PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Harry Baals (ranked 2275 p4p, 0 weight class) and Thip Top (ranked 6446 p4p, 0 weight class). The crowd giving both fighters a great reception on their way into the arena. That's good to see.

Baals
vs
Top

185 cm
31
155 lbs
25 - 10 - 1

175 cm
24
155 lbs
7 - 8 - 0

Good wrestling
World class boxer
Insanely flexible

Good wrestler
World class MT
Good gas tank

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the featherweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 25 - 10 - 1, fighting out of St Petersburg, Harry Baals!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 7 - 8 - 0, fighting out of London, Thip Top!
The judges for this bout are James Ackerman, Steven Brown and Richard Clark.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Baals rushes Top and presses him up against the cage.
Baals scores with a shot to the side of Top's head.
Baals misses with some punches.
Baals really does look like a pencil wearing a pair of gloves. Let's hope he has a gameplan to suit that ridiculous body shape.
Baals misses with some punches.
Baals swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Top blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Baals tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Top content to slow the pace in the clinch.
A shot in the inside from Top.
Baals managing to block the knees to the body from Top.
Nice elbow from Top.

It looks like Harry Baals has been cut.
Top tries to work over Baals's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Baals swings wildly with an uppercut but Top uses good head movement to avoid it.
Top stalling in the clinch.
Baals throws a punch but it's blocked by Top.
Baals swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Baals scores with a hook to the body.
Top misses with a short punch on the inside.
With the two fighters working up against the cage, Top just misses with a elbow thrown towards Baals's brow.
Top pushes off and fires off an elbow that misses, before clinching up again, against the cage.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Baals tries a body shot but Top blocks it.

That's one minute gone in the round.
A hook to the body from Baals.
A head punch on the inside from Top fails to land.
Baals works on Top's body with a couple of short punches.
A nice right hand lands inside from Top.
Top is looking to control Baals's arms but Baals gets an underhook and turns him. Now Top has his back to the cage.
A battle for position here, against the cage.
Top stalling against the cage.
Top's corner are urging him to control the action in the clinch for a moment, rather than mount any serious offense. I'm sure the crowd appreciate those instructions... not.
Top receives a warning from the referee for stalling.
Top lands a nice elbow from the clinch.
Baals fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Top takes a shot to the head.
A head punch on the inside from Baals fails to land.
Baals letting Top take a breather here.
Baals tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Top's elbow.
Baals throws a head punch that misses.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Baals tries a body shot but Top blocks it.
A right handed body shot lands from Baals.
Top lands a glancing elbow in the clinch.
A body shot lands from Baals.
Baals tries to throw a body punch but Top avoids it by throwing Baals back against the cage.
Top misses with a hook from the clinch.
Top swings away with an uppercut that misses.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Top looks to throw an elbow but misses.
Baals misses with a short punch on the inside.
A right hand to the body from Baals.
Top blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Top throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Baals blocks it with crossed arms.
Top lands a glancing elbow in the clinch.
Top pushes off an throws an elbow but Baals leans to the side and avoids it. We're back to clinching against the cage.
Baals can't find room to land a body shot as Top controls the action.
Top misses with a punch on the inside.
Top is trying to maintain a safe position but Baals gets an underhook and turns Top into the cage.
Top avoiding damage.
With the two fighters working up against the cage, Top just misses with a elbow thrown towards Baals's brow.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Top tries to work over Baals's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Baals lands with a short shot to the head.
Baals fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Baals lands a hook that snaps the head of Top backwards.
Top working aggressively here.
Top lands a right hand.
Baals lands with a left to the head.
Baals is leaning against Top and scores with a nice uppercut to the body.
Top tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
A right hook to the body lands for Baals.
A short left from Baals.
With the fighters up against the cage, Top throws an elbow but misses.
Baals misses with a punch to the body.
Baals lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Baals.
Baals misses with the head strike.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Baals tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Top blocking some punches.
Baals throws a punch but it's blocked by Top.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Baals lands with a short head shot on the inside.
Baals working aggressively here.
Top creates a bit of distance and throws an elbow that only just misses.
Baals blocks an elbow strike.
Baals scores with a shot to the side of Top's head.
A head punch on the inside from Baals fails to land.
Top tries a knee to the head but Baals blocks it.
Baals lands a body punch.
Baals tries to throw a body punch but Top avoids it by throwing Baals back against the cage.
Top throws an elbow but it's blocked.
Top tries to stall but Baals uses the opportunity to gain a better position.
Baals lands a hook that snaps the head of Top backwards.
Top looks to throw an elbow but misses.
Top displaying some good clinch control by pressing Baals up against the cage.
Baals doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Top creates a bit of distance and throws an elbow that only just misses.
Baals tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
A short right from Baals.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Harry Baals dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Harry Baals's cut.
That's time! Baals's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

