PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Jamal Jordan (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Henderson Cormier (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Jordan comes to the cage accompanied by Vamos. 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.

Jordan
vs
Cormier

190 cm
29
202 lbs
12 - 18 - 0

180 cm
29
223 lbs
14 - 15 - 0

Good wrestling
World class MT
Insanely flexible

Olympic wrestler
Excellent MT
Granite chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the light heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 12 - 18 - 0, fighting out of London, Jamal Jordan!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 14 - 15 - 0, fighting out of London, Henderson Cormier!
The judges for this bout are Chris Edwards, Colin Fotheringham and Andrew Berry.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Cormier misses with a jab, cross combination.
Jordan quickly followed up with a counter body kick but doesn't connect.
Jordan lands a straight punch to the body, keeping Cormier at a distance.
Cormier fails to land the takedown.

Cormier shoots in for a takedown and gets it.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Cormier thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Jordan's head.
Jordan regains full guard, whilst avoiding punches from Cormier.
In the pre-fight buildup videos we saw Cormier working his ground and pound in the gym. He isn't landing a great percentage of his ground strikes so far though.
Jordan working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Cormier.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Cormier throwing strikes from guard but Jordan blocks nicely.
Cormier trying to control the position from guard on top but Jordan is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Cormier looking to sit in guard and control but Jordan gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Jordan won't allow Cormier to sweep him here.
Cormier pulls Jordan in close to his closed guard and prevents Jordan from doing any damage or advancing position.
Jordan stops Cormier from standing up.
Cormier looking to control the pace of the fight rather than finish it.
Jordan trying to stand up but can't free himself from Cormier's guard.
Cormier throws some sloppy strikes off his back.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are showing their displeasure at the lack of action as loud boos ring out around the arena.
Cormier wants to stand up but Jordan is controlling him.

The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.

Cormier moves into the clinch successfully.
Cormier fails to pull guard.
Jordan misses with a body punch.
Cormier managing to block the knees to the body from Jordan.
Cormier on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
Cormier tries to pull guard but Jordan won't allow it.
Jamal Jordan has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Henderson Cormier.
Cormier throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Jordan blocks it with crossed arms.
Jordan using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Cormier has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
Jordan missing with knees to the body.
Cormier tries to pull guard but Jordan holds him up against the cage and eventually Cormier drops back down to his feet.
Jordan missing with knees to the body.
Cormier wants to take the fight to the mat but Jordan manages to get underhooks and keep the fight in the clinch.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Jordan scores a nice knee to the body.
Jordan unloads a knee to the mid-section.
Cormier looks winded!
Cormier jumps guard but Jordan turns him against the cage and keeps the fight standing.
A nice glancing elbow lands by Jordan.
Cormier tries to pull guard but Jordan holds him up against the cage and eventually Cormier drops back down to his feet.
Jordan landing knees to the body.
Jordan crunches a lovely knee into Cormier's ribcage.
Jordan comes over the top with an elbow. That landed flush.
Cormier tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.
Jordan scores a nice knee to the body.
Jordan landing some nice looking knees to the body.
Jordan lands a nice elbow.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Jordan landing knees to the body.
Jordan landing knees to the head.
Cormier tries to pull guard but Jordan forces him back to his feet, against the cage.
Jordan lands an elbow that stopped Cormier in his tracks for a moment.
Jordan trying to land knees to the body.
Cormier tries to pull guard but can't drag his opponent to the mat. Jordan just stands there and leans against the cage.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Cormier is working for a takedown up against the cage. He can't get it on this occasion though.
Jordan landing knees to the head.
Jordan's Muay Thai looks sharper than normal. He has obviously been working on it in the gym.
Cormier takes a knee right on the jaw!
Nice elbow from Jordan.
Jordan lands a glancing elbow in the clinch.
Jordan lands with a short punch from the clinch.
Cormier tries to jump guard but he falls flat on his backside. Jordan smiles and moves away.
Cormier looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Jordan is fending him off so far but Cormier persists. Nope, Jordan circles away and we're back to standing.
Cormier fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Jordan avoids it really well and circles away.
Jordan throws a series of punches but Cormier moves out of range.
Jordan thuds his shin into the meat of Cormier's side.
Jordan throws a head kick that looked like it stung.
Jordan throws a leg kick which misses Cormier's front leg but catches the back leg as Cormier tries to avoid it.
Jordan tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Cormier tries a counter takedown but it's more of a dummy move, and he uses it to push himself away.
Jamal Jordan is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.

