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PBP Commentary |
Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Benny Wilder (ranked 8793 p4p, 696 weight class) and TJ Barakus (ranked 24319 p4p, 775 weight class). TJ Barakus struggled to make weight for this fight. He only made it down to 186.7lbs at the first attempt and had to take the additional two hours to make the official bout weight. Let's see how much it's taken out of him. These two fighters really are very evenly matched on the feet - it will be fascinating to see who can assert themselves in that aspect of the fight.
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| 180 cm
22
187 lbs
0 - 1 - 0 |
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193 cm
19
200 lbs
0 - 1 - 0 |
BJJ Blue Belt
Good kicks
Prefers standup |
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Good wrestler
Brawler
Solid chin |
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Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the middleweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of
0 - 1 - 0, fighting out of New York, Benny Wilder!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of
0 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, TJ Barakus!
The judges for this bout are Konstantin Menshow, Valeri Chadov and Fedor Mirinova.
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Wilder misses with a lunging right hand
and Barakus counters with a shot to the ribs. That looked like it hurt.
Barakus slips a jab and a cross from Wilder.
Barakus throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Wilder chopping away at his opponent's legs.
An inside leg kick lands from Wilder.
Wilder lands with an overhand left.
Wilder connects with a crisp jab.
Barakus darts in and clinches Wilder up against the cage.
Wilder looks like he'd prefer to be striking at range right now.
Wilder working hard to break the clinch.
Barakus has clasped his hands together around Wilder's back... aaand, he's got a takedown into side control. Nicely done.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Barakus moving around in side mount but really he's just happy to control for now.
Wilder is looking to get back to his feet here but Barakus is keeping cool and he's managed to take Wilder's back.
Wilder trying to get back to his feet but Barakus is in full control for now.
That's one minute gone in the round.
What can Wilder do to escape this position? He's going to have to figure it out pretty quick if he wants to stay in the fight!
Wilder might be looking to lock onto one of his opponent's long limbs for a submission, whilst we're on the ground.
Wilder is trying to stand back up.
A bit of a pause in the action here. Barakus controlling the positon.
Barakus lands with a couple of good shots - one to the side of the head and one questionable shot that could be viewed as to the back of the head but the referee lets it go.
Barakus is working the ground and pound. Can Wilder escape?
Barakus looking for the choke from the back.
What can Wilder do to escape this position? He's going to have to figure it out pretty quick if he wants to stay in the fight!
Barakus has his opponent's back but Wilder is looking to stand. He manages to get to his feet and shakes off Barakus.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Nice body kick from Wilder.
Wilder keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
Wilder jabs Barakus right on the nose. Barakus blinks but takes it well.
Wilder tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Wilder 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!
Wilder keeps his opponent at a distance with a nice jab.
Wilder throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Barakus shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Wilder sprawls well. Wilder wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Barakus gets slowly back to his feet.
Wilder swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.
Wilder darts in and out, connecting with a jab.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Wilder throws a head kick but Barakus moves out of range.
Wilder misses with a two punch combination.
Ooooh, nice body kick lands from Wilder. Barakus shrugs it off though.
Barakus closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the cage.
Wilder is trying to force a seperation but Barakus has the dominant position.
Barakus working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
Barakus breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Barakus avoids the head kick by Wilder.
Wilder fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Barakus manages to avoid it.
Barakus shoots in for a double leg but Wilder sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
Benny Wilder has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of TJ Barakus.
Barakus gets in close and instigates a clinch.
Wilder wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.
Barakus prevents Wilder from breaking the clinch.
Wilder wants to break the clinch but can't.
Barakus leaning against his opponent.
Barakus is trying to drag Wilder to the mat but Wilder just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Wilder is trying to break the clinch but Barakus is controlling him.
Wilder is trying to break the clinch but Barakus has him pressed against the cage.
Barakus keeps control of Wilder as he tries to wriggle out of the double underhooks.
Barakus tries to jump guard but he falls flat on his backside. Wilder smiles and moves away.
Barakus gets a clinch.
Wilder can't break the clinch.
