PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Phol Hunt (ranked 345 p4p, 50 weight class) and Parker Phoenix (ranked 1386 p4p, 185 weight class). Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Hunt
vs
Phoenix

181 cm
39
180 lbs
44 - 19 - 0

191 cm
34
199 lbs
25 - 13 - 1

Good wrestling
World class boxer
Granite chin

Good wrestler
World class MT
Good gas tank

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 44 - 19 - 0, fighting out of Montreal, Phol Hunt!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 25 - 13 - 1, fighting out of Montreal, Parker Phoenix!
The judges for this bout are Alec Ball, Gregory Folan and Robert Douchet.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Hunt moves into range and clinches up with Phoenix.
Hunt landing knees to the body.
Hunt stalling here - the referee won't stand for too much of that.
Phoenix avoiding damage as Hunt throws knees to the body.
Hunt landing knees to the body.
Phoenix prevents a body shot from Hunt.
A head punch on the inside from Hunt fails to land.
A nice right hand lands inside from Hunt.
Phoenix has a couple of punches blocked by Hunt.
Phoenix is trying to force a seperation but Hunt has the dominant position.
Phoenix fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Hunt misses with the head strike.
Phoenix prevents a body shot from Hunt.

Phoenix escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Hunt lands with a nice combination. Phoenix backs away looking to recover.
Hunt fails with an attempt to clinch.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Phoenix attempts a low kick but it misses it's target.
Hunt is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Hunt throws a leg kick but Phoenix sees it coming and moves out of range.
Despite the aggression on Phoenix's face he doesn't fully commit to the counter.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Phoenix throws a head kick that misses.
Phoenix throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Hunt sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Hunt is trying hard to land a takedown here. Phoenix sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
Hunt tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Phoenix paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Phoenix has been spending a lot of time sparring his boxing in the run up to the fight, trying to sharpen up those hands and look for a knockout.
Hunt tries to clinch there but Phoenix circles away.
As Hunt backs off Phoenix throws a huge counter combo but Hunt manages to avoid it all.
A solid body kick from Hunt.
Phoenix lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Hunt circles away quickly and effectively.
Wow, both these guys are really going for it!
Phoenix throws a series of punches but Hunt avoids them all with ease.
Jab from Phoenix.
Phoenix throws an overhand right that lands on Hunt's shoulder, as Hunt tries to avoid the shot.
Jab from Phoenix.
Hunt shoots for a takedown but Phoenix saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
Phoenix fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Phoenix misses with a two punch combination.
Parker Phoenix seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Well, he's not going to score with shots like that. A lazy body kick attempt from Hunt.
Phoenix throws a right hand that Hunt ducks under and follows up with a left that Hunt also avoids with ease.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Hunt connects with a leg kick. He turned his hip over nicely there.
Hunt tries to bum rush Phoenix with a series of wild strikes but Phoenix uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Hunt is defended easily by Phoenix.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Phol Hunt. That's going to take a lot out of him.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Phoenix looks to land a left hand but Hunt moved out of range nicely.

Hunt gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.
Phoenix lands a left hand.

Phoenix breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Phoenix throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Hunt displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Phoenix throws out the jab.

Hunt gets a double leg takedown into Phoenix's guard.
Hunt slows down the pace of the fight for a moment. He'll need to remain active if he doesn't want to see the fight stood back up.

Phoenix looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.
Hunt seems content to control from guard here. He's going to have to remain active though if he doesn't want to get stood back up.

Phoenix throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.
Hunt forces his way into half guard.
Both fighters have adopted an aggressive gameplan on the ground!

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Hunt tries to pass to full mount but Phoenix defends it.
Phoenix tries to get to full guard but Hunt has control of the leg.
Phoenix trying to control from the bottom.

Phoenix looking for submissions from an awkward position here.
Hunt looking to pass the half guard. Not this time.
Phoenix is looking to improve his position.
Hunt trying to control the action but Phoenix is working from the bottom.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.
Hunt tries to pass the half guard into mount. Phoenix knows what he's doing though and prevents the attempt.
Hunt seems content to maintain position for now, rather than mounting any offense.

Phoenix looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
Hunt is controlling the pace.
Hunt seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Phoenix does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.
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 Phol Hunt 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.

