PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between Avon Barksdale (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Jeff Hecker (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Hecker has chosen The Ultimate Warrior as his entrance music. 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.

Barksdale
vs
Hecker

165 cm
22
145 lbs
7 - 4 - 0

175 cm
33
135 lbs
22 - 14 - 0

Abu Dhabi Champ
Excellent boxer
Cardio machine

Good wrestler
Decent boxing
Granite chin

Big Bear Nutrition 160Q

BlackStar Athletics

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the bantamweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 7 - 4 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Avon Barksdale!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 22 - 14 - 0, fighting out of New York, Jeff Hecker!
The judges for this bout are Matti Vanhoillinen, Anni Minnemäki and Arvi Lind.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Barksdale does a little shimmy and throws a leg kick. The leg kick missed by a considerable margin though, making him look a little bit silly for doing the shimmy.
Barksdale tries to work over Hecker's front leg with a kick but Hecker checks it.
Hecker connects with a hook to the side of his opponent's head.
Barksdale connects with the punch.
Barksdale looks to have improved his striking defense since last time we saw him fight.
Hecker uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Barksdale.
Barksdale looks to score with a jab to the body but Hecker is just out of range.
Hecker throws a body punch but Barksdale moves out of range.
Barksdale lands the left hand.
The fighters circling - Hecker throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Barksdale lands with a good body shot.

Barksdale clinches up with Hecker and pushes him back against the cage.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Hecker.
Hecker is pressed up against the cage. Barksdale has hold of a leg and is looking to drag Hecker down to the mat. Hecker avoids the attempt though and has circled away. We're back to striking at a distance.
Hecker avoids the body shot from Barksdale.
Despite the aggression on Hecker's face he doesn't fully commit to the counter.
Hecker has been spending a lot of time sparring his boxing in the run up to the fight, trying to sharpen up those hands and look for a knockout.
Hecker is a painfully thin specimen of a man. You do wonder whether a good body kick would snap him clean in two.
Left hook, right uppercut from Hecker.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
The fighters circling - Barksdale throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Hecker tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Barksdale scores with a one two! Hecker had his feet all tangled up there and couldn't avoid the strikes.
No luck for Hecker with that takedown attempt.
An attempted straight right counter from Barksdale misses the target.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Hecker staying out of range there.
Hecker moves in looking to clinch but Barksdale pushes him off.
Barksdale swings for the body but Hecker moves out of range.
As Barksdale backs off Hecker throws a huge counter combo but Barksdale manages to avoid it all.
Hecker fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Barksdale is looking for a counter combo.

Barksdale closes the distance and looks for a trip takedown... aaaand he's got it - Barksdale lands in his opponent's guard.
Hecker preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Barksdale postures up in Hecker's guard and throws a big left but Hecker blocks it.
Hecker is trying to keep Barksdale in close.

Barksdale got a little sloppy there for a moment and Hecker has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Barksdale has managed to get both his arms back between Hecker's legs - danger averted.
Barksdale lands a nice shot whilst sitting in his opponent's guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Hecker pulls Barksdale in close to prevent any damage.
Barksdale wants to control from the top but Hecker keeps moving.
Hecker is pulling down on Barksdale's head. It's preventing any offense from Barksdale, at least for the moment.
Barksdale trying to control the position from guard on top but Hecker is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Barksdale postures up in Hecker's guard and throws a big left but Hecker blocks it.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Barksdale scores with a decent looking elbow strike.
Hecker lands a beautiful sweep and he's now moved into his opponent's guard.

Barksdale wants to stand up but Hecker is controlling him.
Barksdale bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Hecker's guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Barksdale throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Barksdale 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.
Barksdale pushing down on Hecker's thigh, trying to pass to half guard. He's managed it... Nice work.
Barksdale missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
Hecker looks like he's trying to stand up.
Barksdale with a momentary lay and pray from half guard.
Barksdale is looking to take a break and control but Hecker is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Hecker is pressing down on Barksdale's left leg trying to get back to full guard. He's managed it.

Barksdale drops back for a leg but he's not going to get it - he lets go and Hecker dives on top into guard.

