PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Johnny Reach (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and James Harbor (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Chooooooooon! I think Reach might be my favorite fighter, now he's come out to Rich Like Me. I'm sure you'll be fascinated to know that I was talking to some pointless Z list celebrity before the fight and he thought that James Harbor was going to win. Let's see if he was right.

Reach
vs
Harbor

195 cm
34
195 lbs
32 - 11 - 1

184 cm
35
193 lbs
32 - 25 - 1

Good wrestling
World class boxer
Insanely flexible

Olympic wrestler
World class MT
Good gas tank

Bullet Proof System
Museum of Monsters & Madmen

Bloodlust Horde Fightwear
Voodoo Nutrition

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the middleweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 32 - 11 - 1, fighting out of New York, Johnny Reach!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 32 - 25 - 1, fighting out of Las Vegas, James Harbor!
The judges for this bout are William Gold, James Glass and Colin Fotheringham.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Harbor shoots in looking for a single leg takedown. Reach is trying to defend but Harbor finishes it well and ends up in half guard. Let's see if he can advance position further.
Reach is trying to defend against the ground and pound but Harbor scores with a couple of nice shots.
In the pre-fight buildup videos we saw Harbor working his ground and pound in the gym. So far it seems to be working well.
Reach keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.

Reach has one foot on Harbor's thigh - he pushes off and manages to get back to his feet.
The fighters circle momentarily. Harbor darts into range and connects with a nice straight punch.
Reach throws a head kick that misses.
Harbor fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Harbor uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Reach.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Reach thuds his right hand into Harbor's forehead from close range. That could be painful for both fighters.
Harbor misses with a shot to the body
and Reach counters with a lovely shot to the body.
Harbor just misses with a punch to the body.
Reach was looking to counter that last move with a shot to the body but he didn't commit.
Harbor swings away with a body shot that misses
and Reach counters with a three punch combination, finished off with a leg kick. Nice work.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Harbor misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Reach.
Harbor checks a low kick. Bone on bone - not my idea of a good time.
Reach just misses with a punch to the body.
Reach takes a swing at Harbor's ribcage but misses.
Reach tries to land a front kick but Harbor steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed.
Harbor with the counter takedown but Reach avoids it easily.
Reach looks to score with a jab to the body but Harbor is just out of range.
Reach looks to land a combination but Harbor avoids it well.
Reach jabs Harbor right on the nose. Harbor blinks but takes it well.

Harbor closes the distance and looks for a trip takedown... aaaand he's got it - Harbor lands in his opponent's guard.
Harbor with a flurry of punches that miss.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Harbor trying to control but Reach is working from the bottom.
Reach pulls Harbor in close to his closed guard and prevents Harbor from doing any damage or advancing position.
Harbor stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Reach swivels though and keeps the full guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Harbor postures up in Reach's guard and throws a big left but Reach blocks it.

The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.
Harbor shoots in and drives through. Reach sprawls well.
Harbor stumbles momentarily as he takes a strong leg kick from Reach.
Harbor takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
Harbor swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Reach lands with a head kick! That's gotta hurt.
A big left from Harbor misses.
Harbor swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Harbor swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Reach misses with a straight right.
Harbor will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
Reach swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Harbor clobbers Reach with an overhand right that has the crowd gasping. That made a horrendous noise.
Reach takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
Harbor shoots in for a takedown but Reach shows good takedown defense.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Reach throws an overhand right that lands on Harbor's shoulder, as Harbor tries to avoid the shot.
Harbor connects with a body shot that sends Reach's belly button to the back.
Harbor misses with a hook. Reach ducked under it nicely.
It looked like Reach wanted to counter with a hook but didn't fully commit.
Harbor dodges the punch combination from Reach.
Johnny Reach is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Harbor shoots in looking for a takedown but Reach manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Harbor's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
Johnny Reach has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of James Harbor.
Harbor takes one on the chin but seems OK.
Reach waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Harbor.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Reach cracks Harbor with an open hand slap.
Reach lands a head kick!
Harbor misses with a shot to the body
and Reach counters with a nice uppercut.
Harbor lands a head shot.
Good shot there by Reach.
Harbor throws a jab when Reach was well out of range.
Reach thinks about countering with a body kick.
Harbor scores with a straight right hand, right through his opponent's guard.
Harbor cracks Reach with a good shot that sees him stumbling back into the cage.
Harbor lunges in with an uppercut that skims his opponent's chin.
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!
Reach defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Harbor.
Reach scoring well with a low kick there.
Reach throws a head kick that connects with a bit of head and a bit of hand.
Reach uses good footwork to get in and out and land a nice right hand before Harbor has time to react.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Reach on the wrong end of a vicious looking body shot.

