PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Bayden Wood (ranked 6065 p4p, 497 weight class) and Tommy Gibbons (ranked 6216 p4p, 502 weight class). Gibbons has chosen When The Levee Breaks - Led Zeppelin as his entrance music. 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 Tommy Gibbons was going to win. Let's see if he was right.

Wood
vs
Gibbons

178 cm
25
186 lbs
0 - 1 - 0

186 cm
25
195 lbs
0 - 1 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Excellent MT
KO power

Good wrestler
Counter fighter
Determined

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the middleweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 0 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Bayden Wood!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 1 - 0, fighting out of London, Tommy Gibbons!
The judges for this bout are Fedor Mirinova, Sergei Dronov and Valeri Chadov.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
The fighters circle momentarily. Wood darts into range and connects with a nice straight punch.
Gibbons stooping low to avoid any incoming strikes and then lunges in with an uppercut come cross that lands flush.
Wood throws a one two combo.

It looks like Tommy Gibbons has been cut.

Gibbons bobs and weaves into range and then changes levels and scores with a nice takedown into side control.
Gibbons working the head with strikes.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Gibbons working the ground and pound from side control.
Wood dodges the ground and pound from Gibbons.
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!
Gibbons in side control lands a nice looking series of punches and elbows.
Gibbons connects with a decent looking elbow from side control that caused Wood some visible discomfort.
Gibbons throws a knee to the body but it doesn't do much damage.
Wood taking punishment in the form of punches.
Gibbons working the ground and pound.
Wood tries to get back to half guard but can't.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Wood takes a big shot right to the temple there but he's taken it well.
Wood takes an elbow right on the bridge of the nose and winces in pain.
Wood on the wrong end of some ground and pound.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Gibbons creates a bit of distance and throws down some hard shots.
Wood struggling a bit here.
Gibbons working the head and body with strikes.
Wood is putting a lot of effort into getting back to his feet here.
We've been hearing good reports from Wood's training camp. Apparently he has been rolling around with some good quality BJJ practitioners and has been sharpening his skills. Let's see if that has an impact on the fight today.
Gibbons just content to control the position.
Gibbons lands a nice forearm strike.
Gibbons scoring with punches from side control.
Gibbons really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Wood. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.
Gibbons in side control lands a decent elbow.
Gibbons landing strikes.
Gibbons lands some shots froms side control.
Wood is breathing heavily.
Gibbons scores with a couple of short elbows.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Wood is working to avoid the ground and pound but Gibbons connects with a decent elbow.
Gibbons working the ground and pound from side control.
Gibbons landing a few strikes.
Gibbons grinds an elbow into Wood's temple.
Wood taking punishment in the form of punches.
Gibbons works a knee to the body and follows up with a nice elbow to the head.
Gibbons lands a knee to the body and a forearm to the face.
Gibbons scoring with punches and elbows.
Gibbons working the body and head with strikes.
Gibbons lands a knee to the body and follows it up with some ground and pound to the head. That will wear Wood down.
Gibbons scores with a couple of nice shots to the head there. The referee takes a look at Wood to see if he's OK.
Gibbons is putting a hurting on Wood here, landing some big shots from side control.
Wood takes a nasty elbow to the side of the head.
Wood is not in a great position here, taking some shots.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Wood is not content to let Gibbons control the position.
Gibbons scores with a couple of nice shots to the head there. The referee takes a look at Wood to see if he's OK.
Wood takes a couple of big shots there - the referee warns him that he has to defend himself better.
Gibbons is putting a hurting on Wood here, landing some big shots from side control.
Gibbons landing a few strikes.
You can see the frustration on Wood's face, being in this tough position on the bottom.
Gibbons controlling the position.
We've been informed that Gibbons has been working hard on his conditioning in the buildup to the fight.
Gibbons is putting a hurting on Wood here, landing some big shots from side control.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are showing their displeasure at the lack of action as loud boos ring out around the arena.
Gibbons landing with strikes to the head and body from side control.
Wood is not in a great position here, taking some shots.
Gibbons looks up at the clock and then as Wood takes his cue and looks up at the clock too, Gibbons smacks him right in the chops with a big elbow! How rude!
Gibbons working the head and body with strikes.
Gibbons lands some shots froms side control.
Gibbons creates a bit of distance and throws down some hard shots.
Gibbons is chipping away with strikes.
Gibbons lands a decent elbow from side control.
You can see the frustration on Wood's face, being in this tough position on the bottom.
Gibbons cracks Wood with a big elbow.
Gibbons scoring with punches from side control.
Gibbons in side control lands a decent elbow.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Tommy Gibbons dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Tommy Gibbons's cut.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business.

