PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Marcus Behnder (ranked 107 p4p, 608 weight class) and Dick Winters (ranked 19 p4p, 88 weight class). Winters comes into a darkened arena with his song building. All Along the Watchtower kicks in, the lights come on and the crowd goes wild! What a showman! Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Behnder
vs
Winters

170 cm
27
170
14 - 6 - 1

183 cm
27
166
10 - 4 - 0

Powerful takedowns
Basic striking
Cardio machine

Good wrestler
Basic striking
Granite chin

Beachside Supplements

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the welterweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 14 - 6 - 1, fighting out of The Island, Marcus Behnder!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 10 - 4 - 0, fighting out of The Island, Dick Winters!
The judges for this bout are Peter Branson, Dirk Anderson and David Hoff.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Behnder gets a clinch.

Behnder jumps guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

Behnder looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.
Winters trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Winters wants to control from the top but Behnder keeps moving.

Behnder looking for subs off his back but Winters has passed one foot through into half guard.
Behnder is trying to get back to full guard.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Winters sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Behnder defending well though.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Winters thows a huge punch but Behnder dodges it nicely.
Behnder wants to control but Winters is keeping busy.
Behnder is looking for a sweep. Winters is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Behnder is working hard here to advance position.
Behnder slips a foot under and gets full guard. Nice work.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are getting on the fighters' backs, as the pace has dropped off in the last minute or so.
Winters controlling from the guard. I say controlling but really, he's stalling.
Behnder trying to control the position here.
We've been hearing good reports from Behnder's training camp. Apparently he has been rolling around with some good quality BJJ practitioners and has been sharpening his skills. Let's see if that has an impact on the fight today.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Behnder is on top in guard.

Behnder controlling from the top position.
Winters has a closed guard, preventing anything of note from happening. Perhaps he's looking to stall.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Behnder wants to control from the top but Winters keeps moving.
Behnder stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Winters swivels though and keeps the full guard.

The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up.

Behnder gets caught flat footed, as Winters shoots in with a quick takedown into guard.
Behnder has control of Winters's left arm, preventing Winters from doing any damage.
Behnder has controlled the position for a good 20 seconds, which will no doubt be starting to frustrate his opponent.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Behnder looking for a sweep. Not yet Behnder, not yet.

Behnder looking for submissions from the bottom but instead Winters passes into half guard.
Winters content to sit in half guard and control for a moment.
Winters moves nicely into side control.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but Dick Winters will probably get the nod.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.

Behnder fails with the takedown.
Behnder shoots for a takedown but Winters saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
Winters is trying hard to land a takedown here. Behnder sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
Nice takedown defense from Behnder. No joy for Winters on that attempt.
Behnder wants to take advantage of his opponent's missed offense by moving into the clinch.
Winters displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Behnder.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Marcus Behnder. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Winters fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
Winters changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Behnder tries to avoid it but Winters manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Behnder to the ground. Behnder escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.

Behnder clinches up against the cage.

Winters manages to pull guard. Let's see whether he can land a sub off his back.
Behnder is pushing down on Winters's leg trying to pass to half guard. Winters is fighting to maintain full guard but Behnder has managed to sneak the leg through.
Behnder not doing much here.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Behnder wants to pass to mount but Winters is defending the position.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Behnder wants to take a breather but Winters is having none of it.
Behnder wants to pass the guard but Winters is defending well.
Winters is looking for a sweep. Behnder is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Winters felt the need to train up his defensive grappling in the buildup to the fight. Presumably he was expecting to be in a difficult position like this, so let's see if he can get out of it.
Behnder trying to mount his opponent but Winters defends it.
Behnder is taking a breather. Winters 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.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are getting on the fighters' backs, as the pace has dropped off in the last minute or so.
We've had a lack of effective grappling in the last minute or so, which could well see a referee standup.
Behnder is pressing down on Winters's thigh, looking to free his foot. Winters is holding on for now.

The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.
Winters has a takedown stuffed.

Winters shoots in and gets a takedown into half guard. Winters showed some decent athleticism there.
Winters is thwarting Behnder's attempts to control the position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Winters is taking a breather. Behnder 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.
Dick Winters has got the better of the ground game so far.
Behnder trying to control here.
Winters prevents Behnder from improving his position.
Behnder has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Winters is working away from the top position though.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are hurling abuse towards the fighters... You can hardly blame them though because there isn't a lot going on in the fight.

Winters is trying to work for a kimura. This could be trouble! No, Behnder has managed to free his arm - good work.

The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.

Winters is looking for a takedown here. He's shot in and has managed to get it, finishing up in Behnder's half guard.
Behnder avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Winters.
Behnder moves his hips nicely and gets into full guard.
Behnder is trying to control the position from the bottom.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!

Winters got a little sloppy there for a moment and Behnder has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Winters has managed to get both his arms back between Behnder's legs - danger averted.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Dick Winters showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

Winters throws the overhand right but ducks down into a quick takedown attempt. Behnder was covering up waiting for the punch and Winters finishes the takedown easily into guard.
Winters being controlled here momentarily.

