PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between James Proudstar (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Daniel Speed (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Proudstar's entrance music is On the Warpath. A fine choice. Speed has chosen Amon Tobin / El Cargo as his entrance music. Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Proudstar
vs
Speed

225 cm
29
276 lbs
15 - 0 - 0

200 cm
29
239 lbs
30 - 9 - 0

Great wrestler
World class boxer
Insanely flexible

Olympic wrestler
World class MT
Granite chin

Conviction
Convicted Trap House

Perkele!
Heisenberg

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, in the heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 15 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, James Proudstar!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 30 - 9 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Daniel Speed!
The judges for this bout are Alec Ball, Dillan Fox and Robert Douchet.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Proudstar wants to clinch but Speed slips to the side
and Speed counters with a good low kick that Proudstar was not able to check.
Proudstar scores with a sloppy right hand. Speed should have avoided that one.

It looks like Daniel Speed has been cut.
Proudstar tries to clinch up but Speed circles away and keeps his distance.
Speed waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Proudstar.
We can't be sure of the tactics at this early stage but we have heard that Speed has been working on his takedowns a lot in the buildup to the fight and we can only assume he's going to look to take this to the mat.
Speed throws a head kick that misses
and Proudstar counters with a good low kick that Speed was not able to check.
Speed stuns Proudstar with a nice body shot, before stepping back out of range.
Speed takes a kick to the side of the head.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Speed jabs Proudstar right on the nose. Proudstar blinks but takes it well.
Speed fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Proudstar manages to avoid it.
Speed has his hands up protecting his head but a hook from Proudstar finds it's way round the side to connect with Speed's head.
Proudstar lands three nice shots there - that looked like it hurt!

That has opened up Daniel Speed's cut even more.
Speed moves into range and throws a lovely three punch combination.
Speed takes a nice looking leg kick right on the meat of his thigh there.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Proudstar shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Speed defends it nicely.
Proudstar avoids the body shot from Speed.

Proudstar has managed to clinch.
Proudstar lands with a short punch from the clinch.
Proudstar swings wildly with an uppercut but Speed uses good head movement to avoid it.
Proudstar keeps control of Speed as he tries to wriggle out of the double underhooks.
Speed blocks a punch to the side of the head.

Proudstar ties up his opponent against the cage and manages to drag the fight down to the ground. Proudstar no doubt will be looking to work submissions from his guard.
The referee must be thinking about standing these guys back up.
Speed wants to control from the top but Proudstar keeps moving.

Proudstar looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Proudstar is trying to hold Speed in close to prevent damage but Speed has managed to pass into half guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Proudstar trying to control but Speed postures up.
Speed missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.
Proudstar trying to keep hold of his opponent's head but Speed manages to pass to mount!
Proudstar really trying hard to get back to half guard here.
Proudstar holding onto his opponent's waist for dear life, as Speed tries to land some strikes to get him to release his grip.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Proudstar is desperately trying to get back to half guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Speed wants to control the action but instead Proudstar gets a body lock and reverses into Speed's guard! Nice work!
Proudstar is working Speed over from the guard. He should look to pass the guard and do a little more damage with these strikes.
Proudstar missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Speed controls Proudstar momentarily but Proudstar frees himself.
Proudstar really does look like a pencil wearing a pair of gloves. Let's hope he has a gameplan to suit that ridiculous body shape.
Speed wants to sweep but no luck.
Proudstar throwing strikes from guard but Speed blocks nicely.
Proudstar looking to control the position here, rather than advance.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The fighters are going at a pretty good pace and they're both starting to sweat now.
Proudstar throws a big right hand that misses.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Speed is on top in guard.

Proudstar has his foot on Speed's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Speed works his way back into a safe position though.

Proudstar looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!

Proudstar is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Speed defends well.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!

Proudstar has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Speed can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

James Proudstar dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Daniel Speed's cut.
That's time! Back to the action!

Proudstar misses with a combination
and Speed counters with a leg kick that reverborates around the arena.
Proudstar lands a lovely overhand right.
Speed swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Speed throws a front kick that sends Proudstar stumbling back into the cage.
Speed swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Proudstar looks to have improved his striking defense since last time we saw him fight.
Proudstar throws a leg kick that is checked
and Speed counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.

