PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Connor MacLeod (ranked 740 p4p, 114 weight class) and Valentin Skovgaard (ranked 493 p4p, 78 weight class). Skovgaard comes into a darkened arena with his song building. Second Reality kicks in, the lights come on and the crowd goes wild! What a showman! Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

MacLeod
vs
Skovgaard

189 cm
32
212 lbs
17 - 17 - 0

187 cm
31
210 lbs
28 - 11 - 0

BJJ Red Belt
World class boxer
Insanely flexible

Olympic wrestler
World class boxer
Good gas tank

Sportivité

FORCEE

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 17 - 17 - 0, fighting out of Montreal, Connor MacLeod!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 28 - 11 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Valentin Skovgaard!
The judges for this bout are Trevor Gratis, Dillan Fox and Yves DeLean.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
MacLeod takes a step back and watches a body kick go sailing past his mid section.
Skovgaard connects with a solid leg kick.
MacLeod will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
MacLeod shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Skovgaard defends it nicely.
Skovgaard lands with a nice low kick. That'll leave a bruise.
MacLeod bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
MacLeod feinted with a counter takedown.
Skovgaard misses the jab.
Skovgaard slips in close and lands a nice hook before moving back out of range.
Skovgaard throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
No luck for MacLeod with that takedown attempt.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Connor MacLeod. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Skovgaard loads up on a big right hand but MacLeod slips the punch.
Skovgaard keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
Skovgaard lands with a nice body punch.
MacLeod looks to have improved his striking defense since last time we saw him fight.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Skovgaard dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
MacLeod takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.
Skovgaard throws an overhand right that lands on MacLeod's shoulder, as MacLeod tries to avoid the shot.
MacLeod feinted with a counter takedown.
MacLeod misses with a takedown
and Skovgaard counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Nice shot lands for Skovgaard.
MacLeod moves out of range as Skovgaard strikes.
Skovgaard throws a body kick but he wasn't in range.
MacLeod fails with a takedown attempt.

Skovgaard gets caught flat footed, as MacLeod shoots in with a quick takedown into guard.
MacLeod content to strike from guard, landing some decent shots.
MacLeod throws a big right hand that misses.
MacLeod wants to control from the top but Skovgaard keeps moving.
MacLeod working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
MacLeod missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Skovgaard is pulling down on MacLeod's head to control his posture.
Skovgaard is trying to control the position but MacLeod postures up.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
MacLeod throws an elbow that misses. Skovgaard uses the momentum to reverse the position. He's now in MacLeod's guard. Nice move by Skovgaard!

MacLeod wants to sweep here but Skovgaard controlling him for the moment.

MacLeod is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Skovgaard is aware though and is defending well.

MacLeod escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Skovgaard gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
MacLeod is pulling down on Skovgaard's head to control his posture.
MacLeod is trying to control the position but Skovgaard postures up.
MacLeod has been looking to land a fair amount of strikes on the ground. He might be looking to soften his opponent up in order to work for a submission.

MacLeod looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.

MacLeod is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.

MacLeod is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Skovgaard defends well.

That's four 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.

Skovgaard got a little sloppy there for a moment and MacLeod has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Skovgaard has managed to get both his arms back between MacLeod's legs - danger averted.

MacLeod is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
Skovgaard showing good wrestling skills to control the position.
The referee is pacing around the two fighters - he looks like he's thinking about a standup.
Skovgaard must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
MacLeod trying to control the position.

The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Valentin Skovgaard dominated that round.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

A jab from Skovgaard misses.
MacLeod dives in for a single leg takedown but Skovgaard sprawls and the fighters end up clinched against the cage.
MacLeod fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Skovgaard manages to avoid it.
MacLeod fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
MacLeod staying out of range there.
Valentin Skovgaard seems to be getting the better of the standup.
MacLeod avoids a lazy jab quite easily.

MacLeod decides to change it up a bit and drives through with a nice takedown into half guard.
Skovgaard is pressing down on MacLeod's left leg trying to get back to full guard. He's managed it.
MacLeod trying to control the position from guard on top but Skovgaard is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
MacLeod missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as MacLeod accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Skovgaard keeping full guard, as MacLeod tries to pass.

That's one minute gone in the round.
MacLeod chips away with some ground and pound.

MacLeod drops back, looking for a kneebar! Skovgaard looks panicked! The fighters roll across the mat, one looking to finish, one looking to escape. Skovgaard looks to have wriggled free... Yes, he's got his leg free and he's dived into side control! Good work there from Skovgaard!

