PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a super heavyweight MMA rules bout between Von Magnaron (ranked 2101 p4p, 3565 weight class) and Jax Thomas (ranked 79 p4p, 156 weight class). Buckle up people - heeeeeeeeeere we go!

Magnaron
vs
Thomas

175 cm
39
155
28 - 19 - 3

175 cm
34
170
24 - 21 - 0

Abu Dhabi Champ
Excellent boxer
Cardio machine

Good wrestler
Lethal high kicks
Heavy handed

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the super heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 28 - 19 - 3, fighting out of London, Von Magnaron!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 24 - 21 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Jax Thomas!
The judges for this bout are Robert Twigg, George Francis and Daniel Franklin.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Thomas decides to change it up a bit and drives through with a nice takedown into half guard.

Thomas stands up from half guard.

The fight moves into the clinch position.
Thomas fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Thomas misses with a punch on the inside.
I was talking to Magnaron's coach per-fight and he was telling me that they'd been working on the clinch in the runup to this fight.
Thomas swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Magnaron gets through Thomas's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
Thomas pushes Magnaron back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.
Thomas misses with a punch on the inside.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Magnaron.
Thomas fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Thomas swings wildly with an uppercut but Magnaron uses good head movement to avoid it.
A head punch on the inside from Magnaron fails to land.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Thomas lands with a right to the head.
Magnaron tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Magnaron fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Magnaron lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
Magnaron misses with a body punch.
Magnaron fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Thomas tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Thomas has a couple of punches blocked by Magnaron.
Thomas throws a head punch that misses.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Thomas tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Thomas throws a punch but it's blocked by Magnaron.
Thomas blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Thomas misses with a short punch on the inside.
Magnaron blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Magnaron blocks an uppercut.

Thomas breaks from the clinch.
Wow, both these guys are really going for it!

Thomas shoots in for a takedown from distance. He catches Magnaron napping and manages to drive through into side control!

Magnaron bucks up and manages to escape back to his feet!
Magnaron scores with the left hand. Thomas knows he should have avoided that one.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Thomas is defended easily by Magnaron.
Thomas shoots in for a double leg but Magnaron sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
Magnaron seem to be loading up, looking for a big counter.
Horrible takedown attempt by Thomas or perhaps it was just good defense by Magnaron, which made it look bad.
It looked like Magnaron was trying to counter with a body shot coming off that last attack from Thomas.
Von Magnaron has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Jax Thomas.
Magnaron's jab looks to have found its range, popping Thomas under the eye.
Magnaron throws a right and a left that Thomas avoids nicely.
Thomas shoots in but Magnaron avoids the takedown attempt easily.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Thomas takes a solid shot to the body. That one hurt him but he's trying not to show it.
Thomas darts in looking for a takedown but Magnaron gets double underhooks and turns Thomas into the cage.
Nice jab there from Magnaron.
Thomas shoots in but no luck this time.
Thomas looks winded!
Magnaron stooping low to avoid any incoming strikes and then lunges in with an uppercut come cross that lands flush.
Magnaron lands an overhand right.
Thomas takes an uppercut right on the button but keeps his composure.

Thomas closes the distance and gets a trip takedown into side control. Magnaron quickly recovers to half guard.

Thomas gets to his feet - back to striking we go!
Magnaron connects with a jab.
A shot to the liver by Magnaron. Beautiful body shot.
Thomas takes a jab right on the nose. That must have hurt but he shrugs his shoulders and looks to return the favor.
Thomas takes a jab on the nose. He smiles like he loves it and keeps coming.
Thomas takes a jab right on the kisser.
Magnaron fakes and then throws a beautiful body shot. Thomas looks a bit winded and takes a step backwards to take a breath.
Magnaron lands a nice looking body shot.
Thomas fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Magnaron darts in and out, connecting with a jab.
Thomas fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Magnaron lands with a cross to side of his opponent's head.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Thomas feints and then dives in with a takedown. That was a long way out but the feint bought him enough time to close the distance and complete the takedown. Now we'll play guard for a bit and see who can get the better of that position.

Thomas stands up from Magnaron's guard - Thomas perhaps looking for a knockout.
Magnaron connects with a body shot.
A jab from Magnaron does it's job there.
Thomas takes a shot to the eye socket. That's gotta hurt.
A cross from Magnaron lands.

Thomas closes the distance and scores a nice trip takedown into half guard. Magnaron did well to prevent Thomas getting side control.
Thomas stops Magnaron from getting back to his feet.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

Thomas stands up out of the half guard.
Thomas fails with a takedown attempt.
Jab by Magnaron.
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!
Thomas shoots in but doesn't get the takedown
and Magnaron cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Magnaron dips to his left and cracks Thomas with an uppercut!
Magnaron with a body punch. A glancing blow.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Thomas gets cracked there but stands up to it.
Magnaron throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Thomas lets it all go there with a big combo counter but none of the punches connected.
Magnaron jabs. That one connects to the head of his opponent.
Left hook, right uppercut from Magnaron.
Magnaron darts in and out, connecting with a jab.
Magnaron is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Thomas.
Magnaron ducks low and lands a nice hook to the body of his opponent.
Magnaron connects with a crisp jab.
Magnaron tests Thomas's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Thomas looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Magnaron is fending him off so far but Thomas persists. Nope, Magnaron circles away and we're back to standing.
Thomas fails with a takedown attempt.
Thomas takes a really solid shot there but just smiles back and shrugs his shoulders.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Thomas shoots in but doesn't get the takedown
and Magnaron cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Thomas has a pretty nasty looking mouse under his right eye.

