PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Jon Monroe (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Julio Madrigal (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Monroe's entrance music is Simple Man - Lynyrd Skynyrd. A fine choice. Madrigal has chosen Lil Jon-Throw it Up as his entrance music, which hasn't gone down very well with the crowd. Julio Madrigal struggled to make weight for this fight. He only made it down to 156.8lbs at the first attempt and had to take the additional two hours to make the official bout weight. Let's see how much it's taken out of him. The atmosphere really building for this one as we go over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Monroe
vs
Madrigal

175 cm
34
169 lbs
26 - 16 - 1

178 cm
37
170 lbs
27 - 11 - 1

Good wrestling
World class boxer
Cardio machine

Olympic wrestler
Excellent MT
Heavy handed

V-Mask Clothing (10%)

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the lightweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 26 - 16 - 1, fighting out of New York, Jon Monroe!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 27 - 11 - 1, fighting out of New York, Julio Madrigal!
The judges for this bout are Columbo Gatti, Reed Andrews and Steve Montenegro.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Monroe misses with a wild combination.
Madrigal tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Monroe lands a head kick. Madrigal smiles back at him and beckons him forward.
Monroe keeps the fight on the outside.

Madrigal gets in close and instigates a clinch.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Monroe.
Madrigal prevents Monroe from breaking the clinch.
Madrigal swings wildly with an uppercut but Monroe uses good head movement to avoid it.
Monroe is trying to break the clinch but Madrigal is controlling him.
Madrigal scores with a nice hook to the head.

Monroe breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Madrigal throws a series of punches but Monroe moves out of range.
Monroe cracks Madrigal with a good jab.
Decent striking displayed by Monroe there.
Monroe circles away from the clinch attempt.
Monroe dodges the punch combination from Madrigal.
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!
Monroe lands a leg kick. The shin dug right into the meat of the thigh.
Wow, both these guys are really going for it!
Monroe lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Madrigal circles away quickly and effectively.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Madrigal dodges the punch combination from Monroe.
A lazy left from Monroe finds it's target.
Madrigal throws a lazy right hand but Monroe sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Madrigal changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Monroe tries to avoid it but Madrigal manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Monroe to the ground. Monroe escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Madrigal's coach down at Morbid Conditioning, Trans, Esc School $1000 was telling us pre-fight that they have been working on Madrigal's balance. Obviously they view that as a key factor in the outcome of this fight.
Monroe throws a series of strikes that have Madrigal backpedaling.
Jon Monroe seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Madrigal tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Monroe throws a nice inside leg kick.
Monroe fails to land with a series of punches.
Madrigal on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by Monroe. Monroe obviously looking to wear him down.
Madrigal avoids the head kick by Monroe.
Monroe throws a jab when Madrigal was well out of range.
Madrigal fails to land with a series of punches.
Monroe goes for a spinning back kick but it misses.

Madrigal scores with a nice takedown into half guard. Let's see what he's got on the ground.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.

Monroe makes some distance and scrambles quickly back to his feet. Nice work!
Monroe misses with a double jab.
Madrigal lets it all go there with a big combo counter but none of the punches connected.
Monroe misses with a jab, cross combination.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Monroe scores with a head kick. Madrigal tried to block it but didn't get his arm up in time.

Madrigal decides to change it up a bit and drives through with a nice takedown into half guard.
Madrigal prevents Monroe from standing back up.
Madrigal missing with the ground and pound from half guard.

Madrigal is sneakily working for an arm triangle but Monroe sees it coming and defends easily.
Madrigal lands a big shot. The thud that echoes around the arena is like music to the fans' ears.
Monroe looks like he's trying to stand up.
Monroe blocking the ground and pound attempt from Madrigal.
Madrigal throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
Madrigal is keen to just control but Monroe is a slippery customer.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Madrigal is thinking about going for an arm triangle but he can't free his leg.
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Madrigal is looking to take a break and control but Monroe is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Monroe wants to get back to his feet.

Madrigal is trying a forearm choke… I don't think that's going to do much at this level of the game.
Madrigal missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
Madrigal has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are hurling abuse towards the fighters... You can hardly blame them though because there isn't a lot going on in the fight.

Madrigal is looking for an arm triangle, whilst trying to pass to side control. Monroe doesn't seem that keen to cooperate though. No luck this time Madrigal.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Monroe pushes Madrigal off looking to stand but Madrigal dives back in and keeps control.

