PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Sean Matthews (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Conor McCracken (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). The crowd seem to be enjoying McCracken's choice of entrance music: Rebels Song - Come out and Fight. Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the cage.

Matthews
vs
McCracken

178 cm
23
165 lbs
3 - 1 - 0

177 cm
22
155 lbs
10 - 8 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Lethal high kicks
Insanely flexible

Excellent grappler
Good kicks
Good gas tank

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 3 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Amsterdam, Sean Matthews!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 10 - 8 - 0, fighting out of London, Conor McCracken!
The judges for this bout are Frank Antenori, Timothy Bukovac and .

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
McCracken attempts a leg kick but it's missed by a good margin.
Matthews goes for a high kick. It partially lands.
A big left from Matthews misses.
Sean Matthews seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Matthews checks a low kick from McCracken.
Matthews stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Matthews wants it to stay on the feet.
Matthews lands a front kick.
A nice combination there by Matthews.
Matthews throws a jab when McCracken was well out of range.
Matthews lands with a thumping leg kick.
McCracken dives in for a single leg takedown but Matthews sprawls and the fighters end up clinched against the cage.
McCracken tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Matthews was well out of range. Poor timing from McCracken.
Matthews blocks a leg kick.
Matthews misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
McCracken throws a jab to the body, straight down the pipe. Boom. That sent Matthews stumbling backwards but he manages to regain his composure quickly.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Matthews lands a leg kick that knocks McCracken off balance momentarily.

McCracken drives through with a takedown into guard.
Matthews is avoiding any damage by keeping wrist control.
Matthews 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.

McCracken drops back for a leg! It's a sloppy attempt though and McCracken jumps back into guard quickly, to retain the dominant position.
McCracken wants to pass the guard but Matthews is keeping the position.

That's one minute gone in the round.
McCracken missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Matthews keeping moving, preventing McCracken from controlling successfully.
Matthews is pulling down on McCracken's head to control his posture.
The referee must be thinking about standing these guys back up.
McCracken looking to pass the guard.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
McCracken just misses with a punch to the body.
Matthews lands a leg kick. The shin dug right into the meat of the thigh.
A head kick misses from Matthews.
Matthews lands a leg kick. The shin dug right into the meat of the thigh.
Matthews lands with a thumping leg kick.
McCracken tries to drive through with a takedown attempt but Matthews defends well and McCracken ends up having to push Matthews into the cage where they will battle it out in the clinch.
Sean Matthews has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Conor McCracken.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
That kick from Matthews tenderised McCracken's leg. McCracken is trying to keep his angry face on.
McCracken keeping at a good range here, avoiding a leg kick.
Matthews lands with a nice body punch.
Matthews cracks the inside of McCracken's front leg.
Matthews with poor footwork there. He got himself in a bit of a tangle, enabling McCracken to score with a decent uppercut.
Matthews walks forward and throws out a flicking leg kick. McCracken checks it nicely though, as he moves to the side.
Matthews 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.
The fighters circling - Matthews throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Matthews connects with the punch.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
A chopping leg kick lands by Matthews.
McCracken tries to check a leg kick but that clearly hurt him.
McCracken connects with a solid leg kick.
McCracken shoots in looking for a takedown but Matthews manages to keep the fight standing, pushing McCracken's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
Matthews throws a quick inside leg kick.
Matthews checks a leg kick.
Matthews uses good head movement to avoid the hook from McCracken.
McCracken tries for a takedown but Matthews sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
McCracken walks straight into an uppercut. Luckily it didn't land flush.

McCracken shoots in and gets a takedown into half guard. McCracken showed some decent athleticism there.
Matthews is looking to control McCracken's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Matthews avoid being mounted?

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Matthews controlling the position well.
McCracken wants to pass to mount but Matthews is defending the position.
Matthews is controlling McCracken's trapped leg to prevent McCracken from advancing to side control.

McCracken seems to be looking for submissions.
McCracken wants to lay and pray for a moment but Matthews keeps working.
The referee is asking the fighters to pick up the pace.

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.
Matthews wants to sweep but McCracken has passed to side control!

