PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Ichabod Crane (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Ricardo Monteban (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Crane comes to the cage accompanied by Way of The Ninja. The atmosphere really building for this one as we go over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Crane
vs
Monteban

165 cm
33
154 lbs
30 - 18 - 0

165 cm
34
148 lbs
28 - 16 - 0

Good wrestling
World class boxer
Insanely flexible

BJJ Red Belt
World class boxer
Good gas tank

Sin City Allstars
Aspire Clothing

Aspire Clothing

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the featherweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 30 - 18 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Ichabod Crane!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 28 - 16 - 0, fighting out of Amsterdam, Ricardo Monteban!
The judges for this bout are Cecil Peabody, Frank Dennis and Chris Downing.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Crane is looking to clinch.
Crane keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
Monteban ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Crane moves away.
Monteban fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Crane manages to avoid it.
Crane seems to be moving with more speed, compared to his last bout. He must have been working on that in the gym.
Crane slips a jab from Monteban.
Crane jabs Monteban to the body, keeping him at a distance.
Crane throws a body punch but Monteban moves out of range.
Crane swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Monteban swings away with a leg kick that misses.

Crane clinches with his opponent.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Crane lands an uppercut.
Monteban lands a hook that snaps the head of Crane backwards.
Monteban blocks an uppercut.
Monteban stalling the fight.
Crane stalling here - the referee won't stand for too much of that.

Crane escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Monteban avoids a punch combination nicely.
Monteban is definitely looking for the counter takedowns here.
Crane swings for the body but Monteban moves out of range.
Crane misses with a body shot.
Crane ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Monteban moves away.
Monteban swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Ichabod Crane is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Crane throws a body punch but Monteban moves out of range.
Monteban scores with a hook to the body. Crane takes a step back and tries to catch his breath.
Crane uses good footwork to get in and out and land a nice right hand before Monteban has time to react.
Monteban throws a predictable looking body shot
and Crane makes him pay by landing a nice hook to the body before moving out of range.
Crane swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Monteban with the counter takedown but Crane avoids it easily.
Good standup being displayed there by Crane as he connects with a hook.
Crane connects with a lovely right hand, straight down the pipe.
Monteban keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Crane just misses with a punch to the body.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Monteban scores with a hook.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Crane lands a straight punch to the body, keeping Monteban at a distance.
Monteban fails with an attempt to clinch.
Crane punishes Monteban's body with a nice straight punch.

Monteban shoots in for a takedown and gets it.
The two fighters exchange a few words. I couldn't hear what they were saying but maybe it's more fun if you make it up yourself. Monteban connects with a nice short shot to Crane's temple.
Crane tries to roll over but Monteban keeps him under control.
Monteban not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
Monteban throwing shots but Crane is blocking nicely.
Monteban not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
Monteban not landing any meaningful shots this time.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Monteban missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.

Monteban is trying a forearm choke… I don't think that's going to do much at this level of the game.
Monteban seems to be taking a bit of a break to think of his next move. He lands a short punch in the meantime.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

Crane is defending against the submission attempts here by Monteban.
Monteban is looking to stall here but Crane recovers full guard.
Monteban working some strikes from top position.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Monteban won't allow Crane to sweep him here.
Crane wants to get back to his feet but Monteban is in a dominant position and won't allow it.
Monteban trying to control but Crane is working from the bottom.
Monteban with a flurry of punches that miss.
Monteban throws a big right hand that misses.
Monteban throws a big elbow that misses.
Crane working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Monteban.
Monteban trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Monteban throws a strike but Crane rolls with it and manages to sweep. Now he's in guard on top.

And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Ichabod Crane dominated that round.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

Monteban fakes with a right hand and throws a good leg kick, right into the thigh. That had to hurt Crane.
Crane throws a body shot but no joy.
Monteban sizes up Crane with a pawing jab and scores with a straight right down the middle.
Monteban walks into a stiff left hand from Crane.
Crane swings for the body but Monteban moves out of range.
Monteban keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Monteban throws out a counter right but Crane avoids it with no problem.
A solid body kick from Monteban.
Monteban misses with a straight left.
Monteban displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Crane throws out the jab.
Ichabod Crane is winning the standup battle so far.
Crane uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Monteban.
Crane tries to move into range but Monteban moves to the side and lands with a nice right hand.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Crane tries to clinch up but Monteban circles away and keeps his distance.
Well, he's not going to score with shots like that. A lazy body kick attempt from Monteban.
Crane scores with a punch to the gut of his opponent.
Monteban shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Crane as he avoids it easily.
Monteban avoids a punch combination nicely.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Monteban misses with an uppercut. Crane saw that one coming.
Crane misses the shot to the body.
Monteban is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Crane.
Crane tries to counter by clinching up but Monteban breaks away and moves out of range.
Crane is looking to wear down Monteban with body shots, infact he's throwing more body shots than head shots at the moment.

