PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Masada The Zealot (ranked 2792 p4p, 3318 weight class) and Ger McDonnell (ranked 354 p4p, 404 weight class). Masada The Zealot has a significant reach advantage - let's see if he can make it count.

The Zealot
vs
McDonnell

190 cm
44
162
35 - 29 - 0

171 cm
21
160
1 - 1 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Excellent boxer
Granite chin

Decent wrestler
World class boxer
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 35 - 29 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Masada The Zealot!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Ger McDonnell!
The judges for this bout are Paul Aken, Nard Betker and Patrick Alders.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
The Zealot throws a low kick but McDonnell avoids it.
McDonnell changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.
McDonnell scores with a jab to the jaw of his opponent.
The Zealot takes a shot to the eye socket. That's gotta hurt.
The Zealot throws a head kick that misses.
The Zealot moves out of range as McDonnell strikes.
McDonnell takes a swing at The Zealot's ribcage but misses.
McDonnell connects with a good right hand that stumbles The Zealot. The Zealot circles away out of range and recomposes himself.
A combination from McDonnell does no damage.
The Zealot misses with a low kick.
The Zealot really does look like a pencil wearing a pair of gloves. Let's hope he has a gameplan to suit that ridiculous body shape.
The Zealot thows a left - swing and a miss!
McDonnell connects with a body shot.
A slow jab from The Zealot misses its intended target.
The Zealot pivots, looking for a leg kick but McDonnell is out of range and The Zealot settles back down.
McDonnell scores to the head and body with a nice combination!
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
The Zealot takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
The Zealot scores with a nice body kick.
McDonnell looks to score with a jab to the body but The Zealot is just out of range.
McDonnell throws an overhand right that lands on The Zealot's shoulder, as The Zealot tries to avoid the shot.
McDonnell connects with a single shot there.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Nice body punch from McDonnell.
McDonnell bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
McDonnell fakes and then throws a beautiful body shot. The Zealot looks a bit winded and takes a step backwards to take a breath.
McDonnell misses with a straight right.
McDonnell throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
The Zealot throws a hook to the side of McDonnell's head but McDonnell sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Decent striking displayed by The Zealot there.
McDonnell lands a head shot.
McDonnell cracks The Zealot with a nice right hand that draws applause from the crowd.
McDonnell throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
The Zealot cracks McDonnell with a good shot that sees him stumbling back into the cage.
The Zealot doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
McDonnell throws a lazy right hand but The Zealot sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
This has been an exciting period of action!
The Zealot cracks McDonnell with a nice right hand that draws applause from the crowd.
McDonnell lands the left hand.
The Zealot displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as McDonnell throws out the jab.
The Zealot moves his head to the side to avoid a jab but walks straight into a cross.
The Zealot avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
McDonnell is landing a lot of head punches in this opening round! The Zealot had better start moving his head a bit unless he wants his face to turn into mush.
McDonnell dodges the punch combination from The Zealot.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A big left from The Zealot misses.
McDonnell has been working his punching technique in the buildup to the fight and it appears to be paying off.
The Zealot fails to land with a series of punches.
A shot to the liver by McDonnell. Beautiful body shot.
The Zealot throws a right hand that McDonnell ducks under and follows up with a left that McDonnell also avoids with ease.
The Zealot moves out of range as McDonnell strikes.
McDonnell slips a jab and a cross from The Zealot.
The Zealot ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
McDonnell moves out of range of the strikes.
The Zealot throws a nice looking combination but McDonnell bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
McDonnell cracks a nice hook into The Zealot's ribs.
McDonnell throws a right hand that The Zealot ducks under and follows up with a left that The Zealot also avoids with ease.
McDonnell scores with a sloppy right hand. The Zealot should have avoided that one.
A head kick misses from The Zealot.
The Zealot throws an overhand right that lands on McDonnell's shoulder, as McDonnell tries to avoid the shot.
McDonnell doesn't fully commit to the body shot counter.
McDonnell throws a jab when The Zealot was well out of range.
Nice defenses there by McDonnell.
McDonnell is loading up here, looking for a big counter of his own.
McDonnell throws a big shot that misses.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
McDonnell scores with a jab.
The Zealot waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract McDonnell.
McDonnell gets cracked with a nice right hand there by The Zealot.

