PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Mao Elfron (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and James Delode (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Elfron has a slight injury, which hopefully won't affect the fight too much. Buckle up people - heeeeeeeeeere we go!

Elfron
vs
Delode

190 cm
18
190 lbs
0 - 1 - 0

225 cm
25
190 lbs
0 - 1 - 0

Good wrestling
Great elbows
Granite chin

BJJ Blue Belt
Decent boxing
Tends to cut

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 0 - 1 - 0, fighting out of The Island, Mao Elfron!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 1 - 0, fighting out of The Island, James Delode!
The judges for this bout are Peter Branson, Bart Greer and Santiago Holmes.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Delode shoots for a takedown but Elfron saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
Delode shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Elfron as he avoids it easily.
Delode shoots for a double leg takedown but Elfron sprawls well. He's pushed Delode's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Mao Elfron has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of James Delode.
Delode looks winded!
Delode throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Elfron's waist but Elfron gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Delode off to one side.
Elfron fails with an attempt to clinch.
Delode fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Delode shoots in but no luck this time.
Elfron shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Delode as he jumps to the side.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Delode.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Elfron throws a series of punches but Delode moves out of range.
Elfron tries to clinch up but Delode circles away and keeps his distance.
Delode shoots in and drives through. Elfron sprawls well.
Elfron shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Delode but Delode pushes him off and we're back to square one.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Delode staying out of range there.
Delode fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Elfron avoids it really well and circles away.

Elfron has Delode up against the cage in a clinch.
Elfron is trying to slow down the pace in the clinch, to catch his breath.
Elfron is looking to control Delode's arms but Delode gets an underhook and turns him. Now Elfron has his back to the cage.
Delode looking to throw knees to the head but Elfron is blocking nicely.
Elfron wants to stall.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.
Elfron is trying to stall.
Maybe Elfron would be better served going for some more strikes rather than trying to control so much.
Elfron is looking to take this one to the mat.

Delode has double underhooks and is working for a body lock takedown. He's got it. The fighters land in half guard but Elfron regains guard immediately.
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.
Delode working in close now, lands a nice elbow to the side of Elfron's head.

Elfron is working an open guard so Delode takes the opportunity to get back to his feet.
Delode shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Elfron as he jumps to the side.
Delode fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Delode dives in for a single leg takedown but Elfron sprawls and the fighters end up clinched against the cage.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Elfron looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Delode is fending him off so far but Elfron persists. Nope, Delode circles away and we're back to standing.
Elfron defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Delode.
Delode tries for a takedown but Elfron sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Elfron fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Elfron moves in looking to clinch but Delode pushes him off.

Delode is looking for a takedown here. He's shot in and has managed to get it, finishing up in Elfron's half guard.

Delode gets to his feet - back to striking we go!
Delode misses with a takedown attempt - Elfron sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Well, he's not going to score with shots like that. A lazy body kick attempt from Elfron.
Delode tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Elfron swivels and escapes.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Delode gets in close and instigates a clinch.
A nice right hand lands inside from Delode.
Elfron is looking to control Delode's arms but Delode gets an underhook and turns him. Now Elfron has his back to the cage.
Delode can't get the takedown.

Delode manages to break the clinch.
Elfron stuffs the takedown.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Elfron stuffs the takedown.
Delode shoots for a takedown but Elfron saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
Elfron fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Delode avoids it really well and circles away.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Delode.
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 Mao Elfron will probably get the nod.
That's time! Back to the action!

Elfron throws a head kick but Delode moves out of range.
Delode is trying hard to land a takedown here. Elfron sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
Delode keeps the fight on the outside.
Delode shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Elfron as he avoids it easily.
Elfron thinks about countering with a body kick.
No luck for Elfron with that takedown attempt.
Elfron keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
Mao Elfron has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of James Delode.
Nice takedown defense from Elfron. No joy for Delode on that attempt.

Elfron scores with a takedown into Delode's guard.

Delode pushes Elfron off and scrambles back to his feet.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Delode looks for a takedown but Elfron sprawls well.
Elfron appears to be looking for a big counter.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Delode is trying hard to land a takedown here. Elfron sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
Elfron misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Delode.
Delode shoots in for a takedown but Elfron shows good takedown defense.
Delode dives in for a single leg takedown but Elfron sprawls and the fighters end up clinched against the cage.
Delode fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Delode dives in for a single leg takedown but Elfron sprawls and the fighters end up clinched against the cage.
The fighters are going at a pretty good pace and they're both starting to sweat now.
Delode goes for a double leg but Elfron avoids the attempt and the two fighters end up clinched against the cage as Elfron continues to drive forward.
Delode fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Delode shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Elfron as he jumps to the side.
Delode uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Elfron.
Delode is trying hard to land a takedown here. Elfron sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
Delode looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Elfron is fending him off so far but Delode persists. Nope, Elfron circles away and we're back to standing.
Elfron stuffs the takedown attempt from Delode. Delode gets slowly back to his feet.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Delode shoots in for a takedown but Elfron shows good takedown defense.
Elfron slaps away a takedown attempt from Delode, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Delode fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Elfron avoids it really well and circles away.
Elfron drops down looking for a counter takedown but Delode sprawls and moves away.
Delode shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Elfron defends it nicely.
Delode fails with a takedown attempt.
Elfron is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Delode can do to turn this around?
Delode shoots in for a takedown but Elfron shows good takedown defense.
Horrible takedown attempt by Delode or perhaps it was just good defense by Elfron, which made it look bad.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Delode shoots in looking for a takedown but Elfron manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Delode's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
Elfron keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.

