PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between BJ McGobblecock (ranked 248 p4p, 38 weight class) and Bruno Steve (ranked 450 p4p, 63 weight class). Steve has chosen Tarantela as his entrance music, which hasn't gone down very well with the crowd. Rumors backstage are that the fighters have been paid to keep it standing but we know that would never happen in MMA!

McGobblecock
vs
Steve

200 cm
29
200 lbs
21 - 9 - 2

184 cm
29
196 lbs
14 - 8 - 0

Good wrestling
World class boxer
Insanely flexible

Olympic wrestler
World class boxer
Good gas tank

RAGS of a RONIN
Humanoid Nutrition (160Q for 180$)

Sully's Bar & Grill

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 21 - 9 - 2, fighting out of Montreal, BJ McGobblecock!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 14 - 8 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Bruno Steve!
The judges for this bout are Ben Zyskovitsi, Matti Vanhoillinen and Johanna Lukiainen.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Steve feints and then dives in with a takedown. That was a long way out but the feint bought him enough time to close the distance and complete the takedown. Now we'll play guard for a bit and see who can get the better of that position.
Steve throws a strike but McGobblecock, Jr. rolls with it and manages to sweep. Now he's in guard on top.

McGobblecock, Jr. slows down the pace of the fight, as he sits in guard.
Steve looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Steve being controlled here, momentarily.
Steve wants to sweep here but McGobblecock, Jr. controlling him for the moment.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Steve pulls McGobblecock, Jr. in close to prevent any damage.
McGobblecock, Jr. wants to pass the guard but Steve is keeping the position.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Steve is doing well to control the posture of his opponent and prevent any damage.
McGobblecock, Jr. pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Steve is keeping the position for now.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
McGobblecock, Jr. sitting in guard, not really doing much.
McGobblecock, Jr. will need to keep those long limbs tucked in whilst he's on the ground, to prevent any submissions.
Steve managing to control the position.
McGobblecock, Jr. tries to free his leg and advance position but Steve is retaining full guard.
Steve pulls McGobblecock, Jr. in close to his closed guard and prevents McGobblecock, Jr. from doing any damage or advancing position.
We may be looking at a referee standup if the pace doesn't pick up soon.

That's two 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.
Steve wants to sweep but no luck.

McGobblecock, Jr. decides to stand up and beckons his opponent to follow.
McGobblecock, Jr. jabbing away but nothing is landing.
McGobblecock, Jr. staying out of range there.
Steve tests McGobblecock, Jr.'s chin there with a solid looking shot.
Steve tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but McGobblecock, Jr. swivels and escapes.
McGobblecock, Jr. throws a hook to the side of Steve's head but Steve sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
McGobblecock, Jr. misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
McGobblecock, Jr. lands a nice leg kick that just misses Steve's sensitive parts.
Steve avoids a kick to the body.
Steve feints and then cracks McGobblecock, Jr.'s leading leg with a nice low kick. He's obviously looking to slow McGobblecock, Jr. down.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Steve ducks under a wild hook from McGobblecock, Jr..
BJ McGobblecock, Jr. seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.

Steve closes the distance, clinches up and gets a nice trip takedown into side control. Very smooth.

McGobblecock, Jr. throws his opponent off and manages to get back to his feet! Nicely done!

Steve drives through with a takedown into guard.
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Steve won't allow McGobblecock, Jr. to sweep him here.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Steve wants to pass the guard but McGobblecock, Jr. is keeping the position.
McGobblecock, Jr. controls Steve momentarily but Steve frees himself.
McGobblecock, Jr. pulls Steve in close to prevent any damage.
Steve throwing strikes from guard but McGobblecock, Jr. blocks nicely.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
McGobblecock, Jr. is adopting a defensive guard.
McGobblecock, Jr. tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Steve being controlled here momentarily.
Steve throws a big elbow that misses.

The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.
McGobblecock, Jr. throws a big shot that misses.
Steve with the counter takedown but McGobblecock, Jr. avoids it easily.

Excellent takedown into side control there by Steve.
Steve tries to land with some ground and pound but misses.
Steve scoring with punches and elbows.
McGobblecock, Jr. is looking for a sweep.
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 BJ McGobblecock, Jr. will probably get the nod.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!

