PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Benny Andersson (ranked 1091 p4p, 152 weight class) and Charley Hanagan (ranked 840 p4p, 120 weight class). Hanagan comes into a darkened arena with his song building. Guilty Until Proven Innocent kicks in, the lights come on and the crowd goes wild! What a showman! I'm sure you'll be fascinated to know that I was talking to some pointless Z list celebrity before the fight and he thought that Charley Hanagan was going to win. Let's see if he was right.

Andersson
vs
Hanagan

186 cm
37
208 lbs
31 - 13 - 0

180 cm
28
211 lbs
16 - 13 - 0

Abu Dhabi Champ
World class boxer
Insanely flexible

BJJ Red Belt
World class MT
Good gas tank

Conviction

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 31 - 13 - 0, fighting out of New York, Benny Andersson!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 16 - 13 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Charley Hanagan!
The judges for this bout are Frank Antenori, Don Winkell and Timothy Bukovac.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Hanagan avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Andersson uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Hanagan.
Andersson is looking to counter punch.
Hanagan dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Charley Hanagan seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Andersson swings for the body but Hanagan moves out of range.
Andersson lands with a two punch combination before moving back out of range.
Hanagan with a body punch. A glancing blow.
Andersson keeps the fight on the outside.
A leg kick checked by Hanagan.
Nice takedown defense from Andersson. No joy for Hanagan on that attempt.
Andersson tries to score with a low kick but Hanagan moves his leg out of the way.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Hanagan closes the distance, clinches up and gets a nice trip takedown into side control. Very smooth.

Andersson throws Hanagan to one side and escapes!
This has been an exciting period of action!
Andersson throws a body kick that misses.
Hanagan ducks low and lands a nice hook to the body of his opponent.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Andersson lands with an overhand left.
Andersson leaves Hanagan with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
Hanagan uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Andersson.
Andersson is pinned up against the cage taking some big shots here. The referee is looking closely deciding whether he should stop the fight.
Andersson swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Andersson swats away the attempt to clinch by Hanagan.
Hanagan tries to grapple but his opponent circles
enabling Andersson to counter with a crisp jab.
Good work by Hanagan as he checks the leg kick.
Hanagan fakes a head shot and lands one to the body.
Sloppy strikes from Andersson. Those never looked like landing.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Andersson steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Hanagan.
Andersson uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Hanagan.
Andersson feints and then cracks Hanagan's leading leg with a nice low kick. He's obviously looking to slow Hanagan down.
Hanagan connects nicely with a jab. Noted by the judges no doubt.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Hanagan fakes a head punch and goes low to the body. Nicely done.
Hanagan connects with a lovely right hand, straight down the pipe.
Andersson connects with the punch.
Andersson looks to land a right hand but Hanagan moved out of range.
Andersson moves away from the strike by Hanagan.
Hanagan throws a shot from downtown. Andersson moves away and avoids it.
Hanagan lands a nice hook to Andersson's body. Andersson takes it in his stride and looks to land his own strikes.
Hanagan staying out of range there.
Hanagan appears to be waiting to throw a counter punch to the body.
Hanagan tries to clinch up but Andersson circles away and keeps his distance.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Hanagan blocks a leg kick.
Andersson attempts a low kick but it misses it's target.
Andersson jabs at Hanagan's body.
Andersson is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Hanagan.
Andersson is looking to land body kicks.
Andersson shakes his hands off, looking to compose himself, but takes a jab to the jaw whilst he does it.
Andersson throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Andersson doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
Hanagan with a jab.
Andersson connects with a looping right hand.
An inside leg kick lands from Andersson.
Hanagan throws a left and a right that both miss
letting Andersson counter with a right hand.
Andersson throws a nice inside leg kick.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Andersson lands a head kick!