Thomas gets to his feet. Magnaron looking to butt scoot but the ref puts an end to that. On your feet son!
Thomas tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Magnaron swivels and escapes.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Von Magnaron dominated that round.
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.

Magnaron has managed to clinch.
Jax Thomas seems to be working more effectively in the clinch in the fight so far.
Thomas lands a left hand.
Magnaron tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Magnaron misses with a hook to the ribs.
A right hook to the body lands for Magnaron.
A shot in the inside from Magnaron.
Thomas misses with a punch on the inside.
Magnaron lands with a light punch inside.
Thomas lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.

Magnaron breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Magnaron cracks Thomas with a good jab.
Thomas fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Magnaron leaves Thomas with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
Magnaron scores with the left hand. Thomas knows he should have avoided that one.
Thomas is breathing heavily.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Magnaron stuns Thomas with a nice body shot, before stepping back out of range.
Nice straight punches there by Magnaron. You know Roy Jones Jr respects the hands of Magnaron.
Magnaron feints a straight left to the body, then turns around with a flashy move and hits Thomass jaw with a dramatic spinning back fist!
Magnaron stalks Thomas and leaps in with a furious combination of punches. Uppercuts and crosses smash into Thomas's face. Thomas staggers backwards, shaken.

Magnaron pushes Thomas up against the cage in a clinch.

That's one minute gone in the round.
A shot in the inside from Thomas.
Thomas swings wildly with an uppercut but Magnaron uses good head movement to avoid it.
Thomas blocking some punches.
Magnaron scores with a shot to the side of Thomas's head.
Thomas misses with some punches.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Thomas.
Magnaron fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Thomas blocking some punches.
Magnaron lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Thomas backwards.
Thomas throws a head punch that misses.
Thomas misses with a hook from the clinch.
Magnaron blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Magnaron blocking some punches.
Thomas working aggressively here.
Magnaron lands a body punch - he's looking to wear down Thomas.
A nice left hand lands by Magnaron.
Thomas swings wildly with an uppercut but Magnaron uses good head movement to avoid it.
Thomas misses with a hook from the clinch.
Thomas makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Magnaron tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Thomas throws a punch but it's blocked by Magnaron.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, Magnaron creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
Magnaron lands with a short punch from the clinch.
Thomas working aggressively here.
Thomas tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Magnaron lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
Magnaron pushes Thomas back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.
Thomas misses with a punch on the inside.
A short uppercut from Thomas.
A nice left hand lands by Thomas.
A head punch on the inside from Thomas fails to land.
Magnaron lands on the inside with an uppercut.
Magnaron lands with a short head shot on the inside.
Thomas tries to break free but Magnaron pushes him back against the cage.
Thomas throws a punch but it's blocked by Magnaron.
A nice left hand lands by Magnaron.
Thomas blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Thomas working aggressively here.
Magnaron tries to throw a body punch but Thomas avoids it by throwing Magnaron back against the cage.
Magnaron blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Thomas throws a punch but it's blocked by Magnaron.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Thomas lands a right hand that snaps the head of Magnaron backwards.
Thomas misses with some punches.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Magnaron.
Magnaron scores with an uppercut up the middle.
Thomas lands with a short head shot on the inside.
Magnaron blocking some punches.
Magnaron misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Magnaron tries to throw a body punch but Thomas avoids it by throwing Magnaron back against the cage.
Magnaron blocks an uppercut.
Magnaron lands a left hand that snaps the head of Thomas backwards.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Thomas.
Thomas is looking to break free of the clinch but Magnaron has double underhooks.
An uppercut to the body lands inside from Magnaron.
A right hand to the body from Magnaron.
Thomas misses with a short punch on the inside.
Magnaron lands on the inside with an uppercut.
Thomas fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Thomas swings away with an uppercut that misses.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Magnaron.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Thomas.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Magnaron lands with a right to the head.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Magnaron blocks an uppercut.
Thomas blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Magnaron lands an uppercut.
A short uppercut from Magnaron.
A short left from Thomas.
Thomas lands with a short head shot on the inside.
Magnaron lands with a short punch from the clinch.
Magnaron lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
Magnaron blocks an uppercut.
Thomas swings wildly with an uppercut but Magnaron uses good head movement to avoid it.
A hook to the body from Magnaron.
Magnaron makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
Thomas misses with some punches.
A short left from Magnaron.
Thomas throws a head punch that misses.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Magnaron is leaning against Thomas and scores with a nice uppercut to the body.
Magnaron lands with a light punch inside.
A short uppercut from Magnaron.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Thomas.
Magnaron swings away with an uppercut that misses.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Von Magnaron dominated that second round.
That's time! Magnaron's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight. So, we enter the final round. Let's see if either fighter can bring us a finish, or whether we're going to the judges scorecards.

