PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Payton Wright (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Shia LaBeouf (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). LaBeouf has chosen Riptide as his entrance music. Shia LaBeouf is staring across the cage at his opponent, tweaking his nipples.

Wright
vs
LaBeouf

172 cm
40
164 lbs
33 - 19 - 2

178 cm
35
165 lbs
22 - 18 - 4

Good wrestling
Excellent boxer
Granite chin

Excellent grappler
World class boxer
Granite chin

Spartan Nutrition
SP Ultimate Nutrition

Spartan Nutrition

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the lightweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 33 - 19 - 2, fighting out of London, Payton Wright!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 22 - 18 - 4, fighting out of Montreal, Shia LaBeouf!
The judges for this bout are Shirou Masuda, Ren Mimura and Taro Takaoka.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Wright connects with a hook to the side of his opponent's head.
Wright throws a jab when LaBeouf was well out of range.
LaBeouf lands with a good body shot.
LaBeouf throws a head kick that misses.
Wright throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Wright lands a jab to the nose.
LaBeouf scores with a hook to the body. Wright takes a step back and tries to catch his breath.
Wright swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
LaBeouf showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Wright.
We can't be sure of the tactics at this early stage but we have heard that LaBeouf has been working on his takedowns a lot in the buildup to the fight and we can only assume he's going to look to take this to the mat.
Wright throws an uppercut from half a mile away. LaBeouf sees it coming and avoids it easily.
LaBeouf avoids the head kick by Wright.
LaBeouf shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Wright pinned against the cage. Wright gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
LaBeouf lands a nice looking body kick.
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!
LaBeouf throws a nice looking combination but Wright bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
A big right from LaBeouf misses.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Wright throws a right and a left that both miss.
LaBeouf with poor footwork there. He got himself in a bit of a tangle, enabling Wright to score with a decent uppercut.
LaBeouf connects with a looping right hand.
LaBeouf looking to land some kicks to the body here.
Wright throwing a counter right hand but LaBeouf manages to avoid it.
LaBeouf slips a jab and a cross from Wright.
Wright misses with an uppercut.
LaBeouf throws a couple of head shots and lands with the final one - a decent hook, which struck Wright on the side of the head.
Wright looks to throw the jab but LaBeouf is out of range.
LaBeouf slips a jab and a cross from Wright.
Wright has been talking about how he's improved his wrestling in the run up to the fight so let's see if that's enough to sway the balance.
Wright is pinned up against the cage taking some big shots here. The referee is looking closely deciding whether he should stop the fight.
No joy there for Wright, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Wright throws an overhand right that lands on LaBeouf's shoulder, as LaBeouf tries to avoid the shot.
LaBeouf displaying good standup as he scores with a three punch combination.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
LaBeouf slips under a jab from Wright.
LaBeouf replies with a solid counter kick to the body but Wright blocks it well.
Some wild striking there from Wright.
LaBeouf showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Wright.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A slapping body kick lands there for LaBeouf.
Wright tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Payton Wright is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Wright jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Wright scores with a hook.
A cross from LaBeouf lands.
Wright looks to land a left hand but LaBeouf moved out of range nicely.
Wright misses with a body kick.

Wright gets caught flat footed, as LaBeouf shoots in with a quick takedown into guard.
LaBeouf stopping the sweep attempt from Wright.
Wright wants to get back to his feet but LaBeouf is in a dominant position and won't allow it.
Wright looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
LaBeouf trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
LaBeouf with a flurry of punches that miss.
LaBeouf with a flurry of punches that miss.
LaBeouf is intent on slowing down the pace of the fight, simply looking to control.
Wright wants to get back to his feet but LaBeouf is in a dominant position and won't allow it.
LaBeouf working in close now, lands a nice elbow to the side of Wright's head.
LaBeouf working in close now, lands a nice elbow to the side of Wright's head.
LaBeouf with a nice head shot there.
Wright is looking to get back to his feet but can't, whilst LaBeouf is controlling him.
LaBeouf trying to control the position from guard on top but Wright is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
LaBeouf with a nice head shot there.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
LaBeouf postures up in Wright's guard and throws a big left but Wright blocks it.
LaBeouf with a flurry of punches that miss.
LaBeouf sitting in guard, not really doing much.
Wright working a defensive guard here.
Wright preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Wright keeping moving, preventing LaBeouf from controlling successfully.
Wright controlling the position.

