PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between Thaddeus Fitzgerald (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Devin Jaqquard (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Jaqquard has chosen Rebirthing-Skillet as his entrance music. Both these guys have really solid chins. Will we see a standup war or will they both decide that a knockout is unlikely and try to win the fight elsewhere?

Fitzgerald
vs
Devin Jaqquard

176 cm
26
129 lbs
9 - 5 - 0

174 cm
22
145 lbs
8 - 2 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Excellent MT
Granite chin

Good wrestler
Decent boxing
Good gas tank

Grand Champion Apparel

Urban Fighter

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the bantamweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 9 - 5 - 0, fighting out of New York, Thaddeus Fitzgerald!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 8 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Montreal, Devin Jaqquard!
The judges for this bout are Jonathan Paton, Columbo Gatti and Jorge Garcia.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Fitzgerald lands a slapping body shot.
Like a baseball bat into the meat of his leg there - nice leg kick by Fitzgerald.
Fitzgerald showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Jaqquard.
Good exchange - Fitzgerald coming out on top.
Nice defenses there by Jaqquard.
Jaqquard with the counter takedown but Fitzgerald avoids it easily.
Jaqquard takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.
Jaqquard throws a one two combo.
Jaqquard scores with a nice head shot.
Fitzgerald lands a glancing blow to the side of Jaqquard's head.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Jaqquard uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Fitzgerald.
Jaqquard punishes Fitzgerald's body with a nice straight punch.
Jaqquard lands with a nice body punch.
Jaqquard misses with a series of wild punches.
A counter left hand to the body from Fitzgerald misses its target.
Fitzgerald throws a wild combination but nothing lands.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Fitzgerald's jab looks to have found its range, popping Jaqquard under the eye.
Jaqquard lands a beauty of a right hand that gets the crowd cheering.
Jaqquard looks to land a left hand but Fitzgerald moved out of range nicely.
Some wild striking there from Fitzgerald.
Fitzgerald takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.

Jaqquard shoots in for a takedown and gets it.
Fitzgerald pushes Jaqquard off looking to stand but Jaqquard dives back in and keeps control.
Jaqquard prevents Fitzgerald from improving his position.
Jaqquard throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Jaqquard wants to lay and pray for a moment but Fitzgerald keeps working.
Jaqquard looking to pass the half guard. Not this time.
Fitzgerald keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Fitzgerald keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Jaqquard wants to pass the guard but Fitzgerald is defending well.
Fitzgerald knows he needs to get back to his feet asap. He's simply no match for Jaqquard on the ground.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Jaqquard throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.
Fitzgerald won't allow Jaqquard to pass to mount.
Jaqquard sitting and controlling from the half guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Fitzgerald is looking for a sweep. Jaqquard is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.

Fitzgerald gets caught napping as Jaqquard dives in and scores a takedown. Fitzgerald manages to retain guard.
Jaqquard trying to control but Fitzgerald is working from the bottom.
Jaqquard chips away with some ground and pound.
Jaqquard is looking to advance position but Fitzgerald has hit a scissor sweep - now he's on top in mount!

Fitzgerald throwing shots from mount but they're not landing.
Fitzgerald throwing sloppy strikes, which aren't doing any damage.
Fitzgerald throwing shots from mount but they're not landing.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Jaqquard tries to lock up and control but Fitzgerald gives him a forearm to the face and pushes him away.
Fitzgerald prevents Jaqquard from getting the reversal.
Fitzgerald throws some wild stikes that Jaqquard manages to avoid easily.
Jaqquard avoids a series of strikes thrown by Fitzgerald.
Jaqquard blocking the ground and pound.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Fitzgerald throws an elbow from mount that misses. Lucky escape for Jaqquard because Fitzgerald loaded up on that one.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Fitzgerald thowing strikes but they're hitting the gloves, not doing any damage.
Fitzgerald really does look like a pencil wearing a pair of gloves. Let's hope he has a gameplan to suit that ridiculous body shape.
Fitzgerald avoids the attempt from Jaqquard to control.
Jaqquard slips a leg in and gets back to half guard.
Fitzgerald is keeping good posture, landing some ground and pound.
Jaqquard gets back to full guard.
Jaqquard 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.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but Devin Jaqquard 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.

