PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Wedge Xiii (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Tommy DeVito (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). 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.

Xiii
vs
DeVito

170 cm
31
158 lbs
23 - 14 - 0

168 cm
29
157 lbs
16 - 7 - 1

Great wrestler
Excellent boxer
Insanely flexible

Good wrestler
World class boxer
Granite chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the featherweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 23 - 14 - 0, fighting out of Montreal, Wedge Xiii!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 16 - 7 - 1, fighting out of Sydney, Tommy DeVito!
The judges for this bout are Dillan Fox, Ian Loll and Robert Douchet.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Xiii throws a right and a left that both miss.
DeVito wants to slow Xiii down by chopping away at his legs.
DeVito throws a hook to the side of Xiii's head but Xiii sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Xiii steps to the side to avoid the strikes from DeVito.
Xiii uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by DeVito.
Xiii staying out of range there.
DeVito fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Xiii manages to avoid it.
DeVito avoids the body shot from Xiii.
A telegraphed right hand from DeVito misses the target.
Nice sprawl there from DeVito as Xiii shoots in.
DeVito uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Xiii.

Xiii closes the distance and after a bit of a stuggle, scores a takedown into DeVito's guard.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
DeVito is adopting a defensive guard.

DeVito uses the cage to get back to his feet.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Xiii avoids the body shot from DeVito.
Wedge Xiii seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Xiii closes the distance and scores a nice trip takedown into half guard. DeVito did well to prevent Xiii getting side control.
DeVito blocking the ground and pound attempt from Xiii.
DeVito is not content to let Xiii control the position.
DeVito keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Xiii 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.
Xiii wants to take a breather but DeVito is having none of it.
Xiii thows a huge punch but DeVito dodges it nicely.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Xiii not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
Xiii sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. DeVito defending well though.
DeVito trying to control but Xiii postures up.
DeVito is trying to get back to full guard.
Xiii thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed DeVito's head.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Xiii throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.
Well, if Xiii is going to just lie there, perhaps we should talk about what we're having for dinner tonight… I'm having a ham and pineapple pizza… Yum. Can't wait.
Xiii prevents DeVito from improving his position.
Xiii wants to lay and pray for a moment but DeVito keeps working.

The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up. He just wasn't happy with the level of activity.
DeVito stuffs the takedown.
DeVito swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Xiii's jab looks to have found its range, popping DeVito under the eye.
DeVito ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Xiii moves away.
DeVito missing with a left hand there. Xiii was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Tommy DeVito is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Xiii darts in and clinches DeVito up against the cage.
A bit of stalling here from Xiii.
DeVito taking a breather.
Xiii lands a hook to the side of the head.
Both guys are working to get underhooks.

Xiii wants the takedown. DeVito is fighting it off but Xiii persists and manages to bring the fight to the ground, ending up in DeVito's guard against the cage.
Xiii postures up.
Xiii working some strikes from top position.
Xiii is pushing down on DeVito's leg trying to pass to half guard. DeVito is fighting to maintain full guard but Xiii has managed to sneak the leg through.
DeVito gets back to full guard.
Xiii throwing strikes from guard but DeVito blocks nicely.
Xiii stops DeVito from standing up.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Xiii throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Xiii postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Xiii throws an elbow that misses. DeVito uses the momentum to reverse the position. He's now in Xiii's guard. Nice move by DeVito!

DeVito engaging in some classic timewasting tactics.
Xiii lands a beautiful sweep and he's now moved into his opponent's guard.

Xiii is just sitting in guard, looking to avoid any submissions.
Xiii postures up.
DeVito looking to hit a scissor sweep but Xiii is one step ahead there.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Wedge Xiii dominated that round.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.

Good standup being displayed there by Xiii as he connects with a hook.
DeVito throws a low kick but Xiii avoids it.
DeVito jabbing away but nothing is landing.
A slow jab from DeVito misses its intended target.
The fighters circle momentarily. DeVito darts into range and connects with a nice straight punch.
Xiii scores with a nice head shot.
Nice sprawl there from DeVito as Xiii shoots in.
Xiii is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that DeVito can do to turn this around?
DeVito scores with a decent looking hook.
Xiii scores with a nice right hand.
DeVito throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Xiii connects with a body shot.
DeVito slaps away a takedown attempt from Xiii, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Xiii rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
and Xiii takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Xiii shoots in looking for a takedown. DeVito tries to sprawl out of it but Xiii keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. DeVito manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Wedge Xiii. That's going to take a lot out of him.
DeVito fakes a couple of low kicks, before throwing one on the third attempt. It connects and Xiii has to reset his feet before getting ready to engage.