Sloppy strikes from Gibbons. Those never looked like landing.
Wood takes a really solid shot there but just smiles back and shrugs his shoulders.

Gibbons scores a trip takedown into side control. Nice.
Gibbons scores with punches from side control.
Gibbons is putting a hurting on Wood here, landing some big shots from side control.
Gibbons lands a decent elbow from side control.
Wood is working to avoid the ground and pound but Gibbons connects with a decent elbow.
Gibbons lands a few punches from side control.
Gibbons working the ground and pound.
Gibbons working the ground and pound.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Gibbons scores with a couple of short elbows.
Wood struggling a bit here.
Gibbons working the body and head with strikes.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Gibbons is putting a hurting on Wood here, landing some big shots from side control.
Gibbons lands a knee to the body and follows it up with some ground and pound to the head. That will wear Wood down.
Gibbons working the ground and pound from side control.
Gibbons prevents Wood from escaping the position.
Gibbons lands some shots froms side control.
Gibbons lands a few punches from side control.
Wood can't do much from the bottom here.
Tommy Gibbons has got the better of the ground game so far.
Wood is not in a great position here, taking some shots.
Gibbons has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Gibbons working the ground and pound.
Gibbons creates a bit of distance and throws down some hard shots.
Gibbons landing strikes.
Gibbons cracks Wood with an elbow. That is naaassty.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Gibbons lands a decent elbow from side control.
Gibbons grinds an elbow into Wood's temple.
Gibbons lands a knee to the body and a forearm to the face.
Gibbons lands a knee to the body and a forearm to the face.
You can see the frustration on Wood's face, being in this tough position on the bottom.
Gibbons lands a nice forearm strike.
Gibbons working the head and body with strikes.
Gibbons working the ground and pound.
Gibbons lands a few punches from side control.
Gibbons cracks Wood with a big right hand but Wood just smiles back at him and invites him to have another go.
Wood taking a bit of punishment here - Gibbons scoring with strikes.
Wood taking a bit of punishment here - Gibbons scoring with strikes.
Gibbons lands a nice forearm strike.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Gibbons working the body and head with strikes.
Gibbons working the ground and pound.
Gibbons creates a bit of distance and throws down some hard shots.
Wood tries to get back to half guard but can't.
Wood takes an elbow right on the bridge of the nose and winces in pain.
Gibbons grinds an elbow into Wood's temple.
Wood takes a nasty elbow to the side of the head.
Gibbons working the ground and pound.
Gibbons cracks Wood with a big elbow.
Gibbons working away.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Gibbons grinds an elbow into Wood's temple.
Wood is not in a great position here, taking some shots.
Gibbons working the body and head with strikes.
Gibbons scores with a couple of nice shots to the head there. The referee takes a look at Wood to see if he's OK.
Gibbons lands a knee to the body and follows it up with some ground and pound to the head. That will wear Wood down.
Wood is moving his hips around well on the bottom and has managed to get back to half guard.
Gibbons lands with a punch from half guard.
Gibbons drops an elbow to the side of Wood's head.
Wood is looking to escape.
Wood is not content to let Gibbons control the position.
The referee wants the fighters to be more active or he's going to reset them on the feet.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Wood is trying to get back to full guard.
Gibbons drops an elbow to the side of Wood's head.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Tommy Gibbons showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The cut man is working on Tommy Gibbons's cut.
That's time! Wood's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight. This is the final round!

Gibbons steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Wood.
Wood moves out of range of the strikes.
Wood throws a body punch but Gibbons moves out of range.
Wood lands with a cross to side of his opponent's head.
Wood lands with a shot to the body.
Wood misses with a body shot

and Gibbons counters with a nice double leg into half guard.
Gibbons wants to take a breather but Wood is having none of it.
Gibbons is keeping good posture, landing some ground and pound.

