PBP Commentary

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

Nader
vs
Spartan

185 cm
18
185 lbs
0 - 1 - 0

184 cm
24
195 lbs
1 - 2 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Granite chin

BJJ White Belt
Decent boxing
Solid chin

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 0 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Frank Nader!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, John Spartan!
The judges for this bout are Frank Dennis, Daniel Franklin and Tiny Johnson.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Nader fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Spartan, pushing him back against the cage.
Nader has Spartan pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Spartan manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.
Spartan content to slow the pace in the clinch.
Nader holding his opponent close, against the cage.
Spartan lands a shoulder strike.
A short right from Spartan on the inside.
Spartan tries to score a body lock takedown but Nader shows good agility there to stay on his feet.
Nader has Spartan pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Spartan manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.
Spartan dictating the pace here, as the fighters clinch against the cage.
Spartan throws a nice elbow but it doesn't land.
Spartan stalling here - the referee won't stand for too much of that.
Nader jumps guard but Spartan stands there with Nader around his waist. Nader gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Frank Nader. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Nader goes for a takedown attempt but Spartan pushes him away and we're back to fighting at a distance.

Spartan darts in and clinches Nader up against the cage.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Spartan will no doubt start fighting again in a minute but for now he's just having a little rest, leaning Nader up against the cage.
Spartan lands a body punch - he's looking to wear down Nader.
Spartan lands a body shot in the clinch.

Spartan works for the underhooks and manages to get a trip takedown into guard.

Spartan stands up from Nader's guard - Spartan perhaps looking for a knockout.

Spartan moves into the clinch.
Spartan lands with a left to the head.
Spartan slows down the pace here.
Spartan has been looking to improve his clinch game in recent weeks. So far he's outscoring his opponent in the clinch so it seems to have been worthwhile.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Nader keeps control of Spartan as he tries to wriggle out of the double underhooks.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Spartan can't break the clinch.
Spartan tries to circle away but Nader has him pinned against the cage.
Spartan wants a takedown but no success here.
Spartan stalling.
Nader wants to stall.
Nader has had enough of the clinch and is looking to separate.
Nader jumps guard but Spartan stands there with Nader around his waist. Nader gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch.
Nader tries to break the clinch but Spartan is controlling the position.
A shot in the inside from Spartan.
Spartan holding his opponent close, against the cage.

Nader manages to pull guard. Let's see whether he can land a sub off his back.
Spartan really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Nader. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Nader has a closed guard, preventing Spartan from standing up.
Nader not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
Spartan must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.
Nader is looking to stand up but Spartan isn't so interested in that idea.

Spartan gets to his feet - Nader follows without any prompting.
Spartan misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
Nader tries for a takedown but Spartan circles away easily

and Spartan counters by moving into the clinch. Good anticipation by Spartan.
Spartan lands a hook that snaps the head of Nader backwards.

Nader pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Nader goes for a double leg but Spartan avoids the attempt and the two fighters end up clinched against the cage as Spartan continues to drive forward.
Nader is breathing heavily.
Spartan cracks Nader with a nice body shot.
Nader fails to pull guard.
Spartan slowing the pace effectively.
Nader tries to land knees in the clinch but Spartan avoids the damage to the body.
Nader being controlled against the cage.
Spartan digs a right hand into Nader's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Nader's gas tank.
Nader looks to be in better condition than last time we saw him fight. Obviously he's been working hard on his cardio.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Nader letting Spartan take a breather here.
The crowd are getting on Spartan's back here. They're not happy about his lack of aggression in the clinch.
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 corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action.

Spartan cracks a nice hook into Nader's ribs.
Nader fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Nader looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Spartan is fending him off so far but Nader persists. Nope, Spartan circles away and we're back to standing.

Nader tries to sprawl but Spartan drives through with a takedown into half guard.
Spartan wants to stand up but Nader is controlling the position.

The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Spartan decides to stand and escape the position.
Nader is trying hard to land a takedown here. Spartan sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Frank Nader. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.

Spartan closes the distance and clinches.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Nader is working hard here but doesn't seem to be able to control effectively, up against the cage.
Spartan content to slow the pace in the clinch.
Spartan lands with a short shot to the head.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Spartan lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Nader backwards.
Nader fails to pull guard.
A nice left hand lands by Spartan.
Spartan is working Nader over against the cage.
Spartan looks to throw an elbow but misses.
Spartan lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
Spartan slowing the pace effectively.
Nader's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
Spartan lands a shoulder strike.
Spartan drops to a knee looking for a takedown but Nader gets the underhooks and prevents it.