Winters avoids a guillotine attempt easily.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Behnder wants to control the position but Winters says "no thanks buddy" and passes to half guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Behnder works his way to full guard. Good work.
Behnder looking for a sweep. Not yet Behnder, not yet.
Behnder is looking to sweep but instead, Winters has passed into half guard.
Behnder is looking to control Winters's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Behnder avoid being mounted?
Winters is pressing down on Behnder's thigh, looking to free his foot. Behnder is holding on for now.
Behnder is trying to maintain the position but Winters is very close to passing his half guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are hurling abuse towards the fighters... You can hardly blame them though because there isn't a lot going on in the fight.
Winters takes a deep breath and rests his weight momentarily on top of his opponent, to control the position.
Behnder is positioning himself well to prevent Winters advancing to mount.
Behnder moves into full guard.
Winters trying to control but Behnder is working from the bottom.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Winters shoots in looking for a takedown. Behnder tries to sprawl out of it but Winters keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Behnder manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Behnder shoots in for a takedown but Winters shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Nice takedown defense from Winters. No joy for Behnder on that attempt.

Behnder gets caught flat footed, as Winters shoots in with a quick takedown into guard.
Winters trying to control but Behnder is working from the bottom.

Behnder throws his legs up looking for a submission but Winters uses it to pass to side control.
Behnder is looking to reverse the position.
Winters has control of an arm but Behnder manages to advance to Winters's back!

Winters defends a prolonged rear naked choke attempt and turns nicely into his opponent's guard.
Winters must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Behnder is trying to keep Winters in close.

Behnder working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Winters doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Winters manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.
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!
Behnder controls Winters momentarily but Winters frees himself.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Winters is pushing down on Behnder's leg trying to pass to half guard. Behnder is fighting to maintain full guard but Winters has managed to sneak the leg through.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Dick Winters really dominated that round.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!

Behnder fails with an attempt to clinch.
Behnder looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Winters is fending him off so far but Behnder persists. Nope, Winters circles away and we're back to standing.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Behnder is defended easily by Winters.
Winters tries to score a power double leg takedown but Behnder sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Winters somewhat.
Dick Winters is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.

Winters bobs and weaves into range and then changes levels and scores with a nice takedown into side control.
Behnder is trying to get back to half guard. He's pushing on Winters's leg. He's managed it. Nice work.
Winters seems content to maintain position for now, rather than mounting any offense.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Behnder wants to get back to full guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Winters passes the half guard and he's now in mount! Big trouble for Behnder!
Winters controlling from the full mount.
Behnder tries to lock up and control but Winters gives him a forearm to the face and pushes him away.
Winters controlling from the full mount.
Behnder is in all sorts of trouble here.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Behnder wants to control but Winters is having none of it.
Behnder is working to get back to half guard.
Behnder regains half guard.

Winters is working for submissions here but there's nothing on.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Winters passes into side control, despite Behnder's attempt to control the position.
Behnder gets one leg under and gets the fight to half guard.

Behnder actively working from the bottom here.
Winters passes the guard and advances to mount!
Behnder really trying hard to get back to half guard here.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Behnder tries to hold on but Winters postures up.
Winters trying to control but he's not successful this time.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Behnder wants to hold on but Winters pushes him away.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Dick Winters dominated that fourth 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. Ladies and gentlemen, this is the final round!

Winters bobs and weaves into range and then changes levels and scores with a nice takedown into side control.
Winters has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Behnder wants to control but Winters postures up.
Behnder might be looking to lock onto one of his opponent's long limbs for a submission, whilst we're on the ground.
Behnder seems a little lost for a moment, as Winters dominates the positioning.
Winters tries to cartwheel into mount but he doesn't manage it.
Winters passes to full mount! That's big trouble for Behnder!
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Winters tucks in and makes sure he doesn't lose the dominant position.
Behnder wants to hold on but Winters pushes him away.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Winters prevents Behnder from getting the reversal.
Winters controlling his opponent.
Behnder is squirming around, avoiding Winters's attempts to control the action.
Behnder is in all sorts of trouble here.
Winters is still in mount, landing shots to his trapped opponent. Behnder can't stay in a position like this for much longer.
Marcus Behnder has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Behnder is looking to improve his position but Winters isn't that keen on the idea.
Winters unloads with some shots from mount but Behnder bucks and avoids them well.
Behnder is squirming around, avoiding Winters's attempts to control the action.
Behnder working to try and regain half guard.
Behnder wants to hold on but Winters pushes him away.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Behnder is working to get back to half guard.
Behnder wants to control but Winters is having none of it.
Winters prevents Behnder from getting the reversal.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are showing their displeasure at the lack of action as loud boos ring out around the arena.
Winters trying to control but Behnder is having none of it.
Behnder is in all sorts of trouble here.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!

Winters is in full mount, looking to secure a guillotine but Behnder is surviving well by controlling Winters's body position as best he can.

And that's the end of the fight!
Dick Winters comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I've got Winters winning every round here. Surely the decision will go his way and he'll pick up a well deserved decision victory. Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 5 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Peter Branson scores the fight 45:50
Judge Dirk Anderson scores the fight 45:50
Judge David Hoff scores the fight 45:50

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Dick Winters!
Dick Winters is the new welterweight champion!
A relieved looking Dick Winters thanked the fans for their support and gave the usual line about them being amazing. They seemed to believe that he actually meant it.