PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Michael Cole (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Max Houston (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Cole's ring entrance music is that housewives' favourite, I Won't Back Down. Max Houston has the better chin. Will he look to stand and bang today?

Cole
vs
Houston

175 cm
24
200 lbs
12 - 4 - 0

179 cm
23
199 lbs
5 - 1 - 0

Great wrestler
World class boxer
Cardio machine

Excellent grappler
World class MT
Good gas tank

Aspire Clothing
MayheM sportswear

Milwaukee's Best 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 12 - 4 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Michael Cole!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 5 - 1 - 0, fighting out of New York, Max Houston!
The judges for this bout are Bruno Lombardi, Eddie Farnsworth and Jorge Garcia.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Houston misses the shot to the body.
Houston digs a good body shot into Cole's ribs.
Houston avoids the body shot from Cole.
Cole takes a head kick and keeps coming.
Danga de danga de dang - Cole scores with a four punch combination!

It looks like Max Houston has been cut.
Houston swings widly with a right hand

and Cole moves into the clinch.
Cole lands a shot to the body.
Houston wants to push off and get back to the center of the mat but Cole has him pressed against the cage.
Cole prevents a body shot from Houston.
Cole doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Cole will no doubt start fighting again in a minute but for now he's just having a little rest, leaning Houston up against the cage.
Cole has a couple of punches blocked by Houston.
We've been informed that Houston has been sparring a lot of Muay Thai in the buildup to this fight so let's see if that has an impact on the result.
Cole working aggressively here.
Cole doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
We've been hearing reports that Cole has been drilling takedowns in recent sessions so let's see if that has an impact on the result of this fight.
Good anti-grappling being displayed by Houston as Cole tries to tie him up.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Houston blocking some punches.
Houston lands an uppercut.
Cole stalls.
Houston blocks a body shot from Cole.
Houston working aggressively here.
Good body shot from Cole.
Cole presses Houston against the cage and delivers a mid-strength body shot.
Houston tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Cole scores with a shoulder strike.
Cole tries a body shot but Houston blocks it.
Houston blocks an uppercut.
Cole prevents Houston from breaking the clinch.
The pace really dropping off here, momentarily.
Cole lands an uppercut.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Cole working aggressively here.
Cole softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
Houston blocks a body shot from Cole.
Houston blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Cole scores with an uppercut up the middle.

Houston breaks from the clinch.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Houston takes a swing at Cole's ribcage but misses.

Cole clinches with his opponent.

Houston breaks from the clinch.
Houston throws a head kick that misses

and Cole counters by moving into the clinch. Good anticipation by Cole.
Houston is looking to break free of the clinch but Cole has double underhooks.
Cole misses with a short punch on the inside.
A bit of stalling here from Cole.
Still in the clinch, Cole scores with a nice short uppercut.
Cole tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Cole lands with a left to the head.
A nice left hand lands by Cole.
Houston tries to break the clinch but Cole is controlling the position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Cole misses with a short punch on the inside.
Cole tries to throw a body punch but Houston avoids it by throwing Cole back against the cage.
Houston blocks a body shot from Cole.
Cole tries to work over Houston's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Cole has Houston pressed against the cage, preventing Houston from circling away and getting back to striking at range.
Cole lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
Houston blocks a body shot from Cole.

Houston breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
A big right from Houston misses.
Cole takes a shot right to the bread basket.
A head kick misses from Houston.
Max Houston seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Cole fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Houston manages to avoid it.
Houston throws a fast counter high kick but Cole manages to duck under it in time.
Houston takes a step towards his opponent and connects with a left hand, before circling away.
Houston misses with a hook. Cole ducked under it nicely.
As Houston tries to get set, Cole tries to push him back and clinch up but Houston manages to avoid the attempt.
A telegraphed right hand from Houston misses the target.
Cole was looking to counter that last move with a shot to the body but he didn't commit.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Houston thows a leg kick but Cole checks it

and Cole counters with a takedown into side control! That could mean trouble for Houston!
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Houston gets one leg under and gets the fight to half guard.
Cole wants to pass the guard but Houston is defending well.
Houston keeping control of the leg, stopping his opponent passing to mount.