The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.
Matthews thumps McCracken with a low kick.
McCracken swings and misses with a hook to the body.
McCracken is trying hard to land a takedown here. Matthews sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
Matthews attempts a leg kick but it's missed by a good margin.
Matthews cracks McCracken with a right hand to the side of the head.
Matthews works the jab nicely.
Matthews moves into range and connects with a jab.
A looping hook to the body misses from McCracken. Matthews does a little dance to reset his feet.
Good exchange - McCracken coming out on top.
Matthews is looking to slow McCracken down with leg kicks.
McCracken with poor footwork there. He got himself in a bit of a tangle, enabling Matthews to score with a decent uppercut.
Matthews chopping away at his opponent's legs.
Matthews throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Matthews checks a low kick from McCracken.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Sean Matthews dominated that round.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.

A chopping leg kick lands by Matthews.
McCracken just misses with a punch to the body.
McCracken's leg has a nasty welt from taking a succession of leg kicks. That must be slowing him down.
McCracken misses with a low kick.
McCracken on the wrong end of a decent looking cross there.
Matthews scores with a leg kick.
McCracken checks a leg kick.
McCracken checks the leg kick.
Matthews pivots, looking for a leg kick but McCracken is out of range and Matthews settles back down.
McCracken throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Matthews's waist but Matthews gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing McCracken off to one side.
McCracken looking to land some kicks to the body here.
McCracken ducks under a wild hook from Matthews.
Matthews fakes with a right hand and throws a good leg kick, right into the thigh. That had to hurt McCracken.
McCracken is throwing a lot of body shots here, looking to wear down Matthews rather than just go for the knockout.
McCracken looks to land a combination but Matthews avoids it well.
McCracken blocks a low kick nicely.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

McCracken gets a double leg takedown into Matthews's guard.
McCracken looking to pass the guard.
A real slowdown in the pace of the fight for a moment, as Matthews holds on and takes a little breather.
Matthews is trying to control the position from the bottom.

That's one minute gone in the round.
McCracken with a flurry of punches that miss.
Matthews is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that McCracken can do to turn this around?
McCracken trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
McCracken wants to control from the top but Matthews keeps moving.
Matthews is controlling McCracken's posture.
Matthews knows he needs to get back to his feet asap. He's simply no match for McCracken on the ground.
McCracken advances to half guard.

The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.
McCracken looking to throw a kick but he's pulled out of it.
McCracken misses the shot to the body.
McCracken takes a nice looking leg kick right on the meat of his thigh there.
McCracken ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
McCracken throws a body punch but Matthews moves out of range.
McCracken tries to check a leg kick but that clearly hurt him.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Matthews misses with a low kick.
Matthews misses the jab.
Ouch! a nice leg kick from Matthews, right into the meat.
McCracken swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Matthews lands a lovely overhand right.
Matthews misses with a leg kick.
McCracken throws a decent looking leg kick but it doesn't land clean.
McCracken fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Matthews avoids it really well and circles away.
A head kick from Matthews lands but McCracken takes it in his stride.
McCracken checks the leg kick nicely there.
McCracken fails with a takedown attempt.
It looked like Matthews wanted to counter with a hook but didn't fully commit.
Sean Matthews has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Conor McCracken.
McCracken throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Matthews's waist but Matthews gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing McCracken off to one side.
This has been an exciting period of action!
McCracken swings for the body but Matthews moves out of range.
A good leg kick by Matthews.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Matthews keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
Matthews throws a quick inside leg kick.
Matthews stuffs the takedown attempt from McCracken. McCracken gets slowly back to his feet.
A big left from McCracken misses.
Matthews swinging wildly here.
Sean Matthews is winning the standup battle so far.
Nice shot lands for Matthews.
Matthews moves out of range of the body kick.
McCracken throws a head kick that misses.
McCracken is trying hard to land a takedown here. Matthews sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
A nice inside leg kick there by Matthews. That's going to slow McCracken down.
Matthews attempts a low kick but it misses it's target.
McCracken misses with a low kick.
Matthews throws a nice looking combination but McCracken bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
McCracken throws a head kick that misses.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

McCracken scores with a takedown into Matthews's guard.
Matthews wants to control here, rather than go for any submissions from the bottom. At least for now.
McCracken tries to free his leg and advance position but Matthews is retaining full guard.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
McCracken trying to control but Matthews is working from the bottom.
Matthews keeping full guard, as McCracken tries to pass.
McCracken trying to control but Matthews is working from the bottom.
McCracken 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.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Sean Matthews dominated that second round.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

The sound of bone on bone echoes around the arena as McCracken checks a leg kick.

