PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Johny Handicks (ranked 1990 p4p, 2359 weight class) and Artie DeVanzo (ranked 295 p4p, 333 weight class). The crowd seem to be enjoying DeVanzo's choice of entrance music: Renée & Renato - Save Your Love. Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Handicks
vs
DeVanzo

175 cm
34
181
12 - 16 - 0

182 cm
52
187
42 - 29 - 1

Good wrestling
Excellent boxer
Very quick

Good wrestler
Excellent MT
Heavy handed

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the middleweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 12 - 16 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Johny Handicks!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 42 - 29 - 1, fighting out of New York, Artie DeVanzo!
The judges for this bout are Frank Antenori, Percy O'Donnell and Jack Bonds.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Handicks works his jab well there, keeping his opponent at a distance.
DeVanzo fails to land with a series of punches.
Handicks throws a combination that misses
and DeVanzo cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
DeVanzo misses with a hook to the body
and Handicks connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Decent striking displayed by Handicks there.
Handicks takes a swing at DeVanzo's ribcage but misses.
DeVanzo with the counter takedown but Handicks avoids it easily.
Good standup being displayed there by Handicks as he connects with a hook.
DeVanzo keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Handicks throws a jab but it's blocked by DeVanzo.
Handicks lands a really nice looking cross but DeVanzo seems unphased.
Handicks misses with a jab, cross combination.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Nice body punch from Handicks.
DeVanzo lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Handicks circles away quickly and effectively.
Handicks looks to have improved his striking defense since last time we saw him fight.
A looping hook to the body misses from DeVanzo. Handicks does a little dance to reset his feet.
Handicks showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from DeVanzo.
DeVanzo gets cracked with a nice right hand there by Handicks.

That's one minute gone in the round.
DeVanzo takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.
Handicks is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by DeVanzo.
A looping hook to the body misses from DeVanzo. Handicks does a little dance to reset his feet.
As DeVanzo looks to move away, Handicks throws a big counter combo but DeVanzo just gets out of the way.
DeVanzo throws a hook to the side of Handicks's head but Handicks sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Handicks swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.
A big left from DeVanzo misses.
Handicks throws a hook but DeVanzo blocks it.
DeVanzo rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Handicks moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Handicks throws a hook to the side of DeVanzo's head but DeVanzo sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
DeVanzo with the counter takedown but Handicks avoids it easily.
Handicks misses with a wild body shot.
DeVanzo tries a counter takedown but it's more of a dummy move, and he uses it to push himself away.
DeVanzo slips under a jab from Handicks.
DeVanzo throws a right hand that Handicks ducks under and follows up with a left that Handicks also avoids with ease.
DeVanzo misses with a double jab.

Handicks gets caught flat footed, as DeVanzo shoots in with a quick takedown into guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
DeVanzo working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Handicks looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Handicks is pulling down on DeVanzo's head. It's preventing any offense from DeVanzo, at least for the moment.
Handicks tries to land a sweep but no joy.
DeVanzo wants to control from the top but Handicks keeps moving.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Handicks has control of DeVanzo's left arm, preventing DeVanzo from doing any damage.
We've had a lack of effective grappling in the last minute or so, which could well see a referee standup.
Handicks keeping moving, preventing DeVanzo from controlling successfully.

The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.
DeVanzo misses the body punch
and Handicks counters nicely by changing levels and landing a hook to the body.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Handicks uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by DeVanzo.
Handicks throws a good cross that connects.
Handicks has his head slapped from side to side by a 3 punch combination. That must have hurt him.
DeVanzo fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Handicks manages to avoid it.
Handicks throwing a counter right hand but DeVanzo manages to avoid it.
DeVanzo throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
A telegraphed right hand from DeVanzo misses the target.
Handicks misses with a two punch combination.
A little jabbing left from DeVanzo on the counter but it doesn't find it's target.
DeVanzo ducks down and throws a hook to the body.
DeVanzo avoids the body shot from Handicks.
Handicks connects with a body shot that sends DeVanzo's belly button to the back.
Handicks is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by DeVanzo.
Handicks lands with an uppercut that bounces DeVanzo off the cage and back into range.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Handicks misses with an uppercut. DeVanzo saw that one coming.
DeVanzo fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Handicks manages to avoid it.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Handicks works his jab well there, keeping his opponent at a distance.
Johny Handicks is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
DeVanzo showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Handicks.
Handicks bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
A big left from DeVanzo misses.
Handicks seem to be loading up, looking for a big counter.
DeVanzo lands with a straight right. Handicks didn't see that one coming.
No luck with that takedown attempt from DeVanzo.
DeVanzo uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Handicks.
A countering left hand to the body from DeVanzo misses.
DeVanzo on the wrong end of a nice jab.
Handicks throws a hook to the side of DeVanzo's head but DeVanzo sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Handicks swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Handicks throws a nice looking combination but DeVanzo bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Handicks tries to bum rush DeVanzo with a series of wild strikes but DeVanzo uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
DeVanzo swings away with a counter right hand but no contact made.
DeVanzo slips a straight right by Handicks.
DeVanzo swings away with a counter right hand but no contact made.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Johny Handicks dominated that round.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

