PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Mark O Madsen (ranked 2203 p4p, 249 weight class) and Ralphie Maldonado (ranked 3793 p4p, 390 weight class). Mark O Madsen has the better chin. Will he look to stand and bang today?

O Madsen
vs
Maldonado

177 cm
26
167 lbs
5 - 1 - 0

179 cm
19
165 lbs
3 - 1 - 0

Good wrestling
Basic striking
Granite chin

BJJ Blue Belt
Lethal high kicks
Heavy handed

Zenith Nutrition (160q/$200)

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the lightweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 5 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Mark O Madsen!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 3 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Ralphie Maldonado!
The judges for this bout are Stewart Dunkirk, Alan Glass and George Francis.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Madsen shoots in for a double leg but Maldonado sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
Maldonado defending well as Madsen loads up on a big left hand.
A telegraphed right hand from Maldonado misses the target.
Maldonado throws an ugly left hook that misses

so Madsen counters with a double leg into guard. Good agility.

Maldonado is edging up against the cage. He's using the cage to get back to his feet. Nice work there - the fighters are clinched.
Maldonado tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Maldonado lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.

Maldonado escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Madsen is pinned up against the cage taking some big shots here. The referee is looking closely deciding whether he should stop the fight.
This has been an exciting period of action!
A left and a right from Maldonado both land. Nice combination.
Madsen shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Maldonado pinned against the cage. Maldonado gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
A head kick from Maldonado lands but Madsen takes it in his stride.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Maldonado throws a couple of head shots and lands with the final one - a decent hook, which struck Madsen on the side of the head.
Maldonado slaps away a takedown attempt from Madsen, before circling back to the center of the mat.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Mark O Madsen. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Maldonado jabs. That one connects to the head of his opponent.
Madsen takes a kick to the side of the head.
Maldonado throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd.
Madsen tries to drive through with a takedown attempt but Maldonado defends well and Madsen ends up having to push Maldonado into the cage where they will battle it out in the clinch.
Maldonado looks more muscular than last time we saw him. He must have been on the weights.
Madsen has a takedown stuffed.
Maldonado scores with a hook to the body. Madsen takes a step back and tries to catch his breath.
A nice inside leg kick there by Maldonado. That's going to slow Madsen down.
Maldonado cracks Madsen with a right hand to the side of the head.
Maldonado stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Maldonado wants it to stay on the feet.
Maldonado fakes a couple of low kicks, before throwing one on the third attempt. It connects and Madsen has to reset his feet before getting ready to engage.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Madsen takes a push kick to the midsection and stumbles backwards.
Maldonado keeps Madsen at a distance using the push kick.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Madsen throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Maldonado's waist but Maldonado gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Madsen off to one side.
Maldonado fakes a jab and scores with a low kick.

A momentary lapse in concentration from Maldonado enables Madsen to shoot in and score with a neat double leg. Maldonado manages to secure a closed guard as the fighters hit the mat.

Maldonado has butterfly guard. He's looking to stand up here. He pushes Madsen off him and springs to his feet nicely. The crowd applauds.
Madsen moves forwards but Maldonado connects with a nice, crisp jab.
Maldonado keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Ralphie Maldonado is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
An inside leg kick lands from Maldonado.
Maldonado cracks Madsen with an open hand slap.
We've been told by Madsen's head coaches at Rabid Dog that he's been working on his takedown defense in preparation for this fight.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Madsen.
Madsen shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Maldonado pinned against the cage. Maldonado gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.

Madsen closes the distance and gets a double leg, slamming Maldonado to the mat! Maldonado manages to get full guard.

