PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Mike Blow (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Manny Machado (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Blow comes to the cage accompanied by Slippin. This should be a great matchup!

Blow
vs
Machado

175 cm
24
170 lbs
15 - 4 - 0

175 cm
25
164 lbs
10 - 2 - 0

Abu Dhabi Champ
Dangerous knees
Cardio machine

BJJ Purple Belt
Decent boxing
Good gas tank

The Dark Side

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the lightweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 15 - 4 - 0, fighting out of Hilo, Mike Blow!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 10 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Manny Machado!
The judges for this bout are Josh West, Roger Salmon and Colin Fray.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Blow misses with a wild body shot.
Blow throws a right and a left that Machado avoids nicely.

Blow closes the distance, clinches up and gets a nice trip takedown into side control. Very smooth.
Machado pushes Blow away and creates a bit of space to escape. He's almost out here... but no, Blow gets a good hold of his legs and remains firmly in side control.
Blow postures up a little and throws a couple of hammerfists but they don't connect properly.
Blow prevents Machado from escaping the position.
Machado is not content to let Blow control the position.
Machado tries to escape but Blow is in control.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Blow in side control, throwing shots but Machado defends.
Machado felt the need to train up his defensive grappling in the buildup to the fight. Presumably he was expecting to be in a difficult position like this, so let's see if he can get out of it.
Blow in side control, just content to control the action for now.
Machado is looking to work his way out of this bad position but Blow is controlling him well.

That's one minute gone in the round.

The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.

Machado gets caught on his heels momentarily as he allows Blow to score an easy takedown into full guard.
Blow won't allow Machado to get back to his feet.
Blow trying to control but Machado is working from the bottom.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Blow in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Machado wants to stand and escape but Blow is having none of it.
Blow stands and throws Machado's legs to the side, diving into side control.
Machado takes a big shot right to the temple there but he's taken it well.
Blow throws a knee to the body but it doesn't do much damage.
An elbow from Blow crashes against the mat.
Machado is not in a great position here, taking some shots.

Blow tries for an arm triangle. That looks pretty tight to me. Is this one over!?! Possibly, maybe, no Blow has let go of the choke. Obviously it wasn't as tight as we thought!
Blow misses with a strike but at least he's keeping busy, looking to cause some damage - that will still help him when it comes to the judges scorecards.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Machado parries the strikes from Blow easily there. Blow is wary of posturing up too much because it might enable Machado to escape.
Machado is trying to stand back up. He's worked his way up against the cage but Blow has just dragged him back down to the mat.
Blow trying to control the action but Machado is working from the bottom.
Blow working the ground and pound but Machado is defending the strikes.
Blow trying to control the position but Machado is working away.
Machado pushes Blow away and creates a bit of space to escape. He's almost out here... but no, Blow gets a good hold of his legs and remains firmly in side control.

Blow is looking to finish here, going for an Americana. Machado knows the correct defense though, so he's OK.
Machado is putting a lot of effort into getting back to his feet here.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Neither fighter has done anything of merit for a good minute or two here and the crowd are not happy about it.
Blow trying to control the position but Machado is working away.
We must be close to a standup if these guys don't pick up the pace.
Machado dodges the ground and pound from Blow.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Blow throws a strike aimed at the side of Machado's head but Machado avoids it well.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Mike Blow dominated that round.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

A slow jab from Blow misses its intended target.
Mike Blow is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Blow looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Machado is fending him off so far but Blow persists. Nope, Machado circles away and we're back to standing.
Blow goes for a double leg but Machado avoids the attempt and the two fighters end up clinched against the cage as Machado continues to drive forward.
Machado is pressed up against the cage. Blow has hold of a leg and is looking to drag Machado down to the mat. Machado avoids the attempt though and has circled away. We're back to striking at a distance.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Mike Blow. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Blow tries to close the distance and clinch but Machado swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Blow missing with a left hand there. Machado was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
A telegraphed right hand from Machado misses the target.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Machado misses with an uppercut. Blow saw that one coming.
Blow lands a nice hook to Machado's body. Machado takes it in his stride and looks to land his own strikes.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Blow throws a nice looking combination but Machado bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Blow is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Machado can do to turn this around?
Machado misses with a body punch
and Machado takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Blow takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.
Machado throws a series of punches but Blow avoids them all with ease.
Machado swings and misses with a hook to the body.