It looks like Ger McDonnell has been cut.
McDonnell tries to clinch up.
McDonnell checks a leg kick.
McDonnell fakes high and swings low for a body shot but The Zealot manages to avoid it.
McDonnell lands a right hook to the body.
McDonnell works the jab nicely.
The Zealot looking to land some kicks to the body here.
McDonnell lands with a shot to the body.
Wow, both these guys are really going for it!

McDonnell gets in close and instigates a clinch.
The Zealot lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
McDonnell content to slow the pace in the clinch.
The Zealot scores with an uppercut up the middle.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
A right hook to the body lands for McDonnell.
The Zealot working aggressively here.
McDonnell scores with a shoulder strike.
McDonnell works on The Zealot's body with a couple of short punches.
McDonnell blocks a body shot from The Zealot.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
McDonnell lands with a short shot to the head.
The Zealot goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
McDonnell will no doubt start fighting again in a minute but for now he's just having a little rest, leaning The Zealot up against the cage.
Both fighters working to control the clinch.
McDonnell lands a shot to the body.
McDonnell's corner are urging him to control the action in the clinch for a moment, rather than mount any serious offense. I'm sure the crowd appreciate those instructions... not.

McDonnell breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
The Zealot ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
McDonnell fakes a head punch and goes low to the body. Nicely done.
The Zealot takes a jab right on the nose. That must have hurt but he shrugs his shoulders and looks to return the favor.
A slow jab from The Zealot misses its intended target.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
The Zealot thuds his right hand into McDonnell's forehead from close range. That could be painful for both fighters.
McDonnell ducks under a wild hook from The Zealot.
McDonnell takes a kick to the side of the head.
McDonnell looks to score with a jab to the body but The Zealot is just out of range.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Ger McDonnell dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Ger McDonnell's cut.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.

McDonnell lands a straight punch to the body, keeping The Zealot at a distance.
The Zealot walks into a straight right hand from McDonnell.
Sloppy strikes from The Zealot. Those never looked like landing.
McDonnell throws out a powerful jab.
McDonnell pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
The Zealot appears to be looking for a big counter.
McDonnell pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
McDonnell waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract The Zealot.
The Zealot has not gone for a single takedown so far in this fight, which seems like a very strange tactic when you consider that he has the superior wrestling and BJJ.
The Zealot steps to the side to avoid the strikes from McDonnell.
McDonnell ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
McDonnell throws a combination. The Zealot tries to block but a couple of punches get through.
The Zealot connects with a solid leg kick.
McDonnell misses with a straight left.
McDonnell walks into a straight right hand from The Zealot.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
The Zealot takes a jab on the nose there. A little bit of blood seems to be coming out. Hopefully that won't affect his breathing.
Nice jab there from McDonnell.
McDonnell connects with a right hand. The Zealot shakes it off.
The Zealot lands with a nice low kick. That'll leave a bruise.
McDonnell thuds a left hand into The Zealot's body.
McDonnell bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.

