Spartan.
Thunder wants to break the clinch but can't.
Thunder taking a breather.
Spartan is struggling to control the position.
Thunder wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.
Thunder working hard to break the clinch.
Spartan tries for a takedown but Thunder manages to get underhooks.
Jameson Thunder has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of John Spartan.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Spartan keeps the fight in the clinch, despite Thunder's efforts to push away.
Thunder stops a takedown attempt from Spartan.
Thunder letting Spartan take a breather here.

Spartan gets control of Thunder's arms and successfully pulls guard. Spartan will no doubt be looking for submissions off his back.
Spartan manages to land a sweep and now he's in mount on top!
Thunder tries to get back to half guard but can't.

Spartan has hold of Thunder's left arm, perhaps looking for a submission. The two fighters tussle over control of the isolated limb and Thunder manages to get his arm back to his side and away from danger.
Thunder wants to control but Spartan is having none of it.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Thunder is looking to get to half guard.
Spartan is landing with some decent strikes but Thunder is trying to advance his position so the referee is letting the fight continue.
Spartan scoring with some good ground and pound from mount here. Will he manage to finish Thunder?
Thunder tries to hold on but Spartan pushes him away.
Spartan content just to control the position here.
Thunder wants to hold on but Spartan pushes him away.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Spartan sitting in mount, just looking to control for the moment.
Thunder bucks up and manages to get a nice reversal! He's in guard on the top - nicely done!
The referee wants the fighters to be more active or he's going to reset them on the feet.
Thunder preventing the sweep.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Spartan bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Thunder's guard.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Spartan lands a couple of digs.
Thunder can't do much from the bottom at the moment, as Spartan controls the pace.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

John Spartan showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

Thunder defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Spartan.

Thunder forces Spartan back against the cage and clinches.
Thunder has a couple of punches blocked by Spartan.
Thunder wants to break free but Spartan has control.
Spartan blocks the elbow strike.
Spartan tries for a takedown but Thunder manages to get underhooks.
Thunder manages to get underhooks and slows down the pace for a moment.
Thunder throws a head punch that misses.
Thunder misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Spartan lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Thunder working aggressively here.
Spartan goes for a takedown in the clinch but Thunder prevents it.
Jameson Thunder has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of John Spartan.
Spartan has hold of a leg and is looking for a trip takedown. Thunder avoids it nicely though and we remain in the clinch.
Thunder is trying to force a seperation but Spartan has the dominant position.
Thunder pushes Spartan back against the cage and unloads with a body punch.
Thunder is looking to break free of the clinch but Spartan has double underhooks.
Stalling in the clinch from Thunder.
Spartan controlling the action here for a moment.
Spartan is working on a leg, looking for a takedown but Thunder is defending well.
Thunder is looking to break free of the clinch but Spartan has double underhooks.
Thunder misses with the head strike.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Thunder is working hard here but doesn't seem to be able to control effectively, up against the cage.
Spartan is working on a leg, looking for a takedown but Thunder is defending well.
Thunder has had enough of the clinch and is looking to separate.
Thunder can't break the clinch.
Spartan misses with a body punch.
Thunder prevents the takedown attempt.
Thunder tries to stall but Spartan uses the opportunity to gain a better position.
Thunder is trying to force a seperation but Spartan has the dominant position.
Spartan prevents Thunder from breaking the clinch.
Jameson Thunder has scored more points in the clinch so far.
Spartan lands a hook to the side of the head.
Thunder has a couple of punches blocked by Spartan.
Both fighters working to control the clinch.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Spartan successfully pulls guard.
Spartan wants to sweep but no luck.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Thunder accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
John Spartan has got the better of the ground game so far.
Spartan has a closed guard, preventing anything of note from happening. Perhaps he's looking to stall.
Spartan looking for a sweep. Not yet Spartan, not yet.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Spartan is controlling Thunder's posture.
Spartan looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Spartan is pulling down on Thunder's head. It's preventing any offense from Thunder, at least for the moment.

OK we're going to have a standup here. John Spartan hasn't been effective enough on the ground and the referee wants a restart.

Spartan moves into range and clinches up with Thunder.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Spartan tries to pull guard but Thunder holds him up against the cage and eventually Spartan drops back down to his feet.
A bit of stalling here from Spartan.
Spartan tries to score a body lock takedown but Thunder shows good agility there to stay on his feet.
Spartan takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Thunder has a couple of punches blocked by Spartan.

Thunder's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Nice takedown defense from Thunder. No joy for Spartan on that attempt.
No luck for Spartan with that takedown attempt.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Donk. Thunder catches Spartan right on the button with a cross.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.

Thunder closes the distance and pushes Spartan back into the cage.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Jameson Thunder clearly takes that round.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

Spartan takes a jab right on the kisser.

Thunder closes the distance and pushes Spartan back into the cage.
Spartan taking a break, stalling in the clinch.
Spartan tries to score a body lock takedown but Thunder shows good agility there to stay on his feet.
A real battle for position is taking place between these two warriors.
Spartan tries to throw a body punch but Thunder avoids it by throwing Spartan back against the cage.
Spartan is looking to take this one to the mat.

Thunder breaks the clinch.
Spartan tries to close the distance and clinch up but Thunder swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Thunder misses with a head kick.
Decent striking displayed by Thunder there.
Thunder scores with a head kick. Spartan tried to block it but didn't get his arm up in time.