Monteban rushes Crane and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.
Monteban goes for a takedown in the clinch but Crane prevents it.
Crane is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Monteban is defending well for now.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Crane.
Crane lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.

Crane pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Crane works the jab nicely.
Monteban misses the shot to the body.
A quick step to the side and Crane tries to counter with a shot to the body but it doesn't connect.
Crane connects with a lovely right hand, straight down the pipe.
Monteban swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Monteban looks to score with a jab to the body but Crane is just out of range.
Monteban rushes in with a sloppy looking punch

and Crane moves into the clinch.
Crane swings wildly with an uppercut but Monteban uses good head movement to avoid it.
Crane is working Monteban over against the cage.

Crane escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Crane throws a jab when Monteban was well out of range.
Monteban moves out of range as Crane strikes.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Monteban! But no joy.
Monteban misses with a hook
and Crane makes him pay by landing a nice hook to the body before moving out of range.
Crane slips a straight right by Monteban.
Monteban misses the jab.
Crane cracks Monteban with an open hand slap.
Crane looks to score with a jab to the body but Monteban is just out of range.
Monteban throws an off balance right hand
and Crane counters with a right hand to the body.

Monteban clinches.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Crane breaks from the clinch.
Crane misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Monteban.
Crane throws a body punch but Monteban moves out of range.
Crane misses with a wild body shot.
Monteban wants to slow Crane down by chopping away at his legs.
Monteban fakes with a right hand and throws a good leg kick, right into the thigh. That had to hurt Crane.
Monteban avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Crane keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Crane misses with an uppercut. Monteban saw that one coming.
Crane drops his hands momentarily and Monteban takes advantage with a crisp shot to the head.
Crane swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Crane swings for the body but Monteban moves out of range.
Monteban cracks Crane with a hook to the jaw. Both fighters smile at eachother and high-five before getting back down to business.
Monteban moving in and out of range nicely, whilst landing the scoring shot.
Crane looks shocked there as he takes a right hand to the temple.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Crane lands a body shot.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Nice jab there from Monteban.
A big right from Monteban misses.
Crane throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Crane fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Monteban manages to avoid it.
Crane ducks low and lands a nice hook to the body of his opponent.
Crane throws a body shot but no joy.
Monteban fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Crane manages to avoid it.
Crane defending well as Monteban loads up on a big left hand.
Monteban misses with a body kick.
Monteban moves away from the strike by Crane.
Monteban only half commits to the counter leg kick.
Monteban slips under a jab from Crane.
Monteban tries to land a front kick but Crane steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed.
Crane looks to land a left hand but Monteban moved out of range nicely.
Crane's jab looks to have found its range, popping Monteban under the eye.
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 Ichabod Crane 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.

Monteban wants to clinch up but Crane keeps it at a distance.
Crane slaps away a takedown attempt from Monteban, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Monteban steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Crane.
Monteban takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.
Monteban fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Crane manages to avoid it.
Monteban on the wrong end of a vicious looking body shot.
Crane tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Monteban was well out of range. Poor timing from Crane.
Monteban's jab looks to have found its range, popping Crane under the eye.
Crane keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
A big left from Crane misses.
Crane's corner calls for a 1-2. Crane obliges with the 1 part as he scores the single shot and moves back out of range.
Crane swings and misses with a hook to the body.
A big right from Crane misses.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Monteban! But no joy.

Crane moves into the clinch.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Crane tries a knee to the head but Monteban blocks it.
Monteban has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Crane is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.
Monteban keeps control of Crane as he tries to wriggle out of the double underhooks.
Crane misses with a body punch.
Crane lands a shoulder strike.
Crane tries to land a knee to the head but misses.
Crane wants to break free but Monteban has control.
Crane stalling in the clinch but Monteban improves position.
Monteban pressing his opponent against the cage.
Crane stops a takedown attempt from Monteban.
Ichabod Crane has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Ricardo Monteban.
Crane throws a punch but it's blocked by Monteban.
Crane with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.
Crane stalls.
Crane trying to stall but Monteban improves his position.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Crane missing with knees to the body.
Ichabod Crane has scored more points in the clinch so far.
Monteban is trying to pull guard but Crane has him pressed against the cage.
Monteban on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.

