PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Stu Mercer (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Matt Barnett (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Mercer comes to the cage accompanied by Dirty deeds done dirt cheap AC/DC. Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the cage.

Mercer
vs
Barnett

190 cm
22
252 lbs
8 - 4 - 0

190 cm
29
240 lbs
8 - 7 - 0

Good wrestling
Excellent boxer
Cardio machine

Good wrestler
Brawler
Good gas tank

Milwaukee's Best 160

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 8 - 4 - 0, fighting out of London, Stu Mercer!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 8 - 7 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Matt Barnett!
The judges for this bout are Emerson Jorge, Paulo Santos and Thiago Cunha.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Mercer lands with a hook. Barnett tried to avoid it but it clipped the top of his head.

Barnett tries to keep at a distance but Mercer has taken the fight into the clinch.
Barnett is trying to work for a single leg takedown but Mercer pulls him back up using the underhooks.

Mercer gets a nice trip takedown into half guard.
Mercer wants to stand up but Barnett has a hold of him and won't allow it.
Barnett is trying to get back to full guard.
Mercer landing with strikes to the body and head, softening up his opponent.
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!
Mercer tries to stand but his hand is stuck under Barnett.
Barnett trying to hold on to Mercer's head to control him but Mercer postures up.
Mercer is working hard to pass the guard. He's done it - he's now in full mount! Trouble for Barnett!
Barnett is working to get back to half guard.
Mercer can't quite control the action as he would like just now, as Barnett is looking to escape.
Barnett has found himself in a tricky position here. He's been working his transitions in training so let's see if he can work his way out of it.
Mercer lands a nice shot to the head.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Barnett is wriggling around trying to escape.
Barnett slips a leg in and gets back to half guard.
Barnett trying to control but Mercer postures up.
Mercer definitely looks more muscular than last time we saw him fight.
Barnett is pressing down on Mercer's left leg trying to get back to full guard. He's managed it.
Mercer content to stall in guard here.

Mercer avoids a guillotine attempt easily.
Mercer passes Barnett's right leg, so he's now in half guard.
Barnett wants to control but Mercer is keeping busy and won't allow it.
Mercer tries to stand but can't do so whilst Barnett controls his leg.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Mercer tries to pass to full mount but Barnett defends it.
Ground and pound from Mercer.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Mercer prevents Barnett from improving his position.
Mercer tries to stand but can't do so whilst Barnett controls his leg.

Barnett actively working from the bottom here.
Barnett is trying to control but can't.
Mercer stalling.
Both fighters really going for it on the ground here!
Barnett wants to get back to full guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Mercer trying to control the action but Barnett is working from the bottom.
Barnett is trying to get back to full guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Barnett blocking the ground and pound attempt from Mercer.
Barnett is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.

Mercer stands up and beckons Barnett to join him on the feet.
Nice uppercut there from Mercer.

Mercer closes the distance and clinches.
Mercer creates a bit of distance and throws an elbow that only just misses.
Mercer tries to land knees in the clinch but Barnett avoids the damage to the body.
Barnett is working for takedown but Mercer is calmly controlling the position for now.

Mercer is fighting off a takedown attempt but Barnett is just too persistent for him and manages to trip Mercer to the mat. Mercer regains guard as soon as the fighters hit the mat.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Barnett postures up and lands a big shot to Mercer's brow.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Barnett 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.
Barnett throws a big elbow that misses.
Barnett trying to control the position from guard on top but Mercer is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Barnett is taking a break and basically stalling. The referee will not allow him to do that for long.
We've had a lack of effective grappling in the last minute or so, which could well see a referee standup.
Barnett throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Mercer works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!

OK we're going to have a standup here. Matt Barnett hasn't been effective enough on the ground and the referee wants a restart.
Mercer misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Barnett.
Barnett throws a looping overhand right but Mercer ducks down to avoid it.
Stu Mercer seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Mercer tries to clinch but fails miserably

and Barnett counters with a single leg into guard. Mercer didn't expect that.
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 Stu Mercer will probably get the nod.
The cut man is working on Stu Mercer's cut.
That's time! Mercer's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

Barnett misses with a takedown attempt - Mercer sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
No luck for Barnett with that takedown attempt.
Barnett throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Barnett tries to close the distance and clinch up but Mercer swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Mercer thumps Barnett with a low kick.
Barnett misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
Stu Mercer has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Matt Barnett.
A jab from Mercer does it's job there.
A combination from Mercer does no damage.
Mercer tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Barnett manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Mercer scores with a jab. Barnett acknowledges it with a nod of the head.
Mercer bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Barnett swats away the attempt to clinch by Mercer.
Mercer wants to clinch.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Barnett gets his head snapped back by a nice shot there.
Mercer lands with a shot to the body.
Barnett is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Mercer.

Mercer drops Barnett with a beautiful combination! Barnett stares up at his opponent, who ushers him back to his feet - Mercer is looking for the KO!

