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PBP Commentary |
Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Travis Copeland (ranked 1179 p4p, 154 weight class) and Guilherme Mendes (ranked 20114 p4p, 604 weight class). Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the cage.
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| 175 cm
21
165 lbs
5 - 2 - 0 |
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160 cm
28
158 lbs
1 - 2 - 0 |
BJJ Purple Belt
World class MT
Cardio machine |
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Excellent grappler
Decent boxing
Good gas tank |
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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 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Travis Copeland!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of
1 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Guilherme Mendes!
The judges for this bout are Tarja Halkonen, Ben Zyskovitsi and Anni Minnemäki.
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Copeland closes the distance and clinches.
Mendes takes an elbow to the forehead.
It looks like Guilherme Mendes has been cut.
Copeland stops a takedown attempt from Mendes.
Copeland misses with a body punch.
With the two fighters working up against the cage, Copeland just misses with a elbow thrown towards Mendes's brow.
Mendes goes for a takedown attempt but Copeland pushes him away and we're back to fighting at a distance.
Copeland pushes Mendes up against the cage in a clinch.
Mendes blocks the elbow strike.
Mendes told us before the fight that he's been working on his elbows. An under utilised technique these days - let's see if it can sway the outcome of the fight.
Copeland throws an elbow but it misses.
Mendes has dropped down and is looking to force the takedown but it's defended by Copeland after a bit of a struggle.
Copeland has been talking about how he's improved his wrestling in the run up to the fight so let's see if that's enough to sway the balance.
Travis Copeland has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Guilherme Mendes.
Mendes wants a takedown.
Copeland trying to land knees to the body.
Mendes misses with a punch on the inside.
Copeland is working hard here but doesn't seem to be able to control effectively, up against the cage.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Mendes has double underhooks and is working for a body lock takedown. He's got it. The fighters land in half guard but Copeland regains guard immediately.
Copeland is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.
Mendes drops back looking for a leg! Copeland is in trouble here! The fighters roll with the hold and Copeland manages to kick Mendes off! Mendes jumps back into Copeland's guard.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Mendes landing some decent shots from guard.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Copeland wants to get back to his feet but Mendes is in a dominant position and won't allow it.
Mendes trying to control the position from guard on top but Copeland is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Copeland keeping full guard, as Mendes tries to pass.
Copeland is looking to get back to his feet but can't, whilst Mendes is controlling him.
Copeland will need to keep those long limbs tucked in whilst he's on the ground, to prevent any submissions.
We've had a lack of effective grappling in the last minute or so, which could well see a referee standup.
That's two 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.
Copeland being controlled here, momentarily.
The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.
Copeland forces Mendes back against the cage and clinches.
Mendes is trying to drag Copeland to the mat but Copeland just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.
Copeland avoiding damage.
Mendes drops down looking for an ankle pick but Copeland pulls his leg out and moves away.
Copeland has a nice red mark on his side after a thudding body kick by Mendes.
Mendes looking to score a takedown here. Copeland is defending well but Mendes drives through and ends up in Copeland's guard.
The fighters are going at a pretty good pace and they're both starting to sweat now.
Copeland wriggles free and stands up.
Mendes dives in for a single leg takedown but Copeland sprawls and the fighters end up clinched against the cage.
Mendes throws a lazy uppercut
and Copeland counters nicely by changing levels and landing a hook to the body.
Mendes moves into the clinch successfully.
Mendes drops to a knee looking for a takedown but Copeland gets the underhooks and prevents it.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Copeland trying to land knees to the body.
Mendes tries for a takedown. No joy.
Copeland is trying to maintain a safe position but Mendes gets an underhook and turns Copeland into the cage.
Copeland throws an elbow that misses.
Copeland is trying to maintain a safe position but Mendes gets an underhook and turns Copeland into the cage.
Copeland is looking to control Mendes's arms but Mendes gets an underhook and turns him. Now Copeland has his back to the cage.
Mendes drops down looking for an ankle pick but Copeland pulls his leg out and moves away.
Copeland gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.
Mendes is working on a leg, looking for a takedown but Copeland is defending well.
Mendes lands with a right to the head.
Copeland gets double underhooks to prevent a takedown attempt from Mendes.
Copeland is fighting off a takedown attempt but Mendes is just too persistent for him and manages to trip Copeland to the mat. Copeland regains guard as soon as the fighters hit the mat.
Mendes is working the ground and pound from guard. He might want to try advancing position though to get more of an impact.
Copeland wants to stand and escape but Mendes is having none of it.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Mendes wants to control from the top but Copeland keeps moving.
Mendes won't allow Copeland to get back to his feet.
