PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Benjamin Thumbhisbum (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Boyd McGuire (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). The crowd seem to be enjoying McGuire's choice of entrance music: Five Finger Death Punch - The Way Of The Fist. This should be fireworks!

Thumbhisbum
vs
McGuire

174 cm
24
157 lbs
8 - 3 - 0

170 cm
25
150 lbs
7 - 3 - 2

Good wrestling
Excellent boxer
Cardio machine

Good wrestler
Excellent MT
Good gas tank

Instinct

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the featherweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 8 - 3 - 0, fighting out of New York, Benjamin Thumbhisbum!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 7 - 3 - 2, fighting out of New York, Boyd McGuire!
The judges for this bout are Taro Takaoka, Shigeki Sano and Shirou Masuda.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
McGuire misses with a leg kick
and Thumbhisbum counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
An inside leg kick lands from McGuire.
Thumbhisbum works McGuire's body with a nice hook.
McGuire jabs. That one connects to the head of his opponent.
Thumbhisbum avoids the body shot from McGuire.
Thumbhisbum tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
McGuire checks a leg kick.
McGuire tries to land a leg kick but Thumbhisbum saw it coming and moves away.

Thumbhisbum gets caught napping as McGuire dives in and scores a takedown. Thumbhisbum manages to retain guard.
McGuire works over Thumbhisbum with some ground and pound from guard.
McGuire is looking to work some ground and pound but Thumbhisbum has wrist control.
McGuire postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
McGuire slips effortlessly into side control - very nice.
McGuire working the ground and pound but Thumbhisbum is defending the strikes.

That's one minute gone in the round.
McGuire in side control, trying to ground and pound but not landing this time.
McGuire lands an elbow.
McGuire tries to score with some ground and pound. Thumbhisbum controls his posture well this time though and the shots don't do any damage.
Thumbhisbum avoids any damage from the ground and pound of McGuire.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Thumbhisbum wants to control but McGuire postures up.
Thumbhisbum is in a bad position, trying to hold on for dear life but he is really struggling to maintain any sort of control.
McGuire sitting in side control, looking to soften his opponent up with elbows and hammerfists but Thumbhisbum is avoiding damage well and looking to escape the position.
What's Thumbhisbum going to do here then? He's in a bit of a pickle.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Thumbhisbum is trying to control McGuire's posture but McGuire avoids it.
McGuire scoring with punches from side control.
McGuire wants to lay and pray for a moment but Thumbhisbum keeps working.
McGuire lands a decent elbow from side control.
Thumbhisbum dodges the ground and pound from McGuire.
Thumbhisbum is trying to control McGuire's posture but McGuire avoids it.
McGuire wants to control but Thumbhisbum is keeping him busy.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Thumbhisbum tries to get back to half guard but can't.
McGuire landing strikes.
McGuire has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
McGuire fails to land a wild elbow strike.
McGuire working away.
Thumbhisbum defending against the ground and pound.
McGuire is looking to take a break and control but Thumbhisbum is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Thumbhisbum tries to bench press McGuire off him but McGuire keeps the position.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
McGuire is looking to take a break and control but Thumbhisbum is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Thumbhisbum tries to work a leg under to get back to half guard but McGuire wriggles his own leg back out and remains in side control.
McGuire working the ground and pound from side control.
McGuire looking to punish the body of his opponent here but Thumbhisbum is avoiding damage well.
Thumbhisbum is not content to let McGuire control the position.
McGuire scores with a couple of nice shots to the head there. The referee takes a look at Thumbhisbum to see if he's OK.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
The ground and pound from McGuire seems to be hitting the mat more than his opponent.
McGuire postures up a little and throws a couple of hammerfists but they don't connect properly.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Boyd McGuire dominated that round.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!

