PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a super heavyweight MMA rules bout between Mike Thomas (ranked 634 p4p, 18 weight class) and Ike Tronstone (ranked 252 p4p, 10 weight class). Thomas's entrance music is Onward To Victory. A fine choice. Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the cage.

Thomas
vs
Tronstone

190 cm
38
293 lbs
20 - 4 - 1

190 cm
35
264 lbs
25 - 11 - 0

Abu Dhabi Champ
World class boxer
Granite chin

Olympic wrestler
World class MT
Good gas tank

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the super heavyweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 20 - 4 - 1, fighting out of Montreal, Mike Thomas!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 25 - 11 - 0, fighting out of Montreal, Ike Tronstone!
The judges for this bout are George Francis, Robert Twigg and Gwen Towbar.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Thomas shoots in but no luck this time.
Tronstone changes levels for a counter takedown but doesn't follow through with his attempt.
Tronstone misses with an uppercut.
Tronstone missing with a left hand there. Thomas was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Thomas doesn't succeed with the takedown
and Tronstone counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Thomas takes an uppercut right on the button but keeps his composure.
We can't be sure of the tactics at this early stage but we have heard that Tronstone has been working on his takedowns a lot in the buildup to the fight and we can only assume he's going to look to take this to the mat.
Thomas scores with a jab to the jaw of his opponent.
Thomas cracks Tronstone with a good shot that sees him stumbling back into the cage.
Thomas goes for a double leg but Tronstone avoids the attempt and the two fighters end up clinched against the cage as Tronstone continues to drive forward.
It seemed like Tronstone was going to counter with the hook but didn't fully commit to it.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Mike Thomas. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Thomas jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Thomas swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Thomas misses with a series of wild punches.
Tronstone dances in quickly and lands a nice inside leg kick on Thomas. That did some damage!
Thomas tries to check a leg kick but that clearly hurt him.
Thomas keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Thomas throws a looping overhand right but Tronstone ducks down to avoid it.
Thomas cracks Tronstone with a good shot that sees him stumbling back into the cage.
Thomas shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Tronstone pinned against the cage. Tronstone gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
Tronstone appeared to try and counter that last move with a leg kick.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Thomas checks a leg kick nicely.
Thomas looks to land a left hand but Tronstone moved out of range nicely.
Thomas loads up on a big right hand but Tronstone slips the punch.

Thomas drops down and drives through with a powerful takedown into guard.
Tronstone is trying to control the position but Thomas postures up.
Thomas trying to control but Tronstone is working from the bottom.
Thomas throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Tronstone wants to sweep here but Thomas controlling him for the moment.
Thomas works over Tronstone with some ground and pound from guard.
Thomas trying to control the position from guard on top but Tronstone is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Thomas working from the guard for now, landing some ground and pound.
Thomas loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Thomas wants to get up but he can't break Tronstone's closed guard. He needs to be careful trying to break the legs open, as he's open to submissions here.
Thomas won't allow Tronstone to sweep him here.
Thomas postures up.
Tronstone is working an open guard here, looking to improve his position. No doubt that will leave him open to counters but at least he's being more offensive.
Thomas pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Tronstone is keeping the position for now.
Thomas postures up and lands some nice ground and pound.
Thomas postures up.

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

The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Thomas tries to buck Tronstone off but Tronstone is having none of it.
You can see the frustration on Thomas's face, being in this tough position on the bottom.
Tronstone landing a few strikes.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Tronstone scoring with punches from side control.
Thomas sneaks a leg under to get back to half guard.
Thomas gets back to full guard.

Thomas is active off his back here, looking for submissions.

Thomas has his foot on Tronstone's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Tronstone works his way back into a safe position though.
Tronstone distracts Thomas with his right hand and drops a big elbow with his other arm.
Tronstone with a nice head shot there.
Tronstone is sitting in guard, working some ground and pound.
Tronstone stopping the sweep attempt from Thomas.
Thomas trying to keep a closed guard but Tronstone is proving a slippery customer.
Thomas looking to sweep here. No luck so far.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Thomas keeping moving, preventing Tronstone from controlling successfully.
Tronstone postures up and lands a big shot to Thomas's brow.
Thomas is working an open guard here, looking to improve his position. No doubt that will leave him open to counters but at least he's being more offensive.
Tronstone working in close now, lands a nice elbow to the side of Thomas's head.
Tronstone stopping the sweep attempt from Thomas.

Thomas working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Tronstone doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Tronstone manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.
Tronstone scores with a decent looking elbow strike.
Tronstone postures up and scores with a shot to the body and a follow up elbow to the head.

Thomas looking for submissions from the bottom but instead Tronstone passes into side control.
Thomas stops Tronstone from passing to mount.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but Ike Tronstone will probably get the nod.
That's time! Back to the action!

