KTFO 1 PBP Commentary

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Maxwell The Priest (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Eric Banner (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). The fight MMA fans around the world have waited their entire lives for!

The Priest
vs
Banner

200 cm
22
205 lbs
1 - 0 - 0

189 cm
22
205 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

BJJ Brown Belt
Counter striker
Self confident

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Intelligent

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 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Hilo, Maxwell The Priest!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Hilo, Eric Banner!
The judges for this bout are , and .

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Banner shoots in for a takedown and gets it. Oh and he's advanced to full mount straight away.
The Priest wriggling around on the bottom manages to avoid the strikes thrown by Banner.
Banner lands a big shot there that rocks The Priest but he's holding on and managing to survive for now.
The Priest is breathing heavily.
Banner cracks The Priest with a nasty head shot there - the crowd let out an audible gasp there, as the noise reverberated around the arena.
Banner unloads with some shots from mount but The Priest bucks and avoids them well.
Banner landing strikes from the mount and The Priest is in trouble!
Banner sends his fist crashing into the mat - the crowd let out a collective ooooooh. Let's hope he's not broken it!
Banner has his opponent pinned against the ropes, landing some nasty ground and pound that is really making a bit of a mess out of The Priest's face.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
The Priest is working to get back to half guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Banner thowing strikes but they're hitting the gloves, not doing any damage.
Banner landing strikes from the mount and The Priest is in trouble!
Banner with shots to the head and body - The Priest looks very uncomfortable down there.
The Priest is squirming around, avoiding Banner's attempts to control the action.
Banner throwing sloppy strikes here. Perhaps if he tightened up his striking from such a dominant position, he'd be able to finish easier.
Banner landing strikes, looking to finish!
Banner cracks The Priest with a nasty head shot there - the crowd let out an audible gasp there, as the noise reverberated around the arena.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Banner looking to finish The Priest with some ground and pound. This is bad for The Priest!
This has been an exciting period of action!
The Priest is looking to improve his position but Banner isn't that keen on the idea.
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Banner lands a shot to the body, followed up by a shot to the exposed head of his trapped opponent.

Banner is working on an americana here. Ooh, that looks pretty nasty! Nope, The Priest has managed to escape the submission attempt.
Banner lands a shot to the body, followed up by a shot to the exposed head of his trapped opponent.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Banner can't quite control the action as he would like just now, as The Priest is looking to escape.
Banner throwing sloppy strikes here. Perhaps if he tightened up his striking from such a dominant position, he'd be able to finish easier.
Banner lands a nice shot to the head.
Banner breaks from The Priest's wrist control and lands an elbow.
Banner in mount throwing good strikes here, bouncing his opponent's head off the canvas.

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.
Banner controlling the position easily from mount.
The Priest tries to get back to half guard but can't.
Banner throws some wild stikes that The Priest manages to avoid easily.
Banner scoring with some good ground and pound from mount here. Will he manage to finish The Priest?
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Banner is in the full mount, landing strikes.
Banner with shots to the head and body - The Priest looks very uncomfortable down there.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

The Priest shoots in but doesn't get the takedown

and Banner counters with a single leg into guard. The Priest didn't expect that.
Banner wants to control from the top but The Priest keeps moving.
Banner with a flurry of punches that miss.
Banner wants to get up but he can't break The Priest's closed guard. He needs to be careful trying to break the legs open, as he's open to submissions here.
Banner throwing strikes from guard but The Priest blocks nicely.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Banner wanted to stand there but The Priest had control of the position.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Banner wants to control from the top but The Priest keeps moving.

Banner stands up over his opponent, looking to dive in with a big punch. Here he comes, superman style! Oh, the punch misses and The Priest has got him in a triangle choke for good measure! Oh no! Banner manages to get his head free but now The Priest has transitioned to an armbar! Banner grimaces and is forced to tap! Beautiful Jiu Jitsu from The Priest! I'd be surprised if that didn't end up as submission of the night!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:46 of round 2, we have a winner by way of Submission (Armbar). Maxwell The Priest!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
98%

Undercard bout

Co-main event

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Jaroki Slayers (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Gunner Simpson (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Both fighter's entrance songs getting the crowd jumping here.

Slayers
vs
Simpson

191 cm
20
186 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

191 cm
22
195 lbs
1 - 1 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Good kicks
Inexperienced

BJJ Purple Belt
Decent boxing
Solid chin

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 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Hilo, Jaroki Slayers!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Hilo, Gunner Simpson!
The judges for this bout are , and .

