PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Bret Ireland (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Cain Bombardo (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Bombardo has chosen All of the lights as his entrance music, which hasn't gone down very well with the crowd. Cain Bombardo has the eye of the tiger tonight.

Ireland
vs
Bombardo

190 cm
27
205 lbs
4 - 17 - 1

183 cm
20
215 lbs
1 - 8 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
KO power

BJJ White Belt
Brawler
Knockout power

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the light heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 4 - 17 - 1, fighting out of London, Bret Ireland!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 8 - 0, fighting out of London, Cain Bombardo!
The judges for this bout are Donald Grub, Colin Fotheringham and Sam Margolis.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Bombardo tries to clinch up but Ireland circles away and keeps his distance.

Bombardo shoots in and bounces Ireland off the cage to secure the takedown into guard.

Ireland has butterfly guard. He's looking to stand up here. He pushes Bombardo off him and springs to his feet nicely. The crowd applauds.

The fight moves into the clinch position.
A nice glancing elbow lands by Bombardo.
Bombardo throws a knee to the head but misses.
Ireland is trying to break the clinch but Bombardo has him pressed against the cage.

Bombardo pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Bombardo should think about turning a few of those tyres round his middle into muscle if he wants people to take him seriously as an athlete.
Bombardo tries to clinch up but Ireland circles away and keeps his distance.
Ireland drops down looking for a counter takedown but Bombardo sprawls and moves away.
Bombardo tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Sloppy strikes from Ireland. Those never looked like landing.
Ireland defending well as Bombardo loads up on a big left hand.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Bombardo doesn't succeed with the takedown

and Ireland counters into the clinch. Nicely done.
Ireland goes for a takedown attempt but Bombardo pushes him away and we're back to fighting at a distance.
Bombardo misses with a body shot.
Cain Bombardo seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.

Bombardo moves into the clinch successfully.
Bombardo lands an elbow inside.

Bombardo escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Bombardo goes to the watering hole and comes back with a big thumbs up from the judges as he scores a three punch combo.
Ireland shoots in looking for a takedown but Bombardo manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Ireland's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
Bombardo avoids the head kick by Ireland.
Bombardo scores with a decent looking hook.
Ireland defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Bombardo.
Bombardo throws a right hand that misses

and Ireland counters by moving into the clinch.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Bombardo jumps guard but Ireland turns him against the cage and keeps the fight standing.
Bret Ireland has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Cain Bombardo.

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

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Ireland shoots in looking for a takedown. Bombardo tries to sprawl out of it but Ireland keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Bombardo manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Ireland shoots in for a double leg but Bombardo sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
Bombardo takes a step back and watches a body kick go sailing past his mid section.
Bombardo shoots in looking for a takedown but Ireland manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Bombardo's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
Bombardo wants to clinch.
Bombardo avoids the head kick by Ireland.
Ireland ducks under a wild hook from Bombardo.
Bombardo throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.

Bombardo has Ireland up against the cage in a clinch.

Bombardo's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Ireland walks straight into an uppercut. Luckily it didn't land flush.

Bombardo instigates a clinch.
Ireland letting Bombardo take a breather here.
Ireland is trying to pull guard but Bombardo turns him against the cage and we stay in the clinch.
Ireland is trying to force a seperation but Bombardo has the dominant position.

Bombardo breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Bombardo misses with the combination.
An attempted straight right counter from Ireland misses the target.
Bombardo closes the distance but Ireland moves to the side
and Ireland connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Bombardo throws a body shot but no joy.
Ireland defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Bombardo.
Bombardo looks winded!
Ireland closes this distance looking for a takedown but Bombardo circles away.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Bombardo changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Ireland tries to avoid it but Bombardo manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Ireland to the ground. Ireland escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Bombardo shoots in for a double leg but Ireland sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
Ireland moves into range and throws a combination. A nice jab followed by a hook to the body.

