PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Misha Collins (ranked 147 p4p, 18 weight class) and Henson Benderson (ranked 222 p4p, 29 weight class). Benderson has chosen The Time is Now as his entrance music. 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.

Collins
vs
Benderson

167 cm
30
148 lbs
18 - 12 - 0

168 cm
29
148 lbs
17 - 7 - 0

Great wrestler
Excellent boxer
Insanely flexible

Good wrestler
World class MT
Good gas tank

Aspire Clothing

IniTech Nutrition

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the featherweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 18 - 12 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Misha Collins!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 17 - 7 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Henson Benderson!
The judges for this bout are Arvi Lind, Anni Minnemäki and Marco Blurström.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Benderson jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Nice shot lands for Benderson.
Benderson throws a shot from downtown. Collins moves away and avoids it.
Benderson throws a big shot that misses.
Collins bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Collins displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Benderson throws out the jab.
Collins uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Benderson.
Collins half commits to a counter takedown before pushing away, out of range.
Collins ducks under a wild hook from Benderson.
Benderson just misses with a punch to the body.
Collins swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Benderson swings away with a counter right hand but no contact made.
Collins throws a couple of head shots and lands with the final one - a decent hook, which struck Benderson on the side of the head.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Benderson fakes with the hands and throws a leg kick but Collins is out of range.
Collins defending well as Benderson loads up on a big left hand.
Collins shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
That kick from Benderson tenderised Collins's leg. Collins is trying to keep his angry face on.

Collins throws a loose over hand right and dives in with a double leg takedown. Benderson tries to sprawl but it's too late and the fighters hit the mat. Collins is in Benderson's guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Benderson is on top in guard.

Benderson stopping the sweep attempt from Collins.

Collins looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.

Collins escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Benderson gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.
Benderson wants to control from the top but Collins keeps moving.

Collins looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.
Benderson trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Benderson trying to control the position from guard on top but Collins is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Benderson avoids a guillotine attempt easily.
Benderson 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.
Collins is trying to keep Benderson in close.

Collins is looking for a triangle but Benderson pushes his legs off easily.
Collins keeping moving, preventing Benderson from controlling successfully.
Collins wants to sweep here but Benderson controlling him for the moment.

Collins looking for subs off his back but Benderson has passed one foot through into half guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
The fighters are going at a pretty good pace and they're both starting to sweat now.
Collins is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Benderson seems to be taking a bit of a break to think of his next move. He lands a short punch in the meantime.
Collins is trying to defend against the ground and pound but Benderson scores with a couple of nice shots.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Benderson content to control rather than advance.
Benderson wants to take a breather but Collins is having none of it.
Collins is trying to control but can't.
Benderson drops an elbow to the side of Collins's head.
Collins moves into full guard.
Benderson 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.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Collins wants to sweep but no luck.
Benderson looking to control the position here, rather than advance.

Collins isolates an arm and boxes in a triangle. Benderson stacks Collins on his neck as he steps over and passes to the side. He's now in a much more dominant position where he can look to do some serious damage. Nice move by Benderson!
Collins taking a bit of punishment here - Benderson scoring with strikes.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Collins prevents Benderson from improving position.
Collins managing to avoid any damage from the strikes thrown by Benderson.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Henson Benderson dominated that round.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!

Benderson sizes up Collins with a pawing jab and scores with a straight right down the middle.
Benderson avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Benderson lands a powerful looking uppercut that connected with his opponent's jaw.
Collins thuds a left hand into Benderson's body.
Collins throws a hook to the side of Benderson's head but Benderson sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Henson Benderson seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Benderson tries to bum rush Collins with a series of wild strikes but Collins uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Collins fails to land with a series of punches.
Benderson throws a counter combo.
Benderson misses with a hook.
Collins throws the left hand but Benderson avoids the punch easily.

Collins closes the distance and clinches up, looking for a takedown. He shifts his weight and gets a nice trip into half guard.

Benderson pushes Collins off and gets back to his feet.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Benderson takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.
Collins looks to throw the jab but Benderson is out of range.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Benderson! But no joy.
Collins misses with a body punch
and Benderson counters with a stiff right hand.
Collins checks a leg kick nicely.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Benderson's jab looks to have found its range, popping Collins under the eye.
Collins fails with an attempt to clinch.
Collins takes a jab on the nose there. A little bit of blood seems to be coming out. Hopefully that won't affect his breathing.
Collins throws a good cross that connects.
Left hook, right uppercut from Benderson.
Collins throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Benderson will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.

Collins clinches.

Collins pulls guard effortlessly.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.

Collins is looking for a triangle but Benderson pushes his legs off easily.

