PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Alpo Wednesday (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Bruce Banner (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Banner is bouncing up and down as he enters the arena, backed by Pump Up The Jam. Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Wednesday
vs
Banner

192 cm
46
162 lbs
61 - 23 - 3

180 cm
40
175 lbs
24 - 12 - 0

Abu Dhabi Champ
World class boxer
Very quick

Excellent grappler
Excellent MT
Good gas tank

Mohito Fightwear

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the welterweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 61 - 23 - 3, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Alpo Wednesday!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 24 - 12 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Bruce Banner!
The judges for this bout are Paulo Santos, Edson Gomes and Emerson Jorge.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Banner misses with the combination.
A little feinted left hand from Wednesday on the counter but he doesn't commit to it.
Wednesday takes a shot to the eye socket. That's gotta hurt.
Wednesday throws a one two combo.
Banner throws a body shot but no joy.
Wednesday takes one to the chin there.
Banner throws a body shot but no joy.
Wednesday scores with a nice head shot.
Wednesday fails in his attempt to clinch.
Banner shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Wednesday but Wednesday pushes him off and we're back to square one.
Wednesday looks to have improved his striking defense since last time we saw him fight.
Wednesday misses with a wild combination.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Wednesday slips under a jab from Banner.
Banner misses with an uppercut.
Wednesday swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Banner displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Wednesday throws out the jab.
Banner circles away from the clinch attempt

and Banner counters with a single leg into guard. Wednesday didn't expect that.
Banner trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Banner is persisting with the attempt to improve his position.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Banner controls the pace of the fight for a moment.
Wednesday will need to keep those long limbs tucked in whilst he's on the ground, to prevent any submissions.
Wednesday keeping moving, preventing Banner from controlling successfully.
Banner trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
We may be looking at a referee standup if the pace doesn't pick up soon.
Banner trying to control the position from guard on top but Wednesday is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up. He just wasn't happy with the level of activity.
Wednesday scores with a nice right hand.
The fighters circling - Banner throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Wednesday throws a looping overhand right but Banner ducks down to avoid it.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Banner dives in for a single leg takedown but Wednesday sprawls and the fighters end up clinched against the cage.
Wednesday misses with a combination

and Banner counters with a shoot takedown into half guard.
Wednesday wants to get back to full guard.

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

Banner is trying a forearm choke… I don't think that's going to do much at this level of the game.
Wednesday works his way to full guard. Good work.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Banner accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Wednesday keeping full guard, as Banner tries to pass.
Banner keeps trying to improve his position.
Banner slips effortlessly into side control - very nice.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Wednesday is sneaking out the side here. He's bucked Banner off and has taken his back!
Banner wants to escape the position.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

A big left from Banner misses.
Wednesday is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Banner misses with a body shot.
Wednesday avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
A quick step to the side and Wednesday tries to counter with a shot to the body but it doesn't connect.
Wednesday swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Banner circles away from the clinch attempt.
Banner fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Wednesday manages to avoid it.
Banner gets cracked there but stands up to it.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Banner takes one on the chin but seems OK.
Wednesday is using his height advantage well here, landing a good percentage of his punches.
Wednesday uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Banner.
An attempted straight right counter from Wednesday misses the target.
Alpo Wednesday is winning the standup battle so far.
A looping hook to the body misses from Banner. Wednesday does a little dance to reset his feet.
Wednesday lands three nice shots there - that looked like it hurt!

That's one minute gone in the round.
Wednesday scores with a body shot.
Wednesday looks to land a right hand but Banner moved out of range.

Banner closes the distance and looks for a trip takedown... aaaand he's got it - Banner lands in his opponent's guard.
Banner trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Banner throws a big elbow that misses.
A real slowdown in the pace of the fight for a moment, as Wednesday holds on and takes a little breather.
Banner trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Wednesday keeping moving, preventing Banner from controlling successfully.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Banner throws a big elbow that misses.
Banner throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Wednesday works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
The referee looks like he's ready to step in and stand the fighters back up.
Banner loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Banner wants to control from the top but Wednesday keeps moving.