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Slayers tries a head kick but it misses.

Simpson closes the distance and clinches up, looking for a takedown. He shifts his weight and gets a nice trip into half guard.

Simpson is working for a kimura but Slayers is defending it quite comfortably.

Simpson is looking for a kimura. It's going to be difficult to finish that from half guard though and Slayers defends it well.
The fighters are trapped in the ropes so we're going to have a reposition here. The ref calls for a break and repositions the fighters in the center of the ring.
Slayers is trying to stand up here but Simpson is controlling him well.

Simpson is thinking about going for an arm triangle but he can't free his leg.
Simpson sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Slayers defending well though.

Simpson is looking for an arm triangle, whilst trying to pass to side control. Slayers doesn't seem that keen to cooperate though. No luck this time Simpson.

Simpson is looking for a kimura. It's going to be difficult to finish that from half guard though and Slayers defends it well.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Simpson throwing shots but Slayers is blocking nicely.
Slayers is looking to control Simpson's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Slayers avoid being mounted?
Simpson thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.

Simpson is trying for a guillotine from the top but the pressure isn't in the right place so Slayers is just riding it out for now. Simpson eventually gives up the hold.
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Simpson sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Slayers defending well though.

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.

Simpson is sneakily working for an arm triangle but Slayers sees it coming and defends easily.

Simpson is looking for a kimura here.
Simpson looks gassed!
Simpson not landing any meaningful shots this time.
Slayers regains full guard. Nicely done.

Simpson has gone for a leg lock! Slayers slips out almost immediately though and dives into Simpson's guard.
Simpson lands a beautiful switch and he's in full mount! That could spell trouble for Slayers!

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Simpson jumps to the side looking to secure the arm triangle…. Ooooh, that looks tight… Slayers is gargling but he's managed to escape! Nice work there by Slayers and Simpson has given up the dominant position trying to land that submission.
Slayers gets back to half guard.
Simpson stops Slayers from getting back to his feet.

Slayers is defending against the submission attempts here by Simpson.

Simpson wants to work for an arm triangle but Slayers is really keeping half guard well and defending the submission attempt.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Simpson not landing any meaningful shots this time.
Slayers wants to get back to his feet.

Simpson is trying a forearm choke… I don't think that's going to do much at this level of the game.

Simpson is working for submissions here but there's nothing on.

Simpson is trying to work for a kimura. This could be trouble! No, Slayers has managed to free his arm - good work.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Gunner Simpson dominated that round.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

Slayers turns his hip over beautifully as he lands a nice leg kick.
Simpson doesn't manage to clinch there - Slayers circles away.
Gunner Simpson seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Slayers swinging wilding here.
Simpson clobbers Slayers with an overhand right that has the crowd gasping. That made a horrendous noise.
Simpson shoots in but Slayers avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Slayers looks to score with a jab to the body but Simpson is just out of range.
Simpson swats away the attempt to clinch by Slayers.
Simpson tries to score a power double leg takedown but Slayers sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Simpson somewhat.
Simpson shoots for a takedown but Slayers saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
Jaroki Slayers has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Gunner Simpson.
Slayers will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
Simpson throws a hook but Slayers avoids it easily.
Simpson is breathing heavily.
Slayers just misses with a punch to the body.
Slayers goes for a high kick. It partially lands.
Simpson fails with an attempt to clinch.
Simpson misses with a few strikes there.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Simpson tries to close the distance and clinch but Slayers swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.

Simpson fakes an overhand right and shoots for a takedown. Slayers sprawls well initially but Simpson persists and gets the takedown into half guard.

Simpson is looking for a kimura but Slayers is holding onto that half guard position, so it's hard for Simpson to get the leverage.

Simpson is working for a kimura but Slayers is defending it quite comfortably.
Slayers wants to improve his position but Simpson is controlling well.
Slayers wants to get back to his feet.
Simpson looking to pass the half guard. Not this time.
Slayers gets back to full guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Simpson is trying to work a guillotine from the top, or something like that? Don't know how he thinks he's going to get a finish from there.

