PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Darwin France (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Sadiq Hossein (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). France comes to the cage accompanied by bring me to life. Sadiq Hossein acknowledges the crowd's support as he enters the cage.

France
vs
Hossein

185 cm
31
158 lbs
30 - 12 - 0

170 cm
36
152 lbs
30 - 18 - 4

Abu Dhabi Champ
Excellent boxer
Insanely flexible

Good wrestler
World class boxer
Good gas tank

Project Mayhem

GREEN!160

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 30 - 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 30 - 18 - 4, fighting out of New York, Sadiq Hossein!
The judges for this bout are Don Winkell, and Frank Antenori.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
The fighters circle momentarily. France darts into range and connects with a nice straight punch.
Hossein blocks a jab.
France has been working on his boxing with his coaches at Mello MMA in the buildup to the fight.
France chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Hossein can pounce on him.
France steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Hossein.
France appears to be looking for a counter takedown.
Hossein throws a looping overhand right but France ducks down to avoid it.
Hossein turns his hip over beautifully as he lands a nice leg kick.
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.
Hossein stalks France and leaps in with a furious combination of punches. Uppercuts and crosses smash into France's face. France staggers backwards, shaken.
Hossein walks forward and throws out a flicking leg kick. France checks it nicely though, as he moves to the side.
France loads up on a big right hand but Hossein slips the punch.
A jab from Hossein misses.
Hossein tries to bum rush France with a series of wild strikes but France uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Hossein looks to land a right hand but France moved out of range.
France bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
France feinted with a counter takedown.
France shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Hossein but Hossein pushes him off and we're back to square one.
Hossein looks to land a left hand but France moved out of range nicely.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Hossein tries to score with a low kick but France moves his leg out of the way.

France decides to change it up a bit and drives through with a nice takedown into half guard.
Hossein keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
France with the ground and pound but Hossein uses the opportunity to regain guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Hossein managing to control the position.
Hossein looking for a sweep. Not yet Hossein, not yet.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
France sneaks a leg through and gets to half guard. That was like a knife through butter how easily he passed Hossein's guard.

France is thinking about going for an arm triangle but he can't free his leg.
Hossein is looking to improve his position.
France tries to pass to full mount but Hossein defends it.
France wants to take a breather but Hossein is having none of it.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
My god... these two guys really need to pick up the pace or everyone will leave to go get a beer.
France not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
France not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.

France is looking for a kimura here.
Hossein trying to control here.
Hossein works his way to full guard. Good work.
Hossein has France pulled in close to control his posture.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Hossein is continuing to stall.

The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.
France tries to drive through with a takedown attempt but Hossein defends well and France ends up having to push Hossein into the cage where they will battle it out in the clinch.
A jab from Hossein misses.

France dives in and scores a takedown into Hossein's guard.
France will need to keep those long limbs tucked in whilst he's on the ground, to prevent any submissions.
France loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
France looking to pass the guard.
France is working hard here to advance position.
Hossein wants to sweep here but France controlling him for the moment.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
France pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Hossein is keeping the position for now.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
France working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Hossein wants to sweep here but France controlling him for the moment.

Hossein looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.
France wants to pass the guard but Hossein is keeping the position.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
France throws a big right hand that misses.

The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.
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 Darwin France will probably get the nod.
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.

France throws a head kick but Hossein moves out of range.
Horrible takedown attempt by France or perhaps it was just good defense by Hossein, which made it look bad.
France takes one to the side of the head.
France walks into a stiff left hand from Hossein.
France closes the distance and clinches up with Hossein, looking for a takedown. France pushes Hossein against the cage but Hossein circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Hossein misses with a jab to the body

and France counters with a shoot takedown into half guard.
France throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.
France wants to lay and pray for a moment but Hossein keeps working.

France is trying a forearm choke… I don't think that's going to do much at this level of the game.
Hossein felt the need to train up his defensive grappling in the buildup to the fight. Presumably he was expecting to be in a difficult position like this, so let's see if he can get out of it.