Steve slips under a jab.
Steve shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with McGobblecock, Jr. but McGobblecock, Jr. pushes him off and we're back to square one.
McGobblecock, Jr. looks to land a body kick but Steve moved away.
McGobblecock, Jr. misses with a head kick.
McGobblecock, Jr. throws a chopping leg kick but Steve manages to avoid taking any serious damage.
Steve changes levels for a counter takedown but doesn't follow through with his attempt.
A telegraphed right hand from Steve misses the target.
McGobblecock, Jr. takes a solid shot to the body. That one hurt him but he's trying not to show it.
An inside leg kick from McGobblecock, Jr. misses.
McGobblecock, Jr. cracks Steve with an open hand slap.
McGobblecock, Jr. on the wrong end of a kick to the body.
McGobblecock, Jr. on the wrong end of a nice jab.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
McGobblecock, Jr. delivers a nice body kick.
Steve tries to move into range but McGobblecock, Jr. moves to the side and lands with a nice right hand.
Steve walks straight into a jab right on the nose. That one stung - he's blinking and trying to clear his head.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
McGobblecock, Jr. tries to clinch up but Steve circles away and keeps his distance.
McGobblecock, Jr. thows a leg kick but Steve checks it

so Steve counters with a double leg into guard. Good agility.
McGobblecock, Jr. is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Steve trying to control but McGobblecock, Jr. is working from the bottom.
McGobblecock, Jr. is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.
Steve throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as McGobblecock, Jr. works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
McGobblecock, Jr. utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
McGobblecock, Jr. is working an open guard here, looking to improve his position. No doubt that will leave him open to counters but at least he's being more offensive.
McGobblecock, Jr. bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Steve's guard.

Steve has his hands on McGobblecock, Jr.'s head, controlling the position.
Steve wants to sweep but no luck.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A few boos can be heard. I'm sure they will multiply if the fighters don't pick up the pace.
Steve can't do much from the bottom at the moment, as McGobblecock, Jr. controls the pace.
McGobblecock, Jr. won't allow Steve to sweep him here.
Steve wants to improve his position but instead McGobblecock, Jr. has moved into half guard.
McGobblecock, Jr. trying to control the action but Steve is working from the bottom.
It looks like McGobblecock, Jr. is going to stand back up.
Steve makes his way to full guard. A much better position for Steve.
Steve pulls McGobblecock, Jr. in close to prevent any damage.
Steve keeping full guard, as McGobblecock, Jr. tries to pass.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Steve pulls McGobblecock, Jr. in close to prevent any damage.
Steve has a closed guard, preventing McGobblecock, Jr. from standing up.
Steve not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.

The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.
Steve avoids the head kick by McGobblecock, Jr..
McGobblecock, Jr. takes a shot to the body in his stride.
Steve misses with a wild combination.
As Steve backs away, McGobblecock, Jr. returns fire with a leg kick that just misses.
A decent looking cross lands there for Steve.

It looks like BJ McGobblecock, Jr. has been cut.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
McGobblecock, Jr. looking to land some kicks to the body here.
The fighters circle momentarily. Steve darts into range and connects with a nice straight punch.
McGobblecock, Jr. throws a jab but it's blocked by Steve.
And Steve tries to counter it with a takedown but McGobblecock, Jr. pushes his down on his head and steps out.
McGobblecock, Jr. misses with a low kick.
Steve is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by McGobblecock, Jr..
McGobblecock, Jr. avoids the head kick by Steve.
McGobblecock, Jr. ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Steve moves away.
McGobblecock, Jr. throws a push kick but Steve slaps the foot to one side.
McGobblecock, Jr. swings widly with a right hand
and Steve counters with a lovely shot to the body.
Steve feints with a shoulder and throws a nice leg kick to McGobblecock, Jr.'s calf.
McGobblecock, Jr. throws a leg kick

and Steve counters with a nice double leg into guard.
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!
Steve with a couple of shots to the head there. Not particularly brutal.

McGobblecock, Jr. is edging up against the cage. He's using the cage to get back to his feet. Nice work there - the fighters are clinched.
McGobblecock, Jr. with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.
Steve lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.

