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PBP Commentary |
Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Ron Funches (ranked 2370 p4p, 4802 weight class) and Viktor Igbonefo (ranked 0 p4p, 0 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.
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| 175 cm
18
173
3 - 0 - 0 |
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170 cm
21
165
1 - 0 - 0 |
BJJ Purple Belt
Solid Muay Thai
Good chin |
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BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Solid chin |
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Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the welterweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 3 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Hilo, Ron Funches!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Montreal, Viktor Igbonefo!
The judges for this bout are Trevor Gratis, Steve Smith and Ian Loll.
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Igbonefo moves his head to the side to avoid a jab but walks straight into a cross.
Igbonefo takes a jab right on the nose. That must have hurt but he shrugs his shoulders and looks to return the favor.
Igbonefo tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Funches manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Good exchange - Funches coming out on top.
A slow jab from Funches misses its intended target.
Funches sets himself, and Igbonefo steps forward looking for the clinch! Funches avoids it this time.
Igbonefo looks to throw the jab but Funches is out of range.
Funches showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Igbonefo.
The fight stays on the outside here - Igbonefo looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Igbonefo gets tackled into the cage by Funches. Funches maintains the clinch.
Igbonefo can't break the clinch.
Igbonefo wants to push off and get back to the center of the mat but Funches has him pressed against the cage.
Funches lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
Igbonefo wants to get back to striking at distance but Funches won't allow it.
Nice body punch from Funches - that landed with a thud.
A short right from Funches on the inside.
A hook to the body from Funches.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Igbonefo looking to stall.
Funches tries to jump guard but he falls flat on his backside. Igbonefo smiles and moves away.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Igbonefo tries to close the distance and clinch up but Funches swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Funches scores with a punch to the gut of his opponent.
Funches tests Igbonefo's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Igbonefo misses with a head kick.
Igbonefo throws a low kick but Funches avoids it.
Ron Funches is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Funches lands a pitter patter jab to the forehead of his opponent.
Funches lands a straight punch to the body, keeping Igbonefo at a distance.
Igbonefo throws an overhand right that lands on Funches's shoulder, as Funches tries to avoid the shot.
Funches tries to counter by clinching up but Igbonefo breaks away and moves out of range.
Funches cracks Igbonefo with a good jab.
Funches scores with a big left there. The judges will like that one.
Funches throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Igbonefo sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Igbonefo tries to clinch but Funches is having none of it.
Igbonefo's hands are dropping dangerously low here and Funches connects clean with a right hook that sends him down to one knee! Igbonefo scrambles back to his feet.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Funches dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Funches throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd.
Good shot there by Funches.
Igbonefo closes the distance and gets a trip takedown into side control. Funches quickly recovers to half guard.
Funches keeps control of the position for the meantime.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Igbonefo wants to pass the guard but Funches is defending well.
Funches has his hands clasped together around Igbonefo's back. He's all about the action.
Funches tries to get to full guard but Igbonefo has control of the leg.
Funches keeping control of the leg, stopping his opponent passing to mount.
Funches is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Funches gets full guard.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Funches manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Igbonefo manages to get himself to full guard.
Funches slows down the pace of the fight for a moment. He'll need to remain active if he doesn't want to see the fight stood back up.
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Funches slips nicely into half guard.
Igbonefo is trying to control but can't.
Funches tries to pass the half guard into mount. Igbonefo knows what he's doing though and prevents the attempt.
Funches trying to control the pace.
Igbonefo really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Funches. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.
Funches is looking for an arm triangle, whilst trying to pass to side control. Igbonefo doesn't seem that keen to cooperate though. No luck this time Funches.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Funches is looking for a kimura. It's going to be difficult to finish that from half guard though and Igbonefo defends it well.
Igbonefo tries to get to full guard but Funches has control of the leg.
Funches is taking a breather. Igbonefo says something to him but it's hard to make out. Perhaps he's telling him to get on with it and actually do something.
Funches is looking to advance position but Igbonefo won't allow it.
Funches keeping composed on the top, looking to control the action.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
Ron Funches dominated that round.
That's time! Funches's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.
Igbonefo takes a shot to the nose. Hopefully that hasn't broken it.
Igbonefo tries to clinch but Funches is having none of it.
Funches lands a powerful looking uppercut that connected with his opponent's jaw.
Funches throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Igbonefo tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Funches paws at him with a jab and circles away.
A cross from Funches lands.
Funches ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Igbonefo moves away.
Funches listening to his corner there, landing a nice uppercut.
Igbonefo digs a good hook to Funches's body.
Funches avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Funches lands a nice shot that snaps Igbonefo's head back.
Ron Funches seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Funches keeps the fight on the outside.
Wow, both these guys are really going for it!
Igbonefo takes one on the chin but seems OK.
Funches throws a looping overhand right but Igbonefo ducks down to avoid it.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Igbonefo fails in his attempt to clinch.
Igbonefo wants to clinch.
Funches lunges at Igbonefo with a hook that half lands and is half blocked by Igbonefo's hand.
That's one minute gone in the round.
A jab from Funches does it's job there.
Funches closes the distance and clinches.
Funches doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Funches working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
Funches lands a hook to the side of the head.
Funches gets through Igbonefo's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
Funches lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
Funches is trying to pull guard but being pressed up against the cage enables Igbonefo to keep the fight standing.
Funches jumps into guard, dragging Igbonefo to the mat.
A real slowdown in the pace of the fight for a moment, as Funches holds on and takes a little breather.