MacLeod is looking for a sweep.
Skovgaard moving around in side mount but really he's just happy to control for now.
MacLeod struggling a bit here.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
MacLeod tries to buck Skovgaard off but Skovgaard is having none of it.
MacLeod is working hard here to advance position.
Skovgaard moving around in side mount but really he's just happy to control for now.
MacLeod is positioning himself to get back to half guard.
You can see the frustration on MacLeod's face as Skovgaard controls the position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
MacLeod is looking for a sweep.

The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.
Skovgaard throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd.
Skovgaard lands with a head kick! That's gotta hurt.
Skovgaard throws a head kick but MacLeod moves out of range.
MacLeod fails to land the takedown.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Connor MacLeod. That's going to take a lot out of him.
MacLeod fails to land the takedown.
MacLeod shoots in but Skovgaard avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Skovgaard throws a body kick but he was well out of range there.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

MacLeod scores with a takedown into Skovgaard's guard.
Connor MacLeod overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
MacLeod throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Skovgaard works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Skovgaard tries to land a sweep but no joy.
MacLeod throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Skovgaard works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Skovgaard preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
MacLeod throws an elbow that misses. Skovgaard uses the momentum to reverse the position. He's now in MacLeod's guard. Nice move by Skovgaard!

This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
MacLeod trying to keep a closed guard but Skovgaard is proving a slippery customer.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.

Skovgaard avoids a guillotine attempt easily.
Skovgaard 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.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Valentin Skovgaard showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business. This is the final round!

MacLeod shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Skovgaard as he jumps to the side.
Skovgaard throws a big counter head kick but MacLeod avoids it with no problem.

Skovgaard gets caught napping as MacLeod dives in and scores a takedown. Skovgaard manages to retain guard.
Skovgaard preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Skovgaard seems keen to control MacLeod's posture.

MacLeod is holding a leg here, probably looking for an ankle lock - he drops back and goes for it! Skovgaard is in trouble! Is it all over??? No! Skovgaard has escaped and now he's on top!

MacLeod has his foot on Skovgaard's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Skovgaard works his way back into a safe position though.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

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

That's one minute gone in the round.
MacLeod controls Skovgaard momentarily but Skovgaard frees himself.

Skovgaard avoids a guillotine attempt easily.
Skovgaard advances position into side control!
Skovgaard has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
MacLeod tries to bench press Skovgaard off him but Skovgaard keeps the position.

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.
You can see the frustration on MacLeod's face, being in this tough position on the bottom.
MacLeod tries to buck Skovgaard off but Skovgaard is having none of it.
MacLeod is trying to control Skovgaard's posture but Skovgaard avoids it.
MacLeod is letting Skovgaard control him for a moment.
The referee is asking the fighters to pick up the pace.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.
A slow jab from Skovgaard misses its intended target.
Skovgaard uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by MacLeod.
MacLeod uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Skovgaard.
Skovgaard fakes a jab and throws a low kick but MacLeod checks it well.
MacLeod feinted with a counter takedown.
MacLeod moves out of range as Skovgaard strikes.
Connor MacLeod has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Valentin Skovgaard is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
MacLeod fails with the takedown
and Skovgaard connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Skovgaard pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Valentin Skovgaard is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Horrible takedown attempt by MacLeod or perhaps it was just good defense by Skovgaard, which made it look bad.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Connor MacLeod. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Skovgaard stuffs the takedown.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
MacLeod takes a jab on the nose. He smiles like he loves it and keeps coming.
MacLeod gets cracked with a nice right hand there by Skovgaard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
MacLeod fails with the takedown.
Skovgaard lands a head kick!
Skovgaard throws a head kick but MacLeod moves out of range.
A lazy left from Skovgaard finds it's target.
MacLeod misses with a hook to the body
and Skovgaard counters with a nice body kick.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Skovgaard throws a jab to the body, straight down the pipe. Boom. That sent MacLeod stumbling backwards but he manages to regain his composure quickly.
Skovgaard comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.
Skovgaard lands a leg kick that knocks MacLeod off balance momentarily.
Skovgaard scores with a punch to the head.
Skovgaard connects with a slap. Keep your fist closed son.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
MacLeod fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Skovgaard with a body punch. A glancing blow.
MacLeod fakes and then throws a beautiful body shot. Skovgaard looks a bit winded and takes a step backwards to take a breath.
Skovgaard ducks down and throws a hook to the body.

And that's the end of the fight!
Valentin Skovgaard comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I've got Skovgaard 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 Trevor Gratis scores the fight 27:30
Judge Dillan Fox scores the fight 27:30
Judge Yves DeLean scores the fight 27:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Valentin Skovgaard!
Valentin Skovgaard very nearly forgot to thank FORCEE amongst all the excitement of his win but just as the interview came to a close, he screamed their name. Hopefully he'll get a few nice freebies in the mail as a thank you.