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Andersson slips under a jab from Hanagan.
Benny Andersson is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Hanagan takes a swing at Andersson's ribcage but misses.
Andersson looked to counter that last move with a leg kick but didn't pull the trigger.
A jab from Andersson misses.
Hanagan misses with a looping right.
Hanagan throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Andersson's waist but Andersson gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Hanagan off to one side.
Benny Andersson has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Charley Hanagan.
Hanagan swings for the body but Andersson moves out of range.
A combination from Andersson does no damage.
Andersson throws a half hearted mid kick.
Andersson walks forward and throws out a flicking leg kick. Hanagan checks it nicely though, as he moves to the side.

Hanagan decides to change it up a bit and drives through with a nice takedown into half guard.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Andersson wants to control but Hanagan is keeping busy and won't allow it.
Andersson is looking for a sweep. Hanagan is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Benny Andersson dominated that round.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!

Hanagan stooping low to avoid any incoming strikes and then lunges in with an uppercut come cross that lands flush.
A big left from Hanagan misses.
Andersson takes a solid shot to the body. That one hurt him but he's trying not to show it.
Hanagan bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Andersson misses with a double jab
letting Hanagan counter with a right hand.
Hanagan dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Hanagan throws a shot to the body.
Hanagan wants to clinch up but Andersson keeps it at a distance.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Andersson gets caught napping as Hanagan dives in and scores a takedown. Andersson manages to retain guard.
Hanagan trying to control the position from guard on top but Andersson is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Hanagan won't allow Andersson to sweep him here.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Hanagan prevents Andersson from getting back to his feet.

Hanagan drops back looking for a leg! Andersson is in trouble here! The fighters roll with the hold and Andersson manages to kick Hanagan off! Hanagan jumps back into Andersson's guard.
Andersson tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Hanagan trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Hanagan keeps trying to improve his position.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Andersson is on top in guard.

Hanagan keeping moving, preventing Andersson from controlling successfully.
Hanagan keeping full guard, as Andersson tries to pass.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Andersson preventing the sweep.
Andersson passes Hanagan's right leg, so he's now in half guard.
Andersson prevents Hanagan from improving his position.
Hanagan is looking to control Andersson's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Hanagan avoid being mounted?
Andersson wants to stand up but Hanagan is controlling the position.
Hanagan is trying to get back to full guard.
Andersson tries to stand but can't do so whilst Hanagan controls his leg.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Hanagan wants to get back to full guard.
Still in half guard, Andersson seems content to control.
We must be close to a standup if these guys don't pick up the pace.
Hanagan works his way to full guard. Good work.
Andersson preventing the sweep.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Andersson is taking a break and basically stalling. The referee will not allow him to do that for long.
Hanagan looking to sweep here. No luck so far.

The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.
Andersson takes a jab on the nose. He smiles like he loves it and keeps coming.
Andersson throws a leg kick that is checked
and Hanagan counters with a nice uppercut.
Hanagan checks a leg kick.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Andersson misses with a jab to the body
and Hanagan counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Charley Hanagan seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Hanagan looks to land a right hand but Andersson moved out of range.
Andersson fakes with a right hand and throws a good leg kick, right into the thigh. That had to hurt Hanagan.
Hanagan throws a series of punches but Andersson avoids them all with ease.
Andersson throws out a loose jab but Hanagan uses good head movement to avoid it.
Hanagan throws a body shot but no joy.
Andersson ducks down and throws a hook to the body.
Andersson waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Hanagan.
Hanagan swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Andersson takes a shot to the nose. Hopefully that hasn't broken it.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Andersson scores with a hook to the body. Hanagan takes a step back and tries to catch his breath.
Hanagan lands a nice hook to Andersson's body. Andersson takes it in his stride and looks to land his own strikes.
Andersson pivots, looking for a leg kick but Hanagan is out of range and Andersson settles back down.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Charley Hanagan showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action. This is the final round!

