PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Tobias Marshall (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Connor MacManus (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Marshall
vs
MacManus

170 cm
31
139 lbs
14 - 8 - 0

178 cm
23
156 lbs
12 - 4 - 1

Good wrestling
World class boxer
Insanely flexible

Excellent grappler
Decent boxing
Good gas tank

KAISER Nutrition - Q160/$250

Aspire Nutrition

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the featherweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 14 - 8 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Tobias Marshall!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 12 - 4 - 1, fighting out of New York, Connor MacManus!
The judges for this bout are Frank Antenori, Don Winkell and Timothy Bukovac.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

MacManus rushes Marshall and presses him up against the cage.
Both fighters working to control the clinch.
A short uppercut from Marshall.
Marshall makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
MacManus misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Marshall lands a body punch.
MacManus tries a body shot but Marshall blocks it.
Stalling in the clinch from MacManus.
A real battle for position is taking place between these two warriors.
Come on MacManus - let's have some action - none of this stalling nonsense.
A body shot lands from Marshall.
MacManus will no doubt start fighting again in a minute but for now he's just having a little rest, leaning Marshall up against the cage.
Marshall avoids a wild elbow strike from MacManus.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Marshall holding his opponent close, against the cage.
Marshall is defending well against a takedown attempt.
MacManus missing with knees to the body.
A real battle for position is taking place between these two warriors.
Marshall stalling in the clinch.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Marshall avoiding damage as MacManus throws knees to the body.
Marshall is clearly stalling here... Pick up the pace son.
MacManus goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Marshall blocks an elbow strike from MacManus.
Marshall tries to throw a body punch but MacManus avoids it by throwing Marshall back against the cage.
An uppercut to the body lands inside from Marshall.
Marshall is defending well against a takedown attempt.
Marshall blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.
MacManus tries to land knees in the clinch but Marshall avoids the damage to the body.
Marshall blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.
Marshall is leaning against MacManus and scores with a nice uppercut to the body.
MacManus tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
MacManus struggles to land a body shot inside as Marshall controls his hands.
MacManus tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Marshall stalls.
Marshall stalling.
MacManus misses with some punches.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The fighters are pressed against the cage, as the pace of the fight slows.
MacManus swings away with an uppercut that misses.
MacManus misses with a punch on the inside.
MacManus blocks a body shot from Marshall.
MacManus is looking to control Marshall's arms but Marshall gets an underhook and turns him. Now MacManus has his back to the cage.
MacManus throws a head punch that misses.
MacManus doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
MacManus letting Marshall take a breather here.
Marshall taking a break, stalling in the clinch.
MacManus tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Marshall's elbow.
MacManus lands a hook to the body. It's hard to tell if that hurt Marshall or not.
MacManus scores with a shoulder strike.
A battle for position here, against the cage.
A right handed body shot lands from Marshall.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
MacManus misses with a short punch on the inside.
Marshall doesn't land with the attempted body shot.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Marshall can't find room to land a body shot as MacManus controls the action.
Good anti-grappling being displayed by Marshall as MacManus tries to tie him up.
Marshall lands a left hand that snaps the head of MacManus backwards.
MacManus tries to pull guard but Marshall won't allow it.
Tobias Marshall has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Connor MacManus.
Marshall scores with a shot to the side of MacManus's head.
Marshall working some nice short punches in the clinch.
Marshall lands a hook to the body. It's hard to tell if that hurt MacManus or not.
Marshall can't find room to land a body shot as MacManus controls the action.
Marshall is stalling here.
Come on Marshall - let's have some action - none of this stalling nonsense.
MacManus misses with a hook from the clinch.
MacManus trying to control the position but instead, Marshall has worked for underhooks and has pushed MacManus into the cage.
Marshall lands a nice shot to the body.
MacManus taking a breather.
A battle for position here, against the cage.
MacManus is trying to slow the pace down but that's a couple of times in a row that he's tried to get underhooks and Marshall has denied him.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Some stalling of biblical proportions here from MacManus.
MacManus taking a breather.
The ref breaks the fighters up, due to lack of action by Connor MacManus.
Marshall throws a shot to the body.
MacManus uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Marshall.
MacManus lands a slapping body shot.
Nice body punch from Marshall.
MacManus misses with a straight right.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
MacManus fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Marshall manages to avoid it.
Marshall swung with a counter punch to the body but it didn't connect.
MacManus misses with a head kick.
MacManus wants to land a leg kick but Marshall is out of range.
It looked like Marshall wanted to counter with a hook but didn't fully commit.
MacManus uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Marshall.
MacManus steps in looking to clinch after the strikes miss from Marshall.
MacManus tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Marshall ducks low and lands a nice hook to the body of his opponent.
Marshall tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but MacManus was well out of range. Poor timing from Marshall.
Tobias Marshall is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Marshall scores with a jab to the body.
Marshall swings for the body but MacManus moves out of range.
MacManus throws the left hand but Marshall avoids the punch easily.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Tobias Marshall dominated that round.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business.