It looks like Cain Bombardo has been cut.
Ireland darts in looking for a takedown but Bombardo gets double underhooks and turns Ireland into the cage.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!

Ireland moves into the clinch.
Bombardo is trying to push Ireland away but Ireland has him pressed against the cage, so he's going nowhere.
Ireland is pushing Bombardo up against the cage, for a bit of lean and pray action. Action being used the in the loosest possible sense of the word.
A frustrated look appears on Bombardo's face as he tries to break the clinch.
Bombardo wants to push off and get back to the center of the mat but Ireland has him pressed against the cage.
Bombardo is trying to drag Ireland to the mat but Ireland just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.
Bombardo tries to circle away but Ireland has him pinned against the cage.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Cain Bombardo dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Cain Bombardo's cut.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

A telegraphed takedown attempt from Ireland is defended easily by Bombardo.
Bombardo thuds his right hand into Ireland's forehead from close range. That could be painful for both fighters.
Bombardo has been the more effective fighter overall so far.

Bombardo instigates a clinch.
Bombardo lands a damaging elbow.
Ireland keeps control of Bombardo as he tries to wriggle out of the double underhooks.

Bombardo escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
The fighters circling - Bombardo throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Bombardo misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
A punch combination from Bombardo misses.
Bombardo throws an ugly left hook that misses

and Ireland counters by moving into the clinch.
Ireland is pressed up against the cage. Bombardo has hold of a leg and is looking to drag Ireland down to the mat. Ireland avoids the attempt though and has circled away. We're back to striking at a distance.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Bombardo with a hook.
Ireland goes for a double leg but Bombardo avoids the attempt and the two fighters end up clinched against the cage as Bombardo continues to drive forward.
Bombardo looked like he wanted to counter with a punch but didn't throw it.
Bombardo digs a good body shot into Ireland's ribs.
Ireland fails with a takedown attempt.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Bret Ireland. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Ireland takes a shot to the eye socket. That's gotta hurt.
Bombardo throws a shot from downtown. Ireland moves away and avoids it.
Bombardo swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Bombardo blocks a leg kick.
Ireland will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
Bombardo swings for the body but Ireland moves out of range.
It looked like Ireland was looking amped, ready to throw a big counter but didn't commit.
Ireland lands a nice looking body shot.
Bombardo is breathing heavily.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Ireland throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Bombardo's waist but Bombardo gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Ireland off to one side.
Bombardo stuffs the takedown attempt from Ireland. Ireland gets slowly back to his feet.
The fight stays on the outside here - Bombardo looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Bombardo wants to clinch up but Ireland keeps it at a distance.
Ireland appears to be looking for a counter takedown.
Ireland misses with a head kick.
Bombardo moves in looking to clinch but Ireland pushes him off.
Ireland drops down looking for a counter takedown but Bombardo sprawls and moves away.
The fighters are starting to get sweaty, which will make takedowns a bit more tricky.
Bombardo misses with a hook. Ireland ducked under it nicely.
Good exchange - Bombardo coming out on top.
This has been an exciting period of action!

Bombardo clinches up with Ireland and pushes him back against the cage.

Bombardo's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Cain Bombardo seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Bombardo misses with a straight left.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Nice defenses there by Ireland.
Bombardo just misses with a punch to the body.
Ireland tries to counter by moving into the clinch but Bombardo manages to circle out of the way.

Ireland closes the distance and pushes Bombardo back into the cage.

Bombardo manages to break the clinch.
Some wild striking there from Bombardo.
Ireland is looking to counter the offense by Bombardo and move into the clinch.

Ireland clinches up with Bombardo and pushes him back against the cage.

Ireland gets control of Bombardo's arms and successfully pulls guard. Ireland will no doubt be looking for submissions off his back.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

Bombardo stands up from Ireland's guard - Bombardo perhaps looking for a knockout.
Bombardo tries to clinch up but Ireland circles away and keeps his distance.
Bombardo throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Ireland wants to take advantage of his opponent's missed offense by moving into the clinch.
Bombardo is looking to clinch.
Ireland closes this distance looking for a takedown but Bombardo circles away.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A head kick misses from Bombardo.