The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.
Payton Wright seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Wright throws an uppercut from half a mile away. LaBeouf sees it coming and avoids it easily.
LaBeouf feints the counter takedown.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but Shia LaBeouf will probably get the nod.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!

LaBeouf avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Wright drops his hands and takes a jab to the jaw for his troubles.
Wright misses with a two punch combination.
Wright lands an overhand left. A wild punch that just about connected.
Payton Wright is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
A jab from Wright finds it's way through LaBeouf's defenses.
Good exchange - LaBeouf coming out on top.
Wright misses with a straight right.
Wright misses with the combination.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from LaBeouf! But no joy.
Wright throws a right hand that misses
enabling LaBeouf to counter with a crisp jab.
Wright is really head hunting here, hardly looking to strike to the body at all.
Wright throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
LaBeouf unleashes a big counter combination but Wright bobs and weaves and avoids any damage.
Wright chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before LaBeouf can pounce on him.
Payton Wright is winning the standup battle so far.
Wright lands a nice shot that snaps LaBeouf's head back.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Wright tries to land a front kick but LaBeouf steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed.
LaBeouf looks to land a combination but Wright avoids it well.
LaBeouf showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Wright.
Wright loads up on a big right hand but LaBeouf slips the punch.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Wright misses with a straight right.
LaBeouf misses with a wild combination.
A swing and a miss from Wright.
Wright throws a jab but it's blocked by LaBeouf.
Wright will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.

LaBeouf shoots in and gets a takedown into half guard. LaBeouf showed some decent athleticism there.
LaBeouf throwing shots but Wright is blocking nicely.
LaBeouf has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.

LaBeouf is trying to work for a kimura but Wright is defending well.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Ground and pound from LaBeouf.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
LaBeouf prevents Wright from standing back up.
LaBeouf throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.

LaBeouf is trying to work for a kimura. This could be trouble! No, Wright has managed to free his arm - good work.
Wright tries to regain full guard. Instead though, LaBeouf has advanced to mount. Uh oh.
LaBeouf lands a big elbow.
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!
LaBeouf landing strikes from the mount and Wright is in trouble!
LaBeouf landing strikes from the mount.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
LaBeouf cracks Wright with a nasty head shot there - the crowd let out an audible gasp there, as the noise reverberated around the arena.
LaBeouf cracks Wright with a nasty head shot there - the crowd let out an audible gasp there, as the noise reverberated around the arena.

LaBeouf working to secure an arm triangle but it's not happening for him just yet.
Shia LaBeouf has got the better of the ground game so far.
Wright is trying to escape the mount.
LaBeouf working away from the top, dropping strikes.
LaBeouf scoring with some good ground and pound from mount here. Will he manage to finish Wright?
LaBeouf trying to control but Wright is having none of it.
Wright tries to get back to half guard but can't.
LaBeouf connects with a couple of good shots from mount.
LaBeouf pausing momentarily but resumes with a couple of decent strikes that do a bit of damage.
LaBeouf has been the more effective fighter overall so far.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
LaBeouf lands a couple of nice shots there from mount.
Wright tries to buck LaBeouf off but he can't manage it.
LaBeouf lands an elbow that was bordering on illegal but the referee lets it go with a warning.
LaBeouf punishing his opponent with strikes.
Wright working to try and regain half guard.
Wright is trying to stand.
LaBeouf with the ground and pound from mount.
LaBeouf with shots to the head and body - Wright looks very uncomfortable down there.
Wright is bucking up trying to escape but LaBeouf cracks him with another couple of good strikes.
LaBeouf raining down hammerfists from mount.
LaBeouf lands a couple of good shots and Wright has given up his back, trying to escape the position!

