PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Finlay Darrow (ranked 4365 p4p, 346 weight class) and Johnny DeCoco (ranked 22057 p4p, 494 weight class). Johnny DeCoco has the power to score a knockout today if he connects clean with Finlay Darrow's chin.

Darrow
vs
DeCoco

169 cm
35
147 lbs
10 - 7 - 0

175 cm
23
155 lbs
0 - 4 - 1

Good wrestling
World class boxer
Insanely flexible

Good wrestler
Excellent MT
Powerful

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 10 - 7 - 0, fighting out of London, Finlay Darrow!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 4 - 1, fighting out of Los Angeles, Johnny DeCoco!
The judges for this bout are Paul Aken, Wagner Zegers and Saam Ante.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Darrow looks to score with a jab to the body but DeCoco is just out of range.
DeCoco changes levels for a counter takedown but doesn't follow through with his attempt.
Darrow fakes a head punch and goes low to the body. Nicely done.
A slapping leg kick lands for Darrow.
A punch lands to the side of DeCoco 's head but he takes it in his stride.
Darrow throws a hook but DeCoco avoids it easily.
DeCoco with the counter takedown but Darrow avoids it easily.
DeCoco on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by Darrow. Darrow obviously looking to wear him down.
DeCoco staying out of range there.
Darrow lands a glancing blow to the side of DeCoco's head.
DeCoco 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.
DeCoco ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Finlay Darrow seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.

The fight moves into the clinch position.
Darrow throws a hook to the body. More of an arm punch but it's all scoring with the judges.
A right handed body shot lands from Darrow.
Darrow blocking some punches.
Darrow tries a body shot but DeCoco blocks it.
Darrow is working DeCoco over against the cage.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Darrow.

That's one minute gone in the round.
DeCoco is working for a takedown up against the cage. He can't get it on this occasion though.
DeCoco jumps guard but Darrow stands there with DeCoco around his waist. DeCoco gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch.
Darrow has a couple of punches blocked by DeCoco.
A nice right hand lands inside from Darrow.
A short uppercut from Darrow.
DeCoco looks like he'd prefer to be striking at range right now.
Darrow lands with a short shot to the head.
Darrow tries to work over DeCoco's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Darrow working aggressively here.
Darrow makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
Darrow has DeCoco pushed against the cage.

DeCoco decides to pull guard.
Darrow is stalling in the full guard.
Darrow won't allow DeCoco to sweep him here.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Darrow 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.
DeCoco controls Darrow momentarily but Darrow frees himself.
Darrow wants to pass the guard but DeCoco is keeping the position.
It looks like the ref is thinking about a standup.
Darrow is just sitting in guard, looking to avoid any submissions.

The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up. He just wasn't happy with the level of activity.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Darrow punishes DeCoco's body with a nice straight punch.
DeCoco fails with an attempt to clinch.
Darrow displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from DeCoco.
Finlay Darrow has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Johnny DeCoco.
DeCoco looks to throw the jab but Darrow is out of range.
As DeCoco backs away, Darrow returns fire with a leg kick that just misses.
Darrow defends well against a solid takedown attempt from DeCoco.
Darrow throws a body punch but DeCoco moves out of range.
Darrow works his jab well there, keeping his opponent at a distance.
DeCoco fails with an attempt to clinch.
Darrow just misses with a punch to the body.

Darrow fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with DeCoco, pushing him back against the cage.
A left hand lands to the body for Darrow.
Darrow tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Darrow misses with a short punch on the inside.
DeCoco is trying to pull guard but Darrow has him pressed against the cage.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Darrow tries to work over DeCoco's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Darrow prevents the takedown attempt.
Darrow lands a shoulder strike.
Darrow using the Thai clinch to land knees to the body.
Darrow pushes DeCoco back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Darrow is stalling here.
DeCoco tries for a takedown. No joy.
Darrow lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of DeCoco backwards.
DeCoco is looking for a takedown up against the cage. Darrow gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.
Darrow lands a hook to the body. It's hard to tell if that hurt DeCoco or not.
Darrow lands a body shot.
DeCoco is looking to break free of the clinch but Darrow has double underhooks.
Darrow lands with a short shot to the head.

