PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Van Pol (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Joe Spencer (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Both fighters look pumped up here. Let's hope this is a good fight!

Pol
vs
Spencer

175 cm
23
165 lbs
8 - 0 - 0

177 cm
23
170 lbs
8 - 3 - 0

Good wrestling
Lethal high kicks
Very quick

Good wrestler
Excellent boxer
Granite chin

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 8 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Van Pol!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 8 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Joe Spencer!
The judges for this bout are Jack Bonds, Frank Antenori and Don Winkell.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Spencer connects with a slap. Keep your fist closed son.
Pol throws a head kick that misses.
Spencer ducks low and lands a nice hook to the body of his opponent.
That's a knee to de groin and it's over and out! Spencer crumples to the ground after an illegal strike from Pol - the referee stops the clock and Spencer gets 5 minutes to recover from that one. "I'm sorry" says Pol. Spencer manages to get back to his feet and the fight resumes.
Pol misses with a low kick.
A low kick from Pol misses

so Spencer counters with a double leg into guard. Good agility.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Spencer accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Pol is pulling down on Spencer's head to control his posture.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Pol is trying to control the position from the bottom.
Spencer stopping the sweep attempt from Pol.

Van Pol has forced the referee to step in and bring the fight back to the feet.
Spencer checks a low kick from Pol.

That's one minute gone in the round.
A big right from Spencer misses.
Pol scores with a spinning back kick!
Spencer darts in looking for a takedown but Pol gets double underhooks and turns Spencer into the cage.
Pol is clearly stalling here... Pick up the pace son.
Spencer changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Pol fights it off and pushes away nicely.
Pol throws a couple of head shots and lands with the final one - a decent hook, which struck Spencer on the side of the head.
Pol throws a head kick that misses

and Spencer counters with a nice double leg into guard.
Pol trying to control the position.
Spencer with a flurry of punches that miss.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Pol not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
Spencer stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Pol swivels though and keeps the full guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Pol pulls Spencer in to control the position.
We've had a lack of effective grappling in the last minute or so, which could well see a referee standup.
Pol trying to control the position.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

Van Pol has forced the referee to step in and bring the fight back to the feet.
Pol throws a sloppy head kick and Spencer moves out of range easily.
Spencer closes the distance and lands a one-two.
We've been told by Pol's head coaches at Silverback MMA Academy (Elite + Sauna & 160VM) that he's been working on his takedown defense in preparation for this fight.
Pol moves out of range of the leg kick from Spencer.
The fighters circle momentarily. Pol darts into range and connects with a nice straight punch.
Pol takes one on the chin but keeps coming.
Pol scores with a jab to the body.
Spencer blocks a leg kick.
Spencer throws a big shot that misses.
Pol throws a head kick that Spencer semi-blocks.

It looks like Joe Spencer has been cut.
Pol throws a leg kick which misses Spencer's front leg but catches the back leg as Spencer tries to avoid it.
Pol staying out of range there.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Pol lets loose with a powerful body kick. Spencer will feel that in the morning.
Pol fakes a jab and then connects with a hook.
Pol thumps Spencer with a low kick.
A low kick from Spencer is predictable there
and Pol cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Pol cracks the inside of Spencer's front leg.
Spencer throws a combination. Pol tries to block but a couple of punches get through.
Van Pol is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Pol slips a jab from Spencer.
Pol throws a leg kick which misses Spencer's front leg but catches the back leg as Spencer tries to avoid it.
Pol throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Pol ducks under a wild hook from Spencer.
Spencer comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
A low kick from Pol misses

and Spencer counters with a nice double leg into side control. Pol won't be happy with that.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Pol is looking to reverse the position.
Spencer in the domination position with Pol hanging on.
Pol tries to improve position but can't.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Pol tries to control but end up mounted... ooooh, that's bad.
BOOM! Spencer connects with a massive shot to the dome!
Spencer in mount throwing good strikes here, bouncing his opponent's head off the canvas.
Spencer lands a couple of nice shots there from mount.
Spencer tucks in and makes sure he doesn't lose the dominant position.
My spies in VIP / 14 Elite Coaches / 1000$ inform me that Spencer has been getting involved in the gym's BJJ sparring sessions. Let's see whether that pays dividends!
Pol really trying hard to get back to half guard here.
Spencer trying to control but Pol is having none of it.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Poor strikes thrown by Spencer there. More accuracy and less frantic strikes would help!
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but Joe Spencer will probably get the nod.
The cut man is working on Joe Spencer's cut.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action.