Maldonado is scooting his butt against the cage and has managed to get back to his feet. Madsen presses him back against the cage, presumably looking to take the fight back to the mat.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Madsen lands a nice trip takedown into half guard.
Madsen throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Madsen not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
Madsen missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
Maldonado is trying to stand back up but Madsen is controlling him
Madsen is taking a breather. Maldonado says something to him but it's hard to make out. Perhaps he's telling him to get on with it and actually do something.
Madsen is nestled in close to Maldonado, controlling him well. He's worked in a nice elbow to the side of the head as well, for good measure.
Madsen 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.
Madsen is trying to control. Maldonado wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Maldonado looks like he's trying to stand up.
The referee claps his hands together and tells the fighters to work.

The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.
Maldonado connects with a single shot there.
Madsen walks into a left hand.
A left and a right from Maldonado both land. Nice combination.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Madsen walks straight into a jab right on the nose. That one stung - he's blinking and trying to clear his head.
Maldonado is landing a lot of head punches in this opening round! Madsen had better start moving his head a bit unless he wants his face to turn into pâté.
Madsen doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
Madsen shakes his hands off, looking to compose himself, but takes a jab to the jaw whilst he does it.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.

Madsen bobs and weaves into range and then changes levels and scores with a nice takedown into side control.
Madsen fails to land a wild elbow strike.
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Maldonado is trying to escape and get back to his feet.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Ralphie Maldonado dominated that round.
That's time! Back to the action!

Madsen fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Maldonado avoids it really well and circles away.
Maldonado connects nicely with a jab. Noted by the judges no doubt.
Madsen shoots in but doesn't get the takedown
and Maldonado counters with a right hand to the body.
Maldonado plants his feet and lands a nice head kick!
Maldonado connects with a high kick.
Madsen tries for a takedown but Maldonado sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Mark O Madsen. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Maldonado throws a nice outside leg kick.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Maldonado throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Madsen shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Maldonado sprawls well. Maldonado wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Madsen gets slowly back to his feet.
Maldonado lands with a nice body punch.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Madsen takes a hook to the side of the head. I wonder if that's got his ears ringing.
Maldonado scores with a head kick. Madsen tried to block it but didn't get his arm up in time.
Madsen shoots in for a double leg but Maldonado sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
Madsen takes a kick to the side of the head.
Madsen fails with the takedown
and Maldonado counters with a thumping low kick.
Madsen walks into a jab.
Maldonado is looking to slow Madsen down with leg kicks.
Maldonado lands with a good body shot.

Madsen gets the takedown into side control.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Maldonado is trying to escape and get back to his feet.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Maldonado is using up a lot of energy trying to get back to his feet. Perhaps he should improve his position first.
Madsen landing a few strikes.
Madsen scores with punches from side control.
Madsen landing strikes.
Madsen prevents Maldonado from escaping the position.
Madsen working the ground and pound.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Madsen landing a few strikes.

Maldonado is rocked!

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Maldonado wants to get back to his feet but Madsen drags him back down.
Maldonado stops Madsen from passing to mount.
Madsen lands a knee to the body and a forearm to the face.
Madsen wants to control but Maldonado is keeping him busy.
Madsen prevents Maldonado from escaping the position.
A lull in the action here.
Madsen tries to move into full mount but can't pass Maldonado's legs.

That's four 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.
The referee asks Madsen politely if he wouldn't mind getting on with it and actually doing something. Madsen prefers to stall for the moment though.
Madsen working the ground and pound.
Maldonado is trying to buck Madsen off.

Madsen has had enough of the ground for now and decides to stand.
Maldonado scores with a jab to the head.
Madsen shoots in and drives through. Maldonado sprawls well.
Maldonado looked like he wanted to counter with a punch but didn't throw it.
Madsen closes the distance and clinches up with Maldonado, looking for a takedown. Madsen pushes Maldonado against the cage but Maldonado circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Madsen drops his hands momentarily and Maldonado takes advantage with a crisp shot to the head.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Ralphie Maldonado showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
That's time! Back to the action! This is the final round!

Maldonado lands a jab to the nose.
Maldonado swings wildly with a hook that is half blocked by Madsen.
A nice leg kick lands there from Maldonado.
Maldonado getting the better of the striking in that exchange.
Madsen fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Ralphie Maldonado seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Maldonado lands a jab to Madsen's midsection.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Madsen is defended easily by Maldonado.

