PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Roy Jones Jr (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Kyle Branson (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Jones Jr's ring entrance music is that housewives' favourite, Can't be touched - Roy Jones Jr.. Branson has chosen Meytal Cohen - Toxicity as his entrance music. These two fighters really are very evenly matched on the feet - it will be fascinating to see who can assert themselves in that aspect of the fight.

Jones Jr
vs
Branson

181 cm
28
218 lbs
11 - 10 - 0

183 cm
29
215 lbs
6 - 2 - 0

Good wrestling
Excellent boxer
Cardio machine

Excellent grappler
Excellent boxer
Good gas tank

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the light heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 11 - 10 - 0, fighting out of Montreal, Roy Jones Jr!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 6 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Montreal, Kyle Branson!
The judges for this bout are Steve Smith, Gregory Folan and Robert Douchet.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Branson is looking to clinch.
Jones Jr dances in quickly and lands a nice inside leg kick on Branson. That did some damage!
Branson changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Jones Jr tries to avoid it but Branson manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Jones Jr to the ground. Jones Jr escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Jones Jr thows a body shot but no joy.
Branson keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Nice takedown defense from Jones Jr. No joy for Branson on that attempt.
Jones Jr swinging wildly here.
A head kick misses from Jones Jr.
Branson goes for a double leg but Jones Jr avoids the attempt and the two fighters end up clinched against the cage as Jones Jr continues to drive forward.
Roy Jones Jr has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Kyle Branson.
Branson tries to pull guard but Jones Jr holds him up against the cage and eventually Branson drops back down to his feet.
Branson doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Branson is trying to pull guard but Jones Jr has him pressed against the cage.
Branson is trying to break the clinch but Jones Jr has him pressed against the cage.

Branson jumps into guard, dragging Jones Jr to the mat.

Branson is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
Branson keeping full guard, as Jones Jr tries to pass.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Branson working for a triangle but Jones Jr defends it easily.
Jones Jr tries to free his leg and advance position but Branson is retaining full guard.
Jones Jr preventing the sweep.
Jones Jr wants to control from the top but Branson keeps moving.
Jones Jr pushing down on Branson's thigh, trying to pass to half guard. He's managed it... Nice work.

Jones Jr is trying a forearm choke… I don't think that's going to do much at this level of the game.
Branson is looking to improve his position.
Jones Jr passes to full mount!
Branson has given up his back. Will we see Jones Jr going for some submissions?

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Jones Jr controlling well, preventing Branson from escaping the position.
Branson tries to escape the position - he's now mounted. Is that better or worse? Hard to tell!
Branson is squirming around, avoiding Jones Jr's attempts to control the action.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!

The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Jones Jr has control of Branson's right arm, working for a kimura. It's a bit of a token attempt though and Branson regains control of the situation pretty easily.
Branson is controlling an arm, preventing Jones Jr from taking his back. Although keeping him in mount is no better to be honest.
Branson is trying to escape the mount.
Branson bucks up and manages to get a nice reversal! He's in guard on the top - nicely done!

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Jones Jr looking for a sweep. Not yet Jones Jr, not yet.
Branson loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Jones Jr is working an open guard here, looking to improve his position. No doubt that will leave him open to counters but at least he's being more offensive.
Branson scores with a decent looking elbow strike.
Branson sneaks a leg through and gets to half guard. That was like a knife through butter how easily he passed Jones Jr's guard.
Jones Jr trying to control but Branson postures up.

Branson is looking for an arm triangle, whilst trying to pass to side control. Jones Jr doesn't seem that keen to cooperate though. No luck this time Branson.

Jones Jr looking for submissions from an awkward position here.

Branson is working for a kimura but Jones Jr is defending it quite comfortably.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Branson is thinking about going for an arm triangle but he can't free his leg.

Branson is trying for a guillotine from the top but the pressure isn't in the right place so Jones Jr is just riding it out for now. Branson eventually gives up the hold.
Jones Jr blocking the ground and pound attempt from Branson.
Jones Jr tries to get to full guard but Branson has control of the leg.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.

Branson is thinking about going for an arm triangle but he can't free his leg.
This has been an exciting period of action!

Branson is looking for a kimura here.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Kyle Branson dominated that round.
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.

Jones Jr throws a shot from downtown. Branson moves away and avoids it.
Roy Jones Jr seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Jones Jr works Branson's body with a nice hook.

Branson has taken the fight to the clinch.
Branson tries to pull guard but Jones Jr forces him back to his feet, against the cage.
Branson tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.
Jones Jr is trying to slow down the pace in the clinch, to catch his breath.

Jones Jr breaks the clinch.
Jones Jr tries to land a front kick but Branson steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed.
Jones Jr thows a body shot but no joy.
Branson tries to score a power double leg takedown but Jones Jr sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Branson somewhat.
Roy Jones Jr has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Kyle Branson.
Jones Jr moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.

Branson feints and then dives in with a takedown. That was a long way out but the feint bought him enough time to close the distance and complete the takedown. Now we'll play guard for a bit and see who can get the better of that position.
Branson scores with a decent looking elbow strike.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Jones Jr wants to sweep but no luck.
Kyle Branson has got the better of the ground game so far.

Jones Jr is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.

