PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Johnny DeCoco (ranked 21634 p4p, 450 weight class) and Walter Flanagan (ranked 3009 p4p, 254 weight class). Flanagan has chosen The Wizard 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.

DeCoco
vs
Flanagan

175 cm
23
155 lbs
0 - 5 - 1

171 cm
34
157 lbs
8 - 10 - 1

Good wrestling
Excellent boxer
Cardio machine

Good wrestler
Decent boxing
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 0 - 5 - 1, fighting out of Los Angeles, Johnny DeCoco!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 8 - 10 - 1, fighting out of Sydney, Walter Flanagan!
The judges for this bout are Patrick Alders, Nard Betker and Paulsen Ambrosius.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
A jab from Flanagan misses.
The fight stays on the outside here - DeCoco looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Flanagan wants to counter with a clinch but DeCoco pushes him away.
DeCoco takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.
Flanagan lands a lovely overhand right.
Flanagan has done a lot of speed work in the buildup to this fight.
Flanagan throws a body shot but no joy.
DeCoco misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
Flanagan walks into a left hand.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Flanagan throws the left hand but DeCoco avoids the punch easily.
DeCoco keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Flanagan swats away the attempt to clinch by DeCoco.

That's one minute gone in the round.
DeCoco shoots in but Flanagan avoids the takedown attempt easily.
DeCoco staying out of range there.
DeCoco misses with a hook. Flanagan ducked under it nicely.
Flanagan steps in looking to clinch after the strikes miss from DeCoco.
DeCoco tries to clinch but Flanagan moves out of range.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from DeCoco is defended easily by Flanagan.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Johnny DeCoco. That's going to take a lot out of him.
DeCoco closes the distance and clinches up with Flanagan, looking for a takedown. DeCoco pushes Flanagan against the ropes but Flanagan circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.

Flanagan changes levels and drives through with a really nice takedown into side control. DeCoco looks really pissed at himself for not defending that better.
DeCoco is looking to reverse the position.
DeCoco wants to control but Flanagan postures up.

Flanagan thinks about going for a far side armbar but bails out and retains the dominant position instead.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Flanagan is putting a hurting on DeCoco here, landing some big shots from side control.
DeCoco is pushing Flanagan's head away, looking to escape. Flanagan manages to hold on to the position though.
DeCoco gets back to half guard.
DeCoco is trying to maintain the position but Flanagan is very close to passing his half guard.
DeCoco moves his hips nicely and gets into full guard.
DeCoco controlling the position.

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

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Flanagan is intent on slowing down the pace of the fight, simply looking to control.
DeCoco has control of Flanagan's left arm, preventing Flanagan from doing any damage.
DeCoco bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Flanagan's guard.

Flanagan really doesn't want to stay on the ground with DeCoco. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.
Flanagan keeping full guard, as DeCoco tries to pass.

DeCoco decides he's had enough of playing guard and decides to stand. Come on Flanagan, up you get!

Flanagan has closed the distance and engaged DeCoco in a clinch.
DeCoco is trying to work for a single leg takedown but Flanagan pulls him back up using the underhooks.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
DeCoco drops down looking for an ankle pick but Flanagan pulls his leg out and moves away.
DeCoco tries to drive through with a takedown attempt but Flanagan defends well and DeCoco ends up having to push Flanagan into the ropes where they will battle it out in the clinch.
DeCoco shoots in but no luck this time.
DeCoco throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Flanagan waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract DeCoco.
DeCoco appears to be looking for a counter takedown.
DeCoco fails with the takedown

and Flanagan counters by moving into the clinch.
Flanagan misses with a hook to the ribs.
Flanagan tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.

Flanagan is trying to trip DeCoco. He has hold of a leg but DeCoco is hopping around, keeping his balance for the moment. Flanagan persists though and gets the takedown into guard.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
DeCoco lands a beautiful sweep and he's now moved into his opponent's guard.

DeCoco trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

DeCoco pushes Flanagan up against the ropes in a clinch.
Flanagan struggles to land a body shot inside as DeCoco controls his hands.
Flanagan is looking to control DeCoco's arms but DeCoco gets an underhook and turns him. Now Flanagan has his back to the ropes.
Flanagan has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Flanagan cracks DeCoco with a nice body shot.
Flanagan lands a body punch - he's looking to wear down DeCoco.
Flanagan looking for a takedown.
DeCoco blocking some punches.
DeCoco swings away with an uppercut that misses.
DeCoco wants to push off and get back to the center of the mat but Flanagan has him pressed against the ropes.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

DeCoco breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
DeCoco lands a straight punch to the body, keeping Flanagan at a distance.
DeCoco shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
DeCoco darts in looking for a takedown but Flanagan gets double underhooks and turns DeCoco into the ropes.

That's one minute gone in the round.
DeCoco throws a right hand that misses
and Flanagan counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
DeCoco shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Flanagan as he jumps to the side.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Johnny DeCoco. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Flanagan swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Flanagan fakes high and swings low for a body shot but DeCoco manages to avoid it.
Walter Flanagan seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
DeCoco takes a jab right on the kisser.
DeCoco shoots for a double leg takedown but Flanagan sprawls well. He's pushed DeCoco's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Flanagan tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but DeCoco was well out of range. Poor timing from Flanagan.
A swing and a miss from Flanagan.
DeCoco attempts a counter takedown but Flanagan avoids it well and moves away.
Flanagan looks to land a right hand but DeCoco moved out of range.
Flanagan lands a nice looking body shot.
Flanagan swings for the body but DeCoco moves out of range.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

DeCoco bobs and weaves into range and then changes levels and scores with a nice takedown into side control.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
DeCoco in side control, throwing shots but Flanagan defends.
DeCoco tries to move into full mount but can't pass Flanagan's legs.
Flanagan seems a little lost for a moment, as DeCoco dominates the positioning.

