PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between James Howlett (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Craig Hanks (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Howlett kept the crowd waiting but all that was forgotten when his ring entrance music started. The incomparable musical genius that is Berserker. Both these guys have really solid chins. Will we see a standup war or will they both decide that a knockout is unlikely and try to win the fight elsewhere?

Howlett
vs
Hanks

172 cm
33
160 lbs
24 - 4 - 1

179 cm
31
175 lbs
24 - 10 - 1

Great wrestler
World class boxer
Insanely flexible

Good wrestler
World class MT
Granite chin

Conviction
Conquer

Hellbent
Conviction

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, in the welterweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 24 - 4 - 1, fighting out of Las Vegas, James Howlett!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 24 - 10 - 1, fighting out of Los Angeles, Craig Hanks!
The judges for this bout are Chad Campbell, Steve Montenegro and Reed Andrews.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Hanks has his front leg slapped to the side - a nice low kick landing there from Howlett.
Howlett uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Hanks.
Howlett misses with a body kick.
Ooooh, nice body kick lands from Hanks. Howlett shrugs it off though.
Hanks's coach down at Cell Block Six was telling us pre-fight that they have been working on Hanks's balance. Obviously they view that as a key factor in the outcome of this fight.
Hanks has a nice red mark on his side after a thudding body kick by Howlett.
Hanks ducks under a wild hook from Howlett.
Howlett displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Hanks throws out the jab.
Howlett will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
An inside leg kick lands from Hanks.
Hanks misses with a low kick.
Hanks uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Howlett.
Howlett looks to land a body kick but Hanks moved away.
Hanks with a nice looking leg kick. You could hear that one land in a back row.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Hanks lands a pitter patter jab to the forehead of his opponent.
Howlett misses with a hook.
Hanks throws a body punch but Howlett moves out of range.
Hanks slips in close and lands a nice hook before moving back out of range.
Hanks chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Howlett can pounce on him.
Hanks throws a low kick but Howlett avoids it.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Hanks throws an overhand right that lands on Howlett's shoulder, as Howlett tries to avoid the shot.
Hanks walks forward and throws out a flicking leg kick. Howlett checks it nicely though, as he moves to the side.
Hanks cracks Howlett with a nice right hand that draws applause from the crowd.
Howlett throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Hanks throws a head kick but Howlett moves out of range.
Howlett blocks a jab.
A clash of legs there as Howlett blocks the low kick.
Hanks scores with a slapping inside leg kick.
Craig Hanks is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Howlett looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Hanks looks to throw the jab but Howlett is out of range.
A big left from Hanks misses.
Howlett avoids the body shot from Hanks.
Hanks misses the shot to the body.
Hanks moves out of range as Howlett throws a body kick.
Craig Hanks seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Hanks is looking to chop away at Howlett's legs.
Hanks lands a nice leg kick that just misses Howlett's sensitive parts.
Howlett misses with a looping left.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Howlett avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Howlett throws a chopping leg kick but Hanks manages to avoid taking any serious damage.
Hanks just misses with a punch to the body.
Hanks misses with a straight left.
Horrible takedown by Howlett or perhaps it was just good defense by Hanks which made him look bad.
Howlett has his head snapped back a nice jab. A little nod from Howlett there as he acknowledges the 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!
Howlett misses the shot to the body.
Hanks pulls out of a head kick attempt.

Howlett drops down and drives through with a powerful takedown into guard.
We could do with one of the fighters taking the initiative a bit more on the ground - they're both waiting to capitalize on a mistake.
Howlett working in close now, lands a nice elbow to the side of Hanks's head.
Howlett is in close to Hanks's body, working some short punches and elbows.
Howlett postures up and scores with a shot to the body and a follow up elbow to the head.
Howlett tries to free his leg and advance position but Hanks is retaining full guard.
We've been hearing that Howlett has been drilling a lot of ground and pound in training, so let's see if he get the finish.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Howlett throwing strikes but missing.
Hanks preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Hanks tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Hanks is trying to keep Howlett in close.
Howlett is working Hanks over from the guard. He should look to pass the guard and do a little more damage with these strikes.
Hanks trying to control the position.
Howlett wants to pass the guard but Hanks is keeping the position.
Howlett trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Howlett throwing strikes from guard but Hanks blocks nicely.
Howlett working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Hanks preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
The fighters are starting to get a bit slippery now, which will make submissions a bit more difficult.
Howlett pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Hanks is keeping the position for now.
Hanks looking for a sweep. Not yet Hanks, not yet.
Howlett 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.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Howlett is looking to work some ground and pound but Hanks has wrist control.
Hanks looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Howlett loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close round but I would say that James Howlett will probably get the nod.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