Spartan drives through and clinches with Thunder against the cage.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Thunder gets underhooks to prevent Spartan's takedown attempt.
Jameson Thunder has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of John Spartan.
Thunder misses with a hook from the clinch.
Spartan fails to pull guard.
Thunder is trying to push Spartan away but Spartan has him pressed against the cage, so he's going nowhere.
Thunder misses with a hook to the ribs.
Spartan can't get the takedown.
Spartan is absolutely dripping with sweat - he looks exhausted.
Spartan keeps the fight in the clinch, despite Thunder's efforts to push away.
Thunder trying to control the position but instead, Spartan has worked for underhooks and has pushed Thunder into the cage.
Spartan keeps the fight in the clinch, despite Thunder's efforts to push away.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Thunder looks like he'd prefer to be striking at range right now.
Thunder scores with a hook to the body.
Thunder working hard to break the clinch.
Thunder can't break the clinch.
Spartan has Thunder pressed against the cage, preventing Thunder from circling away and getting back to striking at range.
Thunder fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Thunder tries to circle away but Spartan has him pinned against the cage.
Spartan blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.
Spartan keeps control of Thunder as he tries to wriggle out of the double underhooks.
Spartan working some nice short punches in the clinch.
Thunder is working hard here but doesn't seem to be able to control effectively, up against the cage.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Thunder wants to push off and get back to the center of the mat but Spartan has him pressed against the cage.
Thunder working hard to break the clinch.
Spartan tries for a takedown but Thunder manages to get underhooks.
Thunder is trying to force a seperation but Spartan has the dominant position.
Thunder tries to circle away but Spartan has him pinned against the cage.
Thunder gets double underhooks to prevent a takedown attempt from Spartan.
Thunder looks like he'd prefer to be striking at range right now.

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

Spartan gets tackled into the cage by Thunder. Thunder maintains the clinch.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Thunder scores with an uppercut up the middle.
Thunder wants to break the clinch but can't.
Thunder is trying to break free.
Spartan blocks a body shot from Thunder.
Thunder is trying to break the clinch but Spartan is controlling him.
Thunder tries to circle away but Spartan has him pinned against the cage.
Spartan is working on a leg, looking for a takedown but Thunder is defending well.
Spartan is looking to take this one to the mat.
Thunder tries to break the clinch but Spartan is controlling the position.
Thunder misses with a body punch.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Thunder is trying to break the clinch but Spartan is controlling him.
Thunder misses with a hook to the ribs.
Thunder is trying to slow down the pace in the clinch, to catch his breath.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Jameson Thunder had his way with John Spartan in that round.
That's the end of the interval. I'm sure that seemed a lot quicker than a minute for our two fighters! Back to the action. This is the final round!

Spartan tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Thunder paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Spartan shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Thunder defends it nicely.
Spartan takes a kick to the side of the head.

Spartan shoots in and scores a nice double leg takedown into half guard.
Thunder holds on for dear life, maintaining half guard for now.
Spartan performing his best blanket impression for a moment.
Thunder trying to control here.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Thunder is staying active underneath Spartan, who seems content to just control the action from this position.
The referee is pacing around the two fighters - he looks like he's thinking about a standup.

OK we're going to have a standup here. John Spartan hasn't been effective enough on the ground and the referee wants a restart.

Thunder gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.

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

Thunder closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the cage.
Thunder prevents the takedown attempt.
Thunder wants to break the clinch but can't.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Thunder has had enough of the clinch and is looking to separate.
Thunder tries to break free but Spartan pushes him back against the cage.
Spartan is looking to take this one to the mat.
Jameson Thunder has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of John Spartan.
Thunder working hard to break the clinch.
Spartan has Thunder pressed against the cage, preventing Thunder from circling away and getting back to striking at range.
Spartan is looking for a takedown.
Spartan is wobbling all over the place through exhaustion. Will he make it to the final bell?

Spartan successfully pulls guard.
Spartan is pulling down on Thunder's head. It's preventing any offense from Thunder, at least for the moment.
Thunder is stalling in the full guard.
Spartan looking to hit a scissor sweep but Thunder is one step ahead there.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Thunder stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Spartan swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Thunder trying to control but Spartan is working from the bottom.
We get told so often about how wrestlers don't like to be on their backs. Let's see if Spartan can do anything to dispel that myth.
If this pace continues, the referee will definitely step in and force a standup.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up, due to lack of activity on the part of Jameson Thunder.
Spartan throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Thunder's waist but Thunder gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Spartan off to one side.
Nice takedown defense from Thunder. No joy for Spartan on that attempt.

Thunder closes the distance and clinches.
Thunder is trying to push Spartan away but Spartan has him pressed against the cage, so he's going nowhere.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Thunder tries to stall but Spartan uses the opportunity to gain a better position.
Thunder gets underhooks to prevent Spartan's takedown attempt.
Thunder misses with a body punch.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, Spartan creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
Thunder wants to push off and get back to the center of the mat but Spartan has him pressed against the cage.
Thunder is trying to push Spartan away but Spartan has him pressed against the cage, so he's going nowhere.
Spartan is looking for a takedown up against the cage. Thunder gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.
Thunder looking to stall.
Thunder wants to break free but Spartan has control.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Thunder lands with a short head shot on the inside.

Spartan drags the fight down to the ground.
Thunder controlling from the top position.

And that's the end of the fight!
That was a close round. You could make an argument for either fighter but I would give it to Jameson Thunder.
I think Thunder 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 Chris Downing scores the fight 48:47
Judge Tiny Johnson scores the fight 48:47
Judge Frank Dennis scores the fight 48:47

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Jameson Thunder!
As Jameson Thunder got his breath back, he grabbed the microphone and managed to blurt out the following: Ladies, meet me in the lobby and we'll cruise to my hotel room. 10's only please... hell I might get even get drunk tonight, 9's you are welcome too. Sorry guys, but now that you have witnessed 'the' man, you may now consider yourself a boy. If you didn't know - now you do. Lights Out...'.
The defeated John Spartan had this to say: 'Back to the drawing board i guess...'.