PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Joe Spencer (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Thioon Phitch (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Well, the cameraman is lingering on a pretty young lady for a bit too long there. Keep your eyes on the prize buddy or you'll miss the fighter intros!

Spencer
vs
Phitch

177 cm
26
170 lbs
12 - 9 - 0

174 cm
27
163 lbs
10 - 6 - 0

Good wrestling
Excellent boxer
Granite chin

Good wrestler
World class MT
Good gas tank

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the lightweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 12 - 9 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Joe Spencer!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 10 - 6 - 0, fighting out of Amsterdam, Thioon Phitch!
The judges for this bout are Dillan Fox, Trevor Gratis and Yves DeLean.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Phitch throws a body punch but Spencer moves out of range.
Spencer slips under a jab from Phitch.
Spencer misses with a hook. Phitch ducked under it nicely.
Phitch misses with a looping left.
The fighters circling - Phitch throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Spencer throws a jab when Phitch was well out of range.
Phitch throws a right and a left that Spencer avoids nicely.

Spencer shoots in for a takedown from distance. He catches Phitch napping and manages to drive through into side control!
We've been hearing that Spencer has been drilling a lot of ground and pound in training, so let's see if he get the finish.
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.
The referee is pacing around the two fighters - he looks like he's thinking about a standup.
Spencer throwing strikes but missing, from side control.
Spencer trying to control the position but Phitch is working away.
Phitch wants to control but Spencer postures up.
Phitch manages to land a sweep and he's now on top! Lovely Jiu Jitsu!
Phitch controlling the action here.
Phitch is looking to take a break and control but Spencer is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Phitch stalling.

That's one minute gone in the round.

The ref calls for a clean break and stands the fighters back up. Thioon Phitch wasn't active enough on the ground.

Spencer throws a loose over hand right and dives in with a double leg takedown. Phitch tries to sprawl but it's too late and the fighters hit the mat. Spencer is in Phitch's guard.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Spencer stops Phitch from standing up.
Phitch avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Phitch wants to sweep here but Spencer controlling him for the moment.
A real slowdown in the pace of the fight for a moment, as Phitch holds on and takes a little breather.
Spencer throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Phitch has control of Spencer's left arm, preventing Spencer from doing any damage.
The referee is asking the fighters to pick up the pace.
Spencer with a couple of shots to the head there. Not particularly brutal.
Spencer trying to control but Phitch is working from the bottom.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Phitch pulls Spencer in close to his closed guard and prevents Spencer from doing any damage or advancing position.

Thioon Phitch has forced the referee to step in and restart the fight on the feet.
Phitch moves out of range of the strikes.
Phitch throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Spencer sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Spencer lands a nice hook to Phitch's body. Phitch takes it in his stride and looks to land his own strikes.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Phitch swinging wildly here.
Thioon Phitch is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Phitch ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Spencer moves away.
Spencer fails to land with a series of punches.
Phitch loads up on a big right hand but Spencer slips the punch.
Wow, both these guys are really going for it!

Spencer manages to get an easy takedown there - catching Phitch on his heels. He'll look to pass Phitch's guard now, I'm sure.
Spencer makes a bit of distance and scores with some ground and pound, still in guard.
Phitch 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.
Phitch is persisting with the attempt to improve his position.
Phitch controlling Spencer's posture.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Spencer postures up in Phitch's guard and throws a big left but Phitch blocks it.
Phitch has Spencer pulled in close to control his posture.
We must be close to a standup if these guys don't pick up the pace.
Phitch's corner are shouting for him to control the position and he seems happy to oblige.

Thioon Phitch has forced the referee to step in and restart the fight on the feet.
Phitch misses with an uppercut.
Spencer misses with a kick to the body.
Spencer displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Phitch throws out the jab.
Phitch swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Phitch is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Phitch dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Spencer throws a lazy uppercut
and Phitch counters with a left to the body.
Phitch changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.
Spencer ducks right into an uppercut from Phitch.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Spencer scores with a reasonable looking shot to the body. Phitch doesn't seem bothered though.
Nice shot lands for Spencer.
Phitch is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Spencer.
Spencer throws a jab but it's blocked by Phitch.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Phitch comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.
Nice defenses there by Spencer.
Spencer blocks a jab.
Phitch looks to throw the jab but Spencer is out of range.
Phitch throws a two punch combo that lands nicely.

It looks like Joe Spencer has been cut.
Spencer blocks a jab.
Phitch takes a really solid shot there but just smiles back and shrugs his shoulders.
Spencer swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
A bone on bone clash there as Phitch blocks the leg kick.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Spencer just misses with a punch to the body.
Phitch swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Spencer just misses with a punch to the body.
Phitch throws a looping overhand right but Spencer ducks down to avoid it.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but Thioon Phitch will probably get the nod.
The cut man is working on Joe Spencer's cut.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.

Phitch throws a shot from downtown. Spencer moves away and avoids it.

Phitch tries to sprawl but Spencer drives through with a takedown into half guard.
Phitch keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Phitch is trying to get back to full guard.
Spencer 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.
Phitch regains full guard. Nicely done.
Phitch controlling the position.
Phitch is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.
Phitch utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Phitch manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Spencer manages to get himself to full guard.
Spencer wants to sweep but no luck.
Phitch looking to control the position here, rather than advance.

That's one minute gone in the round.
We must be close to a standup if these guys don't pick up the pace.