Phoenix lands a lovely overhand right.
Hunt fails with an attempt to clinch.
Hunt tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Phoenix manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Hunt fails with an attempt to clinch.
Phoenix throws a jab when Hunt was well out of range.
Phoenix shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Hunt pinned against the cage. Hunt gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
Hunt tries to clinch there but Phoenix circles away.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Phoenix.
Hunt shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Phoenix as he jumps to the side.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Phoenix throws a lazy right hand but Hunt sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Hunt is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Hunt displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Phoenix throws out the jab.
Hunt changes levels looking for a counter takedown but doesn't commit.
Parker Phoenix seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Hunt uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Phoenix.
Phoenix blocks the body kick.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Hunt moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
Hunt tries to clinch but Phoenix is having none of it.
Despite the aggression on Phoenix's face he doesn't fully commit to the counter.
Hunt drops his hands and takes a jab to the jaw for his troubles.
Phoenix might want to mix his strikes up a bit more. He's just going for head shots at the moment and that can become a bit predictable.
Phoenix throws a looping overhand right but Hunt ducks down to avoid it.
Phoenix displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Hunt.

Hunt clinches.
Hunt lands with a light punch inside.
Phoenix throws a punch but it's blocked by Hunt.
A bit of stalling here from Hunt.
Phoenix swings away with an uppercut that misses.

Phoenix breaks from the clinch.
Hunt blocks a jab.

Hunt darts in and clinches Phoenix up against the cage.
Hunt lands a knee to the head.
Hunt misses with the head strike.
Phoenix doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Phol Hunt has scored more points in the clinch so far.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Hunt misses with a punch to the body.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
A shot in the inside from Phoenix.
Phoenix throws a nice elbow but it doesn't land.
Good body shot from Phoenix.
Hunt scores with a shoulder strike.
Phoenix blocks a body shot from Hunt.
Hunt is trying to maintain a safe position but Phoenix gets an underhook and turns Hunt into the cage.

Phoenix's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
No luck for Phoenix with that takedown attempt.
Phol Hunt has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Parker Phoenix.
Phoenix clobbers Hunt with an overhand right that has the crowd gasping. That made a horrendous noise.
Hunt fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Phoenix avoids it really well and circles away.
Phoenix throws a feint and then finishes with a kick to the body.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Hunt is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Hunt tries to clinch there but Phoenix circles away.
Phoenix scores with a nice one two combo and darts back out of range to avoid anything coming in the opposite direction.
Phoenix looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Hunt moves into range and lands a nice body kick.
Hunt tries to check a leg kick but that clearly hurt him.
Phoenix tries to score with an inside leg kick but telegraphs it and Hunt is able to avoid easily.
Phoenix shoots and misses
and Hunt counters with a two punch combo.
Phoenix circles away from the clinch attempt.
Phoenix looks like he wants to counter punch here.
Phoenix circles away from the clinch attempt.
Hunt misses with a wild combination.
Hunt wants to clinch up but Phoenix keeps it at a distance.

Hunt throws the overhand right but ducks down into a quick takedown attempt. Phoenix was covering up waiting for the punch and Hunt finishes the takedown easily into guard.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.

Phoenix has his foot on Hunt's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Hunt works his way back into a safe position though.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Phoenix is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
Phoenix keeping moving, preventing Hunt from controlling successfully.

Phoenix is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Hunt is aware though and is defending well.
Hunt pushing down on Phoenix's thigh, trying to pass to half guard. He's managed it... Nice work.
Hunt wants to lay and pray for a moment but Phoenix keeps working.
Hunt seems content to maintain position for now, rather than mounting any offense.

Phoenix looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.

Phoenix looking for submissions off his back.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close second round but Parker Phoenix will probably get the nod - 10:9.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

Phoenix swats away the attempt to clinch by Hunt.
Hunt throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Hunt drops his hands momentarily and Phoenix takes advantage with a crisp shot to the head.
A leg kick checked by Hunt.
Hunt tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Phoenix fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
Hunt appears to be looking for a big counter.
Phoenix misses with a left hand
and Hunt counters with a stiff right hand.
Hunt is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Phoenix throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
As Phoenix looks to move away, Hunt throws a big counter combo but Phoenix just gets out of the way.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Hunt shoots in and drives through. Phoenix sprawls well.
Phol Hunt is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Hunt walks into a left hand.
Phoenix throws a hook but Hunt blocks it.
Phoenix shoots in but Hunt avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Hunt moves out of range of the strikes.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Hunt clinches up against the cage.
Phoenix throws an elbow but it's blocked.
Hunt doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Hunt avoids the elbow strike from Phoenix, against the cage.
Phoenix lands a hook to the body. It's hard to tell if that hurt Hunt or not.
Hunt connects with a knee to the head.
A right handed body shot lands from Phoenix.
Hunt tries to throw a body punch but Phoenix avoids it by throwing Hunt back against the cage.
Phoenix takes a shot to the head.
Phoenix misses with the head strike.
Phoenix misses with a punch on the inside.
Hunt stalling in the clinch but Phoenix improves position.
Phoenix creates a bit of distance and throws an elbow that only just misses.
Phoenix works on Hunt's body with a couple of short punches.
A short right from Phoenix on the inside.
Phoenix misses with an elbow strike.
Phoenix lands a nice uppercut.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Phoenix's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Phoenix connects with a nice looking jab.
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!
Nice takedown defense from Phoenix. No joy for Hunt on that attempt.
Hunt tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Phoenix paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Hunt is looking to clinch but Phoenix is avoiding it.
Phoenix gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily
and Hunt counters with a left and a right that stings Phoenix.
Phol Hunt has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Parker Phoenix.
Hunt wants to clinch up but Phoenix keeps it at a distance.
An inside leg kick lands from Hunt.
The fight stays on the outside here - Hunt looks like he's thinking about clinching though.

