PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Hank Lombard (ranked 2088 p4p, 306 weight class) and Norman Pederson (ranked 1886 p4p, 282 weight class). Chooooooooon! I think Lombard might be my favorite fighter, now he's come out to Shinedown - Sound Of Madness . 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.

Lombard
vs
Pederson

190 cm
33
212 lbs
18 - 12 - 1

195 cm
30
220 lbs
11 - 15 - 0

Abu Dhabi Champ
World class boxer
Granite chin

Good wrestler
Excellent MT
Good gas tank

Sportivité
Arcticus University: London

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 18 - 12 - 1, fighting out of London, Hank Lombard!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 11 - 15 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Norman Pederson!
The judges for this bout are Ian Loll, Gregory Folan and Alec Ball.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Lombard keeps his opponent at a distance with a nice jab.
Pederson with poor footwork there. He got himself in a bit of a tangle, enabling Lombard to score with a decent uppercut.
Pederson closes the distance and takes a jab right on the nose as he does so.
Nice uppercut lands for Lombard. That snapped Pederson's head back.
Lombard throws a hook but Pederson blocks it.
A big left from Pederson misses.
We've been informed that Pederson has been sparring a lot of Muay Thai in the buildup to this fight so let's see if that has an impact on the result.
Hank Lombard seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.

Lombard changes levels and drives through with a really nice takedown into side control. Pederson looks really pissed at himself for not defending that better.
Lombard controlling the position from side mount.
Pederson manages to work his way to half guard, despite Lombard's best efforts.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Pederson regains full guard. Nicely done.
Pederson keeping full guard, as Lombard tries to pass.
Lombard is frustrating his opponent with some stalling tactics from top position.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Lombard is fighting to break Pederson's control of his arms but Pederson is doing a good job of controlling the position at the moment.
Pederson can't keep his opponent in guard - Lombard advances to half guard, no doubt looking to mount.
Pederson tries to roll over but Lombard keeps him under control.
Lombard is just sitting in half guard, waiting for something to happen.
Lombard wants to pass to mount but Pederson is defending the position.
Pederson is refusing to be controlled, as Lombard sits in half guard.
Lombard looks to be in better condition than last time we saw him fight. Obviously he's been working hard on his cardio.
Lombard controlling the pace.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
There's not a lot going on here and the crowd are letting the fighters know they're not willing to tolerate a lack of action.
Pederson is looking for a sweep. Lombard is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.

Lombard seems to be looking for submissions.
Pederson is trying to get back to full guard.
Neither fighter is being very active at the moment, with Lombard in particular looking to stall.
Lombard's ground tactics aren't going to win him many fans. Let's hope he's got fireworks for us if he gets back to his feet because he's not doing much on the ground.

The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Lombard rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
and Pederson counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Lombard connects with an inside leg kick.
Ouch! a nice leg kick from Lombard, right into the meat.
A lazy left from Lombard finds it's target.
Lombard scoring well with a low kick there.
Some bone on bone action there as Lombard checks a low kick. Luckily it wasn't a particularly hard one.
Lombard buckles his opponent's knee momentarily with a nice leg kick.
Lombard defending well as Pederson loads up on a big left hand.
Lombard changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.
Lombard throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Pederson sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Pederson uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Lombard.
Lombard tries to bum rush Pederson with a series of wild strikes but Pederson uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Pederson throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Lombard throws a quick counter kick to the body but Pederson avoids it.
Both fighters circling a little - Lombard finishes the exchange with a kick to the body.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Pederson throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Pederson looks to land a right hand but Lombard moved out of range.
A little feinted left hand from Lombard on the counter but he doesn't commit to it.
Pederson takes a jab on the nose. He smiles like he loves it and keeps coming.
Nice straight punches there by Pederson. You know Roy Jones Jr respects the hands of Pederson.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Lombard feints with a shoulder and throws a nice leg kick to Pederson's calf.
Pederson blocks a head kick by Lombard.
Pederson throws a hook but Lombard blocks it.
Lombard throws a body shot but no joy.

