PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Bill Newton (ranked 94 p4p, 197 weight class) and Blake Phoenix (ranked 17 p4p, 25 weight class). These two fighters really are very evenly matched on the feet - it will be fascinating to see who can assert themselves in that aspect of the fight.

Newton
vs
Phoenix

184 cm
38
202
37 - 25 - 4

194 cm
33
201
33 - 15 - 0

BJJ Red Belt
World class boxer
Insanely flexible

Olympic wrestler
World class MT
Good gas tank

SynCity Fightwear
Gatoroids

Gatoroids
Voodoo Nutrition

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 37 - 25 - 4, fighting out of Las Vegas, Bill Newton!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 33 - 15 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Blake Phoenix!
The judges for this bout are Colin Fotheringham, Phil Schofield and Steven Brown.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Newton lands a nice hook to Phoenix's body. Phoenix takes it in his stride and looks to land his own strikes.
Phoenix on the wrong end of a vicious looking body shot.
Phoenix jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Newton with a lazy takedown attempt
and Phoenix counters nicely by changing levels and landing a hook to the body.
Phoenix throws a solid leg kick but Newton takes the impact on his shin and smiles at Phoenix.
Phoenix drops his hands and takes a jab to the jaw for his troubles.
Nice body punch from Newton.
Nice shot by Newton.
Newton looks to land a left hand but Phoenix moved out of range nicely.
Bill Newton seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
The fight stays on the outside here - Newton looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Newton connects with a body shot.
Phoenix throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Newton sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Phoenix lands a jab to the nose.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Phoenix shakes his hands off, looking to compose himself, but takes a jab to the jaw whilst he does it.
Phoenix defending well as Newton loads up on a big left hand.
A low kick lands for Phoenix.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Phoenix is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Newton.
Phoenix has his head snapped back a nice jab. A little nod from Phoenix there as he acknowledges the shot.
Phoenix misses with a hook.
Newton appears to be looking for a counter takedown.
Jab, jab by Newton - just one landing.
Newton uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Phoenix.
Newton shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Phoenix as he avoids it easily.
Newton just misses with a punch to the body.
Newton throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Phoenix appears to be waiting to throw a counter punch to the body.
Newton lands a lovely overhand right.
Newton shoots in but doesn't get the takedown
letting Phoenix counter with a right hand.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Bill Newton. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Phoenix works the jab nicely.
Phoenix walks into a stiff left hand from Newton.
Newton pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Phoenix swings away with a counter right hand but no contact made.
Phoenix avoids the body shot from Newton.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Newton with a poor takedown
and Phoenix counters with a stiff right hand.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Phoenix throws a looping overhand right but Newton ducks down to avoid it.
Newton lands a head shot.
Newton is really peppering his opponent's head with punches.
Phoenix avoids the body shot from Newton.
Phoenix is clearly trying to counter these attacks from Newton with a body shot.
Newton 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.
Newton throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Phoenix let fly with a counter punch to the body but it didn't land.
Newton connects with a body shot that sends Phoenix's belly button to the back.
Newton missing with a left hand there. Phoenix was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Newton throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Newton takes a shot to the nose. Hopefully that hasn't broken it.
Phoenix walks forward and throws out a flicking leg kick. Newton checks it nicely though, as he moves to the side.
Newton defending well as Phoenix loads up on a big left hand.
Nice uppercut there from Phoenix.
Newton misses with a straight right.
It seemed like Phoenix was going to counter with the hook but didn't fully commit to it.
Newton misses with a hook
and Newton takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Nice straight punches there by Phoenix. You know Roy Jones Jr respects the hands of Phoenix.
Newton swings away with a body shot that misses
and Newton takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Phoenix keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Phoenix pivots, looking for a leg kick but Newton is out of range and Phoenix settles back down.
Newton lands a right hook to the body.
Newton missing with a left hand there. Phoenix was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Phoenix! But no joy.
Phoenix fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Newton manages to avoid it.
A telegraphed right hand from Phoenix misses the target.
Newton uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Phoenix.
Blake Phoenix is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.