This fight brought to you by 5M nutrition - it's mmmmm tasty. Nice jab by McGuire.
McGuire wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.
McGuire attempts a leg kick but it's missed by a good margin.
McGuire lands a body shot.
Thumbhisbum paws at his opponent with the jab and then lunges in with a straight, right on the button.
McGuire uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Thumbhisbum.
Thumbhisbum throws a hook to the side of McGuire's head but McGuire sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Boom, another hit is landed. "You're gunna get knocked out" taunts McGuire, as that shot connected.
The sound of bone on bone echoes around the arena as Thumbhisbum checks a leg kick.
McGuire attempts a leg kick but it's missed by a good margin.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Thumbhisbum displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as McGuire throws out the jab.
McGuire throws a body shot but no joy.
McGuire looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Thumbhisbum catches McGuire with a nice straight right. He seems pissed - ooooh, it's on now! On like donkey kong!

That's one minute gone in the round.
McGuire attempts a leg kick but it's missed by a good margin.
Thumbhisbum takes one to the chin there.
McGuire blocks a jab.
Benjamin Thumbhisbum is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Thumbhisbum pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Good work by McGuire as he checks the leg kick.
The crowd cheers as Thumbhisbum lands an impressive looking overhand right. McGuire doesn't seem phased though.
Good shot there by Thumbhisbum.

McGuire throws the overhand right but ducks down into a quick takedown attempt. Thumbhisbum was covering up waiting for the punch and McGuire finishes the takedown easily into guard.
Thumbhisbum pulls McGuire in close to his closed guard and prevents McGuire from doing any damage or advancing position.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
McGuire trying to control the position from guard on top but Thumbhisbum is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Thumbhisbum is pulling down on McGuire's head. It's preventing any offense from McGuire, at least for the moment.
Thumbhisbum keeping moving, preventing McGuire from controlling successfully.
McGuire working from the guard for now, landing some ground and pound.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Thumbhisbum working a defensive guard here.
Boyd McGuire has got the better of the ground game so far.
McGuire preventing the sweep.
Thumbhisbum pulls McGuire in close to prevent any damage.

The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.
Thumbhisbum throws a looping overhand right but McGuire ducks down to avoid it.
Thumbhisbum ducks down and throws a hook to the body.
Thumbhisbum checks a low kick from McGuire.
McGuire has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
A swing and a miss from Thumbhisbum.

McGuire fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Thumbhisbum, pushing him back against the cage.
McGuire is trying to pull guard but being pressed up against the cage enables Thumbhisbum to keep the fight standing.
McGuire blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
McGuire tries to work over Thumbhisbum's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
McGuire goes for a takedown in the clinch but Thumbhisbum prevents it.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
McGuire prevents Thumbhisbum from breaking the clinch.
McGuire tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Thumbhisbum's elbow.
Thumbhisbum is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. McGuire is defending well for now.
McGuire is trying to drag Thumbhisbum to the mat but Thumbhisbum just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.
Benjamin Thumbhisbum has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Boyd McGuire.
Thumbhisbum lands a hook to the side of the head.
Thumbhisbum tries to throw a body punch but McGuire avoids it by throwing Thumbhisbum back against the cage.
Thumbhisbum lands a nice uppercut.
Thumbhisbum prevents the takedown attempt.
McGuire drops down looking for an ankle pick but Thumbhisbum pulls his leg out and moves away.
Benjamin Thumbhisbum seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
McGuire misses with a body kick.
McGuire on the wrong end of an overhand right that came out of nowhere.
McGuire takes a shot to the body in his stride.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Thumbhisbum looks to land a left hand but McGuire moved out of range nicely.
McGuire tries a quick counter leg kick but Thumbhisbum is wise to it.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close second round but I would say that Benjamin Thumbhisbum will probably get the nod.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action! This is the final round!