Lombard gets a double leg takedown into Pederson's guard.

Pederson has his feet on Lombard's hips. He pushes off and gets to his feet. Nice work.
Pederson takes a jab on the nose there. A little bit of blood seems to be coming out. Hopefully that won't affect his breathing.
Pederson has his hands up protecting his head but a hook from Lombard finds it's way round the side to connect with Pederson's head.
Pederson has a nice red mark on his side after a thudding body kick by Lombard.
Lombard bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Lombard connects with a right hand. Pederson shakes it off.
Lombard scores with a sloppy punch to the body. Not much technique there but it did the business.
Lombard is pinned up against the cage taking some big shots here. The referee is looking closely deciding whether he should stop the fight.
Lombard throws a hook but Pederson blocks it.
Lombard with a nice looking leg kick. You could hear that one land in a back row.
Pederson moves out of range of the strikes.
Pederson is loading up here, looking for a big counter of his own.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Hank Lombard dominated that round.
That's time! Lombard's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

Lombard lands a jab to the head.
Hank Lombard is winning the standup battle so far.
Lombard lands a jab to the head.
Pederson slips a straight right by Lombard.

Pederson shoots in and scores a nice double leg takedown into half guard.
Lombard keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Lombard is trying to maintain the position but Pederson is very close to passing his half guard.
Pederson performing his best blanket impression for a moment.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Lombard tries to roll over but Pederson keeps him under control.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Pederson trying to control from half guard but Lombard is working away.
Pederson seems content to maintain position for now, rather than mounting any offense.
The referee looks like he's ready to step in and stand the fighters back up.
The fighters are battling for position here. Lombard manages to regain full guard. Nice work.
Pederson throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Lombard works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Pederson wants to control from the top but Lombard keeps moving.
Pederson missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.

That's two 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.
Pederson trying to control but Lombard is working from the bottom.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Lombard misses with an uppercut. Pederson saw that one coming.
Pederson works Lombard's body with a nice hook.
Pederson lands a jab. Then a cross. Then finally a nice hook to the body. Good work there by Pederson.
Pederson throws a solid leg kick but Lombard takes the impact on his shin and smiles at Pederson.
Lombard throws a sloppy head kick and Pederson moves out of range easily.
Lombard connects with a leg kick. Pederson looked like he was expecting something else and didn't defend it.
Lombard connects nicely with a jab. Noted by the judges no doubt.
Lombard scores to the head and body with a nice combination!
Lombard shoots in looking for a takedown but Pederson manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Lombard's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
Lombard lands a straight punch to the body, keeping Pederson at a distance.
Pederson slips a straight right by Lombard.
Lombard scores with a jab. Pederson acknowledges it with a nod of the head.
Lombard lands with a right hand.
Lombard is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Pederson can do to turn this around?
Pederson staying out of range there.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Lombard throws a right hand that misses
and Pederson counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Pederson misses the shot to the body.
Lombard looked to counter with a high kick but didn't commit.
Pederson cracks Lombard with a nice right hand that draws applause from the crowd.
Pederson's hands are dropping dangerously low here and Lombard connects clean with a right hook that sends him down to one knee! Pederson scrambles back to his feet.
Lombard swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
A head kick misses from Lombard.

Lombard looks for a takedown. He's got it. We're now in half guard.

Pederson has one foot on Lombard's thigh - he pushes off and manages to get back to his feet.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Pederson with poor footwork there. He got himself in a bit of a tangle, enabling Lombard to score with a decent uppercut.
Lombard throws a jab when Pederson was well out of range.
Pederson is trying to avoid his opponent's strikes and get into the clinch.
Pederson misses with an uppercut.

Pederson scores with a nice takedown into half guard. Let's see what he's got on the ground.
Pederson working the head and body with strikes.
Pederson is nestled in close to Lombard, controlling him well. He's worked in a nice elbow to the side of the head as well, for good measure.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Pederson seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Lombard does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.
Pederson misses with a head shot. Lombard uses the momentum to regain guard.
Pederson scores with a decent looking elbow strike.
Lombard wants to sweep here but Pederson controlling him for the moment.