No luck for Thomas with that takedown attempt.
Magnaron keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
Magnaron is moving around nicely and scores here with a single head shot.
Thomas takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
Donk. Magnaron catches Thomas right on the button with a cross.
A nice combination there by Magnaron.
Thomas shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Magnaron sprawls well. Magnaron wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Thomas gets slowly back to his feet.
Von Magnaron has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Jax Thomas.
Thomas walks into a straight right hand from Magnaron.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Magnaron has taken the fight to the clinch.
Thomas takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.

Magnaron manages to break the clinch.
Magnaron cracks Thomas with a right hand to the side of the head.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Magnaron connects with a single shot there.
Magnaron darts in and out, connecting with a jab.
Magnaron listening to his corner there, landing a nice uppercut.
Magnaron is really head hunting here, hardly looking to strike to the body at all.
Thomas fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Magnaron avoids it really well and circles away.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Thomas takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
Magnaron is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Thomas can do to turn this around?
Nice takedown defense from Magnaron. No joy for Thomas on that attempt.
Magnaron feints a straight left to the body, then turns around with a flashy move and hits Thomass jaw with a dramatic spinning back fist!
Horrible takedown attempt by Thomas or perhaps it was just good defense by Magnaron, which made it look bad.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Thomas is defended easily by Magnaron.
Magnaron moves into range and connects with a jab.
Magnaron wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.
Thomas moves his head to the side to avoid a jab but walks straight into a cross.
Magnaron's jab looks to have found its range, popping Thomas under the eye.
Thomas shakes his hands off, looking to compose himself, but takes a jab to the jaw whilst he does it.
Thomas looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Magnaron takes a step towards his opponent and connects with a left hand, before circling away.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Magnaron connects with a hook to the side of his opponent's head.
Thomas moves out of range as Magnaron strikes.
Magnaron lands a body shot.
Magnaron scores with a jab. Thomas acknowledges it with a nod of the head.
Thomas on the wrong end of an overhand right that came out of nowhere.
Thomas fails with a takedown attempt.
Von Magnaron is winning the standup battle so far.
Magnaron slaps away a takedown attempt from Thomas, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Thomas takes a jab right on the kisser.
Magnaron digs a good hook to Thomas's body.
Magnaron dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Magnaron lands the left hand.
Thomas displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Magnaron throws out the jab.
Magnaron works his jab well there, keeping his opponent at a distance.
Thomas moves out of range of the strikes.
Thomas changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Magnaron tries to avoid it but Thomas manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Magnaron to the ground. Magnaron escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
The crowd cheers as Magnaron lands an impressive looking overhand right. Thomas doesn't seem phased though.
Thomas changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Magnaron tries to avoid it but Thomas manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Magnaron to the ground. Magnaron escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Magnaron stuns Thomas with a nice body shot, before stepping back out of range.
Magnaron connects with a crisp jab.
Magnaron stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Magnaron wants it to stay on the feet.
Magnaron cracks Thomas with a right hand to the side of the head.
Thomas takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
Magnaron lands a nice shot to the body.
Magnaron lunges in with an uppercut that skims his opponent's chin.
Thomas looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
Thomas drops his hands and takes a jab to the jaw for his troubles.
Thomas doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.

Magnaron moves into the clinch.
Magnaron working aggressively here.
Magnaron lands a left hand that snaps the head of Thomas backwards.
Magnaron blocking some punches.
Magnaron misses with the head strike.
Thomas blocks a body shot from Magnaron.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Magnaron.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Thomas tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.

Magnaron breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Magnaron cracks a nice hook into Thomas's ribs.
Magnaron lands a nice looking body shot.
Magnaron's corner calls for a 1-2. Magnaron obliges with the 1 part as he scores the single shot and moves back out of range.
Magnaron throws a good cross that connects.
Thomas shoots in but Magnaron avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Magnaron lands with an overhand left.
Magnaron scores with a nice head shot.
Magnaron tests Thomas's chin there with a solid looking shot.
The fighters circling - Magnaron throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Jax Thomas has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Thomas closes the distance and clinches up with Magnaron, looking for a takedown. Thomas pushes Magnaron against the cage but Magnaron circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Magnaron connects with a single shot there.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Magnaron connects with a body shot that sends Thomas's belly button to the back.
Magnaron stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Magnaron wants it to stay on the feet.
Magnaron bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Magnaron scores with the left hand. Thomas knows he should have avoided that one.
Magnaron with a hook.

And that's the end of the fight!
Von Magnaron showed his dominance in that final round.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Magnaron, winning every round. Will the judges agree? They are the ones who matter, even if they are often depressingly incompetent. 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 Robert Twigg scores the fight 30:26
Judge George Francis scores the fight 30:26
Judge Daniel Franklin scores the fight 30:26

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Von Magnaron!
After the fight, Von Magnaron was humble in paying tribute to his opponent but made it clear he wants to go on to bigger and better things. It seemed to go down well with the crowd who cheered him loudly.