Houston looking for submissions from an awkward position here.
Houston is looking for a sweep. Cole is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Cole 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.
Cole working the head and body with strikes.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Michael Cole dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Max Houston's cut.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!

Houston fakes with the hands and throws a leg kick but Cole is out of range.

Cole moves into the clinch.
Houston has Cole pushed against the cage.
Houston looks like he'd prefer to be striking at range right now.
Houston tries a body shot but Cole blocks it.
Cole throws a punch but it's blocked by Houston.
Cole lands a body shot.

Houston breaks the clinch.

Cole has Houston up against the cage in a clinch.
Cole softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Cole prevents Houston from breaking the clinch.
Cole lands a left hand.
Cole tries to score a body lock takedown but Houston shows good agility there to stay on his feet.
Houston throws a head punch that misses.
Still in the clinch, Cole scores with a nice short uppercut.
Houston blocks a punch to the side of the head.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Houston lands a shoulder strike.
Cole is working hard here but doesn't seem to be able to control effectively, up against the cage.

Houston breaks from the clinch.
Cole slips under a jab.
Houston on the wrong end of a nice hook.
Houston tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Cole is trying to close the distance and clinch up, after that failed offence from Houston.
Houston misses with the combination.
Houston throws a sloppy head kick

and Cole counters by moving into the clinch.
Cole misses with a punch to the body.
Cole prevents a body shot from Houston.
Cole tries a body shot but Houston blocks it.
Cole lands a right hand.

Houston breaks the clinch.
Cole cracks a nice hook into Houston's ribs.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Cole.

Cole gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Houston tries to throw a body punch but Cole avoids it by throwing Houston back against the cage.

Houston breaks from the clinch.
Cole throws a sloppy body shot
and Cole takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Cole scores with a nice right hand.
Cole tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Houston paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Cole moves in looking to clinch but Houston pushes him off.

Cole rushes Houston and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.
Houston blocks a body shot from Cole.
Cole doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Cole scores with a nice hook to the head.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Still in the clinch, Houston scores with a nice short uppercut.
Cole lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
Houston tries to throw a body punch but Cole avoids it by throwing Houston back against the cage.
Cole is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Houston can do to turn this around?
Cole softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
Houston blocks a body shot from Cole.
Houston is trying to force a seperation but Cole has the dominant position.
Cole tries a body shot but Houston blocks it.
Houston wants to break free but Cole has control.
Houston is trying to break free.

Houston escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Cole with a jab.
Cole tries to close the distance and clinch but Houston swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Houston does a little shimmy and throws a leg kick. The leg kick missed by a considerable margin though, making him look a little bit silly for doing the shimmy.
A looping hook to the body misses from Houston. Cole does a little dance to reset his feet.
Cole lands a jab to Houston's midsection.
Max Houston is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Houston throws a left and a right that both miss

and Cole counters by moving into the clinch. Good anticipation by Cole.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Houston breaks from the clinch.
Houston takes a swing at Cole's ribcage but misses.
A slow jab from Houston misses its intended target.
Houston misses with an attempted mid kick.
Cole is trying to close the distance and clinch up, after that failed offence from Houston.
Cole moves in looking to clinch but Houston pushes him off.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Houston throws a shot from downtown. Cole moves away and avoids it.
Houston loads up on a big right hand but Cole slips the punch.
Cole swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.
Cole will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Michael Cole. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Houston lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Cole circles away quickly and effectively.
Cole tries to close the distance and clinch up but Houston swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Jab by Houston.
Cole slips under a jab from Houston.
Cole ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Houston moves away.
Houston plants his feet and lands a nice head kick!
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 Michael Cole will probably get the nod.
The cut man is working on Max Houston's cut.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!

Cole scores with a jab to the head.
Houston throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Houston avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Houston loads up on a big right hand but Cole slips the punch.
A head kick misses from Houston.

