PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Sparky Anderson (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Al Simmons (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Chooooooooon! I think Anderson might be my favorite fighter, now he's come out to Blue clear sky. Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Anderson
vs
Simmons

176 cm
25
157 lbs
12 - 2 - 0

170 cm
23
145 lbs
4 - 4 - 0

Abu Dhabi Champ
Counter fighter
Very strong

BJJ Purple Belt
Excellent boxer
Good gas tank

Backyard Fighting
Fury Nutrition Inc.

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the featherweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 12 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Montreal, Sparky Anderson!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 4 - 4 - 0, fighting out of Montreal, Al Simmons!
The judges for this bout are Robert Douchet, Gregory Folan and Steve Smith.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Anderson avoids a low kick by using good footwork.
Simmons defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Anderson.
Simmons doesn't manage to clinch there - Anderson circles away.
Simmons ducks down and throws a hook to the body.
Anderson misses with a takedown attempt - Simmons sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
A lazy left from Simmons finds it's target.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Anderson is defended easily by Simmons.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Sparky Anderson. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Simmons tries to clinch up

and Anderson counters by clinching up.
Simmons comes over the top with an elbow. That landed flush.

It looks like Sparky Anderson has been cut.
Simmons is trying to break free.
Anderson can't get the takedown.
Simmons misses with an elbow strike.
Simmons tries to land a knee to the head but Anderson blocks with his arms.
Simmons throws an elbow but it's blocked.

That's one minute gone in the round.
With the fighters up against the cage, Simmons throws an elbow but misses.
Simmons works for underhooks and lands a body shot in the process.
Simmons tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Anderson avoids a wild elbow strike from Simmons.
Simmons throws an elbow but it's blocked.
Simmons throws a nice elbow but it doesn't land.
Simmons trying to land knees to the body.
Anderson has hold of a leg and is looking for a trip takedown. Simmons avoids it nicely though and we remain in the clinch.

Simmons breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Simmons tries to clinch but fails miserably

and Anderson counters with a takedown into side control! That could mean trouble for Simmons!
Anderson working away.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Simmons is looking for a sweep.

Anderson is trying to land an Americana. He has the arm isolated but Simmons is keeping cool and he's avoided the danger for now.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Simmons tries to improve position but can't.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Anderson working the ground and pound but Simmons is defending the strikes.
Simmons manages to land a sweep and he's now on top! Lovely Jiu Jitsu!
Anderson looks like he's trying to stand up.
Anderson tries to get to full guard but Simmons has control of the leg.
Simmons wants to take a breather but Anderson is having none of it.
Simmons tries to stand but can't do so whilst Anderson controls his leg.
Simmons not doing much here.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Simmons wants to stand but Anderson has hold of a leg and an arm, so he's trapped for now.

The ref calls for a clean break and stands the fighters back up. Al Simmons wasn't active enough on the ground.
Anderson fails with a takedown attempt.

Simmons forces Anderson back against the cage and clinches.
Simmons wants to push off and get back to the center of the mat but Anderson has him pressed against the cage.
Anderson tries for a takedown. No joy.
Simmons misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Anderson.
Anderson is looking for a takedown.
Simmons lands an elbow inside.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Simmons is stalling here. The referee will be looking to step in if he doesn't pick up the pace.
Anderson avoids the elbow strike from Simmons, against the cage.
Simmons tries to work over Anderson's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.

Anderson has moved round to his opponent's back and is looking for a suplex! Oh snap! He's tossed Simmons clear over his head and slammed him to the mat!
I really don't envy Simmons right now.
Simmons is persisting with the attempt to improve his position.

Anderson patiently working for the choke. Which fighter will keep their nerve here?
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.

Anderson is working for the rear naked choke. He has one arm under the chin but Simmons has hold of the other arm. A bit of a stalemate here.

Anderson goes for a risky armbar from back mount and it's not paid off. Simmons escapes and is now in half guard on top.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but Al Simmons will probably get the nod.
The cut man is working on Sparky Anderson's cut.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!

The fight stays on the outside here - Simmons looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Sparky Anderson is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Anderson dives in for a single leg takedown but Simmons sprawls and the fighters end up clinched against the cage.
Simmons trying to land knees to the body.
Simmons tries to land a knee to the head but misses.
Simmons trying to land knees to the body.
Simmons prevents the takedown attempt.
Simmons misses with a knee strike.
Simmons can't break the clinch.
Simmons using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Anderson has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
Simmons crunches a lovely knee into Anderson's ribcage.

