PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Gurney Halleck (ranked 1401 p4p, 150 weight class) and Matel Huchkov (ranked 1553 p4p, 168 weight class). Halleck kept the crowd waiting but all that was forgotten when his ring entrance music started. The incomparable musical genius that is Simple Minds - Changeling. Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the cage.

Halleck
vs
Huchkov

183 cm
32
158 lbs
18 - 14 - 0

170 cm
35
143 lbs
20 - 16 - 0

Abu Dhabi Champ
World class boxer
Cardio machine

Good wrestler
World class MT
Good gas tank

Riner Clothing and Laundry (85%)

Zenith Nutrition (160q/$200)

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the featherweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 18 - 14 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Gurney Halleck!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 20 - 16 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Matel Huchkov!
The judges for this bout are Yves DeLean, Alec Ball and Dillan Fox.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Halleck uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Huchkov.
A big left from Huchkov misses.
Huchkov 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.
Huchkov listening to his corner there, landing a nice uppercut.

Huchkov forces Halleck back against the cage and clinches.
Huchkov misses with the head strike.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Halleck.
Huchkov tries to break the clinch but Halleck is controlling the position.
Halleck scores with a shot to the side of Huchkov's head.
Halleck tries to work over Huchkov's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Halleck tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Halleck.
Halleck blocks an uppercut.
Huchkov misses with a hook from the clinch.
Still in the clinch, Halleck scores with a nice short uppercut.
Halleck misses with a hook to the ribs.
Huchkov misses with the head strike.
Huchkov swings wildly with an uppercut but Halleck uses good head movement to avoid it.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Halleck.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Halleck fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Halleck misses with a hook to the ribs.

That's one minute gone in the round.
A head punch on the inside from Huchkov fails to land.
A short uppercut from Huchkov.
A head punch on the inside from Huchkov fails to land.
A head punch on the inside from Halleck fails to land.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Huchkov.
Halleck lands a hook that snaps the head of Huchkov backwards.
A head punch on the inside from Halleck fails to land.
Huchkov fails to pull the fight into his guard.
Halleck misses with a hook from the clinch.
Halleck throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Huchkovs head.
Halleck cracks Huchkov with a nice body shot.
Huchkov misses with a hook from the clinch.

Huchkov escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Huchkov fails with the takedown.
Halleck waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Huchkov.
A punch lands to the side of Huchkov 's head but he takes it in his stride.
Halleck has been working on his boxing with his coaches at LOD: House of Gladiators in the buildup to the fight.
Huchkov throws a right hand that misses
and Halleck counters with a lovely straight right hand!
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!
Huchkov cracks Halleck with a good jab.
Huchkov with a lazy takedown attempt
and Halleck connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Gurney Halleck has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Matel Huchkov.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Huchkov throws a jab when Halleck was well out of range.
Halleck feints a jab promting Huchkov to slip. Halleck then demonstrates his capabilities by jabbing again. Huchkov slips again and ducks right into an uppercut.

Huchkov has managed to clinch.
Huchkov struggles to land a body shot inside as Halleck controls his hands.
Huchkov misses with a hook from the clinch.
Halleck tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Huchkov wants a takedown but no success here.
A head punch on the inside from Halleck fails to land.
Halleck lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
Huchkov misses with a short punch on the inside.
Halleck blocks an uppercut.
Huchkov misses with some punches.
Halleck working aggressively here.
A head punch on the inside from Halleck fails to land.
Halleck throws a punch but it's blocked by Huchkov.
Huchkov prevents a body shot from Halleck.
Halleck lands a nice uppercut.
Halleck misses with a punch to the body.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Halleck pushes Huchkov back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.

Huchkov manages to break the clinch.
Halleck defending well as Huchkov loads up on a big left hand.
Halleck throws a one two combo.
Huchkov throws a right and a left that both miss.
Halleck wants to take advantage of his opponent's missed offense by moving into the clinch.
Halleck misses the shot to the body.
Halleck looks to throw the jab but Huchkov is out of range.

Huchkov moves into range and clinches up with Halleck.
Halleck tries to work over Huchkov's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Halleck lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
A nice left hand lands by Halleck.
Huchkov throws a punch but it's blocked by Halleck.
Huchkov blocking some punches.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Huchkov tries to pull guard but Halleck won't allow it.
Knees to the body from Huchkov.

