PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Kyle Markson (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Jesse James (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). James comes into a darkened arena with his song building. Ballad of Jesse James kicks in, the lights come on and the crowd goes wild! What a showman! Both fighters really staring eachother down here, as Jesse James enters the cage!

Markson
vs
James

176 cm
19
157 lbs
4 - 0 - 0

180 cm
19
160 lbs
4 - 1 - 0

Good takedowns
Counter striker
Granite chin

BJJ Blue Belt
Counter striker
Granite chin

Demonic Drugs
Demonic Clothing

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 4 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Kyle Markson!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 4 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Jesse James!
The judges for this bout are Alexandre Firmino, Felipe Paraventi and Leandro Rodrigues.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

James shoots in for a takedown and gets it. Oh and he's advanced to full mount straight away.
Markson tries to get back to half guard but can't.
James wants to control the pace but Markson is squirming around nicely.
James tucks in and makes sure he doesn't lose the dominant position.
Markson really trying hard to get back to half guard here.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Markson is working hard here to advance position.

That's one minute gone in the round.
James sitting in mount, just looking to control for the moment.
Let's hope that James has the urge to step up the pace any second now because for the last 15 or 20 seconds he's just been holding on tight.
Markson in a bad spot here, taking shots to the head.
Markson slips a leg in and gets back to half guard.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Markson is looking for a sweep. James is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Markson is refusing to be controlled, as James sits in half guard.

James is working for submissions here but there's nothing on.
Both fighters really going for it on the ground here!

Markson looking for submissions from an awkward position here.
Markson holds on for dear life, maintaining half guard for now.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Markson actively working from the bottom here.
Markson gets full guard.
James controls from within his opponent's guard.
James stopping the sweep attempt from Markson.
James stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Markson swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Markson keeping moving, preventing James from controlling successfully.
James not doing a lot at the moment. He'll have to show some more aggression or the fight will get stood up.
James throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Markson works some decent striking defense from the bottom.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

James defending nicely against the rear naked choke attempt.
James tries to escape the position - he's now mounted. Is that better or worse? Hard to tell!

Markson goes for an armbar but he's not got it… James turns into him and now he's in Markson's guard.
James with a couple of shots to the head there. Not particularly brutal.

Markson working for a triangle but James defends it easily.

Markson is active off his back here, looking for submissions.
Markson is breathing heavily.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
James sneaks a leg through and gets to half guard. That was like a knife through butter how easily he passed Markson's guard.
Markson wants to improve his position but James is controlling well.

James moves into side control, avoiding a weak kimura attempt from Markson.
James trying to control the position but Markson is working away.
James controlling from side mount.
Markson tries to buck James off but James is having none of it.
James wants to lay and pray for a moment but Markson keeps working.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Jesse James dominated that round.
That's time! Markson's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

The fight stays on the outside here - James looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Markson with a lazy takedown attempt

and James counters with a nice single leg takedown and he's in Markson's guard now.
Markson controls James momentarily but James frees himself.
James slows down the pace of the fight for a moment. He'll need to remain active if he doesn't want to see the fight stood back up.

Markson looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.
James wants to control from the top but Markson keeps moving.

Markson looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.
Markson not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.

That's one minute gone in the round.
James trying to control but Markson is working from the bottom.
James is stalling in the full guard.

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

Markson throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
James trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.

Markson had isolated an arm as going for an omaplata. James is defending the submission well but is in a very vulnerable position. Markson Is leaning forward trying to finish the omaplata but decides to abandon it, and take James's back instead.
James really must keep his cool here. He's controlling one of Markson's hands and whilst he does that, he's got a chance of escaping the position.
Markson missing with strikes.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A few boos can be heard. I'm sure they will multiply if the fighters don't pick up the pace.
James trying to control but he's just got himself in more trouble.
James is in a world of trouble here. He's outmatched on the ground here and he'd better get Markson off his back sharpish unless he wants to be submitted.

Markson has his hand under the chin of his opponent looking for the choke. He's nearly got it! This one could be all over! But no, James has freed his hand and lives to survive another… well, another couple of seconds at least!
James wants to escape the position.