Steve lands a nice trip takedown into half guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close second round but Bruno Steve will probably get the nod - 10:9.
The cut man is working on BJ McGobblecock, Jr.'s cut.
That's time! Back to the action!

Steve with a lazy takedown attempt
and Steve takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
McGobblecock, Jr. tries to clinch up.
McGobblecock, Jr. tries to land a front kick but Steve steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed.
Steve delivers a nice body kick.
Steve looking to throw a kick but he's pulled out of it.
Steve throws a jab to the body, straight down the pipe. Boom. That sent McGobblecock, Jr. stumbling backwards but he manages to regain his composure quickly.
McGobblecock, Jr. throws a nice inside leg kick.
Steve lands a powerful looking uppercut that connected with his opponent's jaw.
Steve takes a step back and watches a body kick go sailing past his mid section.
A head kick misses from McGobblecock, Jr..
A looping hook to the body misses from McGobblecock, Jr.. Steve does a little dance to reset his feet.

Steve shoots in for a takedown from distance. He catches McGobblecock, Jr. napping and manages to drive through into side control!
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Check out the look on Steve's face as he threw that strike - that's one determined fighter!
Steve cracks McGobblecock, Jr. with a big elbow.
Steve lands a decent elbow from side control.
Steve wants to control but McGobblecock, Jr. is keeping him busy.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Steve scores with punches from side control.

McGobblecock, Jr. is rocked!
McGobblecock, Jr. keeping his opponent close.
Steve in side control, trying to ground and pound but not landing this time.
McGobblecock, Jr. defending against the ground and pound.
Steve scores with punches from side control.
McGobblecock, Jr. wants to control but Steve postures up.
Steve landing a few strikes.
Steve tries to score with some ground and pound. McGobblecock, Jr. controls his posture well this time though and the shots don't do any damage.
McGobblecock, Jr. is positioning himself to get back to half guard.
Steve trying to control the position but McGobblecock, Jr. is working away.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Steve creates some space and throws a big elbow, but McGobblecock, Jr. sees it coming and moves his head just enough to avoid the strike.
Steve lands a decent elbow from side control.
McGobblecock, Jr. is looking to reverse the position.
Steve lands a knee to the body and a forearm to the face.
Bruno Steve has got the better of the ground game so far.
Steve works a knee to the body and follows up with a nice elbow to the head.
Oh McGobblecock, Jr. is still in real trouble! Will he be able to recover?!!
Steve creates some space and throws a big elbow, but McGobblecock, Jr. sees it coming and moves his head just enough to avoid the strike.
Steve looking to punish the body of his opponent here but McGobblecock, Jr. is avoiding damage well.
Steve wants to control but McGobblecock, Jr. is keeping him busy.
McGobblecock, Jr. seems to have got his legs back now.
McGobblecock, Jr. managing to avoid any damage from the strikes thrown by Steve.
McGobblecock, Jr. is in a tricky position but he's been working on his transitions down at Hey Steves Fight Shack, so we'll see if he gets out of it.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
McGobblecock, Jr. is working to avoid the ground and pound but Steve connects with a decent elbow.
McGobblecock, Jr. tries to get back to half guard but can't.
Steve throws a knee to the body but it doesn't do much damage.
McGobblecock, Jr. on the wrong end of some ground and pound.
The ground and pound from Steve seems to be hitting the mat more than his opponent.
McGobblecock, Jr. taking a bit of punishment here - Steve scoring with strikes.
Steve cracks McGobblecock, Jr. with an elbow. That is naaassty.
An elbow from Steve crashes against the mat.
McGobblecock, Jr. takes an elbow right on the bridge of the nose and winces in pain.
Steve wants to control but McGobblecock, Jr. is keeping him busy.
McGobblecock, Jr. defending against the ground and pound.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Steve misses with the ground and pound.
Steve cracks McGobblecock, Jr. with a big elbow.
Steve throws a knee to the body but it doesn't do much damage.
McGobblecock, Jr. is trying to get back to half guard.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
A lull in the action here.
Steve connects with a decent looking elbow from side control that caused McGobblecock, Jr. some visible discomfort.
Steve wants to control for a moment but McGobblecock, Jr. uses the opportunity to move back to half guard.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
McGobblecock, Jr. is refusing to be controlled, as Steve sits in half guard.
McGobblecock, Jr. avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Steve.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Bruno Steve really dominated that round.
The cut man is working on BJ McGobblecock, Jr.'s cut.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!