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

Tronstone has one foot on Thomas's thigh - he pushes off and manages to get back to his feet.
Thomas throws a hook to the side of Tronstone's head but Tronstone sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Tronstone stuffs the takedown attempt from Thomas. Thomas gets slowly back to his feet.
Tronstone ducks under a wild hook from Thomas.
Thomas is trying hard to land a takedown here. Tronstone sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
Thomas takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
Thomas shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Tronstone sprawls well. Tronstone wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Thomas gets slowly back to his feet.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Mike Thomas. That's going to take a lot out of him.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Thomas tries for a takedown but Tronstone circles away easily
and Tronstone connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Thomas avoids the head kick by Tronstone.
Thomas attempts a counter takedown but Tronstone avoids it well and moves away.
Tronstone has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Thomas ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Tronstone moves away.
Tronstone throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Thomas looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Tronstone is fending him off so far but Thomas persists. Nope, Tronstone circles away and we're back to standing.
Tronstone now looks to counter with a shot at the body.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Thomas avoids the head kick by Tronstone.
Tronstone stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Tronstone wants it to stay on the feet.
Tronstone looked like he wanted to counter with a punch but didn't throw it.
Thomas moves away from the strike by Tronstone.
Tronstone is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Thomas.
Thomas takes a thudding leg kick, right into the meat of the thigh.
Tronstone misses with a hook. Thomas ducked under it nicely.
A decent looking cross lands there for Thomas.
Tronstone throws a head kick that misses.
A chopping leg kick lands by Tronstone.
Thomas throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Tronstone throws a good cross that connects.
Tronstone ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Thomas walks into a left hand.
Thomas lands a jab. Then a cross. Then finally a nice hook to the body. Good work there by Thomas.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Tronstone throws a jab but it's blocked by Thomas.
Thomas tries to counter with a takedown but Tronstone is quick to defend against it.

Thomas shoots in for a takedown! He's got it and he's managed to land in side control! That's better than Thomas was expecting from the takedown attempt, I'm sure!
Thomas lands an elbow.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Tronstone tries to bench press Thomas off him but Thomas keeps the position.
Ike Tronstone has got the better of the ground game so far.
Tronstone pushes Thomas away and creates a bit of space to escape. He's almost out here... but no, Thomas gets a good hold of his legs and remains firmly in side control.
Tronstone is using up a lot of energy trying to get back to his feet. Perhaps he should improve his position first.
Thomas is chipping away with strikes.
Tronstone tries to bench press Thomas off him but Thomas keeps the position.
Thomas tries to get to his feet but he's trapped momentarily.
Thomas scores with a couple of short elbows.
Thomas wants to control but Tronstone is keeping him busy.
Tronstone is trying to control Thomas's posture but Thomas avoids it.

Thomas is trying to get an arm triangle but Tronstone is defending well.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Thomas is looking to take a break and control but Tronstone is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Tronstone sneaks a leg under to get back to half guard.

Thomas is looking for a kimura but Tronstone is holding onto that half guard position, so it's hard for Thomas to get the leverage.
Tronstone trying to hold on to Thomas's head to control him but Thomas postures up.
Tronstone is not content to let Thomas control the position.
Tronstone tries to get to full guard but Thomas has control of the leg.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Thomas wants to pass the guard but Tronstone is defending well.
Thomas has freed up his trapped foot and advances to mount.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Thomas raining down shots from the mount!
Thomas avoids the attempt from Tronstone to control.

Tronstone defends a decent attempt at a guillotine from Thomas.
Tronstone takes a big shot to the head but keeps on trying to improve his position.
Thomas fakes a shot to the body and cracks his opponent in the head. Nice ground and pound there!
Tronstone manages to regain half guard. Good work.
Thomas seems to have lost interest with the ground game and is thinking about standing back up.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close second round but Ike Tronstone will probably get the nod - 10:9.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.

Thomas shoots in but Tronstone avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Thomas ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Tronstone moves away.

Thomas feints and as Tronstone raises his hands in defense, Thomas changes levels and drives through with a takedown into guard.

Tronstone pushes Thomas off for just long enough to get back to his feet. Very athletic spring there.
That's a knee to de groin and it's over and out! Thomas crumples to the ground after an illegal strike from Tronstone - the referee stops the clock and Thomas gets 5 minutes to recover from that one. "I'm sorry" says Tronstone. Thomas manages to get back to his feet and the fight resumes.
Tronstone throws a sloppy head kick and Thomas moves out of range easily.
Ike Tronstone seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Tronstone connects with a high kick.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Thomas tests Tronstone's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Tronstone throws a right and a left that both miss.
Thomas swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Thomas looks to land a left hand but Tronstone moved out of range nicely.
Thomas looks for a takedown but Tronstone sprawls well.
Thomas throws a body shot but no joy.
Thomas connects with a hook to the side of his opponent's head.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Thomas bobs and weaves into range and then changes levels and scores with a nice takedown into side control.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Thomas sitting in side control, looking to soften his opponent up with elbows and hammerfists but Tronstone is avoiding damage well and looking to escape the position.
You can see the frustration on Tronstone's face, being in this tough position on the bottom.
Tronstone regains half guard.