Crane breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Monteban connects with a leg kick. He turned his hip over nicely there.
Monteban throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Crane takes one to the chin there.
Crane misses with a wild body shot.
Crane avoids a kick to the body.
Crane fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Crane misses with an uppercut
and Monteban counters with a shot to the ribs. That looked like it hurt.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Monteban is looking to score with low kicks.
Monteban connects with the punch.
Crane throws a good cross that connects.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Monteban looks for the body kick but Crane saw that one coming.
Monteban throws the left hand but Crane avoids the punch easily.
Monteban tests Crane's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Monteban uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Crane.
Monteban lands with a nice low kick. That'll leave a bruise.
Crane thuds a left hand into Monteban's body.
Monteban misses with a right hand
and Crane counters with a shot to the ribs. That looked like it hurt.
Crane is moving around nicely and scores here with a single head shot.
Crane takes an uppercut right on the jaw but it doesn't phase him.
Crane throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Monteban sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Monteban misses with a looping right.
Monteban throws a leg kick
and Crane counters with a straight right hand.
Monteban keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Crane looks to land a left hand but Monteban moved out of range nicely.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Monteban scores with a reasonable looking shot to the body. Crane doesn't seem bothered though.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Monteban throws out a loose jab but Crane uses good head movement to avoid it.
Crane throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Monteban throws a lazy uppercut
and Crane counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Crane on the wrong end of a decent looking cross there.
Monteban takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
Monteban dives in for a single leg takedown but Crane sprawls and the fighters end up clinched against the cage.

Monteban closes the distance and after a bit of a stuggle, scores a takedown into Crane's guard.
Crane has momentary wrist control but Monteban slips an elbow through the middle.
Crane keeping moving, preventing Monteban from controlling successfully.
Monteban is frustrating his opponent with some stalling tactics from top position.
Monteban connects with a couple of short punches.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Ichabod Crane clearly takes that round.
That's time! Back to the action!

Monteban throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Crane thows a left - swing and a miss!
Monteban throws a couple of head shots and lands with the final one - a decent hook, which struck Crane on the side of the head.
Crane just misses with a punch to the body.
Good exchange - Crane coming out on top.
Crane tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Monteban was well out of range. Poor timing from Crane.
Crane looks to score with a jab to the body but Monteban is just out of range.
Monteban throws a hook to the side of Crane's head but Crane sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Monteban doesn't manage to clinch there - Crane circles away.
Crane throws a sloppy body shot
and Monteban counters with a nice uppercut.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Monteban takes a really solid shot there but just smiles back and shrugs his shoulders.
A telegraphed right hand from Monteban misses the target.
Monteban is pinned up against the cage taking some big shots here. The referee is looking closely deciding whether he should stop the fight.
Monteban uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Crane.
Monteban is clearly trying to counter these attacks from Crane with a body shot.
Crane swings for the body but Monteban moves out of range.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Crane throws a body shot but no joy.
Crane misses with a hook. Monteban ducked under it nicely.
Monteban throws out a loose jab but Crane uses good head movement to avoid it.
Crane ducks under a wild hook from Monteban.
Crane shakes his hands off, looking to compose himself, but takes a jab to the jaw whilst he does it.
A big right from Crane misses.
Crane takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.
Monteban throws a jab but it's blocked by Crane.
Crane misses with a looping right.
Monteban throws a poor cross that misses
and Crane connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Nice uppercut lands for Crane. That snapped Monteban's head back.
Monteban moves out of range as Crane strikes.
Monteban cracks a nice hook into Crane's ribs.
Crane misses with a hook. Monteban ducked under it nicely.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Monteban takes a swing at Crane's ribcage but misses.
Monteban wants to slow Crane down by chopping away at his legs.
Crane throws an overhand right that lands on Monteban's shoulder, as Monteban tries to avoid the shot.
Monteban lands with a right hand.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Monteban tries to score a power double leg takedown but Crane sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Monteban somewhat.
Crane looks to score with a jab to the body but Monteban is just out of range.
Monteban connects with the punch.
Monteban takes a jab on the nose there. A little bit of blood seems to be coming out. Hopefully that won't affect his breathing.

Crane moves into range and clinches up with Monteban.
Crane has a couple of punches blocked by Monteban.
Monteban has Crane pressed against the cage.
Crane pushes Monteban back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Crane's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Monteban misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Crane.
Monteban connects with a single shot there.
Crane misses the body punch
and Monteban counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Monteban throws a body punch but Crane moves out of range.
Monteban shoots in but no luck this time.
A little feinted left hand from Crane on the counter but he doesn't commit to it.
Monteban just misses with a punch to the body.
An attempted straight right counter from Crane misses the target.
Crane looks like he's developed a pretty tasty lump over his left eye. He'll need to avoid taking much more damage to that.
Monteban uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Crane.
Monteban ducks under a wild hook from Crane.
Monteban doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
Nice uppercut lands for Crane. That snapped Monteban's head back.

