PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Lu Hao (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Darwin France (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). France has chosen bring me to life as his entrance music. Both fighter's entrance songs getting the crowd jumping here.

Hao
vs
France

172 cm
26
148 lbs
7 - 5 - 1

185 cm
34
158 lbs
36 - 17 - 0

Good wrestling
World class boxer
Cardio machine

Excellent grappler
Excellent MT
Good gas tank

Instinct
Sun-Tzu

KAISER Nutrition - Q160/$250
Urban Fighter

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, in the featherweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 7 - 5 - 1, fighting out of Sydney, Lu Hao!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 36 - 17 - 0, fighting out of New York, Darwin France!
The judges for this bout are James Glass, Daniel Bishop and Steven Brown.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
France tries to check a leg kick but that clearly hurt him.
France shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Hao as he avoids it easily.
France throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.

Hao shoots in and gets a takedown into half guard. Hao showed some decent athleticism there.
Hao is just sitting in half guard, waiting for something to happen.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
France is staying active underneath Hao, who seems content to just control the action from this position.
Hao with a momentary lay and pray from half guard.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Hao slips a nice elbow through France's hands, connecting with France's forehead.
France wants to control but Hao is keeping busy and won't allow it.
Hao is keen to just control but France is a slippery customer.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Hao trying to control the pace.
France tries to roll over but Hao keeps him under control.
Hao slips a nice elbow through France's hands, connecting with France's forehead.
Hao content to control rather than advance.
Hao wants to free his trapped foot but France is holding on for dear life with his legs.
France tries to roll over but Hao keeps him under control.
Hao looks over to his corner - he wants some instructions but his corner are not responding.

France actively working from the bottom here.
Hao is trying to control. France wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Neither fighter has done anything of merit for a good minute or two here and the crowd are not happy about it.
France works his way to full guard. Good work.
Hao is stalling in the full guard.

France is active off his back here, looking for submissions.
France is working an open guard here, looking to improve his position. No doubt that will leave him open to counters but at least he's being more offensive.
Hao has to be careful here, sitting in the guard of a superior BJJ player.
France keeping moving, preventing Hao from controlling successfully.
Hao slows down the pace of the fight, as he sits in guard.
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.
Hao trying to control the position from guard on top but France is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.
France scores with a leg kick.
Hao slips under a jab from France.
France avoids the body shot from Hao.
France drops down looking to force a counter takedown but Hao defends it well.
France moves out of range as Hao throws a body kick.
Hao takes a hook to the side of the head. I wonder if that's got his ears ringing.
France throws a good cross that connects.
Hao looks to have improved his striking defense since last time we saw him fight.
Hao lands a front kick.
Hao fakes a jab and scores with a low kick.
Lu Hao seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
A looping hook to the body misses from France. Hao does a little dance to reset his feet.
Hao tries to close the distance and clinch but France swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
France throws a lazy right hand but Hao sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
France misses with a hook.
Hao tries to counter by clinching up but France breaks away and moves out of range.
France keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Hao's corner calls for a 1, 2 combination and Hao duly obliges.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
France tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Hao was well out of range. Poor timing from France.
Hao tests France's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Hao shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says France as he avoids it easily.
Hao fails to land the takedown.
Hao finds nothing but air with that leg kick attempt.
France is definitely looking for the counter takedowns here.
The crowd cheers as Hao lands an impressive looking overhand right. France doesn't seem phased though.
Hao throws a leg kick that misses.
France tries a counter takedown but it's more of a dummy move, and he uses it to push himself away.
Hao throws a combination. France tries to block but a couple of punches get through.
France dives in and grabs Hao's left leg, looking for a takedown. Hao pushes down on France's head and hops out.
Hao keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
France staying out of range there.
France is a painfully thin specimen of a man. You do wonder whether a good body kick would snap him clean in two.
Hao throws a shot from downtown. France moves away and avoids it.
France has his head snapped back a nice jab. A little nod from France there as he acknowledges the shot.
Hao cracks a nice hook into France's ribs.
Hao scores with a kick to the body.
A head kick from France lands but Hao takes it in his stride.
France shoots in for a double leg but Hao sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
Hao thinks about countering with a body kick.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Lu Hao dominated that round.
That's time! Hao's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

