PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Lukas Ioannou Ii (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and AJ McKenzie (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). AJ McKenzie has the eye of the tiger tonight.

Ioannou Ii
vs
McKenzie

188 cm
19
197 lbs
4 - 0 - 0

190 cm
19
221 lbs
4 - 1 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Excellent boxer
KO power

Decent wrestler
Decent boxing
Good gas tank

GREEN!160

Walhalla Clothing + 10 % LAUNDRY
GREEN!160

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 4 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Lukas Ioannou Ii!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 4 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, AJ McKenzie!
The judges for this bout are Alan Glass, Cecil Peabody and Gwen Towbar.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Ioannou Ii's jab looks to have found its range, popping McKenzie under the eye.
McKenzie on the wrong end of a nice jab.

It looks like AJ McKenzie has been cut.
Ioannou Ii definitely looks more muscular than last time we saw him fight.
Good work by Ioannou Ii as he checks the leg kick.
McKenzie avoids the body shot from Ioannou Ii.
Ioannou Ii throws a series of punches but McKenzie moves out of range.
McKenzie wants to counter with a clinch but Ioannou Ii pushes him away.
Ioannou Ii misses with a series of wild punches.
Ioannou Ii looks to land a combination but McKenzie avoids it well.
Ioannou Ii lands with an uppercut that bounces McKenzie off the cage and back into range.
Ioannou Ii throws a hook but McKenzie blocks it.
Ioannou Ii jabs McKenzie right on the nose. McKenzie blinks but takes it well.
McKenzie tries to bum rush Ioannou Ii with a series of wild strikes but Ioannou Ii uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Good shot there by Ioannou Ii.
This has been an exciting period of action!
McKenzie tries to clinch but Ioannou Ii is having none of it.
A little feinted left hand from Ioannou Ii on the counter but he doesn't commit to it.
McKenzie staying out of range there.
Ioannou Ii throws the left hand but McKenzie avoids the punch easily.
Ioannou Ii misses with a straight left.
McKenzie throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Ioannou Ii thuds a left hand into McKenzie's body.

That's one minute gone in the round.

McKenzie clinches up against the cage.
Ioannou Ii is trying to maintain a safe position but McKenzie gets an underhook and turns Ioannou Ii into the cage.
Ioannou Ii blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
McKenzie will no doubt start fighting again in a minute but for now he's just having a little rest, leaning Ioannou Ii up against the cage.
Ioannou Ii blocking some punches.
McKenzie lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
Ioannou Ii wants to break free but McKenzie has control.
Ioannou Ii tries to circle away but McKenzie has him pinned against the cage.
McKenzie blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
McKenzie has Ioannou Ii pressed against the cage, preventing Ioannou Ii from circling away and getting back to striking at range.
Ioannou Ii misses with a punch to the body.
McKenzie lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Ioannou Ii backwards.

McKenzie gets the body lock takedown. After a quick scramble, Ioannou Ii regains guard.
McKenzie scoring with punches to the head and body.
McKenzie controlling from the top position.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
McKenzie missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
McKenzie working in close now, lands a nice elbow to the side of Ioannou Ii's head.
McKenzie throws a big elbow that misses.
McKenzie looking to control the position here, rather than advance.

Ioannou Ii is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
McKenzie throwing strikes but missing.
McKenzie content to stall in guard here.

Ioannou Ii looking for a guillotine here but McKenzie defends easily.

Ioannou Ii had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. McKenzie defends it easily.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are hurling abuse towards the fighters... You can hardly blame them though because there isn't a lot going on in the fight.
Ioannou Ii avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
McKenzie trying to control but Ioannou Ii is working from the bottom.

The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.
McKenzie gets cracked there but stands up to it.

McKenzie rushes Ioannou Ii and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.
Ioannou Ii has had enough of the clinch but McKenzie keeps him there for the moment.
McKenzie has been looking to improve his clinch game in recent weeks. Ioannou Ii seems to have the measure of him in the clinch so far, so let's see if McKenzie can turn it around.
McKenzie lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.

