PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Ernest Howard (ranked 25077 p4p, 0 weight class) and Stephen Thompson (ranked 6232 p4p, 0 weight class). 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.

Howard
vs
Thompson

220 cm
24
178 lbs
1 - 4 - 0

183 cm
25
171 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Counter fighter
Cuts easily

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Determined

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the welterweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 1 - 4 - 0, fighting out of New York, Ernest Howard!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of New York, Stephen Thompson!
The judges for this bout are Steve Montenegro, David Schapiro and Franklyn Lucas.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Thompson throws a right and a left that both miss.
Howard looked to counter with a high kick but didn't commit.
Howard uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Thompson.
Thompson swings wildly with a couple of big hooks
and Howard counters with a left to the body.
Thompson looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Thompson throws a right hand that Howard ducks under and follows up with a left that Howard also avoids with ease.
Thompson tries to score a power double leg takedown but Howard sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Thompson somewhat.
It looked like Howard was looking amped, ready to throw a big counter but didn't commit.
Stephen Thompson seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Thompson looking to throw a kick but he's pulled out of it.
A combination from Thompson does no damage.
Howard is trying to close the distance and clinch up, after that failed offence from Thompson.
Thompson tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Howard is looking for a counter combo.
Thompson misses with a body kick.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Thompson throws a sloppy head kick and Howard moves out of range easily.
Howard throws a quick counter head kick but Thompson was just out of range.
Thompson tries a head kick but it misses.
Thompson fails with an attempt to clinch.
Thompson looks to throw a body kick
and Howard counters with a three punch combination, finished off with a leg kick. Nice work.
Thompson swats away the attempt to clinch by Howard.
Thompson lands a high kick!
Howard tries to clinch but Thompson moves out of range.
Howard tries for a takedown but Thompson sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Thompson just misses with a punch to the body.
Thompson misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Howard moves out of range of the body kick.
Howard tries to counter by moving into the clinch but Thompson manages to circle out of the way.
Howard slips a jab and a cross from Thompson.
Thompson tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Howard was well out of range. Poor timing from Thompson.
Thompson throws a two punch combo that lands nicely.

Howard is rocked!
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!
Howard showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Thompson.
Oh Howard is still all over the place! His legs are completely gone! Will he be able to recover?!!
Thompson looks winded!
Thompson scores with a kick to the body.
Thompson connects with a superb combination that knocks Howard out cold! The referee charges across the mat and tackles Thompson before he can land any more shots to the unconscious Howard!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:36 of round 1, we have a winner by way of KO (Punches). Stephen Thompson!