Hunt pushes Phoenix up against the cage in a clinch.
Phoenix throws a nice elbow but it doesn't land.
Hunt prevents a body shot from Phoenix.
Phoenix tries a body shot but Hunt blocks it.
Hunt blocks a body shot from Phoenix.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Phoenix misses with the head strike.
Hunt lands a left hand.
Hunt unloads a knee to the mid-section.
Phoenix takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Hunt lands a knee to the head there! That was nasty!
Hunt keeps control of Phoenix as he tries to wriggle out of the double underhooks.
Phoenix throws an elbow but it's blocked.
Hunt misses with some punches.
Hunt tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Phoenix's elbow.
Hunt lands a nice knee to the body.
Hunt looking to throw knees to the head but Phoenix is blocking nicely.
Hunt lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Phoenix backwards.
Hunt stalling in the clinch.
Hunt tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Phoenix takes a knee right on the jaw!
With the two fighters working up against the cage, Phoenix just misses with a elbow thrown towards Hunt's brow.
A head punch on the inside from Hunt fails to land.
Hunt doesn't land with the attempted body shot.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Hunt trying to land knees to the body.
Hunt lands a good knee to the midsection. Phoenix won't want to take too many of those.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Hunt misses with a hook from the clinch.
Phoenix avoiding damage as Hunt throws knees to the body.
Hunt scores with a shoulder strike.
Phoenix scores with a shoulder strike.
Hunt stalling here - the referee won't stand for too much of that.
A short right from Hunt.
Phoenix creates a bit of space for himself and sneaks an elbow through Hunt's defenses.
Hunt blocks a body shot from Phoenix.
Hunt blocks an uppercut.
Phoenix swings wildly with an uppercut but Hunt uses good head movement to avoid it.
Hunt misses with a body punch.
A head punch on the inside from Phoenix fails to land.
Phoenix lands with a short shot to the head.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close round but Phol Hunt did the better work so I'd imagine he'll take it.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

Hunt keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Hunt is looking to counter the offense by Phoenix and move into the clinch.

Hunt has taken the fight to the clinch.
Phoenix swings wildly with an uppercut but Hunt uses good head movement to avoid it.
Hunt avoids a wild elbow strike from Phoenix.
Hunt displaying some good clinch control by pressing Phoenix up against the cage.
Hunt scores with a shot to the side of Phoenix's head.
Phoenix looks like he'd prefer to be striking at range right now.
Hunt lands a shoulder strike.
Hunt prevents a body shot from Phoenix.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Hunt controlling the action here for a moment.
Hunt lands a body shot in the clinch.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Hunt.
Hunt blocks an elbow strike.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Hunt pressing his opponent against the cage.
A shot in the inside from Phoenix.
Hunt blocks a body shot from Phoenix.
Phoenix scores with an uppercut up the middle.
Phoenix misses with a short punch on the inside.
Phoenix misses with a punch to the body.
Phoenix throws an elbow that misses.
The referee calls for Hunt to work.
Hunt tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Phoenix avoids it.

Phoenix's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Phoenix shoots in looking for a takedown. Hunt tries to sprawl out of it but Phoenix keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Hunt manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.

Hunt moves into the clinch successfully.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Phoenix pushes off an throws an elbow but Hunt leans to the side and avoids it. We're back to clinching against the cage.
Phoenix working hard to break the clinch.

Phoenix pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Hunt is looking to clinch but Phoenix is avoiding it.
Hunt stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Hunt wants it to stay on the feet.
Hunt tries to close the distance and clinch but Phoenix swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Phoenix fails with a takedown attempt.
Phol Hunt has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Parker Phoenix.
Phoenix missing with a left hand there. Hunt was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.

Hunt looking to shoot here. He's gone for it and he's landed a takedown into side control! Oh, that's bad for Phoenix!
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Phoenix seems a little lost for a moment, as Hunt dominates the positioning.
Phoenix tries to improve position but can't.
Hunt moves into full mount!