It looks like James Proudstar has been cut.
Speed takes a swing at Proudstar's ribcage but misses.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Proudstar feints a straight left to the body, then turns around with a flashy move and hits Speeds jaw with a dramatic spinning back fist!
James Proudstar is winning the standup battle so far.
Proudstar digs a good body shot into Speed's ribs.
Speed moves away from the strike by Proudstar.
Proudstar scores with a slapping inside leg kick.
A combination from Speed does no damage.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Speed misses with a body kick.
The fighters circle momentarily. Proudstar darts into range and connects with a nice straight punch.
Proudstar connects with a lovely right hand, straight down the pipe.

The cut above Daniel Speed's eye is starting to cause him problems now.
Proudstar misses with a hook. Speed ducked under it nicely.
Speed is throwing a lot of body shots here, looking to wear down Proudstar rather than just go for the knockout.
Proudstar gets off balance looking for a body kick
and Speed counters with a right hand to the body.
Speed misses with a low kick as Proudstar jumps back.
Speed scores with a kick to the body.
A big right from Speed misses.
Speed throws a body kick that digs right into the meat.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
A nice leg kick lands there from Speed.
Proudstar takes a swing at Speed's ribcage but misses.
Speed checks the leg kick.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Speed misses with a hook.
Proudstar just misses with a punch to the body.
Proudstar looks to land a body kick but Speed moved away.
Proudstar avoids the body shot from Speed.
Speed works Proudstar's body with a nice hook.
Proudstar looking to throw a kick but he's pulled out of it.
Proudstar cracks Speed with an open hand slap.
Ouch! a nice leg kick from Speed, right into the meat.
Proudstar is using his height advantage well here, landing a good percentage of his punches.
Jab by Speed.
Proudstar connects with a nice looking jab.
The fighters circle momentarily. Speed darts into range and connects with a nice straight punch.
Good work by Proudstar as he checks the leg kick.
Proudstar throws a hook to the side of Speed's head but Speed sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
A swing and a miss from Proudstar.
Proudstar keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Speed.
Speed throws a nice outside leg kick.
Proudstar tries to land a front kick but Speed steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed.
James Proudstar seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Speed throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Speed scoring well with a low kick there.
Speed misses with a shot to the body
and Proudstar counters with a left to the body.
Proudstar throws a poor cross that misses
and Speed makes him pay by landing a thudding low kick.
Speed misses with a head kick.
Proudstar looking to land some kicks to the body here.
Speed misses with a kick to the body
and Proudstar counters with an outside leg kick.
Proudstar blocks a leg kick.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Proudstar throws a front kick aimed at Speed's knee but Speed avoids it well.
Proudstar blocks the body kick.
Speed avoids a kick to the body.
A low kick from Proudstar is predictable there
and Speed counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.

Proudstar closes the distance and looks for a trip takedown... aaaand he's got it - Proudstar lands in his opponent's guard.
Proudstar postures up in Speed's guard and throws a big left but Speed blocks it.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!

Speed escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Proudstar gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.
Speed is controlling Proudstar's posture.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close second round but Daniel Speed will probably get the nod - 10:9.
Both fighters have cut men working on them during the interval.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.

Speed misses with a body shot.
A bone on bone clash there as Speed blocks the leg kick.

Proudstar closes the distance and pushes Speed back into the cage.
Speed lands with a short shot to the head.
Proudstar misses with a punch on the inside.
Speed lands a shoulder strike.
Proudstar lands a hook to the body. It's hard to tell if that hurt Speed or not.
Proudstar misses with a body punch.
Speed looking to slow down the pace here.
Speed blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Proudstar is looking for a takedown.
Proudstar blocking some punches.
Proudstar lands with a short head shot on the inside.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Proudstar.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Proudstar misses with a knee strike.
Proudstar tries to work over Speed's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Proudstar throws a knee to the head but misses.
Proudstar jumps guard but Speed turns him against the cage and keeps the fight standing.

Speed's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Speed lands a nice shot to the body.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
That's a knee to de groin and it's over and out! Proudstar crumples to the ground after an illegal strike from Speed - the referee stops the clock and Proudstar gets 5 minutes to recover from that one. "I'm sorry" says Speed. Proudstar manages to get back to his feet and the fight resumes.
Speed misses with a leg kick.
Speed with poor footwork there. He got himself in a bit of a tangle, enabling Proudstar to score with a decent uppercut.
Proudstar thows a leg kick but Speed checks it

so Speed counters with a double leg into guard. Good agility.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Proudstar wants to sweep but no luck.
James Proudstar overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.