Madrigal is looking for a kimura but Monroe is holding onto that half guard position, so it's hard for Madrigal to get the leverage.
Madrigal wants to control but Monroe is keeping him busy.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Monroe throws a quick head kick that skims the top of Madrigal's head.
Monroe is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Madrigal.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Jon Monroe dominated that round.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

Monroe wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.
Monroe throws a solid leg kick but Madrigal takes the impact on his shin and smiles at Monroe.
Madrigal shoots in but Monroe avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Monroe fakes a couple of low kicks, before throwing one on the third attempt. It connects and Madrigal has to reset his feet before getting ready to engage.
Madrigal shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Monroe as he avoids it easily.
Nice shot by Monroe.
Madrigal 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.
Ouch! a nice leg kick from Monroe, right into the meat.
Monroe with a nice looking leg kick. You could hear that one land in a back row.

Madrigal rushes Monroe and presses him up against the cage.
Madrigal struggles to land a body shot inside as Monroe controls his hands.

Monroe breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Monroe takes a jab right on the nose. That must have hurt but he shrugs his shoulders and looks to return the favor.
Jon Monroe is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Monroe throws a nice looking combination but Madrigal bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Monroe looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Monroe turns his hip over beautifully as he lands a nice leg kick.
Monroe works Madrigal's body with a nice hook.
Monroe scores to the head and body with a nice combination!

That's one minute gone in the round.
Monroe throws a leg kick but he was too far away and it doesn't land.
Madrigal takes a shot to the body in his stride.
Madrigal throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Monroe feints a straight left to the body, then turns around with a flashy move and hits Madrigals jaw with a dramatic spinning back fist!
Monroe throws a series of punches but Madrigal avoids them all with ease.
Monroe throws a right and a left that Madrigal avoids nicely.
Monroe lands an overhand right.
Monroe is looking to chop away at Madrigal's legs.
And Madrigal tries to counter it with a takedown but Monroe pushes his down on his head and steps out.
Madrigal slips a jab and a cross from Monroe.
Jon Monroe is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Monroe tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Madrigal misses with a jab, cross combination.
Monroe lands with a hook. Madrigal tried to avoid it but it clipped the top of his head.
Monroe goes for a high kick. It partially lands.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Madrigal shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Monroe pinned against the cage. Monroe gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
Jon Monroe has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Julio Madrigal.
Madrigal is breathing heavily.
Madrigal tries to score a power double leg takedown but Monroe sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Madrigal somewhat.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Monroe throws a nice looking combination but Madrigal bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Madrigal is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Monroe.
Monroe tries a head kick but it misses.
Monroe throws a head kick but Madrigal moves out of range.
Monroe works over Madrigal's head and body with a nice combination.
Sloppy strikes from Madrigal. Those never looked like landing.
Madrigal showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Monroe.
Madrigal dives in and grabs Monroe's left leg, looking for a takedown. Monroe pushes down on Madrigal's head and hops out.
Monroe is looking to counter punch.
Monroe throws a sloppy head kick and Madrigal moves out of range easily.
Madrigal on the wrong end of a decent looking cross there.
Monroe is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Madrigal can do to turn this around?
Madrigal takes a head kick and keeps coming.
Monroe keeps his opponent at a distance with a nice jab.
It looks like Monroe has been trying to sharpen up his punching technique, as it looks crisper than last time we saw him.
Monroe displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Madrigal.
Madrigal throws a hook to the side of Monroe's head but Monroe sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Monroe shuffles to his left behind two crisp jabs. Madrigal eats them both and turns towards Monroe to reposition himself and eats a stinging right hand-left hook combo.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
A nice inside leg kick there by Monroe. That's going to slow Madrigal down.
Monroe digs a good hook to Madrigal's body.
Madrigal tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.

Madrigal closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the cage.
The referee calls for Madrigal to work.
Madrigal jumps guard but his hands slip and he falls flat on his back. Well, he's made himself look a right mug there, as Monroe walks away with a smile on his face. Madrigal gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head.
Monroe fakes low and throws an overhand right that catches Madrigal on the side of the head.
Madrigal takes a kick to the side of the head.
Madrigal sizes up Monroe with a pawing jab and scores with a straight right down the middle.
Monroe fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Madrigal manages to avoid it.
Madrigal looks to land a combination but Monroe avoids it well.
Monroe throws a head kick that looked like it stung.
Madrigal changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Monroe tries to avoid it but Madrigal manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Monroe to the ground. Monroe escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Madrigal tries to score a power double leg takedown but Monroe sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Madrigal somewhat.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Monroe throws a right and a left that both miss.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Madrigal chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Monroe can pounce on him.
Jon Monroe is winning the standup battle so far.
A head kick from Monroe lands but Madrigal takes it in his stride.