McKenzie pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
McKenzie moves out of range as Ioannou Ii strikes.
Ioannou Ii lunges in with an uppercut that skims his opponent's chin.

McKenzie pushes Ioannou Ii up against the cage in a clinch.
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 Lukas Ioannou Ii will probably get the nod.
The cut man is working on AJ McKenzie's cut.
That's time! Ioannou Ii's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

Ioannou Ii moves away from the strike by McKenzie.
McKenzie throws a hook but Ioannou Ii avoids it easily.
McKenzie throws a head kick that misses.
Ioannou Ii lands with a nice body punch.
Lukas Ioannou Ii is winning the standup battle so far.
Ioannou Ii throws a left and a right that both miss
and McKenzie counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Ioannou Ii misses with a wild body shot.
A big left from McKenzie misses.
Ioannou Ii keeps the fight on the outside.
Ioannou Ii misses with a looping right.
McKenzie misses with a straight right.

McKenzie drives through and clinches with Ioannou Ii against the cage.
Ioannou Ii is working hard here but doesn't seem to be able to control effectively, up against the cage.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
The referee is keeping an eye on McKenzie - much more stalling and he will separate the fighters.

McKenzie breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
McKenzie tries to close the distance and clinch up but Ioannou Ii swats him away and circles back towards the center.

That's one minute gone in the round.

McKenzie has managed to clinch.
McKenzie pushes Ioannou Ii back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.
McKenzie content to slow the pace in the clinch.
McKenzie lands with a light punch inside.
Ioannou Ii tries a body shot but McKenzie blocks it.
McKenzie scores with a shot to the side of Ioannou Ii's head.
McKenzie slowing the pace effectively.
Still in the clinch, McKenzie scores with a nice short uppercut.
McKenzie lands a right hand that snaps the head of Ioannou Ii backwards.
McKenzie lands with a left to the head.
AJ McKenzie seems to be working more effectively in the clinch in the fight so far.
McKenzie lands a left hand that snaps the head of Ioannou Ii backwards.
Ioannou Ii avoiding damage as McKenzie throws knees to the body.
Ioannou Ii misses with a body punch.

McKenzie escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Ioannou Ii ducks down and throws a hook to the body.
Lukas Ioannou Ii is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
McKenzie moves out of range as Ioannou Ii strikes.
McKenzie misses with a looping left.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Ioannou Ii misses with the combination.
Ioannou Ii works over McKenzie's head and body with a nice combination.
McKenzie throws a leg kick but he was too far away and it doesn't land.
Ioannou Ii is looking to counter punch.
McKenzie lands a jab-cross combination.

It looks like Lukas Ioannou Ii has been cut.
Ioannou Ii throws a right and a left that both miss.
McKenzie uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Ioannou Ii.
McKenzie misses with a low kick.
McKenzie misses with a hook.
It looked like Ioannou Ii wanted to counter with a hook but didn't fully commit.
McKenzie lands with a cross to side of his opponent's head.
No joy there for McKenzie, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
A jab from McKenzie misses.

McKenzie moves into the clinch.
McKenzie with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.

McKenzie manages to break the clinch.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Ioannou Ii rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but McKenzie moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
McKenzie looks like he wants to counter punch here.
McKenzie throws a body shot but no joy.
McKenzie digs a good body shot into Ioannou Ii's ribs.
Lukas Ioannou Ii seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Ioannou Ii lands a jab to McKenzie's midsection.
Ioannou Ii cracks McKenzie with a nice right hand that draws applause from the crowd.
McKenzie ducks right into an uppercut from Ioannou Ii.

McKenzie clinches.
A short right from Ioannou Ii.

McKenzie breaks from the clinch.

