PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Ty Semerad (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Jon Askren (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Ty Semerad could well score a knockout today. He has the power to get to Jon Askren's chin.

Semerad
vs
Askren

182 cm
28
196 lbs
14 - 4 - 0

177 cm
30
185 lbs
15 - 3 - 0

Powerful takedowns
Basic striking
Very quick

Good wrestler
Decent boxing
Good gas tank

Voodoo Nutrition
V-Mask Clothing (10%)

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the middleweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 14 - 4 - 0, fighting out of London, Ty Semerad!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 15 - 3 - 0, fighting out of London, Jon Askren!
The judges for this bout are James Glass, James Atkins and Steven Brown.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Askren lands a slapping body shot.
Askren avoids the body shot from Semerad.

Semerad bobs and weaves into range and then changes levels and scores with a nice takedown into side control.

Semerad tries for an arm triangle. That looks pretty tight to me. Is this one over!?! Possibly, maybe, no Semerad has let go of the choke. Obviously it wasn't as tight as we thought!
Semerad working away.
Askren is trying to get back to half guard.
Askren is trying to control Semerad's posture but Semerad avoids it.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Semerad thinks about going for a far side armbar but bails out and retains the dominant position instead.
Askren isn't going anywhere.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Askren is trying to improve his position.
Askren is not content to let Semerad control the position.
Askren is trying to get back to half guard.

Semerad tries for a kimura. Not really close to a finish though.
Semerad trying to control the position but Askren is working away.

That's two 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.
Askren prevents Semerad from moving into mount.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

Semerad tries for a kimura. Not really close to a finish though.
Askren tries to bench press Semerad off him but Semerad keeps the position.
You can see the frustration on Askren's face, being in this tough position on the bottom.
The referee is pacing around the two fighters - he looks like he's thinking about a standup.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Askren is looking to reverse the position.
Askren felt the need to train up his defensive grappling in the buildup to the fight. Presumably he was expecting to be in a difficult position like this, so let's see if he can get out of it.
You can see the frustration on Askren's face, being in this tough position on the bottom.

The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up. He just wasn't happy with the level of activity.
Askren jabs at Semerad's body.
Askren connects with a body shot that sends Semerad's belly button to the back.
Semerad looks to have improved his striking defense since last time we saw him fight.
Semerad shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Semerad throws a sloppy body shot
and Askren counters with a straight right hand.
Semerad on the wrong end of a vicious looking body shot.
Semerad takes a swing at Askren's ribcage but misses.

Askren has managed to clinch.
Semerad has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Askren is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.
Some stalling of biblical proportions here from Askren.
Semerad has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Askren is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Ty Semerad. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Askren lands with a short head shot on the inside.
A short right from Askren on the inside.
Askren gets double underhooks to prevent a takedown attempt from Semerad.
The referee calls for Askren to work.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Askren tries a body shot but Semerad blocks it.
Semerad is looking to take this one to the mat.
Askren doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Askren tries to throw a body punch but Semerad avoids it by throwing Askren back against the cage.

Semerad wants the takedown. Askren is fighting it off but Semerad persists and manages to bring the fight to the ground, ending up in Askren's guard against the cage.
Askren keeping full guard, as Semerad tries to pass.
Askren is trying to keep Semerad in close.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Askren looking to hit a scissor sweep but Semerad is one step ahead there.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but Jon Askren will probably get the nod.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.

Askren dips to his left and cracks Semerad with an uppercut!
Semerad doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
Semerad shoots and misses
and Askren counters with a straight punch to the midsection.

Askren closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the cage.
Askren gets double underhooks to prevent a takedown attempt from Semerad.
Askren looking to slow down the pace here.
Good body shot from Askren.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Some stalling of biblical proportions here from Askren.
Askren slowing the pace effectively.
A bit of stalling here from Askren.
Askren continues to stall. The referee tells him to work or he's going to break them up.
Askren just leaning against Semerad, taking a breather.
The ref breaks the fighters up, due to lack of action by Jon Askren.
Askren fakes a head shot and lands one to the body.

Askren drives through and clinches with Semerad against the cage.

