PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Matt Murdock (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Gary Player (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Murdock comes to the cage accompanied by You're Blind. Player is bobbing his head along to his entrance song: Jeezy - Foul Play. The atmosphere really building for this one as we go over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Murdock
vs
Player

183 cm
33
189 lbs
33 - 5 - 0

178 cm
30
185 lbs
16 - 3 - 0

Great wrestler
World class boxer
Insanely flexible

Good wrestler
World class MT
Granite chin

Hell's Balls Recovery (160)
Convicted Trap House

Heisenberg
Conviction

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the middleweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 33 - 5 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Matt Murdock!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 16 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Gary Player!
The judges for this bout are James Ackerman, Steven Brown and Donald Grub.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Good leg kick by Murdock there. It's the ones that make that thud noise that hurt and that was an almighty thud.
Murdock just misses with a punch to the body.
Player throws a nice looking combination but Murdock bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Murdock tries to clinch up.
Player throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Player will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
Player listening to his corner there, landing a nice uppercut.
Murdock definitely looks more muscular than last time we saw him fight.
Murdock misses with a body kick.
A big right from Murdock misses.
Player looks to land a combination but Murdock avoids it well.
Player tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Murdock was well out of range. Poor timing from Player.
Murdock scores with a hook.
Player avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Murdock throws a lazy right hand but Player sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Player takes one on the chin but keeps coming.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Murdock throws a sloppy head kick and Player moves out of range easily.
Player connects with a right hand. Murdock shakes it off.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Murdock uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Player.
A shot to the body from Player misses
and Murdock makes him pay by landing a nice hook to the body before moving out of range.
No joy there for Player, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Murdock wants to clinch.
Murdock looks to score with a jab to the body but Player is just out of range.
Player throws a sloppy head kick and Murdock moves out of range easily.
Murdock ducks under a wild hook from Player.
Player ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Gary Player is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Player misses with a hook. Murdock ducked under it nicely.

Player gets caught flat footed, as Murdock shoots in with a quick takedown into guard.
Murdock trying to control but Player is working from the bottom.
Murdock is going to have to think about doing something other than just controlling because Player is managing to avoid having the position dictated to him.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Player looking for a sweep. Not yet Player, not yet.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Murdock throws a big right hand that misses.
Murdock makes a bit of distance and scores with some ground and pound, still in guard.
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!
Murdock pushing down on Player's thigh, trying to pass to half guard. He's managed it... Nice work.
Player gets full guard.
Player working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Murdock.
Player is doing well to control the posture of his opponent and prevent any damage.
Player looking for a sweep. Not yet Player, not yet.
Murdock scoring with some ground and pound.
Murdock working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Player keeping moving, preventing Murdock from controlling successfully.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Player avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Murdock throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Murdock stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Player swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Player wants to hit a switch here but Murdock passes into full mount! Oh no, disaster for Player there!
Murdock lands a couple of good shots and Player has given up his back, trying to escape the position!
You can see the frustration on Player's face… He knows he is in trouble unless he improves his position sooner rather than later.
Murdock 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.
Player rolls and manages to get back to half guard. Nicely done.
Murdock missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Player is looking to improve his position.
Player is trying to maintain the position but Murdock is very close to passing his half guard.
Player wants to get back to full guard.
Player trying to control here.
Player tries to roll over but Murdock keeps him under control.
Player keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Murdock missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Player keeping control of the position.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Matt Murdock dominated that round.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!

Good work by Murdock as he checks the leg kick.
Murdock uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Player.
Murdock lands a right hook to the body.
Player takes a jab on the nose there. A little bit of blood seems to be coming out. Hopefully that won't affect his breathing.
Murdock throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Player sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Player fakes a jab and throws a low kick but Murdock checks it well.
Player avoids the head kick by Murdock.
A combination from Player does no damage.
Player with a nice cross.
Murdock lands with a nice body punch.
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!
Murdock checks a low kick. Bone on bone - not my idea of a good time.
Murdock tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Player was well out of range. Poor timing from Murdock.
Murdock takes a really solid shot there but just smiles back and shrugs his shoulders.
Player has done a lot of speed work in the buildup to this fight.
Murdock keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Player.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Player throws a jab when Murdock was well out of range.
Murdock connects with a good right hand that stumbles Player. Player circles away out of range and recomposes himself.
Player throws a solid leg kick but Murdock takes the impact on his shin and smiles at Player.
The fighters circle momentarily. Player darts into range and connects with a nice straight punch.
Murdock thows a body kick. Player tries to catch it but that hurt him.
Player lands a head kick. Murdock smiles back at him and beckons him forward.
Murdock connects with a high kick.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Murdock throws a head kick but Player moves out of range.
A left lands for Player.
Murdock throws a shot to the body.
An inside leg kick from Murdock misses.
Player stuffs the takedown attempt from Murdock. Murdock gets slowly back to his feet.
Player wants to land a leg kick but Murdock is out of range.
The fighters circling - Murdock throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Murdock cracks the inside of Player's front leg.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Murdock misses with a hook to the body

