PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Slick Rick (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Emmanouil Cree (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). The key to victory for Slick Rick has got to be keeping the fight on the feet.

Rick
vs
Cree

193 cm
24
170 lbs
2 - 0 - 0

179 cm
25
170 lbs
3 - 0 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Solid boxing
Cuts easily

Decent wrestler
Counter fighter
Intelligent

HERITAGE! (message for laundry)

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 2 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Montreal, Slick Rick!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 3 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Montreal, Emmanouil Cree!
The judges for this bout are Gregory Folan, William Peck and Alec Ball.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Rick connects with a good right hand that stumbles Cree. Cree circles away out of range and recomposes himself.
Rick lands with a straight right. Cree didn't see that one coming.

Rick tries to sprawl but Cree drives through with a takedown into half guard.
The referee calls for the fighters to work.
Cree prevents Rick from improving his position.

Cree postures up and decides to stand up, from the half guard. The ref calls for Rick to stand up.
Rick lands a vicious shot with the stealth of a sniper and the strength of a viper. Are vipers that strong? I can think of lots of things that are stronger than a viper - not many rhyme with sniper though.
Rick is using his reach advantage well here, landing the more effective single shots from range.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Rick.
Nice uppercut there from Rick.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Rick lands with a shot to the body.
Cree takes one on the chin but keeps coming.
Rick misses the body punch

and Cree counters into the clinch. Nicely done.

Cree has clasped his hands together around Rick's back... aaand, he's got a takedown into side control. Nicely done.
A lull in the action here as Cree stalls from top position.
Cree throws a knee to the body but it doesn't do much damage.
Cree is moving around in side control but his primary objective seems to be to maintain the position.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Rick can't do much from the bottom here.
Rick definitely looks more muscular than last time we saw him fight.
Cree content to control the pace. The referee will try and keep them active though.
Rick struggling a bit here.
Rick is in a bad position, trying to hold on for dear life but he is really struggling to maintain any sort of control.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Rick pivots as if he's going to throw a leg kick but stops half way.
Cree wants to counter the offense by Rick and move into the clinch position.
Rick lands with a cross to side of his opponent's head.
Rick lands the left hand.
Rick goes to the watering hole and comes back with a big thumbs up from the judges as he scores a three punch combo.
Rick fails with the takedown.
Cree tries to counter with a clinch but Rick shakes him off and moves away.
A looping hook to the body misses from Rick. Cree does a little dance to reset his feet.
Rick shoots in looking for a takedown. Cree tries to sprawl out of it but Rick keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Cree manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Slick Rick. That's going to take a lot out of him.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Cree closes the distance and after a bit of a stuggle, scores a takedown into Rick's guard.
Cree controls the pace of the fight for a moment.
Rick trying to keep a closed guard but Cree is proving a slippery customer.
We could do with one of the fighters taking the initiative a bit more on the ground - they're both waiting to capitalize on a mistake.

Rick working for a triangle but Cree defends it easily.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close round but I would say that Slick Rick will probably get the nod.
That's time! Rick's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

Rick lands with a cross to side of his opponent's head.
Rick has his takedown stuffed

and Cree moves into the clinch.
Cree is pressed up against the cage. Rick has hold of a leg and is looking to drag Cree down to the mat. Cree avoids the attempt though and has circled away. We're back to striking at a distance.
Rick jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Slick Rick is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Cree drops down and drives through with a powerful takedown into guard.
Rick working a defensive guard here.
Cree showing good wrestling skills to control the position.
Cree really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Rick. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Rick is trying to control the position from the bottom.
Rick will need to keep those long limbs tucked in whilst he's on the ground, to prevent any submissions.
Cree wants to pass the guard but Rick is keeping the position.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Rick looking to control.
The referee must be thinking about standing these guys back up.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.
Cree is stalling in the full guard.

The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up. He just wasn't happy with the level of activity.
Rick shoots in but no luck this time.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Slick Rick. That's going to take a lot out of him.
A punch lands to the side of Cree 's head but he takes it in his stride.
Rick smiles there as he lands a nice right hand right on the button.

Cree dives in and scores a takedown into Rick's guard.
Rick is trying to control the position but Cree postures up.

Rick throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.
Cree pushing down on Rick's thigh, trying to pass to half guard. He's managed it... Nice work.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Cree looks over to his corner - he wants some instructions but his corner are not responding.
Rick is looking to improve his position.
Cree stalling.
Rick won't allow Cree to pass to mount.

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.
Rick trying to hold on to Cree's head to control him but Cree postures up.
Cree not doing much here.

The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.
Cree slaps away a takedown attempt from Rick, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Cree is trying to avoid his opponent's strikes and get into the clinch.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
A jab lands there for Rick.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Emmanouil Cree showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

Cree uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Rick.
Nice uppercut lands for Rick. That snapped Cree's head back.
Rick misses with a body shot.

Cree looking to score a takedown here. Rick is defending well but Cree drives through and ends up in Rick's guard.
Cree stays in close to Rick's body and controls the position.
Rick is trying to control the position but Cree postures up.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Cree looking to pass the guard.
Cree sitting in guard here, content to control.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Rick throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.
Cree 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.
Rick looking to control.