Hecker tries to stand but Barksdale is controlling from the bottom.
Barksdale keeping moving, preventing Hecker from controlling successfully.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Barksdale is working an open guard here, looking to improve his position. No doubt that will leave him open to counters but at least he's being more offensive.
Barksdale looking to control.
Hecker works a leg free and moves into half guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Barksdale works his way to full guard. Good work.
Hecker throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Hecker must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.
Hecker trying to control the position from guard on top but Barksdale is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Barksdale wants to sweep here but Hecker controlling him for the moment.
Barksdale is working hard here to advance position.
Hecker stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Barksdale swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Hecker throws a big right hand that misses.
Barksdale looking to hit a scissor sweep but Hecker is one step ahead there.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Avon Barksdale dominated that round.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

Barksdale doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
Barksdale misses the shot to the body.
Barksdale keeps the fight on the outside.
Barksdale throws a right and a left that both miss.
Barksdale slips a jab and a cross from Hecker.
Barksdale throws a nice inside leg kick.

Hecker clinches.
Barksdale blocks an uppercut.
Barksdale tries for a takedown. No joy.
Barksdale blocks a punch to the side of the head.

Hecker breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Hecker leaves Barksdale with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
Hecker tries to counter by closing the distance.
Hecker swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Hecker throws a right hand that Barksdale ducks under and follows up with a left that Barksdale also avoids with ease.
A swing and a miss from Barksdale.
Barksdale showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Hecker.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Hecker closes the distance looking to clinch

and Barksdale counters with a shoot takedown into half guard.
Hecker wants to control but Barksdale is keeping busy and won't allow it.
Barksdale trying to control the action but Hecker is working from the bottom.
Barksdale prevents Hecker from improving his position.
Barksdale is trying to control the action in half guard but Hecker is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.
Hecker is trying to maintain the position but Barksdale is very close to passing his half guard.
Hecker moves his hips nicely and gets into full guard.
Barksdale postures up and lands some nice ground and pound.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Hecker looking to control.
Barksdale throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Hecker works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Hecker pulls Barksdale in to control the position.
Barksdale loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Barksdale forces his way into half guard.
Hecker wants to control but Barksdale is keeping busy and won't allow it.
Barksdale not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
Barksdale trying to control from Hecker's half guard. Hecker has other ideas though and has regained full guard.
Avon Barksdale overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Barksdale passes Hecker's left leg - he's now in half guard.
Hecker wants to get back to his feet.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
The referee calls for the fighters to work.
Hecker is looking to control Barksdale's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Hecker avoid being mounted?
Hecker keeping control of the position.
Hecker is looking to control Barksdale's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Hecker avoid being mounted?
Hecker is looking to improve his position.
Barksdale missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
Hecker wants to get back to full guard.
Hecker is looking to control Barksdale's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Hecker avoid being mounted?

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

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.
Hecker dodges the punch combination from Barksdale.

Hecker rushes Barksdale and presses him up against the cage.
Barksdale is trying to work for a single leg takedown but Hecker pulls him back up using the underhooks.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Avon Barksdale. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Barksdale is working for a takedown up against the cage. He can't get it on this occasion though.
Barksdale has Hecker pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Hecker manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.
Hecker scores with a shoulder strike.
Hecker digs a right hand into Barksdale's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Barksdale's gas tank.
Hecker can't find room to land a body shot as Barksdale controls the action.
Hecker is clearly stalling here... Pick up the pace son.
Barksdale has dropped down and is looking to force the takedown but it's defended by Hecker after a bit of a struggle.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Hecker misses with the head strike.
Hecker stays in close to his opponent and throws a right hand to the body.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close second round but Jeff Hecker will probably get the nod - 10:9.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action! So, we enter the final round. Let's see if either fighter can bring us a finish, or whether we're going to the judges scorecards.

