PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Steve Stricker (ranked 1256 p4p, 199 weight class) and Alasdair Thacker (ranked 1744 p4p, 265 weight class). Stricker's entrance music is 21 Savage feat. Future - X. A fine choice. Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the cage.

Stricker
vs
Thacker

199 cm
39
219 lbs
20 - 11 - 0

175 cm
35
197 lbs
19 - 16 - 0

Great wrestler
World class boxer
Cardio machine

Excellent grappler
World class MT
Granite chin

Riner Clothing and Laundry (85%)

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the light heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 20 - 11 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Steve Stricker!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 19 - 16 - 0, fighting out of London, Alasdair Thacker!
The judges for this bout are Cecil Peabody, Frank Dennis and Daniel Franklin.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Stricker on the wrong end of a decent looking cross there.
Thacker bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Stricker throws a head kick that misses.
Thacker misses with a body shot.
A leg kick checked by Stricker.
Thacker dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Thacker ducks down and throws a hook to the body.
Thacker connects with a leg kick. He turned his hip over nicely there.
Thacker scores with a shot to the body.

Stricker darts in and clinches Thacker up against the cage.
Thacker lands a right hand that snaps the head of Stricker backwards.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Stricker.
A nice left hand lands by Thacker.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Stricker has a couple of punches blocked by Thacker.
Stricker lands a nice looking hook to the body, against the cage.
Thacker tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Stricker's elbow.
Thacker misses with a hook to the ribs.
A short left from Stricker.
Stricker misses with the head strike.
Both guys are working to get underhooks.
Thacker wants to stall.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Stricker misses with some punches.
Stricker blocking some punches.
Stricker fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Stricker misses with the head strike.
Stricker blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Thacker slows down the pace here.
Thacker misses with a short punch on the inside.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Stricker.
Stricker scores with a shot to the side of Thacker's head.
Thacker blocking some punches.
A head punch on the inside from Stricker fails to land.
Thacker missing with knees to the body.
Stricker lands an uppercut.
Thacker prevents a body shot from Stricker.
Thacker swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Thacker misses with a punch to the body.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Stricker's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Thacker dodges the punch combination from Stricker.
Thacker appears to be waiting to throw a counter punch to the body.
Stricker lands a nice looking body kick.
Thacker tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Stricker was well out of range. Poor timing from Thacker.
Stricker fakes a couple of low kicks, before throwing one on the third attempt. It connects and Thacker has to reset his feet before getting ready to engage.
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!
Thacker avoids the head kick by Stricker.
Thacker throws out a counter right but Stricker avoids it with no problem.
Thacker throws a hook but Stricker avoids it easily.
Stricker lands an overhand left. A wild punch that just about connected.
Stricker staying out of range there.
Stricker is trying to close the distance and clinch up, after that failed offence from Thacker.
Thacker scores with a kick to the midsection.
Thacker looks more muscular than last time we saw him. He must have been on the weights.
Thacker steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Stricker.
Thacker throws out a counter right but Stricker avoids it with no problem.
A telegraphed right hand from Thacker misses the target.
Stricker keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Stricker throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Thacker throws a shot from downtown. Stricker moves away and avoids it.
Stricker moves out of range as Thacker strikes.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Thacker steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Stricker.
Thacker has his front leg slapped to the side - a nice low kick landing there from Stricker.
Stricker throws a body kick but he wasn't in range.
Thacker has his front leg slapped to the side - a nice low kick landing there from Stricker.
Thacker is really struggling to land any decent head shots against his taller opponent.
Thacker lands with a hook. Stricker tried to avoid it but it clipped the top of his head.
Stricker displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Thacker throws out the jab.
Thacker pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Nice uppercut lands for Thacker. That snapped Stricker's head back.

It looks like Steve Stricker has been cut.
Stricker uses good footwork to get in and out, landing a nice hook.
Stricker throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Stricker lands a nice leg kick that just misses Thacker's sensitive parts.
Thacker takes one to the chin there.
Thacker tries a head kick but it misses.
As Thacker backs away, Stricker returns fire with a leg kick that just misses.
Thacker looks to land a left hand but Stricker moved out of range nicely.
Thacker stooping low to avoid any incoming strikes and then lunges in with an uppercut come cross that lands flush.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Stricker ducks under a wild hook from Thacker.
Thacker dips down and scores with a jab to the body.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Stricker on the wrong end of an overhand right that came out of nowhere.
Thacker lands a glancing blow to the side of Stricker's head.
Thacker misses the shot to the body.
Thacker throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
It looked like Stricker wanted to counter with a hook but didn't fully commit.
Thacker throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Stricker lands a jab to the nose.
Thacker misses with a wild combination.
Thacker thows a left - swing and a miss!
Thacker takes a body punch but keeps moving.
Thacker looks to land a body kick but Stricker moved away.
Stricker throws a leg kick but Thacker sees it coming and moves out of range.
Stricker rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Thacker moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Stricker connects with a single shot there.
Thacker throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Stricker swings for the body but Thacker moves out of range.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but Alasdair Thacker will probably get the nod.
The cut man is working on Steve Stricker's cut.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business.