Howlett throws a push kick but Hanks slaps the foot to one side.
Howlett turns his hip over beautifully as he lands a nice leg kick.
Hanks lands a jab to Howlett's midsection.
Hanks throws a sloppy head kick and Howlett moves out of range easily.
Hanks lands with a cross to side of his opponent's head.
Hanks catches Howlett with a nice straight right. He seems pissed - ooooh, it's on now! On like donkey kong!
Howlett pivots as if he's going to throw a leg kick but stops half way.
Hanks checks a leg kick.
Howlett moves forwards but Hanks connects with a nice, crisp jab.
Hanks checks a leg kick.
Hanks thows a body shot but no joy.
Howlett misses with a leg kick.
Howlett moves out of range as Hanks strikes.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Hanks fails to land with a series of punches.
Hanks lands a glancing blow to the side of Howlett's head.
Hanks takes one on the chin but seems OK.
Hanks throws a right and a left that both miss.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Hanks dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Hanks tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Howlett looking to throw a kick but he's pulled out of it.
Craig Hanks seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Hanks misses with a wild body shot.
The crowd cheers as Hanks lands an impressive looking overhand right. Howlett doesn't seem phased though.
Howlett fakes a jab and throws a low kick but Hanks checks it well.
Hanks throws a hook to the side of Howlett's head but Howlett sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Howlett throws a hook but Hanks blocks it.
Howlett moves away from the strike by Hanks.
Howlett ducks low and lands a nice hook to the body of his opponent.
Hanks takes one on the chin but seems OK.
Hanks takes a punch to the jaw and another one to the bread basket.

It looks like Craig Hanks has been cut.
Hanks is looking to land body kicks.
Howlett moves into range and lands a nice body kick.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Howlett connects with a single shot there.
Hanks tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Ooooh, nice body kick lands from Howlett. Hanks shrugs it off though.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Howlett keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Hanks cracks the inside of Howlett's front leg.
Howlett wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.
Howlett scores with a push kick.
Howlett lets loose with a powerful body kick. Hanks will feel that in the morning.
Howlett misses with a kick to the body.
Hanks lands a body shot.
Howlett tries a head kick but it misses.
Howlett lands a powerful looking uppercut that connected with his opponent's jaw.
Nice body kick there by Hanks.
Hanks lands a glancing blow to the side of Howlett's head.
Howlett avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Howlett moves out of range as Hanks strikes.
Howlett misses with a low kick.
Howlett takes a shot right to the bread basket.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Howlett lunges at Hanks with a hook that half lands and is half blocked by Hanks's hand.
Hanks gets cracked with a nice right hand there by Howlett.
Hanks misses with a body shot.
Howlett tries to drive through with a takedown attempt but Hanks defends well and Howlett ends up having to push Hanks into the cage where they will battle it out in the clinch.
Howlett takes a shot to the head.
Hanks wants to break free. God knows he wants to breaaaak freeee.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Howlett.
Howlett fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Hanks lands with a short punch from the clinch.
A nice right hand lands inside from Howlett.
Howlett tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Howlett.
Hanks swings away with an uppercut that misses.
A shot in the inside from Howlett.
Hanks swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Hanks misses with a hook to the ribs.
Hanks is working Howlett over against the cage.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Hanks goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Hanks throws a punch but it's blocked by Howlett.
Howlett fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Howlett has a couple of punches blocked by Hanks.
Howlett tries to work over Hanks's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.

Howlett breaks from the clinch.
Hanks blocks a head kick by Howlett.
Hanks doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
Jab, cross, leg kick. Nice combination by Hanks!
Hanks getting the better of the striking in that exchange.
Hanks swings for the body but Howlett moves out of range.
Howlett bobbing and weaving, closes the distance and lands a hook to the side of Hanks's head.
Hanks dips to his left and cracks Howlett with an uppercut!
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Howlett showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Hanks.
An inside leg kick from Hanks misses.
Howlett swings and misses with a hook to the body.
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 James Howlett will probably get the nod.
The cut man is working on Craig Hanks's cut.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!

