PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Darwin France (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Ba Lil III (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). France kept the crowd waiting but all that was forgotten when his ring entrance music started. The incomparable musical genius that is bring me to life. 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.

France
vs
Lil III

185 cm
31
158 lbs
29 - 12 - 0

180 cm
34
160 lbs
24 - 9 - 1

Abu Dhabi Champ
Excellent boxer
Insanely flexible

Olympic wrestler
Excellent MT
Good gas tank

Project Mayhem

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, in the featherweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 29 - 12 - 0, fighting out of New York, Darwin France!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 24 - 9 - 1, fighting out of Sydney, Ba Lil III!
The judges for this bout are Ren Mimura, Yasuomi Hirokawa and Shigeki Sano.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Lil III throws a body punch but France moves out of range.
France attempts a counter takedown but Lil III avoids it well and moves away.
France fails with the takedown.
France throws a jab but it's blocked by Lil III.
France misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Lil III.
Lil III walks into a left hand.
Lil III connects with a hook to the side of his opponent's head.
Lil III misses with a body shot.
France looks to throw the jab but Lil III is out of range.
Lil III walks into a left hand.
France has been working on his boxing with his coaches at Team Butcher Gym in the buildup to the fight.
France throws a hook but Lil III avoids it easily.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
France shoots for a double leg takedown but Lil III sprawls well. He's pushed France's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
France dives in and grabs Lil III's left leg, looking for a takedown. Lil III pushes down on France's head and hops out.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Darwin France. That's going to take a lot out of him.
France throws out a token jab with nothing on it.

Excellent takedown into side control there by France.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Lil III is looking to regain half guard here but France keeps moving and retains side control.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Lil III is still trying to improve position.
France wants to control but Lil III is keeping him busy.

France thinks about going for a far side armbar but bails out and retains the dominant position instead.
Lil III tries to work a leg under to get back to half guard but France wriggles his own leg back out and remains in side control.

France wants to work for a kimura but he's foiled early by Lil III, who protects the arm well.
Lil III sneaks back into half guard.
France takes advantage of the dominant position to land a couple of big hammer fists.

France is looking for a kimura but he's never going to get it from there.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Lil III is trying to control but can't.

Lil III looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.

Lil III looking for submissions off his back.
Lil III is looking to control France's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Lil III avoid being mounted?

France looking for a kimura but he'll have to free his other leg if he wants to finish that. Perhaps he's just using it as a distraction technique.

The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Lil III actively working from the bottom here.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
France missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.
France is keen to just control but Lil III is a slippery customer.
France moves nicely into side control.

France wants to work for a kimura but he's foiled early by Lil III, who protects the arm well.
Lil III tries to improve position but can't.
France scoring with punches and elbows.
Lil III tries to work a leg under to get back to half guard but France wriggles his own leg back out and remains in side control.

France working hard here to secure a kimura but he's not really in the right position for it.
Lil III manages to get one leg in to regain half guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

France is trying to work for a kimura but Lil III is defending well.

Lil III looking to force a kimura from the bottom here. He's concentrating on that move too much though and France pushes past his half guard into mount!
France lands a shot to the body, followed up by a shot to the exposed head of his trapped opponent.
France prevents Lil III from getting the reversal.
Lil III manages to regain half guard. Good work.
Lil III is not content to let France control the position.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Darwin France dominated that round.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

Lil III avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Lil III throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Lil III looks to throw the jab but France is out of range.
France changes levels looking for a counter takedown but doesn't commit.
Lil III throws a hook but France avoids it easily.
Lil III pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Lil III takes a nice looking leg kick right on the meat of his thigh there.
France takes a jab right on the kisser.
France is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Lil III can do to turn this around?
France gets cracked with a nice right hand there by Lil III.
Lil III keeps his opponent at a distance with a nice jab.
France changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Lil III tries to avoid it but France manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Lil III to the ground. Lil III escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
France checks a low kick from Lil III.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Lil III wants to land a leg kick but France is out of range.
France appears to be looking for a counter takedown.
An inside leg kick from Lil III misses.