That's one minute gone in the round.
DeVito throws a leg kick but Xiii sees it coming and moves out of range.
DeVito moves out of range of the strikes.
Xiii misses with a lunging right hand
and DeVito counters with a right hand to the body.
Xiii checks the leg kick nicely there.
DeVito throws an ugly left hook that misses
and Xiii counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Xiii gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily
and DeVito counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
DeVito throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
DeVito throws a jab to the body, straight down the pipe. Boom. That sent Xiii stumbling backwards but he manages to regain his composure quickly.
DeVito lands a straight punch to the body, keeping Xiii at a distance.
Xiii tries to close the distance and clinch but DeVito swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Tommy DeVito seems to be getting the better of the standup.
A big left from DeVito misses.
DeVito scores with a sloppy punch to the body. Not much technique there but it did the business.
DeVito swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
DeVito misses with a looping right.
DeVito throws a decent looking leg kick but it doesn't land clean.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Xiii takes a thudding leg kick, right into the meat of the thigh.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
DeVito swings for the body but Xiii moves out of range.
DeVito scores with a slapping inside leg kick.
DeVito misses with a low kick.
DeVito throws the kick towards the body but Xiii avoids it.
DeVito lands a powerful looking uppercut that connected with his opponent's jaw.
Xiii uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by DeVito.
DeVito tries to score with a leg kick but it misses it's target.
DeVito misses with a wild body shot.
Sloppy strikes from Xiii. Those never looked like landing.
Xiii shoots in looking for a takedown. DeVito tries to sprawl out of it but Xiii keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. DeVito manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Xiii swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
DeVito ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Xiii moves away.
Xiii avoids the body shot from DeVito.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Xiii fakes high and swings low for a body shot but DeVito manages to avoid it.
Xiii fakes a head punch and goes low to the body. Nicely done.
DeVito gets cracked with a nice right hand there by Xiii.
Xiii shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with DeVito but DeVito pushes him off and we're back to square one.
Left hook, right uppercut from Xiii.
DeVito takes a jab on the nose. He smiles like he loves it and keeps coming.
A jab from DeVito misses.
Xiii shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has DeVito pinned against the cage. DeVito gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
Xiii fails with a takedown attempt.
DeVito throws a leg kick but Xiii sees it coming and checks it nicely.
Xiii goes to the watering hole and comes back with a big thumbs up from the judges as he scores a three punch combo.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
DeVito takes one on the chin but seems OK.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Xiii shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
DeVito punishes Xiii's body with a nice straight punch.
Xiii is trying hard to land a takedown here. DeVito sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
DeVito lands with a right hand.
Xiii takes a shot right to the bread basket.
This fight brought to you by 5M nutrition - it's mmmmm tasty. Nice jab by DeVito.

Xiii looking for a takedown here - he's got it.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
DeVito pulls Xiii in to control the position.
DeVito lands a beautiful sweep and he's now moved into his opponent's guard.

DeVito slows down the pace of the fight, as he sits in guard.
Wedge Xiii overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.

Xiii is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Tommy DeVito showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

That kick from DeVito tenderised Xiii's leg. Xiii is trying to keep his angry face on.

Xiii shoots in and bounces DeVito off the cage to secure the takedown into guard.
Xiii throwing strikes from guard but DeVito blocks nicely.
DeVito looking to control the pace of the fight rather than finish it.
DeVito is trying to control the position but Xiii postures up.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
DeVito keeping full guard, as Xiii tries to pass.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Xiii cracks DeVito with a solid left hand.
Xiii throwing strikes but missing.
Xiii is looking to advance position but DeVito has hit a scissor sweep - now he's on top in mount!