OK we're going to have a standup here. Thioon Phitch hasn't been effective enough on the ground and the referee wants a restart.
Phitch misses with the combination.
Spencer misses the shot to the body.
Phitch ducks low and lands a nice hook to the body of his opponent.
Spencer is looking to slow Phitch down with leg kicks.
Phitch throws an overhand right that lands on Spencer's shoulder, as Spencer tries to avoid the shot.

Spencer fakes an overhand right and shoots for a takedown. Phitch sprawls well initially but Spencer persists and gets the takedown into half guard.
Phitch is looking to improve his position.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Phitch holds on for dear life, maintaining half guard for now.
Phitch is trying to control but can't.
Thioon Phitch has got the better of the ground game so far.
Phitch keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Spencer trying to control the action but Phitch is working from the bottom.
Phitch keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Spencer prevents Phitch from standing back up.
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!
Phitch slips a foot under and gets full guard. Nice work.
Phitch is looking to get back to his feet but can't, whilst Spencer is controlling him.
Phitch is using up a lot of energy trying to get back to his feet. Perhaps he should improve his position first.
Spencer throws a big right hand that misses.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Phitch avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.

Phitch manages to escape and get back to his feet.
Phitch takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
Phitch tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Spencer was well out of range. Poor timing from Phitch.
A jab from Spencer misses.
Phitch tries to close the distance and clinch up but Spencer swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Spencer throws a body shot but no joy.

Spencer decides to change it up a bit and drives through with a nice takedown into half guard.
Phitch is concentrating on defense, preventing Spencer from advancing position.
Phitch manages to get to full guard.
Spencer won't allow Phitch to sweep him here.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Spencer postures up.
If this pace continues, the referee will definitely step in and force a standup.
Phitch 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.
Spencer postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Spencer postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Spencer looking to pass the guard.
Spencer trying to control but Phitch is working from the bottom.
Phitch managing to control the position.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.

The ref stands the fighters back up. Thioon Phitch was stalling too much, according to the referee.
Spencer ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close second round but Thioon Phitch will probably get the nod - 10:9.
The cut man is working on Joe Spencer's cut.
That's time! Spencer's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight. This is the final round!

Spencer shoots for a double leg takedown but Phitch sprawls well. He's pushed Spencer's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Phitch tries to clinch up but Spencer circles away and keeps his distance.
Phitch uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Spencer.
Phitch uses good footwork to get in and out and land a nice right hand before Spencer has time to react.
Spencer throws a body shot but no joy.
Spencer avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Phitch misses with a left hand

and Spencer counters with a nice shoot takedown that brings the fighters to the ground.
Spencer chips away with some ground and pound.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Spencer trying to control but Phitch is working from the bottom.
Phitch is trying to control the position but Spencer postures up.
Spencer postures up in Phitch's guard and throws a big left but Phitch blocks it.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Phitch trying to control the position.
The referee wants the fighters to be more active or he's going to reset them on the feet.

Thioon Phitch has forced the referee to step in and restart the fight on the feet.
Spencer throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Phitch.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Spencer misses with a jab to the body
and Phitch counters with a stiff right hand.
A big right from Spencer misses.
Spencer uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Phitch.
Phitch looks to land a right hand but Spencer moved out of range.
Phitch misses with a wild combination.
Phitch lands with a good body shot.
Spencer misses with the combination.
Phitch lands a pitter patter jab to the forehead of his opponent.
Spencer darts in looking for a takedown but Phitch gets double underhooks and turns Spencer into the cage.

Phitch breaks from the clinch.
Nice body punch from Spencer.
Spencer throws the left hand but Phitch avoids the punch easily.
Phitch ducks right into an uppercut from Spencer.
Thioon Phitch seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Spencer throws a jab when Phitch was well out of range.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Phitch uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Spencer.
Phitch uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Spencer.
No luck for Spencer with that takedown attempt.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Joe Spencer. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Phitch leaves Spencer with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
Phitch is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Phitch throws a jab but it's blocked by Spencer.
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!
Phitch misses with an uppercut. Spencer saw that one coming.
Spencer with a body punch. A glancing blow.
Phitch doesn't manage to clinch there - Spencer circles away.
Phitch swings widly with a right hand

and Spencer counters with a takedown into side control.
Spencer working the ground and pound but Phitch is defending the strikes.
Phitch is sneaking out the side here. He's bucked Spencer off and has taken his back!
Good control from Phitch.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Phitch avoiding Spencer 's attempts to control his hands.
Spencer wants to escape the position.
Joe Spencer has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Phitch tries to get the hooks in deep but Spencer pushed the leg off.
Phitch biding his time, controlling Spencer.
Let's hope that Phitch 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.
The referee wants the fighters to be more active or he's going to reset them on the feet.
Phitch wants to control the position but Spencer frees himself and scrambles - Phitch manages to regain control in side control.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Phitch trying to control the action but Spencer is working from the bottom.
Spencer tries to work a leg under to get back to half guard but Phitch wriggles his own leg back out and remains in side control.
Spencer is moving his hips around well on the bottom and has managed to get back to half guard.
Phitch wants to pass the guard but Spencer is defending well.

Thioon Phitch has forced the referee to step in and restart the fight on the feet.
Phitch ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Spencer moves away.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Spencer throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Spencer feints and then cracks Phitch's leading leg with a nice low kick. He's obviously looking to slow Phitch down.
Spencer takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
Spencer steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Phitch.

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 Joe Spencer.
I think Phitch 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 Dillan Fox scores the fight 28:29
Judge Trevor Gratis scores the fight 28:29
Judge Yves DeLean scores the fight 28:29

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Thioon Phitch!