PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Dom DeNardo (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Frank Garfunkel (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Garfunkel has chosen Haifisch as his entrance music. The crowd giving both fighters a great reception on their way into the arena. That's good to see.

DeNardo
vs
Garfunkel

190 cm
28
240 lbs
15 - 3 - 0

208 cm
28
272 lbs
9 - 1 - 0

Abu Dhabi Champ
Lethal high kicks
Insanely flexible

Olympic wrestler
Lethal high kicks
Good gas tank

Reaper Combatwear

Bullet Proof System
GREEN!160

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the heavyweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 15 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Dom DeNardo!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 9 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Frank Garfunkel!
The judges for this bout are Patrick Alders, Albert Achterberg and Paulsen Ambrosius.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Garfunkel is defended easily by DeNardo.
A chopping leg kick lands by Garfunkel.
Garfunkel dives in for a single leg takedown but DeNardo sprawls and the fighters end up clinched against the cage.
DeNardo throws a good cross that connects.

It looks like Frank Garfunkel has been cut.
DeNardo scores with a crisp jab that stopped Garfunkel in his tracks.
DeNardo is looking to clinch.
Garfunkel is looking to land body kicks.
DeNardo moves out of range of the body kick from Garfunkel.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Garfunkel on the wrong end of an overhand right that came out of nowhere.
Garfunkel pivots, looking for a leg kick but DeNardo is out of range and Garfunkel settles back down.
Garfunkel throws a feint and then finishes with a kick to the body.
DeNardo looks shocked there as he takes a right hand to the temple.

That's one minute gone in the round.
DeNardo throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
DeNardo misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Garfunkel misses with a body shot.
Garfunkel throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Garfunkel jabbing away but nothing is landing.
DeNardo wants to take advantage of his opponent's missed offense by moving into the clinch.
Garfunkel gets cracked there but stands up to it.
DeNardo jabs Garfunkel to the body, keeping him at a distance.
Garfunkel tries to land a front kick but DeNardo steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed.
Garfunkel ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
A punch combination from Garfunkel misses.
Garfunkel listening to his corner there, landing a nice uppercut.
DeNardo tries to score with a low kick but Garfunkel moves his leg out of the way.
Garfunkel looks like he wants to counter punch here.
Ouch! a nice leg kick from DeNardo, right into the meat.
Garfunkel connects with an inside leg kick.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
DeNardo dives in for a single leg takedown but Garfunkel sprawls and the fighters end up clinched against the cage.
Garfunkel uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by DeNardo.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.

Garfunkel shoots in and gets a takedown into DeNardo's guard.
Garfunkel trying to control but DeNardo is working from the bottom.
Garfunkel postures up.
In the pre-fight buildup videos we saw Garfunkel working his ground and pound in the gym. He isn't landing a great percentage of his ground strikes so far though.
Garfunkel throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
DeNardo 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.
Garfunkel wants to control from the top but DeNardo keeps moving.
Garfunkel postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

DeNardo working for a triangle but Garfunkel defends it easily.
DeNardo keeping moving, preventing Garfunkel from controlling successfully.
DeNardo is trying to control the position but Garfunkel postures up.

The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.
DeNardo looks to have improved his striking defense since last time we saw him fight.
Garfunkel throws a wild body kick that DeNardo sees coming a mile off.
Garfunkel connects with an inside leg kick.
DeNardo scores with a leg kick.
DeNardo bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A solid leg kick lands there for Garfunkel.
Garfunkel connects with a lovely right hand, straight down the pipe.
DeNardo moves out of range of the leg kick from Garfunkel.
DeNardo half committed to a counter leg kick.
DeNardo staying out of range there.
DeNardo shoots for a double leg takedown but Garfunkel sprawls well. He's pushed DeNardo's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Garfunkel misses with a combination

and DeNardo counters by moving into the clinch.
DeNardo misses with a punch on the inside.
Garfunkel blocks an uppercut.
DeNardo cracks Garfunkel with a nice body shot.
DeNardo lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
DeNardo misses with a hook from the clinch.
Garfunkel presses DeNardo against the cage and delivers a mid-strength body shot.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
DeNardo throws a head punch that misses.
Garfunkel swings wildly with an uppercut but DeNardo uses good head movement to avoid it.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but Frank Garfunkel will probably get the nod.
The cut man is working on Frank Garfunkel's cut.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action.