Thacker blocks the body kick.
Jab from Stricker.
Thacker pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Stricker connects with a solid leg kick.
Stricker thuds his right hand into Thacker's forehead from close range. That could be painful for both fighters.
Stricker misses with a looping left.
A nice side step and Thacker releases a counter shot to the body, but it doesn't find it's home.
Stricker throws out a loose jab but Thacker uses good head movement to avoid it.
Thacker punishes Stricker's body with a nice straight punch.
Thacker misses with an uppercut.
Thacker tries a head kick but it misses.
Thacker misses with a left hand
and Stricker counters with a leg kick that reverborates around the arena.
Alasdair Thacker seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Thacker blocks a low kick nicely.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Thacker tries to bum rush Stricker with a series of wild strikes but Stricker uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Stricker swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.
Thacker moves away from the strike by Stricker.
Stricker steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Thacker.
Stricker fakes and then throws a beautiful body shot. Thacker looks a bit winded and takes a step backwards to take a breath.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Stricker throws a front kick aimed at Thacker's knee but Thacker avoids it well.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Thacker lands with a thumping leg kick.
Thacker just misses with a punch to the body.
The sound of bone on bone echoes around the arena as Thacker checks a leg kick.
Stricker misses with a looping left.
The sound of bone on bone echoes around the arena as Thacker checks a leg kick.
Stricker scores with a sloppy right hand. Thacker should have avoided that one.
Left hook, right uppercut from Thacker.
Thacker showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Stricker.
Stricker slips a jab from Thacker.
The fighters circle momentarily. Stricker darts into range and connects with a nice straight punch.
Stricker fakes with a right hand and throws a good leg kick, right into the thigh. That had to hurt Thacker.
Stricker feints and then cracks Thacker's leading leg with a nice low kick. He's obviously looking to slow Thacker down.
Thacker throws an overhand right that lands on Stricker's shoulder, as Stricker tries to avoid the shot.
A quick step to the side and Stricker tries to counter with a shot to the body but it doesn't connect.
Thacker throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Stricker uses good footwork to get in and out and land a nice right hand before Thacker has time to react.
Thacker lands with a good body shot.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Nice defenses there by Stricker.
Stricker attempts a low kick but it misses it's target.
Thacker tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
It looked like Stricker wanted to counter with a hook but didn't fully commit.
Stricker looks to land a left hand but Thacker moved out of range nicely.
Stricker moves out of range of the body kick from Thacker.
Stricker avoids the body shot from Thacker.
Stricker wants to take advantage of his opponent's missed offense by moving into the clinch.
Thacker tries to move into range but Stricker moves to the side and lands with a nice right hand.
Stricker throws a hook to the side of Thacker's head but Thacker sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Thacker's leg has a nasty welt from taking a succession of leg kicks. That must be slowing him down.
Thacker throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Stricker throws a big counter combination but Thacker scrambles out of danger and avoids any damage.
Thacker takes a jab right on the kisser.
Stricker scores with a decent looking hook.
Stricker ducks under a wild hook from Thacker.
Stricker looked to counter that last move with a leg kick but didn't pull the trigger.
The crowd cheers as Thacker lands an impressive looking overhand right. Stricker doesn't seem phased though.
Stricker does a little shimmy and throws a leg kick. The leg kick missed by a considerable margin though, making him look a little bit silly for doing the shimmy.
Thacker misses the shot to the body.
Stricker swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
It looks like Stricker has been trying to sharpen up his punching technique, as it looks crisper than last time we saw him.
Stricker is using his height advantage well here, landing a good percentage of his punches.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
A looping hook to the body misses from Thacker. Stricker does a little dance to reset his feet.
Stricker steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Thacker.
Stricker uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Thacker.
Stricker went nuts there looking for a big combo counter but none of the flurry connected.
Stricker will need to close the distance a bit before he attacks - that leg kick was thrown from too far away.
Thacker misses with a hook. Stricker ducked under it nicely.
Stricker looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.
Thacker throws a shot to the body.
Thacker connects with a lovely jab that went straight through the gap between Stricker's hands.
Stricker fakes a jab and scores with a low kick.
Stricker ducks under a wild hook from Thacker.
Thacker scores with a jab to the body.
Thacker takes a jab on the nose there. A little bit of blood seems to be coming out. Hopefully that won't affect his breathing.
Thacker sizes up Stricker with a pawing jab and scores with a straight right down the middle.
Thacker lands three nice shots there - that looked like it hurt!
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Thacker takes a swing at Stricker's ribcage but misses.
Thacker slips under a jab.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Stricker ducks low and lands a nice hook to the body of his opponent.
Stricker ducks under a wild hook from Thacker.
Thacker checks a leg kick nicely.
Thacker flicks out a counter leg kick but Stricker steps away.
Stricker tries to score with an inside leg kick but telegraphs it and Thacker is able to avoid easily.
A big left from Stricker misses.
Stricker tries to close the distance and clinch up but Thacker swats him away and circles back towards the center.
A big right from Stricker misses.
Thacker misses with a body shot.
Stricker misses the jab.
A countering left hand to the body from Thacker misses.
Thacker walks into a jab.
Thacker has his hands up protecting his head but a hook from Stricker finds it's way round the side to connect with Thacker's head.
Thacker takes a swing at Stricker's ribcage but misses.
Stricker throwing a counter right hand but Thacker manages to avoid it.
Stricker scores with a jab.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Thacker throws a poor cross that misses
and Stricker counters with a nice uppercut.
Stricker takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.
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 Steve Stricker will probably get the nod.
The cut man is working on Steve Stricker's cut.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin! This is the final round!