McCracken closes the distance and gets a trip takedown into side control. Matthews quickly recovers to half guard.
McCracken is keen to just control but Matthews is a slippery customer.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
McCracken is pressing down on Matthews's thigh, looking to free his foot. Matthews is holding on for now.
McCracken stops Matthews from getting back to his feet.
Matthews wants to control but McCracken is keeping busy.
Matthews avoiding damage under a succession of punches from McCracken.
Matthews is trying is best to control the position here.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
McCracken looking to pass the half guard. Not this time.
The referee claps his hands together and tells the fighters to work.
McCracken is looking to take a break and control but Matthews is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.

The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up. He just wasn't happy with the level of activity.
Matthews darts in and out, connecting with a jab.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Matthews buckles his opponent's knee momentarily with a nice leg kick.
McCracken shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Matthews pinned against the cage. Matthews gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
McCracken walks into a jab.
Matthews chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before McCracken can pounce on him.
Matthews bobs and weaves and unloads with a good uppercut.
McCracken misses with a head kick.
Matthews scores with a big left there. The judges will like that one.
McCracken loads up on a big right hand but Matthews slips the punch.
Matthews scores with a one two! McCracken had his feet all tangled up there and couldn't avoid the strikes.
Matthews throws a leg kick but McCracken sees it coming and moves out of range.
Matthews throws a head kick but McCracken moves out of range.
McCracken doesn't fully commit to the body shot counter.
Matthews misses with a low kick.
McCracken drops down looking to force a counter takedown but Matthews defends it well.
McCracken checks a low kick from Matthews.
Matthews connects with an inside leg kick.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
A leg kick checked by Matthews.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
McCracken pulls out of a head kick attempt.
A chopping leg kick lands by McCracken.
Sean Matthews is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
McCracken throws a body shot but no joy.
Matthews leaves McCracken with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
Matthews misses with the combination.
A solid leg kick lands there for Matthews.
McCracken takes a jab on the nose there. A little bit of blood seems to be coming out. Hopefully that won't affect his breathing.
Jab, jab by Matthews - just one landing.
Matthews misses with a low kick.
Matthews throws a chopping leg kick but McCracken manages to avoid taking any serious damage.
McCracken shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Sean Matthews has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Conor McCracken.
Matthews throws a nice outside leg kick.
McCracken goes for a double leg but Matthews avoids the attempt and the two fighters end up clinched against the cage as Matthews continues to drive forward.
McCracken fails miserably with a takedown attempt.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
McCracken takes a nice looking leg kick right on the meat of his thigh there.
Matthews looking to throw a kick but he's pulled out of it.
McCracken takes a push kick to the midsection and stumbles backwards.
Matthews throws a low kick but McCracken avoids it.
Matthews scores with a decent looking hook.
Matthews scores with a jab.
McCracken dodges the punch combination from Matthews.
McCracken throws a sloppy head kick and Matthews moves out of range easily.
McCracken throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Matthews's waist but Matthews gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing McCracken off to one side.
McCracken has his head snapped back a nice jab. A little nod from McCracken there as he acknowledges the shot.
A solid leg kick lands there for Matthews.
Matthews with a nice looking leg kick. You could hear that one land in a back row.
McCracken swinging wildly here.
Matthews lands with a nice low kick. That'll leave a bruise.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Matthews throws out a leg kick but McCracken moves out of range and Matthews only half commits.
McCracken scores with a sloppy punch to the body. Not much technique there but it did the business.
Good work by McCracken as he checks the leg kick.
Matthews fakes and then throws a beautiful body shot. McCracken looks a bit winded and takes a step backwards to take a breath.
McCracken lands a body shot.
A chopping leg kick lands by Matthews.
McCracken shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Matthews as he jumps to the side.
McCracken ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Matthews moves away.
McCracken lands with a cross.
Matthews scores with a jab to the jaw of his opponent.
McCracken avoids the head kick by Matthews.
Good work by McCracken as he checks the leg kick.
Matthews connects with an inside leg kick.
McCracken shoots in for a double leg but Matthews sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
Horrible takedown attempt by McCracken or perhaps it was just good defense by Matthews, which made it look bad.
McCracken takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
McCracken tries to check a leg kick but that clearly hurt him.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Sean Matthews clearly takes that round.
That's time! Back to the action!

Matthews scores with a jab. McCracken acknowledges it with a nod of the head.
Matthews feints with a shoulder and throws a nice leg kick to McCracken's calf.
Matthews attempts a low kick but it misses it's target.
A good leg kick by Matthews.
Matthews fakes high and swings low for a body shot but McCracken manages to avoid it.
Matthews uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by McCracken.
Matthews jabbing away but nothing is landing.
McCracken throws a leg kick but he was too far away and it doesn't land.
Matthews was looking to counter that move with a punch but didn't quite pull the trigger.