Steve goes for a high kick. It partially lands.
McGobblecock, Jr. throws a big shot that misses.
McGobblecock, Jr. has a nice red mark on his side after a thudding body kick by Steve.
A head kick misses from Steve.
McGobblecock, Jr. misses with a body shot.
Steve throws a lazy right hand but McGobblecock, Jr. sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Steve lands a kick to the ribs of his opponent. Nice work there - in and out in a flash.
Steve lands a body shot.
Nice shot by Steve.
Well, he's not going to score with shots like that. A lazy body kick attempt from McGobblecock, Jr..
Steve throws a big shot that misses.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Steve digs a good body shot into McGobblecock, Jr.'s ribs.
Steve looks to land a right hand but McGobblecock, Jr. moved out of range.
Steve looking to throw a kick but he's pulled out of it.
Steve circles away from the clinch attempt.

Steve feints and then dives in with a takedown. That was a long way out but the feint bought him enough time to close the distance and complete the takedown. Now we'll play guard for a bit and see who can get the better of that position.
Steve has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Steve working in close now, lands a nice elbow to the side of McGobblecock, Jr.'s head.

That's one minute gone in the round.
McGobblecock, Jr. wants to get back to his feet but Steve is in a dominant position and won't allow it.
McGobblecock, Jr. controls Steve momentarily but Steve frees himself.
Steve throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as McGobblecock, Jr. works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Steve with a flurry of punches that miss.
Steve is working the ground and pound from guard. He might want to try advancing position though to get more of an impact.
Steve is fighting to break McGobblecock, Jr.'s control of his arms but McGobblecock, Jr. is doing a good job of controlling the position at the moment.
Steve postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.

The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up. He just wasn't happy with the level of activity.

Steve fakes a strike and closes the distance, dragging McGobblecock, Jr. to the ground. Steve is now in McGobblecock, Jr.'s guard.

McGobblecock, Jr. scrambles and gets back to his feet.
A good leg kick by McGobblecock, Jr..

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Steve shoots in from a long way out. He's driving through with the takedown attempt and he eventually gets it, landing in McGobblecock, Jr.'s guard.
Steve landing with the ground and pound.
McGobblecock, Jr. managing to control the position.
Steve trying to control the position from guard on top but McGobblecock, Jr. is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
McGobblecock, Jr. utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
McGobblecock, Jr. not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Steve throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
McGobblecock, Jr. lands a beautiful sweep and he's now moved into his opponent's guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
McGobblecock, Jr. preventing the sweep.
McGobblecock, Jr. being controlled here momentarily.
McGobblecock, Jr. wants to pass the guard but Steve is keeping the position.
Steve manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. McGobblecock, Jr. manages to get himself to full guard.

McGobblecock, Jr. is adopting a defensive guard.
Steve is stalling in the full guard.
Steve postures up in McGobblecock, Jr.'s guard and throws a big left but McGobblecock, Jr. blocks it.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are showing their displeasure at the lack of action as loud boos ring out around the arena.
McGobblecock, Jr. wants to sweep here but Steve controlling him for the moment.
McGobblecock, Jr. preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Steve landing some decent shots from guard.
Steve trying to control the position from guard on top but McGobblecock, Jr. is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
McGobblecock, Jr. wants to stand up but Steve is controlling him.
Steve is working the ground and pound from guard. He might want to try advancing position though to get more of an impact.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Bruno Steve dominated that fourth round.
The cut man is working on BJ McGobblecock, Jr.'s cut.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action! This is the final round!

Steve getting the better of the striking in that exchange.
McGobblecock, Jr. throws out a loose jab but Steve uses good head movement to avoid it.
McGobblecock, Jr. wants to clinch.
Steve feints the counter takedown.
Bruno Steve seems to be getting the better of the standup.
McGobblecock, Jr. connects with an inside leg kick.
McGobblecock, Jr. lands an overhand left. A wild punch that just about connected.
Steve misses with a takedown attempt - McGobblecock, Jr. sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
McGobblecock, Jr. avoids a lazy jab quite easily.