Top tries to clinch there but Baals circles away.
Baals is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Top can do to turn this around?
Baals tries to land a leg kick but Top saw it coming and moves away.

Top moves into the clinch successfully.
Baals softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
Baals scores with a shoulder strike.
Baals misses with a punch on the inside.
A head punch on the inside from Baals fails to land.
Harry Baals has scored more points in the clinch so far.
Baals working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
Top misses with a shot to the kidneys.
A head punch on the inside from Baals fails to land.
Baals blocks an elbow strike from Top.
Baals doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Top is clearly stalling here... Pick up the pace son.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Baals lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
Baals working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
Baals pushes Top back against the cage and unloads with a body punch.
Baals misses with some punches.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Top tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Baals's elbow.

That's one minute gone in the round.
A short right from Baals on the inside.
Top lands an elbow just above Baals 's eye.
Top throws a head punch that misses.
Some stalling of biblical proportions here from Top.
Baals tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Top's elbow.
Baals swings wildly with an uppercut but Top uses good head movement to avoid it.
With the fighters up against the cage, Top throws an elbow but misses.
Baals misses with some punches.
Baals tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Top.
Top lands a body shot in the clinch.
Baals tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Top stalling in the clinch.
Top lands an elbow inside.
Top looks to throw an elbow but misses.
Top lands an elbow inside that Baals shrugs off.
Baals lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
A nice left hand lands by Baals.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Baals misses with a hook from the clinch.
Baals throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Tops head.
A body shot lands from Baals.
Baals presses Top against the cage and delivers a mid-strength body shot.
Top throws an elbow but it's blocked.
Baals softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
Baals swings wildly with an uppercut but Top uses good head movement to avoid it.
Top blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Top blocks an uppercut.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Top.
Baals misses with a hook from the clinch.
Baals pushes Top back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.
Top is stalling here.
Top is working hard here but doesn't seem to be able to control effectively, up against the cage.
Baals is leaning against Top and scores with a nice uppercut to the body.
Baals misses with a punch on the inside.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Top.
Baals misses with a short punch on the inside.
Top misses with the head strike.
Top's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
Baals misses with the head strike.
A short right from Baals on the inside.
Top can't find room to land a body shot as Baals controls the action.
Baals blocks an uppercut.
Top tries to land a knee to the head but Baals blocks with his arms.
Baals scores with a shoulder strike.
Baals softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
Baals working some nice short punches in the clinch.
A short uppercut from Baals.
Top trying to stall but Baals improves his position.
Top tries to land a knee to the head but Baals blocks with his arms.
Top looking to slow down the pace here.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Baals.
Baals scores with a nice hook to the head.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Baals lands a body punch in the clinch.
Top blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Top tries to work over Baals's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Top misses with an elbow strike.
Top throws a punch but it's blocked by Baals.
Top is trying to maintain a safe position but Baals gets an underhook and turns Top into the cage.
Top tries to stall but Baals uses the opportunity to gain a better position.
Top seems frustrated at his inability to get double underhooks.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Baals.
Baals is working Top over against the cage.
Top is breathing heavily.
Baals swings wildly with an uppercut but Top uses good head movement to avoid it.
Top tries a knee to the head but he's missed.
Top prevents a body shot from Baals.
A short right from Baals.
Baals is leaning against Top and scores with a nice uppercut to the body.
Baals misses with a hook to the ribs.
Baals blocks an elbow strike.
Baals has a couple of punches blocked by Top.
Baals lands with a short head shot on the inside.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Harry Baals dominated that second round.
The cut man is working on Harry Baals's cut.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business. This is the final round!