Monteban closes the distance and clinches up, looking for a takedown. He shifts his weight and gets a nice trip into half guard.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.

Monteban is looking for an arm triangle, whilst trying to pass to side control. Crane doesn't seem that keen to cooperate though. No luck this time Monteban.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Crane manages to create a bit of space in order to work his way back to his feet. Monteban keeps hold of his opponent and drives him back against the cage.

Crane breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Crane throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.

Monteban feints and as Crane raises his hands in defense, Monteban changes levels and drives through with a takedown into guard.
Crane wants to get back to his feet but Monteban is in a dominant position and won't allow it.
Monteban loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
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 Ichabod Crane will probably get the nod.
That's time! Crane's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight. This is the final round!

Monteban misses with a body shot.
Monteban pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Crane throws a sloppy body shot
and Monteban counters with a nice uppercut.
Monteban tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Crane was well out of range. Poor timing from Monteban.
Crane ducks under a wild hook from Monteban.
Crane throws a hook but Monteban avoids it easily.
Monteban feints with a shoulder and throws a nice leg kick to Crane's calf.
Crane throws a right and a left that both miss.
Monteban throws out a leg kick but Crane moves out of range and Monteban only half commits.
Monteban swings for the body but Crane moves out of range.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Crane changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.
Crane checks the leg kick.
Crane pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Monteban throws a leg kick
and Crane counters with a lovely straight right hand!

That's one minute gone in the round.
Crane moves out of range of the body kick.

Crane forces Monteban back against the cage and clinches.
Crane misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Monteban.

Crane breaks the clinch.
Monteban with a lazy takedown attempt
and Crane counters with a right hand to the body.
Monteban drops his hands and takes a jab to the jaw for his troubles.
Good work by Crane as he checks the leg kick.
Crane doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
Crane swats away the attempt to clinch by Monteban.
Crane circles away from the clinch attempt
and Crane counters with a lovely shot to the body.
Monteban keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Monteban thuds his right hand into Crane's forehead from close range. That could be painful for both fighters.
Crane takes a swing at Monteban's ribcage but misses.
Monteban pivots, looking for a leg kick but Crane is out of range and Monteban settles back down.
Crane throws a shot to the body.
Crane avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Crane missing with a left hand there. Monteban was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Crane moving in and out of range nicely, whilst landing the scoring shot.
Monteban throws a body kick that misses.
Monteban lands with a hook. Crane tried to avoid it but it clipped the top of his head.
Crane scores with the left hand. Monteban knows he should have avoided that one.
Ricardo Monteban has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Crane throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Monteban looks to throw the jab but Crane is out of range.
Crane misses with a straight right.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Monteban throws out a leg kick but Crane moves out of range and Monteban only half commits.
Crane uses good footwork to get in and out and land a nice right hand before Monteban has time to react.
Monteban connects with a body shot.
Monteban steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Crane.
Crane takes a swing at Monteban's ribcage but misses.
Monteban throws a hook but Crane blocks it.
Ichabod Crane is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Monteban throws a poor cross that misses
and Monteban takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Monteban lands the left hand.
Monteban tries to drive through with a takedown attempt but Crane defends well and Monteban ends up having to push Crane into the cage where they will battle it out in the clinch.
Crane leaves Monteban with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
A counter left hand to the body from Crane misses its target.
Ichabod Crane has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Ricardo Monteban.
Monteban is wobbling all over the place through exhaustion. Will he make it to the final bell?
A right-left combo lands from Crane.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Monteban shoots in looking for a takedown. Crane tries to sprawl out of it but Monteban keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Crane manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Nice defenses there by Crane.
Monteban needs to keep his hands up - Crane had a free shot at his head there.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Crane's corner calls for a 1-2. Crane obliges with the 1 part as he scores the single shot and moves back out of range.
Crane swings wildly with a hook that is half blocked by Monteban.
Monteban takes a hook to the side of the head. I wonder if that's got his ears ringing.
Monteban throws a sloppy body shot
and Crane counters with a right hand to the body.
Crane misses with a wild body shot.
Nice jab there from Crane.
Crane avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Crane throws out a loose jab but Monteban uses good head movement to avoid it.
A little jabbing left from Monteban on the counter but it doesn't find it's target.
Crane throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd.

And that's the end of the fight!
Ichabod Crane showed his dominance in that final round.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Crane, 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 5 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Cecil Peabody scores the fight 50:45
Judge Frank Dennis scores the fight 50:45
Judge Chris Downing scores the fight 50:45

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Ichabod Crane!
Ichabod Crane retains his featherweight title!
Ichabod Crane tried to hype himself up post fight but didn't word it too well and it ended up with him sounding like a bit of a tool.