Bombardo clinches up against the cage.
Ireland wants a takedown but no success here.
Ireland drops down looking for an ankle pick but Bombardo pulls his leg out and moves away.
Ireland fails with the takedown.
Ireland avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
It looked like Ireland was looking amped, ready to throw a big counter but didn't commit.
Bombardo misses with a series of wild punches.
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!
Bombardo is looking to clinch.
Bombardo thows a left - swing and a miss!
No luck for Bombardo with that takedown attempt.
Ireland shoots in but no luck this time.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Cain Bombardo showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The cut man is working on Cain Bombardo's cut.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action. This is the final round!

Bombardo throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Ireland's waist but Ireland gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Bombardo off to one side.
Ireland throws a front kick aimed at Bombardo's knee but Bombardo avoids it well.
Ireland tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Bombardo paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Ireland moves out of range of the strikes.
Bombardo throws a sloppy head kick and Ireland moves out of range easily.
A shot to the body from Bombardo misses
and Ireland counters with a one-two to the body.
Bombardo pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Bombardo misses with a head kick.
Bombardo tries to clinch but Ireland moves out of range.

Ireland drives through with a really nice takedown into side control.
Ireland works to advance to full mount. Bombardo defends for a few seconds but eventually he succumbs.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!

Ireland working for a submission but Bombardo is keeping him at bay.
Bombardo takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Bombardo's corner are shouting for him to stand up but that's bad cornering - how is he meant to stand up when he's mounted? He should be looking to improve his position on the ground before trying to stand back up.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Ireland throwing shots from mount but they're not landing.
Bombardo is trying to stand up.
Ireland cracks Bombardo with a nasty head shot there - the crowd let out an audible gasp there, as the noise reverberated around the arena.
Bombardo tries to buck Ireland off but he can't manage it.

Ireland wants to finish this one by submission but Bombardo is holding onto his waist, trying to prevent any attacks from Ireland.
Ireland controlling his opponent.
Bombardo really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Ireland. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.

Ireland looking for an armbar but decides to keep the dominant position instead.
Bombardo is trying to stand up.
Bombardo is desperately trying to get back to half guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Ireland tucks in and makes sure he doesn't lose the dominant position.
Bret Ireland overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.

Ireland working to secure an arm triangle but it's not happening for him just yet.
Bombardo is trying to get back to his feet but can't.

Ireland working for a guillotine from mount but Bombardo is in no mood to give up.
Bombardo tries to buck Ireland off but Ireland takes his back!
Ireland is controlling his opponent, waiting for an opportunity to finish.
Ireland seems to have a rather negative gameplan on the ground. He seems keen to just score the takedown and hold down Bombardo for as long as he can get away with.
Bombardo wants to get back to his feet.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Ireland is controlling his opponent, waiting for an opportunity to finish.
Bombardo is trying to stand back up.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Well. There's a bit of a lull in the action here and the crowd are starting to get restless.
Ireland controls the position.
Bombardo wants to get back to his feet.
Ireland struggling to land strikes to the head as Bombardo covers up.
Ireland has good solid back control here.
Bombardo is trying to stand back up.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
You know, I was talking to some of our celebrities at ringside tonight and they were split right down the middle on who was going to win this fight.

And that's the end of the fight!
Bret Ireland showed his dominance in that final round.
I think Bombardo has won this one but let's see whether the judges agree with me. 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 Donald Grub scores the fight 28:29
Judge Colin Fotheringham scores the fight 28:29
Judge Sam Margolis scores the fight 28:29

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Cain Bombardo!
A relieved looking Cain Bombardo thanked the fans for their support and gave the usual line about them being amazing. They seemed to believe that he actually meant it.