Spartan breaks the clinch.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Nader dives in for a single leg takedown but Spartan sprawls and the fighters end up clinched against the cage.
Spartan lands with a left to the head.
Spartan looking for a takedown.
Spartan lands a body punch in the clinch.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Come on Spartan - let's have some action - none of this stalling nonsense.
Spartan cracks Nader with a nice body shot.
Come on Spartan - let's have some action - none of this stalling nonsense.
Spartan pushes Nader back against the cage and unloads with a body punch.
Spartan controlling the action here for a moment.
Spartan tries for a takedown but Nader manages to get underhooks.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Spartan has dropped down and is looking to force the takedown but it's defended by Nader after a bit of a struggle.
Nader has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Spartan is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.
Spartan is pushing Nader up against the cage, for a bit of lean and pray action. Action being used the in the loosest possible sense of the word.
Spartan lands a shot to the body.
Spartan is working for takedown but Nader is calmly controlling the position for now.
Spartan wants to get back to striking at distance but Nader won't allow it.
Nader wants to push off and get back to the center of the mat but Spartan has him pressed against the cage.

Spartan decides to pull guard.
Spartan wants to stand and escape but Nader is having none of it.

Spartan has managed to wall walk up one of the corner posts to get back to his feet. Nader is pushing him up against the cage, looking to control the position.
Nader stops a takedown attempt from Spartan.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Nader manages to break the clinch.

Spartan fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Nader, pushing him back against the cage.
John Spartan seems to be working more effectively in the clinch in the fight so far.
Nader's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
Spartan makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
Nader misses with an elbow over the top.
Nader landing some nice looking knees to the body.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Nader has had enough of the clinch and is looking to separate.
Nader is trying to work out of this bad position, with his back against the cage.
Spartan drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Nader has had enough of the clinch and is looking to separate.

Spartan breaks the clinch.
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 referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

Spartan rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Nader moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Spartan shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Nader pinned against the cage. Nader gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
Nader fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
John Spartan seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Spartan tries to clinch there but Nader circles away.

Spartan has Nader up against the cage in a clinch.
Spartan on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
Spartan lands a nice elbow.
Nader wants a takedown.
Nader jumps guard but his hands slip and he falls flat on his back. Well, he's made himself look a right mug there, as Spartan walks away with a smile on his face. Nader gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Frank Nader. That's going to take a lot out of him.

Spartan gets a clinch.
Come on Spartan - let's have some action - none of this stalling nonsense.

That's one minute gone in the round.
A short right from Spartan on the inside.
Nader tries a knee to the head but he's missed.
Nader is trying to force a seperation but Spartan has the dominant position.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Spartan holding his opponent close, against the cage.
Nader tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.
Spartan lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
Nader jumps guard but his hands slip and he falls flat on his back. Well, he's made himself look a right mug there, as Spartan walks away with a smile on his face. Nader gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head.
Nader has a takedown stuffed.
A right-left combo lands from Spartan.

It looks like Frank Nader has been cut.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Spartan misses with a few strikes there.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Spartan feints and as Nader raises his hands in defense, Spartan changes levels and drives through with a takedown into guard.

Spartan stands up and waves to Nader to follow him.

Spartan gets in close and instigates a clinch.

Nader is fighting off a takedown attempt but Spartan is just too persistent for him and manages to trip Nader to the mat. Nader regains guard as soon as the fighters hit the mat.
Spartan preventing the sweep.

Spartan stands up and waves to Nader to follow him.
Nader on the wrong end of an overhand right that came out of nowhere.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Spartan closes the distance and clinches.
Good anti-grappling being displayed by Spartan as Nader tries to tie him up.
Spartan has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Spartan lands an uppercut.
Spartan is trying to break the clinch but Nader has him pressed against the cage.
Spartan is trying to drag Nader to the mat but Nader just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.
Spartan is trying to break the clinch but Nader is controlling him.
Spartan working some nice short punches in the clinch.
Nader fails to pull the fight into his guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Spartan misses with an elbow over the top.
Nader is working hard here but doesn't seem to be able to control effectively, up against the cage.
Spartan slowing the pace effectively.
Nader is trying to drag Spartan to the mat but Spartan just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.
Spartan lands a right hand that snaps the head of Nader backwards.
Spartan working some nice short punches in the clinch.
Nader fails to pull guard.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Spartan throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Naders head.
Spartan is looking to take this one to the mat.
Spartan taking a breather.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

John Spartan really dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Frank Nader's cut.
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.

Spartan has managed to clinch.
Nader wants to take the fight to the mat but Spartan manages to get underhooks and keep the fight in the clinch.
Nader tries to stall but Spartan uses the opportunity to gain a better position.
Nader tries to pull guard but Spartan forces him back to his feet, against the cage.
Spartan lands a right hand that snaps the head of Nader backwards.
The referee calls for Spartan to work.
Spartan keeps control of Nader as he tries to wriggle out of the double underhooks.
Nader tries to pull guard but Spartan holds him up against the cage and eventually Nader drops back down to his feet.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Frank Nader. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Nader goes for a takedown in the clinch but Spartan prevents it.
Nader is trying to push Spartan away but Spartan has him pressed against the cage, so he's going nowhere.
It's got to the stage where if one of these guys blows hard enough, the other might fall over.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Spartan dodges an elbow strike from Nader.