Huchkov escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Halleck uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Huchkov.
Halleck throws a shot from downtown. Huchkov moves away and avoids it.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Halleck lands a vicious shot with the stealth of a sniper and the strength of a viper. Are vipers that strong? I can think of lots of things that are stronger than a viper - not many rhyme with sniper though.
Huchkov lands a pitter patter jab to the forehead of his opponent.
Huchkov fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Halleck avoids it really well and circles away.
Halleck dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Halleck connects with a crisp jab.
Halleck lands a leg kick that knocks Huchkov off balance momentarily.

Huchkov throws the overhand right but ducks down into a quick takedown attempt. Halleck was covering up waiting for the punch and Huchkov finishes the takedown easily into guard.
Huchkov stopping the sweep attempt from Halleck.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
The fighters are going at a pretty good pace and they're both starting to sweat now.
Huchkov postures up and scores with a shot to the body and a follow up elbow to the head.
Halleck tries to land a sweep but no joy.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Gurney Halleck dominated that round.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business.

Huchkov closes the distance and clinches.
Huchkov has a couple of punches blocked by Halleck.
Huchkov tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.

Huchkov breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Good shot there by Halleck.
Huchkov takes one on the button.
Huchkov takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
A left lands for Huchkov.
Huchkov changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.
Halleck swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
A punch lands to the side of Halleck 's head but he takes it in his stride.

Halleck is rocked!
Huchkov 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.
Huchkov throws a head kick but Halleck moves out of range.
Oh Halleck is still all over the place! His legs are completely gone! Will he be able to recover?!!
This has been an exciting period of action!

Huchkov has taken the fight to the clinch.
Huchkov lands a left hand that snaps the head of Halleck backwards.
Huchkov lands an uppercut.
Huchkov tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Halleck misses with some punches.
Halleck lands a right hand that snaps the head of Huchkov backwards.

Huchkov breaks the clinch.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Halleck throws a low kick but it's checked well by Huchkov.
Huchkov tries for a takedown but Halleck sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Halleck gets his head snapped back by a nice shot there.
Huchkov misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Halleck throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Huchkov throws an off balance right hand
and Halleck counters nicely by changing levels and landing a hook to the body.
Huchkov throws a poor cross that misses
and Halleck cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.

Huchkov shoots in from a long way out. He's driving through with the takedown attempt and he eventually gets it, landing in Halleck's guard.
Huchkov stopping the sweep attempt from Halleck.
Huchkov chips away with some ground and pound.
Huchkov trying to control but Halleck is working from the bottom.

Huchkov avoids a guillotine attempt easily.
Huchkov wants to stand and escape but instead Halleck has hit a sweep and he's now on top in guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Huchkov wants to stand but Halleck is controlling the position.
Halleck seems to have got his legs back now.
Huchkov looking to hit a scissor sweep but Halleck is one step ahead there.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Huchkov keeping moving, preventing Halleck from controlling successfully.
Huchkov is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.
Halleck is working Huchkov over from the guard. He should look to pass the guard and do a little more damage with these strikes.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Halleck postures up in Huchkov's guard and throws a big left but Huchkov blocks it.
Halleck looking to pass the guard.
Halleck is stalling in the full guard.
Halleck has controlled the position for a good 20 seconds, which will no doubt be starting to frustrate his opponent.
Halleck preventing the sweep.
Huchkov utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Halleck sitting in guard, not really doing much.

The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up. He just wasn't happy with the level of activity.
Huchkov chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Halleck can pounce on him.
Matel Huchkov seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
My god... these two guys really need to pick up the pace or everyone will leave to go get a beer.
Halleck lands a lovely overhand right.
Halleck scores with a punch to the gut of his opponent.
Halleck wants to land a leg kick but Huchkov is out of range.
A jab from Halleck misses.
Halleck throws a nice inside leg kick.
Huchkov circles away from the clinch attempt.
Halleck is using his height advantage well here, landing a good percentage of his punches.
Horrible takedown attempt by Huchkov or perhaps it was just good defense by Halleck, which made it look bad.
Halleck scores with a punch to the gut of his opponent.
Halleck lands a vicious shot with the stealth of a sniper and the strength of a viper. Are vipers that strong? I can think of lots of things that are stronger than a viper - not many rhyme with sniper though.
Huchkov tries for a takedown but Halleck sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
It looked like Halleck was trying to counter with a body shot coming off that last attack from Huchkov.
Gurney Halleck has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Matel Huchkov.
Halleck feints and then cracks Huchkov's leading leg with a nice low kick. He's obviously looking to slow Huchkov down.
Halleck closes the distance and takes a jab right on the nose as he does so.
Gurney Halleck is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Huchkov misses with a head kick.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close second round but I would say that Gurney Halleck will probably get the nod.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business. This is the final round!