Blow scores with a takedown into Machado's guard.
Blow 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.
Machado keeping moving, preventing Blow from controlling successfully.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Machado really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Blow. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.
Blow advances to half guard.
Blow wants to lay and pray for a moment but Machado keeps working.

Blow seems to be working for a kimura but Machado defends the submission attempt.
Mike Blow overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Machado is looking to escape.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Blow drops an elbow to the side of Machado's head.
Blow trying to pass the guard but Machado defending well.
Machado pushes Blow off looking to stand but Blow dives back in and keeps control.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Blow trying to pass the guard but Machado defending well.
Machado looks like he's trying to stand up.

The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.
Machado walks into a stiff left hand from Blow.

Blow has closed the distance and engaged Machado in a clinch.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Blow looking to throw knees to the head but Machado is blocking nicely.
Machado working aggressively here.
A short uppercut from Blow.
Blow tries a knee to the head but he's missed.
Blow is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Machado is defending well for now.
Machado tries to throw a body punch but Blow avoids it by throwing Machado back against the cage.
Machado is trying to break free.
Blow scores with a knee to the head.
Machado prevents a takedown attempt there.
Blow tries to land knees in the clinch but Machado avoids the damage to the body.
Machado goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Blow blocks a body shot from Machado.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Blow lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Machado backwards.
Blow looking for a takedown.
Machado goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Machado tries to throw a body punch but Blow avoids it by throwing Machado back against the cage.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Mike Blow dominated that second round.
That's time! Back to the action!

Blow takes the fight into the clinch.
Machado fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Still in the clinch, Blow scores with a nice short uppercut.
A shot in the inside from Machado.
Machado throws a punch but it's blocked by Blow.
Machado goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Machado throws a head punch that misses.
Blow unloads a knee to the mid-section.
Machado tries to break the clinch but Blow is controlling the position.
Machado fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Machado takes a knee to the side of the body.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Blow blocks a punch to the side of the head.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Blow.
Machado swings wildly with an uppercut but Blow uses good head movement to avoid it.
Blow lands a nice uppercut.
Blow blocks a body shot from Machado.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Machado tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Machado tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Machado throws a head punch that misses.
Blow connects with a nasty looking knee right to Machado's face.
Blow blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Machado tries to break the clinch but Blow is controlling the position.
Machado misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Blow misses with a body punch.
Machado misses with a body punch.
Machado lands on the inside with an uppercut.
Machado misses with a body punch.
Machado prevents a takedown attempt there.
Blow lands a shoulder strike.
Machado can't find room to land a body shot as Blow controls the action.
Machado working aggressively here.
Machado tries a body shot but Blow blocks it.
Blow lands a nice uppercut.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Blow scores with a hook to the body.
Machado wants to get back to striking at distance but Blow won't allow it.
Blow lands a left hand that snaps the head of Machado backwards.

Machado breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Machado takes a shot right to the bread basket.
Mike Blow seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Blow tries to clinch but Machado is having none of it.
Machado swings for the body but Blow moves out of range.
Mike Blow is winning the standup battle so far.
Blow tries to close the distance and clinch but Machado swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Blow wants to clinch up but Machado keeps it at a distance.
Blow misses with a wild combination.
Blow tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Blow shoots in for a takedown but Machado shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Blow shoots in but no luck this time.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Mike Blow. That's going to take a lot out of him.

Blow changes levels and drives through with a really nice takedown into side control. Machado looks really pissed at himself for not defending that better.
Machado pushes Blow away and creates a bit of space to escape. He's almost out here... but no, Blow gets a good hold of his legs and remains firmly in side control.

Blow tries for an arm triangle. That looks pretty tight to me. Is this one over!?! Possibly, maybe, no Blow has let go of the choke. Obviously it wasn't as tight as we thought!

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Blow wants to lay and pray for a moment but Machado keeps working.

