PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Jack Lynn (ranked 330 p4p, 483 weight class) and Mana Festation (ranked 39 p4p, 64 weight class). Both these guys have really solid chins. Will we see a standup war or will they both decide that a knockout is unlikely and try to win the fight elsewhere?

Lynn
vs
Festation

186 cm
34
169
16 - 5 - 0

166 cm
40
158
33 - 17 - 4

Abu Dhabi Champ
Lethal high kicks
Insanely flexible

Good wrestler
World class MT
Granite chin

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 16 - 5 - 0, fighting out of Montreal, Jack Lynn!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 33 - 17 - 4, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Mana Festation!
The judges for this bout are Wesley Smith, Alan Glass and Cecil Peabody.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Festation misses with a double jab.
Festation on the wrong end of a nice low kick. He's acting like it's no big deal but he doesn't want to take many more of those.

Festation drives through and clinches with Lynn against the cage.
Lynn misses with a punch to the body.
Lynn lands a hook that snaps the head of Festation backwards.
Festation leaning against his opponent.
A battle for position here, against the cage.
Festation looking to throw knees to the head but Lynn is blocking nicely.
Lynn digs a right hand underneath Festation's ribcage. Festation let out a lung full of air as it connected.
A head punch on the inside from Lynn fails to land.
Festation trying to land knees to the body.
Lynn struggles to land a body shot inside as Festation controls his hands.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Festation lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
Lynn managing to block the knees to the body from Festation.
Lynn misses with a punch on the inside.
Festation misses with the head strike.
Festation misses with the head strike.
I was talking to Lynn's coach per-fight and he was telling me that they'd been working on the clinch in the runup to this fight.
Lynn lands a right hand.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Lynn pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Lynn moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
Festation tries to clinch up.
Lynn turns his hip over beautifully as he lands a nice leg kick.
Lynn throws a body kick that digs right into the meat.
A nice leg kick lands there from Lynn.
Festation tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Festation scores with a reasonable looking shot to the body. Lynn doesn't seem bothered though.
Lynn checks a low kick from Festation.
Lynn avoids a punch combination nicely.
Lynn wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.
Lynn misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Festation.
Festation lets it all go there with a big combo counter but none of the punches connected.
Festation takes an uppercut right on the button but keeps his composure.
Festation throws a head kick that looked like it stung.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Lynn throws a low kick, looking for Festation's leg but Festation calmly moves out of range.
Festation throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Lynn throws a body kick but he was well out of range there.
Festation leaves Lynn with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.

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

Festation has managed to escape just enough to sneak back to his feet but Lynn is on him like a limpet, forcing Festation back against the cage.
Lynn misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Lynn misses with a body punch.
Lynn avoiding damage as Festation throws knees to the body.
Festation tries a body shot but Lynn blocks it.
Lynn on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.

Lynn breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Lynn takes a nice looking leg kick right on the meat of his thigh there.
Festation scores with a push kick.
Lynn throws a looping overhand right but Festation ducks down to avoid it.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Lynn lands a slapping body shot.
Festation cracks a nice hook into Lynn's ribs.
Lynn throws a hook to the side of Festation's head but Festation sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Festation throws a series of punches but Lynn moves out of range.
Lynn circles away from the clinch attempt.
Lynn swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.
Lynn connects with an inside leg kick.
Lynn swings for the body but Festation moves out of range.
Jack Lynn seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Festation gets cracked there but stands up to it.
Festation looks for the body kick but Lynn saw that one coming.
Lynn lands with a nice low kick. That'll leave a bruise.
Good work by Festation as he checks the leg kick.
Festation wants to counter the offense by Lynn and move into the clinch position.
Festation throws a series of punches but Lynn avoids them all with ease.
Festation moves in looking to clinch but Lynn pushes him off.
Lynn has a takedown stuffed.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Lynn misses with a low kick.
Lynn throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Mana Festation is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Lynn throws a half hearted mid kick.
Festation lands with a thumping leg kick.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Festation throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Festation lands a nice looking body kick.
Festation paws at his opponent with the jab and then lunges in with a straight, right on the button.
Lynn jabs Festation right on the nose. Festation blinks but takes it well.
Festation connects with a body shot that sends Lynn's belly button to the back.
Lynn throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
As Lynn backs off Festation throws a huge counter combo but Lynn manages to avoid it all.
Festation connects with an inside leg kick.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Festation has his front leg slapped to the side - a nice low kick landing there from Lynn.
Lynn will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Jack Lynn. That's going to take a lot out of him.
The fighters circling - Festation throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Lynn misses with a hook.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but Mana Festation will probably get the nod.
That's time! Back to the action!