Proudstar is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Speed defends well.
Speed must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.
Speed postures up and scores with a shot to the body and a follow up elbow to the head.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Proudstar looks to be working for a triangle here. Oh, it looks like he might have it! Speed has picked Proudstar up and slammed him! Proudstar can't keep hold of the triangle and Speed manages to pass to side control!
Speed happy to just control the position for now.
Speed cracks Proudstar with a big right hand but Proudstar just smiles back at him and invites him to have another go.
Proudstar tries to buck Speed off but Speed is having none of it.
Speed working away.
Proudstar regains half guard.

Proudstar looking for submissions from an awkward position here.
Proudstar is looking to get back to full guard here but Speed has managed to pass to side control instead.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Speed wants to control but Proudstar is keeping him busy.
Speed looks up at the clock and then as Proudstar takes his cue and looks up at the clock too, Speed smacks him right in the chops with a big elbow! How rude!
Speed trying to control the position but Proudstar is working away.
Speed controlling the position.
Speed wants to control but Proudstar is keeping him busy.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Proudstar tries to improve position but can't.
Proudstar tries to control but Speed manages to take his back.
Speed missing with punches from the back.
Speed lands with a couple of good shots - one to the side of the head and one questionable shot that could be viewed as to the back of the head but the referee lets it go.
Speed throws a big right hand but he misses and hits the mat. Ouch.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Speed missing with punches from the back.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Proudstar rolls, trying to escape but Speed keeps control of the position.
Speed connects with a series of strikes and the referee is calling for Proudstar to escape the position.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Daniel Speed really dominated that round.
Both fighters have cut men working on them during the interval.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action.

Speed looking to throw a kick but he's pulled out of it.
Speed keeping at a good range here, avoiding a leg kick.
Proudstar swings widly with a right hand
and Speed counters with a right hand to the body.
Proudstar misses with a leg kick.
A slapping leg kick lands for Speed.
Proudstar is hobbling a little on that front leg after taking quite a few leg kicks so far in this fight.
Proudstar shapes like he's going to throw a leg kick but settles back down.
Proudstar lands with a cross to side of his opponent's head.
A low kick from Proudstar is predictable there
and Speed makes him pay by landing a thudding low kick.
Speed throws a half hearted mid kick.
Crunch! Speed slams his shin into Proudstar's torso.
Proudstar blocks the body kick.
Proudstar has his head snapped back a nice jab. A little nod from Proudstar there as he acknowledges the shot.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Speed looking to land some kicks to the body here.
Proudstar swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Speed looking to throw a kick but he's pulled out of it.
Proudstar scores with a jab to the jaw of his opponent.
Proudstar has his head snapped back a nice jab. A little nod from Proudstar there as he acknowledges the shot.
Proudstar misses with an uppercut. Speed saw that one coming.
Proudstar looking to land some kicks to the body here.
Proudstar scores with a head kick. Speed tried to block it but didn't get his arm up in time.
Proudstar misses the shot to the body.
Proudstar doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
It's got to the stage where if one of these guys blows hard enough, the other might fall over.
Proudstar throws a shot from downtown. Speed moves away and avoids it.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Speed checks a leg kick nicely.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Speed dances in quickly and lands a nice inside leg kick on Proudstar. That did some damage!
Speed jabs Proudstar right on the nose. Proudstar blinks but takes it well.
Proudstar avoids a kick to the body.
Proudstar takes a jab on the nose there. A little bit of blood seems to be coming out. Hopefully that won't affect his breathing.
Speed ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Proudstar moves away.
Proudstar misses with a looping right.
Proudstar misses with an uppercut.
Proudstar throws a leg kick which misses Speed's front leg but catches the back leg as Speed tries to avoid it.
Proudstar fails with an attempt to clinch.
Speed scores with a jab to the body.
Proudstar avoids the body shot from Speed.
Proudstar looks for the body kick but Speed saw that one coming.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Proudstar dives in for a single leg takedown but Speed sprawls and the fighters end up clinched against the cage.
Speed blocking some punches.
Proudstar misses with a hook from the clinch.
Speed pushes Proudstar back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.