Hao lands a glancing blow to the side of France's head.
Hao takes a shot to the eye socket. That's gotta hurt.
France with a nice cross.
Hao swings for the body but France moves out of range.
Hao scores with a nice right hand.
Lu Hao is winning the standup battle so far.
Hao goes for a spinning back kick but it misses.
Hao throws an uppercut from half a mile away. France sees it coming and avoids it easily.
France tries a counter takedown but it's more of a dummy move, and he uses it to push himself away.
Hao is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that France can do to turn this around?
France slaps away a takedown attempt from Hao, before circling back to the center of the mat.
France shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Hao as he jumps to the side.
France throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
France throws a head kick but Hao moves out of range.
France defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Hao.
Hao takes a swing at France's ribcage but misses.
Hao tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but France swivels and escapes.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Lu Hao. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Hao digs a good hook to France's body.
Hao throws a right and a left that France avoids nicely.

That's one minute gone in the round.
France avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Hao shoots in for a takedown but France shows good takedown defense.
Hao throws a body shot but no joy.
Hao throws a hook but France blocks it.
France feints the counter takedown.
A nice leg kick lands there from France.
France blocks the body kick.
France throws a head kick that misses.
France pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Hao throws a jab to the body, straight down the pipe. Boom. That sent France stumbling backwards but he manages to regain his composure quickly.
Hao pivots, looking for a leg kick but France is out of range and Hao settles back down.
France takes a jab right on the nose. That must have hurt but he shrugs his shoulders and looks to return the favor.
France keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
Hao lands the left hand.
Good work by France as he checks the leg kick.
Hao throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Hao lands a powerful looking uppercut that connected with his opponent's jaw.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
France throws a series of punches but Hao moves out of range.
Hao tries to counter by clinching up but France breaks away and moves out of range.

Hao shoots in and gets a takedown into France's guard.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.

France looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.

France is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Hao defends well.
Hao is intent on slowing down the pace of the fight, simply looking to control.
Hao stopping the sweep attempt from France.
Hao wants to control from the top but France keeps moving.
France trying to control the position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
France keeping moving, preventing Hao from controlling successfully.
Hao passes into half guard.
Hao not doing much here.
France trying to control here.
France works his way to full guard. Good work.
France is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Hao is intent on slowing down the pace of the fight, simply looking to control.
Hao trying to control but France is working from the bottom.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

That's four 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.
Hao is really struggling to control France but he's trying to hold on to the position.
The referee must be thinking about standing these guys back up.
France is working an open guard here, looking to improve his position. No doubt that will leave him open to counters but at least he's being more offensive.

France looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.
Hao might be looking to lock onto one of his opponent's long limbs for a submission, whilst we're on the ground.
France is working an open guard here, looking to improve his position. No doubt that will leave him open to counters but at least he's being more offensive.
Hao trying to move into half guard but instead France has managed to sweep!

Hao working for submissions but it's allowed France to get to half guard.
Hao wants to improve his position but France is controlling well.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Lu Hao dominated that second round.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!