Barnett is rocked!
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Barnett misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Mercer.
Barnett is still on wobbly legs! Can Mercer finish him?
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Barnett is defended easily by Mercer.
Mercer feints with a shoulder and throws a nice leg kick to Barnett's calf.
Barnett is breathing heavily.
Mercer throws a leg kick which misses Barnett's front leg but catches the back leg as Barnett tries to avoid it.
Barnett seems to have recovered his senses.
Mercer closes the distance but Barnett moves to the side

and Barnett counters with a single leg into guard. Mercer didn't expect that.
Mercer keeping moving, preventing Barnett from controlling successfully.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Barnett throws a strike but Mercer rolls with it and manages to sweep. Now he's in guard on top.
Barnett wants to sweep here but Mercer controlling him for the moment.
Mercer tries to free his leg and advance position but Barnett is retaining full guard.
Barnett keeping moving, preventing Mercer from controlling successfully.

Barnett looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.
Mercer trying to stand up but can't free himself from Barnett's guard.
Mercer stopping the sweep attempt from Barnett.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Barnett had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Mercer defends it easily.
Mercer pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Barnett is keeping the position for now.
Mercer slips effortlessly into side control - very nice.
Mercer is looking to take a break and control but Barnett is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Barnett can't do much from the bottom here.
Mercer creates some space and throws a big elbow, but Barnett sees it coming and moves his head just enough to avoid the strike.
Mercer in side control, just content to control the action for now.
Barnett manages to get one leg in to regain half guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Barnett gets back to full guard.
Barnett working a defensive guard here.
Mercer is just sitting in guard, looking to avoid any submissions.
Barnett is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move.
Barnett is looking to advance position but Mercer won't allow it.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Mercer pushes Barnett off but Barnett dives into side control.
Mercer is trying to buck Barnett off.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Stu Mercer dominated that second round.
The cut man is working on Stu Mercer's cut.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin! This is the final round!

Mercer fails to land with a series of punches.
Stu Mercer is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Mercer is looking to clinch.
Barnett is looking to clinch but Mercer is avoiding it.
Mercer stalks Barnett and leaps in with a furious combination of punches. Uppercuts and crosses smash into Barnett's face. Barnett staggers backwards, shaken.
Barnett thows a body shot but no joy.
Mercer throws a low kick, looking for Barnett's leg but Barnett calmly moves out of range.
Barnett shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Mercer but Mercer pushes him off and we're back to square one.
Barnett shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Mercer sprawls well. Mercer wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Barnett gets slowly back to his feet.
Stu Mercer is winning the standup battle so far.
Barnett on the wrong end of a vicious looking body shot.
Barnett doesn't succeed with the takedown
and Mercer counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Stu Mercer has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Matt Barnett.
Barnett takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Mercer jabs at Barnett's body.
Barnett has his takedown stuffed

and Mercer holds on and brings the fighters into a clinch.
A short right from Mercer on the inside.

Mercer is working on a single leg takedown against the cage. Barnett can't fight it off and eventually Mercer manages to take the fight to the floor. Barnett looks annoyed but at least he's managed to land in guard.
Mercer is just sitting in guard, looking to avoid any submissions.
Barnett striking off his back but it's not causing Mercer any problems.

Barnett had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Mercer defends it easily.
Mercer trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Barnett keeping moving, preventing Mercer from controlling successfully.

Mercer stands up from Barnett's guard - Mercer perhaps looking for a knockout.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Barnett darts in looking for a takedown but Mercer gets double underhooks and turns Barnett into the cage.
Mercer lands with a right to the head.
Mercer gets underhooks to prevent Barnett's takedown attempt.
Mercer misses with a punch to the body.

Mercer breaks the clinch.
Barnett tries to score a power double leg takedown but Mercer sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Barnett somewhat.
Mercer tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Stu Mercer is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Mercer lands a pitter patter jab to the forehead of his opponent.
Barnett fails with the takedown

and Mercer counters by moving into the clinch. Good anticipation by Mercer.
Mercer lands a nice uppercut.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Mercer pushes Barnett back against the cage and unloads with a body punch.
Mercer throws a nice elbow but it doesn't land.
Mercer gets underhooks to prevent Barnett's takedown attempt.

Mercer has Barnett pressed up against the cage. He's trying to work for a single leg takedown. Mercer pulls back from the cage and twists to the side, sending Barnett tumbling to the mat - Mercer dives into Barnett's guard.
Mercer makes a bit of distance and scores with some ground and pound, still in guard.
Mercer tries to stand but Barnett is controlling from the bottom.
Barnett avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Barnett trying to keep a closed guard but Mercer is proving a slippery customer.
Mercer content to stall in guard here.
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!

Barnett is active off his back here, looking for submissions.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Barnett is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
Matt Barnett has got the better of the ground game so far.
Mercer wants to pass the guard but Barnett is keeping the position.

Mercer gets to his feet and steps away from his opponent.
Barnett shoots in looking for a takedown but Mercer manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Barnett's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
Mercer tries to clinch up but Barnett circles away and keeps his distance.
Barnett misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
A lazy left from Mercer finds it's target.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Mercer tries to clinch up.

Mercer clinches up against the cage.
Matt Barnett has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Stu Mercer is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Barnett throws a punch but it's blocked by Mercer.

And that's the end of the fight!
Stu Mercer showed his dominance in that final round.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Mercer, 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 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Emerson Jorge scores the fight 30:27
Judge Paulo Santos scores the fight 30:27
Judge Thiago Cunha scores the fight 30:27

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Stu Mercer!
A loyal slave to those sponsorship dollars, Stu Mercer made sure he mentioned Milwaukee's Best 160 , along with how happy he was to win his fight.