Hanks looks to land a left hand but Howlett moved out of range nicely.
Hanks tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Howlett was well out of range. Poor timing from Hanks.
Howlett looking to throw a kick but he's pulled out of it.
Hanks punishes Howlett's body with a nice straight punch.
Howlett fakes the leg kick and cracks Hanks in the body.
Howlett has his front leg slapped to the side - a nice low kick landing there from Hanks.
Howlett misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Howlett moves away from the strike by Hanks.
Howlett thows a body shot but no joy.
Howlett thows a body shot but no joy.
Howlett blocks the body kick.
Hanks walks into a left hand.
Hanks tries to land a leg kick but Howlett saw it coming and moves away.
An inside leg kick from Howlett misses.
Hanks scores with a nice head shot.
Hanks smiles there as he lands a nice right hand right on the button.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Hanks takes a nice looking leg kick right on the meat of his thigh there.
Howlett feints with a shoulder and throws a nice leg kick to Hanks's calf.
Sloppy strikes from Hanks. Those never looked like landing.
Hanks has developed a nice purple lump on his ribcage, as a result of some heavy body kicks from Howlett.
Howlett throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Howlett ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Hanks takes a swing at Howlett's ribcage but misses.
Like a baseball bat into the meat of his leg there - nice leg kick by Hanks.
Howlett digs a good body shot into Hanks's ribs.
Howlett tries to land a front kick but Hanks steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed.
Howlett blocks a jab.
Hanks defending well as Howlett loads up on a big left hand.
Hanks checks a low kick from Howlett.
Hanks throws a low kick but it's checked well by Howlett.
Well, he's not going to score with shots like that. A lazy body kick attempt from Howlett.
Howlett takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
Howlett uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Hanks.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Howlett on the wrong end of a nice hook.
Hanks thows a body shot but no joy.
Howlett fakes a jab and throws a low kick but Hanks checks it well.
Howlett throws a body kick that misses.
Howlett is looking to slow Hanks down with leg kicks.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Hanks misses with a head kick.
Hanks misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Hanks throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Howlett checks a low kick. Bone on bone - not my idea of a good time.
A slapping leg kick lands for Hanks.
Howlett takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.
Hanks takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Howlett throws a head kick that misses.
Hanks misses with a jab, cross combination.
Howlett misses with a leg kick.
Howlett is hobbling a little on that front leg after taking quite a few leg kicks so far in this fight.
Hanks throws a head kick that misses.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
A looping hook to the body misses from Howlett. Hanks does a little dance to reset his feet.
Hanks connects with a good right hand that stumbles Howlett. Howlett circles away out of range and recomposes himself.
Hanks is looking to land body kicks.
Hanks takes a big uppercut there. He seems a bit wobbly but no, he's OK.
Hanks chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Howlett can pounce on him.
Howlett throws a sloppy head kick and Hanks moves out of range easily.
Howlett throws a wild body kick that Hanks sees coming a mile off.
Howlett looking to land some kicks to the body here.
A low kick from Hanks misses

and Howlett counters with a nice double leg into side control. Hanks won't be happy with that.
Howlett working away.
Howlett trying to control the action but Hanks is working from the bottom.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Howlett postures up a little and throws a couple of hammerfists but they don't connect properly.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Howlett throwing strikes but Hanks manages to buck up and roll into a nice reversal - now he's on top in side control!
Howlett is trying to control Hanks's posture but Hanks avoids it.
Howlett is looking to regain half guard here but Hanks keeps moving and retains side control.
Howlett tries to slip a leg under to move to half guard but Hanks presses down on the leg and jumps into full mount!
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Howlett is wriggling around trying to escape.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close round but James Howlett did the better work so I'd imagine he'll take it.
The cut man is working on Craig Hanks's cut.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.