Hao swings for the body but France moves out of range.
Hao tries for a takedown but France sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Hao lands a beauty of a right hand that gets the crowd cheering.
A swing and a miss from France.
A little feinted left hand from Hao on the counter but he doesn't commit to it.
France thows a left - swing and a miss!
Hao ducks down and throws a hook to the body but France moves away.
Hao fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
The sound of bone on bone echoes around the arena as France checks a leg kick.
France moves out of range as Hao throws a body kick.
Hao thows a left - swing and a miss!
France looked like he wanted to counter with a punch but didn't throw it.
France fails with a takedown attempt.
Hao swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Hao throws a nice looking combination but France bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
France is clearly trying to counter these attacks from Hao with a body shot.
Hao takes one on the chin but seems OK.
France with poor footwork there. He got himself in a bit of a tangle, enabling Hao to score with a decent uppercut.
Hao waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract France.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Hao swings for the body but France moves out of range.
France throws a jab when Hao was well out of range.
Hao throws a hook but France blocks it.
France lands with a kick to the temple. Hao shrugs as if to say "is that all you've got?"
Hao misses with a hook.
Hao wants to clinch up but France keeps it at a distance.
France throws a body kick but he wasn't in range.
Hao ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
A big left from France misses.
France takes an uppercut right on the jaw but it doesn't phase him.
Hao misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Hao connects with the punch.
Hao misses with a body shot.
France is clearly looking to counter with head kicks.
A telegraphed right hand from Hao misses the target.
France throws a hook but Hao blocks it.
Hao throws a nice inside leg kick.
France looks to throw the jab but Hao is out of range.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
France shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Hao as he jumps to the side.
Hao will need to close the distance a bit before he attacks - that leg kick was thrown from too far away.
Hao throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Hao throws a shot to the body.
Hao misses with a low kick.
France takes a solid shot to the body. That one hurt him but he's trying not to show it.
Hao throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
A slow jab from France misses its intended target.
Hao looks for a takedown but France sprawls well.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Lu Hao. That's going to take a lot out of him.
France swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Hao is looking to counter with a shot to the body.
Hao looks to score with a jab to the body but France is just out of range.
France does a little shimmy and throws a leg kick. The leg kick missed by a considerable margin though, making him look a little bit silly for doing the shimmy.
The fighters circling - Hao throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
France lands a nice shot to the body.

France gets caught on his heels momentarily as he allows Hao to score an easy takedown into full guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Hao wants to control from the top but France keeps moving.
France wants to sweep here but Hao controlling him for the moment.

France working for a triangle but Hao defends it easily.
France looking for a sweep. Not yet France, not yet.

France is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Hao is aware though and is defending well.

France is looking for a triangle but Hao pushes his legs off easily.
Hao trying to control but France is working from the bottom.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Well. There's a bit of a lull in the action here and the crowd are starting to get restless.

France looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.
Hao 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.
Hao pushing down on France's thigh, trying to pass to half guard. He's managed it... Nice work.
Hao is pressing down on France's thigh, looking to free his foot. France is holding on for now.

France actively working from the bottom here.
Lu Hao overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
France is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Hao performing his best blanket impression for a moment.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Lu Hao clearly takes that round.
That's time! Back to the action!

Hao throws a body shot but no joy.
Hao throws a leg kick that misses.
France throws the kick towards the body but Hao avoids it.
Hao swings and misses with a hook to the body.
France avoids the body shot from Hao.
France is definitely looking for the counter takedowns here.
Hao connects with a body shot that sends France's belly button to the back.
Hao goes for a spinning back kick but it misses.
France feints the counter takedown.
France misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Hao moves his head to the side to avoid a jab but walks straight into a cross.
Hao scores with a body shot.
Hao lands with an overhand left.
Hao scores with the left hand. France knows he should have avoided that one.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
France catches Hao with a nice straight right. He seems pissed - ooooh, it's on now! On like donkey kong!
Hao throws a body punch but France moves out of range.

Hao shoots in looking for a single leg takedown. France is trying to defend but Hao finishes it well and ends up in half guard. Let's see if he can advance position further.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
France is looking to improve his position.

That's one minute gone in the round.
France regains full guard. Nicely done.

France throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.
Hao pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. France is keeping the position for now.

France escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Hao gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.
France keeping moving, preventing Hao from controlling successfully.
Hao engaging in some classic timewasting tactics.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are showing their displeasure at the lack of action as loud boos ring out around the arena.

France has his foot on Hao's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Hao works his way back into a safe position though.
Hao is stalling in the full guard.
Hao trying to control but France is working from the bottom.
Hao cracks France with a solid left hand.
Hao wants to control from the top but France keeps moving.
Hao controls from within his opponent's guard.
France pulls Hao in close to prevent any damage.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
France keeping moving, preventing Hao from controlling successfully.
Hao makes a bit of distance and scores with some ground and pound, still in guard.
Hao throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as France works some decent striking defense from the bottom.