Huchkov walks straight into a jab right on the nose. That one stung - he's blinking and trying to clear his head.
Huchkov misses with a hook. Halleck ducked under it nicely.
As Huchkov backs away, Halleck returns fire with a leg kick that just misses.
Huchkov throws a sloppy head kick and Halleck moves out of range easily.
Halleck tries to counter by moving into the clinch but Huchkov manages to circle out of the way.
Huchkov throws a sloppy head kick and Halleck moves out of range easily.
Halleck is looking to counter the offense by Huchkov and move into the clinch.
Huchkov connects with a body shot.
Halleck digs a good body shot into Huchkov's ribs.
Huchkov misses with the combination.
Huchkov has his head snapped back a nice jab. A little nod from Huchkov there as he acknowledges the shot.
Danga de danga de dang - Halleck scores with a four punch combination!
Halleck lands with a cross.
Halleck fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Huchkov manages to avoid it.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Huchkov lands with a right hand.
Halleck connects with a nice looking jab.
Huchkov scores with a sloppy right hand. Halleck should have avoided that one.
Huchkov with poor footwork there. He got himself in a bit of a tangle, enabling Halleck to score with a decent uppercut.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Halleck ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Halleck is using his reach advantage well here, landing the more effective single shots from range.
Halleck leaves Huchkov with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
A jab from Halleck finds it's way through Huchkov's defenses.
Huchkov misses with a looping left.
Huchkov throws a lazy right hand but Halleck sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Halleck uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Huchkov.

Huchkov throws a left that rocks Halleck and follows with a right that sends him tumbling to the canvas! Huchkov dives into side control, looking to finish! Can Halleck regain composure!
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Halleck manages to get back to half guard.

Halleck looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
Huchkov throwing shots but Halleck is blocking nicely.
Halleck slips a foot under and gets full guard. Nice work.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Halleck is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.

Huchkov gets to his feet and steps away from his opponent.
Huchkov misses with a takedown
and Halleck counters with a left to the body.
Gurney Halleck is winning the standup battle so far.
Huchkov shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Halleck sprawls well. Halleck wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Huchkov gets slowly back to his feet.
Gurney Halleck has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Matel Huchkov.
Halleck wants to clinch.
Halleck thuds his right hand into Huchkov's forehead from close range. That could be painful for both fighters.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Halleck throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Huchkov looked like he wanted to counter with a punch but didn't throw it.
Halleck lands a nice shot that snaps Huchkov's head back.
Halleck on the wrong end of an overhand right that came out of nowhere.
Halleck misses with an uppercut.
Huchkov looks like he wants to counter punch here.
Huchkov scores with a jab to the head.
Huchkov takes a body kick right on the floating rib. Ouchie.

The fight moves into the clinch position.
Huchkov throws a punch but it's blocked by Halleck.
Gurney Halleck is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Huchkov scores with a nice hook to the head.
Huchkov throws a head punch that misses.
Huchkov throws a punch but it's blocked by Halleck.
Halleck blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Matel Huchkov has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Huchkov.
Halleck doesn't land with the attempted body shot.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Halleck misses with the head strike.
Huchkov fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Huchkov misses with some punches.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.

Huchkov manages to break the clinch.
Halleck misses with a straight left.
A decent looking cross lands there for Halleck.
Halleck lands a jab, followed by a cross and another cross, as Huchkov backs up against the cage.
Huchkov walks into a left hand.
Halleck is moving around nicely and scores here with a single head shot.
Halleck throws a shot from downtown. Huchkov moves away and avoids it.
Halleck displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Huchkov throws out the jab.
Halleck throws a shot from downtown. Huchkov moves away and avoids it.
Good leg kick by Halleck there. It's the ones that make that thud noise that hurt and that was an almighty thud.
A jab lands there for Halleck.
Some wild striking there from Huchkov.

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 Gurney Halleck.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Halleck, 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 Yves DeLean scores the fight 30:29
Judge Alec Ball scores the fight 30:27
Judge Dillan Fox scores the fight 30:27

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Gurney Halleck!
Gurney Halleck took to the mic in his post fight interview and said 'https://soundcloud.com/spinmanfinn'.