PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Cave Mann (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Juan Messe (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Juan Messe told me before the fight that he's been watching a lot of DVDs so let's see if that helps him in this one! I can't wait to find out!

Mann
vs
Messe

225 cm
26
190 lbs
3 - 0 - 0

177 cm
25
193 lbs
2 - 0 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Solid Muay Thai
KO power

BJJ Blue Belt
Decent boxing
Heavy handed

Master Lee's One Stop

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the middleweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 3 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Hilo, Cave Mann!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 2 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Juan Messe!
The judges for this bout are Anthony Taglia, Steve Montenegro and Eddie Farnsworth.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Mann throws a leg kick but Messe sees it coming and moves out of range.
Mann waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Messe.
Mann tried to score with a low kick but Messe checks it.
Mann throws a two punch combo that lands nicely.
Nice cross by Mann.
Mann seems to be moving with more speed, compared to his last bout. He must have been working on that in the gym.
Messe's jab looks to have found its range, popping Mann under the eye.
Messe dives in and grabs Mann's left leg, looking for a takedown. Mann pushes down on Messe's head and hops out.
Mann lands with a slapping head kick.
Messe tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Mann was well out of range. Poor timing from Messe.
Messe swinging wildly here.
Mann connects with a looping right hand.
A jab lands there for Mann.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Messe throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Mann goes for a high kick. It partially lands.
Messe shoots for a takedown but Mann saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
Mann lands with a head kick! That's gotta hurt.
A combination from Messe does no damage.
A punch combination from Mann misses.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Messe throws a jab but it's blocked by Mann.
Mann feints a straight left to the body, then turns around with a flashy move and hits Messes jaw with a dramatic spinning back fist!
Mann throws the left hand but Messe avoids the punch easily.
Messe looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Mann is fending him off so far but Messe persists. Nope, Mann circles away and we're back to standing.
Cave Mann has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Juan Messe.
Messe tries to check a leg kick but that clearly hurt him.
A leg kick checked by Mann.
A lazy left from Messe finds it's target.
Messe misses with a straight left.
Some wild striking there from Messe.
Messe will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
Mann misses with a straight right.
Messe throws a lazy body kick
and Messe takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Mann's corner calls for a 1, 2 combination and Mann duly obliges.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Mann feints a straight left to the body, then turns around with a flashy move and hits Messes jaw with a dramatic spinning back fist!
No joy there for Messe, who threw a few shots but didn't land.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Mann lands a body shot.
Mann fakes and then throws a beautiful body shot. Messe looks a bit winded and takes a step backwards to take a breath.
Mann missing with a left hand there. Messe was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Messe swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Messe connects with a nice looking jab.
Messe connects with a lovely jab that went straight through the gap between Mann's hands.

It looks like Cave Mann has been cut.
Mann throws a right and a left that both miss.
Messe throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Mann.
Mann throws a series of strikes that have Messe backpedaling.
Cave Mann is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
The fighters circling - Mann throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Messe tries for a takedown but Mann sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Messe blocks a head kick by Mann.
Messe connects with a body shot that sends Mann's belly button to the back.
Messe slips a jab and a cross from Mann.
Mann throws out a powerful jab.
Messe looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Mann is fending him off so far but Messe persists. Nope, Mann circles away and we're back to standing.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Messe throws a series of punches but Mann moves out of range.
Good leg kick by Mann there. It's the ones that make that thud noise that hurt and that was an almighty thud.
Mann is looking to slow Messe down with leg kicks.

Messe drives through with a takedown into guard.
Mann trying to keep a closed guard but Messe is proving a slippery customer.
Messe is frustrating his opponent with some stalling tactics from top position.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Messe has decided he wants to stand but the closed guard of Mann is proving hard to escape from.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Messe pushes down on Mann's leg and manages to get into half guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Cave Mann dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Cave Mann's cut.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

Mann tries to work over Messe's front leg with a kick but Messe checks it.
The fighters circling - Mann throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
A decent looking cross lands there for Mann.
Messe throws a looping overhand right but Mann ducks down to avoid it.
Mann takes a shot right to the bread basket.
Messe is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Mann.
Messe misses with a wild combination.
Mann stuffs the takedown attempt from Messe. Messe gets slowly back to his feet.
Mann uses good footwork to get in and out and land a nice right hand before Messe has time to react.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Mann slaps away a takedown attempt from Messe, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Mann connects with a high kick.
An inside leg kick lands from Mann.
Mann throws a quick inside leg kick.

