PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between TJ Welsh (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and The Artist (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Chooooooooon! I think Welsh might be my favorite fighter, now he's come out to Lets Have A War. The crowd seem to be enjoying Artist's choice of entrance music: Limp Bizkit / Break Stuff. Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Welsh
vs
Artist

190 cm
38
199 lbs
25 - 28 - 2

182 cm
26
192 lbs
14 - 3 - 1

Good wrestling
Great elbows
Cardio machine

Good wrestler
Decent boxing
Powerful

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the middleweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 25 - 28 - 2, fighting out of Los Angeles, TJ Welsh!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 14 - 3 - 1, fighting out of Los Angeles, The Artist!
The judges for this bout are Don Winkell, Jack Bonds and Frank Antenori.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Welsh has managed to clinch.
A bit of stalling here from Welsh.
Welsh lands a knee to the head.
Artist on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
Welsh prevents Artist from breaking the clinch.

Welsh breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Artist connects with a body shot that sends Welsh's belly button to the back.
Welsh blocks a jab.
Welsh is looking to clinch but Artist is avoiding it.
Artist doesn't fully commit to the body shot counter.
Welsh tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Welsh moves in looking to clinch but Artist pushes him off.
Artist looks like he wants to counter punch here.

Welsh has taken the fight to the clinch.
Artist is trying to work out of this bad position, with his back against the cage.
Artist takes a knee to the side of the body.
Artist is trying to break the clinch but Welsh has him pressed against the cage.

Artist breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Artist lunges in with an uppercut that skims his opponent's chin.

Welsh rushes Artist and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Welsh lands a knee to the head.

It looks like The Artist has been cut.
Artist tries to break free but Welsh pushes him back against the cage.
Welsh keeps the fight in the clinch, despite Artist's efforts to push away.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Artist tries to break the clinch but Welsh is controlling the position.
Welsh connects with a nasty looking knee right to Artist's face.
Welsh missing with knees to the body.
Artist takes a knee to the side of the body.
The referee is keeping an eye on Welsh - much more stalling and he will separate the fighters.
Welsh keeps the fight in the clinch, despite Artist's efforts to push away.
Welsh keeps the fight in the clinch, despite Artist's efforts to push away.
Artist wants to break the clinch but can't.

Artist breaks the clinch.
We've been told by Welsh's head coaches at 3Band MMA ($500/week) that he's been working on his takedown defense in preparation for this fight.
Welsh fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Welsh shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Artist as he jumps to the side.
A punch combination from Artist misses.
Welsh is trying hard to land a takedown here. Artist sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for TJ Welsh. That's going to take a lot out of him.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Welsh fails with the takedown.
Welsh fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Welsh takes a jab on the nose there. A little bit of blood seems to be coming out. Hopefully that won't affect his breathing.
Artist swats away the attempt to clinch by Welsh.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Artist! But no joy.
Artist misses with a straight left.
Welsh changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.
Welsh misses with a takedown attempt - Artist sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Welsh tries to close the distance and clinch up but Artist swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Welsh has his hands up protecting his head but a hook from Artist finds it's way round the side to connect with Welsh's head.
Welsh avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Artist misses with a wild combination.
Welsh fails with an attempt to clinch.
Artist throws a counter combo.
Artist looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Artist swats away the attempt to clinch by Welsh.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Artist's jab looks to have found its range, popping Welsh under the eye.

Welsh clinches with his opponent.
Artist is looking to break free of the clinch but Welsh has double underhooks.

Welsh's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Artist misses with an attempted mid kick.
Artist throws a solid leg kick but Welsh takes the impact on his shin and smiles at Artist.
Wow, both these guys are really going for it!
Welsh doesn't manage to clinch there - Artist circles away.
Welsh shoots for a double leg takedown but Artist sprawls well. He's pushed Welsh's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Artist looks to land a combination. Welsh sees it coming but can only parry a couple of the shots.

It looks like TJ Welsh has been cut.
Nice body punch from Artist.
Artist misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Welsh.
Artist lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Welsh circles away quickly and effectively.
Welsh displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Artist throws out the jab.
Welsh slips a jab and a cross from Artist.

Welsh 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!
A short body shot lands from Welsh as the two fighters clinch.

Artist breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Artist works his jab well there, keeping his opponent at a distance.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Welsh is on the wrong end of a nice combination from Artist.
Welsh displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Artist throws out the jab.
Artist pivots, looking for a leg kick but Welsh is out of range and Artist settles back down.

Welsh pushes Artist up against the cage in a clinch.
Artist is trying to force a seperation but Welsh has the dominant position.

Artist's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Nice takedown defense from Artist. No joy for Welsh on that attempt.
Artist works Welsh's body with a nice hook.
Welsh avoids the head kick by Artist.
A big right from Artist misses.
Artist keeps the fight on the outside.
Artist cracks Welsh with a good jab.
The Artist is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Artist lands with a two punch combination before moving back out of range.
Welsh fails with an attempt to clinch.

Welsh shoots in and gets a takedown into half guard. Welsh showed some decent athleticism there.

Artist kicks off Welsh and gets to his feet.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

The Artist dominated that round.
Both fighters have cut men working on them during the interval.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

Welsh closes this distance looking for a takedown but Artist circles away.
The Artist seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Artist misses with a wild combination.