Marshall ducks down and throws a hook to the body but MacManus moves away.
Marshall connects nicely with a jab. Noted by the judges no doubt.
Marshall is looking to wear down MacManus with body shots, infact he's throwing more body shots than head shots at the moment.
Marshall fakes high and swings low for a body shot but MacManus manages to avoid it.
Marshall misses with a wild body shot.
MacManus ducks under a wild hook from Marshall.
MacManus will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
A telegraphed right hand from MacManus misses the target.
MacManus keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from MacManus! But no joy.
Marshall throws a body punch but MacManus moves out of range.
A looping hook to the body misses from Marshall. MacManus does a little dance to reset his feet.
Marshall just misses with a punch to the body.
It seemed like MacManus was going to counter with the hook but didn't fully commit to it.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
A jab from MacManus misses.
Marshall was looking to counter that last move with a shot to the body but he didn't commit.

MacManus drives through with a takedown into Marshall's guard. Let's see what he can do from the top position.
MacManus in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Marshall preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
MacManus keeps in close for a moment and lands a decent shot to the side of Marshall's head.
MacManus has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.

That's one minute gone in the round.
MacManus trying to control the position from guard on top but Marshall is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
MacManus postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as MacManus accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Marshall pulls MacManus in close to prevent any damage.
MacManus trying to move into half guard but instead Marshall has managed to sweep!

MacManus is trying to control the position from the bottom.
MacManus looking to sweep using the butterfly guard but Marshall puts pay to that idea as he passes nicely into half guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
MacManus has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Marshall is working away from the top position though.
MacManus is trying to get back to full guard.
The fighters are battling for position here. MacManus manages to regain full guard. Nice work.
Marshall tries to stand but MacManus is controlling from the bottom.

MacManus looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.

Marshall gets to his feet - MacManus follows without any prompting.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
MacManus swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Marshall appears to be looking for a counter punch to the body.
Marshall misses the shot to the body.
MacManus misses with a left hand
and Marshall counters with a left to the body.
MacManus has his hands up protecting his head but a hook from Marshall finds it's way round the side to connect with MacManus's head.
Marshall punishes MacManus's body with a nice straight punch.
MacManus's corner calls for a 1-2. MacManus obliges with the 1 part as he scores the single shot and moves back out of range.
Marshall ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
A quick step to the side and Marshall tries to counter with a shot to the body but it doesn't connect.
Marshall throws a body punch but MacManus moves out of range.
MacManus is clearly trying to counter these attacks from Marshall with a body shot.
MacManus avoids a punch combination nicely.
MacManus uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Marshall.
MacManus throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
MacManus connects with a hook to the side of his opponent's head.
Marshall throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
MacManus rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
and Marshall counters with a nice jab to the body that keeps MacManus thinking.
Marshall is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that MacManus can do to turn this around?
Marshall throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from MacManus! But no joy.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Marshall thuds a left hand into MacManus's body.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
MacManus shoots in but no luck this time.
MacManus throws a big shot that misses.
MacManus dives in for a single leg takedown but Marshall sprawls and the fighters end up clinched against the cage.
Marshall scores with a nice head shot.

MacManus closes the distance and looks for a trip takedown... aaaand he's got it - MacManus lands in his opponent's guard.
Marshall seems keen to control rather than go for a submission, at least for now.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
MacManus trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
MacManus advances position into side control!

MacManus swings around for an armbar but Marshall sees it coming a mile off and turns beautifully into MacManus's guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Tobias Marshall dominated that second round.
That's time! Back to the action! This is the final round!

MacManus uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Marshall.
A big right from MacManus misses.
Marshall cracks MacManus with a hook to the jaw. Both fighters smile at eachother and high-five before getting back down to business.
MacManus misses with a hook.
Marshall ducks down and throws a hook to the body but MacManus moves away.
MacManus misses with a looping left.
Marshall misses with a wild body shot.
A looping hook to the body misses from Marshall. MacManus does a little dance to reset his feet.
MacManus takes one to the side of the head.
Marshall slips under a jab.
Marshall leaves MacManus with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Marshall ducks under a wild hook from MacManus.
Marshall was looking to counter that move with a punch but didn't quite pull the trigger.
MacManus tries to clinch there but Marshall circles away.
MacManus throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Marshall misses with a body shot.
MacManus lets it all go there with a big combo counter but none of the punches connected.
Marshall throws a body shot but no joy.
Marshall jabs MacManus to the body, keeping him at a distance.