The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.
Wednesday throws a hook but Banner blocks it.
Wednesday doesn't manage to clinch there - Banner circles away.
Banner looks to score with a jab to the body but Wednesday is just out of range.
Wednesday throws out a loose jab but Banner uses good head movement to avoid it.
Banner looks to throw the jab but Wednesday is out of range.
Banner jabs Wednesday right on the nose. Wednesday blinks but takes it well.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Banner misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Wednesday.
Banner misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
Alpo Wednesday is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Wednesday throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Banner.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Banner.
A telegraphed right hand from Wednesday misses the target.
Banner tries a counter takedown but it's more of a dummy move, and he uses it to push himself away.
Banner swings widly with a right hand
and Wednesday counters with a lovely shot to the body.
Banner misses with a wild body shot.
Banner misses with a straight right.
Banner lands with a nice body punch.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Banner walks straight into an uppercut. Luckily it didn't land flush.
Wednesday ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Wednesday digs a good body shot into Banner's ribs.
Nice sprawl there from Wednesday as Banner shoots in.
Alpo Wednesday has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Bruce Banner.
Banner keeps the fight on the outside.
Banner swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Banner keeps the fight on the outside.
Wednesday wants to clinch.
Wednesday ducks under a wild hook from Banner.
Banner uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Wednesday.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close second round but I would say that Alpo Wednesday will probably get the nod.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!

Wednesday fails in his attempt to clinch.
Wednesday is on the wrong end of a nice combination from Banner.
Wednesday misses with a lunging right hand

and Banner counters with a nice double leg into guard.
Wednesday looking to hit a scissor sweep but Banner is one step ahead there.
Banner postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Banner advances to half guard.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Banner scoring with strikes to the body and head.
Wednesday tries to get to full guard but Banner has control of the leg.
Banner is trying to control. Wednesday wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.
Wednesday really does look like a pencil wearing a pair of gloves. Let's hope he has a gameplan to suit that ridiculous body shape.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Banner not landing any meaningful shots this time.
Banner looking to pass the half guard. Not this time.
Wednesday is looking to improve his position.
The referee calls for the fighters to work.
Banner has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
Wednesday wants to improve his position but Banner is controlling well.

Banner looking for a kimura but he'll have to free his other leg if he wants to finish that. Perhaps he's just using it as a distraction technique.

Banner is trying to work for a kimura but Wednesday is defending well.

That's two 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.
Banner slips a nice elbow through Wednesday's hands, connecting with Wednesday's forehead.
Banner thows a huge punch but Wednesday dodges it nicely.
Banner tries to pass the half guard into mount. Wednesday knows what he's doing though and prevents the attempt.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

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

Banner is looking for a kimura. It's going to be difficult to finish that from half guard though and Wednesday defends it well.
Banner is stalling here. Wednesday is in no mood to hang around though. He's locked up a kimura from the bottom! Banner seems to be keeping calm but he's forced to roll out of the hold and Wednesday has ended up in side control on the top. Nice work.

Wednesday decides to stand back up.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Banner throws a looping overhand right but Wednesday ducks down to avoid it.
Wednesday was looking to counter that move with a punch but didn't quite pull the trigger.
Nice uppercut lands for Wednesday. That snapped Banner's head back.
Banner throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Wednesday jabs Banner to the body, keeping him at a distance.
Alpo Wednesday seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Banner misses with a wild body shot.
Banner throws a big shot that misses.
Wednesday lands with an overhand left.
Banner showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Wednesday.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Wednesday misses the shot to the body.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Bruce Banner really dominated that round.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action.

Wednesday cracks Banner with a good jab.
Banner ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Wednesday moves away.
Banner throws a series of punches but Wednesday moves out of range.
Wednesday leaves Banner with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
A swing and a miss from Wednesday.
And Banner tries to counter it with a takedown but Wednesday pushes his down on his head and steps out.

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

Wednesday pushes Banner off for just long enough to get back to his feet. Very athletic spring there.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Nice shot by Wednesday.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Wednesday throws an overhand right that lands on Banner's shoulder, as Banner tries to avoid the shot.
Banner slips a straight right by Wednesday.
Wednesday looks to score with a jab to the body but Banner is just out of range.
Banner is definitely looking for the counter takedowns here.
The fighters circling - Wednesday throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Wednesday displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Banner.