Wright is rocked!
Wright covers up after taking a massive shot to the side of the head.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Shia LaBeouf showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.

Wright misses with a double jab
and LaBeouf counters with a solid body kick.
Wright misses with an uppercut.
Wright throws out a loose jab but LaBeouf uses good head movement to avoid it.
LaBeouf moves out of range of the strikes.
LaBeouf throws a body kick that misses.
LaBeouf slips under a jab from Wright.
A little jabbing left from LaBeouf on the counter but it doesn't find it's target.
Wright slaps away a takedown attempt from LaBeouf, before circling back to the center of the mat.
LaBeouf lands with a nice body punch.
Wright moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
LaBeouf shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
LaBeouf dodges the punch combination from Wright.
Wright throws a left and a right that both miss
and LaBeouf counters with a straight right hand.
LaBeouf scores with a shot to the body.
Wright throws the left hand but LaBeouf avoids the punch easily.

That's one minute gone in the round.
LaBeouf throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Wright misses with a jab, cross combination.
LaBeouf swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
LaBeouf lands a really nice looking cross but Wright seems unphased.
LaBeouf scores with a reasonable looking shot to the body. Wright doesn't seem bothered though.
LaBeouf throws a right and a left that Wright avoids nicely.
LaBeouf looks to land a right hand but Wright moved out of range.
LaBeouf dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
LaBeouf throws out a loose jab but Wright uses good head movement to avoid it.
Wright shuffles to his left behind two crisp jabs. LaBeouf eats them both and turns towards Wright to reposition himself and eats a stinging right hand-left hook combo.
LaBeouf digs a good body shot into Wright's ribs.
Good work by LaBeouf as he checks the leg kick.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
LaBeouf misses with a wild body shot.
LaBeouf slips under a jab.
LaBeouf misses with a jab, cross combination.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Wright throws a one two combo.
Wright misses with a looping left.
Wright avoids a punch combination nicely.
Wright lands with a cross.
LaBeouf throws a couple of head shots and lands with the final one - a decent hook, which struck Wright on the side of the head.
Wright throws a lazy right hand but LaBeouf sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
LaBeouf is definitely looking for the counter takedowns here.
Wright throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
LaBeouf throws a body kick that digs right into the meat.
LaBeouf pulls out of a head kick attempt.
LaBeouf works Wright's body with a nice hook.
A jab from Wright misses.
LaBeouf walks straight into a jab right on the nose. That one stung - he's blinking and trying to clear his head.
Wright lands a jab to the nose.
Wright missing with a left hand there. LaBeouf was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
LaBeouf bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
LaBeouf ducks under a wild hook from Wright.
A little jabbing left from LaBeouf on the counter but it doesn't find it's target.
A punch combination from Wright misses.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Wright throws a head kick but LaBeouf moves out of range.
LaBeouf looked like he wanted to counter with a punch but didn't throw it.
Wright throws a hook but LaBeouf avoids it easily.
LaBeouf looks to land a combination. Wright sees it coming but can only parry a couple of the shots.
Wright avoids the head kick by LaBeouf.
LaBeouf lands a nice looking body shot.
Wright has a nice red mark on his side after a thudding body kick by LaBeouf.
Wright throws an uppercut from half a mile away. LaBeouf sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Wright throws a lazy right hand but LaBeouf sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Wright lands a jab. Then a cross. Then finally a nice hook to the body. Good work there by Wright.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Wright throws an overhand right that lands on LaBeouf's shoulder, as LaBeouf tries to avoid the shot.
Wright throws a combination but it was largely blocked by LaBeouf.
LaBeouf misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
LaBeouf connects with an inside leg kick.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
LaBeouf darts in looking for a takedown but Wright gets double underhooks and turns LaBeouf into the cage.
Payton Wright has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Shia LaBeouf.
LaBeouf bobs and weaves and throws out a fast jab that snaps Wright's head backwards.
LaBeouf throws a wild body kick that Wright sees coming a mile off.
A little feinted left hand from Wright on the counter but he doesn't commit to it.
Wright avoids the head kick by LaBeouf.
Wright throws a hook but LaBeouf blocks it.
Wright walks into a straight right hand from LaBeouf.
LaBeouf throws a shot to the body.
The fighters circling - Wright throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Wright throws a left and a right that both miss
enabling LaBeouf to counter with a crisp jab.
Wright missing with a left hand there. LaBeouf was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
LaBeouf showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Wright.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Wright's corner calls for a 1, 2 combination and Wright duly obliges.
LaBeouf shoots in and drives through. Wright sprawls well.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close round but Payton Wright did the better work so I'd imagine he'll take it.
That's time! Wright's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