Markson looking to break James's wrist control so he can sink in the choke. James remaining controlled and patient though - he really has to keep calm otherwise Markson will wrap this one up with the rear naked choke!
James breaks Markson's hooks off and manages to turn into his guard.
James is intent on slowing down the pace of the fight, simply looking to control.
James advances position into side control!

James is looking to finish here, going for an Americana. Markson knows the correct defense though, so he's OK.
James really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Markson. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.
Markson defending against the ground and pound.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Markson is not content to let James control the position.
A lull in the action here.
Markson managing to avoid any damage from the strikes thrown by James.
James wants to control but Markson is keeping him busy.
James remains in side control and seems content to stay there. It's a versatile position from which he can work both strikes and submissions, whilst maintaining that control, so maybe he'll sit here for a while.

Despite being in the dominant position, Jesse James just isn't active enough and the referee decides to stand the fighters back up.

James shoots in and bounces Markson off the cage to secure the takedown into guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Markson can't do much from the bottom at the moment, as James controls the pace.

Markson had isolated an arm as going for an omaplata. James is defending the submission well but is in a very vulnerable position. Markson Is leaning forward trying to finish the omaplata but decides to abandon it, and take James's back instead.
James wants to control his opponent's hands but Markson gets his hands free.

Markson is remaining active here, looking for the choke. The more discerning members of the crowd will appreciate his efforts.

Markson is remaining active here, looking for the choke. The more discerning members of the crowd will appreciate his efforts.
James trying to control but not successfully.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close second round but Jesse James will probably get the nod - 10:9.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action.

Markson misses with an uppercut. James saw that one coming.
Markson with a lazy takedown attempt

and James counters with a shoot takedown into half guard.
Markson slips a foot under and gets full guard. Nice work.
James stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Markson swivels though and keeps the full guard.
James trying to control but Markson is working from the bottom.
Markson is trying to control the position from the bottom.

Markson is active off his back here, looking for submissions.
James trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
James throws a big right hand that misses.

That's one minute gone in the round.
James sitting in guard, not really doing much.

Markson looking for a guillotine here but James defends easily.

Markson working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. James doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. James manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.

Markson is active off his back here, looking for submissions.
James forces his way into half guard.

Markson actively working from the bottom here.
Jesse James has got the better of the ground game so far.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Markson won't allow James to pass to mount.
Markson moves into full guard.

Markson escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. James gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.

Markson looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.
James is pushing down on Markson's leg trying to pass to half guard. Markson is fighting to maintain full guard but James has managed to sneak the leg through.
James stalling.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
James prevents Markson from improving his position.
James content to control rather than advance.
James trying to mount his opponent but Markson defends it.
James missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.
James trying to control from half guard but Markson is working away.
Markson manages to get to full guard.

James avoids a guillotine attempt easily.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are hurling abuse towards the fighters... You can hardly blame them though because there isn't a lot going on in the fight.

Markson is looking for a triangle but James pushes his legs off easily.

James avoids a guillotine attempt easily.
James wants to pass the guard but Markson is keeping the position.
Markson wants to sweep here but James controlling him for the moment.
James stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Markson swivels though and keeps the full guard.
James showing good wrestling skills to control the position.

Markson is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close third round but Jesse James just about did enough to take it.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

James closes the distance, clinches up and gets a nice trip takedown into side control. Very smooth.

James working hard here to secure a kimura but he's not really in the right position for it.
Markson is sneaking out the side here. He's bucked James off and has taken his back!
James tries to escape the position - he's now mounted. Is that better or worse? Hard to tell!
Markson trying to control but he's not successful this time.
James tries to reverse the position but Markson maintains control.

That's one minute gone in the round.
James is absolutely dripping with sweat - he looks exhausted.
Markson seems to be looking to move to his opponent's back but James is holding on tight.
James holding onto his opponent's waist for dear life, as Markson tries to land some strikes to get him to release his grip.