Fitzgerald is moving around nicely and scores here with a single head shot.
A telegraphed right hand from Jaqquard misses the target.
Nice shot lands for Jaqquard.
Fitzgerald throws a lazy right hand but Jaqquard sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Jaqquard throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Fitzgerald throws a big counter combination but Jaqquard scrambles out of danger and avoids any damage.
Jaqquard scores with a nice head shot.
Fitzgerald keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Fitzgerald throws a combination that misses

and Jaqquard counters with a nice double leg into half guard.
Jaqquard winds up and cracks Fitzgerald with a swinging punch to the side of the head.
Jaqquard has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
Fitzgerald trying to hold on to Jaqquard's head to control him but Jaqquard postures up.
Jaqquard drops an elbow to the side of Fitzgerald's head.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Fitzgerald trying to control from the bottom.

Jaqquard seems to be looking for submissions.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Fitzgerald is trying to get back to full guard.
Jaqquard wants to control but Fitzgerald is keeping him busy.
Jaqquard is pressing down on Fitzgerald's thigh, looking to free his foot. Fitzgerald is holding on for now.
Jaqquard has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Jaqquard wants to lay and pray for a moment but Fitzgerald keeps working.
Fitzgerald makes his way to full guard. A much better position for Fitzgerald.

That's two 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.
Jaqquard forces his way into half guard.
Jaqquard is working hard to pass the guard. He's done it - he's now in full mount! Trouble for Fitzgerald!
Fitzgerald avoids a series of strikes thrown by Jaqquard.
Fitzgerald is writhing around trying to get back to his feet.
Fitzgerald on his back here. We all know that wrestlers don't like being on their back so let's see if Fitzgerald tries to get out of the position.

Jaqquard is looking to secure an arm. He's managed it! He's pivoting for an armbar - that looks tight! But Fitzgerald has managed to get out of it and now he's in a dominant position. Nice work from Fitzgerald!
Jaqquard utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Jaqquard is on top in guard.

Jaqquard lands a nice shot whilst sitting in his opponent's guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Jaqquard throws a big right hand that misses.
Jaqquard tries to free his leg and advance position but Fitzgerald is retaining full guard.
Jaqquard is persisting with the attempt to improve his position.
Jaqquard throwing strikes but missing.
Jaqquard trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Devin Jaqquard has got the better of the ground game so far.
Fitzgerald avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.

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.
Fitzgerald wants to sweep but no luck.
Jaqquard seems content to control from guard here. He's going to have to remain active though if he doesn't want to get stood back up.
Jaqquard missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Jaqquard throwing strikes from guard but Fitzgerald blocks nicely.
Jaqquard sneaks a leg through and gets to half guard. That was like a knife through butter how easily he passed Fitzgerald's guard.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Fitzgerald is refusing to be controlled, as Jaqquard sits in half guard.

Fitzgerald is defending against the submission attempts here by Jaqquard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Devin Jaqquard showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
That's time! Fitzgerald's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

Jaqquard keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Fitzgerald.
Fitzgerald slips under a jab.
Fitzgerald throws a right hand that Jaqquard ducks under and follows up with a left that Jaqquard also avoids with ease.
A punch combination from Jaqquard misses.
Jaqquard tries to check a leg kick but that clearly hurt him.
Thaddeus Fitzgerald is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Jaqquard lunges at Fitzgerald with a hook that half lands and is half blocked by Fitzgerald's hand.
Fitzgerald stuffs the takedown attempt from Jaqquard. Jaqquard gets slowly back to his feet.
Jaqquard misses with a left hand
and he gets countered with a snapping leg kick.
Fitzgerald jabs Jaqquard to the body, keeping him at a distance.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Jaqquard throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Fitzgerald takes a punch to the jaw and another one to the bread basket.
Fitzgerald blocks a jab.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Fitzgerald fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Jaqquard manages to avoid it.
Fitzgerald pivots, looking for a leg kick but Jaqquard is out of range and Fitzgerald settles back down.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Fitzgerald ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Fitzgerald throws a head kick but Jaqquard moves out of range.
Fitzgerald lands a beauty of a right hand that gets the crowd cheering.
Jaqquard throws a hook to the side of Fitzgerald's head but Fitzgerald sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Jaqquard misses with a hook. Fitzgerald ducked under it nicely.
Fitzgerald throws a chopping leg kick but Jaqquard manages to avoid taking any serious damage.
It seemed like Jaqquard was going to counter with the hook but didn't fully commit to it.
Fitzgerald comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.
Jaqquard lands a lovely overhand right.
Jaqquard throws a lazy uppercut
and Fitzgerald counters with a stiff right hand.
Jaqquard bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Fitzgerald connects with a jab.
Jaqquard rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
and Fitzgerald counters with a right hand to the body.
Fitzgerald scores with a shot to the body.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
This has been an exciting period of action!