That's one minute gone in the round.
A nice left hand lands by Askren.
The referee is keeping an eye on Semerad - much more stalling and he will separate the fighters.
Nice body punch from Askren - that landed with a thud.
Semerad wants to stall.
Semerad wants to take the fight to the mat but Askren manages to get underhooks and keep the fight in the clinch.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Ty Semerad. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Semerad is working on a leg, looking for a takedown but Askren is defending well.
An uppercut to the body lands inside from Askren.
Askren throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Semerads head.
Semerad's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!

Semerad lands a nice trip takedown into half guard.
Semerad trying to control the action but Askren is working from the bottom.

Semerad is trying for a guillotine from the top but the pressure isn't in the right place so Askren is just riding it out for now. Semerad eventually gives up the hold.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Askren moves into full guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Askren lands a beautiful sweep and he's now moved into his opponent's guard.

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!
Askren not doing a lot at the moment. He'll have to show some more aggression or the fight will get stood up.
Askren passes into half guard.

Semerad actively working from the bottom here.
Askren has been the more effective fighter overall so far.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Askren is just sitting in half guard, waiting for something to happen.
Askren passes into side control, despite Semerad's attempt to control the position.
Askren working the ground and pound.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A few boos can be heard. I'm sure they will multiply if the fighters don't pick up the pace.
Askren is maintaining the dominant position - no doubt Semerad will start to get frustrated soon if he's not already.
Askren is trying to ground and pound but Semerad uses the momentary lack of control by Askren to regain half guard.
Semerad is trying to maintain the position but Askren is very close to passing his half guard.
Ty Semerad overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Askren controlling the pace.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Askren working Semerad over with strikes.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Jon Askren showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business. This is the final round!

Semerad walks straight into a jab right on the nose. That one stung - he's blinking and trying to clear his head.
A looping hook to the body misses from Semerad. Askren does a little dance to reset his feet.
Askren bobs and weaves and throws out a fast jab that snaps Semerad's head backwards.
Jon Askren seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Askren thuds a left hand into Semerad's body.
Askren lands a nice hook to Semerad's body. Semerad takes it in his stride and looks to land his own strikes.
Semerad shoots and misses
and Askren counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.

Askren moves into range and clinches up with Semerad.
Askren lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
Askren gets through Semerad's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
Askren can't find room to land a body shot as Semerad controls the action.
Jon Askren seems to be working more effectively in the clinch in the fight so far.
Askren prevents a takedown attempt there.
Askren softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Askren lands a nice looking hook to the body, against the cage.
Askren leaning his opponent against the cage.
A right handed body shot lands from Askren.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Semerad lands a nice trip takedown into half guard.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Askren manages to get to full guard.
Askren manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Semerad manages to get himself to full guard.

Semerad being controlled here, momentarily.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Askren wants to control from the top but Semerad keeps moving.
Askren stands up over Semerad, holding his feet. He dives back in and lands a decent shot to the head.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Semerad looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.
Semerad utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Askren pushes down on Semerad's leg and manages to get into half guard.
Askren wants to lay and pray for a moment but Semerad keeps working.
Askren looks towards his corner to check for any instructions. The corner give him nothing to work with, so he cracks Semerad with a short hammerfist. I guess that's as good as any advice he could get in this position.
Askren is taking a breather. Semerad says something to him but it's hard to make out. Perhaps he's telling him to get on with it and actually do something.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Semerad is in trouble now - Askren has advanced to mount!
Askren takes a little breather and maintains the position. The referee will be looking for him to stay active from such a dominant position though.
Jon Askren is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
Askren wants to control the pace but Semerad is squirming around nicely.
Askren controlling the position easily from mount.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Askren prevents Semerad from getting the reversal.
Askren takes a little breather and maintains the position. The referee will be looking for him to stay active from such a dominant position though.
Askren landing punches.
Askren tucks in and makes sure he doesn't lose the dominant position.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Let's hope that Askren has the urge to step up the pace any second now because for the last 15 or 20 seconds he's just been holding on tight.
Ty Semerad has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

And that's the end of the fight!
Jon Askren comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I've got Askren winning every round here. Surely the decision will go his way and he'll pick up a well deserved decision victory. 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 James Glass scores the fight 27:30
Judge James Atkins scores the fight 27:30
Judge Steven Brown scores the fight 27:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Jon Askren!
An out of breath Jon Askren thanked his loyal fans in his post fight interview, giving them credit for his success over the course of his career.