Tronstone is defending against the submission attempts here by Thomas.
Tronstone trying to hold on to Thomas's head to control him but Thomas postures up.
Tronstone moves his hips nicely and gets into full guard.
Tronstone wants to sweep here but Thomas controlling him for the moment.
Thomas wanted to stand there but Tronstone had control of the position.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Thomas content to stall in guard here.
Thomas postures up in Tronstone's guard and throws a big left but Tronstone blocks it.
Thomas won't allow Tronstone to get back to his feet.
Thomas is looking to work some ground and pound but Tronstone has wrist control.
Thomas postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Thomas content to strike from guard, landing some decent shots.
Thomas makes a bit of distance and scores with some ground and pound, still in guard.
Tronstone looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Thomas trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Thomas postures up and lands some nice ground and pound.
Tronstone keeping busy, throwing shots from the bottom.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Thomas content to strike from guard, landing some decent shots.
Thomas with a nice head shot there.
Tronstone wants to sweep but no luck.
Thomas is in close to Tronstone's body, working some short punches and elbows.
Thomas sneaks a leg through and gets to half guard. That was like a knife through butter how easily he passed Tronstone's guard.
Tronstone gets back to full guard.

Tronstone looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.
Thomas chips away with some ground and pound.

Tronstone has an omoplata and is looking to use it perhaps as a submission or perhaps to transition. Thomas is in a bit of discomfort here, but he's managed to free himself and has dived into side control! That didn't work out too well for Tronstone.
Thomas wants to lay and pray for a moment but Tronstone keeps working.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Thomas is going to have to think about doing something other than just controlling because Tronstone is managing to avoid having the position dictated to him.
Thomas looks up at the clock and then as Tronstone takes his cue and looks up at the clock too, Thomas smacks him right in the chops with a big elbow! How rude!
Thomas working away.

Thomas tries for a kimura but Tronstone is defending well.
Thomas tries to score with some ground and pound. Tronstone controls his posture well this time though and the shots don't do any damage.
Thomas wants to control but Tronstone is keeping him busy.
You can see the frustration on Tronstone's face, being in this tough position on the bottom.
Thomas has knee on belly and now moves to full mount! Trouble for Tronstone!
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Mike Thomas clearly takes that round.
That's time! Thomas's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

Thomas is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Tronstone.
Thomas ducks down and throws a hook to the body.
Tronstone looks to land a right hand but Thomas moved out of range.
Mike Thomas seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Thomas showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Tronstone.
Thomas jabbing away but nothing is landing.

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

Tronstone pushes Thomas off and gets back to his feet.
Thomas misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Thomas waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Tronstone.
Thomas steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Tronstone.
Tronstone goes to the watering hole and comes back with a big thumbs up from the judges as he scores a three punch combo.
Thomas showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Tronstone.
Thomas shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Tronstone sprawls well. Tronstone wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Thomas gets slowly back to his feet.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Thomas rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
and Tronstone counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
A swing and a miss from Tronstone.
Tronstone misses the shot to the body.
Thomas fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Mike Thomas. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Thomas on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by Tronstone. Tronstone obviously looking to wear him down.
Thomas on the wrong end of a vicious looking body shot.
Thomas throws a body punch but Tronstone moves out of range.
Tronstone appears to be waiting to throw a counter punch to the body.
Tronstone tries a head kick but it misses.
Tronstone throws a jab but it's blocked by Thomas.
Thomas walks into a left hand.
Thomas lands an overhand right.
Tronstone lands an overhand right.
Tronstone uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Thomas.
Thomas lands with a shot to the body.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A big right from Thomas misses.
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!
Thomas throws a hook to the side of Tronstone's head but Tronstone sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Thomas shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Tronstone but Tronstone pushes him off and we're back to square one.
Nice takedown defense from Tronstone. No joy for Thomas on that attempt.
It's got to the stage where if one of these guys blows hard enough, the other might fall over.
Thomas fails with a takedown attempt.
Tronstone throws a body kick that digs right into the meat.
Thomas walks forward, straight into a front kick from Tronstone.
Nice uppercut lands for Tronstone. That snapped Thomas's head back.
Thomas throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Tronstone lands a really nice looking cross but Thomas seems unphased.
Jab by Tronstone.
Thomas takes one to the side of the head.

Tronstone closes the distance and gets a trip takedown into side control. Thomas quickly recovers to half guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Thomas tries to roll over but Tronstone keeps him under control.
Tronstone seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Thomas does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.
Thomas is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Thomas works his way to full guard. Good work.