Stricker just misses with a punch to the body.
Thacker throws the left hand but Stricker avoids the punch easily.
Thacker lands a jab to Stricker's midsection.
Thacker throws a hook but Stricker blocks it.
Thacker connects with a nice looking jab.
Thacker fakes a couple of low kicks, before throwing one on the third attempt. It connects and Stricker has to reset his feet before getting ready to engage.
Stricker is using his reach advantage well here, landing the more effective single shots from range.
Thacker lands a glancing blow to the side of Stricker's head.
Thacker pushes Stricker away with a front kick.
Thacker lands with a nice low kick. That'll leave a bruise.
A looping hook to the body misses from Thacker. Stricker does a little dance to reset his feet.
Thacker throws a jab but it's blocked by Stricker.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
An inside leg kick from Thacker misses.
Thacker scores with a reasonable looking shot to the body. Stricker doesn't seem bothered though.
Thacker tries to bum rush Stricker with a series of wild strikes but Stricker uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Stricker tries to clinch there but Thacker circles away.
Stricker lands with a good body shot.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Thacker checks a low kick from Stricker.
Thacker walks into a straight right hand from Stricker.

Stricker fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Thacker, pushing him back against the cage.
Stricker prevents a body shot from Thacker.
Thacker blocking some punches.
Stricker misses with a hook from the clinch.
Thacker working aggressively here.
Stricker struggles to land a body shot inside as Thacker controls his hands.
Thacker lands a hook that snaps the head of Stricker backwards.
Thacker working some nice short punches in the clinch.
Thacker throws a knee to the head but misses.

Stricker escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Thacker pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Stricker pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Thacker scores with a nice body kick.
Stricker connects with the punch.
Thacker misses with a hook. Stricker ducked under it nicely.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Stricker scores with a straight right hand, right through his opponent's guard.
Thacker darts in and out, connecting with a jab.
Thacker circles away from the clinch attempt.
Stricker misses with a straight left.
Good work by Stricker as he checks the leg kick.
Thacker misses with a straight right.
Stricker fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Stricker takes a jab on the nose there. A little bit of blood seems to be coming out. Hopefully that won't affect his breathing.
Stricker uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Thacker.
Stricker throws a body kick but he wasn't in range.
Thacker misses with a body shot.
Thacker changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.
A looping hook to the body misses from Thacker. Stricker does a little dance to reset his feet.
Stricker moves out of range of the strikes.
Thacker blocks a head kick by Stricker.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Stricker takes one to the chin there.
A thudding body kick lands there by Thacker!
Jab, cross, leg kick. Nice combination by Thacker!
The fighters circling - Thacker throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Nice defenses there by Thacker.
Stricker thuds his right hand into Thacker's forehead from close range. That could be painful for both fighters.
Stricker takes a jab on the nose there. A little bit of blood seems to be coming out. Hopefully that won't affect his breathing.

Steve Stricker's cut is getting worse.
Thacker throws a shot to the body.
Stricker throws an overhand right that lands on Thacker's shoulder, as Thacker tries to avoid the shot.
Thacker looks like he wants to counter punch here.
Thacker takes a jab right on the kisser.
Thacker has a pretty nasty looking mouse under his right eye.
Thacker jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Thacker takes an uppercut right on the jaw but it doesn't phase him.
Stricker cracks Thacker with a nice right hand that draws applause from the crowd.
Stricker lunges in with an uppercut that skims his opponent's chin.
The step up in weight doesn't seem to be a problem for Thacker. He's performing admirably here against the bigger man.
Thacker ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.

Stricker drives through and clinches with Thacker against the cage.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Stricker escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Some wild striking there from Thacker.
Thacker throws a looping overhand right but Stricker ducks down to avoid it.
Sloppy strikes from Thacker. Those never looked like landing.
Thacker fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Stricker manages to avoid it.
Stricker misses with a straight left.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Thacker! But no joy.
Thacker checks a leg kick.
Thacker tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Stricker scores with a jab.
Stricker will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
Thacker takes a swing at Stricker's ribcage but misses.
Thacker looks to score with a jab to the body but Stricker is just out of range.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Thacker takes a really solid shot there but just smiles back and shrugs his shoulders.

And that's the end of the fight!
Alasdair Thacker comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think Thacker has won this one but let's see whether the judges agree with me. 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 Cecil Peabody scores the fight 29:28
Judge Frank Dennis scores the fight 28:29
Judge Daniel Franklin scores the fight 28:29

In favor of your winner, by split decision... Alasdair Thacker!
Alasdair Thacker thanked the fans post fight for their support.