Lombard looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.
Pederson wants to control from the top but Lombard keeps moving.
Lombard seems keen to control rather than go for a submission, at least for now.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close second round but Norman Pederson will probably get the nod - 10:9.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin! Ladies and gentlemen, this is the final round!

Pederson tries to check a leg kick but that clearly hurt him.
Pederson slips under a jab from Lombard.
Pederson misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Pederson moves out of range as Lombard strikes.
Lombard looking to throw a kick but he's pulled out of it.
Lombard keeps Pederson at a distance using the push kick.
Pederson fakes a jab and then connects with a hook.
Lombard misses with a looping left.
Lombard takes one to the chin there.
The fighters circle momentarily. Lombard darts into range and connects with a nice straight punch.
Lombard stooping low to avoid any incoming strikes and then lunges in with an uppercut come cross that lands flush.
Lombard misses with an uppercut
and Pederson counters with a straight right hand.
Lombard misses with a straight left.
Pederson walks into a straight right hand from Lombard.
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!

Pederson is looking for a takedown here. He's shot in and has managed to get it, finishing up in Lombard's half guard.
Well, if Pederson is going to just lie there, perhaps we should talk about what we're having for dinner tonight… I'm having a ham and pineapple pizza… Yum. Can't wait.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Lombard wants to control but Pederson is keeping busy.
Pederson trying to control from Lombard's half guard. Lombard has other ideas though and has regained full guard.
Pederson stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Lombard swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Pederson won't allow Lombard to sweep him here.
Pederson 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.

That's two 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.

Lombard escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Pederson gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.
Pederson trying to control but Lombard is working from the bottom.
Pederson is in a good position here but he's just trying to control... And he's not even managing to do that successfully.
The referee wants the fighters to be more active or he's going to reset them on the feet.
Norman Pederson has got the better of the ground game so far.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Pederson accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.

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.
Lombard turns his hip over beautifully as he lands a nice leg kick.
The crowd cheers as Lombard lands an impressive looking overhand right. Pederson doesn't seem phased though.
Lombard moves out of range as Pederson strikes.
Lombard throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Pederson sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Pederson's leg has a nasty welt from taking a succession of leg kicks. That must be slowing him down.
Pederson looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Pederson throws a low kick, looking for Lombard's leg but Lombard calmly moves out of range.
Lombard throws a looping overhand right but Pederson ducks down to avoid it.
Pederson on the wrong end of a nice jab.
Lombard misses with a low kick.
Lombard keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
Lombard throws a right and a left that Pederson avoids nicely.
Boom, another hit is landed. "You're gunna get knocked out" taunts Lombard, as that shot connected.
Pederson throws a lazy right hand but Lombard sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Lombard throws the left hand but Pederson avoids the punch easily.
Lombard tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Pederson takes a step back and watches a body kick go sailing past his mid section.
A head kick misses from Lombard.
Lombard buckles his opponent's knee momentarily with a nice leg kick.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Pederson shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Lombard pinned against the cage. Lombard gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
Pederson moves out of range of the body kick from Lombard.
Lombard attempts a leg kick but it's missed by a good margin.
Lombard pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Good exchange - Lombard coming out on top.
Lombard misses with a looping left.
Pederson steps in looking to clinch after the strikes miss from Lombard.
Pederson tries to close the distance and clinch but Lombard swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Pederson takes one to the side of the head.
Lombard fakes with a right hand and throws a good leg kick, right into the thigh. That had to hurt Pederson.

Pederson decides to change it up a bit and drives through with a nice takedown into half guard.
Pederson missing with the ground and pound from half guard.

And that's the end of the fight!
Hank Lombard showed his dominance in that final round.
I think Lombard has won this one but let's see what the judges have to say. 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 Ian Loll scores the fight 29:28
Judge Gregory Folan scores the fight 30:27
Judge Alec Ball scores the fight 29:28

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Hank Lombard!
After winning the bout, Hank Lombard thanked all his fans and promised he'd do even better in his next fight. The crowd seemed to love his humility.