Simmons breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Simmons tries to clinch but Anderson is having none of it.
Simmons throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Al Simmons seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Simmons tries to clinch but Anderson moves away

and Anderson counters with a nice double leg into half guard.
Anderson missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.
Anderson throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.
Simmons wants to improve his position but Anderson is controlling well.
Anderson seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Simmons does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.
Simmons wants to improve his position but Anderson is controlling well.

Anderson is working for submissions here but there's nothing on.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Simmons avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Anderson.
Simmons tries to get to full guard but Anderson has control of the leg.
Anderson is looking to advance position but Simmons won't allow it.
Anderson prevents Simmons from improving his position.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Simmons is doing well to control the position and prevent Anderson from advancing to side control.

Anderson is thinking about going for an arm triangle but he can't free his leg.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Simmons blocking the ground and pound attempt from Anderson.
Sparky Anderson overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Anderson slows the pace down in half guard.

Anderson is working for a kimura from half guard. He's really concentrating on the hold and it's allowed Simmons to slip a leg under and get back to full guard.
Anderson pushing down on Simmons's thigh, trying to pass to half guard. He's managed it... Nice work.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Anderson is looking for a kimura but he's never going to get it from there.

Anderson is working for a submission of some sort.
Simmons is looking to improve his position.

Anderson is looking for an arm triangle, whilst trying to pass to side control. Simmons doesn't seem that keen to cooperate though. No luck this time Anderson.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Simmons controlling the position well.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close second round but I would say that Sparky Anderson will probably get the nod.
The cut man is working on Sparky Anderson's cut.
That's time! Anderson's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

Anderson shoots in but Simmons avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Simmons just misses with a punch to the body.
Simmons lands a jab, followed by a cross and another cross, as Anderson backs up against the cage.

Simmons has Anderson up against the cage in a clinch.
Simmons misses with a knee to the head.
Anderson has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Simmons is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.
Both fighters working to control the clinch.
Simmons tries to land a knee to the head but misses.
Simmons tries to land knees in the clinch but Anderson avoids the damage to the body.
Simmons misses with an elbow over the top.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Simmons pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Anderson on the wrong end of a decent looking cross there.
A nice inside leg kick there by Simmons. That's going to slow Anderson down.
Anderson closes the distance and clinches up with Simmons, looking for a takedown. Anderson pushes Simmons against the cage but Simmons circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Sparky Anderson. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Anderson shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Simmons fails in his attempt to clinch.
Simmons stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Simmons wants it to stay on the feet.

Simmons moves into the clinch successfully.
Simmons tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Anderson avoids it.
Simmons is clearly stalling here... Pick up the pace son.
Anderson managing to block the knees to the body from Simmons.

Anderson has picked Simmons up - he's going for a ride! Anderson dumps his opponent to the mat with a thud and settles into half guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Anderson seems to be looking for submissions.
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!
Simmons wants to control but Anderson is keeping busy.

Anderson is thinking about going for an arm triangle but he can't free his leg.
Simmons wants to improve his position but Anderson is controlling well.

Anderson is looking for a kimura. It's going to be difficult to finish that from half guard though and Simmons defends it well.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Simmons is trying to get back to full guard.
Simmons has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Anderson is working away from the top position though.

Anderson is trying a forearm choke… I don't think that's going to do much at this level of the game.

Simmons is defending against the submission attempts here by Anderson.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Simmons is looking to control Anderson's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Simmons avoid being mounted?
Anderson is pressing down on Simmons's thigh, looking to free his foot. Simmons is holding on for now.
Simmons trying to control from the bottom.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Anderson missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Al Simmons really dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Sparky Anderson's cut.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business.

Simmons wants to land a leg kick but Anderson is out of range.
Anderson avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Simmons tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Anderson manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.

Simmons takes the fight into the clinch.
Come on Simmons - let's have some action - none of this stalling nonsense.
Simmons misses with a knee strike.
Anderson is looking for a takedown.
Anderson tries to score a body lock takedown but Simmons shows good agility there to stay on his feet.
Simmons tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Anderson avoids the elbow strike from Simmons, against the cage.

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

Simmons moves into range and clinches up with Anderson.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Anderson is trying to trip Simmons. He has hold of a leg but Simmons is hopping around, keeping his balance for the moment. Anderson persists though and gets the takedown into guard.
Simmons has Anderson pulled in close to control his posture.