DeCoco escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Darrow keeps the fight on the outside.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Finlay Darrow dominated that round.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.

Darrow closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the cage.
Darrow is defending well against a takedown attempt.
DeCoco prevents a body shot from Darrow.
Darrow avoiding damage.
Darrow can't find room to land a body shot as DeCoco controls the action.
Darrow throws a head punch that misses.
Darrow misses with a punch to the body.
Darrow misses with a hook to the ribs.
Darrow lands a nice shot to the body.
Come on Darrow - let's have some action - none of this stalling nonsense.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Darrow leaning his opponent against the cage.
The crowd are getting pretty annoyed with Darrow for his constant stalling in the clinch and are voicing their displeasure.
Darrow lands a hook to the side of the head.
A nice right hand lands inside from Darrow.
Darrow is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that DeCoco can do to turn this around?

That's one minute gone in the round.
Darrow lands a nice uppercut.
Darrow lands a hook to the body. It's hard to tell if that hurt DeCoco or not.
Finlay Darrow has scored more points in the clinch so far.
Darrow cracks DeCoco with a nice body shot.
DeCoco is breathing heavily.
A body shot lands from Darrow.
Darrow lands with a short punch from the clinch.
Darrow swings wildly with an uppercut but DeCoco uses good head movement to avoid it.
Darrow struggles to land a body shot inside as DeCoco controls his hands.
Darrow working aggressively here.
Darrow works for underhooks and lands a body shot in the process.
Darrow lands a body punch in the clinch.
Darrow throws a blind hook that connects with the side of DeCocos head.
Darrow doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Darrow lands a shot to the body.
Darrow lands a right hand that snaps the head of DeCoco backwards.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
DeCoco misses with the head strike.
Darrow stays in close to his opponent and throws a right hand to the body.
Darrow scores with a nice hook to the head.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Darrow is working DeCoco over against the cage.
Darrow lands a body punch.
Darrow cracks DeCoco with a nice body shot.
Darrow lands a left hand that snaps the head of DeCoco backwards.
Darrow lands with a short shot to the head.
Darrow scores with an uppercut up the middle.
Darrow can't find room to land a body shot as DeCoco controls the action.
Darrow lands on the inside with an uppercut.
Darrow lands a body punch.
DeCoco prevents a body shot from Darrow.
Darrow is leaning against DeCoco and scores with a nice uppercut to the body.
Darrow lands a left hand that snaps the head of DeCoco backwards.
Darrow lands a body punch.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Darrow scores with an uppercut up the middle.
Darrow lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
Darrow lands a hook to the body. It's hard to tell if that hurt DeCoco or not.
Darrow taking a breather.
DeCoco is looking for a takedown.
Still in the clinch, Darrow scores with a nice short uppercut.
DeCoco creates a bit of distance and throws an elbow that only just misses.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, Darrow creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
DeCoco prevents a body shot from Darrow.
A body shot lands from Darrow.
A short body shot lands from Darrow as the two fighters clinch.
Darrow lands a shoulder strike.
The referee is keeping an eye on Darrow - much more stalling and he will separate the fighters.
Darrow blocks an uppercut.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Darrow lands with a light punch inside.
Darrow lands with a right to the head.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Darrow lands a shot to the body.
Darrow struggles to land a body shot inside as DeCoco controls his hands.
Darrow scores with an uppercut up the middle.
Darrow lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
Darrow avoiding damage.
Darrow lands with a left to the head.

DeCoco breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.

DeCoco moves into the clinch.
A shot in the inside from Darrow.

DeCoco is rocked!
Darrow tries to work over DeCoco's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Darrow lands a right hand that snaps the head of DeCoco backwards.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Finlay Darrow dominated that second round.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action! This is the final round!