Newton closes the distance and looks for a trip takedown... aaaand he's got it - Newton lands in his opponent's guard.
Newton preventing the sweep.
Phoenix controlling the position.
Newton looking to pass the guard.
Phoenix has Newton pulled in close to control his posture.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Newton looking to pass the guard.
Phoenix looking to hit a scissor sweep but Newton is one step ahead there.
Newton pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Phoenix is keeping the position for now.
Phoenix working a defensive guard here.
Newton trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Phoenix controlling the position.
We may be looking at a referee standup if the pace doesn't pick up soon.
Phoenix told us pre-fight that he has been working on his escapes in training. Let's see if he can call on some of his new skills to get back to his feet.

The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up.
Newton takes a jab right on the kisser.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close round but I would say that Bill Newton will probably get the nod.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!

Newton misses the shot to the body.
A big right from Newton misses.
Phoenix ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Newton moves away.
A jab from Newton misses.
Newton takes an uppercut right on the jaw but it doesn't phase him.
Phoenix takes a shot right to the bread basket.
Phoenix ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Newton moves away.
Newton connects with a body shot.
Newton throws a jab but it's blocked by Phoenix.
Phoenix throws an ugly left hook that misses

and Newton counters with a driving takedown into guard. Nice work there by Newton.
Phoenix looking to control.
Newton passes Phoenix's right leg, so he's now in half guard.
Newton trying to pass the guard but Phoenix defending well.
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!

Phoenix is defending against the submission attempts here by Newton.

That's one minute gone in the round.

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

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

Newton is trying a forearm choke… I don't think that's going to do much at this level of the game.
Phoenix trying to control but Newton postures up.

Newton is sneakily working for an arm triangle but Phoenix sees it coming and defends easily.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are showing their displeasure at the lack of action as loud boos ring out around the arena.

Newton is working for a submission of some sort.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Phoenix trying to control but Newton postures up.

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

Newton is looking for a kimura but he's never going to get it from there.
Phoenix is looking for a sweep. Newton is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.

Newton is trying to work for a kimura but Phoenix is defending well.
Phoenix is trying to stand up here but Newton is controlling him well.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Phoenix is using up a lot of energy trying to get back to his feet. Perhaps he should improve his position first.
Phoenix is looking to improve his position.
Phoenix is trying to maintain the position but Newton is very close to passing his half guard.

The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.
Newton misses with a shot to the body
and Phoenix counters with a stiff right hand.
A lazy left from Newton finds it's target.
Phoenix slips under a jab.
Newton misses with a wild body shot.
Newton swings for the body but Phoenix moves out of range.
Newton connects with a hook to the side of his opponent's head.
Phoenix connects with the punch.
Phoenix steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Newton.
Phoenix throws out a counter right but Newton avoids it with no problem.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Newton misses with a body shot.
Newton darts in and out, connecting with a jab.
Newton throws an off balance right hand
enabling Phoenix to counter with a crisp jab.
Newton misses with a wild body shot.
Newton thuds a left hand into Phoenix's body.
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!
Newton thows a left - swing and a miss!
Bill Newton is winning the standup battle so far.
Newton shoots in looking for a takedown but Phoenix manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Newton's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
Phoenix looks to throw the jab but Newton is out of range.
Phoenix keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Newton looks to land a right hand but Phoenix moved out of range.
Newton swings for the body but Phoenix moves out of range.
Newton misses with a lunging right hand
and Phoenix counters with a right hand to the body.
Phoenix defending well as Newton loads up on a big left hand.
Phoenix has his hands up protecting his head but a hook from Newton finds it's way round the side to connect with Phoenix's head.
Phoenix thuds his right hand into Newton's forehead from close range. That could be painful for both fighters.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Bill Newton dominated that second round.
That's time! Back to the action! Ladies and gentlemen, this is the final round!