Garfunkel throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
DeNardo throwing a counter right hand but Garfunkel manages to avoid it.
Garfunkel thuds a left hand into DeNardo's body.
DeNardo lands with a kick to the ribs.
Nice takedown defense from DeNardo. No joy for Garfunkel on that attempt.
As Garfunkel tries to get set, DeNardo tries to push him back and clinch up but Garfunkel manages to avoid the attempt.
DeNardo throws a body punch but Garfunkel moves out of range.
It seemed like Garfunkel was going to counter with the hook but didn't fully commit to it.
A punch lands to the side of Garfunkel 's head but he takes it in his stride.

That has opened up Frank Garfunkel's cut even more.
DeNardo pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Garfunkel walks forward and throws out a flicking leg kick. DeNardo checks it nicely though, as he moves to the side.
DeNardo throws a body kick that misses.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
DeNardo throws a body kick that digs right into the meat.
Garfunkel will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
As Garfunkel tries to get set, DeNardo tries to push him back and clinch up but Garfunkel manages to avoid the attempt.
Garfunkel throws a right hand that misses

and DeNardo counters by moving into the clinch.

That's one minute gone in the round.
DeNardo can't find room to land a body shot as Garfunkel controls the action.
Garfunkel throws a punch but it's blocked by DeNardo.

Garfunkel wants the takedown. DeNardo is fighting it off but Garfunkel persists and manages to bring the fight to the ground, ending up in DeNardo's guard against the cage.
DeNardo working a defensive guard here.
DeNardo looking for a sweep. Not yet DeNardo, not yet.
DeNardo working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Garfunkel.
DeNardo is trying to control the position from the bottom.
DeNardo looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
DeNardo seems keen to control Garfunkel's posture.
Garfunkel wants to pass the guard but DeNardo is keeping the position.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

DeNardo working for a triangle but Garfunkel defends it easily.
Garfunkel content to strike from guard, landing some decent shots.
DeNardo is trying to keep Garfunkel in close.
Garfunkel trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
DeNardo avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Garfunkel trying to control the position from guard on top but DeNardo is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up. He just wasn't happy with the level of activity.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

A momentary lapse in concentration from DeNardo enables Garfunkel to shoot in and score with a neat double leg. DeNardo manages to secure a closed guard as the fighters hit the mat.
Garfunkel is in close to DeNardo's body, working some short punches and elbows.
DeNardo has his hands on Garfunkel's head, controlling the position.

DeNardo is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Garfunkel is aware though and is defending well.
Garfunkel trying to control the position from guard on top but DeNardo is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Garfunkel throws a big elbow that misses.
DeNardo is controlling Garfunkel's posture.
DeNardo has controlled the position for a good 20 seconds, which will no doubt be starting to frustrate his opponent.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
DeNardo manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Garfunkel manages to get himself to full guard.

Garfunkel looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
DeNardo trying to control the position from guard on top but Garfunkel is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Garfunkel wants to sweep but no luck.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.

Garfunkel looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.
DeNardo is looking to advance position but Garfunkel has hit a scissor sweep - now he's on top in mount!

And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Frank Garfunkel showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The cut man is working on Frank Garfunkel's cut.
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.

DeNardo tries to close the distance and clinch up but Garfunkel swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Garfunkel misses with a lunging right hand
and DeNardo counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
DeNardo thumps Garfunkel with a low kick.
DeNardo blocks a jab.
DeNardo ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Garfunkel moves away.
DeNardo tries a head kick but it misses.
Garfunkel misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
Garfunkel will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
A swing and a miss from Garfunkel.
Garfunkel throws a low kick but DeNardo moves out of range easily.
DeNardo throws a right hand that misses
letting Garfunkel counter with a right hand.
Garfunkel uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by DeNardo.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Garfunkel throws a loose over hand right and dives in with a double leg takedown. DeNardo tries to sprawl but it's too late and the fighters hit the mat. Garfunkel is in DeNardo's guard.
DeNardo looking for a sweep. Not yet DeNardo, not yet.

DeNardo looking for submissions from the bottom but instead Garfunkel passes into half guard.

DeNardo actively working from the bottom here.
Garfunkel thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed DeNardo's head.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
DeNardo wants to control but Garfunkel is keeping busy.
DeNardo missing with punches from the bottom.
DeNardo is looking to control Garfunkel's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can DeNardo avoid being mounted?
DeNardo manages to get to full guard.
Garfunkel connects with a couple of short punches.
DeNardo lands a beautiful sweep and he's now moved into his opponent's guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
DeNardo landing with the ground and pound.