That's one minute gone in the round.
The Zealot closes the distance and takes a jab right on the nose as he does so.
A telegraphed right hand from McDonnell misses the target.
McDonnell swings for the body but The Zealot moves out of range.
McDonnell misses the shot to the body.
The Zealot takes a shot right to the bread basket.
The Zealot takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
The Zealot scores with a spinning back kick!
The Zealot displaying good standup as he scores with a three punch combination.
McDonnell fakes a head shot and lands one to the body.
The Zealot throws a head kick that misses.
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
McDonnell lands a right hook to the body.
This has been an exciting period of action!
The Zealot takes a body punch but keeps moving.
McDonnell keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from The Zealot.
McDonnell tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but The Zealot was well out of range. Poor timing from McDonnell.
McDonnell has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
McDonnell thows a left - swing and a miss!
McDonnell ducks down and throws a hook to the body but The Zealot moves away.
Nice shot lands for McDonnell.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The Zealot loads up on a big right hand but McDonnell slips the punch.
The Zealot gets cracked there but stands up to it.
McDonnell lands a powerful looking uppercut that connected with his opponent's jaw.
The Zealot's corner calls for a 1, 2 combination and The Zealot duly obliges.
A big left from McDonnell misses.
McDonnell throws out a loose jab but The Zealot uses good head movement to avoid it.
Jab, jab by McDonnell - just one landing.
The Zealot pulls out of a head kick attempt.
The Zealot takes an uppercut right on the jaw but it doesn't phase him.
McDonnell with a jab.
McDonnell lands a jab to the nose.
McDonnell paws at his opponent with the jab and then lunges in with a straight, right on the button.
McDonnell throws a jab to the body, straight down the pipe. Boom. That sent The Zealot stumbling backwards but he manages to regain his composure quickly.
The Zealot keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
The Zealot misses with a few strikes there.
The Zealot ducks under a wild hook from McDonnell.
McDonnell scores with a decent looking hook.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
McDonnell scores with a hook.
Well, he's not going to score with shots like that. A lazy body kick attempt from The Zealot.
It seemed like McDonnell was going to counter with the hook but didn't fully commit to it.
The Zealot throws a hook but McDonnell blocks it.
The Zealot takes an uppercut right on the button but keeps his composure.
McDonnell just misses with a punch to the body.
The Zealot scores with a nice right hand.
No joy there for The Zealot, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
The Zealot slips under a jab from McDonnell.
McDonnell throws a body shot but no joy.
It looked like The Zealot wanted to counter with a hook but didn't fully commit.
McDonnell lands a jab to The Zealot's midsection.
McDonnell walks straight into an uppercut. Luckily it didn't land flush.
A decent looking cross lands there for McDonnell.
McDonnell throws a hook but The Zealot avoids it easily.
The Zealot throws a front kick that sends McDonnell stumbling back into the cage.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
The Zealot throws a series of strikes that have McDonnell backpedaling.
McDonnell dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
McDonnell thuds his right hand into The Zealot's forehead from close range. That could be painful for both fighters.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The Zealot avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
McDonnell stuns The Zealot with a nice body shot, before stepping back out of range.
McDonnell slips a jab from The Zealot.
McDonnell slips a jab from The Zealot.
The Zealot looks like he's developed a pretty tasty lump over his left eye. He'll need to avoid taking much more damage to that.
The Zealot throws a leg kick but he was too far away and it doesn't land.
McDonnell moves forwards but The Zealot connects with a nice, crisp jab.
The Zealot walks straight into a jab right on the nose. That one stung - he's blinking and trying to clear his head.
The Zealot shakes his hands off, looking to compose himself, but takes a jab to the jaw whilst he does it.
The Zealot ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
The Zealot takes a shot to the body in his stride.
Ger McDonnell seems to be getting the better of the standup.
The Zealot throws a big shot that misses.
The Zealot lands a pitter patter jab to the forehead of his opponent.
The Zealot takes a shot to the eye socket. That's gotta hurt.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
The Zealot on the wrong end of an overhand right that came out of nowhere.
McDonnell lands with a nice body punch.
McDonnell misses with a looping left.
The Zealot with a jab.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Ger McDonnell showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The cut man is working on Ger McDonnell's cut.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action. This is the final round!

McDonnell throws a body punch but The Zealot moves out of range.
The Zealot throws a solid leg kick but McDonnell takes the impact on his shin and smiles at The Zealot.
The Zealot takes a solid shot to the body. That one hurt him but he's trying not to show it.
McDonnell scores with a jab to the jaw of his opponent.
McDonnell keeps his opponent at a distance with a nice jab.
McDonnell works The Zealot's body with a nice hook.
The Zealot looks to land a left hand but McDonnell moved out of range nicely.
McDonnell displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as The Zealot throws out the jab.
The Zealot fakes a couple of low kicks, before throwing one on the third attempt. It connects and McDonnell has to reset his feet before getting ready to engage.
A big left from The Zealot misses.
A big left from McDonnell misses.
McDonnell misses with a wild body shot.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
McDonnell connects with a hook to the side of his opponent's head.
McDonnell ducks down and throws a hook to the body.
McDonnell throws an overhand right that lands on The Zealot's shoulder, as The Zealot tries to avoid the shot.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
McDonnell waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract The Zealot.
The Zealot throws an overhand right that lands on McDonnell's shoulder, as McDonnell tries to avoid the shot.
McDonnell looks to score with a jab to the body but The Zealot is just out of range.