and Player counters with a shoot takedown. Murdock fights it but they end up in guard.
Murdock pulls Player in close to prevent any damage.
Player missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Murdock working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Player.
Murdock controlling the position.
Player throwing strikes from guard but Murdock blocks nicely.
Murdock keeping moving, preventing Player from controlling successfully.
Murdock is adopting a defensive guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Murdock wants to sweep but no luck.
Player trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Player attempts a low kick but it misses it's target.
Player pushes Murdock away with a front kick.
Murdock swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Murdock moves away from the strike by Player.
Murdock moves out of range as Player throws a body kick.
Player waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Murdock.
Player tries to land a leg kick but Murdock saw it coming and moves away.
Murdock misses with an uppercut
and Player connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
A head kick from Murdock lands but Player takes it in his stride.
Player fakes a jab and scores with a low kick.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Murdock takes a thudding leg kick, right into the meat of the thigh.
Player lands an overhand right.
Player cracks Murdock with a good shot that sees him stumbling back into the cage.
A decent looking cross lands there for Murdock.
Player finds nothing but air with that leg kick attempt.
Player defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Murdock.
Nice straight punches there by Player. You know Roy Jones Jr respects the hands of Player.
Murdock takes a thudding leg kick, right into the meat of the thigh.
Player misses with a hook. Murdock ducked under it nicely.
Murdock tries to clinch up but Player circles away and keeps his distance.
Player throws a body kick but he wasn't in range.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Player is looking to land body kicks.
Murdock looks to land a left hand but Player moved out of range nicely.
Murdock throws an ugly left hook that misses
and Player counters with an inside leg kick.
Matt Murdock is winning the standup battle so far.
A solid leg kick lands there for Player.
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 Matt Murdock will probably get the nod.
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.

Nice jab there from Player.
Player sees a low kick coming and goes to check it, but it's actually a body kick and it thuds into his unprotected ribs.
Murdock throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd.
Murdock takes a swing at Player's ribcage but misses.
Murdock throws a solid leg kick but Player takes the impact on his shin and smiles at Murdock.
Player connects with a body shot.
Player sees a low kick coming and goes to check it, but it's actually a body kick and it thuds into his unprotected ribs.
Murdock throws a nice inside leg kick.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Player looks to land a right hand but Murdock moved out of range.
Murdock feints and then cracks Player's leading leg with a nice low kick. He's obviously looking to slow Player down.
Murdock throws a leg kick

and Player counters with a nice double leg into guard.
Murdock is avoiding any damage by keeping wrist control.

That's one minute gone in the round.
The referee is asking the fighters to pick up the pace.

We're going to have a standup here because Matt Murdock wasn't active enough for the referee's liking.
Murdock gets cracked there but stands up to it.
The fighters circling - Player throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Player blocks a head kick by Murdock.
Player smiles there as he lands a nice right hand right on the button.
Player steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Murdock.
Player misses with a leg kick.
Player stumbles momentarily as he takes a strong leg kick from Murdock.
Murdock gets off balance looking for a body kick
letting Player counter with a right hand.
Player lands a jab to the head.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Murdock doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
Murdock moving in and out of range nicely, whilst landing the scoring shot.
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!
Player takes an uppercut right on the jaw but it doesn't phase him.
Murdock uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Player.
Player lands with a two punch combination before moving back out of range.
A clash of legs there as Murdock blocks the low kick.
Player throws a head kick but Murdock moves out of range.
Murdock tries for a takedown but Player sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Murdock shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Player defends it nicely.
Murdock throws a right hand that misses
and Player counters with a good low kick that Murdock was not able to check.
Murdock throws out a leg kick but Player moves out of range and Murdock only half commits.
Murdock takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.
Player connects with a looping left hand that seems like it dazed Murdock momentarily.
Murdock sees a low kick coming and goes to check it, but it's actually a body kick and it thuds into his unprotected ribs.
Gary Player seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Player lands a jab to the nose.
Player takes a nice looking leg kick right on the meat of his thigh there.
Murdock scores with a push kick.
Murdock pivots as if he's going to throw a leg kick but stops half way.
Nice cross by Murdock.
Player thows a leg kick but Murdock checks it
and Murdock connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Murdock throws a leg kick which misses Player's front leg but catches the back leg as Player tries to avoid it.
Player moves out of range of the body kick.
Murdock displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Player throws out the jab.
Player misses the jab.
Player throws a series of punches but Murdock moves out of range.
Murdock fakes a couple of low kicks, before throwing one on the third attempt. It connects and Player has to reset his feet before getting ready to engage.
Player takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
This has been an exciting period of action!
A combination from Player does no damage.
Murdock lands a leg kick and bounces back out of range.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Murdock tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Player paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Player lands with a shot to the body.

