PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Jon Holmes (ranked 24884 p4p, 5550 weight class) and Robert Rchards (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Holmes's ring entrance music is that housewives' favourite, Dirty Deeds. Robert Rchards will no doubt be trying to keep this one on the feet, where he has a distinct advantage.

Holmes
vs
Rchards

180 cm
20
170
1 - 2 - 0

185 cm
25
169
0 - 1 - 0

Good wrestling
Brawler
Granite chin

BJJ White Belt
Excellent MT
Granite chin

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 1 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Jon Holmes!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Robert Rchards!
The judges for this bout are Cecil Peabody, Gwen Towbar and Alan Glass.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Holmes looks for a takedown but Rchards sprawls well.
Rchards looks really tired already! That doesn't bode well for a good, competitive fight!
Holmes shoots in looking for a takedown but Rchards manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Holmes's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
Rchards is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Jab from Rchards.
Holmes misses with a takedown attempt - Rchards sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Jon Holmes. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Rchards slaps away a takedown attempt from Holmes, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Rchards tries to counter with a clinch but Holmes shakes him off and moves away.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Holmes looks for a takedown. He's got it. We're now in half guard.
Holmes not landing any meaningful shots this time.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Ground and pound from Holmes.
Rchards taking some punishment here, with Holmes in his half guard.
Holmes drops an elbow to the side of Rchards's head.
Rchards on the receiving end of some nice ground and pound.
Rchards on the receiving end of some nice ground and pound.
Holmes looks towards his corner to check for any instructions. The corner give him nothing to work with, so he cracks Rchards with a short hammerfist. I guess that's as good as any advice he could get in this position.
Holmes throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
Holmes seems to be taking a bit of a break to think of his next move. He lands a short punch in the meantime.
Holmes throwing shots but Rchards is blocking nicely.
Holmes lands strikes from half guard.
We get told so often about how wrestlers don't like to be on their backs. Let's see if Rchards can do anything to dispel that myth.
Rchards keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Holmes is keeping good posture, landing some ground and pound.
Rchards looks like he's trying to stand up.
Holmes working the head and body with strikes.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Nice strikes from Holmes there.
Rchards pushes Holmes off looking to stand but Holmes dives back in and keeps control.
Holmes thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
Holmes is keeping good posture, landing some ground and pound.
Holmes working the head and body with strikes.
Holmes scores with a couple of good hammerfists.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Holmes not landing any meaningful shots this time.
Holmes scores with a couple of good hammerfists.
Holmes sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Rchards defending well though.
Rchards wants to get back to his feet.
Rchards is using up a lot of energy trying to get back to his feet. Perhaps he should improve his position first.
Holmes lands strikes from half guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Holmes working some ground and pound from close in. He's looking to maintain this position and strike for a while by the looks of things... although he'll probably advance to full mount in a minute now I've said that.
Holmes trying to mount his opponent but Rchards defends it.
Holmes takes advantage of the dominant position to land a couple of big hammer fists.
Rchards keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Rchards keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Rchards really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Holmes. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.
Holmes working some ground and pound from close in. He's looking to maintain this position and strike for a while by the looks of things... although he'll probably advance to full mount in a minute now I've said that.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Holmes throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.
Holmes throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.
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. Holmes connects with a nice short shot to Rchards's temple.
Rchards avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Holmes.
Holmes thows a huge punch but Rchards dodges it nicely.
Holmes working some ground and pound from close in. He's looking to maintain this position and strike for a while by the looks of things... although he'll probably advance to full mount in a minute now I've said that.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Rchards blocking the ground and pound attempt from Holmes.
Holmes lands with an elbow from half guard - that looked like it hurt.
Holmes lands with a punch from half guard.
Rchards is looking to escape.
Holmes scores with a couple of good hammerfists.
Rchards blocking the ground and pound attempt from Holmes.
Rchards keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Rchards blocking the ground and pound attempt from Holmes.
Holmes throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
Holmes throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.
Holmes sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Rchards defending well though.
Holmes scores with a couple of good hammerfists.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Jon Holmes dominated that round.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.

Holmes dives in and grabs Rchards's left leg, looking for a takedown. Rchards pushes down on Holmes's head and hops out.
Rchards fails with an attempt to clinch.
Rchards lands a two punch combo.
Holmes tries to score a power double leg takedown but Rchards sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Holmes somewhat.
Holmes fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Jon Holmes. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Rchards keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Rchards keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Holmes shoots in for a takedown but Rchards shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Rchards closes the distance and clinches.
Rchards goes for a takedown in the clinch but Holmes prevents it.
Holmes jumps guard but Rchards stands there with Holmes around his waist. Holmes gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch.
Holmes missing with knees to the body.
Holmes is pressed up against the cage. Rchards has hold of a leg and is looking to drag Holmes down to the mat. Holmes avoids the attempt though and has circled away. We're back to striking at a distance.
Holmes tries to score a power double leg takedown but Rchards sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Holmes somewhat.
Holmes looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
Jon Holmes is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Holmes misses with a takedown attempt
and Rchards counters with a nice body shot.