Andersson takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.
Andersson scores with a reasonable looking shot to the body. Hanagan doesn't seem bothered though.
Hanagan misses with a hook. Andersson ducked under it nicely.
Andersson tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Hanagan was well out of range. Poor timing from Andersson.
Andersson takes a body punch but keeps moving.
Hanagan throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Andersson.
Hanagan tries to clinch but Andersson moves away
enabling Andersson to counter with a crisp jab.
Hanagan closes the distance and clinches up with Andersson, looking for a takedown. Hanagan pushes Andersson against the cage but Andersson circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Andersson looks for the body kick but Hanagan saw that one coming.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Hanagan lands the left hand.
Hanagan misses with a two punch combination.
An attempted straight right counter from Andersson misses the target.
Hanagan moves out of range of the strikes.
A big left from Hanagan misses.

That's one minute gone in the round.
A jab lands there for Andersson.
Hanagan looks to throw the jab but Andersson is out of range.
Andersson swung with a counter punch to the body but it didn't connect.
Hanagan looks to score with a jab to the body but Andersson is just out of range.
Andersson takes a really solid shot there but just smiles back and shrugs his shoulders.
Hanagan throws a looping overhand right but Andersson ducks down to avoid it.
A looping hook to the body misses from Hanagan. Andersson does a little dance to reset his feet.
Andersson thinks about countering with a body kick.
Andersson ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Hanagan moves away.
Hanagan looks like he wants to counter punch here.
Andersson throws a leg kick which misses Hanagan's front leg but catches the back leg as Hanagan tries to avoid it.
Hanagan misses with a looping right.
Hanagan fakes a jab and then connects with a hook.
Andersson thuds a left hand into Hanagan's body.
Boom, another hit is landed. "You're gunna get knocked out" taunts Hanagan, as that shot connected.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Andersson tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Hanagan paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Andersson scores with a nice head shot.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Hanagan swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Hanagan throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Andersson sees it coming and avoids it easily.
A head kick misses from Andersson.
Andersson throws a leg kick but Hanagan sees it coming and checks it nicely.
Hanagan looks to land a right hand but Andersson moved out of range.
Nice defenses there by Andersson.
Andersson throwing a counter right hand but Hanagan manages to avoid it.
Hanagan stuns Andersson with a nice body shot, before stepping back out of range.
Hanagan scores to the head and body with a nice combination!
A looping hook to the body misses from Hanagan. Andersson does a little dance to reset his feet.
Andersson throws a body shot but no joy.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Hanagan uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Andersson.
Andersson throws a leg kick but Hanagan sees it coming and checks it nicely.
Hanagan lands with an uppercut that bounces Andersson off the cage and back into range.
Andersson misses with a body kick.
Hanagan is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Hanagan fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Andersson avoids it really well and circles away.
Hanagan wants to clinch.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Oooooooooooh, not good. A low kick from Andersson lands where it shouldn't have, right in the... well, you know what he did? He kicked him in the penis. He's injured, injured bad. The referee sends both fighters to their corners and Hanagan has 5 minutes to recover. He's OK now though... a thumbs up from Hanagan and we're back underway with a touch of gloves.
Andersson fakes and then throws a beautiful body shot. Hanagan looks a bit winded and takes a step backwards to take a breath.
Andersson misses with a low kick as Hanagan jumps back.
Hanagan waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Andersson.
Andersson throws a low kick but it's checked well by Hanagan.
Hanagan rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
and Andersson counters with an outside leg kick.

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

Andersson has one foot on Hanagan's thigh - he pushes off and manages to get back to his feet.
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!
Hanagan uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Andersson.
Hanagan is loading up here, looking for a big counter of his own.
Hanagan tries to close the distance and clinch up but Andersson swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Andersson scores with a jab. Hanagan acknowledges it with a nod of the head.
Hanagan misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Andersson.

And that's the end of the fight!
That was a close round. You could make an argument for either fighter but I would give it to Benny Andersson.
I think Andersson 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 Frank Antenori scores the fight 29:28
Judge Don Winkell scores the fight 29:29
Judge Timothy Bukovac scores the fight 29:28

In favor of your winner, by majority decision... Benny Andersson!
Charley Hanagan was interviewed post fight and said 'HOLY SHIT MAKE THE VOICES FUCKING GO AWAY!!!'.