The fight moves into the clinch position.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Maldonado pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Maldonado throws a one two combo.
A punch lands to the side of Madsen 's head but he takes it in his stride.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Madsen shoots and misses
and Maldonado connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Mark O Madsen. That's going to take a lot out of him.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Madsen with a poor takedown
and Maldonado counters with a right hand to the body.
Maldonado goes to the watering hole and comes back with a big thumbs up from the judges as he scores a three punch combo.
Horrible takedown attempt by Madsen or perhaps it was just good defense by Maldonado, which made it look bad.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Maldonado chopping away at his opponent's legs.
Madsen closes this distance looking for a takedown but Maldonado circles away.
Maldonado scores with a head kick.
Maldonado tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Maldonado lands with an overhand left.
Maldonado cracks Madsen with a right hand to the side of the head.
Maldonado wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.
Maldonado has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Madsen doesn't manage to clinch there - Maldonado circles away.
Madsen fails with the takedown
letting Maldonado counter with a right hand.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Maldonado lands a jab followed by a nice looking cross.
Maldonado stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Maldonado wants it to stay on the feet.
Maldonado throws a combination. Madsen tries to block but a couple of punches get through.
Maldonado lunges in with an uppercut that skims his opponent's chin.
Madsen is pinned up against the cage taking some big shots here. The referee is looking closely deciding whether he should stop the fight.
Madsen tries for a takedown but Maldonado circles away easily
and Maldonado cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Maldonado fakes a head punch and goes low to the body. Nicely done.
Madsen takes a shot to the nose. Hopefully that hasn't broken it.
Maldonado with a body punch. A glancing blow.
Madsen shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Maldonado defends it nicely.
Madsen shakes his hands off, looking to compose himself, but takes a jab to the jaw whilst he does it.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Madsen has his hands up protecting his head but a hook from Maldonado finds it's way round the side to connect with Madsen's head.
Maldonado connects with a body shot.
Maldonado is moving around nicely and scores here with a single head shot.
Madsen ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Maldonado moves away.
Madsen looks like he's developed a pretty tasty lump over his left eye. He'll need to avoid taking much more damage to that.
Madsen takes one to the chin there.
Maldonado swings for the body but Madsen moves out of range.
Maldonado keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Madsen.
Maldonado throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd.
Maldonado thuds his right hand into Madsen's forehead from close range. That could be painful for both fighters.
Madsen takes one on the chin but seems OK.
Maldonado scores with a sloppy punch to the body. Not much technique there but it did the business.
Maldonado cracks Madsen with a good jab.
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!
Madsen keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Madsen looks for a takedown but Maldonado sprawls well.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Madsen fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Maldonado avoids it really well and circles away.
Maldonado lets the fists fly and connects with a left straight followed by a right hook.
Maldonado throws a jab to the body, straight down the pipe. Boom. That sent Madsen stumbling backwards but he manages to regain his composure quickly.
Madsen has his takedown stuffed
and Maldonado counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Mark O Madsen has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Madsen takes a kick to the side of the head.
Maldonado circles away from the clinch attempt.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Maldonado! But no joy.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
A solid body kick from Maldonado.
Madsen is hobbling a little on that front leg after taking quite a few leg kicks so far in this fight.
Maldonado cracks a nice hook into Madsen's ribs.

Madsen feints and then dives in with a takedown. That was a long way out but the feint bought him enough time to close the distance and complete the takedown. Now we'll play guard for a bit and see who can get the better of that position.
Ralphie Maldonado is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
Madsen connects with a couple of short punches.

And that's the end of the fight!
Ralphie Maldonado comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I've got Maldonado 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 Stewart Dunkirk scores the fight 26:30
Judge Alan Glass scores the fight 26:30
Judge George Francis scores the fight 26:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Ralphie Maldonado!