Hossein actively working from the bottom here.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Hossein is staying active underneath France, who seems content to just control the action from this position.
France is looking to stall here but Hossein recovers full guard.
France trying to control the position from guard on top but Hossein is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
France is really struggling to control Hossein but he's trying to hold on to the position.

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

That's two 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.
France tries a head kick but it misses.
Hossein moves away from the strike by France.
Hossein feints a counter leg kick.
Hossein throws a hook but France avoids it easily.

France drops down and drives through with a powerful takedown into guard.
Hossein looking to control.
Hossein wants to sweep here but France controlling him for the moment.
France wants to control from the top but Hossein keeps moving.
Hossein trying to control the position.
France stands and throws Hossein's legs to the side, diving into side control.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
France throwing shots but missing, from side control.

France is looking to finish here, going for an Americana. Hossein knows the correct defense though, so he's OK.
France wants to control but Hossein is keeping him busy.

France tries for an arm triangle. That looks pretty tight to me. Is this one over!?! Possibly, maybe, no France has let go of the choke. Obviously it wasn't as tight as we thought!
France is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Hossein can do to turn this around?

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.
Hossein wants to control but France postures up.
France in side control lands a nice looking series of punches and elbows.
France advances to full mount.
France misses with a head shot.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Hossein tries to reverse the position but France maintains control.

France is working for a guillotine from mount but Hossein frees his head quite easily.
France 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.
France throwing sloppy strikes, which aren't doing any damage.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Darwin France dominated that second round.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!

Hossein rushes in with a sloppy looking punch

and France counters with a driving takedown into guard. Nice work there by France.
France wants to pass the guard but Hossein is keeping the position.
Darwin France overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
France preventing the sweep.
Hossein not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
The referee looks like he's ready to step in and stand the fighters back up.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Hossein looking to hit a scissor sweep but France is one step ahead there.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Hossein displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from France.
Hossein looks to land a left hand but France moved out of range nicely.
Hossein lands with a hook. France tried to avoid it but it clipped the top of his head.
France on the wrong end of a nice hook.
Hossein lands with an uppercut that bounces France off the cage and back into range.
France checks a low kick from Hossein.
Hossein walks into a jab.
France shoots in but no luck this time.
Hossein keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Sadiq Hossein seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
A looping hook to the body misses from Hossein. France does a little dance to reset his feet.
France staying out of range there.

France shoots in looking for a single leg takedown. Hossein is trying to defend but France finishes it well and ends up in half guard. Let's see if he can advance position further.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.

France is trying for a guillotine from the top but the pressure isn't in the right place so Hossein is just riding it out for now. France eventually gives up the hold.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

France is looking for a kimura but he's never going to get it from there.
France wants to pass the guard but Hossein is defending well.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Hossein is trying to get back to full guard.

France seems to be looking for submissions.

France seems to be working for a kimura but Hossein defends the submission attempt.
Hossein moves into full guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.
France preventing the sweep.
France throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Hossein works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Hossein is trying to keep France in close.

The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.
Sadiq Hossein seems to be getting the better of the standup.
France clobbers Hossein with an overhand right that has the crowd gasping. That made a horrendous noise.
France moves out of range as Hossein throws a body kick.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Hossein misses with an uppercut.
France avoids the head kick by Hossein.
France changes levels looking for a counter takedown but doesn't commit.
France throws a right hand that Hossein ducks under and follows up with a left that Hossein also avoids with ease.
France slips under a jab from Hossein.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Darwin France clearly takes 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.

Hossein misses the shot to the body.
France half commits to a counter takedown before pushing away, out of range.
France cracks Hossein with a hook to the jaw. Both fighters smile at eachother and high-five before getting back down to business.
France scores with a punch to the gut of his opponent.
France swings wildly with a hook that is half blocked by Hossein.
Nice defenses there by France.
Nice shot lands for Hossein.
France is using his height advantage well here, landing a good percentage of his punches.
France takes a swing at Hossein's ribcage but misses.
France moves away from the strike by Hossein.
Hossein shakes his hands off, looking to compose himself, but takes a jab to the jaw whilst he does it.
Hossein swings wildly with a couple of big hooks

and France counters with a nice double leg into guard.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Hossein is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
France landing with the ground and pound.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Hossein is on top in guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
France wants to sweep here but Hossein controlling him for the moment.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now France is on top in guard.