Wright throws a combination but it was largely blocked by LaBeouf.
LaBeouf misses with an attempted mid kick.
Wright misses with a straight right.
LaBeouf misses with the combination.
LaBeouf lands a nice leg kick that just misses Wright's sensitive parts.

LaBeouf bobs and weaves into range and then changes levels and scores with a nice takedown into side control.
You can see the frustration on Wright's face, being in this tough position on the bottom.
LaBeouf grinds an elbow into Wright's temple.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
LaBeouf scores with a couple of nice shots to the head there. The referee takes a look at Wright to see if he's OK.
Wright struggling a bit here.
LaBeouf lands an elbow.

That's one minute gone in the round.
LaBeouf scoring with punches and elbows.
LaBeouf cracks Wright with a big right hand but Wright just smiles back at him and invites him to have another go.
Wright tries to improve position but can't.
Wright is sneaking out the side here. He's bucked LaBeouf off and has taken his back!
LaBeouf trying to get back to his feet but Wright is in full control for now.
LaBeouf just trying to survive but Wright is wriggling into a better position, looking to finish.
LaBeouf is in bad spot here.
LaBeouf trying to control the action but Wright just sinks the hooks in.
Wright doesn't have the hooks in and LaBeouf manages to turn into his guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
LaBeouf is working Wright over from the guard. He should look to pass the guard and do a little more damage with these strikes.
Wright can't do much from the bottom at the moment, as LaBeouf controls the pace.
LaBeouf lands a couple of elbows.
LaBeouf lands a couple of digs.
Wright looking to hit a scissor sweep but LaBeouf is one step ahead there.
LaBeouf keeps in close for a moment and lands a decent shot to the side of Wright's head.
This has been an exciting period of action!
LaBeouf throwing strikes but missing.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
LaBeouf postures up and scores with a shot to the body and a follow up elbow to the head.
LaBeouf lands a couple of decent looking shots.
Wright keeping moving, preventing LaBeouf from controlling successfully.
Wright wants to stand and escape but LaBeouf is having none of it.
LaBeouf trying to control but Wright is working from the bottom.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
LaBeouf trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.

Wright kicks LaBeouf off and gets to his feet.
Wright throws a head kick but LaBeouf moves out of range.
Wright throws a left and a right that both miss
and LaBeouf finishes the little exchange by landing a big kick to the body.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A combination from Wright does no damage.
It's got to the stage where if one of these guys blows hard enough, the other might fall over.
Horrible takedown attempt by LaBeouf or perhaps it was just good defense by Wright, which made it look bad.
LaBeouf fails with the takedown.
Wright misses with a few strikes there.
Wright stuffs the takedown attempt from LaBeouf. LaBeouf gets slowly back to his feet.
Payton Wright has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Shia LaBeouf.
LaBeouf checks the leg kick nicely there.
Wright throws a right hand that LaBeouf ducks under and follows up with a left that LaBeouf also avoids with ease.
The fighters circling - Wright throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
LaBeouf moves out of range as Wright strikes.
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!
Wright throws an off balance right hand
and LaBeouf counters with a nice body shot.
Sloppy strikes from Wright. Those never looked like landing.
Nice defenses there by LaBeouf.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close fourth round but Shia LaBeouf will probably get the nod - 10:9.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action! This is the final round!