Fitzgerald gets taken down but at least he's managed to land in guard.
Jaqquard prevents Fitzgerald from getting back to his feet.
Jaqquard trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Jaqquard loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Jaqquard prevents Fitzgerald from getting back to his feet.
Fitzgerald is trying to keep Jaqquard in close.
Jaqquard won't allow Fitzgerald to get back to his feet.
Fitzgerald keeping full guard, as Jaqquard tries to pass.
We must be close to a standup if these guys don't pick up the pace.
Jaqquard working in close now, lands a nice elbow to the side of Fitzgerald's head.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Fitzgerald lands a beautiful sweep and he's now moved into his opponent's guard.

Jaqquard manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Fitzgerald manages to get himself to full guard.

Fitzgerald utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Jaqquard in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Fitzgerald is avoiding any damage by keeping wrist control.
Jaqquard passes into half guard.
Jaqquard throwing shots but Fitzgerald is blocking nicely.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Jaqquard trying to control the pace.
The referee walks around the fighters to get a better view of the action. Jaqquard lands a nice short elbow.
Jaqquard scoring with strikes to the body and head.
Fitzgerald is refusing to be controlled, as Jaqquard sits in half guard.
Fitzgerald blocking the ground and pound attempt from Jaqquard.
Fitzgerald has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Jaqquard is working away from the top position though.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close third round but Devin Jaqquard just about did enough to take it.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!

Jaqquard misses with a series of wild punches.
Jaqquard on the wrong end of a decent looking cross there.
Fitzgerald throws a body kick that misses.
Jaqquard avoids the head kick by Fitzgerald.
Jaqquard fails to land the takedown.
Jaqquard throws a hook but Fitzgerald blocks it.
Jaqquard jabs. That one connects to the head of his opponent.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Jaqquard misses the jab.
Fitzgerald swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.
Jaqquard tries to bum rush Fitzgerald with a series of wild strikes but Fitzgerald uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Jaqquard misses the shot to the body.
Fitzgerald was looking to counter that move with a punch but didn't quite pull the trigger.
Jaqquard fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Devin Jaqquard seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Fitzgerald lands with a nice body punch.
Fitzgerald drops his hands momentarily and Jaqquard takes advantage with a crisp shot to the head.
A swing and a miss from Jaqquard.
A counter left hand to the body from Fitzgerald misses its target.
Fitzgerald slips under a jab from Jaqquard.
Fitzgerald throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Horrible takedown attempt by Jaqquard or perhaps it was just good defense by Fitzgerald, which made it look bad.
Jaqquard is absolutely dripping with sweat - he looks exhausted.
Fitzgerald lands the left hand.
Fitzgerald misses with a wild body shot.
Fitzgerald with a jab.
Fitzgerald staying out of range there.

Jaqquard drives through with a really nice takedown into side control.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Jaqquard trying to control the action but Fitzgerald is working from the bottom.
Jaqquard scores with a couple of short elbows.

Jaqquard is looking for a kimura. He might have it! No, Fitzgerald has escaped the position, nice work there.
Jaqquard fails to land a wild elbow strike.
Fitzgerald defending against the ground and pound.
Jaqquard scores with a couple of nice shots to the head there. The referee takes a look at Fitzgerald to see if he's OK.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Fitzgerald is looking for a sweep.
You can see the frustration on Fitzgerald's face, being in this tough position on the bottom.
The ground and pound from Jaqquard seems to be hitting the mat more than his opponent.
Jaqquard creates some space and throws a big elbow, but Fitzgerald sees it coming and moves his head just enough to avoid the strike.

Jaqquard wants to work for a kimura but he's foiled early by Fitzgerald, who protects the arm well.
Jaqquard trying to control the position but Fitzgerald is working away.
Jaqquard creates some space and throws a big elbow, but Fitzgerald sees it coming and moves his head just enough to avoid the strike.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.
Fitzgerald wants to control but Jaqquard postures up.
Fitzgerald taking punishment in the form of punches.
Jaqquard throwing shots but missing, from side control.
Jaqquard working away diligently from side control. Landing strikes effectively there - that will score him some points on the judges scorecards.
Fitzgerald is trying to improve his position.