McKenzie rushes Ioannou Ii and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.
Ioannou Ii on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
Ioannou Ii wants to break free but McKenzie has control.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for McKenzie.
McKenzie misses with a short punch on the inside.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
McKenzie lands with a short shot to the head.
McKenzie lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A short right from McKenzie on the inside.
McKenzie lands an uppercut.
Ioannou Ii is trying to push McKenzie away but McKenzie has him pressed against the cage, so he's going nowhere.
McKenzie lands a shoulder strike.
Ioannou Ii goes for a takedown in the clinch but McKenzie prevents it.
Ioannou Ii is trying to slow down the pace of the fight but McKenzie is keeping busy.
McKenzie throws a knee to the head but misses.
McKenzie using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Ioannou Ii has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
McKenzie stalling.
McKenzie has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Ioannou Ii is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.
Ioannou Ii is trying to break free.
Ioannou Ii looks like he'd prefer to be striking at range right now.
McKenzie lands on the inside with an uppercut.
The fighters are pressed against the cage, as the pace of the fight slows.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

AJ McKenzie showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
Both fighters have cut men working on them during the interval.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business. This is the final round!

McKenzie fails in his attempt to clinch.
McKenzie tries a head kick but it misses.
McKenzie throws a body kick but he wasn't in range.
Ioannou Ii punishes McKenzie's body with a nice straight punch.

McKenzie has Ioannou Ii up against the cage in a clinch.
McKenzie misses with a knee strike.
Ioannou Ii prevents a takedown attempt there.
Ioannou Ii tries to break the clinch but McKenzie is controlling the position.
McKenzie dictating the pace here, as the fighters clinch against the cage.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Ioannou Ii pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Ioannou Ii connects with a jab.

McKenzie shoots in looking for a single leg takedown. Ioannou Ii is trying to defend but McKenzie finishes it well and ends up in half guard. Let's see if he can advance position further.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
McKenzie throws a strike but Ioannou Ii avoids it easily and moves to full guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Ioannou Ii looking for a guillotine here but McKenzie defends easily.
McKenzie is looking to work some ground and pound but Ioannou Ii has wrist control.
McKenzie is frustrating his opponent with some stalling tactics from top position.
McKenzie throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Well. There's a bit of a lull in the action here and the crowd are starting to get restless.
McKenzie controlling from the top position.
McKenzie's corner are shouting for him to control the position and he seems happy to oblige.
McKenzie in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
McKenzie has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
McKenzie just misses with a punch to the body.

McKenzie closes the distance and clinches.

McKenzie pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Ioannou Ii just misses with a punch to the body.
McKenzie digs a good hook to Ioannou Ii's body.
McKenzie throws a looping overhand right but Ioannou Ii ducks down to avoid it.
Ioannou Ii ducks under a wild hook from McKenzie.
Ioannou Ii feints a jab promting McKenzie to slip. Ioannou Ii then demonstrates his capabilities by jabbing again. McKenzie slips again and ducks right into an uppercut.
Ioannou Ii looks to score with a jab to the body but McKenzie is just out of range.
McKenzie takes one on the chin but keeps coming.

McKenzie fakes a strike and closes the distance, dragging Ioannou Ii to the ground. McKenzie is now in Ioannou Ii's guard.
McKenzie really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Ioannou Ii. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.
McKenzie wants to control from the top but Ioannou Ii keeps moving.
McKenzie throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Ioannou Ii works some decent striking defense from the bottom.

Ioannou Ii is looking for a triangle but McKenzie pushes his legs off easily.
McKenzie wants to control from the top but Ioannou Ii keeps moving.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Ioannou Ii had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. McKenzie defends it easily.
McKenzie controls the pace of the fight for a moment.
McKenzie is in close to Ioannou Ii's body, working some short punches and elbows.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Ioannou Ii is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.

The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.
Ioannou Ii throws a shot from downtown. McKenzie moves away and avoids it.
Ioannou Ii throws a jab but it's blocked by McKenzie.

And that's the end of the fight!
AJ McKenzie comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think McKenzie has won this one but let's see whether the judges agree with me. 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 Alan Glass scores the fight 28:29
Judge Cecil Peabody scores the fight 28:29
Judge Gwen Towbar scores the fight 28:29

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... AJ McKenzie!
After winning the bout, AJ McKenzie thanked all his fans and promised he'd do even better in his next fight. The crowd seemed to love his humility.