PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Rowan Atkinson (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Fabian Cameron (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.

Atkinson
vs
Cameron

180 cm
37
161 lbs
19 - 7 - 0

176 cm
41
163 lbs
26 - 13 - 0

BJJ Red Belt
Solid boxing
Insanely flexible

BJJ Red Belt
Excellent boxer
Good gas tank

KAISER Nutrition (160!/220$)

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 19 - 7 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Rowan Atkinson!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 26 - 13 - 0, fighting out of London, Fabian Cameron!
The judges for this bout are Robert Twigg, George Francis and Alan Glass.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Atkinson circles away from the clinch attempt.
Cameron misses with a looping right.
Atkinson stuffs the takedown.
Cameron throws a head kick but Atkinson moves out of range.
Cameron's jab looks to have found its range, popping Atkinson under the eye.
Cameron tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Atkinson attempts a counter takedown but Cameron avoids it well and moves away.
Cameron throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Atkinson sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Cameron is moving around nicely and scores here with a single head shot.
Cameron doesn't manage to clinch there - Atkinson circles away.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Cameron throws an off balance right hand

and Atkinson counters with a takedown into side control.
Cameron stops Atkinson from passing to mount.
Cameron taking a bit of punishment here - Atkinson scoring with strikes.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Cameron is looking to reverse the position.
Atkinson takes a little break here. Cameron wants to take advantage but he is being controlled well.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Cameron is looking for a sweep.
Cameron prevents Atkinson from improving position.
Cameron tries to get back to half guard but can't.
Atkinson working the head with strikes.
Atkinson tries to move to mount but Cameron blocks the move with his legs.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Cameron is trying to get back to half guard.
A lull in the action here as Atkinson stalls from top position.
Atkinson trying to control the position but Cameron is working away.
Atkinson takes a little break here. Cameron wants to take advantage but he is being controlled well.
Atkinson lands a knee to the body and follows it up with some ground and pound to the head. That will wear Cameron down.
Cameron tries to work a leg under to get back to half guard but Atkinson wriggles his own leg back out and remains in side control.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Cameron is trying to control Atkinson's posture but Atkinson avoids it.
Atkinson taking a breather here.
Atkinson throwing shots but missing, from side control.
Cameron is trying to escape the position but Atkinson is controlling the position.

The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.
Atkinson is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Cameron.
Cameron connects with a lovely jab that went straight through the gap between Atkinson's hands.

Cameron gets a takedown into half guard.
Atkinson trying to control here.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Cameron wants to free his trapped foot but Atkinson is holding on for dear life with his legs.
Atkinson trying to control from the bottom.
Atkinson is staying active underneath Cameron, who seems content to just control the action from this position.
Atkinson works his way to full guard. Good work.
Atkinson looking for a sweep. Not yet Atkinson, not yet.
Cameron postures up and lands a big shot to Atkinson's brow.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Atkinson manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Cameron manages to get himself to full guard.

Atkinson trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Cameron tries to land a sweep but no joy.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close round but I would say that Rowan Atkinson will probably get the nod.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!

Cameron on the wrong end of a nice jab.
Nice takedown defense from Atkinson. No joy for Cameron on that attempt.
Cameron misses with a hook. Atkinson ducked under it nicely.
Atkinson ducks under a wild hook from Cameron.
Cameron throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
A big left from Cameron misses.
Cameron checks the leg kick.
Cameron changes levels for a counter takedown but doesn't follow through with his attempt.
Cameron closes the distance looking to clinch

and Atkinson counters with a nice double leg into half guard.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Atkinson throwing shots but Cameron is blocking nicely.
Cameron is refusing to be controlled, as Atkinson sits in half guard.
Atkinson is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Cameron can do to turn this around?