McCracken feints and as Matthews raises his hands in defense, McCracken changes levels and drives through with a takedown into guard.

Matthews pushes McCracken off for just long enough to get back to his feet. Very athletic spring there.
Matthews lands a nice leg kick that just misses McCracken's sensitive parts.
McCracken shoots in looking for a takedown but Matthews manages to keep the fight standing, pushing McCracken's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Matthews lands a leg kick and bounces back out of range.
Matthews scores with a big left there. The judges will like that one.
Matthews moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
Matthews lands a nice leg kick that just misses McCracken's sensitive parts.
Matthews looks to land a combination but McCracken avoids it well.
McCracken now looks to counter with a shot at the body.

That's one minute gone in the round.
A lazy left from Matthews finds it's target.
Matthews throws a head kick that half lands.
Matthews dips to his left and cracks McCracken with an uppercut!

McCracken bobs and weaves into range and then changes levels and scores with a nice takedown into side control.
Matthews is trying to stand back up. He's worked his way up against the cage but McCracken has just dragged him back down to the mat.
McCracken cracks Matthews with an elbow. That is naaassty.
McCracken throws a knee to the body but it doesn't do much damage.
Matthews prevents McCracken from moving into mount.

McCracken wants to work for a kimura but he's foiled early by Matthews, who protects the arm well.
Matthews trying to control but McCracken flips him over like a cheap hooker and has his back!

McCracken looking for the choke from the back.
McCracken gets his hands free as Matthews looks to control.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd hopeful of a finish here - McCracken's supporters are on their feet, screaming for him to go for the rear naked choke.
Matthews can't escape the position.

McCracken is working for the rear naked choke. He has one arm under the chin but Matthews has hold of the other arm. A bit of a stalemate here.

McCracken is remaining active here, looking for the choke. The more discerning members of the crowd will appreciate his efforts.

Matthews showing good submission defense here.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

McCracken is working for the rear naked choke. He has one arm under the chin but Matthews has hold of the other arm. A bit of a stalemate here.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

McCracken is working for the rear naked choke. He has one arm under the chin but Matthews has hold of the other arm. A bit of a stalemate here.
You can see the frustration on Matthews's face… He knows he is in trouble unless he improves his position sooner rather than later.
Matthews is taking damage to the body and head.
McCracken not allowing Matthews to control his hands.
Matthews trying to survive by controlling the hands.

Matthews is displaying good submission defense - not really looking in danger of submitting to the rear naked choke at the moment. That could change in an instant of course if McCracken gets his way!

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.

McCracken has his hand under the chin of his opponent looking for the choke. He's nearly got it! This one could be all over! But no, Matthews has freed his hand and lives to survive another… well, another couple of seconds at least!
The referee is taking a good look at Matthews as he is on the wrong end of some big shots from McCracken!
McCracken throws a big right hand but he misses and hits the mat. Ouch.
McCracken tries to get the hooks in deep but Matthews pushed the leg off.

Matthews preventing the rear naked choke attempt from McCracken.
McCracken controls the position.
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 Sean Matthews will probably get the nod.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action! Let's hear some noise people - this is the final round!

McCracken scores with a slapping inside leg kick.
Matthews connects with a jab.
McCracken shoots in but Matthews avoids the takedown attempt easily.
McCracken throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
A decent looking body kick lands there for Matthews.
Matthews lands a jab, followed by a cross and another cross, as McCracken backs up against the cage.
Matthews throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Ooooh, nice body kick lands from Matthews. McCracken shrugs it off though.
McCracken wants to slow Matthews down by chopping away at his legs.
McCracken on the wrong end of a decent looking cross there.
Matthews bobbing and weaving, closes the distance and lands a hook to the side of McCracken's head.
Matthews blocks a leg kick.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Matthews scores with a reasonable looking shot to the body. McCracken doesn't seem bothered though.
Matthews displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from McCracken.
Matthews throws a low kick but McCracken avoids it.