Cole closes the distance and pushes Houston back into the cage.
Cole can't find room to land a body shot as Houston controls the action.
Cole working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
Cole lands an uppercut.
Cole misses with some punches.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
A short body shot lands from Cole as the two fighters clinch.
Still in the clinch, Cole scores with a nice short uppercut.
Cole goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
A left hand lands to the body for Cole.
Houston takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Cole swings wildly with an uppercut but Houston uses good head movement to avoid it.
Cole is working Houston over against the cage.

That's one minute gone in the round.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Cole.
Cole lands a hook to the body. It's hard to tell if that hurt Houston or not.
Still in the clinch, Cole scores with a nice short uppercut.
Houston misses with a punch on the inside.
Cole tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Cole gets through Houston's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
Cole softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
Cole throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Houstons head.
Cole lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Houston backwards.

Houston is rocked!
Cole misses with a punch on the inside.
Houston letting Cole take a breather here.
Cole tries to throw a body punch but Houston avoids it by throwing Cole back against the cage.
Houston blocks a body shot from Cole.
Houston blocks an uppercut.
Cole misses with a hook from the clinch.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A hook to the body from Cole.
Cole doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Cole tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Houston's elbow.
Nice body punch from Cole.
Houston tries to break the clinch but Cole is controlling the position.
A frustrated look appears on Houston's face as he tries to break the clinch.
Cole misses with a hook to the ribs.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
A nice left hand lands by Cole.
Houston lands a hook that snaps the head of Cole backwards.
Cole swings wildly with an uppercut but Houston uses good head movement to avoid it.
Houston looks like he'd prefer to be striking at range right now.
A nice left hand lands by Houston.
A hook to the body from Cole.
Michael Cole has scored more points in the clinch so far.
Cole can't find room to land a body shot as Houston controls the action.
Houston is trying to force a seperation but Cole has the dominant position.
Cole is struggling to control the position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Cole lands a nice looking hook to the body, against the cage.
Cole tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Houston's elbow.
Cole pushes Houston back against the cage and unloads with a body punch.
Cole struggles to land a body shot inside as Houston controls his hands.
Houston's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
Cole working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
A nice left hand lands by Cole.
Houston is still on wobbly legs! Can Cole finish him?
Cole goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Houston wants to break free. God knows he wants to breaaaak freeee.
Houston working hard to break the clinch.
Houston seems to have recovered his senses.
Houston swings wildly with an uppercut but Cole uses good head movement to avoid it.
Cole lands a body punch - he's looking to wear down Houston.
Good body shot from Cole.
A body shot lands from Cole.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Cole has dropped down and is working for a takedown. Houston is trying to keep an underhook but Cole manages to get the takedown into half guard.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Cole is controlling the pace.
The referee walks around the fighters to get a better view of the action. Cole lands a nice short elbow.
The referee walks around the fighters to get a better view of the action. Cole lands a nice short elbow.
Cole scores with a couple of good hammerfists.
The referee walks around the fighters to get a better view of the action. Cole lands a nice short elbow.
Cole is nestled in close to Houston, controlling him well. He's worked in a nice elbow to the side of the head as well, for good measure.
Houston tries to kick Cole off but Cole keeps his base steady and stays in half guard.
Houston on the receiving end of some nice ground and pound.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Michael Cole clearly takes that round.
The cut man is working on Max Houston's cut.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!

Houston throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Cole wants to take advantage of his opponent's missed offense by moving into the clinch.
Houston rushes in with a sloppy looking punch

and Cole holds on and brings the fighters into a clinch.
Cole tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.

Houston's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Houston throws out a leg kick but Cole moves out of range and Houston only half commits.
Cole moves in looking to clinch but Houston pushes him off.
A low kick from Houston is predictable there
and Cole cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Cole tries to clinch but Houston moves out of range.
Houston connects with a solid leg kick.
Cole darts in trying to clinch
and Houston counters with a lovely shot to the body.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Cole is looking to clinch but Houston is avoiding it.
Cole wants to clinch.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Houston fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Cole manages to avoid it.
Houston misses with a combination
and Cole counters with a shot to the ribs. That looked like it hurt.
Houston throws a head kick that misses.
Houston with a jab.
Cole is looking to wear down Houston with body shots, infact he's throwing more body shots than head shots at the moment.
Cole checks a low kick. Bone on bone - not my idea of a good time.