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Hunt controlling from mount.
Hunt tries to control but Phoenix wriggling away.
Phoenix is looking to improve his position but Hunt isn't that keen on the idea.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Phoenix keeps trying to improve his position.
Hunt with shots to the head and body - Phoenix looks very uncomfortable down there.
Hunt trying to control but Phoenix is having none of it.
Hunt unloading with bombs!
Phoenix wants to control but Hunt is having none of it.
Hunt sitting in mount, just looking to control for the moment.
Phoenix working to try and regain half guard.
Phoenix is persisting with the attempt to improve his position.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Phol Hunt had his way with Parker Phoenix in that round.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action! This is the final round!

Phoenix pivots as if he's going to throw a leg kick but stops half way.
Hunt slips under a jab.
Hunt fails with a takedown attempt.
Hunt doesn't manage to clinch there - Phoenix circles away.
Phoenix misses the shot to the body.
Phoenix lands with a shot to the body.

Hunt closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the cage.

Phoenix escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Phoenix fails with a takedown attempt.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Phoenix looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
Phoenix chopping away at his opponent's legs.
Hunt fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Phoenix avoids it really well and circles away.
Phoenix doesn't fully commit to the body shot counter.

That's one minute gone in the round.
A swing and a miss from Phoenix.
It looked like Hunt was trying to counter with a body shot coming off that last attack from Phoenix.
Hunt fails in his attempt to clinch.
Phoenix looks to throw the jab but Hunt is out of range.
It looked like Hunt was looking amped, ready to throw a big counter but didn't commit.
Hunt has a takedown stuffed.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Phol Hunt. That's going to take a lot out of him.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Hunt.

Hunt closes the distance and clinches.
Phoenix blocks a body shot from Hunt.
Phoenix wants to push off and get back to the center of the mat but Hunt has him pressed against the cage.
Hunt misses with a hook to the ribs.

Phoenix breaks from the clinch.
Phoenix scores with a jab. Hunt acknowledges it with a nod of the head.
Phoenix connects with a right hand. Hunt shakes it off.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Phoenix keeps the fight on the outside.

Hunt closes the distance and clinches.
Phoenix doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Hunt blocking some punches.
Phoenix is looking to break free of the clinch but Hunt has double underhooks.
Hunt tries to throw a body punch but Phoenix avoids it by throwing Hunt back against the cage.
Hunt swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Hunt lands with a left to the head.
Hunt fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Hunt misses with a punch to the body.
A short left from Phoenix.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
A shot in the inside from Hunt.
Phoenix throws a hook to the body. More of an arm punch but it's all scoring with the judges.

Phoenix breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Phoenix throws a shot from downtown. Hunt moves away and avoids it.
It looked like Hunt wanted to counter with a hook but didn't fully commit.
Phoenix pulls out of a head kick attempt.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Phoenix cracks Hunt with a nice right hand that draws applause from the crowd.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Hunt.
Phoenix works over Hunt's head and body with a nice combination.
Phoenix shoots in and drives through. Hunt sprawls well.
Phoenix lands with a straight right. Hunt didn't see that one coming.
Hunt tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Phoenix paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Phoenix circles away from the clinch attempt.
Hunt tries to clinch but Phoenix is having none of it.
Hunt is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Phoenix scores with a reasonable looking shot to the body. Hunt doesn't seem bothered though.
Hunt showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Phoenix.
It looked like Hunt was looking amped, ready to throw a big counter but didn't commit.
Parker Phoenix has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Hunt fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Phoenix cracks Hunt with a hook to the jaw. Both fighters smile at eachother and high-five before getting back down to business.
A jab from Phoenix does it's job there.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Hunt moves in looking to clinch but Phoenix pushes him off.
Hunt with poor footwork there. He got himself in a bit of a tangle, enabling Phoenix to score with a decent uppercut.
Hunt doesn't manage to clinch there - Phoenix circles away.
Hunt moves in looking to clinch but Phoenix pushes him off.
Phoenix shoots in but Hunt avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Hunt tries to close the distance and clinch but Phoenix swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.

Hunt takes the fight into the clinch.
Hunt can't find room to land a body shot as Phoenix controls the action.
Phoenix lands a body punch.
Hunt is working hard here but doesn't seem to be able to control effectively, up against the cage.
Phol Hunt is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Phoenix tries to work over Hunt's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.

And that's the end of the fight!
Parker Phoenix comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think Hunt has won this one but let's see what the judges have to say. 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 Alec Ball scores the fight 48:47
Judge Gregory Folan scores the fight 48:47
Judge Robert Douchet scores the fight 49:46

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Phol Hunt!
Phol Hunt retains his middleweight title!
Phol Hunt decided to call for a title shot in his post fight interview, which was very strange given the fact this fight was for a title and he's already the champion. I guess that's what getting punched in the head does for you.