PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Christian Battle (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Terrence Funk (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Well, I have no idea who's going to take this one!

Battle
vs
Funk

177 cm
24
145 lbs
4 - 1 - 0

167 cm
20
145 lbs
5 - 1 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Solid boxing
KO power

Good wrestler
Basic striking
Powerful

Victory! Sports Nutrition

Arcticus University: London

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the featherweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 4 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Christian Battle!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 5 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Montreal, Terrence Funk!
The judges for this bout are Tiny Johnson, Wesley Smith and Daniel Franklin.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Battle throws a right hand that Funk ducks under and follows up with a left that Funk also avoids with ease.
Battle swings wildly with a couple of big hooks

and Funk counters with a driving takedown into guard. Nice work there by Funk.
Funk working from the guard for now, landing some ground and pound.
Funk trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Funk landing with the ground and pound.
Funk controls from within his opponent's guard.
Funk's corner are shouting for him to control the position and he seems happy to oblige.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Let's hope that Funk 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.

Battle working for a triangle but Funk defends it easily.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Funk scoring with some ground and pound.

Battle is looking for a triangle but Funk pushes his legs off easily.
Funk controlling from the guard. I say controlling but really, he's stalling.
Hammerfist, elbow! yells Funk's corner. There ya go! There ya go!

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.
Funk controlling from the top position.
Funk landing some decent shots from guard.
Funk must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.
Funk chips away with some ground and pound.
My spies in Ballshoi Ballet inform me that Funk has been getting involved in the gym's BJJ sparring sessions. Let's see whether that pays dividends!
Funk chips away with some ground and pound.
Funk controls from within his opponent's guard.
Battle is in a tricky position. We've heard reports from his gym mates at V Elite Gym that he's been drilling escapes, so let's see if he can get back to his feet.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Battle throws his legs up looking for a submission but Funk uses it to pass to side control.
Funk grinds an elbow into Battle's temple.
Funk in side control lands a decent elbow.
Funk landing strikes.
Battle takes a couple of big shots there - the referee warns him that he has to defend himself better.
Funk controlling the position from side mount.
Battle is trying to get back to his feet.
Funk working away diligently from side control. Landing strikes effectively there - that will score him some points on the judges scorecards.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Funk cracks Battle with a big elbow.
Battle is trying to get back to half guard. He's pushing on Funk's leg. He's managed it. Nice work.

Battle looking for submissions from an awkward position here.
Funk not doing much here.
Funk lands strikes from half guard.
Funk winds up and cracks Battle with a swinging punch to the side of the head.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
The two fighters exchange a few words. I couldn't hear what they were saying but maybe it's more fun if you make it up yourself. Funk connects with a nice short shot to Battle's temple.
Funk sitting and controlling from the half guard.
Battle has hold of Funk's hands but Funk slips his arm to the side and lands an elbow.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Battle misses with a double jab.

Funk darts in and lands a nice takedown into half guard.
Battle is trying to get back to full guard.
Battle on the receiving end of some nice ground and pound.
Funk trying to control the pace.
Funk is nestled in close to Battle, controlling him well. He's worked in a nice elbow to the side of the head as well, for good measure.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Neither fighter is being very active at the moment, with Funk in particular looking to stall.
Funk lands strikes from half guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Funk trying to control the pace.
Funk scores with a couple of good hammerfists.
Funk working the head and body with strikes.
Funk controlling the pace.

Battle looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.

Battle actively working from the bottom here.

That's two 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.
Funk looks to score some points with some ground and pound.
Funk with a momentary lay and pray from half guard.
Terrence Funk has got the better of the ground game so far.
Funk lands strikes from half guard.

Battle is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Funk pulls his head out easily.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Funk looks towards his corner to check for any instructions. The corner give him nothing to work with, so he cracks Battle with a short hammerfist. I guess that's as good as any advice he could get in this position.
Ground and pound from Funk.
Funk is controlling the pace.
We're seeing a lot of stalling here from Funk.
Battle on the receiving end of some nice ground and pound.
Funk trying to control the pace.

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.
Funk is keeping good posture, landing some ground and pound.
Funk is nestled in close to Battle, controlling him well. He's worked in a nice elbow to the side of the head as well, for good measure.
Funk prevents Battle from standing back up.
Funk sitting and controlling from the half guard.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Yet more stalling tactics from Funk.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Terrence Funk showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!

Battle misses with a few strikes there.
Battle tries to clinch there but Funk circles away.
Funk feints the counter takedown.
Funk has been the more effective fighter overall so far.

The fight moves into the clinch position.
Funk managing to block the knees to the body from Battle.
The fighters are pressed against the cage, as the pace of the fight slows.
Funk lands a right hand that snaps the head of Battle backwards.
Funk softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
Funk misses with a hook to the ribs.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Battle has hold of a leg and is looking for a trip takedown. Funk avoids it nicely though and we remain in the clinch.
Funk lands with a right to the head.
Funk lands with a short punch from the clinch.
Funk stays in close to his opponent and throws a right hand to the body.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Funk pushes Battle back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.
Battle tries to jump guard but he falls flat on his backside. Funk smiles and moves away.