A slapping leg kick lands for Barksdale.
The crowd cheers as Hecker lands an impressive looking overhand right. Barksdale doesn't seem phased though.
Barksdale misses the shot to the body.
Barksdale throws a quick head kick that skims the top of Hecker's head.
Hecker shoots in but no luck this time.
Barksdale fails to land the takedown.
Hecker goes for a double leg but Barksdale avoids the attempt and the two fighters end up clinched against the cage as Barksdale continues to drive forward.
Barksdale lands a nice shot that snaps Hecker's head back.
Hecker ducks low and lands a nice hook to the body of his opponent.
Barksdale shoots in for a takedown but Hecker shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Hecker dodges the punch combination from Barksdale.
Barksdale has his head slapped from side to side by a 3 punch combination. That must have hurt him.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.

Barksdale has Hecker up against the cage in a clinch.
Hecker stops a takedown attempt from Barksdale.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Avon Barksdale. That's going to take a lot out of him.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Barksdale misses with a hook to the ribs.
Hecker gets underhooks to prevent Barksdale's takedown attempt.
Hecker softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
Hecker tries to work over Barksdale's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Good body shot from Hecker.
An uppercut to the body lands inside from Hecker.
Barksdale looking for a takedown.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Barksdale tries for a takedown. No joy.
Hecker blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Hecker leaning his opponent against the cage.
Barksdale tries for a takedown but Hecker manages to get underhooks.
Barksdale has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Hecker is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.
Jeff Hecker seems to be working more effectively in the clinch in the fight so far.
Hecker can't find room to land a body shot as Barksdale controls the action.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Hecker pushes Barksdale back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.
Barksdale looking for a takedown.
Hecker taking a break, stalling in the clinch.
Hecker goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, Hecker creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
Barksdale is working on a leg, looking for a takedown but Hecker is defending well.
Hecker misses with a punch to the body.
Hecker doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Barksdale has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Hecker is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.
Come on Hecker - let's have some action - none of this stalling nonsense.
Both fighters working to control the clinch.
Barksdale drops down looking for an ankle pick but Hecker pulls his leg out and moves away.
The fighters circling - Barksdale throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Hecker fails with an attempt to clinch.

Hecker has Barksdale up against the cage in a clinch.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Barksdale has hold of a leg and is looking for a trip takedown. Hecker avoids it nicely though and we remain in the clinch.
The referee calls for Hecker to work.
Barksdale drops down looking for an ankle pick but Hecker pulls his leg out and moves away.
Hecker misses with a double jab.
Hecker throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Hecker just misses with a punch to the body.
Hecker throws a one two combo.
Barksdale throws a looping overhand right but Hecker ducks down to avoid it.
Barksdale takes a body punch but keeps moving.
Hecker throws a body punch but Barksdale moves out of range.
Hecker pushes forward with a 1-2 combination that forces Barksdale back to the cage. Hecker follows up with a solid lead hook to the liver.

Hecker moves into the clinch.
Barksdale can't get the takedown.
Hecker is pressed up against the cage. Barksdale has hold of a leg and is looking to drag Hecker down to the mat. Hecker avoids the attempt though and has circled away. We're back to striking at a distance.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Hecker lands a jab-cross combination.
Barksdale swings away with a leg kick that misses.
Barksdale avoids a punch combination nicely.
Barksdale throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Barksdale lands with a two punch combination before moving back out of range.

Hecker drives through with a really nice takedown into side control.
Both fighters have adopted an aggressive gameplan on the ground!
Hecker working the head with strikes.
Hecker scores with a couple of nice shots to the head there. The referee takes a look at Barksdale to see if he's OK.
Hecker looking to punish the body of his opponent here but Barksdale is avoiding damage well.
Barksdale is trying to get back to half guard.
Hecker wants to control but Barksdale is keeping him busy.
A bit of a lull in the action. I'm sure it will pick up again soon... even if the ref has to physically pick them up and put them back on their feet.

And that's the end of the fight!
Jeff Hecker comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think Hecker 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 Matti Vanhoillinen scores the fight 28:29
Judge Anni Minnemäki scores the fight 28:29
Judge Arvi Lind scores the fight 28:29

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Jeff Hecker!
Jumping up and down and very excited, Jeff Hecker waved his t-shirt featuring BlackStar Athletics 's logo in front of the cameras.