A leg kick checked by Festation.
Festation throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Mana Festation is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Lynn throws a body punch but Festation moves out of range.
Festation tries a head kick but it misses.
Festation blocks a head kick by Lynn.
Lynn attempts a low kick but it misses it's target.
Lynn throws a head kick that misses.
Lynn uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Festation.
Festation throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Lynn.
Festation checks the leg kick nicely there.
Festation jabs Lynn to the body, keeping him at a distance.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Festation connects with a leg kick.
Lynn lunges in with an uppercut that skims his opponent's chin.
Lynn throws a leg kick
and Festation counters with a straight punch to the midsection.
Festation takes a nice looking leg kick right on the meat of his thigh there.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Lynn lands a leg kick. The shin dug right into the meat of the thigh.
Festation has a nice red mark on his side after a thudding body kick by Lynn.
Lynn closes the distance and clinches up with Festation, looking for a takedown. Lynn pushes Festation against the cage but Festation circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Festation slips in close and lands a nice hook before moving back out of range.
Jack Lynn is winning the standup battle so far.
Festation throws a body kick that sends a sickening thudding noise reverberating around the arena.
A punch combination from Festation misses.
Festation lands with a thumping leg kick.
Festation is throwing a lot of body shots here, looking to wear down Lynn rather than just go for the knockout.
Lynn throws a nice head kick!
Festation's leg has a nasty welt from taking a succession of leg kicks. That must be slowing him down.
Lynn throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Festation sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Festation throws a nice looking combination but Lynn bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Festation moves out of range of the leg kick from Lynn.
Festation fakes low and throws an overhand right that catches Lynn on the side of the head.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Lynn shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Festation defends it nicely.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Festation throws a big shot that misses.
Lynn throws a feint and then finishes with a kick to the body.
A clash of legs there as Lynn blocks the low kick.
A thudding body kick lands there by Festation!
Festation checks the leg kick.
Lynn throws a leg kick but Festation moved away.
Lynn throws a leg kick but Festation sees it coming and checks it nicely.
Lynn misses the shot to the body.
Lynn goes for a spinning back kick but it misses.

Lynn shoots in with a lovely double leg takedown. Festation manages to land in full guard to minimise the damage.
Lynn scoring with punches to the head and body.
Festation looking for a sweep. Not yet Festation, not yet.
Festation looking to control.
Lynn will need to keep those long limbs tucked in whilst he's on the ground, to prevent any submissions.
Lynn pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Festation is keeping the position for now.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Festation avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
A real slowdown in the pace of the fight for a moment, as Festation holds on and takes a little breather.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Lynn content to strike from guard, landing some decent shots.
Lynn stands up over Festation, holding his feet. He dives back in and lands a decent shot to the head.
Festation wants to stand up but Lynn is controlling him.
Jack Lynn overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Lynn wants to control from the top but Festation keeps moving.
Lynn in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Lynn is working the ground and pound from guard. He might want to try advancing position though to get more of an impact.

Lynn drops back looking for a leg! Festation is in trouble here! The fighters roll with the hold and Festation manages to kick Lynn off! Lynn jumps back into Festation's guard.
Festation is trying to control the position but Lynn postures up.
Festation is adopting a defensive guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Lynn scoring with some ground and pound.
Lynn working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Festation keeping moving, preventing Lynn from controlling successfully.
Festation wants to stand and escape but Lynn is having none of it.
Lynn working some strikes from top position.

Festation kicks Lynn off and gets to his feet.
Good exchange - Festation coming out on top.
Lynn throws a leg kick but Festation checks it.
Festation throws a one two combo.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Festation tries to bum rush Lynn with a series of wild strikes but Lynn uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
A telegraphed right hand from Festation misses the target.
Lynn appears to be looking for a big counter.