Markson jumps to side control looking for an arm triangle but James manages to avoid the submission attempt.
James is looking for a sweep.

Markson looking for an arm triangle but it's way too loose to do anything.
Markson wants to lay and pray for a moment but James keeps working.
Markson working away.
Markson trying to control the position but James is working away.

Markson is looking for a kimura. He might have it! No, James has escaped the position, nice work there.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.

Markson is looking for a kimura. He might have it! No, James has escaped the position, nice work there.
James is sneaking out the side here. He's bucked Markson off and has taken his back!
Markson is in bad spot here.
So, who will make the next big move? In this position it could be crucial.
Markson breaks James's hooks off and manages to turn into his guard.
James keeping moving, preventing Markson from controlling successfully.
James is pulling down on Markson's head. It's preventing any offense from Markson, at least for the moment.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
James manages to land a sweep and now he's in mount on top!
Markson is trying to escape the mount.
Markson bucks up and manages to get a nice reversal! He's in guard on the top - nicely done!

James working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Markson doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Markson manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.
James throws some sloppy strikes off his back.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Markson missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Markson makes a bit of distance and scores with some ground and pound, still in guard.

James is looking for a triangle but Markson pushes his legs off easily.

Markson thinks about going for a leg but decides against it, in order to maintain the position.
Markson trying to control but James is working from the bottom.

Markson thinks about going for a leg but decides against it, in order to maintain the position.

Markson drops back looking for a leg! James is in trouble here! The fighters roll with the hold and James manages to kick Markson off! Markson jumps back into James's guard.

The referee has ruled that neither fighter is active enough on the ground and has stood them back up.

James moves into range and clinches up with Markson.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Jesse James dominated that fourth round.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin! This is the final round!

Markson doesn't succeed with the takedown

and James counters with a driving takedown into guard. Nice work there by James.
James is pushing down on Markson's leg trying to pass to half guard. Markson is fighting to maintain full guard but James has managed to sneak the leg through.
Markson wants to improve his position but James is controlling well.

Markson actively working from the bottom here.

Markson looking for submissions from an awkward position here.
James takes a deep breath and rests his weight momentarily on top of his opponent, to control the position.
Both of our modern day gladiators look out of it here - an gruelling 5 rounds of action taking it's toll on them, no doubt.

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

Markson is looking to sinch up a gullotine here but James pulls his head out easily.

That's one minute gone in the round.

James is working for submissions here but there's nothing on.
Markson tries to regain full guard. Instead though, James has advanced to mount. Uh oh.
James can't quite control the action as he would like just now, as Markson is looking to escape.
James scoring with strikes but Markson is staying in there.
Markson swinging wildly from the bottom but he's not landing.
Markson is trying to escape the mount.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.
James landing strikes from the mount and Markson is in trouble!
Markson bucks up and manages to get a nice reversal! He's in guard on the top - nicely done!
James is trying to keep Markson in close.

James is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
Markson trying to control but James is working from the bottom.
Kyle Markson has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

Markson is holding a leg here, probably looking for an ankle lock - he drops back and goes for it! James is in trouble! Is it all over??? No! James has escaped and now he's on top!

Markson looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
James forces his way into half guard.
James not doing much here.

James is looking for a kimura but he's never going to get it from there.
Markson is pressing down on James's left leg trying to get back to full guard. He's managed it.
Markson looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Markson working a defensive guard here.
James advances to half guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Markson tries to roll over but James keeps him under control.
James stalling.

Markson looking for submissions from an awkward position here.

James is working for submissions here but there's nothing on.
Neither fighter is being very active at the moment, with James in particular looking to stall.
James wants to lay and pray for a moment but Markson keeps working.

Markson looking for submissions off his back.
Jesse James is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
James wants to free his trapped foot but Markson is holding on for dear life with his legs.

And that's the end of the fight!
Jesse James comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
Well James 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 Alexandre Firmino scores the fight 45:50
Judge Felipe Paraventi scores the fight 45:50
Judge Leandro Rodrigues scores the fight 45:50

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Jesse James!
Jesse James is the new lightweight champion!