PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Wesley Templar (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Kung Lao (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Templar
vs
Lao

191 cm
35
209 lbs
21 - 12 - 0

192 cm
37
217 lbs
28 - 14 - 0

BJJ Red Belt
World class boxer
Cardio machine

Good wrestler
World class MT
Good gas tank

Urban Fighter

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, in the light heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 21 - 12 - 0, fighting out of New York, Wesley Templar!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 28 - 14 - 0, fighting out of London, Kung Lao!
The judges for this bout are Robert Twigg, George Francis and Daniel Franklin.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
A big right from Templar misses.
Templar misses with a lunging right hand
and Lao counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
A telegraphed right hand from Lao misses the target.
Lao throws a body kick that misses.
A swing and a miss from Templar.
Templar punishes Lao's body with a nice straight punch.
A low kick from Lao is predictable there

and Templar counters with a shoot takedown into half guard.
Templar lands with an elbow from half guard - that looked like it hurt.
Lao wants to get back to full guard.
Templar not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
Lao is not content to let Templar control the position.
Lao is trying to defend against the ground and pound but Templar scores with a couple of nice shots.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Templar thows a huge punch but Lao dodges it nicely.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Lao avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Templar.
Templar throws a big elbow that misses, also allowing Lao to regain full guard.
Lao working a defensive guard here.
Lao is doing well to control the posture of his opponent and prevent any damage.
Templar trying to control the position from guard on top but Lao is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Templar 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.
Templar working some strikes from top position.
Templar controls the pace of the fight for a moment.
Templar preventing the sweep.
Lao being controlled here, momentarily.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.
Templar is working Lao over from the guard. He should look to pass the guard and do a little more damage with these strikes.
Templar content to stall in guard here.
Lao is adopting a defensive guard.

The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.
Templar takes a kick to the body and keeps moving.
Lao slips under a jab from Templar.
Templar has a takedown stuffed.
Wesley Templar seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Lao lands with a nice low kick. That'll leave a bruise.
Lao circles away from the clinch attempt.
Lao throws out a counter right but Templar avoids it with no problem.
Nice defenses there by Lao.
Templar takes one to the chin there.
Templar on the wrong end of a nice low kick. He's acting like it's no big deal but he doesn't want to take many more of those.
Lao keeps the fight on the outside.
A little jabbing left from Lao on the counter but it doesn't find it's target.
Lao misses the shot to the body.
Templar tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Lao swivels and escapes.
Lao lands the left hand.
Lao scores with a sloppy right hand. Templar should have avoided that one.
Lao lands a nice leg kick that just misses Templar's sensitive parts.
Templar looks to throw the jab but Lao is out of range.
Lao swings away with a counter right hand but no contact made.
Templar throws a hook but Lao blocks it.
Templar blocks the body kick.
Lao tries to score with a low kick but Templar moves his leg out of the way.
Lao swings for the body but Templar moves out of range.
Templar avoids the body shot from Lao.
It looked like Templar wanted to counter with a hook but didn't fully commit.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
This has been an exciting period of action!
A combination from Lao does no damage.
Lao throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Templar lands with a shot to the body.
A jab from Templar finds it's way through Lao's defenses.
Nice sprawl there from Lao as Templar shoots in.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Wesley Templar. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Lao scores with a leg kick.
Lao jabs at Templar's body.
Lao bobs and weaves and unloads with a good uppercut.
Lao throws a push kick but Templar slaps the foot to one side.
Lao ducks low and lands a nice hook to the body of his opponent.
Templar misses the jab.
Lao looks shocked there as he takes a right hand to the temple.
Templar shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Lao as he jumps to the side.
Lao is looking to slow Templar down with leg kicks.
Lao chopping away at his opponent's legs.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Lao just misses with a punch to the body.
Lao pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Templar takes a jab on the nose there. A little bit of blood seems to be coming out. Hopefully that won't affect his breathing.
Lao looks to land a right hand but Templar moved out of range.
Templar takes a push kick to the midsection and stumbles backwards.
The fighters circling - Templar throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Lao looks like he wants to counter punch here.
Kung Lao seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Templar tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Lao manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Templar lands a straight punch to the body, keeping Lao at a distance.
Lao takes a jab on the nose there. A little bit of blood seems to be coming out. Hopefully that won't affect his breathing.
Lao looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Templar is pinned up against the cage taking some big shots here. The referee is looking closely deciding whether he should stop the fight.
Horrible takedown attempt by Templar or perhaps it was just good defense by Lao, which made it look bad.
Templar is trying hard to land a takedown here. Lao sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
Templar's jab looks to have found its range, popping Lao under the eye.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Templar shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Wesley Templar. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Lao moves away from the strike by Templar.
Templar fails with an attempt to clinch.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Lao gets cracked with a nice right hand there by Templar.
Templar takes a solid shot to the body. That one hurt him but he's trying not to show it.
Kung Lao is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Templar cracks Lao with an open hand slap.
Templar loads up on a big right hand but Lao slips the punch.
Lao slips a jab from Templar.