Delode forces Elfron back against the cage and clinches.
Elfron taking a breather.

Delode's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Nice takedown defense from Elfron. No joy for Delode on that attempt.
Delode shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Elfron shoots in but Delode avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Delode tries to drive through with a takedown attempt but Elfron defends well and Delode ends up having to push Elfron into the cage where they will battle it out in the clinch.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Elfron takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.
Delode looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Elfron is fending him off so far but Delode persists. Nope, Elfron circles away and we're back to standing.
Delode misses with a takedown attempt - Elfron sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Delode shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Elfron defends it nicely.
Nice sprawl there from Elfron as Delode shoots in.
Delode throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Elfron's waist but Elfron gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Delode off to one side.
Delode shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Elfron sprawls well. Elfron wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Delode gets slowly back to his feet.
Delode dives in for a single leg takedown but Elfron sprawls and the fighters end up clinched against the cage.
Delode shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Elfron sprawls well. Elfron wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Delode gets slowly back to his feet.
And Elfron counters with a quick kick to the body but Delode blocks it.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Mao Elfron dominated that second 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. 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.

Delode feints a jab promting Elfron to slip. Delode then demonstrates his capabilities by jabbing again. Elfron slips again and ducks right into an uppercut.
Delode closes this distance looking for a takedown but Elfron circles away.
James Delode seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Delode shoots in for a takedown but Elfron shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Elfron tries to close the distance and clinch but Delode swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Elfron tries to clinch but Delode moves out of range.
Elfron is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Elfron throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Delode steps in looking to clinch after the strikes miss from Elfron.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Elfron stuffs the takedown attempt from Delode. Delode gets slowly back to his feet.
Mao Elfron has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of James Delode.
Delode shoots in and drives through. Elfron sprawls well.

Elfron closes the distance and gets a double leg, slamming Delode to the mat! Delode manages to get full guard.

Delode has his feet on Elfron's hips. He pushes off and gets to his feet. Nice work.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Elfron shoots in but no luck this time.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Delode is defended easily by Elfron.
Mao Elfron is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Elfron wants to clinch.
Delode wants to counter with a clinch but Elfron pushes him away.
Elfron leaves Delode with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
Elfron tries to counter by clinching up but Delode breaks away and moves out of range.
Elfron tries to clinch there but Delode circles away.
Delode now looks to counter with a shot at the body.
Elfron slaps away a takedown attempt from Delode, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Elfron misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Delode tries to drive through with a takedown attempt but Elfron defends well and Delode ends up having to push Elfron into the cage where they will battle it out in the clinch.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Delode shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Elfron as he avoids it easily.
Delode tries for a takedown but Elfron sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
As Delode looks to move away, Elfron throws a big counter combo but Delode just gets out of the way.
Horrible takedown attempt by Delode or perhaps it was just good defense by Elfron, which made it look bad.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Delode is defended easily by Elfron.
Delode shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Elfron sprawls well. Elfron wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Delode gets slowly back to his feet.
Delode slaps away a takedown attempt from Elfron, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Delode shoots in looking for a takedown. Elfron tries to sprawl out of it but Delode keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Elfron manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Elfron looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Delode is fending him off so far but Elfron persists. Nope, Delode circles away and we're back to standing.
Delode tries to score a power double leg takedown but Elfron sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Delode somewhat.
Elfron shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Delode sprawls well. Delode wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Elfron gets slowly back to his feet.
Delode is a painfully thin specimen of a man. You do wonder whether a good body kick would snap him clean in two.
Delode lands a jab-cross combination.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Delode.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Delode.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Nice sprawl there from Elfron as Delode shoots in.
Delode shoots in but Elfron avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Elfron half commits to a counter takedown before pushing away, out of range.
Delode looks for the body kick but Elfron saw that one coming.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Delode.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Delode.
Elfron keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
Delode throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Elfron's waist but Elfron gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Delode off to one side.
Delode shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Elfron defends it nicely.

And that's the end of the fight!
Mao Elfron showed his dominance in that final round.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Elfron, winning every round. Will the judges agree? They are the ones who matter, even if they are often depressingly incompetent. Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Peter Branson scores the fight 30:27
Judge Bart Greer scores the fight 30:27
Judge Santiago Holmes scores the fight 30:27

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Mao Elfron!