Anderson postures up as if he's going to throw some strikes but drops back for an ankle! Simmons is in big trouble! He looks ready to tap! But no, he's escaped and dives on top of Anderson, into his guard.
Simmons loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Simmons wants to control from the top but Anderson keeps moving.
Anderson controls Simmons momentarily but Simmons frees himself.
In the pre-fight buildup videos we saw Simmons working his ground and pound in the gym. He isn't landing a great percentage of his ground strikes so far though.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Simmons tries to stand but Anderson is controlling from the bottom.
Anderson seems keen to control rather than go for a submission, at least for now.
Simmons throws a big right hand that misses.
Simmons throws a strike but Anderson rolls with it and manages to sweep. Now he's in guard on top.
Anderson works a leg free and moves into half guard.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Simmons trying to control here.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Simmons is trying to get back to full guard.

Anderson is looking for a kimura but Simmons is holding onto that half guard position, so it's hard for Anderson to get the leverage.
Simmons tries to kick Anderson off but Anderson keeps his base steady and stays in half guard.
Anderson tries to pass the half guard into mount. Simmons knows what he's doing though and prevents the attempt.

Anderson is looking for a kimura but Simmons is holding onto that half guard position, so it's hard for Anderson to get the leverage.

Anderson wants to work for an arm triangle but Simmons is really keeping half guard well and defending the submission attempt.
Simmons tries to roll over but Anderson keeps him under control.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Anderson trying to control the action but Simmons is working from the bottom.

Anderson 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.
Anderson prevents Simmons from standing back up.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close fourth round but Al Simmons will probably get the nod - 10:9.
The cut man is working on Sparky Anderson's cut.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action! This is the final round!

The sound of bone on bone echoes around the arena as Simmons checks a leg kick.
Simmons misses with a double jab.
Simmons throws a wild body kick that Anderson sees coming a mile off.
Anderson closes this distance looking for a takedown but Simmons circles away.
Anderson slips a jab and a cross from Simmons.
Anderson uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Simmons.
Horrible takedown by Anderson or perhaps it was just good defense by Simmons which made him look bad.
Simmons pivots as if he's going to throw a leg kick but stops half way.
Simmons bobs and weaves and throws out a fast jab that snaps Anderson's head backwards.
Anderson keeps the fight on the outside.

Simmons closes the distance and clinches.
Simmons working Anderson over with knees to the body.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Simmons tries to land a knee to the head but Anderson blocks with his arms.

Anderson tightens his grip and picks Simmons up, before dumping him to the ground. Simmons manages to land in guard.
Both of our modern day gladiators look out of it here - a gruelling 5 rounds of action taking it's toll on them, no doubt.
Anderson is taking a break and basically stalling. The referee will not allow him to do that for long.
Anderson wants to pass the guard but Simmons is keeping the position.
Anderson loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Simmons keeping moving, preventing Anderson from controlling successfully.
Anderson looking to pass the guard.
Simmons is doing well to control the posture of his opponent and prevent any damage.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

It looks like we're going to have a standup here. Neither fighter is doing enough on the ground.
Simmons tries to clinch but fails miserably
and Anderson counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Simmons misses with the combination.
Al Simmons is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Simmons misses with the combination.
Simmons throws a sloppy head kick and Anderson moves out of range easily.
Simmons displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Anderson.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Sparky Anderson. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Anderson looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Simmons is fending him off so far but Anderson persists. Nope, Simmons circles away and we're back to standing.
Simmons tries to clinch up but Anderson circles away and keeps his distance.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Anderson on the wrong end of a decent looking cross there.
Anderson misses with a takedown
and Simmons makes him pay by landing a thudding low kick.
Simmons looks to clinch

so Anderson counters with a double leg into guard. Good agility.
Anderson passes Simmons's left leg - he's now in half guard.
Simmons slips a foot under and gets full guard. Nice work.
Anderson wants to control from the top but Simmons keeps moving.
Simmons controls Anderson momentarily but Anderson frees himself.
Al Simmons is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
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!
Anderson stays in close to Simmons's body and controls the position.
Anderson trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.

Well, the referee has seen enough. Neither fighter is active enough on the ground so he's stood them back up.
Sloppy strikes from Simmons. Those never looked like landing.
Simmons tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Anderson paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Sparky Anderson has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Simmons wants to clinch up but Anderson keeps it at a distance.

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 Sparky Anderson.
I think Simmons 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 5 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Robert Douchet scores the fight 47:48
Judge Gregory Folan scores the fight 47:48
Judge Steve Smith scores the fight 47:48

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Al Simmons!
Al Simmons is the new featherweight champion!
A victorious Al Simmons thanked his army of followers in his post fight interview, telling people to make sure they follow him on Twitter.