Wilder working hard to break the clinch.
Barakus turns his back and goes for a hip toss. It's a bit messy but it gets the job done and Barakus manages to end up in side control.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Wilder is trying to stand back up. He's worked his way up against the cage but Barakus has just dragged him back down to the mat.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Barakus happy to just control the position for now.
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 Benny Wilder will probably get the nod.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action.
Barakus tries for a takedown but Wilder sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Barakus stumbles momentarily as he takes a strong leg kick from Wilder.
Barakus throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Wilder tries a head kick but it misses.
Wilder swats away the attempt to clinch by Barakus.
Wilder jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Barakus steps in looking to clinch after the strikes miss from Wilder.
Barakus closes the distance and clinches.
Wilder is looking to break free of the clinch but Barakus has double underhooks.
Wilder is trying to push Barakus away but Barakus has him pressed against the cage, so he's going nowhere.
Wilder can't break the clinch.
Barakus breaks the clinch.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Barakus keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Wilder stuffs the takedown.
Wilder misses with a head kick.
Benny Wilder is winning the standup battle so far.
Wilder tries a head kick but it misses.
Wilder lands a nice shot to the body.
That's one minute gone in the round.
A telegraphed right hand from Wilder misses the target.
Wilder showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Barakus.
Barakus is pinned up against the cage taking some big shots here. The referee is looking closely deciding whether he should stop the fight.
Barakus moves into range and clinches up with Wilder.
Wilder is trying to work out of this bad position, with his back against the cage.
Wilder is trying to force a seperation but Barakus has the dominant position.
Wilder's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Wilder feints with a shoulder and throws a nice leg kick to Barakus's calf.
Wilder lands with a thumping leg kick.
Wilder misses with an uppercut. Barakus saw that one coming.
Barakus fakes a strike and closes the distance, dragging Wilder to the ground. Barakus is now in Wilder's guard.
Wilder preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Wilder being controlled here, momentarily.
Barakus missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Barakus is just sitting in guard, looking to avoid any submissions.
Wilder is looking to stand up but Barakus isn't so interested in that idea.
Wilder trying desperately to get back to his feet here but he's not having any joy at all. He's going to tire himself out if he's not careful.
The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Benny Wilder is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Barakus pushes Wilder up against the cage in a clinch.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Wilder breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Barakus fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Benny Wilder has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of TJ Barakus.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Wilder stuffs the takedown.
Wilder throws a quick inside leg kick.
Wilder lands a high kick!
Wilder lands with an overhand left.
Wilder clobbers Barakus with an overhand right that has the crowd gasping. That made a horrendous noise.
Wilder misses with an uppercut
and Barakus moves into the clinch.
Wilder is trying to work out of this bad position, with his back against the cage.
Barakus has been looking to improve his clinch game in recent weeks. Wilder seems to have the measure of him in the clinch so far, so let's see if Barakus can turn it around.
Barakus breaks the clinch.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Barakus is defended easily by Wilder.
Wilder cracks Barakus with an open hand slap.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Barakus fails in his attempt to clinch.
Wilder throws a sloppy head kick and Barakus moves out of range easily.
Barakus lets it all go there with a big combo counter but none of the punches connected.
Barakus blocks a head kick by Wilder.
Barakus feints the counter takedown.
Wilder throws a body kick but he was well out of range there.
Barakus tries to drive through with a takedown attempt but Wilder defends well and Barakus ends up having to push Wilder into the cage where they will battle it out in the clinch.
Wilder feints with a shoulder and throws a nice leg kick to Barakus's calf.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Wilder throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Barakus has taken the fight to the clinch.
Wilder has had enough of the clinch but Barakus keeps him there for the moment.
Wilder looks like he'd prefer to be striking at range right now.
Barakus has Wilder pressed against the cage, preventing Wilder from circling away and getting back to striking at range.
Barakus pulls guard effortlessly.
Wilder would like to get this fight back to the feet but can't get free from the closed guard.
Wilder won't allow Barakus to sweep him here.
Wilder stands up from guard. Let's bang!