DeCoco tries for an arm triangle. That looks pretty tight to me. Is this one over!?! Possibly, maybe, no DeCoco has let go of the choke. Obviously it wasn't as tight as we thought!

DeCoco stands up and beckons Flanagan to his feet.
Flanagan steps to his left, right into the path of a big body kick from DeCoco. That one must have hurt.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

DeCoco moves into the clinch successfully.
Flanagan taking a breather.
DeCoco blocks an uppercut.
Flanagan is pressed up against the ropes. DeCoco has hold of a leg and is looking to drag Flanagan down to the mat. Flanagan avoids the attempt though and has circled away. We're back to striking at a distance.
Flanagan misses with a series of wild punches.

DeCoco gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.
DeCoco changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Flanagan fights it off and pushes away nicely.
Flanagan misses with a body shot.
DeCoco tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Flanagan swivels and escapes.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
DeCoco fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Flanagan looks like he wants to counter punch here.
Walter Flanagan seems to be getting the better of the standup.
DeCoco misses with a takedown
and Flanagan counters with a lovely straight right hand!
DeCoco is looking to clinch.
Flanagan with the counter takedown but DeCoco avoids it easily.
DeCoco wants to clinch up but Flanagan keeps it at a distance.
DeCoco ducks under a wild hook from Flanagan.

DeCoco gets a clinch.
Flanagan is looking to control DeCoco's arms but DeCoco gets an underhook and turns him. Now Flanagan has his back to the ropes.
DeCoco is working for a takedown up against the ropes. He can't get it on this occasion though.
Flanagan has a couple of punches blocked by DeCoco.
Flanagan leaning his opponent against the ropes.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Walter Flanagan showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business. This is the final round!

Flanagan gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.
Flanagan taking a breather.
Flanagan misses with a shot to the kidneys.
A hook to the body from Flanagan.
Flanagan lands with a short head shot on the inside.
Flanagan lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
DeCoco is trying to drag Flanagan to the mat but Flanagan just about manages to keep his footing. He used the ropes to his advantage there.
DeCoco is trying to work for a single leg takedown but Flanagan pulls him back up using the underhooks.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Flanagan working some nice short punches in the clinch.
Flanagan works for underhooks and lands a body shot in the process.
DeCoco blocks an uppercut.
Flanagan is pressed up against the ropes. DeCoco has hold of a leg and is looking to drag Flanagan down to the mat. Flanagan avoids the attempt though and has circled away. We're back to striking at a distance.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Johnny DeCoco. That's going to take a lot out of him.
DeCoco shoots for a takedown but Flanagan saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Flanagan stooping low to avoid any incoming strikes and then lunges in with an uppercut come cross that lands flush.
Flanagan wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.
DeCoco fails with the takedown

and Flanagan moves into the clinch.
Flanagan misses with a punch on the inside.
Flanagan tries to work over DeCoco's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Flanagan pushes DeCoco back against the ropes and unloads with a body punch.
Johnny DeCoco has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Flanagan tried to land a shot to the body but connects with DeCoco's elbow.
DeCoco swings away with an uppercut that misses.
DeCoco changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Flanagan fights it off and pushes away nicely.
Flanagan cracks DeCoco with a nice right hand that draws applause from the crowd.
DeCoco misses with a takedown attempt
and Flanagan connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.

Flanagan shoots in looking for a single leg takedown. DeCoco is trying to defend but Flanagan finishes it well and ends up in half guard. Let's see if he can advance position further.

DeCoco manages to create a bit of space in order to work his way back to his feet. Flanagan keeps hold of his opponent and drives him back against the ropes.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
A shot in the inside from Flanagan.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Flanagan lands an uppercut.
Flanagan is looking to control DeCoco's arms but DeCoco gets an underhook and turns him. Now Flanagan has his back to the ropes.
Flanagan drops down looking for an ankle pick but DeCoco pulls his leg out and moves away.
Flanagan on the wrong end of a decent looking cross there.
DeCoco has a takedown stuffed.
DeCoco tries to clinch but fails miserably
enabling Flanagan to counter with a crisp jab.
DeCoco tries to clinch but fails miserably
and Flanagan makes him pay by landing a nice hook to the body before moving out of range.
Flanagan misses with a hook. DeCoco ducked under it nicely.

DeCoco clinches up with Flanagan and pushes him back against the ropes.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Flanagan throws a blind hook that connects with the side of DeCocos head.
Flanagan gets double underhooks to prevent a takedown attempt from DeCoco.

DeCoco breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
DeCoco jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Walter Flanagan is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
DeCoco misses the shot to the body.
DeCoco throws a lazy uppercut

and Flanagan moves into the clinch.
Good body shot from Flanagan.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
DeCoco tries to pull guard but Flanagan forces him back to his feet, against the ropes.
DeCoco throws a head punch that misses.
Flanagan blocks an uppercut.
DeCoco misses with some punches.

And that's the end of the fight!
Walter Flanagan comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I've got Flanagan winning every round here. Surely the decision will go his way and he'll pick up a well deserved decision victory. 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 Patrick Alders scores the fight 27:30
Judge Nard Betker scores the fight 27:30
Judge Paulsen Ambrosius scores the fight 27:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Walter Flanagan!
An out of breath Walter Flanagan thanked his loyal fans in his post fight interview, giving them credit for his success over the course of his career.