Reach gets caught napping as Harbor dives in and scores a takedown. Reach manages to retain guard.
Harbor lands a couple of elbows.
Harbor stands up over Reach, holding his feet. He dives back in and lands a decent shot to the head.
Harbor is stalling in the full guard.
Harbor wants to pass the guard but Reach is keeping the position.
Harbor wants to control from the top but Reach keeps moving.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Harbor throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Reach works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Reach seems keen to control Harbor's posture.
Harbor stands up over Reach, holding his feet. He dives back in and lands a decent shot to the head.
Harbor stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Reach swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Harbor throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Reach works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Harbor wants to pass the guard but Reach is keeping the position.
Reach managing to control the position.
We've had a lack of effective grappling in the last minute or so, which could well see a referee standup.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Reach preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Harbor with a body punch. A glancing blow.
Harbor throws a lazy uppercut
and Reach counters with a left to the body.
Harbor takes a jab on the nose there. A little bit of blood seems to be coming out. Hopefully that won't affect his breathing.
Harbor throws a right and a left that Reach avoids nicely.
Reach tries to close the distance and clinch but Harbor swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Reach lands a leg kick. The shin dug right into the meat of the thigh.
Reach looks shocked there as he takes a right hand to the temple.
Reach moves in looking to clinch but Harbor pushes him off.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Reach shapes like he's going to throw a leg kick but settles back down.
Harbor uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Reach.
Reach misses with a kick to the body
and Harbor counters with a straight right hand.
James Harbor seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Reach swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Harbor throws a hook to the side of Reach's head but Reach sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Harbor misses with a combination
and Reach counters with a nice uppercut.
Reach is using his height advantage well here, landing a good percentage of his punches.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Harbor throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Reach misses with a body kick.
Reach moves into range and connects with a jab.
Reach throws a sloppy head kick and Harbor moves out of range easily.
A telegraphed right hand from Harbor misses the target.
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 Johnny Reach will probably get the nod.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action.

Harbor closes the distance and clinches up, looking for a takedown. He shifts his weight and gets a nice trip into half guard.
Reach avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Harbor.
Harbor missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Reach is refusing to be controlled, as Harbor sits in half guard.
Reach is trying to defend against the ground and pound but Harbor scores with a couple of nice shots.
Harbor working some ground and pound from close in. He's looking to maintain this position and strike for a while by the looks of things... although he'll probably advance to full mount in a minute now I've said that.
The referee calls for the fighters to work.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Harbor thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
Reach blocking the ground and pound attempt from Harbor.
Reach wants to get back to full guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Reach keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Harbor tries to pass to full mount but Reach defends it.
Harbor has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
Harbor seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Reach does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.

Harbor seems to be working for a kimura but Reach defends the submission attempt.
Harbor slips a nice elbow through Reach's hands, connecting with Reach's forehead.
Harbor wants to take a breather but Reach is having none of it.

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.
Reach wants to control but Harbor is keeping busy and won't allow it.
The referee walks around the fighters to get a better view of the action. Harbor lands a nice short elbow.
Harbor throws a strike but Reach avoids it easily and moves to full guard.
Harbor's corner is telling him to maintain position.
Harbor distracts Reach with his right hand and drops a big elbow with his other arm.
Reach trying to control the position.
Harbor in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Reach trying to control the position here.