That's one minute gone in the round.
Cameron is looking for a sweep. Atkinson is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Atkinson trying to control the action but Cameron is working from the bottom.
Cameron tries to roll over but Atkinson keeps him under control.
Cameron is in trouble now - Atkinson has advanced to mount!
Atkinson can't quite control the action as he would like just now, as Cameron is looking to escape.
The referee warns Cameron that he has to improve his position here as he takes two more clean shots to the head.
Cameron is squirming around, avoiding Atkinson's attempts to control the action.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Cameron is looking to improve his position but Atkinson isn't that keen on the idea.
Atkinson tucks in and makes sure he doesn't lose the dominant position.
Cameron has found himself in a tricky position here. He's been working his transitions in training so let's see if he can work his way out of it.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Atkinson looking to control but Cameron is working nicely, looking to advance position himself.
Cameron is looking to get to half guard.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Atkinson can't quite control the action as he would like just now, as Cameron is looking to escape.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Cameron can't escape the position.
Atkinson looking to control and managing it successfully.
Atkinson looking to ground and pound his opponent to a finish here.
Atkinson tucks in and makes sure he doesn't lose the dominant position.
Atkinson wants to control the pace but Cameron is squirming around nicely.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Cameron bucks up and manages to get a nice reversal! He's in guard on the top - nicely done!
Atkinson keeping full guard, as Cameron tries to pass.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Rowan Atkinson dominated that second round.
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.

Atkinson misses with a low kick as Cameron jumps back.
Atkinson displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Cameron throws out the jab.
Cameron's corner calls for a 1-2. Cameron obliges with the 1 part as he scores the single shot and moves back out of range.
Cameron misses with a body punch

and Atkinson counters with a takedown into side control! That could mean trouble for Cameron!
Cameron tries to get back to half guard but can't.
Atkinson wants to lay and pray for a moment but Cameron keeps working.
Atkinson controlling the position.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Cameron is looking to reverse the position.
You can see the frustration on Cameron's face as Atkinson controls the position.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Cameron regains half guard.
Atkinson trying to control from half guard but Cameron is working away.
Atkinson thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Cameron's head.
Atkinson trying to control the pace.
Cameron has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Atkinson is working away from the top position though.
Atkinson is just sitting in half guard, waiting for something to happen.
We must be close to a standup if these guys don't pick up the pace.
Cameron tries to get to full guard but Atkinson has control of the leg.
Rowan Atkinson overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.
Atkinson lands with a punch from half guard.
Atkinson content to sit in half guard and control for a moment.

The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.
Cameron keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Atkinson.
Cameron tries to clinch up.
Cameron throws a body punch but Atkinson moves out of range.
Cameron throws a hook to the side of Atkinson's head but Atkinson sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Cameron misses with a body shot.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Cameron uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Atkinson.
Cameron digs a good hook to Atkinson's body.
Cameron misses with a body shot.
Cameron looks to throw the jab but Atkinson is out of range.
Nice defenses there by Atkinson.
Cameron waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Atkinson.
Cameron throws a body punch but Atkinson moves out of range.
Atkinson pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Cameron throws a body punch but Atkinson moves out of range.
Atkinson shoots in but Cameron avoids the takedown attempt easily.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Atkinson throws a low kick, looking for Cameron's leg but Cameron calmly moves out of range.
Cameron jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Cameron stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Cameron wants it to stay on the feet.
Atkinson slips under a jab.
Cameron shoots for a takedown but Atkinson saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
Atkinson drops down looking for a counter takedown but Cameron sprawls and moves away.
Atkinson on the wrong end of a nice hook.
Atkinson slips a straight right by Cameron.
Nice defenses there by Cameron.
Cameron is definitely looking for the counter takedowns here.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.

Atkinson closes the distance and gets a double leg, slamming Cameron to the mat! Cameron manages to get full guard.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Cameron keeping moving, preventing Atkinson from controlling successfully.
Atkinson controlling from the top position.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close round but Rowan Atkinson did the better work so I'd imagine he'll take it.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!

Cameron swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Atkinson tries to drive through with a takedown attempt but Cameron defends well and Atkinson ends up having to push Cameron into the cage where they will battle it out in the clinch.
Cameron lands a nice hook to Atkinson's body. Atkinson takes it in his stride and looks to land his own strikes.
Cameron keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
Cameron misses with a left hand

and Atkinson counters with a takedown into side control! That could mean trouble for Cameron!
Atkinson is looking to take a break and control but Cameron is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Cameron is looking for a sweep.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Atkinson happy to just control the position for now.
Cameron regains half guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Cameron is refusing to be controlled, as Atkinson sits in half guard.
Atkinson is figuring out what he wants to do next.
Cameron is trying to get back to full guard.