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
Benny Wilder dominated that second round.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action. Let's get this one finished - here comes the final round!
Barakus has Wilder up against the cage in a clinch.
Barakus tries for a takedown. No joy.
Wilder tries to circle away but Barakus has him pinned against the cage.
Barakus decides to pull guard.
Barakus working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Wilder doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Wilder manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.
Wilder is fighting to break Barakus's control of his arms but Barakus is doing a good job of controlling the position at the moment.
Wilder gets to his feet. Barakus looking to butt scoot but the ref puts an end to that. On your feet son!
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Wilder throws a nice head kick!
Barakus tries to drive through with a takedown attempt but Wilder defends well and Barakus ends up having to push Wilder into the cage where they will battle it out in the clinch.
Wilder ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Barakus moves away.
Barakus slips a jab from Wilder.
Wilder gets taken down but at least he's managed to land in guard.
Barakus must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Wilder is scooting his butt against the cage and has managed to get back to his feet. Barakus presses him back against the cage, presumably looking to take the fight back to the mat.
Wilder is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Barakus can do to turn this around?
Barakus takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Barakus turns his back and goes for a hip toss. It's a bit messy but it gets the job done and Barakus manages to end up in side control.
Wilder wants to escape from the position here - easier said than done!
Barakus tries for a kimura. Not really close to a finish though.
Wilder throws his opponent off and manages to get back to his feet! Nicely done!
Barakus forces Wilder back against the cage and clinches.
Wilder pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Barakus shoots in but Wilder avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Benny Wilder has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of TJ Barakus.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Wilder throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Barakus.
Barakus has a nice red mark on his side after a thudding body kick by Wilder.
Wilder just misses with a punch to the body.
Barakus let fly with a counter punch to the body but it didn't land.
Wilder throws a combination that misses
and Barakus decides to take the opportunity to score a takedown. He's landed in Wilder's guard.
The fighters are working up against the cage. Wilder manages to wriggle his way back to his feet, so the fighters are now clinched against the cage.
Wilder is trying to break the clinch but Barakus is controlling him.
TJ Barakus seems to be working more effectively in the clinch in the fight so far.
A short body shot lands from Barakus as the two fighters clinch.
Wilder wants to break free. God knows he wants to breaaaak freeee.
Barakus is trying to drag Wilder to the mat but Wilder just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.
Wilder wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.
Wilder is looking to break free of the clinch but Barakus has double underhooks.
The two fighters are working to gain dominance in the clinch.
Barakus throws a head punch that misses.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Wilder looks like he'd prefer to be striking at range right now.
Barakus jumps guard but Wilder stands there with Barakus around his waist. Barakus gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch.
Barakus turns his back and goes for a hip toss. It's a bit messy but it gets the job done and Barakus manages to end up in side control.
Wilder is pushing Barakus's head away, looking to escape. Barakus manages to hold on to the position though.
Barakus looking for an arm triangle but it's way too loose to do anything.
Wilder wants to get back to his feet but Barakus drags him back down.
Benny Wilder is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Barakus looking for an arm triangle but it's way too loose to do anything.
Barakus is staying tight to Wilder's torso, preventing him from escaping.
Wilder is trying to buck Barakus off.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Barakus advances to full mount.
Barakus takes a little breather and maintains the position. The referee will be looking for him to stay active from such a dominant position though.
Wilder tries to buck Barakus off but he can't manage it.
Barakus controlling from mount.
TJ Barakus has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Barakus working for a submission but Wilder is keeping him at bay.
And that's the end of the fight!
That was a close round. You could make an argument for either fighter but I would give it to Benny Wilder.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Wilder, 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 Konstantin Menshow scores the fight 30:27
Judge Valeri Chadov scores the fight 30:27
Judge Fedor Mirinova scores the fight 30:27
In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Benny Wilder!
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| S |
C
A |
G |
S |
C
B |
G |
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S |
C |
G |
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energy
A | B |
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hype
A | B |
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pop
A | B |
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mgr
A | B |
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FIGHT
RATING
52% |
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