Cormier drops down and drives through with a powerful takedown into guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Jamal Jordan dominated that round.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action.

Jordan lands a pitter patter jab to the forehead of his opponent.
Jordan tries to land a front kick but Cormier steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed.
A nice leg kick lands there from Jordan.
Jordan throws a right high kick that is partially blocked by Cormier.
Cormier moves out of range as Jordan throws a body kick.
A head kick misses from Jordan.
Jamal Jordan is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
A head kick misses from Jordan.
Jamal Jordan is winning the standup battle so far.
Horrible takedown attempt by Cormier or perhaps it was just good defense by Jordan, which made it look bad.
Jordan stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Jordan wants it to stay on the feet.
A punch combination from Jordan misses.
Cormier fails with the takedown.
Jamal Jordan has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Henderson Cormier.
Cormier is breathing heavily.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Cormier looks for a takedown but Jordan sprawls well.
Cormier fails with a takedown attempt.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Cormier fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Jordan avoids it really well and circles away.
Cormier shoots in and drives through. Jordan sprawls well.
Jordan throws a big counter combination but Cormier scrambles out of danger and avoids any damage.
Cormier takes a big uppercut there. He seems a bit wobbly but no, he's OK.
Jordan throws a head kick that misses.
Cormier takes one on the chin but keeps coming.
Jordan explodes with a nice body kick and back out of range. Nice work.
Jordan lands a jab. Then a cross. Then finally a nice hook to the body. Good work there by Jordan.
Thud! ouch! good body kick from Jordan - that will leave a mark!
Ouch! a nice leg kick from Jordan, right into the meat.
That kick from Jordan tenderised Cormier's leg. Cormier is trying to keep his angry face on.
Jordan lands a nice looking kick to the body. Cormier takes a step back to recover.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Jordan thuds a mid kick into his opponent's body. That will wear on Cormier if he has to take too many more of those.
Cormier shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Jordan as he jumps to the side.
Jordan swung with a counter punch to the body but it didn't connect.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Jordan throws a sloppy head kick and Cormier moves out of range easily.
Cormier with a poor takedown
and Jordan counters with a series of strikes. Cormier will be more careful next time no doubt.
Cormier avoids the head kick by Jordan.
Jordan is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Cormier can do to turn this around?
Jordan thuds a mid kick into his opponent's body. That will wear on Cormier if he has to take too many more of those.
Jordan lands a head kick. Cormier smiles back at him and beckons him forward.
Cormier doesn't succeed with the takedown
letting Jordan counter with a right hand.
Jordan feints a jab promting Cormier to slip. Jordan then demonstrates his capabilities by jabbing again. Cormier slips again and ducks right into an uppercut.
Jordan swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Cormier throws out a counter right but Jordan avoids it with no problem.
Jordan lands with a right hand.
Cormier dodges the punch combination from Jordan.
Jordan swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Jordan keeps Cormier at a distance using the push kick.
Cormier takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.
Jordan misses with a body shot.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Jordan lands a leg kick and bounces back out of range.
Jordan rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Cormier moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Jordan misses with a body kick.
Cormier takes a thudding leg kick, right into the meat of the thigh.
Jamal Jordan seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Cormier shoots in but Jordan avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Jordan cracks Cormier with a nice right hand that draws applause from the crowd.
Jordan feints with a shoulder and throws a nice leg kick to Cormier's calf.
Jordan misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Cormier takes one to the chin there.
Cormier shoots for a takedown but Jordan saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
Cormier has developed a nice purple lump on his ribcage, as a result of some heavy body kicks from Jordan.
Jordan misses with the combination.
Cormier shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Jordan sprawls well. Jordan wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Cormier gets slowly back to his feet.
Jordan is looking to counter with a shot to the body.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Cormier fails with a takedown attempt.
Jordan is using his height advantage well here, landing a good percentage of his punches.
That kick from Jordan tenderised Cormier's leg. Cormier is trying to keep his angry face on.
A head kick misses from Jordan.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Cormier slips a jab and a cross from Jordan.
Cormier shoots in for a takedown but Jordan shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Jordan throws a push kick but Cormier slaps the foot to one side.
A combination from Jordan does no damage.
Jordan throws a leg kick which misses Cormier's front leg but catches the back leg as Cormier tries to avoid it.
Jordan throws a nice inside leg kick.
Jordan throws a head kick that half lands.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Jordan looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Jamal Jordan dominated that second round.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business. Ladies and gentlemen, this is the final round!