Murdock rushes Player and presses him up against the cage.
Murdock lands a hook that snaps the head of Player backwards.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Murdock.
Player lands with a left to the head.
Murdock lands an uppercut.
Murdock misses with the head strike.
Murdock throws a head punch that misses.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Murdock.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, Player creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
Murdock misses with the head strike.
Player throws a head punch that misses.
Player lands with a light punch inside.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Murdock lands a body shot in the clinch.
Murdock lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
Murdock lands an uppercut.
Player blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Player's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Player scores with a decent looking hook.
Player misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Murdock.
Player lands with a nice low kick. That'll leave a bruise.
Player lands a jab to Murdock's midsection.
Murdock fails in his attempt to clinch.
Murdock connects with a solid leg kick.
Player throws a lazy right hand but Murdock sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Murdock swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
A looping hook to the body misses from Murdock. Player does a little dance to reset his feet.
Murdock throws a big shot that misses.
Player connects with a looping right hand.
Murdock swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Player throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Murdock.
Player attempts a low kick but it misses it's target.
That kick from Player tenderised Murdock's leg. Murdock is trying to keep his angry face on.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Player walks into a stiff left hand from Murdock.
Murdock ducks under a wild hook from Player.
Like a baseball bat into the meat of his leg there - nice leg kick by Player.
Player lands a nice shot to the body.
A looping hook to the body misses from Murdock. Player does a little dance to reset his feet.
Murdock waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Player.
Player fakes and then throws a beautiful body shot. Murdock looks a bit winded and takes a step backwards to take a breath.
Murdock misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Player.
Player fakes a couple of low kicks, before throwing one on the third attempt. It connects and Murdock has to reset his feet before getting ready to engage.
Murdock misses with a low kick as Player jumps back.
An inside leg kick from Murdock misses.
Player takes a thudding leg kick, right into the meat of the thigh.
Player fakes the leg kick and cracks Murdock in the body.
Player throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Murdock drops his hands momentarily and Player takes advantage with a crisp shot to the head.
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!
Player works the jab nicely.
Good work by Murdock as he checks the leg kick.
Murdock keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Player.
Player missing with a left hand there. Murdock was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Player scores with a sloppy right hand. Murdock should have avoided that one.
Murdock attempts a low kick but it misses it's target.
A combination from Player does no damage.
Player ducks down and throws a hook to the body.
Player connects with a leg kick. He turned his hip over nicely there.
An inside leg kick from Player misses.
Player on the wrong end of a nice jab.
Murdock throws a half hearted mid kick.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
A head kick misses from Player.
Player avoids a kick to the body.
Murdock misses with an uppercut.
Murdock getting the better of the striking in that exchange.
Nice body kick from Player.
Player tries a low kick but Murdock avoids it.
Player's leg has a nasty welt from taking a succession of leg kicks. That must be slowing him down.
Murdock fakes a jab and scores with a low kick.
Murdock misses with the body kick
and Player counters with a nice uppercut.
Murdock looking to throw a kick but he's pulled out of it.
Murdock throws a lazy uppercut
and Player counters with a good low kick that Murdock was not able to check.
Murdock swings away with a leg kick that misses.
Player throws a good cross that connects.
A head kick misses from Player.
Player lands a powerful looking uppercut that connected with his opponent's jaw.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Player scoring well with a low kick there.
Player moves out of range of the strikes.
Murdock goes for a high kick. It partially lands.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Murdock shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Player but Player pushes him off and we're back to square one.
It's got to the stage where if one of these guys blows hard enough, the other might fall over.
Murdock has his front leg slapped to the side - a nice low kick landing there from Player.
Player fakes and then throws a beautiful body shot. Murdock looks a bit winded and takes a step backwards to take a breath.
Player moves out of range of the body kick.
Player throws a leg kick that misses.
Murdock wants to clinch up but Player keeps it at a distance.
Murdock looks like he's developed a pretty tasty lump over his left eye. He'll need to avoid taking much more damage to that.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Player looks to land a combination but Murdock avoids it well.
Murdock takes a really solid shot there but just smiles back and shrugs his shoulders.
Player loads up on a big right hand but Murdock slips the punch.
Player tries to score with an inside leg kick but telegraphs it and Murdock is able to avoid easily.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Gary Player dominated that fourth 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. This is the final round!