Jaqquard tries for an arm triangle. That looks pretty tight to me. Is this one over!?! Possibly, maybe, no Jaqquard has let go of the choke. Obviously it wasn't as tight as we thought!
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Jaqquard looks up at the clock and then as Fitzgerald takes his cue and looks up at the clock too, Jaqquard smacks him right in the chops with a big elbow! How rude!
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Devin Jaqquard dominated that fourth round.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're 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.

Fitzgerald's hands are dropping dangerously low here and Jaqquard connects clean with a right hook that sends him down to one knee! Fitzgerald scrambles back to his feet.
Fitzgerald misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Jaqquard.
Good standup being displayed there by Jaqquard as he connects with a hook.
Jaqquard might want to mix his strikes up a bit more. He's just going for head shots at the moment and that can become a bit predictable.
Fitzgerald lands a body shot.
Jaqquard misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Fitzgerald throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Jaqquard.
Jaqquard lands a jab to Fitzgerald's midsection.
Fitzgerald lands a beauty of a right hand that gets the crowd cheering.
Jaqquard connects with a body shot.
Fitzgerald throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
A combination from Jaqquard does no damage.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Jaqquard scores with a reasonable looking shot to the body. Fitzgerald doesn't seem bothered though.
Jaqquard misses with a hook. Fitzgerald ducked under it nicely.
Fitzgerald lunges in with an uppercut that skims his opponent's chin.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Fitzgerald throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Fitzgerald fakes a jab and throws a low kick but Jaqquard checks it well.
Fitzgerald slips a jab and a cross from Jaqquard.
Fitzgerald was looking to counter that last move with a shot to the body but he didn't commit.

Jaqquard throws a loose over hand right and dives in with a double leg takedown. Fitzgerald tries to sprawl but it's too late and the fighters hit the mat. Jaqquard is in Fitzgerald's guard.
Jaqquard is wobbling all over the place through exhaustion. Will he make it to the final bell?
Jaqquard loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Jaqquard stands up over Fitzgerald, holding his feet. He dives back in and lands a decent shot to the head.
Jaqquard looking to pass the guard.
Fitzgerald wants to control but instead he gets his guard passed and Jaqquard is now in half guard.
Jaqquard wants to pass to mount but Fitzgerald is defending the position.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Fitzgerald holds on for dear life, maintaining half guard for now.
Fitzgerald is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Jaqquard thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Fitzgerald's head.
Fitzgerald holds on for dear life, maintaining half guard for now.
Jaqquard scores with a couple of good hammerfists.
Jaqquard moves nicely into side control.

Jaqquard is trying to land an Americana. He has the arm isolated but Fitzgerald is keeping cool and he's avoided the danger for now.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Jaqquard wants to control but Fitzgerald is keeping him busy.
Jaqquard in side control, trying to ground and pound but not landing this time.
Devin Jaqquard is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
Jaqquard is working Fitzgerald over with some ground and pound from side control.
Jaqquard misses with an attempted head punch from side control.
Jaqquard trying to control the position but Fitzgerald is working away.
Fitzgerald seems a little lost for a moment, as Jaqquard dominates the positioning.

That's four 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.
Jaqquard cracks Fitzgerald with an elbow. That is naaassty.
Fitzgerald wants to control but Jaqquard postures up.
Jaqquard trying to control the action but Fitzgerald is working from the bottom.
Thaddeus Fitzgerald has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Jaqquard throwing ground and pound but whilst doing so, he forgets to control position and Fitzgerald works his way back to half guard. Good composure under pressure.
Fitzgerald is looking for a sweep. Jaqquard is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Jaqquard seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Fitzgerald does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.

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 fight!
Devin Jaqquard comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
Well Jaqquard has outworked and out performed his opponent in all aspects of the game today. He was simply too good and the decision should be no more than a formality. 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 Jonathan Paton scores the fight 45:50
Judge Columbo Gatti scores the fight 45:50
Judge Jorge Garcia scores the fight 45:50

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Devin Jaqquard!
Devin Jaqquard is the new bantamweight champion!
Devin Jaqquard looked relieved post fight as he said the following; 'This moment is too surreal. It's still like a dream to me.All's im saying is if you work hard and work your butt off dreams really come true. Hats off to Thad, he was a great competitor and a great champion. Im gonna keep working harder to keep this belt around my waist. Thanks WC for the opportunit'.