Wood looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
Gibbons slips a nice elbow through Wood's hands, connecting with Wood's forehead.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Gibbons lands strikes from half guard.
Gibbons seems to be taking a bit of a break to think of his next move. He lands a short punch in the meantime.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Nice strikes from Gibbons there.
Wood taking some punishment here, with Gibbons in his half guard.
Gibbons landing with strikes to the body and head, softening up his opponent.
Nice strikes from Gibbons there.
Nice strikes from Gibbons there.
Gibbons looks to score some points with some ground and pound.
Gibbons lands with a punch from half guard.
Wood is looking for a sweep. Gibbons is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Gibbons looks towards his corner to check for any instructions. The corner give him nothing to work with, so he cracks Wood with a short hammerfist. I guess that's as good as any advice he could get in this position.
Gibbons working Wood over with strikes.
Gibbons is keeping good posture, landing some ground and pound.
Gibbons landing with strikes to the body and head, softening up his opponent.
Gibbons working Wood over with strikes.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Gibbons working some ground and pound from close in. He's looking to maintain this position and strike for a while by the looks of things... although he'll probably advance to full mount in a minute now I've said that.
Nice strikes from Gibbons there.
Gibbons scoring with strikes to the body and head.
Wood is trying to defend against the ground and pound but Gibbons scores with a couple of nice shots.
Gibbons scoring with strikes to the body and head.
Wood is trying to defend against the ground and pound but Gibbons scores with a couple of nice shots.
Gibbons working some ground and pound from close in. He's looking to maintain this position and strike for a while by the looks of things... although he'll probably advance to full mount in a minute now I've said that.
Gibbons winds up and cracks Wood with a swinging punch to the side of the head.
Gibbons drops an elbow to the side of Wood's head.
Wood trying to hold on to Gibbons's head to control him but Gibbons postures up.

The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.
Gibbons slips in close and lands a nice hook before moving back out of range.
Wood misses with a left hand

and Gibbons counters with a takedown into side control.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Wood is not in a great position here, taking some shots.
Gibbons is working Wood over with some ground and pound from side control.
Gibbons is working Wood over with some ground and pound from side control.
Gibbons creates a bit of distance and throws down some hard shots.
Gibbons looks up at the clock and then as Wood takes his cue and looks up at the clock too, Gibbons smacks him right in the chops with a big elbow! How rude!
Gibbons working the head with strikes.
Gibbons is working Wood over with some ground and pound from side control.
Wood sneaks back into half guard.
Gibbons missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
Ground and pound from Gibbons.
Gibbons wants to control but Wood is keeping him busy.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Gibbons scores with a couple of good hammerfists.
Gibbons takes advantage of the dominant position to land a couple of big hammer fists.
Wood has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Gibbons is working away from the top position though.
Gibbons working the head and body with strikes.
The referee looks like he's ready to step in and stand the fighters back up.
Gibbons looks towards his corner to check for any instructions. The corner give him nothing to work with, so he cracks Wood with a short hammerfist. I guess that's as good as any advice he could get in this position.
Wood wants to control but Gibbons is keeping busy and won't allow it.

The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.
A cross from Gibbons lands.
Tommy Gibbons is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Gibbons takes a jab right on the nose. That must have hurt but he shrugs his shoulders and looks to return the favor.
Gibbons goes to the watering hole and comes back with a big thumbs up from the judges as he scores a three punch combo.
Bayden Wood has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
A right-left combo lands from Gibbons.
Tommy Gibbons is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Wood connects with a body shot that sends Gibbons's belly button to the back.

And that's the end of the fight!
Tommy Gibbons comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
Well Gibbons 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 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Fedor Mirinova scores the fight 27:30
Judge Sergei Dronov scores the fight 27:30
Judge Valeri Chadov scores the fight 27:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Tommy Gibbons!
Tommy Gibbons spent the whole post fight interview bigging himself up. It didn't go down that well with the fans after a while as they thought it was a bit arrogant.