Player misses with a low kick.
Murdock moving in and out of range nicely, whilst landing the scoring shot.
Murdock uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Player.
Player has his hands up protecting his head but a hook from Murdock finds it's way round the side to connect with Player's head.
Murdock needs to keep his hands up - Player had a free shot at his head there.
Murdock avoids the head kick by Player.
Player just misses with a punch to the body.
Murdock throws a sloppy head kick
and Player counters with a leg kick that reverborates around the arena.
Player throws a nice inside leg kick.
Murdock throws a body kick that sends a sickening thudding noise reverberating around the arena.
Murdock is looking to slow Player down with leg kicks.
A big left from Murdock misses.
Player scores with a body shot.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Murdock throws a hard body shot but it just misses.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Player throws a lazy right hand but Murdock sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Player thows a left - swing and a miss!
Player lands a head shot.
Player buckles his opponent's knee momentarily with a nice leg kick.
Player throws a push kick but Murdock slaps the foot to one side.
Murdock fails to land with a series of punches.

Murdock closes the distance and clinches.
Murdock misses with a shot to the kidneys.
A short uppercut from Murdock.
A head punch on the inside from Player fails to land.
Murdock misses with the head strike.
Player misses with a short punch on the inside.
Player tries to throw a body punch but Murdock avoids it by throwing Player back against the cage.
Murdock tries a body shot but Player blocks it.
Murdock misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Murdock working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
Player misses with the head strike.
Gary Player has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Murdock blocks a punch to the side of the head.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Player.
Player lands a left hand.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Player working aggressively here.
Player lands an uppercut.
Player blocking some punches.
Murdock swings wildly with an uppercut but Player uses good head movement to avoid it.
A right hand to the body from Murdock.
Player is wobbling all over the place through exhaustion. Will he make it to the final bell?
Murdock lands a body punch.
Player misses with a hook from the clinch.
Murdock digs a right hand into Player's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Player's gas tank.
Murdock fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Murdock.
Murdock blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.
Murdock fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
A short right from Murdock on the inside.
Murdock gets through Player's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
Murdock lands a left hand that snaps the head of Player backwards.
Murdock blocks a punch to the side of the head.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Player working aggressively here.
Murdock tries to work over Player's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Murdock lands a left hand that snaps the head of Player backwards.
Murdock lands a right hand that snaps the head of Player backwards.
Player misses with the head strike.
Player softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
Murdock working aggressively here.
Murdock misses with a punch on the inside.
A head punch on the inside from Player fails to land.
Murdock doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Player working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Player.
Player misses with a short punch on the inside.
Murdock tries for a takedown but Player manages to get underhooks.
Player throws a punch but it's blocked by Murdock.
Player blocks an uppercut.
Murdock misses with some punches.
Player misses with a punch to the body.

Murdock has hold of one of Player's legs. Player is fighting the takedown attempt but Murdock gets the trip and lands the takedown into guard.
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!
Player is doing well to control the posture of his opponent and prevent any damage.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Murdock preventing the sweep.
Murdock landing with the ground and pound.
Murdock throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Hammerfist, elbow! yells Murdock's corner. There ya go! There ya go!
Murdock trying to pass the guard. He's being very persistent here but Player manages to land a sweep and now he's on top!
Murdock looking to hit a scissor sweep but Player is one step ahead there.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Player throws a big elbow that misses.

And that's the end of the fight!
Matt Murdock showed his dominance in that final round.
Well Murdock has outscored his opponent in every aspect of the fight today. Only a scarily incompetent judge or two will keep him from a well deserved win... 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 James Ackerman scores the fight 48:47
Judge Steven Brown scores the fight 49:46
Judge Donald Grub scores the fight 49:46

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Matt Murdock!
Matt Murdock retains his middleweight title!
Post fight, an emotional Matt Murdock said 'Great fight Gary you are a great fighter. Merry Christmas everyone.'.
In defeat, Gary Player stepped up to the mic, saying 'You win some, you lose some. Murdock was the better man tonight. It was an honor to face such a great fighter. '.