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

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Collins working for submissions but it's allowed Benderson to get to half guard.
Collins tries to get to full guard but Benderson has control of the leg.
Benderson trying to mount his opponent but Collins defends it.
Neither fighter is being very active at the moment, with Benderson in particular looking to stall.
Collins wants to get back to full guard.
Benderson slows the pace down in half guard.
Collins manages to get to full guard.
Benderson looking to control the position here, rather than advance.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Collins working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Benderson doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Benderson manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.
Benderson postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.

Collins has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Benderson can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.
Benderson controls the pace of the fight for a moment.

That's four 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.
Collins 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.

Benderson avoids a guillotine attempt easily.
Benderson slows down the pace of the fight, as he sits in guard.
Benderson pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Collins is keeping the position for now.
Benderson trying to control the position from guard on top but Collins is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.
Benderson moves out of range of the strikes.
Benderson misses with a looping left.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Henson Benderson showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.

Benderson waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Collins.
Collins tries to clinch but fails miserably
and Benderson counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Nice takedown defense from Benderson. No joy for Collins on that attempt.
Benderson scores to the head and body with a nice combination!
Collins lands with a right hand.
Collins swats away the attempt to clinch by Benderson.
Benderson misses with an uppercut.
Collins was looking to counter that move with a punch but didn't quite pull the trigger.
Henson Benderson seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Benderson closes the distance and takes a jab right on the nose as he does so.
Collins sizes up Benderson with a pawing jab and scores with a straight right down the middle.
Benderson throws a body punch but Collins moves out of range.
Benderson throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Benderson scores with a jab to the jaw of his opponent.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Benderson throws a head kick that misses.
A clash of legs there as Collins blocks the low kick.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Benderson missing with a left hand there. Collins was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.

Benderson gets in close and instigates a clinch.
Benderson lands a left hand.
Collins is trying to pull guard but Benderson has him pressed against the cage.
Benderson prevents a takedown attempt there.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Misha Collins. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Benderson putting his Muay Thai to good use. He has Collins in a tight clinch and is doing some damage with knees to the body.
Collins fails to pull guard.
Benderson trying to land knees to the body.
Collins looking for a takedown.
Benderson unloads a knee to the mid-section. Collins lets out a prehistoric sounding urrrrgh.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Collins tries to jump guard but he falls flat on his backside. Benderson smiles and moves away.
Benderson jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Collins attempts a counter takedown but Benderson avoids it well and moves away.
Collins shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Benderson pinned against the cage. Benderson gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Collins avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Benderson listening to his corner there, landing a nice uppercut.

Benderson takes the fight into the clinch.
Collins is trying to pull guard but Benderson has him pressed against the cage.
Benderson is stalling here. The referee will be looking to step in if he doesn't pick up the pace.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Collins jumps guard but Benderson stands there with Collins around his waist. Collins gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch.
Benderson trying to land knees to the body.
Benderson has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Collins on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.

Collins decides to pull guard.

Benderson avoids a guillotine attempt easily.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Benderson controlling from the guard. I say controlling but really, he's stalling.

Collins working for a triangle but Benderson defends it easily.
Benderson is intent on slowing down the pace of the fight, simply looking to control.
Collins keeping moving, preventing Benderson from controlling successfully.
Benderson sitting in guard, not really doing much.

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.

Collins is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
Benderson trying to control the position from guard on top but Collins is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Benderson 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.
Benderson stopping the sweep attempt from Collins.
Benderson pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Collins is keeping the position for now.
We've had a lack of effective grappling in the last minute or so, which could well see a referee standup.
Henson Benderson has got the better of the ground game so far.

Collins has his foot on Benderson's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Benderson works his way back into a safe position though.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Henson Benderson really dominated that round.
That's time! Collins's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

Collins dives in for a single leg takedown but Benderson sprawls and the fighters end up clinched against the cage.
Collins misses with a straight left.
Collins thows a left - swing and a miss!
Despite the aggression on Benderson's face he doesn't fully commit to the counter.
Collins shoots in for a double leg but Benderson sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
Benderson is looking to clinch.
Collins scores with a hook.
Benderson tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Collins paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Benderson lands with a cross to side of his opponent's head.
Benderson looks to throw the jab but Collins is out of range.
Jab, cross, leg kick. Nice combination by Collins!
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
A combination from Collins does no damage.
Collins moves out of range as Benderson throws a body kick.
Benderson's corner calls for a 1-2. Benderson obliges with the 1 part as he scores the single shot and moves back out of range.
Collins swings for the body but Benderson moves out of range.
Benderson now looks to counter with a shot at the body.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Benderson lands a jab to the head.
Collins ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
A cross from Benderson lands.
Benderson lunges at Collins with a hook that half lands and is half blocked by Collins's hand.
Benderson motions for Collins to come forward. Benderson throws a leg kick but it misses it's target.
Benderson throws a hook to the side of Collins's head but Collins sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Danga de danga de dang - Benderson scores with a four punch combination!
Benderson feints a straight left to the body, then turns around with a flashy move and hits Collinss jaw with a dramatic spinning back fist!