The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.
Harbor shoots in but no luck this time.
Harbor lands a nice looking body shot.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Harbor throws out a powerful jab.
A swing and a miss from Reach.
Harbor is definitely looking for the counter takedowns here.
Harbor connects with a lovely right hand, straight down the pipe.
Harbor scores with a nice looking left hook and follows it up with an uppercut!
Harbor throws a poor cross that misses
and Reach counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Reach gets cracked there but stands up to it.
Reach tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Reach slips a straight right by Harbor.
Reach takes a solid shot to the body. That one hurt him but he's trying not to show it.
Harbor takes a really solid shot there but just smiles back and shrugs his shoulders.
Harbor lands a powerful looking uppercut that connected with his opponent's jaw.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Reach misses with a body shot.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Harbor connects with a body shot.
Harbor shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Reach as he jumps to the side.
Harbor shoots in for a takedown but Reach shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Johnny Reach has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of James Harbor.
Reach tests Harbor's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Harbor connects nicely with a jab. Noted by the judges no doubt.
A big right from Harbor misses.
A left lands for Harbor.
Harbor checks a low kick from Reach.
Harbor throws a shot from downtown. Reach moves away and avoids it.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

James Harbor really dominated 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.

Harbor ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Reach moves away.
Reach avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Harbor misses with an uppercut. Reach saw that one coming.
Harbor displaying good standup as he scores with a three punch combination.
Harbor shoots and misses
and Reach counters with a kick to the head that grazes his opponent. Harbor is lucky that one didn't land flush.
Harbor slips under a jab.
Harbor's hands are dropping dangerously low here and Reach connects clean with a right hook that sends him down to one knee! Harbor scrambles back to his feet.
Reach avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
It looked like Reach was trying to counter with a body shot coming off that last attack from Harbor.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Reach on the wrong end of a decent looking cross there.
Harbor misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Reach.
Reach keeps Harbor at a distance using the push kick.
Reach fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Harbor manages to avoid it.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Reach misses with a low kick.
It seemed like Harbor was going to counter with the hook but didn't fully commit to it.
Reach takes one on the chin but seems OK.
Reach swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Reach looks to land a right hand but Harbor moved out of range.
A little jabbing left from Harbor on the counter but it doesn't find it's target.
Harbor misses with a straight right.
Harbor fails with a takedown attempt.
Reach lifts his leg as if looking to counter with a high kick.
Jab from Harbor.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Harbor looks to score with a jab to the body but Reach is just out of range.
Harbor misses the shot to the body.
A counter left hand to the body from Reach misses its target.
Harbor throws a poor cross that misses
and Reach counters with a stiff right hand.
Reach scores with a push kick.
Reach misses with a low kick as Harbor jumps back.
Reach scores with a spinning back kick!
Harbor swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Harbor takes a shot right to the bread basket.
Harbor ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Harbor lands a jab to the head.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Reach missing with a left hand there. Harbor was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Reach throws a head kick that misses.
Harbor shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Reach defends it nicely.
Johnny Reach has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of James Harbor.
Decent striking displayed by Reach there.
Harbor with a hook.
Harbor thows a left - swing and a miss!
Reach throwing a counter right hand but Harbor manages to avoid it.
Harbor tries to bum rush Reach with a series of wild strikes but Reach uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Reach uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Harbor.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Reach slips under a jab.
Harbor rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Reach moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Reach throws a quick head kick that skims the top of Harbor's head.
Harbor works his jab well there, keeping his opponent at a distance.
Harbor slips under a jab.
Harbor swings away with a body shot that misses
and Reach counters with a nice body kick.
Harbor misses with a looping left.
This has been an exciting period of action!
A left lands for Harbor.
Harbor looks to score with a jab to the body but Reach is just out of range.
Reach on the wrong end of a nice hook.
Reach throws a poor cross that misses

and Harbor counters with a nice double leg into side control. Reach won't be happy with that.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close fourth round but James Harbor will probably get the nod - 10:9.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action! This is the final round!