Lynn shoots in looking for a single leg takedown. Festation is trying to defend but Lynn finishes it well and ends up in half guard. Let's see if he can advance position further.
Festation pushes Lynn off looking to stand but Lynn dives back in and keeps control.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close second round but Mana Festation will probably get the nod - 10:9.
That's time! Back to the action! This is the final round!

Lynn throws a leg kick which misses Festation's front leg but catches the back leg as Festation tries to avoid it.
Lynn moves out of range of the body kick from Festation.
Lynn drops down looking for a counter takedown but Festation sprawls and moves away.
Lynn lands a nice shot that snaps Festation's head back.
Festation throws a leg kick which misses Lynn's front leg but catches the back leg as Lynn tries to avoid it.
Festation throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Lynn throws a head kick but Festation moves out of range.
Festation checks the leg kick nicely there.
Festation lets it all go there with a big combo counter but none of the punches connected.
Festation takes an uppercut right on the jaw but it doesn't phase him.
Festation throws a body kick that misses.
Festation avoids the head kick by Lynn.
Festation let fly with a counter punch to the body but it didn't land.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Festation lands a two punch combo.
Lynn blocks a low kick nicely.

Lynn decides to change it up a bit and drives through with a nice takedown into half guard.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Festation gets full guard.
Lynn makes a bit of distance and scores with some ground and pound, still in guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Festation lands a beautiful sweep and he's now moved into his opponent's guard.

Lynn managing to control the position.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Lynn is on top in guard.

Lynn stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Festation swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Festation keeping moving, preventing Lynn from controlling successfully.
Lynn scores with a decent looking elbow strike.
Festation trying to control the position here.
Festation wants to get back to his feet but Lynn is in a dominant position and won't allow it.
Jack Lynn has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Lynn postures up and scores with a shot to the body and a follow up elbow to the head.
Lynn stopping the sweep attempt from Festation.
Festation pulls Lynn in close to prevent any damage.
Lynn landing some decent shots from guard.
Festation wants to sweep here but Lynn controlling him for the moment.
Festation has control of Lynn's left arm, preventing Lynn from doing any damage.
Festation tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Lynn scoring with some ground and pound.
Lynn working some strikes from top position.
Lynn makes a bit of distance and scores with some ground and pound, still in guard.
Lynn throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Lynn throwing strikes but missing.
Lynn with a flurry of punches that miss.
Lynn has been looking to land a fair amount of strikes on the ground. He might be looking to soften his opponent up in order to work for a submission.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Lynn won't allow Festation to sweep him here.
Lynn with a nice head shot there.
Lynn passes into half guard.
Lynn wants to take a breather but Festation is having none of it.
Festation is looking to control Lynn's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Festation avoid being mounted?
Lynn working Festation over with strikes.
Lynn prevents Festation from standing back up.
Nice strikes from Lynn there.
The referee walks around the fighters to get a better view of the action. Lynn lands a nice short elbow.
Lynn lands a big shot. The thud that echoes around the arena is like music to the fans' ears.
Lynn is keeping good posture, landing some ground and pound.
Festation is trying to defend against the ground and pound but Lynn scores with a couple of nice shots.
Festation trying to control here.

Lynn is thinking about going for an arm triangle but he can't free his leg.
Festation trying to control here.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Festation is controlling Lynn's trapped leg to prevent Lynn from advancing to side control.
Lynn looks to score some points with some ground and pound.
Lynn is nestled in close to Festation, controlling him well. He's worked in a nice elbow to the side of the head as well, for good measure.
Festation keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
The two fighters exchange a few words. I couldn't hear what they were saying but maybe it's more fun if you make it up yourself. Lynn connects with a nice short shot to Festation's temple.
Festation has hold of Lynn's hands but Lynn slips his arm to the side and lands an elbow.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Festation controlling the position for now.
Lynn not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
Festation tries to get to full guard but Lynn has control of the leg.
Festation trying to control but Lynn postures up.
Lynn throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.

And that's the end of the fight!
Jack Lynn showed his dominance in that final round.
I think Festation 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 Wesley Smith scores the fight 29:29
Judge Alan Glass scores the fight 28:29
Judge Cecil Peabody scores the fight 28:29

In favor of your winner, by majority decision... Mana Festation!
Mana Festation got down on his knees post fight and begged the management for a title shot. 'Please, I want that title shot so bad! Give it to me!'