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

The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Welsh seems to be looking for submissions.
Welsh is trying to control. Artist wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.

Welsh is looking for a kimura but he's never going to get it from there.
Welsh is looking to stall here but Artist recovers full guard.
Artist is looking to get back to his feet but can't, whilst Welsh is controlling him.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Welsh is just sitting in guard, looking to avoid any submissions.
Artist wants to stand up but Welsh is controlling him.
Welsh wants to control from the top but Artist keeps moving.

Artist is working an open guard so Welsh takes the opportunity to get back to his feet.

Welsh feints and then dives in with a takedown. That was a long way out but the feint bought him enough time to close the distance and complete the takedown. Now we'll play guard for a bit and see who can get the better of that position.
Welsh trying to control the position from guard on top but Artist is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

Welsh stands up and waves to Artist to follow him.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Artist avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Artist feints and then cracks Welsh's leading leg with a nice low kick. He's obviously looking to slow Welsh down.
Artist misses with a body shot.
Welsh tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Artist manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Welsh shoots in but Artist avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Artist lands a right hook to the body.

Artist has butterfly guard. He's looking to stand up here. He pushes Welsh off him and springs to his feet nicely. The crowd applauds.
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!
Welsh avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Artist thows a leg kick but Welsh checks it
and Welsh counters with a series of strikes. Artist will be more careful next time no doubt.
Welsh closes the distance and clinches up with Artist, looking for a takedown. Welsh pushes Artist against the cage but Artist circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for TJ Welsh. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Artist misses with a low kick.
Artist pushes forward with a 1-2 combination that forces Welsh back to the cage. Artist follows up with a solid lead hook to the liver.
No luck for Welsh with that takedown attempt.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Artist circles away from the clinch attempt.
Welsh takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
Artist displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Welsh.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Artist misses with a head kick.
TJ Welsh is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Artist scores with a nice body kick.
Artist looks to land a combination but Welsh avoids it well.
Artist throws a lazy right hand but Welsh sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Artist throws a front kick aimed at Welsh's knee but Welsh avoids it well.
Artist goes to the watering hole and comes back with a big thumbs up from the judges as he scores a three punch combo.
Welsh cracks Artist with an open hand slap.

Welsh throws a loose over hand right and dives in with a double leg takedown. Artist tries to sprawl but it's too late and the fighters hit the mat. Welsh is in Artist's guard.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Welsh stops Artist from standing up.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

Welsh stands up from guard. Let's bang!
Artist jabs. That one connects to the head of his opponent.
Artist has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Welsh moves in looking to clinch but Artist pushes him off.
Welsh takes an uppercut right on the button but keeps his composure.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Welsh shoots in looking for a takedown. Artist tries to sprawl out of it but Welsh keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Artist manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Welsh takes a really solid shot there but just smiles back and shrugs his shoulders.
Good shot there by Artist.
Welsh shoots in looking for a takedown but Artist manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Welsh's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
Welsh shoots in looking for a takedown. Artist tries to sprawl out of it but Welsh keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Artist manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Artist misses with a straight left.
Artist throws a lazy right hand but Welsh sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Artist throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Artist wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.
Welsh tries to clinch but Artist moves out of range.
As Welsh backs off Artist throws a huge counter combo but Welsh manages to avoid it all.
Artist stuffs the takedown attempt from Welsh. Welsh gets slowly back to his feet.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

The Artist showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
Both fighters have cut men working on them during the interval.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business. This is the final round!

Welsh pushes Artist up against the cage in a clinch.
Welsh tries a body shot but Artist blocks it.
Welsh jumps guard but Artist stands there with Welsh around his waist. Welsh gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch.
Welsh prevents Artist from breaking the clinch.

Welsh manages to break the clinch.
Welsh looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
Artist misses with a wild body shot.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Welsh.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for TJ Welsh. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Welsh drops his hands momentarily and Artist takes advantage with a crisp shot to the head.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Welsh looks for a takedown but Artist sprawls well.

Welsh forces Artist back against the cage and clinches.

Artist breaks the clinch.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Artist throws a series of punches but Welsh moves out of range.
Welsh tries to counter by moving into the clinch but Artist manages to circle out of the way.
The Artist seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Welsh fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Artist avoids it really well and circles away.
This fight brought to you by 5M nutrition - it's mmmmm tasty. Nice jab by Artist.
Artist bobs and weaves and throws out a fast jab that snaps Welsh's head backwards.
Welsh fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Welsh on the wrong end of an overhand right that came out of nowhere.

Welsh is rocked!
Welsh takes an uppercut right on the button but keeps his composure.
Oh Welsh is still all over the place! His legs are completely gone! Will he be able to recover?!!
Welsh tries to close the distance and clinch up but Artist swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Welsh closes this distance looking for a takedown but Artist circles away.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Welsh tries to drive through with a takedown attempt but Artist defends well and Welsh ends up having to push Artist into the cage where they will battle it out in the clinch.
Welsh looks for a takedown but Artist sprawls well.
Welsh is holding his hands too far apart here. Artist throws a hard, straight punch right down the pipe and BOOM! Welsh is out! That punch landed square on the jaw - what a shot!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:59 of round 3, we have a winner by way of KO (Punch). The Artist!
The Artist seemed lost for words in his post fight interview but he remembered to thank his fans and directed everyone to his website.