Spartan is working on a single leg takedown against the cage. Nader can't fight it off and eventually Spartan manages to take the fight to the floor. Nader looks annoyed but at least he's managed to land in guard.
Spartan wants to get up but he can't break Nader's closed guard. He needs to be careful trying to break the legs open, as he's open to submissions here.

Spartan stands up and waves to Nader to follow him.

Spartan moves into range and clinches up with Nader.
Spartan's corner are urging him to control the action in the clinch for a moment, rather than mount any serious offense. I'm sure the crowd appreciate those instructions... not.
Spartan goes for a takedown attempt but Nader pushes him away and we're back to fighting at a distance.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Spartan misses with a leg kick.
Nader avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Nader fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Spartan avoids it really well and circles away.
Nader drops his hands and takes a jab to the jaw for his troubles.
Nader tries to close the distance and clinch up but Spartan swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Nader doesn't manage to clinch there - Spartan circles away.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!

Spartan scores with a takedown into Nader's guard.

Spartan stands up and waves to Nader to follow him.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Spartan connects with a body shot that sends Nader's belly button to the back.

Spartan clinches with his opponent.
Spartan is defending well against a takedown attempt.
Spartan blocks an elbow strike from Nader.

Spartan gets a nice trip takedown into half guard.
It looks like Spartan is going to stand back up.
Spartan stops Nader from getting back to his feet.
Nader is looking to control Spartan's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Nader avoid being mounted?

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Spartan tries to stand but can't do so whilst Nader controls his leg.

Spartan stands up from half guard.

Spartan takes the fight into the clinch.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Nader throws an elbow that misses.
Spartan controlling the action here for a moment.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Nader wants to break the clinch but can't.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

John Spartan dominated that fourth round.
The cut man is working on Frank Nader's cut.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action! Let's get this one finished - here comes the final round!

Nader dives in and grabs Spartan's left leg, looking for a takedown. Spartan pushes down on Nader's head and hops out.
Nader doesn't manage to clinch there - Spartan circles away.

Spartan closes the distance and pushes Nader back into the cage.

Nader drags the fight down to the ground.
Nader is working an open guard here, looking to improve his position. No doubt that will leave him open to counters but at least he's being more offensive.

Spartan decides to stand up and beckons his opponent to follow.

Spartan moves into the clinch.
A shot in the inside from Spartan.
A nice left hand lands by Spartan.
Spartan wants to break the clinch but can't.
Spartan goes for a takedown in the clinch but Nader prevents it.
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.
Spartan lands a shot to the body.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Nader missing with knees to the body.
Spartan has Nader pressed against the cage.

Spartan decides to pull guard.
Nader is just sitting in guard, looking to avoid any submissions.
Nader prevents Spartan from getting back to his feet.
Nader throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Spartan wants to stand up but Nader is controlling him.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Nader is looking to stand up but Spartan won't let him.
Nader wants to control from the top but Spartan keeps moving.
Spartan wants to stand and escape but Nader is having none of it.
Nader wants to stand but Spartan has a closed guard, so he can't escape.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up, due to lack of activity on the part of Frank Nader.

Spartan rushes Nader and presses him up against the cage.
Nader is trying to pull guard but Spartan has him pressed against the cage.
Nader is looking to control Spartan's arms but Spartan gets an underhook and turns him. Now Nader has his back to the cage.
Spartan is trying to force a seperation but Nader has the dominant position.
Spartan lands a left hand.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Spartan manages to pull guard. Let's see whether he can land a sub off his back.
Spartan keeping moving, preventing Nader from controlling successfully.
Nader has decided he wants to stand but the closed guard of Spartan is proving hard to escape from.
Nader won't allow Spartan to get back to his feet.
Nader wants to control from the top but Spartan keeps moving.
Spartan wants to stand but Nader is controlling the position.
John Spartan 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.

We're going to have a standup here because Frank Nader wasn't active enough for the referee's liking.

Spartan clinches up against the cage.
Nader is working on a leg, looking for a takedown but Spartan is defending well.
Frank Nader has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Frank Nader. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Nader fails to pull the fight into his guard.
Spartan taking a breather.
With the fighters up against the cage, Nader throws an elbow but misses.
Spartan prevents a body shot from Nader.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.

Spartan works for the underhooks and manages to get a trip takedown into guard.

Spartan stands up from Nader's guard - Spartan perhaps looking for a knockout.

And that's the end of the fight!
John Spartan comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
Well Spartan has outworked and out performed his opponent in all aspects of the game today. He was simply too good and the decision should be no more than a formality. 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 Frank Dennis scores the fight 45:50
Judge Daniel Franklin scores the fight 45:50
Judge Tiny Johnson scores the fight 45:50

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... John Spartan!
John Spartan bigged himself up after the win. The crowd seemed to love it.