Funk closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the cage.
Funk gets through Battle's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
Funk lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
Funk gets through Battle's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
Funk makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
Funk prevents a takedown attempt there.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Christian Battle. That's going to take a lot out of him.
A right handed body shot lands from Funk.
Funk has Battle pressed against the cage.
Funk pushes Battle back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Funk.
Funk pressing his opponent against the cage.
This has been an exciting period of action!
A short left from Funk.
Funk lands a left hand that snaps the head of Battle backwards.
A right hook to the body lands for Funk.
Funk working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
Battle trying to stall but Funk improves his position.
Battle goes for a takedown in the clinch but Funk prevents it.
Funk taking a breather.
Funk lands with a short punch from the clinch.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Funk slows down the pace here.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, Funk creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
Battle is trying to slow down the pace in the clinch, to catch his breath.
Funk slowing the pace effectively.
A bit of stalling here from Funk.
Battle tries to pull guard but Funk forces him back to his feet, against the cage.
Battle blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Battle goes for a takedown attempt but Funk pushes him away and we're back to fighting at a distance.
Christian Battle is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Battle throws a jab, cross combination which is slipped

and Funk decides to take the opportunity to score a takedown. He's landed in Battle's guard.
Battle is wriggling around but Funk manages to pass to half guard.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Funk lands strikes from half guard.
Battle tries to roll over but Funk keeps him under control.
Battle has hold of Funk's hands but Funk slips his arm to the side and lands an elbow.
Ground and pound from Funk.
Funk controlling the pace.
Funk working Battle over with strikes.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Terrence Funk really dominated that round.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

Funk fakes and then throws a beautiful body shot. Battle looks a bit winded and takes a step backwards to take a breath.
Funk swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.

Funk moves into the clinch successfully.
Battle has Funk pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Funk manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.

Funk has clasped his hands together around Battle's back... aaand, he's got a takedown into side control. Nicely done.

Battle bucks up and manages to escape back to his feet!

Funk closes the distance and clinches.
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!

Funk lands a takedown into guard.
Funk with a couple of shots to the head there. Not particularly brutal.
Funk is taking a break and basically stalling. The referee will not allow him to do that for long.
Funk lands a couple of digs.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Funk 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.

Battle looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.
Funk chips away with some ground and pound.
Funk sitting in guard, not really doing much.
Funk trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.

Battle working for a triangle but Funk defends it easily.
It's got to the stage where if one of these guys blows hard enough, the other might fall over.
Funk landing with the ground and pound.

That's two 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.
Funk postures up and lands some nice ground and pound.
Funk sitting in guard, not really doing much.
Funk is in close to Battle's body, working some short punches and elbows.
Funk's corner is telling him to maintain position.
Funk scoring with some ground and pound.
Hammerfist, elbow! yells Funk's corner. There ya go! There ya go!

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Funk's corner is telling him to maintain position.
Funk is continuing to stall.

The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up. He just wasn't happy with the level of activity.
Battle misses with a jab, cross combination.
Battle throws a left and a right that both miss

and Funk counters with a takedown into side control! That could mean trouble for Battle!
Battle wants to get back to his feet but Funk is dominant here and he's now got Battle's back!
Funk scores with strikes from the back.
Funk scores with a nice shot to the head of his opponent. Battle is looking for a way out.
Battle is trying to remain composed but Funk is hammering down strikes to the side of his head.

Battle is rocked!
Funk lands shots from the back.
Oh Battle is still in real trouble! Will he be able to recover?!!

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Funk biding his time, looking for the opening.
Battle is trying to get back to his feet but Funk has full control of the position and if anything, Battle has just worked his way into a worse spot.
Battle seems to have got his legs back now.
Battle is in bad spot here.
Funk connects with a big shot to the side of Battle's head.
Battle covers up after that shot from Funk.
A bit of a pause in the action here. Funk controlling the positon.
Funk lands with a couple of good shots - one to the side of the head and one questionable shot that could be viewed as to the back of the head but the referee lets it go.
Funk just keeping the dominant position. He can't wait too long though, otherwise the referee will stand them back up.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Terrence Funk dominated that fourth round.
That's time! Back to the action! So, we enter the final round. Let's see if either fighter can bring us a finish, or whether we're going to the judges scorecards.

Funk swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Funk throws out a loose jab but Battle uses good head movement to avoid it.
Battle will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
The fight stays on the outside here - Battle looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Funk changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.
Funk lands a right hook to the body.
Funk defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Battle.
Christian Battle seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Funk misses with an uppercut.
Battle appears to be looking for a big counter.

Funk gets a clinch.
Funk holding his opponent close, against the cage.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Funk turns his hips and lands a very nice judo throw into side control!
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.
Funk scoring with punches and elbows.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Battle is looking to reverse the position.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Funk passes to full mount! That's big trouble for Battle!
Battle is bucking up trying to escape but Funk cracks him with another couple of good strikes.
Funk controlling his opponent.
Battle is bucking up trying to escape but Funk cracks him with another couple of good strikes.
Battle in a bad spot here, taking shots to the head.
Funk controlling from mount.
Funk looking to finish Battle with some ground and pound. This is bad for Battle!
Funk has his opponent pinned against the cage, landing some nasty ground and pound that is really making a bit of a mess out of Battle's face.
Battle is trying to get to the cage to help him get back to his feet.
Funk working the ground and pound effectively.
Christian Battle has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Funk breaks from Battle's wrist control and lands an elbow.
Funk postures up and lands a whopping elbow - oh that's hurt Battle bigstyle! Two more strikes land for Funk and the fight is over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:30 of round 5, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Terrence Funk!
Terrence Funk is the new featherweight champion!