DeVito controlling the position easily from mount.
DeVito tries to control but Xiii wriggling away.
DeVito content just to control the position here.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
DeVito prevents Xiii from getting the reversal.
DeVito controlling from mount.
My spies in Guinness Stout inform me that DeVito has been getting involved in the gym's BJJ sparring sessions. Let's see whether that pays dividends!
Xiii keeping his composure momentarily, calmly looking to get back to half guard.
Xiii is working hard here to advance position.
DeVito controlling his opponent.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Xiii is writhing around trying to get back to his feet.
DeVito controlling the pace for now.
DeVito's corner are shouting for him to control the position and he seems happy to oblige.
Xiii is squirming around, avoiding DeVito's attempts to control the action.
Xiii is looking to get to half guard.
DeVito trying to control but he's not successful this time.
DeVito controlling the position easily from mount.

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.
DeVito prevents Xiii from getting the reversal.
DeVito controlling his opponent.
Xiii is looking to get to half guard.
Xiii sneaks a leg back under and regains half guard and is working straight away to try and get back to guard. He hasn't managed just yet though.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Xiii wants to control but DeVito is keeping busy.
DeVito works his foot free and advances to mount.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Tommy DeVito really dominated that round.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!

Xiii throws a low kick, looking for DeVito's leg but DeVito calmly moves out of range.
DeVito shakes his hands off, looking to compose himself, but takes a jab to the jaw whilst he does it.
Xiii throws a lazy right hand but DeVito sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Xiii throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around DeVito's waist but DeVito gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Xiii off to one side.
Xiii throws a jab when DeVito was well out of range.
Xiii tries to check a leg kick but that clearly hurt him.
Xiii keeps his opponent at a distance with a nice jab.
DeVito scores with a kick to the body.
DeVito throws a solid leg kick but Xiii takes the impact on his shin and smiles at DeVito.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Xiii shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Xiii blocks a jab.
DeVito steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Xiii.
The fighters circle momentarily. DeVito darts into range and connects with a nice straight punch.
The crowd cheers as DeVito lands an impressive looking overhand right. Xiii doesn't seem phased though.
DeVito misses with a looping right.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Xiii tries to clinch up
and DeVito counters nicely by changing levels and landing a hook to the body.
DeVito slips under a jab from Xiii.
Xiii ducks under a wild hook from DeVito.
DeVito lands a nice hook to Xiii's body. Xiii takes it in his stride and looks to land his own strikes.
DeVito ducks under a wild hook from Xiii.
Xiii avoids the body shot from DeVito.
DeVito throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
DeVito missing with a left hand there. Xiii was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Xiii fakes a head shot and lands one to the body.
DeVito scores with a reasonable looking shot to the body. Xiii doesn't seem bothered though.
Xiii tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Xiii takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.
Xiii avoids a kick to the body.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Xiii shoots in looking for a takedown. DeVito tries to sprawl out of it but Xiii keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. DeVito manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Wedge Xiii. That's going to take a lot out of him.
DeVito buckles his opponent's knee momentarily with a nice leg kick.
Xiii attempts a low kick but it misses it's target.
Xiii ducks down and throws a hook to the body.
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!
Xiii tries to close the distance and clinch but DeVito swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Xiii avoids the body shot from DeVito.
A leg kick checked by DeVito.
Xiii loads up on a big right hand but DeVito slips the punch.
Well, he's not going to score with shots like that. A lazy body kick attempt from DeVito.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Xiii.
Xiii fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
It's got to the stage where if one of these guys blows hard enough, the other might fall over.
DeVito comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
DeVito fakes with a right hand and throws a good leg kick, right into the thigh. That had to hurt Xiii.
Xiii shoots in for a takedown but DeVito shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
DeVito stooping low to avoid any incoming strikes and then lunges in with an uppercut come cross that lands flush.
Xiii slips under a jab from DeVito.
DeVito misses the shot to the body.
DeVito ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Xiii moves away.
Xiii misses with a hook. DeVito ducked under it nicely.
DeVito throws a jab when Xiii was well out of range.
Xiii changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. DeVito tries to avoid it but Xiii manages to keep hold of a leg and drag DeVito to the ground. DeVito escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Xiii avoids the body shot from DeVito.
DeVito throws a right hand that Xiii ducks under and follows up with a left that Xiii also avoids with ease.
Xiii works the jab nicely.
Xiii uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by DeVito.
DeVito stumbles momentarily as he takes a strong leg kick from Xiii.
Xiii looks for a takedown but DeVito sprawls well.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
DeVito thuds his shin into the meat of Xiii's side.
DeVito lands with a hook. Xiii tried to avoid it but it clipped the top of his head.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Xiii misses with an uppercut.
Xiii fails in his attempt to clinch.
DeVito misses with an uppercut. Xiii saw that one coming.
DeVito connects with a looping left hand that seems like it dazed Xiii momentarily.
Xiii shoots in but doesn't get the takedown
and he gets countered with a snapping leg kick.
Xiii fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Xiii drops his hands momentarily and DeVito takes advantage with a crisp shot to the head.
Xiii ducks down and throws a hook to the body.
This fight brought to you by 5M nutrition - it's mmmmm tasty. Nice jab by DeVito.
Xiii is hobbling a little on that front leg after taking quite a few leg kicks so far in this fight.
Xiii fails with an attempt to clinch.
DeVito throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Xiii.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Tommy DeVito dominated that fourth round.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin! This is the final round!