Cole darts in and clinches Houston up against the cage.
Cole will no doubt start fighting again in a minute but for now he's just having a little rest, leaning Houston up against the cage.
Houston is trying to work out of this bad position, with his back against the cage.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Houston.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Cole.
Cole misses with some punches.
A right hand to the body from Cole.
Houston is absolutely dripping with sweat - he looks exhausted.
Cole gets through Houston's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
Cole tries to throw a body punch but Houston avoids it by throwing Cole back against the cage.
Houston tries to circle away but Cole has him pinned against the cage.
Houston working hard to break the clinch.
Houston looks like he'd prefer to be striking at range right now.
Cole misses with the head strike.
Cole lands a shot to the body.
Cole lands with a right to the head.
Cole tries to land a knee to the head but Houston blocks with his arms.
Houston tries to circle away but Cole has him pinned against the cage.
Cole tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Cole cracks Houston with a nice body shot.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Cole works on Houston's body with a couple of short punches.
Cole tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Houston's elbow.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Cole tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Houston's elbow.
Cole lands a body shot.
A left hand lands to the body for Cole.
Cole lands a shoulder strike.
Cole lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
Cole can't find room to land a body shot as Houston controls the action.
Houston is trying to force a seperation but Cole has the dominant position.
Cole keeps control of Houston as he tries to wriggle out of the double underhooks.
Cole is leaning against Houston and scores with a nice uppercut to the body.
Cole lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
Cole tries to throw a body punch but Houston avoids it by throwing Cole back against the cage.
A short right from Cole on the inside.

Houston breaks the clinch.
Cole fakes a head shot and lands one to the body.
Cole scores with a sloppy punch to the body. Not much technique there but it did the business.
Houston misses with a hook.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Some wild striking there from Cole.
Houston throws a big counter head kick but Cole avoids it with no problem.
Houston needs to keep his hands up - Cole had a free shot at his head there.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Cole wants to clinch.
Cole throws a good cross that connects.
Cole has his front leg slapped to the side - a nice low kick landing there from Houston.
Cole closes the distance looking to clinch
and Houston counters with a nice uppercut.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Michael Cole had his way with Max Houston in that round.
The cut man is working on Max Houston's cut.
That's time! Cole's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight. This is the final round!

Houston throws a series of punches but Cole moves out of range.
Cole drops down looking for a counter takedown but Houston sprawls and moves away.
No joy there for Houston, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
A solid leg kick lands there for Houston.
Houston misses with a jab to the body

and Cole counters with a takedown into side control! That could mean trouble for Houston!
Cole is moving around in side control but his primary objective seems to be to maintain the position.
Houston is looking to work his way out of this bad position but Cole is controlling him well.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Cole trying to control the action but Houston is working from the bottom.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Houston is trying to work for a sweep but Cole has mounted him!

That's one minute gone in the round.
Cole raining down hammerfists from mount.
Cole working the ground and pound effectively.
Cole with the ground and pound from mount.
Houston is squirming around, avoiding Cole's attempts to control the action.
The crowd growing excited in anticipation of a finish here! Right on cue, Cole cracks his opponent with a massive right hand that draws loud cheers!
Cole landing punches.
Houston is trying to stand up.
Cole landing strikes from the mount and Houston is in trouble!
Houston wants to hold on but Cole pushes him away.
Max Houston has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd growing excited in anticipation of a finish here! Right on cue, Cole cracks his opponent with a massive right hand that draws loud cheers!
This has been an exciting period of action!
Cole drops a big elbow. That's hurt Houston! More shots from Cole and the ref steps in! The fight is over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:32 of round 5, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Michael Cole!
Michael Cole retains his middleweight title!
Michael Cole made sure to mention his sponsor, MayheM sportswear in his post fight interview.