DeVanzo looks shocked there as he takes a right hand to the temple.
DeVanzo ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Handicks moves away.
Handicks gets cracked there but stands up to it.
DeVanzo uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Handicks.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from DeVanzo! But no joy.
Johny Handicks is winning the standup battle so far.
DeVanzo takes a jab right on the kisser.
DeVanzo fakes and then throws a beautiful body shot. Handicks looks a bit winded and takes a step backwards to take a breath.
DeVanzo throws the left hand but Handicks avoids the punch easily.
Handicks just misses with a punch to the body.
DeVanzo misses with a looping right.
DeVanzo takes one on the chin but keeps coming.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
DeVanzo throws out a loose jab but Handicks uses good head movement to avoid it.
Handicks connects with a lovely jab that went straight through the gap between DeVanzo's hands.
A slow jab from DeVanzo misses its intended target.
Handicks moves away from the strike by DeVanzo.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Handicks fails to land with a series of punches.
DeVanzo swings away with a counter right hand but no contact made.

That's one minute gone in the round.
DeVanzo uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Handicks.
DeVanzo misses with a straight right.
DeVanzo slips under a jab from Handicks.
A left lands for Handicks.
DeVanzo throws a body shot but no joy.
DeVanzo throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
DeVanzo swings and misses with a hook to the body.
It looked like Handicks wanted to counter with a hook but didn't fully commit.
Handicks connects with a slap. Keep your fist closed son.
DeVanzo swings wildly with a hook that is half blocked by Handicks.
DeVanzo throws a big shot that misses.
Handicks tries to counter with a takedown but DeVanzo is quick to defend against it.
Handicks looks to land a left hand but DeVanzo moved out of range nicely.
Handicks lands a pitter patter jab to the forehead of his opponent.
DeVanzo lunges at Handicks with a hook that half lands and is half blocked by Handicks's hand.
Handicks scores with a hook to the body. DeVanzo takes a step back and tries to catch his breath.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Handicks swings wildly with a hook that is half blocked by DeVanzo.
Handicks is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that DeVanzo can do to turn this around?
Handicks stooping low to avoid any incoming strikes and then lunges in with an uppercut come cross that lands flush.
DeVanzo throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Jab, jab by DeVanzo - just one landing.
Handicks smiles there as he lands a nice right hand right on the button.
DeVanzo throws a lazy right hand but Handicks sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
The fighters circling - Handicks throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Handicks clobbers DeVanzo with an overhand right that has the crowd gasping. That made a horrendous noise.
DeVanzo lands a nice looking body shot.
Handicks with a body punch. A glancing blow.
Handicks will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
DeVanzo drops down looking to force a counter takedown but Handicks defends it well.
DeVanzo closes this distance looking for a takedown but Handicks circles away.
Handicks is looking to counter punch.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
DeVanzo throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Handicks misses with a straight left.
Handicks throws a nice looking combination but DeVanzo bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
It seemed like DeVanzo was going to counter with the hook but didn't fully commit to it.
DeVanzo slips a jab from Handicks.
Handicks throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
DeVanzo has a pretty nasty looking mouse under his right eye.
DeVanzo throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
DeVanzo swings wildly with a couple of big hooks
and Handicks counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Handicks throws out a powerful jab.
Handicks slips a jab and a cross from DeVanzo.
Handicks lets the fists fly and connects with a left straight followed by a right hook.
Handicks misses with a hook.
A jab lands there for DeVanzo.
DeVanzo ducks right into an uppercut from Handicks.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Handicks lands with a nice body punch.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
DeVanzo lands a jab to the nose.
DeVanzo on the wrong end of a nice hook.
DeVanzo walks into a left hand.
Handicks blocks a jab.
Handicks swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.
DeVanzo steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Handicks.
A countering left hand to the body from DeVanzo misses.
DeVanzo takes a swing at Handicks's ribcage but misses.
It looked like Handicks wanted to counter with a hook but didn't fully commit.
Handicks misses the jab.
DeVanzo misses with a looping left.
DeVanzo throws the left hand but Handicks avoids the punch easily.
DeVanzo misses with a wild body shot.
DeVanzo shoots in and drives through. Handicks sprawls well.
Handicks bobs and weaves and throws out a fast jab that snaps DeVanzo's head backwards.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Handicks stuffs the takedown attempt from DeVanzo. DeVanzo gets slowly back to his feet.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Johny Handicks dominated that second round.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action! This is the final round!