Jones Jr had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Branson defends it easily.
Branson trying to control the position from guard on top but Jones Jr is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Branson looking to pass the guard.
Jones Jr wants to sweep here but Branson controlling him for the moment.
Jones Jr manages to land a sweep and now he's in mount on top!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Branson slips a leg in and gets back to half guard.

Jones Jr is working for submissions here but there's nothing on.

Jones Jr is looking for an arm triangle, whilst trying to pass to side control. Branson doesn't seem that keen to cooperate though. No luck this time Jones Jr.
Branson wants to improve his position but Jones Jr is controlling well.
Branson trying to control from the bottom.
Branson moves his hips nicely and gets into full 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!

Branson looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Branson looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.

Branson looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.
Jones Jr trying to control but Branson is working from the bottom.
Jones Jr stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Branson swivels though and keeps the full guard.

Branson working for a triangle but Jones Jr defends it easily.

Branson had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Jones Jr defends it easily.
Jones Jr stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Branson swivels though and keeps the full guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Jones Jr got a little sloppy there for a moment and Branson has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Jones Jr has managed to get both his arms back between Branson's legs - danger averted.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Jones Jr trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Branson is working an open guard here, looking to improve his position. No doubt that will leave him open to counters but at least he's being more offensive.
Jones Jr has decided he wants to stand but the closed guard of Branson is proving hard to escape from.
Branson keeping full guard, as Jones Jr tries to pass.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Jones Jr is just sitting in guard, looking to avoid any submissions.
Both fighters really going for it on the ground here!
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Branson manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Jones Jr manages to get himself to full guard.

Jones Jr is active off his back here, looking for submissions.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Kyle Branson showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business. This is the final round!

Jones Jr misses with a wild body shot.
Jones Jr is looking to wear down Branson with body shots, infact he's throwing more body shots than head shots at the moment.
Branson uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Jones Jr.
Branson shoots for a double leg takedown but Jones Jr sprawls well. He's pushed Branson's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Jones Jr ducks low and lands a nice hook to the body of his opponent.
Jones Jr misses with a hook to the body
letting Branson counter with a right hand.
Branson looks for a takedown but Jones Jr sprawls well.
Jones Jr tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Branson was well out of range. Poor timing from Jones Jr.
Branson shoots in but Jones Jr avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Roy Jones Jr has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Kyle Branson.
Jones Jr misses with a wild body shot.
Branson darts in looking for a takedown but Jones Jr gets double underhooks and turns Branson into the cage.
Branson blocks an uppercut.

Jones Jr pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
A looping hook to the body misses from Jones Jr. Branson does a little dance to reset his feet.
Jones Jr is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Branson.
Jones Jr misses with a hook. Branson ducked under it nicely.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Jones Jr slaps away a takedown attempt from Branson, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Jones Jr tries to land a leg kick but Branson saw it coming and moves away.
Branson shoots in for a takedown but Jones Jr shows good takedown defense.
Branson keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Branson tries to close the distance and clinch but Jones Jr swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Jones Jr just misses with a punch to the body.
Jones Jr lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Branson circles away quickly and effectively.
Jones Jr misses the jab.

Branson closes the distance and pushes Jones Jr back into the cage.

Branson jumps guard.

Jones Jr avoids a guillotine attempt easily.
Jones Jr sneaks a leg through and gets to half guard. That was like a knife through butter how easily he passed Branson's guard.
Jones Jr looking to pass the half guard. Not this time.
Jones Jr trying to control from half guard but Branson is working away.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Roy Jones Jr has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

Jones Jr is working for a kimura but Branson is defending it quite comfortably.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!

Jones Jr is trying to work for a kimura. This could be trouble! No, Branson has managed to free his arm - good work.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.

Branson looking for submissions off his back.

Branson looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.

Jones Jr is working for an americana but Branson has been sneaky and has managed to get back to half guard, whilst Jones Jr was thinking about the submission.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Jones Jr tries to free his leg and advance position but Branson is retaining full guard.
Jones Jr would like to get this fight back to the feet but can't get free from the closed guard.
Jones Jr throwing strikes but missing.

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

Branson has his foot on Jones Jr's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Jones Jr works his way back into a safe position though.
Jones Jr wants to get up but he can't break Branson's closed guard. He needs to be careful trying to break the legs open, as he's open to submissions here.
Branson is working an open guard here, looking to improve his position. No doubt that will leave him open to counters but at least he's being more offensive.
Jones Jr forces his way into half guard.

Branson actively working from the bottom here.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Jones Jr is looking for a kimura but he's never going to get it from there.
Branson is pressing down on Jones Jr's left leg trying to get back to full guard. He's managed it.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Jones Jr throws a strike but Branson rolls with it and manages to sweep. Now he's in guard on top.
Jones Jr wants to sweep but no luck.
Branson wants to pass the guard but Jones Jr is keeping the position.
Kyle Branson is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Branson sitting in guard, not really doing much.
Jones Jr trying to strike from the bottom but really, it's not the best position to be doing that from!

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 Roy Jones Jr.
I think Branson 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 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Steve Smith scores the fight 28:30
Judge Gregory Folan scores the fight 28:29
Judge Robert Douchet scores the fight 28:29

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Kyle Branson!
Kyle Branson decided to thank the fans in attendance for making a great atmosphere. It seemed to go down pretty well.