The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up. He just wasn't happy with the level of activity.
Rick is using his height advantage well here, landing a good percentage of his punches.

That's two 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.
Rick with a body punch. A glancing blow.
Rick throws a right and a left that both miss.
Cree tries to counter with a clinch but Rick shakes him off and moves away.

Cree closes the distance and after a bit of a stuggle, scores a takedown into Rick's guard.
Emmanouil Cree has got the better of the ground game so far.
Cree controls from within his opponent's guard.
Cree's corner are shouting for him to control the position and he seems happy to oblige.
Cree pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Rick is keeping the position for now.

Rick is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Cree is aware though and is defending well.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Rick being controlled here, momentarily.
Rick controls Cree momentarily but Cree frees himself.
Cree tries to free his leg and advance position but Rick is retaining full guard.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Rick throws a body shot but no joy.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.
Rick swings for the body but Cree moves out of range.
Rick sets himself, and Cree steps forward looking for the clinch! Rick avoids it this time.
Rick pushes forward with a 1-2 combination that forces Cree back to the cage. Rick follows up with a solid lead hook to the liver.
Rick shoots for a double leg takedown but Cree sprawls well. He's pushed Rick's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
No luck for Cree with that takedown attempt.
Rick waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Cree.

Cree shoots in for a takedown from distance. He catches Rick napping and manages to drive through into side control!
Rick is looking for a sweep.
My spies in The Foundry inform me that Cree has been getting involved in the gym's BJJ sparring sessions. Let's see whether that pays dividends!
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Cree content to control the pace. The referee will try and keep them active though.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close third round but Emmanouil Cree just about did enough to take it.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.

Rick throws a combination that misses

and Cree counters by moving into the clinch. Good anticipation by Cree.
Rick jumps guard but Cree stands there with Rick around his waist. Rick gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch.

Rick breaks the clinch.
Horrible takedown attempt by Cree or perhaps it was just good defense by Rick, which made it look bad.

Rick gets caught napping as Cree dives in and scores a takedown. Rick manages to retain guard.
Cree must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Cree pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Rick is keeping the position for now.
Cree is taking a break and basically stalling. The referee will not allow him to do that for long.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Rick not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
Cree is frustrating his opponent with some stalling tactics from top position.
If this pace continues, the referee will definitely step in and force a standup.

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.
Rick not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.

The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up. He just wasn't happy with the level of activity.
Cree walks into a jab.
Rick really does look like a pencil wearing a pair of gloves. Let's hope he has a gameplan to suit that ridiculous body shape.

Cree darts in and lands a nice takedown into half guard.

Rick manages to escape and get back to his feet!

Cree manages to get an easy takedown there - catching Rick on his heels. He'll look to pass Rick's guard now, I'm sure.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Cree is frustrating his opponent with some stalling tactics from top position.
Cree pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Rick is keeping the position for now.
Cree is taking a break and basically stalling. The referee will not allow him to do that for long.
Rick is trying to control the position but Cree postures up.
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.
Neither fighter has done anything of merit for a good minute or two here and the crowd are not happy about it.
Rick can't do much from the bottom at the moment, as Cree controls the pace.
The referee claps his hands together and tells the fighters to work.

The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Rick tries to bum rush Cree with a series of wild strikes but Cree uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Rick shuffles to his left behind two crisp jabs. Cree eats them both and turns towards Rick to reposition himself and eats a stinging right hand-left hook combo.
Rick throws a right and a left that Cree avoids nicely.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close fourth round but I would say that Slick Rick will probably get the nod.
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!

Rick moves in looking to clinch but Cree pushes him off.
Rick misses with a wild body shot.
Rick dips to his left and cracks Cree with an uppercut!
Rick misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Cree.

Cree dives in and scores a takedown into Rick's guard.
Rick being controlled here, momentarily.
Rick controls Cree momentarily but Cree frees himself.

That's one minute gone in the round.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Cree controls from within his opponent's guard.
Rick looking to control.
Cree trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.

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.
Cree is just sitting in guard, looking to avoid any submissions.

The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.
Rick darts in and out, connecting with a jab.
Rick lands three nice shots there - that looked like it hurt!

Cree scores a trip takedown into side control. Nice.
Rick tries to improve position but can't.
Cree controlling the position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Rick trying to control but Cree flips him over like a cheap hooker and has his back!
Rick is very frustrated here, being controlled quite effectively by Cree.
More stalling from Cree.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are showing their displeasure at the lack of action as loud boos ring out around the arena.
Cree lands with a hammerfist to the side of Rick's head.
You can see the frustration on Rick's face… He knows he is in trouble unless he improves his position sooner rather than later.
Cree just keeping the dominant position. He can't wait too long though, otherwise the referee will stand them back up.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Rick trying to control but not successfully.

And that's the end of the fight!
Emmanouil Cree comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think Cree has won this one but let's see whether the judges agree with me. 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 Gregory Folan scores the fight 47:48
Judge William Peck scores the fight 45:50
Judge Alec Ball scores the fight 47:48

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Emmanouil Cree!
Emmanouil Cree is the new welterweight champion!