Hanks jabs away that one connects to the head of his opponent.
Howlett on the wrong end of a decent looking cross there.
Nice straight punches there by Howlett. You know Roy Jones Jr respects the hands of Howlett.
Hanks goes for a high kick. It partially lands.
A nice leg kick lands there from Hanks.
Hanks avoids a kick to the body.
Hanks misses with a body shot.
Well, he's not going to score with shots like that. A lazy body kick attempt from Howlett.
Hanks lands a nice shot to the body.
Howlett looks shocked there as he takes a right hand to the temple.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Howlett displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Hanks throws out the jab.
Howlett lands a right hook to the body.
Hanks throws a head kick but Howlett moves out of range.
Hanks just misses with a punch to the body.
Like a baseball bat into the meat of his leg there - nice leg kick by Hanks.
That kick from Hanks tenderised Howlett's leg. Howlett is trying to keep his angry face on.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Hanks lands with a nice low kick. That'll leave a bruise.
Howlett takes a step towards his opponent and connects with a left hand, before circling away.
Hanks avoids a kick to the body.
Hanks throws a right hand that Howlett ducks under and follows up with a left that Howlett also avoids with ease.
Hanks misses with a body shot.
Howlett scores with a push kick.
Hanks is absolutely dripping with sweat - he looks exhausted.
Howlett scores with a punch to the head.
Hanks throws a head kick but Howlett moves out of range.
Hanks throws a wild body kick that Howlett sees coming a mile off.
It really doesn't seem like the step up in weight is hurting Howlett here at all. He's more than holding his own against the bigger man.
An inside leg kick lands from Howlett.
Hanks misses with a wild body shot.
Howlett staying out of range there.
Howlett takes a swing at Hanks's ribcage but misses.
Hanks throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Howlett sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Hanks walks forward, straight into a front kick from Howlett.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Howlett checks the leg kick.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Howlett is moving around nicely and scores here with a single head shot.
Hanks connects with an inside leg kick.
Howlett moves out of range as Hanks strikes.
Howlett avoids the body shot from Hanks.
Howlett scores with a leg kick.
A telegraphed right hand from Howlett misses the target.
Howlett is looking to slow Hanks down with leg kicks.
The crowd cheers as Howlett lands an impressive looking overhand right. Hanks doesn't seem phased though.
Hanks swinging wildly here.
Nice takedown defense from Hanks. No joy for Howlett on that attempt.
Hanks lands with a nice body punch.
Howlett moves out of range as Hanks strikes.
Howlett tries to land a body kick
and Hanks counters with a straight right hand.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Howlett feints with a shoulder and throws a nice leg kick to Hanks's calf.
A combination from Hanks does no damage.
Howlett tries to land a front kick but Hanks steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed.
Howlett drops his hands momentarily and Hanks takes advantage with a crisp shot to the head.
Hanks shakes his hands off, looking to compose himself, but takes a jab to the jaw whilst he does it.
Hanks misses with a leg kick

and Howlett counters with a nice double leg into guard.
Howlett throws a big elbow that misses.
Howlett in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Howlett working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Howlett wants to control from the top but Hanks keeps moving.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Hanks wants to sweep here but Howlett controlling him for the moment.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Howlett with a flurry of punches that miss.
Hanks trying to control the position here.
Let's hope that Hanks 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.
Howlett throws an elbow that misses. Hanks uses the momentum to reverse the position. He's now in Howlett's guard. Nice move by Hanks!
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close fourth round but I would say that James Howlett will probably get the nod.
The cut man is working on Craig Hanks'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. This is the final round!

Hanks misses with a telegraphed body shot

and Howlett counters with a shoot takedown. Hanks fights it but they end up in guard.
Hanks is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Howlett throws an elbow that misses. Hanks uses the momentum to reverse the position. He's now in Howlett's guard. Nice move by Hanks!
Hanks trying to control but Howlett is working from the bottom.

Howlett looking for a guillotine here but Hanks defends easily.
Hanks 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.

That's one minute gone in the round.
The referee looks like he's ready to step in and stand the fighters back up.
Hanks trying to control the position from guard on top but Howlett is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

OK we're going to have a standup here. Craig Hanks hasn't been effective enough on the ground and the referee wants a restart.
Hanks throws a body kick but he was well out of range there.
Hanks tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Hanks scores with a head kick.
Howlett misses with a double jab.
Craig Hanks has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Howlett throws a head kick that Hanks semi-blocks.
Howlett on the wrong end of an overhand right that came out of nowhere.
Hanks misses the jab.
Hanks ducks down and throws a hook to the body.
Hanks throws a head kick that looked like it stung.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Howlett checks a leg kick.
Hanks throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Howlett lands a nice shot that snaps Hanks's head back.
Hanks thows a body shot but no joy.

Howlett scores with a takedown into Hanks's guard.
Hanks is wobbling all over the place through exhaustion. Will he make it to the final bell?
Howlett stands and throws Hanks's legs to the side, diving into side control.

Howlett tries for a kimura but Hanks is defending well.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Howlett scores with a couple of short elbows.
Howlett has control of an arm but Hanks manages to advance to Howlett's back!
Howlett is trying to break free.
Howlett is working hard here to advance position.
Hanks not allowing Howlett to control his hands.
Hanks controlling well, preventing Howlett from escaping the position.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Hanks thows a huge left but connects with the canvas and not his opponent.

Hanks working for a choke but Howlett is defending well.
Howlett is really stuck here.

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 James Howlett.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Howlett, winning every round. Will the judges agree? They are the ones who matter, even if they are often depressingly incompetent. 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 Chad Campbell scores the fight 50:45
Judge Steve Montenegro scores the fight 50:46
Judge Reed Andrews scores the fight 50:47

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... James Howlett!
Post fight, James Howlett took to the microphone: 'This was fucking stupid.'.