Spencer swings for the body but Pol moves out of range.
Pol lands with a right hand.
Spencer scores with a jab to the jaw.
Spencer blocks a low kick nicely.
Spencer connects with a jab.
Spencer scores with a jab to the head.
Pol scores with a leg kick.
Spencer blocks a head kick by Pol.
Spencer looks to throw the jab but Pol is out of range.
Joe Spencer seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Pol takes a big uppercut there. He seems a bit wobbly but no, he's OK.
Pol cracks Spencer with an open hand slap.
Pol fakes with the hands and throws a leg kick but Spencer is out of range.
A solid body kick from Pol.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Pol tries a head kick but it misses.
Pol takes a step back and watches a body kick go sailing past his mid section.
Pol walks into a left hand.
Spencer throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Pol looks to throw the jab but Spencer is out of range.
Pol looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.
Pol dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Spencer wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.
Spencer shoots in looking for a takedown but Pol manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Spencer's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
Pol throws a leg kick

and Spencer decides to take the opportunity to score a takedown. He's landed in Pol's guard.
Pol is trying to control the position but Spencer postures up.
Pol bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Spencer's guard.

Pol decides he's had enough of playing guard and decides to stand. Come on Spencer, up you get!
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Pol throws the kick towards the body but Spencer avoids it.
Spencer lands with a good body shot.
Pol scoring well with a low kick there.
Pol lands with a thumping leg kick.
Spencer displaying good standup as he scores with a three punch combination.
A thudding body kick lands there by Pol!

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Pol tries to sprawl but Spencer drives through with a takedown into half guard.
Pol has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Spencer is working away from the top position though.
Spencer seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Pol does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.
Pol keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Spencer is trying to control the action in half guard but Pol is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.
Joe Spencer has got the better of the ground game so far.
Spencer wants to pass to mount but Pol is defending the position.
Pol tries to get to full guard but Spencer has control of the leg.
Spencer takes a deep breath and rests his weight momentarily on top of his opponent, to control the position.
The referee wants the fighters to be more active or he's going to reset them on the feet.
Pol regains full guard. Nicely done.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Spencer trying to control the position from guard on top but Pol is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Spencer being controlled here momentarily.

The ref stands the fighters back up, due to lack of action by Joe Spencer.
Spencer shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
A jab from Pol misses.
Spencer shoots in for a takedown but Pol shows good takedown defense.
Van Pol has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Joe Spencer.
A left and a right from Spencer both land. Nice combination.
Pol throws a hook but Spencer blocks it.
Pol jabs Spencer to the body, keeping him at a distance.
Pol throws a body kick that digs right into the meat.
Pol takes a body punch but keeps moving.
A lazy body kick from Pol

and Spencer counters with a driving takedown into guard. Nice work there by Spencer.

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!
Spencer trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Pol seems keen to control Spencer's posture.
Pol has controlled the position for a good 20 seconds, which will no doubt be starting to frustrate his opponent.
Pol keeping moving, preventing Spencer from controlling successfully.
We must be close to a standup if these guys don't pick up the pace.
Spencer in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Spencer throwing strikes but missing.
Pol tries to land a sweep but no joy.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close second round but Joe Spencer will probably get the nod - 10:9.
The cut man is working on Joe Spencer'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.

Pol defending well as Spencer loads up on a big left hand.
Pol throws a sloppy head kick and Spencer moves out of range easily.
Spencer cracks Pol with a good jab.
Spencer feints a jab promting Pol to slip. Spencer then demonstrates his capabilities by jabbing again. Pol slips again and ducks right into an uppercut.
Spencer throws a body punch but Pol moves out of range.
Pol slips under a jab.
Pol looking to land some kicks to the body here.
Spencer takes a step back and watches a body kick go sailing past his mid section.
Spencer thows a body shot but no joy.
Pol will need to close the distance a bit before he attacks - that leg kick was thrown from too far away.