Tronstone decides he's had enough of playing guard and decides to stand. Come on Thomas, up you get!
Thomas scores with a nice strike.
Thomas lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Tronstone circles away quickly and effectively.
Thomas has a takedown stuffed.
Thomas chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Tronstone can pounce on him.

Thomas scores with a nice takedown into half guard. Let's see what he's got on the ground.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Thomas prevents Tronstone from standing back up.
Thomas prevents Tronstone from improving his position.
Thomas wants to take a breather but Tronstone is having none of it.
Tronstone slips a foot under and gets full guard. Nice work.
Tronstone working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Thomas.
Thomas is looking to work some ground and pound but Tronstone has wrist control.
Thomas looking to sit in guard and control but Tronstone gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top.

Thomas seems to have improved his submission grappling technique since last time we saw him. Let's see if he can pull off a submission.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Tronstone distracts Thomas with his right hand and drops a big elbow with his other arm.

Thomas is looking for a triangle but Tronstone pushes his legs off easily.
Tronstone is working the ground and pound from guard. He might want to try advancing position though to get more of an impact.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Ike Tronstone dominated that fourth round.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action! This is the final round!

Thomas misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.

Thomas dives in and scores a takedown into Tronstone's guard.
Tronstone not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
Tronstone looking to hit a scissor sweep but Thomas is one step ahead there.
Thomas stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Tronstone swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Tronstone is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move.

Tronstone takes advantage of the dominant position to land a couple of big hammer fists.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Thomas is trying to defend against the ground and pound but Tronstone scores with a couple of nice shots.
Tronstone is keeping good posture, landing some ground and pound.
Thomas tries to strike from the bottom but it doesn't land.

Thomas is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Tronstone pulls his head out easily.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Thomas wants to get back to full guard.
Tronstone wants to lay and pray for a moment but Thomas keeps working.
Thomas regains full guard. Nicely done.
Tronstone with a nice head shot there.

Thomas isolates an arm and boxes in a triangle. Tronstone stacks Thomas on his neck as he steps over and passes to the side. He's now in a much more dominant position where he can look to do some serious damage. Nice move by Tronstone!
Both of our modern day gladiators look out of it here - a gruelling 5 rounds of action taking it's toll on them, no doubt.
Thomas is trying to get back to half guard. He's pushing on Tronstone's leg. He's managed it. Nice work.
Tronstone looks to score some points with some ground and pound.
Tronstone drops an elbow to the side of Thomas's head.
Mike Thomas has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Tronstone lands with a punch from half guard.
Thomas is trying to control but Tronstone manages to pass to mount!
The referee warns Thomas that he has to improve his position here as he takes two more clean shots to the head.
Thomas tries to hold on but Tronstone postures up.
Thomas is looking to improve his position but Tronstone isn't that keen on the idea.
Thomas is working hard here to advance position.
Thomas is squirming around, avoiding Tronstone's attempts to control the action.
The crowd growing excited in anticipation of a finish here! Right on cue, Tronstone cracks his opponent with a massive right hand that draws loud cheers!
Thomas sneaks a leg back under and regains half guard and is working straight away to try and get back to guard. He hasn't managed just yet though.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Thomas tries to regain full guard. Instead though, Tronstone has advanced to mount. Uh oh.
A nice elbow there by Tronstone.
Thomas really trying hard to get back to half guard here.
Thomas tries to hold on but Tronstone pushes him away.
Tronstone lands a nice shot to the head.
Tronstone with shots to the head and body - Thomas looks very uncomfortable down there.
Thomas working to try and regain half guard.

Tronstone looking for an armbar but decides to keep the dominant position instead.
Ike Tronstone is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Tronstone postures up and cracks his opponent a couple of times before moving back into close ground control. Thomas looks a forlorn figure.
Tronstone connects with a couple of good shots from mount.
Thomas is trying desperately to improve position.
Tronstone trying to control but he's not successful this time.
Thomas tries to reverse the position but Tronstone maintains control.
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!
Tronstone is landing with some decent strikes but Thomas is trying to advance his position so the referee is letting the fight continue.
Thomas tries to hold on but Tronstone pushes him away.
Thomas is in a horrible position here. Tronstone smacks him with another shot as he tries to escape the position.

And that's the end of the fight!
Ike Tronstone comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
Well Tronstone has outworked and out performed his opponent in all aspects of the game today. He was simply too good and the decision should be no more than a formality. Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 5 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge George Francis scores the fight 46:49
Judge Robert Twigg scores the fight 47:49
Judge Gwen Towbar scores the fight 47:49

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Ike Tronstone!
Ike Tronstone is the new super heavyweight champion!
A relieved looking Ike Tronstone thanked the fans for their support and gave the usual line about them being amazing. They seemed to believe that he actually meant it.