That's one minute gone in the round.
MacManus dives in for a single leg takedown but Marshall sprawls and the fighters end up clinched against the cage.
Marshall checks the leg kick nicely there.
It really doesn't seem like the step up in weight is hurting Marshall here at all. He's more than holding his own against the bigger man.
Marshall scores with a straight right hand, right through his opponent's guard.
MacManus moves in looking to clinch but Marshall pushes him off.
It looked like Marshall was looking amped, ready to throw a big counter but didn't commit.
MacManus fails with an attempt to clinch.
MacManus doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
Marshall swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Marshall ducks down and throws a hook to the body but MacManus moves away.
MacManus fakes a head shot and lands one to the body.
MacManus misses with a low kick as Marshall jumps back.
MacManus swings and misses with a hook to the body.
MacManus throws a hook to the side of Marshall's head but Marshall sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
A looping hook to the body misses from Marshall. MacManus does a little dance to reset his feet.
It seemed like MacManus was going to counter with the hook but didn't fully commit to it.
Marshall fakes high and swings low for a body shot but MacManus manages to avoid it.
MacManus looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Marshall swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Marshall throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Tobias Marshall seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Marshall bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
MacManus moves forwards but Marshall connects with a nice, crisp jab.
Marshall throws a body punch but MacManus moves out of range.
Marshall throws a body shot but no joy.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
MacManus on the wrong end of a decent looking cross there.
Marshall lands with a nice body punch.
Marshall throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
MacManus tries to close the distance and clinch up but Marshall swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Marshall misses the shot to the body.
Marshall throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
MacManus misses with the combination.
MacManus's hands are dropping dangerously low here and Marshall connects clean with a right hook that sends him down to one knee! MacManus scrambles back to his feet.
Marshall throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
MacManus moves forwards but Marshall connects with a nice, crisp jab.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
MacManus lunges at Marshall with a hook that half lands and is half blocked by Marshall's hand.
MacManus misses with a left hand
and Marshall counters nicely by changing levels and landing a hook to the body.
MacManus looks to score with a jab to the body but Marshall is just out of range.
Marshall swings and misses with a shot to the body
and MacManus counters with a stiff right hand.
Marshall throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Marshall throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Connor MacManus has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Marshall misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from MacManus.
MacManus tests Marshall's chin there with a solid looking shot.
MacManus is looking to chop away at Marshall's legs.
Marshall looks to score with a jab to the body but MacManus is just out of range.
MacManus lands a jab. Then a cross. Then finally a nice hook to the body. Good work there by MacManus.
Marshall swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Marshall scores to the head and body with a nice combination!
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
MacManus misses with a low kick.
MacManus misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
MacManus slips a jab and a cross from Marshall.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Marshall lands a nice hook to MacManus's body. MacManus takes it in his stride and looks to land his own strikes.
MacManus goes for a double leg but Marshall avoids the attempt and the two fighters end up clinched against the cage as Marshall continues to drive forward.
Tobias Marshall has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Connor MacManus.
MacManus takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
MacManus throws an off balance right hand
and Marshall counters with a lovely straight right hand!
MacManus takes one to the chin there.
Marshall tests MacManus's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Marshall changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.
MacManus uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Marshall.
Marshall uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from MacManus.
MacManus thows a leg kick but Marshall checks it
and Marshall counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Marshall lands a nice hook to MacManus's body. MacManus takes it in his stride and looks to land his own strikes.
MacManus takes a hook to the side of the head. I wonder if that's got his ears ringing.
A looping hook to the body misses from Marshall. MacManus does a little dance to reset his feet.
MacManus flicks out a counter leg kick but Marshall steps away.
The crowd cheers as Marshall lands an impressive looking overhand right. MacManus doesn't seem phased though.
MacManus shoots in looking for a takedown. Marshall tries to sprawl out of it but MacManus keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Marshall manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.

And that's the end of the fight!
Tobias Marshall showed his dominance in that final round.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Marshall, 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 Frank Antenori scores the fight 30:27
Judge Don Winkell scores the fight 30:27
Judge Timothy Bukovac scores the fight 30:27

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Tobias Marshall!
After the fight, Tobias Marshall was humble in paying tribute to his opponent but made it clear he wants to go on to bigger and better things. It seemed to go down well with the crowd who cheered him loudly.