LaBeouf slips a jab and a cross from Wright.
Jab, cross, leg kick. Nice combination by LaBeouf!
LaBeouf displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Wright throws out the jab.
A big right from Wright misses.
LaBeouf jabs Wright right on the nose. Wright blinks but takes it well.
Wright misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.

LaBeouf changes levels and drives through with a really nice takedown into side control. Wright looks really pissed at himself for not defending that better.
LaBeouf scores with a couple of short elbows.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
LaBeouf working the ground and pound.
LaBeouf working the ground and pound but he's contacting the mat, not the fighter.
LaBeouf scoring with punches and elbows.
LaBeouf in side control, throwing shots but Wright defends.
Wright gets one leg under and gets the fight to half guard.
Wright is trying to stand.

That's one minute gone in the round.

LaBeouf is trying to work for a kimura but Wright is defending well.
Wright wants to get back to his feet.
LaBeouf not doing much here.
LaBeouf throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.
Wright keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
LaBeouf missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
LaBeouf thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Wright's head.

That's two 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.
Wright is concentrating on defense, preventing LaBeouf from advancing position.
LaBeouf is keeping good posture, landing some ground and pound.

LaBeouf is looking for a kimura but he's never going to get it from there.
LaBeouf missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
LaBeouf not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
LaBeouf prevents Wright from improving his position.
Wright wants to control but LaBeouf is keeping busy.

The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up. He just wasn't happy with the level of activity.
LaBeouf pivots as if he's going to throw a leg kick but stops half way.
As LaBeouf looks to move away, Wright throws a big counter combo bu LaBeouf just gets out of the way.
LaBeouf tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Wright was well out of range. Poor timing from LaBeouf.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Wright takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
Wright misses with a few strikes there.
Wright lands a jab. Then a cross. Then finally a nice hook to the body. Good work there by Wright.
A thudding body kick lands there by LaBeouf!
Wright throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Wright throws a leg kick but LaBeouf checks it.
LaBeouf scores with a decent looking hook.
Wright throws a jab when LaBeouf was well out of range.
LaBeouf is loading up here, looking for a big counter of his own.
LaBeouf misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Wright.
A combination from Wright does no damage.
LaBeouf staying out of range there.
A big right from Wright misses.
LaBeouf is loading up here, looking for a big counter of his own.
LaBeouf staying out of range there.
LaBeouf throws a head kick that misses.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
LaBeouf tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Wright throws a right hand that LaBeouf ducks under and follows up with a left that LaBeouf also avoids with ease.
LaBeouf misses with a series of wild punches.
LaBeouf throws a hook to the side of Wright's head but Wright sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
LaBeouf lands a pitter patter jab to the forehead of his opponent.
Wright will be looking to protect his midsection after taking some solid kicks to the body.
LaBeouf throws a body kick but he was well out of range there.
Wright swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.
A swing and a miss from Wright.
Wright lands with a nice low kick. That'll leave a bruise.
Wright lands a beauty of a right hand that gets the crowd cheering.
Wright missing with a left hand there. LaBeouf was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
LaBeouf throws a head kick that looked like it stung.

LaBeouf shoots in with a lovely double leg takedown. Wright manages to land in full guard to minimise the damage.

Wright kicks LaBeouf off and gets to his feet.

And that's the end of the fight!
Payton Wright showed his dominance in that final round.
I think LaBeouf 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 5 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Shirou Masuda scores the fight 49:48
Judge Ren Mimura scores the fight 47:49
Judge Taro Takaoka scores the fight 49:46

In favor of your winner, by split decision... Payton Wright!
Payton Wright retains his lightweight title!
After winning the bout, Payton Wright thanked all his fans and promised he'd do even better in his next fight. The crowd seemed to love his humility.