Blow looking for an arm triangle but it's way too loose to do anything.
We've been hearing that Blow has been drilling a lot of ground and pound in training, so let's see if he get the finish.
Machado is trying to escape and get back to his feet.
Machado taking a bit of punishment here - Blow scoring with strikes.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Mike Blow clearly takes that round.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

Blow fails with the takedown.
A combination from Blow does no damage.
Blow swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Blow scores with a jab to the jaw.
Machado ducks under a wild hook from Blow.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Blow throws a combination. Machado tries to block but a couple of punches get through.
Blow throws a wild combination but nothing lands.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Blow misses with a wild combination.
Blow fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Machado manages to avoid it.
Blow moves out of range of the strikes.
Blow uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Machado.
Machado works his jab well there, keeping his opponent at a distance.
Machado with a body punch. A glancing blow.
Blow fakes a head punch and goes low to the body. Nicely done.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Machado gets his head snapped back by a nice shot there.
Machado on the wrong end of a decent looking cross there.
Machado takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
Blow darts in and out, connecting with a jab.
Blow closes the distance and lands a one-two.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Blow listening to his corner there, landing a nice uppercut.
Machado circles away from the clinch attempt.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Machado throws an overhand right that lands on Blow's shoulder, as Blow tries to avoid the shot.
Machado looks to land a left hand but Blow moved out of range nicely.
Blow ducks low and lands a nice hook to the body of his opponent.
A big right from Machado misses.

Blow clinches up against the cage.
Blow lands a body punch.
Blow misses with a knee strike.
Machado is leaning against Blow and scores with a nice uppercut to the body.
Machado swings away with an uppercut that misses.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Blow gets the body lock takedown. After a quick scramble, Machado regains guard.
Machado keeping moving, preventing Blow from controlling successfully.
Blow wants to pass the guard but Machado is keeping the position.
Machado is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.
Blow looking to pass the guard.
Blow won't allow Machado to get back to his feet.
Blow throwing strikes from guard but Machado blocks nicely.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Mike Blow had his way with Manny Machado in that round.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action! The crowd applaud as we get ready to start the final round!

Blow closes the distance and clinches.
Blow is working on a leg, looking for a takedown but Machado is defending well.
Machado has had enough of the clinch and is looking to separate.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, Blow creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.

Machado escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Machado circles away from the clinch attempt.
Blow shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Blow uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Machado.
Machado lands a beauty of a right hand that gets the crowd cheering.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Blow ducks right into an uppercut from Machado.
Manny Machado is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Blow misses with an uppercut.
Blow ducks low and lands a nice hook to the body of his opponent.
Machado misses with a body shot.
Machado throws an ugly left hook that misses
and Blow connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Machado is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Blow.
Machado thows a left - swing and a miss!
Machado connects nicely with a jab. Noted by the judges no doubt.
Manny Machado has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Machado uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Blow.
Blow digs a good hook to Machado's body.

Blow gets a double leg takedown into Machado's guard.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Machado wants to stand but Blow is controlling the position.
Blow throws a strike but Machado rolls with it and manages to sweep. Now he's in guard on top.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Blow wants to sweep but no luck.
Machado tries to stand but Blow is controlling from the bottom.
Blow not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.

Machado gets to his feet and steps away from his opponent.
Blow tries to close the distance and clinch up but Machado swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Horrible takedown attempt by Blow or perhaps it was just good defense by Machado, which made it look bad.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Mike Blow. That's going to take a lot out of him.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Well. There's a bit of a lull in the action here and the crowd are starting to get restless.
Blow drops his hands and takes a jab to the jaw for his troubles.
Blow shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Machado pinned against the cage. Machado gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
Machado throws an off balance right hand

and Blow counters with a shoot takedown. Machado fights it but they end up in guard.
Machado wants to stand but Blow is controlling the position.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Machado has momentary wrist control but Blow slips an elbow through the middle.

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

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 Mike Blow.
Well Blow has outscored his opponent in every aspect of the fight today. Only a scarily incompetent judge or two will keep him from a well deserved win... 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 Josh West scores the fight 50:44
Judge Roger Salmon scores the fight 50:44
Judge Colin Fray scores the fight 50:44

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Mike Blow!
Mike Blow retains his lightweight title!
Mike Blow decided to go for the less than humble approach in his post fight interview, telling everyone how he is going to conquer the world. The crowd seemed to like it when really that sort of approach could have gone either way.