Madrigal forces Monroe back against the cage and clinches.
Madrigal's leg has a nasty welt from taking a succession of leg kicks. That must be slowing him down.
Monroe is trying to break the clinch but Madrigal is controlling him.

Monroe pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
No luck for Madrigal with that takedown attempt.
Monroe keeps the fight on the outside.
Madrigal dodges the punch combination from Monroe.
Madrigal is looking for the big counter here.
Madrigal throws a nice looking combination but Monroe bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Monroe displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Madrigal.
Monroe misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Monroe lands with a cross to side of his opponent's head.
Monroe throws a head kick but Madrigal moves out of range.
Monroe looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Madrigal shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Monroe pinned against the cage. Monroe gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Jon Monroe dominated that second round.
That's time! Back to the action! This is the final round!

Monroe lands with an uppercut that bounces Madrigal off the cage and back into range.
Monroe throws a one two combo.

Madrigal gets a clinch.
Monroe can't break the clinch.
Madrigal misses with the head strike.
A head punch on the inside from Madrigal fails to land.
Monroe has had enough of the clinch and is looking to separate.
Monroe wants to push off and get back to the center of the mat but Madrigal has him pressed against the cage.

Monroe breaks the clinch.

Madrigal takes the fight into the clinch.
Monroe blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Monroe wants to get back to striking at distance but Madrigal won't allow it.

Monroe manages to break the clinch.
Monroe chopping away at his opponent's legs.
Monroe misses with a head kick.
Madrigal throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Monroe.
Madrigal takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Madrigal goes for a double leg but Monroe avoids the attempt and the two fighters end up clinched against the cage as Monroe continues to drive forward.
Monroe looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.
No joy there for Monroe, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Monroe throws a head kick that misses.
Madrigal is looking to clinch.
Monroe throws a sloppy head kick and Madrigal moves out of range easily.
Monroe throws a quick head kick that skims the top of Madrigal's head.
Monroe displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Madrigal.
Monroe moves into range and connects with a jab.
Monroe moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
Monroe tries a head kick but it misses.
Monroe connects with the punch.
Monroe lands with a nice low kick. That'll leave a bruise.
Monroe tests Madrigal's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Monroe just misses with a punch to the body.

That's two 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!
Monroe keeps his opponent at a distance with a nice jab.
Monroe ducks under a wild hook from Madrigal.
Monroe staying out of range there.
Madrigal rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Monroe moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Monroe throws a two punch combo that lands nicely.
Monroe scores with a nice head shot.
Monroe misses with a head kick.
Monroe circles away from the clinch attempt.
Monroe is looking to counter with a shot to the body.
Monroe's jab looks to have found its range, popping Madrigal under the eye.
Monroe lands with a hook. Madrigal tried to avoid it but it clipped the top of his head.
Monroe tries to land a front kick but Madrigal steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed.
Monroe ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Madrigal moves away.
Monroe connects with a high kick.

Madrigal is rocked!
Madrigal shoots for a takedown but Monroe saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
Madrigal is still on wobbly legs! Can Monroe finish him?
Jon Monroe has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Julio Madrigal.
A nice inside leg kick there by Monroe. That's going to slow Madrigal down.
Madrigal stumbles momentarily as he takes a strong leg kick from Monroe.
Monroe slips in close and lands a nice hook before moving back out of range.
Monroe fakes with a right hand and throws a good leg kick, right into the thigh. That had to hurt Madrigal.
Madrigal looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Monroe is fending him off so far but Madrigal persists. Nope, Monroe circles away and we're back to standing.
A head kick from Monroe lands but Madrigal takes it in his stride.
Madrigal shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Monroe pinned against the cage. Monroe gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
An inside leg kick lands from Monroe.
Monroe throws a head kick that Madrigal semi-blocks.
Madrigal gets caught by a brutal right hook which buckles his knees! Madrigal tries to backpedal with his spaghettilegs but Monroe is headhunting and goes for the kill. A jab and a right hook connect and Madrigal buckles badly as his eyes roll back. The referee steps in and saves Madrigal!! Madrigal is complaining but he was clearly out on his feet. Monroe throws his mouthpiece into the crowd. Mmmm spit-tastic.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:13 of round 3, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Jon Monroe!
A relieved looking Jon Monroe thanked the fans for their support and gave the usual line about them being amazing. They seemed to believe that he actually meant it.
Julio Madrigal was interviewed post fight and said 'Props to him, he beat me fair and square this time. I will go back to the gym and get better, I'm going to win my belt back.'.