That's one minute gone in the round.
McCracken is trying hard to land a takedown here. Matthews sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
Sean Matthews has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Conor McCracken.
Matthews cracks McCracken with a good jab.
McCracken has a pretty nasty looking mouse under his right eye.
McCracken looks shocked there as he takes a right hand to the temple.
Matthews misses with a two punch combination.
McCracken now looks to counter with a shot at the body.
McCracken throws a sloppy head kick and Matthews moves out of range easily.
Matthews throws a nice outside leg kick.
A leg kick checked by McCracken.
McCracken misses with a wild body shot.
Matthews throws a head kick that misses.
Matthews throws a nice outside leg kick.
Matthews fakes a jab and scores with a low kick.
Matthews blocks a jab.
McCracken darts in looking for a takedown but Matthews gets double underhooks and turns McCracken into the cage.
McCracken shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Matthews sprawls well. Matthews wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. McCracken gets slowly back to his feet.
McCracken is wobbling all over the place through exhaustion. Will he make it to the final bell?
McCracken is looking to score with low kicks.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
McCracken closes the distance and clinches up with Matthews, looking for a takedown. McCracken pushes Matthews against the cage but Matthews circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Ouch! a nice leg kick from Matthews, right into the meat.
Matthews avoids the body shot from McCracken.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Matthews motions for McCracken to come forward. Matthews throws a leg kick but it misses it's target.
McCracken blocks a leg kick.
McCracken on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by Matthews. Matthews obviously looking to wear him down.
Matthews chopping away at his opponent's legs.
Matthews cracks the inside of McCracken's front leg.
McCracken throws a low kick but his opponent is out of range.
Matthews went nuts there looking for a big combo counter but none of the flurry connected.
McCracken pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Matthews bobs and weaves and throws out a fast jab that snaps McCracken's head backwards.
Matthews looks to land a combination but McCracken avoids it well.
Matthews is looking to score with low kicks.
Matthews fakes a couple of low kicks, before throwing one on the third attempt. It connects and McCracken has to reset his feet before getting ready to engage.

McCracken looks for a takedown. He's got it. We're now in half guard.

Matthews pushes McCracken off and gets back to his feet.
You can see that McCracken has visibly slowed down as a result of the leg kicks

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Some bone on bone action there as McCracken checks a low kick. Luckily it wasn't a particularly hard one.
McCracken chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Matthews can pounce on him.
McCracken misses with a low kick.
Matthews lands with a kick to the ribs.
A nice leg kick lands there from Matthews.
McCracken fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Matthews manages to avoid it.
McCracken checks a low kick. Bone on bone - not my idea of a good time.
McCracken darts in looking for a takedown but Matthews gets double underhooks and turns McCracken into the cage.
Matthews is looking for a counter combo.
McCracken keeping at a good range here, avoiding a leg kick.
Matthews is looking to score with low kicks.
Matthews lands a leg kick. The shin dug right into the meat of the thigh.
McCracken chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Matthews can pounce on him.
McCracken checks a leg kick.
McCracken shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Matthews defends it nicely.
Matthews fakes high and swings low for a body shot but McCracken manages to avoid it.
Conor McCracken has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

That's four minutes gone in the round.
McCracken throws a front kick aimed at Matthews's knee but Matthews avoids it well.
Matthews tries a low kick but McCracken avoids it.
McCracken takes a thudding leg kick, right into the meat of the thigh.
McCracken tries a low kick but Matthews avoids it.
McCracken on the wrong end of a nice jab.
Matthews bobbing and weaving, closes the distance and lands a hook to the side of McCracken's head.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Matthews lands with a thumping leg kick.
Matthews stuffs the takedown attempt from McCracken. McCracken gets slowly back to his feet.
Matthews tried to counter with a leg kick but McCracken avoided it.
McCracken misses with a looping left.
Like a baseball bat into the meat of his leg there - nice leg kick by Matthews.
McCracken is moving around nicely and scores here with a single head shot.
Matthews feints a jab promting McCracken to slip. Matthews then demonstrates his capabilities by jabbing again. McCracken slips again and ducks right into an uppercut.
McCracken shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Matthews sprawls well. Matthews wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. McCracken gets slowly back to his feet.
A chopping leg kick lands by Matthews.

And that's the end of the fight!
Sean Matthews showed his dominance in that final round.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Matthews, winning every round. Will the judges agree? They are the ones who matter, even if they are often depressingly incompetent. 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 Frank Antenori scores the fight 50:45
Judge Timothy Bukovac scores the fight 50:45
Judge Percy O'Donnell scores the fight 50:45

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Sean Matthews!
Sean Matthews retains his lightweight title!
A relieved looking Sean Matthews thanked the fans for their support and gave the usual line about them being amazing. They seemed to believe that he actually meant it.