Banner gets tackled into the cage by Wednesday. Wednesday maintains the clinch.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Banner.
Banner tries to score a body lock takedown but Wednesday shows good agility there to stay on his feet.
Alpo Wednesday has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Bruce Banner.
Wednesday blocks a couple of punches on the inside.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Wednesday lands a hook to the body. It's hard to tell if that hurt Banner or not.
Wednesday throws a punch but it's blocked by Banner.
Wednesday working aggressively here.
Banner goes for a takedown attempt but Wednesday pushes him away and we're back to fighting at a distance.
Wednesday connects with a body shot.
A looping hook to the body misses from Wednesday. Banner does a little dance to reset his feet.
Wednesday tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Banner paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Banner is really struggling to land any decent head shots against his taller opponent.
Wednesday throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Banner tries a counter takedown but it's more of a dummy move, and he uses it to push himself away.
Banner fails with the takedown.
Wednesday swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Wednesday forces Banner back against the cage and clinches.
Banner misses with a hook to the ribs.
The fighters are pressed against the cage, as the pace of the fight slows.
Wednesday throws a punch but it's blocked by Banner.
Banner is trying to maintain a safe position but Wednesday gets an underhook and turns Banner into the cage.
Wednesday misses with a punch to the body.
Wednesday misses with the head strike.
Wednesday pushes Banner back against the cage and unloads with a body punch.
Banner misses with a punch to the body.
Banner tries to pull guard but Wednesday won't allow it.
Banner gets through Wednesday's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Wednesday just leaning against Banner, taking a breather.
Wednesday fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Wednesday lands a shoulder strike.
Banner is looking for a takedown.
Banner misses with the head strike.
Wednesday lands a right hand.
Wednesday avoiding damage.
Wednesday tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Banner is trying to pull guard but Wednesday turns him against the cage and we stay in the clinch.
Banner has hold of a leg and is looking for a trip takedown. Wednesday avoids it nicely though and we remain in the clinch.
Banner drops to a knee looking for a takedown but Wednesday gets the underhooks and prevents it.
Banner is absolutely dripping with sweat - he looks exhausted.
A short left from Wednesday.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Alpo Wednesday had his way with Bruce Banner in that round.
That's time! Wednesday's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight. This is the final round!

Wednesday throws a right hand that Banner ducks under and follows up with a left that Banner also avoids with ease.
It really doesn't seem like the step up in weight is hurting Wednesday here at all. He's more than holding his own against the bigger man.
Wednesday stuffs the takedown.

Banner gets a double leg takedown into Wednesday's guard.
Banner wants to control from the top but Wednesday keeps moving.
Banner throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Wednesday keeping moving, preventing Banner from controlling successfully.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Wednesday has his hands on Banner's head, controlling the position.
Banner trying to control but Wednesday is working from the bottom.

That's one minute gone in the round.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Banner accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Wednesday 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.

The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up. He just wasn't happy with the level of activity.
Wednesday missing with a left hand there. Banner was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Wednesday scores with a decent looking hook.
Wednesday scores with a sloppy right hand. Banner should have avoided that one.
Wednesday swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Wednesday misses with a hook.
Banner avoids a punch combination nicely.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Banner listening to his corner there, landing a nice uppercut.
Good standup being displayed there by Wednesday as he connects with a hook.
Banner avoids a punch combination nicely.
Banner drops down looking to force a counter takedown but Wednesday defends it well.
Banner misses with a takedown
and Wednesday makes him pay by landing a nice hook to the body before moving out of range.
Banner getting the better of the striking in that exchange.
Wednesday thuds his right hand into Banner's forehead from close range. That could be painful for both fighters.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Banner shoots in and drives through. Wednesday sprawls well.
Alpo Wednesday has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Bruce Banner.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Wednesday pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Banner fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Wednesday avoids it really well and circles away.
Wednesday wants to clinch

and Banner decides to take the opportunity to score a takedown. He's landed in Wednesday's guard.
Banner throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Wednesday keeping full guard, as Banner tries to pass.
Banner wants to control from the top but Wednesday keeps moving.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Banner is fighting to break Wednesday's control of his arms but Wednesday is doing a good job of controlling the position at the moment.

Banner drops back for a leg but he's not going to get it - he lets go and Wednesday dives on top into guard.

Wednesday wants to get up but he can't break Banner's closed guard. He needs to be careful trying to break the legs open, as he's open to submissions here.
Banner is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Wednesday won't allow Banner to sweep him here.

And that's the end of the fight!
Alpo Wednesday showed his dominance in that final round.
I think Wednesday has won this one but let's see what the judges have to say. 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 Paulo Santos scores the fight 49:46
Judge Edson Gomes scores the fight 48:47
Judge Emerson Jorge scores the fight 48:48

In favor of your winner, by majority decision... Alpo Wednesday!
Alpo Wednesday retains his welterweight title!
A very excited looking Alpo Wednesday made sure he remembered to thank all the fans both in the arena and on the internet. He said all the coolest people spend all day on MMA websites, which got a big reaction.