Spencer looking to shoot here. He's gone for it and he's landed a takedown into side control! Oh, that's bad for Pol!
Both fighters take a look at the clock.
Spencer tries to score with some ground and pound. Pol controls his posture well this time though and the shots don't do any damage.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Spencer looking to punish the body of his opponent here but Pol is avoiding damage well.
Pol is sneaking out the side here. He's bucked Spencer off and has taken his back!
Spencer is being controlled on the ground here - he must escape this position otherwise surely the end is near.

Pol is working hard for the rear naked choke here.

Spencer showing good submission defense here.
Pol wants to control but Spencer manages to buck him off and is now in Pol's guard! Nice work there by Spencer!
Spencer being controlled here momentarily.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Pol is trying to control the position but Spencer postures up.
Spencer stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Pol swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Pol controls Spencer momentarily but Spencer frees himself.
Pol is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move.
Spencer tries to roll over but Pol keeps him under control.
Pol wants to stand up but Spencer is controlling the position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Pol is looking for a kimura but he's never going to get it from there.
Pol wants to lay and pray for a moment but Spencer keeps working.
Spencer tries to get to full guard but Pol has control of the leg.
Pol tries to stand but his hand is stuck under Spencer.
Spencer keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Spencer is looking to improve his position.
Pol tries to stand but his arm is trapped.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Spencer is staying active underneath Pol, who seems content to just control the action from this position.
Pol tries to stand but his arm is trapped.
Pol prevents Spencer from improving his position.

The ref stands the fighters back up because Van Pol just wasn't active enough.
Pol connects with an inside leg kick.
Pol pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Spencer throws a hook but Pol avoids it easily.
A head kick from Pol lands but Spencer takes it in his stride.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Pol connects with a lovely right hand, straight down the pipe.
Pol stooping low to avoid any incoming strikes and then lunges in with an uppercut come cross that lands flush.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Spencer throws a series of strikes that have Pol backpedaling.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Spencer thows a body shot but no joy.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Van Pol clearly takes that round.
The cut man is working on Joe Spencer's cut.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!

Ouch! a nice leg kick from Spencer, right into the meat.
Spencer thows a body shot but no joy.
Pol fakes a couple of low kicks, before throwing one on the third attempt. It connects and Spencer has to reset his feet before getting ready to engage.
Spencer dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Pol misses with a leg kick.
Spencer blocks a head kick by Pol.
A low kick from Pol is predictable there

and Spencer counters with a nice single leg takedown and he's in Pol's guard now.
Pol looking to hit a scissor sweep but Spencer is one step ahead there.
Pol is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Spencer keeps in close for a moment and lands a decent shot to the side of Pol's head.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Spencer postures up in Pol's guard and throws a big left but Pol blocks it.
Pol is pulling down on Spencer's head to control his posture.
Pol not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
Spencer trying to control the position from guard on top but Pol is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Pol looking to control.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up, due to lack of activity on the part of Van Pol.
Left hook, right uppercut from Spencer.
Spencer takes a thudding leg kick, right into the meat of the thigh.
Spencer scores with a sloppy punch to the body. Not much technique there but it did the business.
Pol wants to slow Spencer down by chopping away at his legs.
Pol throws a head kick that misses.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Spencer cracks a nice hook into Pol's ribs.
Pol throws a head kick that misses.
Spencer's leg has a nasty welt from taking a succession of leg kicks. That must be slowing him down.
It's got to the stage where if one of these guys blows hard enough, the other might fall over.
Nice takedown defense from Pol. No joy for Spencer on that attempt.
Spencer connects with a body shot.
Van Pol is winning the standup battle so far.
Pol throws a leg kick but Spencer sees it coming and moves out of range.
Pol throws a body kick that misses.
Pol throws a hook to the side of Spencer's head but Spencer sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Ouch! a nice leg kick from Pol, right into the meat.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Spencer misses with a low kick.
Pol misses with a leg kick.
Spencer scores with a punch to the head.
Spencer misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Pol throws a low kick, looking for Spencer's leg but Spencer calmly moves out of range.
Pol throws a leg kick that misses.

Spencer feints and then dives in with a takedown. That was a long way out but the feint bought him enough time to close the distance and complete the takedown. Now we'll play guard for a bit and see who can get the better of that position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Spencer in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Pol trying to control the position.
Spencer pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Pol is keeping the position for now.
Pol is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Spencer trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Spencer in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
The referee must be thinking about standing these guys back up.
Pol working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Spencer.
Pol is avoiding any damage by keeping wrist control.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Pol keeping moving, preventing Spencer from controlling successfully.