Collins is rocked!
Collins throws a hook but Benderson avoids it easily.
Benderson misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Collins.
Collins looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Benderson is fending him off so far but Collins persists. Nope, Benderson circles away and we're back to standing.
As Collins backs off Benderson throws a huge counter combo but Collins manages to avoid it all.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Misha Collins. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Nice shot by Benderson.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Benderson takes a shot to the body in his stride.
Collins keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Benderson.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Benderson tries to clinch up.

Benderson has Collins up against the cage in a clinch.
Benderson missing with knees to the body.
Collins is working on a leg, looking for a takedown but Benderson is defending well.
Collins tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.
Collins managing to block the knees to the body from Benderson.
Benderson has Collins pushed against the cage.
Collins looking for a takedown.

Collins has moved round to his opponent's back and is looking for a suplex! Oh snap! He's tossed Benderson clear over his head and slammed him to the mat!
Benderson tries to escape the position - he's now mounted. Is that better or worse? Hard to tell!
Benderson is in a horrible position here, under a barrage of strikes, he's managing to avoid any damage.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Benderson wants to hold on but Collins pushes him away.
Collins misses with a series of strikes from mount. He'll no doubt be working on his ground and pound when he gets back to the gym.
Benderson wants to hold on but Collins pushes him away.
Benderson tries to buck Collins off but he can't manage it.
Benderson is using up a lot of energy trying to get back to his feet. Perhaps he should improve his position first.
Benderson is writhing around trying to get back to his feet.
Benderson takes a big shot to the head but keeps on trying to improve his position.
Collins postures up and cracks his opponent a couple of times before moving back into close ground control. Benderson looks a forlorn figure.
Benderson manages to regain half guard. Good work.
Benderson taking some punishment here, with Collins in his half guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Collins is looking for a kimura but he's never going to get it from there.
Collins trying to control the action but Benderson is working from the bottom.
Collins thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Benderson's head.

Collins is trying to work for a kimura. This could be trouble! No, Benderson has managed to free his arm - good work.
Benderson is looking to control Collins's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Benderson avoid being mounted?
Benderson is not content to let Collins control the position.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Henson Benderson dominated that fourth round.
That's time! Collins's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight. The crowd applaud as we get ready to start the final round!

Collins 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.
Collins throws an elbow that misses. Benderson uses the momentum to reverse the position. He's now in Collins's guard. Nice move by Benderson!

Collins working for a triangle but Benderson defends it easily.
Benderson wants to pass the guard but Collins is keeping the position.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Benderson trying to control the position from guard on top but Collins is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Collins has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Benderson can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.

Collins looking for a guillotine here but Benderson defends easily.
Benderson trying to control but Collins is working from the bottom.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are showing their displeasure at the lack of action as loud boos ring out around the arena.

Collins looking for submissions from the bottom but instead Benderson passes into half guard.
Collins regains full guard. Nicely done.
Henson Benderson is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
Benderson trying to control the position from guard on top but Collins is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Collins is trying to keep Benderson in close.

Collins has an omoplata and is looking to use it perhaps as a submission or perhaps to transition. Benderson is in a bit of discomfort here, but he's managed to free himself and has dived into side control! That didn't work out too well for Collins.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Benderson trying to control the position but Collins is working away.
Benderson might have to switch it up a bit here because his efforts to control Collins haven't been going to plan, at least at the current moment in time.
Benderson is moving around in side control but his primary objective seems to be to maintain the position.
Collins struggling a bit here.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are getting on the fighters' backs, as the pace has dropped off in the last minute or so.
Benderson just content to control the position.
Collins is trying to work for a sweep but Benderson has mounted him!
Benderson looking to control but Collins is working nicely, looking to advance position himself.
Benderson controlling from the full mount.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Benderson is continuing to stall.
Misha Collins has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Benderson blocks Collins's feeble attempts to strike from the bottom.

And that's the end of the fight!
Henson Benderson comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
Well Benderson has outworked and out performed his opponent in all aspects of the game today. He was simply too good and the decision should be no more than a formality. 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 Arvi Lind scores the fight 45:50
Judge Anni Minnemäki scores the fight 45:50
Judge Marco Blurström scores the fight 45:50

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Henson Benderson!
Henson Benderson is the new featherweight champion!
A loyal slave to those sponsorship dollars, Henson Benderson made sure he mentioned IniTech Nutrition , along with how happy he was to win his fight.