DeVito tries to score with a low kick but Xiii moves his leg out of the way.
Xiii tries for a takedown but DeVito circles away easily
and DeVito counters with a head kick.
DeVito changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.
Xiii fails in his attempt to clinch.
Xiii misses with a straight right.
Xiii misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from DeVito.
DeVito misses with a looping right.
Xiii scores with a shot to the body.
DeVito drops his hands and takes a jab to the jaw for his troubles.
Xiii shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with DeVito but DeVito pushes him off and we're back to square one.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
DeVito lands a slapping body shot.

Xiii clinches up with DeVito and pushes him back against the cage.
Xiii scores with an uppercut up the middle.
Xiii fails to land with a short punch on the inside.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Xiii successfully pulls guard.
Xiii keeping full guard, as DeVito tries to pass.
Xiii keeping moving, preventing DeVito from controlling successfully.
DeVito showing good wrestling skills to control the position.
Xiii looking for a sweep. Not yet Xiii, not yet.
DeVito stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Xiii swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Xiii wants to sweep here but DeVito controlling him for the moment.
Wedge Xiii has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

That's two 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.
DeVito seems content to control from guard here. He's going to have to remain active though if he doesn't want to get stood back up.
We may be looking at a referee standup if the pace doesn't pick up soon.
Xiii wants to sweep here but DeVito controlling him for the moment.
DeVito engaging in some classic timewasting tactics.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
DeVito looks to score with a jab to the body but Xiii is just out of range.
DeVito slaps away a takedown attempt from Xiii, before circling back to the center of the mat.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Wedge Xiii. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Xiii scores with a punch to the head.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Xiii connects with a lovely right hand, straight down the pipe.
DeVito stumbles momentarily as he takes a strong leg kick from Xiii.

DeVito gets tackled into the cage by Xiii. Xiii maintains the clinch.
Xiii misses with the head strike.
Xiii prevents a body shot from DeVito.
DeVito is trying to maintain a safe position but Xiii gets an underhook and turns DeVito into the cage.
Xiii lands on the inside with an uppercut.
DeVito wants to stall.
DeVito prevents the takedown attempt.
An uppercut to the body lands inside from Xiii.
Xiii tries to work over DeVito's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Tommy DeVito is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Xiii.
Xiii softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Xiii misses with the head strike.
A hook to the body from DeVito.
Xiii tried to land a shot to the body but connects with DeVito's elbow.
Xiii is trying to pull guard but DeVito turns him against the cage and we stay in the clinch.
A battle for position here, against the cage.
Xiii misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Xiii misses with a punch on the inside.
Xiii lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Xiii misses with a hook from the clinch.
Xiii jumps guard but DeVito turns him against the cage and keeps the fight standing.
Xiii misses with a body punch.

And that's the end of the fight!
Wedge Xiii showed his dominance in that final round.
I think DeVito 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 5 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Dillan Fox scores the fight 47:48
Judge Ian Loll scores the fight 47:48
Judge Robert Douchet scores the fight 47:48

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Tommy DeVito!
Tommy DeVito is the new featherweight champion!
A victorious Tommy DeVito thanked his army of followers in his post fight interview, telling people to make sure they follow him on Twitter.