France drives through with a really nice takedown into side control.
France really does look like a pencil wearing a pair of gloves. Let's hope he has a gameplan to suit that ridiculous body shape.
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!
France wants to lay and pray for a moment but Lil III keeps working.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Lil III tries to get back to half guard but can't.
Lil III gets back to half guard.
France trying to pass the guard but Lil III defending well.
France passes the half guard and he's now in mount! Big trouble for Lil III!
Lil III regains half guard.
Lil III is looking to improve his position.

Lil III looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

France is trying to work for a kimura but Lil III is defending well.
France not landing any meaningful shots this time.

Lil III looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.

France is trying to work for a kimura. This could be trouble! No, Lil III has managed to free his arm - good work.
France looks towards his corner to check for any instructions. The corner give him nothing to work with, so he cracks Lil III with a short hammerfist. I guess that's as good as any advice he could get in this position.

Lil III looking for submissions off his back.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Lil III moves his hips nicely and gets into full guard.
France won't allow Lil III to sweep him here.

Lil III looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.
France looking to pass the guard.

Lil III looks to be working for a triangle here. Oh, it looks like he might have it! France has picked Lil III up and slammed him! Lil III can't keep hold of the triangle and France manages to pass to side control!

France is trying to get an arm triangle but Lil III is defending well.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Lil III tries to slip a leg under to move to half guard but France presses down on the leg and jumps into full mount!
Lil III sneaks a leg under to get to half guard.

France is sneakily working for an arm triangle but Lil III sees it coming and defends easily.
France thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
Lil III slips a foot under and gets full guard. Nice work.
Lil III bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in France's guard.

The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
France looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Lil III trying to control the position from guard on top but France is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close second round but I would say that Darwin France will probably get the nod.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action.

Lil III bobs and weaves and then throws a good body kick.
France shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Lil III as he jumps to the side.
Lil III checks a leg kick nicely.
France throws a hook but Lil III blocks it.
Darwin France seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Lil III looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.

France changes levels and drives through with a really nice takedown into side control. Lil III looks really pissed at himself for not defending that better.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Lil III is looking for a sweep.
France controls the position.
Lil III is looking for a sweep.
Lil III manages to get one leg in to regain half guard.
Lil III wants to improve his position but France is controlling well.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Lil III trying to hold on to France's head to control him but France postures up.

France is working for a submission of some sort.

France is looking for a kimura here.
Lil III wants to control but France is keeping busy and won't allow it.

Lil III looking for submissions off his back.
Lil III wants to control but France is keeping busy and won't allow it.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.
Lil III controlling the leg, holding on to half guard.
Lil III trying to control from the bottom.
Lil III is in trouble now - France has advanced to mount!
France sends his fist crashing into the mat - the crowd let out a collective ooooooh. Let's hope he's not broken it!
Lil III is writhing around trying to get back to his feet.
France working the ground and pound effectively.
France sends his fist crashing into the mat - the crowd let out a collective ooooooh. Let's hope he's not broken it!
France fails to take his opponent's back.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Lil III is in a horrible position here. France smacks him with another shot as he tries to escape the position.
BOOM! France connects with a massive shot to the dome!
Lil III is wriggling around trying to escape.
Lil III slips a leg in and gets back to half guard.
France is looking to take a break and control but Lil III is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Lil III is pressing down on France's left leg trying to get back to full guard. He's managed it.

Lil III escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. France gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.

Lil III is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and France defends well.
Lil III takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
France slows down the pace of the fight, as he sits in guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
France trying to control the position from guard on top but Lil III is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

Lil III is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
France stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Lil III swivels though and keeps the full guard.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.

Lil III looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.

Lil III has his foot on France's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. France works his way back into a safe position though.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Darwin France clearly takes that round.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!

France missing with a left hand there. Lil III was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Lil III thows a left - swing and a miss!
France scores with a reasonable looking shot to the body. Lil III doesn't seem bothered though.
Lil III throws a low kick but it's checked well by France.
Lil III keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Lil III scores with a nice head shot.
France keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Lil III swings for the body but France moves out of range.
France will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
France tries a head kick but it misses.
Lil III with a nice looking leg kick. You could hear that one land in a back row.
Lil III moves out of range of the body kick.
Lil III throws a nice inside leg kick.
France stuffs the takedown.