Harbor with poor footwork there. He got himself in a bit of a tangle, enabling Reach to score with a decent uppercut.
Nice shot by Reach.
Reach throws a leg kick but Harbor checks it.
Harbor bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Harbor feints the counter takedown.
Reach feints a straight left to the body, then turns around with a flashy move and hits Harbors jaw with a dramatic spinning back fist!
Reach scores with a jab to the jaw.

Harbor is rocked!
Reach throws the left hand but Harbor avoids the punch easily.
Harbor is still on wobbly legs! Can Reach finish him?
A shot to the liver by Harbor. Beautiful body shot.
Harbor seems to have recovered his senses.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Harbor drives through with a takedown into guard.

Reach scrambles and gets back to his feet.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
A swing and a miss from Reach.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Harbor on the wrong end of a decent looking cross there.
Harbor loads up on a big right hand but Reach slips the punch.
Reach defending well as Harbor loads up on a big left hand.
Harbor looks to land a left hand but Reach moved out of range nicely.
Reach misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.

Reach closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the cage.
Harbor throws a head punch that misses.
Harbor throws a hook to the body. More of an arm punch but it's all scoring with the judges.
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.
A hook to the body from Reach.
Reach misses with a hook to the ribs.
Reach lands a nice shot to the body.
Reach lands a hook to the side of the head.
Reach tries to work over Harbor's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Harbor has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Reach is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.
Reach lands an elbow just above Harbor 's eye.
A nice right hand lands inside from Harbor.
Reach throws a head punch that misses.
Harbor has a pretty nasty looking mouse under his right eye.
Reach throws a hook to the body. More of an arm punch but it's all scoring with the judges.
Harbor changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Reach fights it off and pushes away nicely.
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!
Harbor on the wrong end of a nice hook.
Reach throws a body kick that misses.
Harbor throws a series of strikes that have Reach backpedaling.
Harbor shoots for a double leg takedown but Reach sprawls well. He's pushed Harbor's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Johnny Reach has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of James Harbor.
Reach throws a right and a left that both miss.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Both fighters circling a little - Reach finishes the exchange with a kick to the body.
Johnny Reach is winning the standup battle so far.
Reach scores with a jab to the head.
A jab lands there for Harbor.
Harbor takes a shot to the body in his stride.
Harbor looks to land a left hand but Reach moved out of range nicely.
Harbor throws a shot from downtown. Reach moves away and avoids it.
Harbor looks to land a left hand but Reach moved out of range nicely.
Harbor walks into a jab.
Harbor blocks a jab.
Reach swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Harbor swings away with a counter right hand but no contact made.
Reach swings wildly with a hook that is half blocked by Harbor.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Reach looks to land a body kick but Harbor moved away.
Reach avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Harbor ducks under a wild hook from Reach.
Reach looks to throw the jab but Harbor is out of range.
Harbor swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
An attempted straight right counter from Reach misses the target.
Harbor tries to move into range but Reach moves to the side and lands with a nice right hand.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Harbor misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Reach on the wrong end of a vicious looking body shot.
Reach connects with a high kick.
Reach is using his reach advantage well here, landing the more effective single shots from range.
Well, he's not going to score with shots like that. A lazy body kick attempt from Reach.

Harbor shoots in with a lovely double leg takedown. Reach manages to land in full guard to minimise the damage.

Reach has managed to wall walk up one of the corner posts to get back to his feet. Harbor is pushing him up against the cage, looking to control the position.

And that's the end of the fight!
Johnny Reach showed his dominance in that final round.
I think Reach 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 William Gold scores the fight 47:48
Judge James Glass scores the fight 48:47
Judge Colin Fotheringham scores the fight 48:48

The fight is ruled a draw!
Johnny Reach retains his title. It's always disappointing when a championship fight ends as a draw but that's what happens when you leave the fight in the judges hands!