That's one minute gone in the round.
A good leg kick by Mann.
Mann throws a quick head kick that skims the top of Messe's head.
Mann lets the fists fly and connects with a left straight followed by a right hook.
Messe throws a couple of head shots and lands with the final one - a decent hook, which struck Mann on the side of the head.
Mann connects with a good right hand that stumbles Messe. Messe circles away out of range and recomposes himself.
Mann is using his reach advantage well here, landing the more effective single shots from range.
Nice defenses there by Messe.
Messe throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Mann takes a shot to the body in his stride.
Messe throws a right and a left that Mann avoids nicely.
Messe throws out a loose jab but Mann uses good head movement to avoid it.
A big left from Messe misses.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Messe misses with a looping left.
Mann displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Messe.
Cave Mann has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Juan Messe.
Mann misses with a left hand
and Messe counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Messe throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Mann sees it coming and avoids it easily.
A nice combination there by Mann.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Messe bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Juan Messe seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Messe gets cracked there but stands up to it.
Messe throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Mann sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Mann is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Messe can do to turn this around?
Messe misses with a wild combination.
Mann paws at his opponent with the jab and then lunges in with a straight, right on the button.
Messe shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Mann as he avoids it easily.
Mann lands a jab to Messe's midsection.
Messe shoots in looking for a takedown but Mann manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Messe's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
Mann throws a hook but Messe blocks it.
Messe avoids a punch combination nicely.
Sloppy strikes from Messe. Those never looked like landing.
Messe throws a lazy head kick
and Mann counters with a nice low kick that buckles Messe's knee momentarily.
Messe misses with a two punch combination.
Mann lands with a nice low kick. That'll leave a bruise.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Mann thows a left - swing and a miss!
Mann throws an overhand right that lands on Messe's shoulder, as Messe tries to avoid the shot.
Mann thows a left - swing and a miss!
Mann throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Mann throws a nice inside leg kick.
Mann defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Messe.
Messe throws a series of strikes that have Mann backpedaling.
Mann keeps his opponent at a distance with a nice jab.
Mann slips under a jab from Messe.
Messe uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Mann.
Messe misses with a double jab.
Messe swinging wildly here.
Mann connects with a nice looking jab.
Messe will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Mann chopping away at his opponent's legs.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Mann throws a hook but Messe blocks it.
Cave Mann is winning the standup battle so far.
Messe moves into range and throws a combination. A nice jab followed by a hook to the body.
Messe misses with a lunging right hand
and Mann counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Mann throws a lazy right hand but Messe sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Messe's leg has a nasty welt from taking a succession of leg kicks. That must be slowing him down.
Mann thumps Messe with a low kick.
Mann connects with a lovely right hand, straight down the pipe.
Messe misses with a double jab.
Mann scores with a jab to the jaw.
Mann looks to land a left hand but Messe moved out of range nicely.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Messe misses with a two punch combination.
A bone on bone clash there as Messe blocks the leg kick.
Mann lands with an overhand left.
Mann throws out a powerful jab.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Cave Mann dominated that second round.
The cut man is working on Cave Mann's cut.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business. This is the final round!

Messe misses with an uppercut. Mann saw that one coming.
Mann moves out of range as Messe strikes.
Messe slips a jab from Mann.
Mann tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Mann jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Mann uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Messe.
Messe throws a right and a left that both miss.
Messe has a pretty nasty looking mouse under his right eye.
Messe is trying hard to land a takedown here. Mann sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
Mann lands with an overhand left.
A solid leg kick lands there for Mann.
No joy there for Messe, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Mann really does look like a pencil wearing a pair of gloves. Let's hope he has a gameplan to suit that ridiculous body shape.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Messe misses with a jab, cross combination.
Messe lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Mann circles away quickly and effectively.
Messe attempts a low kick but it misses it's target.
Messe throws an off balance right hand
and Mann counters with a straight right hand.
Mann lands a glancing blow to the side of Messe's head.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Mann connects with a high kick.
Mann stooping low to avoid any incoming strikes and then lunges in with an uppercut come cross that lands flush.
Mann misses with a hook. Messe ducked under it nicely.
Messe throws a big shot that misses.
Messe misses with a double jab.
Mann turns his hip over beautifully as he lands a nice leg kick.
Messe swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Mann lands a high kick!
Messe throws a hook but Mann blocks it.
Mann misses with a hook. Messe ducked under it nicely.
Messe tries to score with an inside leg kick but telegraphs it and Mann is able to avoid easily.
Mann displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Messe throws out the jab.
Messe throws a hook to the side of Mann's head but Mann sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Messe misses with a few strikes there.
Messe takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Mann misses the jab.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Messe dodges the punch combination from Mann.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Messe swinging wildly here.
Messe shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Nice jab there from Mann.
Mann throws a head kick that connects with a bit of head and a bit of hand.
Mann throws a nice outside leg kick.
Messe throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Mann.
Messe takes a nice looking leg kick right on the meat of his thigh there.
Sloppy strikes from Mann. Those never looked like landing.
Messe throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Messe works the jab nicely.
Like a baseball bat into the meat of his leg there - nice leg kick by Mann.
Mann throws a hook to the side of Messe's head but Messe sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Mann throws a combination. Messe tries to block but a couple of punches get through.
Messe throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Mann scoring well with a low kick there.
Messe throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Messe shoots in for a takedown but Mann shows good takedown defense.
Cave Mann has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Juan Messe.
Messe rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Mann moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Mann fakes with a right hand and throws a good leg kick, right into the thigh. That had to hurt Messe.
Mann with a nice looking leg kick. You could hear that one land in a back row.
Messe misses with a double jab
and Mann counters with an outside leg kick.
A cross from Mann lands.
Messe throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Mann.
Messe throws a series of punches but Mann moves out of range.
Mann connects with a lovely jab that went straight through the gap between Messe's hands.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Mann throws a quick head kick that skims the top of Messe's head.
Nice jab there from Mann.
Mann lands with a cross.
Cave Mann is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
A swing and a miss from Mann.
Messe tries to bum rush Mann with a series of wild strikes but Mann uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Mann chopping away at his opponent's legs.
Mann moves out of range of the strikes.
Juan Messe is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Messe throws a combination. Mann tries to block but a couple of punches get through.
Mann lands with a cross.
Messe misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Messe fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Mann blocks a leg kick.
Mann getting the better of the striking in that exchange.
Juan Messe has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Messe walks into a left hand.

And that's the end of the fight!
Cave Mann showed his dominance in that final round.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Mann, 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 Anthony Taglia scores the fight 30:27
Judge Steve Montenegro scores the fight 30:27
Judge Eddie Farnsworth scores the fight 30:27

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Cave Mann!
Cave Mann was full of energy after the big win and talked about how he thinks he can do big things in this sport. The crowd were appreciative of his determination to succeed.
Juan Messe spoke after the fight, saying 'He is a good fighter I'll be back just need to train more and harder!'.