Templar changes levels and drives through with a really nice takedown into side control. Lao looks really pissed at himself for not defending that better.

Templar is trying to get an arm triangle but Lao is defending well.
Lao is trying to get back to half guard. He's pushing on Templar's leg. He's managed it. Nice work.
Templar throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.
Templar landing with strikes to the body and head, softening up his opponent.
Templar prevents Lao from improving his position.
Lao trying to control here.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Templar looks to score some points with some ground and pound.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Lao wants to get back to full guard.
Templar not landing any meaningful shots this time.
Lao is not content to let Templar control the position.
Templar not landing any meaningful shots this time.
Lao is trying to control but can't.
Templar scores with a couple of good hammerfists.
We've been hearing good reports from Templar's training camp. Apparently he has been rolling around with some good quality BJJ practitioners and has been sharpening his skills. Let's see if that has an impact on the fight today.
Lao is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Lao is doing well to avoid being mounted. He's controlling the position at the moment.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Templar lands with an elbow from half guard - that looked like it hurt.
Lao works his way to full guard. Good work.
Templar with a couple of shots to the head there. Not particularly brutal.
Lao bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Templar's guard.

Lao must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.
Templar trying to keep a closed guard but Lao is proving a slippery customer.
Templar 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.
Templar trying to control the position.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Lao slows down the pace of the fight for a moment. He'll need to remain active if he doesn't want to see the fight stood back up.

Templar escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Lao gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Templar is on top in guard.

Lao wants to improve his position but instead Templar has moved into half guard.
Lao wants to get back to full guard.
Lao is trying to maintain the position but Templar is very close to passing his half guard.
Templar trying to control the action but Lao is working from the bottom.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Wesley Templar dominated that second 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.

Lao misses with a kick to the body
and Templar counters with a stiff right hand.
Lao connects with an inside leg kick.
Templar checks a low kick from Lao.
Templar misses with a takedown attempt - Lao sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Lao takes a swing at Templar's ribcage but misses.
This fight brought to you by 5M nutrition - it's mmmmm tasty. Nice jab by Lao.
Templar misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Lao is looking to land body kicks.
Lao cracks Templar with a hook to the jaw. Both fighters smile at eachother and high-five before getting back down to business.
Templar rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
and Lao counters with a nice leg kick.
Lao fakes a couple of low kicks, before throwing one on the third attempt. It connects and Templar has to reset his feet before getting ready to engage.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Lao slips a straight right by Templar.
Templar takes a nice looking leg kick right on the meat of his thigh there.
Templar looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
Templar is really head hunting here, hardly looking to strike to the body at all.
Lao thows a body kick. Templar tries to catch it but that hurt him.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Templar fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Lao avoids it really well and circles away.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Wesley Templar. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Lao throws a low kick, looking for Templar's leg but Templar calmly moves out of range.
Templar throws a hook but Lao avoids it easily.
A little jabbing left from Lao on the counter but it doesn't find it's target.
Templar slips a jab from Lao.
It looked like Templar was trying to counter with a body shot coming off that last attack from Lao.
Templar bobs and weaves and throws out a fast jab that snaps Lao's head backwards.
Templar throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd.
Lao throws a sloppy head kick and Templar moves out of range easily.
An attempted straight right counter from Templar misses the target.
Templar looks to score with a jab to the body but Lao is just out of range.
A little jabbing left from Lao on the counter but it doesn't find it's target.
Templar throws an overhand right that lands on Lao's shoulder, as Lao tries to avoid the shot.
Nice shot lands for Templar.
Lao gets his head snapped back by a nice shot there.
Templar moving in and out of range nicely, whilst landing the scoring shot.
A solid leg kick lands there for Lao.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Lao connects with a right hand. Templar shakes it off.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Lao lands a leg kick. The shin dug right into the meat of the thigh.
Lao stuffs the takedown.
Templar misses the shot to the body.
Templar takes one to the chin there.
Lao looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.
A slow jab from Templar misses its intended target.
Lao throws the kick towards the body but Templar avoids it.
Templar pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Templar throws a good cross that connects.
Templar uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Lao.
Templar with a hook.
Templar misses with a looping left.
Lao lands with a two punch combination before moving back out of range.
Templar tries to close the distance and clinch up but Lao swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Lao throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Templar sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Templar is looking to counter punch.
Templar works his jab well there, keeping his opponent at a distance.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Lao thumps Templar with a low kick.
A big right from Lao misses.