A shot to the body from Newton misses
letting Phoenix counter with a right hand.
Newton takes a swing at Phoenix's ribcage but misses.
Newton misses with a body shot.
Phoenix finds nothing but air with that leg kick attempt.
Phoenix slips a jab from Newton.
Newton misses with a wild body shot.
Phoenix keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Phoenix fakes with the hands and throws a leg kick but Newton is out of range.
Phoenix pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Newton with a lazy takedown attempt
and Phoenix counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Phoenix cracks Newton with an open hand slap.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Newton comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.
Phoenix uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Newton.
Phoenix missing with a left hand there. Newton was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Newton moves into range and connects with a jab.
Newton swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Phoenix looked like he wanted to counter with a punch but didn't throw it.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Phoenix walks into a jab.
Nice defenses there by Phoenix.
Newton throws a right hand that misses
and Phoenix cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Newton misses with a body punch
and Phoenix counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Newton fakes a head shot and lands one to the body.
Phoenix swings for the body but Newton moves out of range.
Newton attempts a counter takedown but Phoenix avoids it well and moves away.
Newton lands an overhand right.
Newton fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Phoenix manages to avoid it.
A slow jab from Phoenix misses its intended target.
Phoenix pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
A jab lands there for Newton.
Newton steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Phoenix.
Newton lands a nice shot to the body.
Phoenix throws a looping overhand right but Newton ducks down to avoid it.
Newton is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Phoenix can do to turn this around?

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
A jab from Newton misses.
Newton takes a swing at Phoenix's ribcage but misses.
Phoenix swings for the body but Newton moves out of range.
Newton looks to land a right hand but Phoenix moved out of range.
Newton looks to score with a jab to the body but Phoenix is just out of range.
Newton cracks Phoenix with a hook to the jaw. Both fighters smile at eachother and high-five before getting back down to business.
Newton misses the jab.
It seemed like Phoenix was going to counter with the hook but didn't fully commit to it.
Newton fakes and then throws a beautiful body shot. Phoenix looks a bit winded and takes a step backwards to take a breath.
Newton ducks under a wild hook from Phoenix.
Phoenix jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Newton scores with a nice right hand.
Phoenix misses with an uppercut.
Newton misses with a body shot.
Newton on the wrong end of a vicious looking body shot.
Newton throws a right hand that misses
and Phoenix counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Phoenix lands a vicious shot with the stealth of a sniper and the strength of a viper. Are vipers that strong? I can think of lots of things that are stronger than a viper - not many rhyme with sniper though.
Newton throws a big shot that misses.
Newton lands a head shot.
Newton misses with an uppercut
and Phoenix counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Newton needs to keep his hands up - Phoenix had a free shot at his head there.
Phoenix has used his reach advantage pretty well so far tonight.
Newton swings for the body but Phoenix moves out of range.
Phoenix tests Newton's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Newton connects with a hook to the side of his opponent's head.
Phoenix missing with a left hand there. Newton was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Newton misses the shot to the body.
Phoenix only half commits to the counter leg kick.
Newton ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Phoenix moves away.
Phoenix avoids the body shot from Newton.
Phoenix misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Newton.
Phoenix swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Blake Phoenix has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Phoenix takes a shot to the eye socket. That's gotta hurt.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Phoenix throws a hook but Newton blocks it.
Phoenix takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.
Phoenix has a pretty nasty looking mouse under his right eye.
Newton misses with a body shot
and Phoenix counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Phoenix tries to bum rush Newton with a series of wild strikes but Newton uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Newton misses with an uppercut. Phoenix saw that one coming.
Phoenix throws a jab when Newton was well out of range.
Phoenix tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Newton was well out of range. Poor timing from Phoenix.
Newton swings for the body but Phoenix moves out of range.
Bill Newton is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Phoenix misses with a hook. Newton ducked under it nicely.
Newton scores with a reasonable looking shot to the body. Phoenix doesn't seem bothered though.
The fighters circle momentarily. Newton darts into range and connects with a nice straight punch.
Newton avoids the body shot from Phoenix.
Newton lands a jab to the head.

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 Bill Newton.
Well Newton 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 Colin Fotheringham scores the fight 30:27
Judge Phil Schofield scores the fight 30:27
Judge Steven Brown scores the fight 30:27

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Bill Newton!