Funches continues to stall.
Igbonefo wants to control from the top but Funches keeps moving.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Funches managing to control the position.
Funches utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Funches is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Igbonefo defends well.
Funches is doing well to control the posture of his opponent and prevent any damage.
Funches keeping moving, preventing Igbonefo from controlling successfully.
Igbonefo sitting in guard here, content to control.
The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.
Funches looks to land a right hand but Igbonefo moved out of range.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Funches throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd.
Funches scores with a nice strike.
Igbonefo tries to clinch up.
Funches stooping low to avoid any incoming strikes and then lunges in with an uppercut come cross that lands flush.
Igbonefo takes a jab on the nose. He smiles like he loves it and keeps coming.
A decent looking cross lands there for Funches.
Funches ducks down and throws a hook to the body.
It looks like Funches has been trying to sharpen up his punching technique, as it looks crisper than last time we saw him.
Igbonefo tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Funches paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Funches misses with a looping left.
Igbonefo tries to clinch up but Funches circles away and keeps his distance.
Funches lands with a shot to the body.
Igbonefo ducks under a wild hook from Funches.
Igbonefo moves out of range as Funches strikes.
A telegraphed right hand from Funches misses the target.
Funches moves into the clinch.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Igbonefo pulls Funches into guard.
Funches pushing down on Igbonefo's thigh, trying to pass to half guard. He's managed it... Nice work.
Funches passes to side control.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Funches takes a little break here. Igbonefo wants to take advantage but he is being controlled well.
Igbonefo sneaks a leg under to get back to half guard.
Igbonefo is breathing heavily.
Funches is taking a breather. Igbonefo says something to him but it's hard to make out. Perhaps he's telling him to get on with it and actually do something.
Igbonefo won't allow Funches to pass to mount.
Igbonefo is looking to improve his position.
Funches uses his free foot to push down on Igbonefo's thigh. Eventually he works his other foot free and he's advanced to mount - this is trouble for Igbonefo.
Funches takes a little breather and maintains the position. The referee will be looking for him to stay active from such a dominant position though.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
Ron Funches dominated that second round.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business. Let's hear some noise people - this is the final round!
Igbonefo on the wrong end of a vicious looking body shot.
Igbonefo feints and as Funches raises his hands in defense, Igbonefo changes levels and drives through with a takedown into guard.
Igbonefo avoids a guillotine attempt easily.
Igbonefo is fighting to break Funches's control of his arms but Funches is doing a good job of controlling the position at the moment.
Igbonefo throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Funches keeping moving, preventing Igbonefo from controlling successfully.
Funches wants to sweep here but Igbonefo controlling him for the moment.
Igbonefo must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.
Funches pulls Igbonefo in close to prevent any damage.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Igbonefo trying to control but Funches is working from the bottom.
The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.
Funches fakes a head punch and goes low to the body. Nicely done.
Funches listening to his corner there, landing a nice uppercut.
Igbonefo scores a trip takedown into side control. Nice.
Igbonefo takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Funches sneaks a leg under to get back to half guard.
Funches is trying to maintain the position but Igbonefo is very close to passing his half guard.
Funches is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Igbonefo pulls his head out easily.
Funches desperately trying to maintain half guard.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Funches trying to control from the bottom.
Funches gets full guard.
Funches looking for a sweep. Not yet Funches, not yet.
Funches seems keen to control Igbonefo's posture.
Igbonefo wants to control from the top but Funches keeps moving.
Funches pulls Igbonefo in close to prevent any damage.
Funches is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Igbonefo can do to turn this around?
Igbonefo missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Funches had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Igbonefo defends it easily.
Funches controlling the position.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Igbonefo won't allow Funches to sweep him here.
A real slowdown in the pace of the fight for a moment, as Funches holds on and takes a little breather.
The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.
Funches ducks low and lands a nice hook to the body of his opponent.
Funches scores with a sloppy punch to the body. Not much technique there but it did the business.
Igbonefo throws a loose over hand right and dives in with a double leg takedown. Funches tries to sprawl but it's too late and the fighters hit the mat. Igbonefo is in Funches's guard.
Funches escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Igbonefo gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.
Funches wants to sweep here but Igbonefo controlling him for the moment.
Funches seems keen to control Igbonefo's posture.
Funches looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Funches is working an open guard here, looking to improve his position. No doubt that will leave him open to counters but at least he's being more offensive.
Funches escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Igbonefo gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.
Funches is active off his back here, looking for submissions.
Funches is adopting a defensive guard.
Igbonefo postures up.
Viktor Igbonefo has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Funches is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Igbonefo is aware though and is defending well.
Funches tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Funches throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.
The referee claps his hands together and tells the fighters to work.
Funches controlling the position.
The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.
And that's the end of the fight!
I would just about give that final round to Viktor Igbonefo.
I think Funches has won this one but let's see what the judges have to say. 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 Trevor Gratis scores the fight 29:28
Judge Steve Smith scores the fight 29:28
Judge Ian Loll scores the fight 29:28
In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Ron Funches!
Ron Funches decided to go for the less than humble approach in his post fight interview, telling everyone how he is going to conquer the world. The crowd seemed to like it when really that sort of approach could have gone either way.
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| S |
C
A |
G |
S |
C
B |
G |
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S |
C |
G |
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energy
A | B |
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hype
A | B |
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pop
A | B |
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mgr
A | B |
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FIGHT
RATING
45% |
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