Darrow blocks a jab.
Darrow misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from DeCoco.
DeCoco closes this distance looking for a takedown but Darrow circles away.

DeCoco shoots in for a takedown from distance. He catches Darrow napping and manages to drive through into side control!
Darrow is not content to let DeCoco control the position.
Darrow manages to get one leg in to regain half guard.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Darrow is concentrating on defense, preventing DeCoco from advancing position.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Darrow is looking to improve his position.
DeCoco is just content to waste time from the top position. Darrow takes advantage of the situation and regains full guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
DeCoco trying to control but Darrow is working from the bottom.
DeCoco tries to free his leg and advance position but Darrow is retaining full guard.
Darrow is avoiding any damage by keeping wrist control.

The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up. He just wasn't happy with the level of activity.
That kick from Darrow tenderised DeCoco's leg. DeCoco is trying to keep his angry face on.
Johnny DeCoco has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

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.
DeCoco takes a solid shot to the body. That one hurt him but he's trying not to show it.
DeCoco shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Darrow but Darrow pushes him off and we're back to square one.
Darrow fakes and then throws a beautiful body shot. DeCoco looks a bit winded and takes a step backwards to take a breath.
DeCoco on the wrong end of a decent looking cross there.
Darrow lands with a nice low kick. That'll leave a bruise.
DeCoco fails with a takedown attempt.
Finlay Darrow has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Johnny DeCoco.
DeCoco takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
DeCoco on the wrong end of a decent looking cross there.
Darrow turns his hip over beautifully as he lands a nice leg kick.
Finlay Darrow is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Darrow fakes high and swings low for a body shot but DeCoco manages to avoid it.
Darrow fakes a couple of low kicks, before throwing one on the third attempt. It connects and DeCoco has to reset his feet before getting ready to engage.
DeCoco takes a hook to the side of the head. I wonder if that's got his ears ringing.
DeCoco misses with a looping left.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Darrow scores with a punch to the gut of his opponent.
Darrow lands a pitter patter jab to the forehead of his opponent.

Darrow rushes DeCoco and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.
Darrow lands a shot to the body.
Darrow lands a left hand that snaps the head of DeCoco backwards.
Darrow works on DeCoco's body with a couple of short punches.

DeCoco manages to break the clinch.
Like a baseball bat into the meat of his leg there - nice leg kick by Darrow.

Darrow moves into range and clinches up with DeCoco.
Darrow scores with a hook to the body.
Darrow lands with a short shot to the head.
Finlay Darrow is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
A shot in the inside from Darrow.
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!
DeCoco changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Darrow fights it off and pushes away nicely.
Darrow steps to the side to avoid the strikes from DeCoco.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
DeCoco chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Darrow can pounce on him.
DeCoco takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.
DeCoco shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Darrow as he avoids it easily.
A slapping leg kick lands for Darrow.
Darrow with a nice looking leg kick. You could hear that one land in a back row.
DeCoco on the wrong end of a nice low kick. He's acting like it's no big deal but he doesn't want to take many more of those.
DeCoco's leg has a nasty welt from taking a succession of leg kicks. That must be slowing him down.
A solid leg kick lands there for Darrow.
DeCoco throws the left hand but Darrow avoids the punch easily.
Darrow lands a nice hook to DeCoco's body. DeCoco takes it in his stride and looks to land his own strikes.

DeCoco tries to keep at a distance but Darrow has taken the fight into the clinch.
Darrow lands a left hand.
DeCoco pushes off an throws an elbow but Darrow leans to the side and avoids it. We're back to clinching against the cage.
Darrow lands a right hand.
Darrow lands on the inside with an uppercut.

And that's the end of the fight!
Finlay Darrow showed his dominance in that final round.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Darrow, 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 Paul Aken scores the fight 30:25
Judge Wagner Zegers scores the fight 30:25
Judge Saam Ante scores the fight 30:25

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Finlay Darrow!