Speed has double underhooks and is working for a body lock takedown. He's got it. The fighters land in half guard but Proudstar regains guard immediately.
Speed is in close to Proudstar's body, working some short punches and elbows.
Speed showing good wrestling skills to control the position.
Proudstar will need to keep those long limbs tucked in whilst he's on the ground, to prevent any submissions.
Proudstar is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Speed won't allow Proudstar to sweep him here.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Speed avoids a guillotine attempt easily.
Speed trying to control the position from guard on top but Proudstar is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Speed postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.

Proudstar looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!

Proudstar has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Speed can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.

Proudstar looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Daniel Speed dominated that fourth round.
Both fighters have cut men working on them during the interval.
That's time! Back to the action! This is the final round!

A shot to the liver by Proudstar. Beautiful body shot.
Proudstar lands a glancing blow to the side of Speed's head.
Proudstar throws a jab when Speed was well out of range.
A jab from Speed misses.
Proudstar on the wrong end of a nice low kick. He's acting like it's no big deal but he doesn't want to take many more of those.
Proudstar takes a shot to the nose. Hopefully that hasn't broken it.
A telegraphed right hand from Proudstar misses the target.
Proudstar throws a leg kick that is checked
and Speed counters with a nice uppercut.
Speed checks a low kick from Proudstar.
Proudstar misses with a takedown attempt - Speed sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Speed fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Proudstar manages to avoid it.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Proudstar throws a good cross that connects.
Proudstar swings away with a body shot that misses
and Speed counters with a thumping low kick.
Speed scores with a jab to the body.
Proudstar moves out of range of the body kick.
Speed takes an uppercut right on the button but keeps his composure.
Proudstar misses with a low kick.
Proudstar takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
Speed feints and then cracks Proudstar's leading leg with a nice low kick. He's obviously looking to slow Proudstar down.
Proudstar swings for the body but Speed moves out of range.
Speed just misses with a punch to the body.
James Proudstar has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Proudstar throws a leg kick that is checked
and Speed counters with a nice body shot.
A punch combination from Speed misses.
Proudstar throws a lazy body kick
and Speed counters with a body kick that stops Proudstar in his tracks momentarily.
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.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Speed misses with a head kick.
Proudstar tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Proudstar scores with a decent looking hook.
Speed throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Proudstar sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Proudstar misses with a leg kick.
Speed lands with a nice body punch.
Proudstar bobs and weaves and unloads with a good uppercut.
Speed lands a really nice looking cross but Proudstar seems unphased.
Nice takedown defense from Speed. No joy for Proudstar on that attempt.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Proudstar misses with an uppercut.
Speed throws a body kick that misses.
Proudstar tries to clinch but Speed moves out of range.
Speed takes a jab on the nose. He smiles like he loves it and keeps coming.
A low kick from Proudstar is predictable there
and Speed makes him pay by landing a thudding low kick.
Speed scores with a kick to the body.
A nice combination there by Speed.
Proudstar scores with a slapping inside leg kick.
Speed throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Proudstar gets his head snapped back by a nice shot there.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Proudstar throws a low kick but Speed moves out of range easily.
Daniel Speed 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.
Proudstar goes for a double leg but Speed avoids the attempt and the two fighters end up clinched against the cage as Speed continues to drive forward.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for James Proudstar. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Speed tries to work over Proudstar's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Still in the clinch, Speed scores with a nice short uppercut.
Proudstar lands with a left to the head.
Proudstar tries to land a knee to the head but misses.
Speed wants to get back to striking at distance but Proudstar won't allow it.
Proudstar with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.
Proudstar swings wildly with an uppercut but Speed uses good head movement to avoid it.
Proudstar tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Proudstar will be looking to protect his midsection after taking some solid kicks to the body.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
The fighters are pressed against the cage, as the pace of the fight slows.
Proudstar swings wildly with an uppercut but Speed uses good head movement to avoid it.

And that's the end of the fight!
I would just about give that final round to Daniel Speed.
I think Speed 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 Alec Ball scores the fight 48:48
Judge Dillan Fox scores the fight 47:49
Judge Robert Douchet scores the fight 46:49

In favor of your winner, by majority decision... Daniel Speed!
Daniel Speed decided to thank the fans in attendance for making a great atmosphere. It seemed to go down pretty well.
In defeat, James Proudstar stepped up to the mic, saying 'Even though you ask 225cm James Proudstar to cut to HW and then give him a LHW in your last match I still think you the best Matt.'.