Simpson drops back, looking for a kneebar! Slayers looks panicked! The fighters roll across the mat, one looking to finish, one looking to escape. Slayers looks to have wriggled free... Yes, he's got his leg free and he's dived into side control! Good work there from Slayers!
Simpson is trying to control Slayers's posture but Slayers avoids it.
Simpson tries to bench press Slayers off him but Slayers keeps the position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Simpson sneaks back into half guard.
Simpson is looking for a sweep. Slayers is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Simpson regains full guard. Nicely done.

Simpson has an active guard here but Slayers has managed to pass into half guard.
Slayers wants to stand up but Simpson is controlling the position.
Simpson tries to roll over but Slayers keeps him under control.
The fighters are battling for position here. Simpson manages to regain full guard. Nice work.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Simpson looking to hit a scissor sweep but Slayers is one step ahead there.
Slayers has to be careful here, sitting in the guard of a superior BJJ player.

Simpson has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Slayers can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Gunner Simpson showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
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. This is the final round!

Good leg kick by Slayers there. It's the ones that make that thud noise that hurt and that was an almighty thud.
Simpson shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Slayers pinned against the cage. Slayers gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.

Slayers moves into the clinch.
Simpson changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Slayers fights it off and pushes away nicely.
No luck for Simpson with that takedown attempt.
Jaroki Slayers has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Gunner Simpson.
Slayers tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Slayers lands a jab.
Slayers throws a right high kick that is partially blocked by Simpson.
Simpson shoots in looking for a takedown. Slayers tries to sprawl out of it but Simpson keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the ropes. Slayers manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Simpson shoots in and drives through. Slayers sprawls well.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.

The fight moves into the clinch position.
Slayers with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Slayers with a knee to the head.
Slayers with the Thai clinch, lands a knee to the head.
Slayers lands a nice knee to the body.
Slayers throws a knee to the head but misses.
Simpson goes for a takedown in the clinch but Slayers prevents it.
Simpson blocking some punches.
Simpson is trying to work for a single leg takedown but Slayers pulls him back up using the underhooks.
A right handed body shot lands from Slayers.
Slayers utilising his Muay Thai to score with a knee to the body.
Simpson can't get the takedown.
Simpson avoiding damage as Slayers throws knees to the body.
Simpson is working for a takedown up against the ropes. He can't get it on this occasion though.
Slayers taking a break, stalling in the clinch.
Simpson wants a takedown but no success here.
Slayers lands a knee to the head there! That was nasty!
Simpson drops to a knee looking for a takedown but Slayers gets the underhooks and prevents it.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Slayers landing knees to the head.
Simpson wants a takedown but no success here.
Slayers using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Simpson has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
Slayers is trying to break the clinch but Simpson has him pressed against the ropes.
Simpson has hold of a leg and is looking for a trip takedown. Slayers avoids it nicely though and we remain in the clinch.
Slayers lands with a short punch from the clinch.
Simpson goes for a takedown in the clinch but Slayers prevents it.
Slayers is trying to wear down his opponent with knees to the body.
Simpson drops to a knee looking for a takedown but Slayers gets the underhooks and prevents it.
Simpson is trying to drag Slayers to the mat but Slayers just about manages to keep his footing. He used the ropes to his advantage there.
The referee is keeping an eye on Slayers - much more stalling and he will separate the fighters.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Simpson wants a takedown.

Slayers pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Simpson shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Slayers sprawls well. Slayers wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Simpson gets slowly back to his feet.
A nice inside leg kick there by Slayers. That's going to slow Simpson down.
Slayers with a nice looking leg kick. You could hear that one land in a back row.
Simpson doesn't manage to clinch there - Slayers circles away.
Slayers scores with a head kick.
Jaroki Slayers is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.

Simpson scores a takedown into full mount!

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Simpson wants to work for a kimura but he's foiled early by Slayers, who protects the arm well.

Simpson working hard here to secure a kimura but he's not really in the right position for it.

Simpson goes for an armbar here - this could be all over! But no, Slayers has escaped beautifully and is now on top in side control! Oh, that's unlucky for Simpson but great work by Slayers.
Simpson is looking to reverse the position.
Slayers tries to stand but Simpson is controlling his head.

And that's the end of the fight!
Jaroki Slayers showed his dominance in that final round.
I think Simpson has won this one but let's see whether the judges agree with me. 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 Andi Peters scores the fight for Gunner Simpson!
Judge Gordon Ramsey scores the fight for Gunner Simpson!
Judge Frank Skinner scores the fight for Gunner Simpson!

Gunner Simpson wins by unanimous decision!