Garfunkel is active off his back here, looking for submissions.
DeNardo looking to pass the guard.
Garfunkel keeping moving, preventing DeNardo from controlling successfully.

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.
DeNardo lands a couple of decent looking shots.
Garfunkel keeping moving, preventing DeNardo from controlling successfully.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Garfunkel cracks DeNardo with a hook to the jaw. Both fighters smile at eachother and high-five before getting back down to business.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Garfunkel shoots in but no luck this time.
DeNardo is looking to counter punch.
Dom DeNardo has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Frank Garfunkel.
DeNardo sees a low kick coming and goes to check it, but it's actually a body kick and it thuds into his unprotected ribs.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close third round but Frank Garfunkel just about did enough to take it.
The cut man is working on Frank Garfunkel's cut.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action.

DeNardo tries a head kick but it misses.
Garfunkel doesn't fully commit to the body shot counter.
DeNardo wants to clinch.
As DeNardo backs off Garfunkel throws a huge counter combo but DeNardo manages to avoid it all.
DeNardo throws a hook but Garfunkel blocks it.
DeNardo on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by Garfunkel. Garfunkel obviously looking to wear him down.
Frank Garfunkel seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Garfunkel throws a low kick but DeNardo moves out of range easily.
DeNardo takes one to the chin there.
DeNardo waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Garfunkel.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
DeNardo looks to score with a jab to the body but Garfunkel is just out of range.
Garfunkel staying out of range there.
Garfunkel walks forward and throws out a flicking leg kick. DeNardo checks it nicely though, as he moves to the side.
Garfunkel shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts DeNardo as he jumps to the side.

That's one minute gone in the round.
DeNardo stooping low to avoid any incoming strikes and then lunges in with an uppercut come cross that lands flush.
Garfunkel misses with a right hand
letting DeNardo counter with a right hand.
DeNardo looks shocked there as he takes a right hand to the temple.
DeNardo waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Garfunkel.
DeNardo throws a leg kick but he was too far away and it doesn't land.
DeNardo misses with the combination.
Garfunkel throws a big shot that misses.
DeNardo swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.
Jab by DeNardo.
Garfunkel lands a beauty of a right hand that gets the crowd cheering.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
DeNardo pivots, looking for a leg kick but Garfunkel is out of range and DeNardo settles back down.
DeNardo throws a low kick but Garfunkel avoids it.
DeNardo throws out a leg kick but Garfunkel moves out of range and DeNardo only half commits.
A head kick by DeNardo misses
and Garfunkel counters with a lovely straight right hand!

Garfunkel fakes an overhand right and shoots for a takedown. DeNardo sprawls well initially but Garfunkel persists and gets the takedown into half 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!
Garfunkel passes to side control.
Garfunkel grinds an elbow into DeNardo's temple.
Garfunkel working the head and body with strikes.
DeNardo gets back to half guard.
DeNardo wants to get back to full guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
DeNardo won't allow Garfunkel to pass to mount.
DeNardo avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Garfunkel.

DeNardo looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
The referee walks around the fighters to get a better view of the action. Garfunkel lands a nice short elbow.
DeNardo is trying to maintain the position but Garfunkel is very close to passing his half guard.
Garfunkel drops an elbow to the side of DeNardo's head.
Garfunkel thows a huge punch but DeNardo dodges it nicely.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are showing their displeasure at the lack of action as loud boos ring out around the arena.
DeNardo tries to get to full guard but Garfunkel has control of the leg.
DeNardo regains full guard, whilst avoiding punches from Garfunkel.
DeNardo is trying to keep Garfunkel in close.
DeNardo keeping moving, preventing Garfunkel from controlling successfully.
DeNardo has Garfunkel pulled in close to control his posture.
The referee claps his hands together and tells the fighters to work.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Garfunkel trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.

The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Frank Garfunkel dominated that fourth round.
The cut man is working on Frank Garfunkel's cut.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action. So, we enter the final round. Let's see if either fighter can bring us a finish, or whether we're going to the judges scorecards.