Van Pol has forced the referee to step in and bring the fight back to the feet.
Pol looks to throw the jab but Spencer is out of range.
Spencer darts in looking for a takedown but Pol gets double underhooks and turns Spencer into the cage.
Pol misses with a hook to the ribs.
Pol goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Spencer has Pol pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Pol manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.
Van Pol has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Joe Spencer.

Spencer breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Pol takes a push kick to the midsection and stumbles backwards.
Pol throws a hook to the side of Spencer's head but Spencer sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Pol looks for the body kick but Spencer saw that one coming.
Spencer has developed a nice purple lump on his ribcage, as a result of some heavy body kicks from Pol.
A left lands for Spencer.
Nice cross by Spencer.
Pol throws a head kick but Spencer moves out of range.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Joe Spencer dominated that fourth round.
The cut man is working on Joe Spencer'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. The crowd applaud as we get ready to start the final round!

Well, he's not going to score with shots like that. A lazy body kick attempt from Pol.
Nice sprawl there from Pol as Spencer shoots in.
Pol gets cracked with a nice right hand there by Spencer.
A good leg kick by Pol.
Pol tries to score with an inside leg kick but telegraphs it and Spencer is able to avoid easily.
Pol lands a leg kick that knocks Spencer off balance momentarily.
Pol throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
A jab from Spencer finds it's way through Pol's defenses.
Pol throws a solid leg kick but Spencer takes the impact on his shin and smiles at Pol.

Spencer closes the distance and looks for a trip takedown... aaaand he's got it - Spencer lands in his opponent's guard.
Pol is avoiding any damage by keeping wrist control.
Spencer throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Pol works some decent striking defense from the bottom.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Spencer slows down the pace of the fight, as he sits in guard.
Spencer postures up.
Pol tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Pol is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.

The ref stands the fighters back up. Van Pol wasn't doing enough on the ground.
Spencer lands a really nice looking cross but Pol seems unphased.
Pol is looking to slow Spencer down with leg kicks.
Spencer tests Pol's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Spencer bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Van Pol has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Pol throws a body kick that sends a sickening thudding noise reverberating around the arena.
Spencer uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Pol.
Spencer misses with a few strikes there.
Pol checks a low kick from Spencer.
Spencer tries to drive through with a takedown attempt but Pol defends well and Spencer ends up having to push Pol into the cage where they will battle it out in the clinch.
Pol looks like he's developed a pretty tasty lump over his left eye. He'll need to avoid taking much more damage to that.
Spencer is trying to drag Pol to the mat but Pol just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.
Van Pol has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Joe Spencer.
Spencer is wobbling all over the place through exhaustion. Will he make it to the final bell?
Spencer pushes Pol back against the cage and unloads with a body punch.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Pol.
Spencer lands a left hand.
Pol throws a head punch that misses.

Pol's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Pol lands with a right hand.
Pol attempts a low kick but it misses it's target.
Nice body kick from Pol.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Pol tests Spencer's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Spencer uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Pol.
Pol bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Spencer motions for Pol to come forward. Spencer throws a leg kick but it misses it's target.
Spencer avoids the head kick by Pol.
Pol throws a nice outside leg kick.
Pol moves forwards but Spencer connects with a nice, crisp jab.

Spencer is looking for a takedown here. He's shot in and has managed to get it, finishing up in Pol's half guard.
Spencer wants to lay and pray for a moment but Pol keeps working.
Pol won't allow Spencer to pass to mount.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Pol wants to control but Spencer is keeping busy.
Pol tries to roll over but Spencer keeps him under control.
Pol is trying to control but can't.
Spencer missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
Joe Spencer is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Pol trying to control here.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.

Van Pol has forced the referee to step in and bring the fight back to the feet.
Spencer throws a two punch combo that lands nicely.
Pol lands with a hook. Spencer tried to avoid it but it clipped the top of his head.

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 Van Pol.
I think Spencer 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 Jack Bonds scores the fight 47:48
Judge Frank Antenori scores the fight 47:48
Judge Don Winkell scores the fight 48:48

In favor of your winner, by majority decision... Joe Spencer!
Joe Spencer is the new lightweight champion!
A relieved looking Joe Spencer thanked the fans for their support and gave the usual line about them being amazing. They seemed to believe that he actually meant it.