Steve darts in and clinches McGobblecock, Jr. up against the cage.
A shot in the inside from McGobblecock, Jr..
Steve misses with some punches.
Steve tries for a takedown but McGobblecock, Jr. manages to get underhooks.
McGobblecock, Jr. tries a knee to the head but he's missed.

That's one minute gone in the round.
McGobblecock, Jr. goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Steve working aggressively here.
McGobblecock, Jr. misses with a hook to the ribs.
Steve prevents a body shot from McGobblecock, Jr..
McGobblecock, Jr. doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Steve blocks an uppercut.
Steve tries for a takedown. No joy.
BJ McGobblecock, Jr. has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Bruno Steve.
Steve has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. McGobblecock, Jr. is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.

Steve has McGobblecock, Jr. pressed up against the cage. He's trying to work for a single leg takedown. Steve pulls back from the cage and twists to the side, sending McGobblecock, Jr. tumbling to the mat - Steve dives into McGobblecock, Jr.'s guard.

McGobblecock, Jr. pushes Steve off and scrambles back to his feet.
Steve is wobbling all over the place through exhaustion. Will he make it to the final bell?
Steve shoots in for a takedown but McGobblecock, Jr. shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
BJ McGobblecock, Jr. is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Steve misses with a hook.
McGobblecock, Jr. tries to score with an inside leg kick but telegraphs it and Steve is able to avoid easily.
Steve looks for the body kick but McGobblecock, Jr. saw that one coming.
BJ McGobblecock, Jr. has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Steve takes a solid shot to the body. That one hurt him but he's trying not to show it.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Steve scores with a nice right hand.
McGobblecock, Jr. misses with a hook. Steve ducked under it nicely.
McGobblecock, Jr. stuns Steve with a nice body shot, before stepping back out of range.
Steve connects with a single shot there.
McGobblecock, Jr. jabs at Steve's body.

Steve closes the distance and gets a trip takedown into side control. McGobblecock, Jr. quickly recovers to half guard.

McGobblecock, Jr. pushes Steve off and gets back to his feet.
McGobblecock, Jr. throws a head kick that misses.
McGobblecock, Jr. getting the better of the striking in that exchange.
Steve throws a head kick that misses.
McGobblecock, Jr. fakes a couple of low kicks, before throwing one on the third attempt. It connects and Steve has to reset his feet before getting ready to engage.
Steve throws a body shot but no joy.
A low kick from McGobblecock, Jr. misses

so Steve counters with a double leg into guard. Good agility.
McGobblecock, Jr. has control of Steve's left arm, preventing Steve from doing any damage.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
McGobblecock, Jr. continues to stall.
Steve is working the ground and pound from guard. He might want to try advancing position though to get more of an impact.
McGobblecock, Jr. looking to hit a scissor sweep but Steve is one step ahead there.
Bruno Steve is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
Steve controlling from the top position.
Let's hope that Steve has the urge to step up the pace any second now because for the last 15 or 20 seconds he's just been holding on tight.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Neither fighter has done anything of merit for a good minute or two here and the crowd are not happy about it.
McGobblecock, Jr. striking off his back but it's not causing Steve any problems.
Steve is intent on slowing down the pace of the fight, simply looking to control.

The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.
McGobblecock, Jr. wants to clinch up but Steve keeps it at a distance.
McGobblecock, Jr. misses with a body punch
and Steve counters with an inside leg kick.
Steve misses with a head kick.
McGobblecock, Jr. throws a quick counter head kick but Steve was just out of range.
McGobblecock, Jr. tries to grapple but his opponent circles
and Steve counters with a lovely straight right hand!

Steve shoots in and scores a nice double leg takedown into half guard.

McGobblecock, Jr. kicks Steve off and gets back to his feet.
McGobblecock, Jr. scores with a push kick.

And that's the end of the fight!
BJ McGobblecock, Jr. showed his dominance in that final round.
I think Steve 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 5 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Ben Zyskovitsi scores the fight 47:48
Judge Matti Vanhoillinen scores the fight 47:48
Judge Johanna Lukiainen scores the fight 47:48

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