France has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Hao can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.
Hao trying to control the position from guard on top but France is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
France can't do much from the bottom at the moment, as Hao controls the pace.
Hao wants to control from the top but France keeps moving.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
France lands with a shot to the body.

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.

Hao gets a double leg takedown into France's guard.

France working for a triangle but Hao defends it easily.
Hao slows down the pace of the fight, as he sits in guard.
France keeping moving, preventing Hao from controlling successfully.
France wants to sweep but no luck.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.

France is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
Hao slows down the pace of the fight, as he sits in guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Lu Hao had his way with Darwin France in that round.
That's the end of the interval. I'm sure that seemed a lot quicker than a minute for our two fighters! Back to the action. This is the final round!

France changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Hao tries to avoid it but France manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Hao to the ground. Hao escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Hao throws a body kick but he was well out of range there.
France swings for the body but Hao moves out of range.
France on the wrong end of a kick to the body.

Hao decides to change it up a bit and drives through with a nice takedown into half guard.
France tries to roll over but Hao keeps him under control.
Hao stalling.
Hao has controlled the position for a good 20 seconds, which will no doubt be starting to frustrate his opponent.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
France is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.

France actively working from the bottom here.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Neither fighter is being very active at the moment, with Hao in particular looking to stall.

France looking for submissions from an awkward position here.
France wants to improve his position but Hao is controlling well.
Neither fighter is being very active at the moment, with Hao in particular looking to stall.
Hao is trying to control the action in half guard but France is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.

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.
Hao tries to pass to full mount but France defends it.
France trying to control but Hao postures up.

The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.
Hao misses with a jab to the body
and France counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Hao chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before France can pounce on him.
A left and a right from Hao both land. Nice combination.
Hao swings for the body but France moves out of range.
Hao looks to score with a jab to the body but France is just out of range.
France changes levels for a counter takedown but doesn't follow through with his attempt.
Hao misses with a low kick.
Hao dips to his left and cracks France with an uppercut!
Sloppy strikes from Hao. Those never looked like landing.
Hao walks forward and throws out a flicking leg kick. France checks it nicely though, as he moves to the side.
Lu Hao is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Hao thows a left - swing and a miss!

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Hao tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but France was well out of range. Poor timing from Hao.
Hao misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from France.
France tries a head kick but it misses.
Hao shoots for a takedown but France saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.

France decides to change it up a bit and drives through with a nice takedown into half guard.

France is trying for a guillotine from the top but the pressure isn't in the right place so Hao is just riding it out for now. France eventually gives up the hold.

Hao looking for submissions from an awkward position here.
Darwin France has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Both of our modern day gladiators look out of it here - a gruelling 5 rounds of action taking it's toll on them, no doubt.
Hao is looking to improve his position.
Hao regains full guard. Nicely done.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Hao wants to improve his position but instead France has moved into half guard.

France is looking for a kimura but Hao is holding onto that half guard position, so it's hard for France to get the leverage.
France takes advantage of the dominant position to land a couple of big hammer fists.
Hao is looking to improve his position.
Hao has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. France is working away from the top position though.
Hao is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.

France is looking for an arm triangle, whilst trying to pass to side control. Hao doesn't seem that keen to cooperate though. No luck this time France.

And that's the end of the fight!
Lu Hao showed his dominance in that final round.
Well Hao has outscored his opponent in every aspect of the fight today. Only a scarily incompetent judge or two will keep him from a well deserved win... 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 James Glass scores the fight 50:45
Judge Daniel Bishop scores the fight 50:45
Judge Steven Brown scores the fight 50:45

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Lu Hao!
In his post fight interview, Lu Hao gave a big smile as he said 'I can sing and dance, but this is much better for my health. I used to be in a different mob, and they forced me to throw fights, now Yakuza and Burns make sure I win.'.