Templar changes levels and drives through with a really nice takedown into side control. Lao looks really pissed at himself for not defending that better.
Templar trying to control the position but Lao is working away.

Templar thinks about going for a far side armbar but bails out and retains the dominant position instead.
Lao is trying to improve his position.

Templar is trying to get an arm triangle but Lao is defending well.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Lao can't do much from the bottom here.
Lao manages to get back to half guard.

Templar is working for a submission of some sort.
Lao is trying to get back to full guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close third round but Kung Lao just about did enough to take it.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.

Jab, jab by Lao - just one landing.
Templar swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Templar pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Templar checks the leg kick.
Templar fakes low and throws an overhand right that catches Lao on the side of the head.
Templar scores with a jab.
Templar scores with a straight right hand, right through his opponent's guard.
Templar misses with a looping right.
Lao throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Templar sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Lao misses with an attempted mid kick.
Nice shot lands for Lao.
Templar throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Lao sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Templar misses with a lunging right hand
and Lao counters with a straight right hand.
Lao is pinned up against the cage taking some big shots here. The referee is looking closely deciding whether he should stop the fight.
The fans in attendance giving it up for the two fighters, who have really let it all hang out in the last minute or so!
Lao steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Templar.
Lao explodes with a nice body kick and back out of range. Nice work.
Good leg kick by Lao there. It's the ones that make that thud noise that hurt and that was an almighty thud.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Lao is looking to slow Templar down with leg kicks.

Templar shoots in from a long way out. He's driving through with the takedown attempt and he eventually gets it, landing in Lao's guard.
Lao looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Lao is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Lao utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Wesley Templar overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Lao trying to keep a closed guard but Templar is proving a slippery customer.
Lao looking to hit a scissor sweep but Templar is one step ahead there.
Templar postures up.
The referee is pacing around the two fighters - he looks like he's thinking about a standup.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Templar loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.

The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.
Lao looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Templar slips in close and lands a nice hook before moving back out of range.
Lao fakes a jab and throws a low kick but Templar checks it well.
Templar defending well as Lao loads up on a big left hand.
Templar misses with a hook.
Templar scores with a punch to the head.
Lao tried to score with a low kick but Templar checks it.
Templar half commits to a counter takedown before pushing away, out of range.
Templar tries to clinch but Lao moves out of range.
Lao misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Templar.
Lao looks to land a left hand but Templar moved out of range nicely.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Templar misses with a straight left.
Lao lets loose with a powerful body kick. Templar will feel that in the morning.
Lao scores with a spinning back kick!
Lao looks to land a body kick but Templar moved away.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Templar uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Lao.

Templar throws the overhand right but ducks down into a quick takedown attempt. Lao was covering up waiting for the punch and Templar finishes the takedown easily into guard.
Lao is pulling down on Templar's head. It's preventing any offense from Templar, at least for the moment.
Lao looking for a sweep. Not yet Lao, not yet.
Lao controls Templar momentarily but Templar frees himself.
Lao 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.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Templar works over Lao with some ground and pound from guard.
Templar trying to control the position from guard on top but Lao is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
A real slowdown in the pace of the fight for a moment, as Lao holds on and takes a little breather.
Lao wants to sweep but no luck.