McGuire just misses with a punch to the body.
Benjamin Thumbhisbum is winning the standup battle so far.
The sound of bone on bone echoes around the arena as Thumbhisbum checks a leg kick.
McGuire takes a big uppercut there. He seems a bit wobbly but no, he's OK.
A head kick misses from McGuire.
Thumbhisbum is looking to score with low kicks.
McGuire moves away from the strike by Thumbhisbum.
Thumbhisbum attempts a leg kick but it's missed by a good margin.
McGuire takes a jab right on the kisser.
McGuire shoots in and drives through. Thumbhisbum sprawls well.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Thumbhisbum is looking to land body kicks.
Thumbhisbum slips a jab from McGuire.
Thumbhisbum scores with a hook to the body. McGuire takes a step back and tries to catch his breath.
McGuire thows a leg kick but Thumbhisbum checks it
and Thumbhisbum counters with a good low kick that McGuire was not able to check.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Thumbhisbum fakes low and throws an overhand right that catches McGuire on the side of the head.
Thumbhisbum throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
A nice inside leg kick there by McGuire. That's going to slow Thumbhisbum down.
Thumbhisbum throws a leg kick but McGuire sees it coming and checks it nicely.
McGuire tries to counter by closing the distance.
McGuire needs to keep his hands up - Thumbhisbum had a free shot at his head there.
Thumbhisbum scores with a head kick. McGuire tried to block it but didn't get his arm up in time.
McGuire uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Thumbhisbum.
A slapping leg kick lands for McGuire.
McGuire finds nothing but air with that leg kick attempt.
McGuire throws a body shot but no joy.
Thumbhisbum throws a series of punches but McGuire moves out of range.
McGuire throws a leg kick but Thumbhisbum moved away.
Thumbhisbum walks forward, straight into a front kick from McGuire.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
McGuire throws a leg kick but Thumbhisbum checks it.
McGuire swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
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!
McGuire throws a shot to the body.

McGuire instigates a clinch.
Thumbhisbum misses with the head strike.
Thumbhisbum misses with a hook from the clinch.
McGuire takes a shot to the head.
McGuire swings away with an uppercut that misses.
McGuire can't find room to land a body shot as Thumbhisbum controls the action.
McGuire misses with a body punch.
Thumbhisbum misses with a short punch on the inside.
McGuire makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
McGuire lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Thumbhisbum backwards.
Thumbhisbum prevents the takedown attempt.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
McGuire throws a hook to the body. More of an arm punch but it's all scoring with the judges.
Thumbhisbum can't find room to land a body shot as McGuire controls the action.
Thumbhisbum cracks McGuire with a nice body shot.
Benjamin Thumbhisbum has scored more points in the clinch so far.
The referee calls for McGuire to work.
Thumbhisbum tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
McGuire wants to stall.
McGuire throws a head punch that misses.
Thumbhisbum misses with a short punch on the inside.
McGuire misses with a short punch on the inside.
Thumbhisbum blocking some punches.
A head punch on the inside from Thumbhisbum fails to land.
McGuire working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
Thumbhisbum working aggressively here.
McGuire throws a punch but it's blocked by Thumbhisbum.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
McGuire blocks a body shot from Thumbhisbum.
A head punch blocked on the inside by McGuire.
McGuire is trying to slow down the pace in the clinch, to catch his breath.
Thumbhisbum misses with some punches.
Thumbhisbum has a couple of punches blocked by McGuire.
McGuire tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Thumbhisbum's elbow.
Thumbhisbum missing with knees to the body.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Thumbhisbum.
McGuire lands a nice uppercut.
Thumbhisbum misses with some punches.
Thumbhisbum gets through McGuire's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
McGuire blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
McGuire goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
McGuire lands a nice shot to the body.
A short uppercut from McGuire.

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 Benjamin Thumbhisbum.
I think Thumbhisbum 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 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Taro Takaoka scores the fight 29:28
Judge Shigeki Sano scores the fight 28:29
Judge Shirou Masuda scores the fight 29:28

In favor of your winner, by split decision... Benjamin Thumbhisbum!
A relieved looking Benjamin Thumbhisbum thanked the fans for their support and gave the usual line about them being amazing. They seemed to believe that he actually meant it.