Cameron looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
Atkinson looking to pass the half guard. Not this time.

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.
Atkinson thows a huge punch but Cameron dodges it nicely.
Atkinson is controlling the pace.
The referee wants the fighters to be more active or he's going to reset them on the feet.
Cameron controlling the leg, holding on to half guard.

The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.
Cameron throws a looping overhand right but Atkinson ducks down to avoid it.
Atkinson uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Cameron.
Cameron throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Cameron throws a body punch but Atkinson moves out of range.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Cameron throws a low kick, looking for Atkinson's leg but Atkinson calmly moves out of range.
Atkinson displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Cameron throws out the jab.
Cameron slips under a jab from Atkinson.
Cameron tries to clinch but Atkinson is having none of it.

Atkinson scores with a nice takedown into half guard. Let's see what he's got on the ground.
Atkinson seems content to maintain position for now, rather than mounting any offense.
Atkinson is keeping good posture, landing some ground and pound.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Atkinson prevents Cameron from improving his position.
Atkinson content to control rather than advance.
Atkinson wants to take a breather but Cameron is having none of it.
Atkinson is controlling the pace.
Atkinson trying to advance position but Cameron counters by regaining guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Rowan Atkinson had his way with Fabian Cameron in that round.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action! This is the final round!

Cameron swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Cameron throws a lazy right hand but Atkinson sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Cameron misses with a shot to the body

and Atkinson decides to take the opportunity to score a takedown. He's landed in Cameron's guard.
Cameron keeping moving, preventing Atkinson from controlling successfully.
Atkinson looking to pass the guard.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Cameron controls Atkinson momentarily but Atkinson frees himself.
Cameron might have to switch it up a bit here because his efforts to control Atkinson haven't been going to plan, at least at the current moment in time.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Atkinson wants to pass the guard but Cameron is keeping the position.
Atkinson wants to control from the top but Cameron keeps moving.
Atkinson slows down the pace of the fight, as he sits in guard.

The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.
Cameron swings for the body but Atkinson moves out of range.
Atkinson appears to be looking for a counter takedown.
Atkinson fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Cameron avoids it really well and circles away.
Atkinson shoots in for a double leg but Cameron sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
Fabian Cameron has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.
Atkinson throws a lazy right hand but Cameron sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Cameron with the counter takedown but Atkinson avoids it easily.
Atkinson will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Rowan Atkinson. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Cameron fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Atkinson manages to avoid it.
Atkinson feinted with a counter takedown.
Atkinson throws a jab when Cameron was well out of range.
Cameron drops down looking to force a counter takedown but Atkinson defends it well.
Cameron uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Atkinson.
A telegraphed right hand from Atkinson misses the target.
Atkinson uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Cameron.
Cameron swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Atkinson uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Cameron.
Atkinson tries to score with a leg kick but it misses it's target.
Cameron misses with a wild body shot.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Cameron stooping low to avoid any incoming strikes and then lunges in with an uppercut come cross that lands flush.
Atkinson takes a really solid shot there but just smiles back and shrugs his shoulders.

It looks like Rowan Atkinson has been cut.
Cameron swings widly with a right hand

and Atkinson counters with a driving takedown into guard. Nice work there by Atkinson.

Cameron looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.
Atkinson is stalling in the full guard.
Atkinson seems to have a rather negative gameplan on the ground. He seems keen to just score the takedown and hold down Cameron for as long as he can get away with.

Cameron is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Atkinson defends well.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Atkinson stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Cameron swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Cameron is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Cameron looking to hit a scissor sweep but Atkinson is one step ahead there.
Atkinson passes Cameron's left leg - he's now in half guard.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Atkinson has freed up his trapped foot and advances to mount.

And that's the end of the fight!
Rowan Atkinson showed his dominance in that final round.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Atkinson, 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 Robert Twigg scores the fight 50:45
Judge George Francis scores the fight 50:45
Judge Alan Glass scores the fight 50:45

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Rowan Atkinson!
Rowan Atkinson retains his lightweight title!