PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Mickael Candie (ranked 5431 p4p, 0 weight class) and Jimmy Gillespie (ranked 7923 p4p, 0 weight class). Gillespie has chosen You're The Best as his entrance music, which hasn't gone down very well with the crowd. Jimmy Gillespie is the more experienced fighter, so let's see if that makes a difference tonight.

Candie
vs
Gillespie

195 cm
25
220 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

190 cm
20
250 lbs
0 - 2 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Solid Muay Thai
Big heart

BJJ White Belt
Decent boxing
Solid chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Sydney, Mickael Candie!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Sydney, Jimmy Gillespie!
The judges for this bout are Francis DeMontford, Damien Edna and Topper Green.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Gillespie defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Candie.
Gillespie defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Candie.
Gillespie is loading up here, looking for a big counter of his own.
Gillespie scores with a jab to the jaw.
Candie shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Gillespie pinned against the cage. Gillespie gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Mickael Candie. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Gillespie misses with a hook.

Candie closes the distance and clinches.
A right handed body shot lands from Candie.
Gillespie tries to break free but Candie pushes him back against the cage.

Candie breaks from the clinch.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Candie drives through and clinches with Gillespie against the cage.
Gillespie is trying to work out of this bad position, with his back against the cage.
Gillespie is trying to maintain a safe position but Candie gets an underhook and turns Gillespie into the cage.
Candie tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Gillespie's elbow.
Gillespie looks like he'd prefer to be striking at range right now.
Candie landing knees to the head.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Gillespie throws an elbow that misses.
Candie landing knees to the body.
Candie prevents Gillespie from breaking the clinch.
Candie is stalling here.

Candie breaks from the clinch.
No luck for Candie with that takedown attempt.
Candie wants to clinch up but Gillespie keeps it at a distance.
Gillespie throws a solid leg kick but Candie takes the impact on his shin and smiles at Gillespie.
Candie takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.

Candie clinches up with Gillespie and pushes him back against the cage.
Candie misses with a hook to the ribs.
Gillespie pushes Candie back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.

Candie's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Candie tries to clinch but Gillespie moves out of range.
Mickael Candie seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The fight stays on the outside here - Candie looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Candie is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Gillespie.
Candie shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Gillespie as he avoids it easily.
Candie fails with a takedown attempt.
A cross from Gillespie lands.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Gillespie looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Gillespie throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.

Candie clinches with his opponent.

Candie pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.

Candie moves into the clinch.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Gillespie is looking to break free of the clinch but Candie has double underhooks.
Gillespie stalling in the clinch but Candie improves position.

Candie breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Candie closes the distance looking to clinch
and Candie takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Gillespie misses with a straight right.
Gillespie lands a jab to the head.
Gillespie looks winded!

Candie gets a clinch.

Candie's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Candie goes for a double leg but Gillespie avoids the attempt and the two fighters end up clinched against the cage as Gillespie continues to drive forward.
Candie misses with a takedown attempt - Gillespie sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Candie clinches up against the cage.
Candie landing knees to the head.
Candie prevents Gillespie from breaking the clinch.
Candie keeps the fight in the clinch, despite Gillespie's efforts to push away.
Candie throws a hook to the body. More of an arm punch but it's all scoring with the judges.
Candie lands with a light punch inside.
Candie lands a right hand that snaps the head of Gillespie backwards.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Gillespie can't break the clinch.
Gillespie tries to circle away but Candie has him pinned against the cage.

Candie breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Candie shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Gillespie as he jumps to the side.
Candie fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close round but I would say that Mickael Candie will probably get the nod.
The cut man is working on Jimmy Gillespie's cut.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

Gillespie throws a right hand that Candie ducks under and follows up with a left that Candie also avoids with ease.
Nice sprawl there from Gillespie as Candie shoots in.
Candie fails with an attempt to clinch.
Gillespie swats away the attempt to clinch by Candie.
Candie closes the distance and clinches up with Gillespie, looking for a takedown. Candie pushes Gillespie against the cage but Gillespie circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Gillespie throws a head kick that misses.

Candie moves into range and clinches up with Gillespie.
Gillespie is trying to force a seperation but Candie has the dominant position.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Candie throws a knee to the head but misses.

Candie breaks from the clinch.

Candie closes the distance and pushes Gillespie back into the cage.
Candie throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Gillespies head.

Candie manages to break the clinch.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Candie takes the fight into the clinch.
A right handed body shot lands from Candie.

Candie escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.

Candie has taken the fight to the clinch.
A frustrated look appears on Gillespie's face as he tries to break the clinch.
Candie's corner are urging him to control the action in the clinch for a moment, rather than mount any serious offense. I'm sure the crowd appreciate those instructions... not.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Gillespie.
Candie lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
Candie content to slow the pace in the clinch.
Gillespie wants to break the clinch but can't.
Candie crunches a lovely knee into Gillespie's ribcage.
Gillespie is breathing heavily.
Candie lands a knee to the head.
Gillespie is trying to break the clinch but Candie is controlling him.
Mickael Candie has scored more points in the clinch so far.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Gillespie takes an elbow to the temple.
Gillespie takes an elbow to the forehead.

Candie's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!

Candie moves into the clinch.
Candie manages to get underhooks and slows down the pace for a moment.