Nice takedown defense from Jordan. No joy for Cormier on that attempt.
Jordan throws a body kick but he wasn't in range.
Jordan cracks the inside of Cormier's front leg.
Jordan fails to land with a series of punches.
Cormier steps to his left, right into the path of a big body kick from Jordan. That one must have hurt.
Jordan scores with a slapping inside leg kick.

Cormier changes levels and drives through with a really nice takedown into side control. Jordan looks really pissed at himself for not defending that better.
Jordan is positioning himself to get back to half guard.
Cormier trying to control the action but Jordan is working from the bottom.
The strikes coming from Cormier are missing the target in this wave of attacks.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Jordan is working hard to escape and get back to his feet. After a battle for position, Cormier asserts his dominance and retains side control.
Cormier in side control, trying to ground and pound but not landing this time.
Cormier wants to lay and pray for a moment but Jordan keeps working.

Cormier is trying to get an arm triangle but Jordan is defending well.
Cormier sitting in side control, looking to soften his opponent up with elbows and hammerfists but Jordan is avoiding damage well and looking to escape the position.
Cormier wants to lay and pray for a moment but Jordan keeps working.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.
Jordan tries to improve position but can't.
Cormier postures up a little and throws a couple of hammerfists but they don't connect properly.
Jordan avoids any damage from the ground and pound of Cormier.

Cormier looking for an arm triangle but it's way too loose to do anything.
Jordan is positioning himself to get back to half guard.
Cormier lands a few punches from side control.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Jordan tries to escape but Cormier is in control.
Jamal Jordan is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Cormier cracks Jordan with a big right hand but Jordan just smiles back at him and invites him to have another go.
Jordan can't do much from the bottom here.
Jordan dodges the ground and pound from Cormier.
Jordan regains half guard, as Cormier was trying to land strikes.
Cormier thows a huge punch but Jordan dodges it nicely.
Cormier thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
It looks like the ref is thinking about a standup.
Jordan keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.

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

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A few boos can be heard. I'm sure they will multiply if the fighters don't pick up the pace.
Cormier fails to land the takedown.
Cormier shoots in but Jordan avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Jamal Jordan has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Henderson Cormier.
Cormier takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Jordan scores with a push kick.
A head kick misses from Jordan.
Jordan leaves Cormier with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
Jordan throws a feint and then finishes with a kick to the body.
Jordan scores with a push kick.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Jordan tries a head kick but it misses.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Cormier! But no joy.
Cormier tries to drive through with a takedown attempt but Jordan defends well and Cormier ends up having to push Jordan into the cage where they will battle it out in the clinch.
Henderson Cormier has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Cormier takes a kick to the body and keeps moving.

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 Jamal Jordan.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Jordan, 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 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Chris Edwards scores the fight 30:26
Judge Colin Fotheringham scores the fight 30:26
Judge Andrew Berry scores the fight 30:26

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Jamal Jordan!
A very excited looking Jamal Jordan made sure he remembered to thank all the fans both in the arena and on the internet. He said all the coolest people spend all day on MMA websites, which got a big reaction.