That's one minute gone in the round.
France ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.

France looking to score a takedown here. Lil III is defending well but France drives through and ends up in Lil III's guard.

Lil III is active off his back here, looking for submissions.
Lil III keeping full guard, as France tries to pass.

Lil III is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and France defends well.
Lil III trying to keep a closed guard but France is proving a slippery customer.

Lil III looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.
Lil III is absolutely dripping with sweat - he looks exhausted.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
France pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Lil III is keeping the position for now.
France throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as France accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
France wants to control from the top but Lil III keeps moving.

Lil III looking for a guillotine here but France defends easily.

Lil III has his foot on France's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. France works his way back into a safe position though.
France wants to control from the top but Lil III keeps moving.
France passes Lil III's left leg - he's now in half guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Lil III looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.

Lil III looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
France works his way into full mount!
Lil III tries to reverse the position but France maintains control.
France looking to control but Lil III is working nicely, looking to advance position himself.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Lil III really trying hard to get back to half guard here.
Lil III keeps trying to improve his position.
France punishing his opponent with strikes.
France landing punches.
Lil III keeping his composure momentarily, calmly looking to get back to half guard.

France is thinking about an arm triangle here, looking to tighten it up before moving to side control. Lil III can see it coming though and defends well with a couple of strikes to the head and some good arm positioning.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
France fakes a shot to the body and cracks his opponent in the head. Nice ground and pound there!
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Darwin France had his way with Ba Lil III in that round.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business. Let's get this one finished - here comes the final round!

France lands with a straight right. Lil III didn't see that one coming.
France throws a jab when Lil III was well out of range.
France looks for a takedown but Lil III sprawls well.
Lil III throws an overhand right that lands on France's shoulder, as France tries to avoid the shot.
France shoots in but no luck this time.

France shoots in for a takedown from distance. He catches Lil III napping and manages to drive through into side control!

France is looking for a kimura. He might have it! No, Lil III has escaped the position, nice work there.
Lil III wants to control but France postures up.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Lil III manages to work his way to half guard, despite France's best efforts.

Lil III actively working from the bottom here.
Lil III trying to control from the bottom.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Lil III preventing any damage for now, controlling his opponent's head.
The fighters are battling for position here. Lil III manages to regain full guard. Nice work.
France trying to control the position from guard on top but Lil III is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
France working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Lil III looking to control.

Lil III looking for subs off his back but France has passed one foot through into half guard.
France thows a huge punch but Lil III dodges it nicely.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
There's not a lot going on here and the crowd are letting the fighters know they're not willing to tolerate a lack of action.
France missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
Lil III wants to get back to full guard.
Lil III moves his hips nicely and gets into full guard.
France trying to control the position from guard on top but Lil III is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Lil III keeping full guard, as France tries to pass.
Lil III working a defensive guard here.

Lil III escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. France gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.
France wants to control from the top but Lil III keeps moving.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
France scoring with punches to the head and body.
Lil III pulls France in close to his closed guard and prevents France from doing any damage or advancing position.
France scoring with punches to the head and body.
Lil III keeping moving, preventing France from controlling successfully.
France looking to pass the guard.
Ba Lil III has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

Lil III is looking for a triangle but France pushes his legs off easily.
France controlling from the top position.

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.

Lil III has his foot on France's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. France works his way back into a safe position though.
Darwin France overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.

Lil III is active off his back here, looking for submissions.
France trying to control the position from guard on top but Lil III is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.
Lil III throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
France tries a head kick but it misses.
Lil III misses with a wild body shot.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
A telegraphed right hand from France misses the target.
Darwin France is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Lil III turns his hip over beautifully as he lands a nice leg kick.
Lil III misses the shot to the body.
France lands with a head kick! That's gotta hurt.

And that's the end of the fight!
Darwin France showed his dominance in that final round.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for France, 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 5 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Ren Mimura scores the fight 50:46
Judge Yasuomi Hirokawa scores the fight 50:45
Judge Shigeki Sano scores the fight 49:46

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Darwin France!
A relieved looking Darwin France thanked the fans for their support and gave the usual line about them being amazing. They seemed to believe that he actually meant it.