DeNardo on the wrong end of a vicious looking body shot.
Dom DeNardo has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
DeNardo on the wrong end of a nice low kick. He's acting like it's no big deal but he doesn't want to take many more of those.
Garfunkel connects with a leg kick. He turned his hip over nicely there.
Well, he's not going to score with shots like that. A lazy body kick attempt from DeNardo.
DeNardo slips under a jab.
Garfunkel on the wrong end of a decent looking cross there.
DeNardo tries to score with a leg kick but it misses it's target.
Garfunkel ducks low and lands a nice hook to the body of his opponent.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
DeNardo scores with a push kick.
DeNardo takes an uppercut right on the jaw but it doesn't phase him.
DeNardo throws a right hand that misses
and Garfunkel connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
DeNardo throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.

That's one minute gone in the round.
DeNardo closes the distance but Garfunkel moves to the side
and DeNardo takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
DeNardo pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Garfunkel lunges at DeNardo with a hook that half lands and is half blocked by DeNardo's hand.
Garfunkel lands with a right hand.
Garfunkel has used his reach advantage pretty well so far tonight.
DeNardo takes a step back and watches a body kick go sailing past his mid section.
DeNardo takes a body kick right on the floating rib. Ouchie.
DeNardo misses with a body shot.
Garfunkel throws a series of punches but DeNardo avoids them all with ease.
Garfunkel takes a swing at DeNardo's ribcage but misses.
DeNardo checks a low kick. Bone on bone - not my idea of a good time.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
DeNardo misses with a low kick as Garfunkel jumps back.
Garfunkel follows through with a counter body kick but it doesn't land.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Garfunkel.
Garfunkel looks to score with a jab to the body but DeNardo is just out of range.
DeNardo sees a low kick coming and goes to check it, but it's actually a body kick and it thuds into his unprotected ribs.
Garfunkel turns his hip over beautifully as he lands a nice leg kick.
DeNardo tries to close the distance and clinch but Garfunkel swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
DeNardo takes a push kick to the midsection and stumbles backwards.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
DeNardo chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Garfunkel can pounce on him.
DeNardo ducks under a wild hook from Garfunkel.
DeNardo throws a head kick that misses.
Garfunkel gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily
and DeNardo counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Frank Garfunkel seems to be getting the better of the standup.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Garfunkel shoots in for a takedown but DeNardo shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
And DeNardo counters with a quick kick to the body but Garfunkel blocks it.
Dom DeNardo has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Frank Garfunkel.
A quick uppercut on the inside from DeNardo.
Garfunkel is wobbling all over the place through exhaustion. Will he make it to the final bell?
Garfunkel lands a hook to the body. It's hard to tell if that hurt DeNardo or not.
Garfunkel blocks a body shot from DeNardo.
DeNardo lands a body punch in the clinch.
DeNardo goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
DeNardo lands a body punch - he's looking to wear down Garfunkel.
DeNardo is leaning against Garfunkel and scores with a nice uppercut to the body.
A short right from DeNardo.
DeNardo lands a left hand that snaps the head of Garfunkel backwards.

The cut above Frank Garfunkel's eye is starting to cause him problems now.
A shot in the inside from DeNardo.
DeNardo lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Garfunkel backwards.
DeNardo works for underhooks and lands a body shot in the process.
A body shot lands from DeNardo.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Garfunkel prevents a body shot from DeNardo.
DeNardo is hobbling a little on that front leg after taking quite a few leg kicks so far in this fight.
DeNardo pushes Garfunkel back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.
DeNardo scores with a nice hook to the head.

Frank Garfunkel's cut is absolute horrible now. This looks like something out of a horror film with blood covering both fighters.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
DeNardo lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.

Garfunkel is rocked!
Garfunkel is looking for a takedown.
Garfunkel is still on wobbly legs! Can DeNardo finish him?
DeNardo misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Garfunkel seems to have recovered his senses.
DeNardo lands a body shot.
DeNardo lands a shoulder strike.
DeNardo presses Garfunkel against the cage and delivers a mid-strength body shot.
DeNardo lands a hook to the body. It's hard to tell if that hurt Garfunkel or not.
DeNardo lands a body punch in the clinch.
Garfunkel blocks a body shot from DeNardo.
DeNardo tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
DeNardo tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Garfunkel's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
Frank Garfunkel is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.

The referee calls the doctor in to look at Frank Garfunkel's cut. Oh no, the doctor has called an end to the bout!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:59 of round 5, we have a winner by way of TKO (Cut). Dom DeNardo!
Dom DeNardo retains his heavyweight title!