Candie escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Candie goes to the watering hole and comes back with a big thumbs up from the judges as he scores a three punch combo.
Mickael Candie is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
A nice leg kick lands there from Candie.
Candie throws a right hand that Gillespie ducks under and follows up with a left that Gillespie also avoids with ease.

Candie closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the cage.
Gillespie is trying to force a seperation but Candie has the dominant position.

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

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Candie tries to clinch up.
Gillespie with the counter takedown but Candie avoids it easily.

Candie has closed the distance and engaged Gillespie in a clinch.

Candie's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Candie fails with a takedown attempt.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Mickael Candie. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Candie tries to clinch but Gillespie is having none of it.

Candie gets a clinch.
Gillespie wants to break free but Candie has control.
Candie keeps control of Gillespie as he tries to wriggle out of the double underhooks.
Candie stalling the fight.
Candie keeps control of Gillespie as he tries to wriggle out of the double underhooks.
Gillespie has had enough of the clinch and is looking to separate.
A right handed body shot lands from Candie.

Candie escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Candie fails with an attempt to clinch.
Candie goes to the watering hole and comes back with a big thumbs up from the judges as he scores a three punch combo.
Candie tries to clinch there but Gillespie circles away.
Candie throws a quick head kick that skims the top of Gillespie's head.
Candie tries to close the distance and clinch up but Gillespie swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Candie connects with a high kick.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Gillespie throws a hook but Candie avoids it easily.
Candie tries to clinch but Gillespie moves out of range.

Gillespie drives through and clinches with Candie against the cage.
Candie using the Thai clinch to land knees to the body.
Gillespie is trying to push Candie away but Candie has him pressed against the cage, so he's going nowhere.
Candie lands a shot to the body.
Candie lands an uppercut.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Mickael Candie dominated that second round.
The cut man is working on Jimmy Gillespie's cut.
That's time! Back to the action! So, we enter the final round. Let's see if either fighter can bring us a finish, or whether we're going to the judges scorecards.

Gillespie misses with a head kick.
Jimmy Gillespie seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Candie tries to close the distance and clinch but Gillespie swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Gillespie with a nice cross.
Candie is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Gillespie can do to turn this around?

Candie has Gillespie up against the cage in a clinch.

Candie breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Candie shoots in for a double leg but Gillespie sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
Gillespie tries to counter by closing the distance.

Candie gets a clinch.
Candie utilising his Muay Thai to score with a knee to the body.
Gillespie is trying to work out of this bad position, with his back against the cage.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Candie.

Candie manages to break the clinch.

Gillespie moves into the clinch.

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

That's one minute gone in the round.
Candie fails in his attempt to clinch.
Gillespie is trying to avoid his opponent's strikes and get into the clinch.
Candie shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Gillespie but Gillespie pushes him off and we're back to square one.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Gillespie lands a nice looking body kick.
Gillespie fakes a jab and then connects with a hook.
Candie takes a jab on the nose there. A little bit of blood seems to be coming out. Hopefully that won't affect his breathing.
Candie throws a nice looking combination but Gillespie bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Gillespie is looking for the big counter here.
Candie walks into a jab.
Candie blocks a head kick by Gillespie.
Gillespie tries to bum rush Candie with a series of wild strikes but Candie uses good footwork to avoid the assault.

Gillespie clinches up with Candie and pushes him back against the cage.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Candie's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.

Candie gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.
Gillespie tries to break the clinch but Candie is controlling the position.
Gillespie tries to break free but Candie pushes him back against the cage.

Candie manages to break the clinch.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Gillespie keeps the fight on the outside.
Candie moves into range and throws a combination. A nice jab followed by a hook to the body.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Candie.
Candie sets himself, and Gillespie steps forward looking for the clinch! Candie avoids it this time.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Mickael Candie. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Gillespie pivots as if he's going to throw a leg kick but stops half way.
Candie tries to clinch up but Gillespie circles away and keeps his distance.

Gillespie has closed the distance and engaged Candie in a clinch.
Candie is struggling to control the position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Gillespie wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.
Candie goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Gillespie wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.
Knees in the clinch landing for Candie.
A knee to the head by Candie.
Candie tries a body shot but Gillespie blocks it.
Gillespie's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
Gillespie takes a knee right on the jaw!
Candie tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Candie landing knees to the body.
Candie lands a damaging elbow.
Candie prevents Gillespie from breaking the clinch.
Candie goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Candie goes for a body shot but it's blocked.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A knee to the head by Candie.
Candie has Gillespie pressed against the cage, preventing Gillespie from circling away and getting back to striking at range.
Gillespie tries to break the clinch but Candie is controlling the position.
Mickael Candie is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.

Gillespie breaks the clinch.
Gillespie throws a head kick that misses

and Candie counters by moving into the clinch. Good anticipation by Candie.
Candie lands a nice shot to the body.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Gillespie wants to break free but Candie has control.
Candie avoiding damage.
Candie landing knees to the body. They look like they could hurt.
Gillespie is trying to break the clinch but Candie has him pressed against the cage.
Candie dictating the pace here, as the fighters clinch against the cage.
Jimmy Gillespie has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Candie working some nice short punches in the clinch.

And that's the end of the fight!
Mickael Candie showed his dominance in that final round.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Candie, 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 Francis DeMontford scores the fight 30:27
Judge Damien Edna scores the fight 30:27
Judge Topper Green scores the fight 30:27

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Mickael Candie!
A victorious Mickael Candie thanked his army of followers in his post fight interview, telling people to make sure they follow him on Twitter.