That's one minute gone in the round.
The Zealot misses with a kick to the body.
The Zealot takes a body punch but keeps moving.
McDonnell with a nice cross.
The Zealot fakes a jab and throws a low kick but McDonnell checks it well.
McDonnell listening to his corner there, landing a nice uppercut.
McDonnell just misses with a punch to the body.
McDonnell staying out of range there.
The Zealot lands with a slapping head kick.
The Zealot throws an overhand right that lands on McDonnell's shoulder, as McDonnell tries to avoid the shot.
The Zealot misses with an attempted mid kick.
Decent striking displayed by McDonnell there.
McDonnell lands a nice hook to The Zealot's body. The Zealot takes it in his stride and looks to land his own strikes.
McDonnell lands a straight punch to the body, keeping The Zealot at a distance.
McDonnell with a nice cross.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
A shot to the liver by McDonnell. Beautiful body shot.
The Zealot tries to work over McDonnell's front leg with a kick but McDonnell checks it.
McDonnell looked like he wanted to counter with a punch but didn't throw it.
The Zealot slips a jab from McDonnell.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
McDonnell misses the shot to the body.
McDonnell scores with a crisp jab that stopped The Zealot in his tracks.
McDonnell fakes a jab and then connects with a hook.
McDonnell connects with a crisp jab.
A shot to the liver by McDonnell. Beautiful body shot.
McDonnell ducks under a wild hook from The Zealot.
McDonnell throws a looping overhand right but The Zealot ducks down to avoid it.
A jab from The Zealot does it's job there.
A big left from The Zealot misses.
McDonnell lands a nice shot that snaps The Zealot's head back.
A looping hook to the body misses from McDonnell. The Zealot does a little dance to reset his feet.
McDonnell lands with a cross to side of his opponent's head.
McDonnell checks the leg kick.
The Zealot walks forward and throws out a flicking leg kick. McDonnell checks it nicely though, as he moves to the side.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from McDonnell! But no joy.
McDonnell scores with a hook.

The Zealot tries to keep at a distance but McDonnell has taken the fight into the clinch.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
The Zealot struggles to land a body shot inside as McDonnell controls his hands.
The Zealot pushes McDonnell back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.
McDonnell is looking to control The Zealot's arms but The Zealot gets an underhook and turns him. Now McDonnell has his back to the cage.
McDonnell lands a nice looking hook to the body, against the cage.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
McDonnell struggles to land a body shot inside as The Zealot controls his hands.
Masada The Zealot has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
The Zealot tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
The Zealot blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.
The Zealot lands a body punch.
McDonnell stalling the fight.
McDonnell is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. The Zealot is defending well for now.
McDonnell controlling the action here for a moment.
The Zealot blocking some punches.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for The Zealot.
McDonnell blocks an uppercut.
McDonnell blocking some punches.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
McDonnell misses with a punch to the body.
McDonnell lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
The Zealot blocks a punch to the side of the head.
The Zealot is leaning against McDonnell and scores with a nice uppercut to the body.

McDonnell breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
The Zealot swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
McDonnell throws a hook to the side of The Zealot's head but The Zealot sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
McDonnell ducks down and throws a hook to the body.
McDonnell jabs The Zealot right on the nose. The Zealot blinks but takes it well.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
The Zealot thows a left - swing and a miss!
McDonnell is pinned up against the cage taking some big shots here. The referee is looking closely deciding whether he should stop the fight.
A shot to the liver by McDonnell. Beautiful body shot.
The Zealot blocks a jab.
The Zealot looks shocked there as he takes a right hand to the temple.
The Zealot stooping low to avoid any incoming strikes and then lunges in with an uppercut come cross that lands flush.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
The Zealot looks to throw the jab but McDonnell is out of range.
Ger McDonnell is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
McDonnell scores with a jab to the jaw.

And that's the end of the fight!
Ger McDonnell comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
Well McDonnell has outworked and out performed his opponent in all aspects of the game today. He was simply too good and the decision should be no more than a formality. 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 Paul Aken scores the fight 27:30
Judge Nard Betker scores the fight 27:30
Judge Patrick Alders scores the fight 27:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Ger McDonnell!
Our winner, Ger McDonnell, made sure he spent some time buttering up the crowd during his post fight interview, which will no doubt bring him a few more fans.