Mendes is pushing down on Copeland's leg trying to pass to half guard. Copeland is fighting to maintain full guard but Mendes has managed to sneak the leg through.
Mendes looking for a kimura but he'll have to free his other leg if he wants to finish that. Perhaps he's just using it as a distraction technique.
Mendes is looking for a kimura. It's going to be difficult to finish that from half guard though and Copeland defends it well.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
Travis Copeland dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Guilherme Mendes's cut.
That's the end of the interval. I'm sure that seemed a lot quicker than a minute for our two fighters! Back to the action.
Copeland drives through and clinches with Mendes against the cage.
Copeland throws an elbow but it's blocked.
Mendes is working for a takedown up against the cage. He can't get it on this occasion though.
Mendes avoids a wild elbow strike from Copeland.
Copeland prevents a takedown attempt there.
Mendes blocks the elbow strike.
Mendes tries for a takedown. No joy.
Travis Copeland has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Guilherme Mendes.
Copeland lands an elbow just above Mendes 's eye.
Copeland misses with an elbow strike.
With the fighters up against the cage, Copeland throws an elbow but misses.
Copeland is trying to stall.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Copeland using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Mendes has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
Copeland tries to land a knee to the head but Mendes blocks with his arms.
Mendes goes for a takedown attempt but Copeland pushes him away and we're back to fighting at a distance.
Copeland swinging wildly here.
Mendes closes the distance and pushes Copeland back into the cage.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Copeland creates a bit of distance and throws an elbow that only just misses.
Copeland trying to stall but Mendes improves his position.
Copeland prevents the takedown attempt.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Copeland.
Nice elbow from Copeland.
Copeland stalling in the clinch but Mendes improves position.
Mendes is trying to work for a single leg takedown but Copeland pulls him back up using the underhooks.
Copeland looks to throw an elbow but misses.
Copeland is defending well against a takedown attempt.
Copeland wants to stall.
Mendes has hold of a leg and is looking for a trip takedown. Copeland avoids it nicely though and we remain in the clinch.
Mendes has dropped down and is looking to force the takedown but it's defended by Copeland after a bit of a struggle.
Mendes has hold of a leg and is looking for a trip takedown. Copeland avoids it nicely though and we remain in the clinch.
Travis Copeland has scored more points in the clinch so far.
Copeland misses with a knee strike.
Mendes wants a takedown.
Copeland is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Mendes can do to turn this around?
Mendes is breathing heavily.
Copeland misses with a knee strike.
Copeland throws an elbow that misses.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Mendes lands a takedown into guard.
Copeland wants to get back to his feet but Mendes passes into half guard.
Copeland is trying to stand up here but Mendes is controlling him well.
Copeland trying desperately to get back to his feet here but he's not having any joy at all. He's going to tire himself out if he's not careful.
The referee walks around the fighters to get a better view of the action. Mendes lands a nice short elbow.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Mendes takes advantage of the dominant position to land a couple of big hammer fists.
Copeland looks like he's trying to stand up.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Copeland pushes Mendes off and gets back to his feet.
Copeland clinches up with Mendes and pushes him back against the cage.
Copeland pushes off and fires off an elbow that misses, before clinching up again, against the cage.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Mendes has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Copeland is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.
Some stalling of biblical proportions here from Copeland.
Mendes is working on a single leg takedown against the cage. Copeland can't fight it off and eventually Mendes manages to take the fight to the floor. Copeland looks annoyed but at least he's managed to land in guard.
Mendes is standing up over Copeland. Copeland looks to escape but Mendes dives into side control.
Copeland wants to get back to his feet but Mendes drags him back down.
Copeland tries to get back to his feet but has found himself mounted instead. Damn, that's gotta suck.
Copeland's corner are shouting for him to stand up but that's bad cornering - how is he meant to stand up when he's mounted? He should be looking to improve his position on the ground before trying to stand back up.
Mendes scoring with strikes but Copeland is staying in there.
Mendes controlling the pace for now.
Copeland wants to get back to his feet.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Copeland is trying to stand but he's just given Mendes his back.
Copeland fending off the submission attempt from Mendes.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Mendes working for a choke but Copeland is defending well.
Mendes working for a choke but Copeland is defending well.
Mendes patiently working for the choke. Which fighter will keep their nerve here?
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
That was a close second round but I would say that Travis Copeland will probably get the nod.
The cut man is working on Guilherme Mendes's cut.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action. This is the final round!
Mendes tries for a takedown but Copeland circles away easily
and Copeland counters with a three punch combination, finished off with a leg kick. Nice work.
Guilherme Mendes seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Copeland keeps his opponent at a distance with a nice jab.
Wow, both these guys are really going for it!