Baals's corner calls for a 1-2. Baals obliges with the 1 part as he scores the single shot and moves back out of range.
Baals lands a leg kick. The shin dug right into the meat of the thigh.
Baals thuds a mid kick into his opponent's body. That will wear on Top if he has to take too many more of those.
Baals swats away the attempt to clinch by Top.
Top tries to clinch but Baals moves away
and Baals counters with a nice uppercut.
Top connects with a high kick.
A head kick misses from Top.
Top falls off balance throwing a combination
and Baals counters with a solid body kick.
Good leg kick by Baals there. It's the ones that make that thud noise that hurt and that was an almighty thud.
Baals attempts a leg kick but it's missed by a good margin.
Top wants to clinch.
Top tries to close the distance and clinch up but Baals swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Baals is looking to counter punch.
Baals scores with a jab to the head.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Baals wants to clinch up but Top keeps it at a distance.
Top is looking to clinch but Baals is avoiding it.
Baals lands a jab to Top's midsection.
Top tries to grapple but his opponent circles
enabling Baals to counter with a crisp jab.
Baals lands a beauty of a right hand that gets the crowd cheering.
Top is looking to clinch but Baals is avoiding it.
Baals circles away from the clinch attempt
and Baals counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.

Top is rocked!
Top tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Top is still on wobbly legs! Can Baals finish him?

Top closes the distance and clinches.
Top seems to have recovered his senses.
Baals softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
Baals misses with a short punch on the inside.
Baals throws a punch but it's blocked by Top.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Top blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Baals scores with an uppercut up the middle.
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!
A short right hand to the side of the head by Top.
Baals throws a head punch that misses.
Baals digs a right hand into Top's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Top's gas tank.
Top tries a knee to the head but he's missed.
Top looking to slow down the pace here.
Baals lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Top backwards.
Thip Top has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Baals avoids a wild elbow strike from Top.
Top holding his opponent close, against the cage.
Baals misses with a short punch on the inside.
Baals tries a body shot but Top blocks it.
Baals has a couple of punches blocked by Top.
Baals avoids the elbow strike from Top, against the cage.
Top is trying to stall.
Baals takes an elbow to the forehead.
Harry Baals is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Top tries to throw a body punch but Baals avoids it by throwing Top back against the cage.
Baals swings wildly with an uppercut but Top uses good head movement to avoid it.
Baals prevents a body shot from Top.
Top trying to control the position but instead, Baals has worked for underhooks and has pushed Top into the cage.
Baals throws a punch but it's blocked by Top.
Top controlling the action here for a moment.
Baals lands with a short shot to the head.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A few boos can be heard. I'm sure they will multiply if the fighters don't pick up the pace.
Top tries a knee to the head but he's missed.
Top has a couple of punches blocked by Baals.
Top tries to stall but Baals uses the opportunity to gain a better position.
Baals avoids the elbow strike from Top, against the cage.
Top tries to land knees in the clinch but Baals avoids the damage to the body.
Top swings wildly with an uppercut but Baals uses good head movement to avoid it.
Top goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Top trying to stall but Baals improves his position.
Top misses with a hook to the ribs.
Top misses with a punch on the inside.

And that's the end of the fight!
Harry Baals showed his dominance in that final round.
Well Baals has outscored his opponent in every aspect of the fight today. Only a scarily incompetent judge or two will keep him from a well deserved win... 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 James Ackerman scores the fight 30:27
Judge Steven Brown scores the fight 30:27
Judge Richard Clark scores the fight 30:27

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Harry Baals!
During a confident post fight interview, Harry Baals thanked all his fans. He seemed very genuine when describing how motivated his fans keep him.