The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.
Lao misses with a low kick.
Templar is looking to counter punch.
Lao lands a really nice looking cross but Templar seems unphased.
Nice shot lands for Templar.
Templar dives in and grabs Lao's left leg, looking for a takedown. Lao pushes down on Templar's head and hops out.
Templar on the wrong end of a nice low kick. He's acting like it's no big deal but he doesn't want to take many more of those.

Templar clinches up against the cage.
Lao has a couple of punches blocked by Templar.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close fourth round but I would say that Wesley Templar will probably get the nod.
That's time! Back to the action! Let's get this one finished - here comes the final round!

Ouch! a nice leg kick from Lao, right into the meat.
Lao ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Templar moves away.
Templar moves in looking to clinch but Lao pushes him off.
Templar will be looking to protect his midsection after taking some solid kicks to the body.
Templar blocks a jab.
A kick lands to the mid section there for Lao.
Lao bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Lao flicks out a counter leg kick but Templar steps away.
Templar tries to move into range but Lao moves to the side and lands with a nice right hand.
Lao lands with a thumping leg kick.
Templar scores with a decent looking hook.
Templar comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.
Templar shoots in and drives through. Lao sprawls well.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Templar misses with a wild body shot.
Templar throws a lazy right hand but Lao sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Templar pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Templar tries to score a power double leg takedown but Lao sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Templar somewhat.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Templar closes the distance and after a bit of a stuggle, scores a takedown into Lao's guard.
Lao looking to hit a scissor sweep but Templar is one step ahead there.
Lao trying to keep a closed guard but Templar is proving a slippery customer.
Lao can't keep his opponent in guard - Templar advances to half guard, no doubt looking to mount.
Templar is nestled in close to Lao, controlling him well. He's worked in a nice elbow to the side of the head as well, for good measure.
Templar thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Templar winds up and cracks Lao with a swinging punch to the side of the head.
Templar missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
Lao keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Templar thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Lao's head.
Lao is trying to get back to full guard.
Nice strikes from Templar there.
Templar working some ground and pound from close in. He's looking to maintain this position and strike for a while by the looks of things... although he'll probably advance to full mount in a minute now I've said that.
Lao wants to improve his position but Templar is controlling well.

Templar is looking for a kimura but Lao is holding onto that half guard position, so it's hard for Templar to get the leverage.
Lao tries to get to full guard but Templar has control of the leg.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Lao is persisting with the attempt to improve his position.

Templar seems to be looking for submissions.
Templar throwing shots but Lao is blocking nicely.
If this pace continues, the referee will definitely step in and force a standup.
Lao is trying to get back to full guard.
Lao gets back to full guard.
Lao is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.

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.
The crowd are getting on the fighters' backs, as the pace has dropped off in the last minute or so.
Lao takes a swing at Templar's ribcage but misses.
Templar misses the jab.
Lao swings away with a counter right hand but no contact made.
Templar avoids the body shot from Lao.
Templar slips under a jab.
A slapping body kick lands there for Lao.
Lao pivots as if he's going to throw a leg kick but stops half way.
It looked like Templar was trying to counter with a body shot coming off that last attack from Lao.
Templar drops his hands momentarily and Lao takes advantage with a crisp shot to the head.
Lao has a pretty nasty looking mouse under his right eye.
Templar tries to clinch but fails miserably
and Lao counters with a stiff right hand.
Lao fakes a jab and throws a low kick but Templar checks it well.

Templar fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Lao, pushing him back against the cage.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Lao lands on the inside with an uppercut.
Lao lands an uppercut.
Lao looking to slow down the pace here.

Templar has dropped down and is working for a takedown. Lao is trying to keep an underhook but Templar manages to get the takedown into half guard.

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 Wesley Templar.
I think Templar 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 Robert Twigg scores the fight 48:47
Judge George Francis scores the fight 48:47
Judge Daniel Franklin scores the fight 48:47

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Wesley Templar!
During a confident post fight interview, Wesley Templar thanked all his fans. He seemed very genuine when describing how motivated his fans keep him.