Mendes misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Copeland rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Mendes moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
The fight moves into the clinch position.
Copeland leaning his opponent against the cage.
Copeland is trying to slow down the pace of the fight but Mendes is keeping busy.
Copeland comes over the top with an elbow. That landed flush.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Copeland throws an elbow that misses.
Mendes changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Copeland fights it off and pushes away nicely.
Mendes lands with a hook. Copeland tried to avoid it but it clipped the top of his head.
Mendes clinches.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Copeland tries a body shot but Mendes blocks it.
Mendes tries for a takedown. No joy.
Travis Copeland has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Guilherme Mendes.
Mendes blocks a body shot from Copeland.
Mendes wants a takedown.
Copeland tries to land knees in the clinch but Mendes avoids the damage to the body.
Copeland lands a knee to the head.
Mendes is working on a leg, looking for a takedown but Copeland is defending well.
Mendes takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Copeland missing with knees to the body.
Mendes blocks an elbow strike from Copeland.
Copeland missing with knees to the body.
Copeland pushes off and fires off an elbow that misses, before clinching up again, against the cage.
Mendes blocks an elbow strike from Copeland.
Mendes is working for a takedown up against the cage. He can't get it on this occasion though.
Both fighters working to control the clinch.
A nice glancing elbow lands by Copeland.
Copeland tries to land a knee to the head but Mendes blocks with his arms.
Mendes wants a takedown but no success here.
Mendes has Copeland pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Copeland manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.
With the two fighters working up against the cage, Copeland just misses with a elbow thrown towards Mendes's brow.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Mendes tries to score a body lock takedown but Copeland shows good agility there to stay on his feet.
Copeland with a knee to the head.
Mendes wants to take the fight to the mat but Copeland manages to get underhooks and keep the fight in the clinch.
Mendes is looking for a takedown up against the cage. Copeland gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.
Copeland is working Mendes over against the cage.
Mendes on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
Copeland lands a glancing elbow in the clinch.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Copeland putting his Muay Thai to good use. He has Mendes in a tight clinch and is doing some damage with knees to the body.
Mendes gets the body lock takedown. After a quick scramble, Copeland regains guard.
Copeland has butterfly guard. He's looking to stand up here. He pushes Mendes off him and springs to his feet nicely. The crowd applauds.
Mendes looks shocked there as he takes a right hand to the temple.
Copeland lands a glancing blow to the side of Mendes's head.
Mendes tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Copeland just misses with a punch to the body.
Mendes takes a jab on the nose there. A little bit of blood seems to be coming out. Hopefully that won't affect his breathing.
Copeland swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Mendes clinches up against the cage.
Copeland misses with an elbow over the top.
A nice glancing elbow lands by Copeland.
Copeland pressing his opponent against the cage.
Mendes looking for a takedown.
Mendes wants a takedown.
Mendes lands with a right to the head.
Copeland is defending well against a takedown attempt.
Mendes tries for a takedown. No joy.
Mendes takes an elbow to the temple.
Copeland using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Mendes has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
Mendes blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.
Copeland landing knees to the head.
Copeland taking a break, stalling in the clinch.
Mendes wants a takedown but no success here.
Copeland is trying to slow down the pace in the clinch, to catch his breath.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Mendes is working for a takedown up against the cage. He can't get it on this occasion though.
Copeland tries to land a knee to the head but Mendes blocks with his arms.
A battle for position here, against the cage.
Mendes goes for a takedown attempt but Copeland pushes him away and we're back to fighting at a distance.
Copeland getting the better of the striking in that exchange.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Copeland keeps his opponent at a distance with a nice jab.
Copeland is using his reach advantage well here, landing the more effective single shots from range.
Copeland clinches.
Mendes avoiding damage as Copeland throws knees to the body.
Mendes is working for takedown but Copeland is calmly controlling the position for now.
Mendes is trying to drag Copeland to the mat but Copeland just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.
Mendes lands with a short shot to the head.
Guilherme Mendes has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Travis Copeland is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Mendes lands a hook that snaps the head of Copeland backwards.
And that's the end of the fight!
Travis Copeland showed his dominance in that final round.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Copeland, 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 Tarja Halkonen scores the fight 30:27
Judge Ben Zyskovitsi scores the fight 30:28
Judge Anni Minnemäki scores the fight 29:28
In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Travis Copeland!
Travis Copeland decided to thank the fans in attendance for making a great atmosphere. It seemed to go down pretty well.
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| S |
C
A |
G |
S |
C
B |
G |
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S |
C |
G |
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energy
A | B |
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hype
A | B |
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pop
A | B |
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mgr
A | B |
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FIGHT
RATING
57% |
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