Holmes tries to keep at a distance but Rchards has taken the fight into the clinch.
Rchards is trying to pull guard but Holmes has him pressed against the cage.
Holmes is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Rchards can do to turn this around?
Rchards is working for a takedown up against the cage. He can't get it on this occasion though.
Holmes working hard to break the clinch.
Rchards scores with a hook to the body.
Holmes drops down looking for an ankle pick but Rchards pulls his leg out and moves away.
Rchards punishes Holmes's body with a nice straight punch.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Rchards tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Holmes manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Holmes is trying hard to land a takedown here. Rchards sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
Holmes takes one to the chin there.
Rchards lands a nice looking body shot.

Rchards has Holmes up against the cage in a clinch.
Rchards works on Holmes's body with a couple of short punches.
Holmes tries to pull guard but Rchards forces him back to his feet, against the cage.
Rchards works on Holmes's body with a couple of short punches.
Rchards is looking for a takedown.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Rchards prevents Holmes from breaking the clinch.
Holmes is trying to pull guard but being pressed up against the cage enables Rchards to keep the fight standing.
Holmes has dropped down and is looking to force the takedown but it's defended by Rchards after a bit of a struggle.
Rchards is trying to drag Holmes to the mat but Holmes just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.
Rchards tries to pull guard but Holmes won't allow it.
Holmes is looking for a takedown.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Rchards gets underhooks to prevent Holmes's takedown attempt.
Rchards digs a right hand into Holmes's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Holmes's gas tank.
Holmes tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Rchards avoids it.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Robert Rchards showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin! This is the final round!

Rchards scores with a hook.
Holmes goes for a double leg but Rchards avoids the attempt and the two fighters end up clinched against the cage as Rchards continues to drive forward.
Holmes misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
Holmes misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Jon Holmes. That's going to take a lot out of him.

Holmes closes the distance and clinches up, looking for a takedown. He shifts his weight and gets a nice trip into half guard.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Holmes landing with strikes to the body and head, softening up his opponent.
Holmes working some ground and pound from close in. He's looking to maintain this position and strike for a while by the looks of things... although he'll probably advance to full mount in a minute now I've said that.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Rchards is trying to stand up here but Holmes is controlling him well.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Holmes winds up and cracks Rchards with a swinging punch to the side of the head.
Holmes not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
Holmes slips a nice elbow through Rchards's hands, connecting with Rchards's forehead.
Rchards is trying to stand.
Rchards has hold of Holmes's hands but Holmes slips his arm to the side and lands an elbow.
Holmes throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
Holmes missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.
Holmes sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Rchards defending well though.
Rchards pushes Holmes off looking to stand but Holmes dives back in and keeps control.
Holmes throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
Holmes working some ground and pound from close in. He's looking to maintain this position and strike for a while by the looks of things... although he'll probably advance to full mount in a minute now I've said that.
Rchards is trying to stand up here but Holmes is controlling him well.
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. Holmes connects with a nice short shot to Rchards's temple.
Rchards is trying to stand.
Jon Holmes overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Holmes throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.
Holmes landing with strikes to the body and head, softening up his opponent.
Holmes is nestled in close to Rchards, controlling him well. He's worked in a nice elbow to the side of the head as well, for good measure.
Rchards wants to get back to his feet.
Holmes lands with an elbow from half guard - that looked like it hurt.
Holmes not landing any meaningful shots this time.
Holmes drops an elbow to the side of Rchards's head.
Rchards on the receiving end of some nice ground and pound.
Holmes throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
Rchards wants to get back to his feet.
Holmes missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Holmes thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Rchards's head.
Holmes landing with strikes to the body and head, softening up his opponent.
Rchards is trying to stand back up but Holmes is controlling him
Holmes looks towards his corner to check for any instructions. The corner give him nothing to work with, so he cracks Rchards with a short hammerfist. I guess that's as good as any advice he could get in this position.
Holmes missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
Holmes prevents Rchards from standing back up.
Ground and pound from Holmes.
Holmes thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Rchards's head.
Rchards is trying to stand up here but Holmes is controlling him well.
Rchards blocking the ground and pound attempt from Holmes.
Holmes winds up and cracks Rchards with a swinging punch to the side of the head.
Holmes throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Holmes landing with strikes to the body and head, softening up his opponent.
Holmes scoring with strikes to the body and head.
Holmes lands with an elbow from half guard - that looked like it hurt.
Holmes throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.
Holmes throwing shots but Rchards is blocking nicely.
Holmes thows a huge punch but Rchards dodges it nicely.
Holmes lands strikes from half guard.
Rchards is looking to escape.
Holmes thows a huge punch but Rchards dodges it nicely.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Holmes missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
Holmes landing with strikes to the body and head, softening up his opponent.
Rchards blocking the ground and pound attempt from Holmes.

And that's the end of the fight!
Jon Holmes showed his dominance in that final round.
I think Holmes 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 Cecil Peabody scores the fight 29:28
Judge Gwen Towbar scores the fight 29:28
Judge Alan Glass scores the fight 29:28

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Jon Holmes!
An intense looking Jon Holmes took to the microphone post fight and gave a little speech: 'I busted him'.