France tries to free his leg and advance position but Hossein is retaining full guard.
France throwing strikes from guard but Hossein blocks nicely.
France is pushing down on Hossein's leg trying to pass to half guard. Hossein is fighting to maintain full guard but France has managed to sneak the leg through.
Hossein is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
France is trying to control the action in half guard but Hossein is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.
France is looking to advance position but Hossein won't allow it.

France is working for a submission of some sort.
Hossein wants to improve his position but France is controlling well.

France is working for submissions here but there's nothing on.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
France thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.

France is trying to work for a kimura. This could be trouble! No, Hossein has managed to free his arm - good work.

France is looking for a kimura here.
The fighters are battling for position here. Hossein manages to regain full guard. Nice work.

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.
France throws a big elbow that misses.
Hossein has his hands on France's head, controlling the position.

The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.
France throws a body punch but Hossein moves out of range.
A slow jab from Hossein misses its intended target.
Hossein swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Hossein throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Hossein jabs at France's body.
Hossein ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Hossein takes a really solid shot there but just smiles back and shrugs his shoulders.
Hossein on the wrong end of a nice jab.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.

France shoots in for a takedown and gets it.

Hossein looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Darwin France had his way with Sadiq Hossein in that round.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action! This is the final round!

A big left from Hossein misses.
Hossein throws an overhand right that lands on France's shoulder, as France tries to avoid the shot.
France misses with a body shot.
France lands a jab to Hossein's midsection.
Hossein connects with a leg kick. France looked like he was expecting something else and didn't defend it.
A swing and a miss from Hossein.
France staying out of range there.
France displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Hossein throws out the jab.
France keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.

France closes the distance, clinches up and gets a nice trip takedown into side control. Very smooth.

France working hard here to secure a kimura but he's not really in the right position for it.

France goes for an armbar! This could be all over! Wait, no, Hossein rolls with the submission and now he's on top in France's guard! Nice work there by Hossein!
Hossein must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Hossein passes into half guard.

Hossein is looking for a kimura here.
France wants to control but Hossein is keeping busy.
France is trying is best to control the position here.

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.
Hossein passes to full mount!
France is trying desperately to improve position.
France prevents Hossein from taking his back.
France is writhing around trying to get back to his feet.

Hossein get's back to his feet.
Hossein uses good footwork to get in and out and land a nice right hand before France has time to react.
Hossein looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.
France moves away from the strike by Hossein.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
France slips a straight right by Hossein.
Hossein missing with a left hand there. France was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Hossein gets cracked there but stands up to it.
France moves away from the strike by Hossein.
Donk. Hossein catches France right on the button with a cross.
Hossein will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
France attempts a counter takedown but Hossein avoids it well and moves away.
France with a nice looking leg kick. You could hear that one land in a back row.
France misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
Hossein connects with an inside leg kick.
Hossein jabs France to the body, keeping him at a distance.
France shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Hossein but Hossein pushes him off and we're back to square one.
France throws a one two combo.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Hossein misses with a looping right.
Nice body punch from Hossein.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Hossein moves his head to the side to avoid a jab but walks straight into a cross.
Hossein jabbing away but nothing is landing.
France uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Hossein.
France gets cracked there but stands up to it.
Hossein avoids the head kick by France.
Hossein throws a jab, cross combination which is slipped

and France counters with a nice shoot takedown that brings the fighters to the ground.
France stopping the sweep attempt from Hossein.
France throws a strike but Hossein rolls with it and manages to sweep. Now he's in guard on top.

France looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.
Darwin France is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Hossein wants to stand and escape but instead France has hit a sweep and he's now on top in guard.

And that's the end of the fight!
Sadiq Hossein comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think France has won this one but let's see what the judges have to say. 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 Don Winkell scores the fight 49:46
Judge Percy O'Donnell scores the fight 49:46
Judge Frank Antenori scores the fight 49:46

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Darwin France!
A victorious Darwin France thanked his army of followers in his post fight interview, telling people to make sure they follow him on Twitter.