DeVanzo throws a jab, cross combination which is slipped
and Handicks counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Handicks connects with a nice looking jab.
Handicks darts in and out, connecting with a jab.

DeVanzo is rocked!
Handicks misses with a straight left.
DeVanzo is still on wobbly legs! Can Handicks finish him?
Handicks takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.
DeVanzo seems to have recovered his senses.
Handicks misses with a wild body shot.
Handicks rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but DeVanzo moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
DeVanzo tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Handicks was well out of range. Poor timing from DeVanzo.
Handicks throwing a counter right hand but DeVanzo manages to avoid it.
Handicks misses with a jab, cross combination.
DeVanzo tries a counter takedown but it's more of a dummy move, and he uses it to push himself away.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Handicks keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from DeVanzo.
Handicks throws a lazy right hand but DeVanzo sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
DeVanzo throws a predictable looking body shot
and Handicks counters with a stiff right hand.
Handicks throws the left hand but DeVanzo avoids the punch easily.

That's one minute gone in the round.
DeVanzo gets his head snapped back by a nice shot there.
DeVanzo lands a slapping body shot.
DeVanzo scores with a jab to the body.
DeVanzo scores with a sloppy right hand. Handicks should have avoided that one.
DeVanzo misses with a left hand
and Handicks counters with a nice uppercut.
A left lands for Handicks.
Handicks looks to land a right hand but DeVanzo moved out of range.
DeVanzo throws a counter combo.
DeVanzo lands a body shot.
Handicks throws a nice looking combination but DeVanzo bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
DeVanzo shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Handicks defends it nicely.
Artie DeVanzo has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Johny Handicks is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
DeVanzo looks to score with a jab to the body but Handicks is just out of range.
DeVanzo misses with a takedown attempt - Handicks sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Handicks throws a combination but it was largely blocked by DeVanzo.
DeVanzo lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Handicks circles away quickly and effectively.
Handicks slaps away a takedown attempt from DeVanzo, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Johny Handicks has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Artie DeVanzo.
DeVanzo takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Handicks scores with a one two! DeVanzo had his feet all tangled up there and couldn't avoid the strikes.
Handicks connects with a crisp jab.
Handicks comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.
Handicks connects with a lovely jab that went straight through the gap between DeVanzo's hands.
A decent looking cross lands there for Handicks.
Handicks displaying good standup as he scores with a three punch combination.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Some wild striking there from DeVanzo.
DeVanzo on the wrong end of a vicious looking body shot.
DeVanzo lands a pitter patter jab to the forehead of his opponent.
DeVanzo goes for a double leg but Handicks avoids the attempt and the two fighters end up clinched against the cage as Handicks continues to drive forward.
An attempted straight right counter from Handicks misses the target.
DeVanzo walks straight into a jab right on the nose. That one stung - he's blinking and trying to clear his head.
DeVanzo tries to drive through with a takedown attempt but Handicks defends well and DeVanzo ends up having to push Handicks into the cage where they will battle it out in the clinch.
DeVanzo misses with a left hand
and Handicks counters with a one-two to the body.
Handicks closes the distance and lands a one-two.
DeVanzo looks to land a right hand but Handicks moved out of range.
A quick step to the side and Handicks tries to counter with a shot to the body but it doesn't connect.
Handicks moves into range and connects with a jab.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Handicks steps to the side to avoid the strikes from DeVanzo.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
DeVanzo misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Handicks.
An attempted straight right counter from Handicks misses the target.
DeVanzo slips a jab and a cross from Handicks.
Handicks cracks DeVanzo with a right hand to the side of the head.
Handicks works over DeVanzo's head and body with a nice combination.
DeVanzo walks straight into a jab right on the nose. That one stung - he's blinking and trying to clear his head.
Handicks cracks a nice hook into DeVanzo's ribs.
DeVanzo ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Handicks moves away.
Handicks moves out of range of the strikes.
Handicks scores with a sloppy punch to the body. Not much technique there but it did the business.
DeVanzo swings widly with a right hand
and Handicks counters with a lovely straight right hand!
DeVanzo misses with a hook
and DeVanzo takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Handicks connects with a right hand. DeVanzo shakes it off.
Handicks connects with a jab.

And that's the end of the fight!
Johny Handicks showed his dominance in that final round.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Handicks, 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 Frank Antenori scores the fight 30:27
Judge Percy O'Donnell scores the fight 30:27
Judge Jack Bonds scores the fight 30:27

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Johny Handicks!
Johny Handicks was full of energy after the big win and talked about how he thinks he can do big things in this sport. The crowd were appreciative of his determination to succeed.