PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Bruno Ponce (ranked 3402 p4p, 3756 weight class) and Rick Von Erick (ranked 422 p4p, 458 weight class). Ponce kept the crowd waiting but all that was forgotten when his ring entrance music started. The incomparable musical genius that is Fast Car. Well, the cameraman is lingering on a pretty young lady for a bit too long there. Keep your eyes on the prize buddy or you'll miss the fighter intros!

Ponce
vs
Von Erick

184 cm
26
170
2 - 3 - 0

180 cm
26
180
2 - 2 - 0

Powerful takedowns
Brawler
Insanely flexible

Good wrestler
Lethal high kicks
Determined

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 2 - 3 - 0, fighting out of The Island, Bruno Ponce!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 2 - 2 - 0, fighting out of The Island, Rick Von Erick!
The judges for this bout are Peter Branson, Winston Alpacca and Santiago Holmes.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Von Erick has closed the distance and engaged Ponce in a clinch.
Ponce drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it.
We've been informed that Von Erick has been sparring a lot of Muay Thai in the buildup to this fight so let's see if that has an impact on the result.
Von Erick is pressed up against the cage. Ponce has hold of a leg and is looking to drag Von Erick down to the mat. Von Erick avoids the attempt though and has circled away. We're back to striking at a distance.
Rick Von Erick seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
A head kick misses from Von Erick.
A jab from Von Erick finds it's way through Ponce's defenses.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Ponce is defended easily by Von Erick.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Bruno Ponce. That's going to take a lot out of him.

Von Erick has Ponce up against the cage in a clinch.
Ponce definitely looks more muscular than last time we saw him fight.
A short right from Von Erick.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Von Erick pushes off an throws an elbow but Ponce leans to the side and avoids it. We're back to clinching against the cage.
Von Erick tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Von Erick working some nice short punches in the clinch.
Von Erick lands a body punch.
Von Erick with an attempt at a knee that misses.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Ponce blocks an elbow strike from Von Erick.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Ponce.
Ponce is working for a takedown up against the cage. He can't get it on this occasion though.
Von Erick tries to throw a body punch but Ponce avoids it by throwing Von Erick back against the cage.
Von Erick lands an uppercut.
Von Erick looking to throw knees to the head but Ponce is blocking nicely.
Von Erick prevents a takedown attempt there.
Ponce managing to block the knees to the body from Von Erick.
Von Erick is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Ponce is defending well for now.
Von Erick prevents a takedown attempt there.
Ponce avoiding damage as Von Erick throws knees to the body.
Von Erick lands a glancing elbow in the clinch.
Ponce's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
Ponce blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.
Von Erick throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Ponce blocks it with crossed arms.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Ponce is working for takedown but Von Erick is calmly controlling the position for now.
Von Erick missing with knees to the body.
Von Erick is pressed up against the cage. Ponce has hold of a leg and is looking to drag Von Erick down to the mat. Von Erick avoids the attempt though and has circled away. We're back to striking at a distance.

Ponce drops down and drives through with a powerful takedown into guard.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Ponce is frustrating his opponent with some stalling tactics from top position.
We get told so often about how wrestlers don't like to be on their backs. Let's see if Von Erick can do anything to dispel that myth.
Ponce trying to control but Von Erick is working from the bottom.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Von Erick preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Von Erick really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Ponce. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.

Ponce thinks about going for a leg but decides against it, in order to maintain the position.
Ponce wants to control from the top but Von Erick keeps moving.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Ponce accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.

Ponce is trying to work a guillotine from the top, or something like that? Don't know how he thinks he's going to get a finish from there.
Von Erick keeping moving, preventing Ponce from controlling successfully.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Ponce throwing strikes from guard but Von Erick blocks nicely.

Ponce drops back looking for a leg! Von Erick is in trouble here! The fighters roll with the hold and Von Erick manages to kick Ponce off! Ponce jumps back into Von Erick's guard.
Ponce is working Von Erick over from the guard. He should look to pass the guard and do a little more damage with these strikes.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Ponce trying to control the position from guard on top but Von Erick is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Von Erick keeping full guard, as Ponce tries to pass.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Rick Von Erick dominated that round.
That's time! Back to the action!

Von Erick stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Von Erick wants it to stay on the feet.
Ponce fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.

Von Erick rushes Ponce and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.
Von Erick creates a bit of distance and throws an elbow that only just misses.
Ponce goes for a takedown attempt but Von Erick pushes him away and we're back to fighting at a distance.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Bruno Ponce. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Ponce takes a head kick and shrugs it off.

Von Erick darts in and clinches Ponce up against the cage.
Ponce has dropped down and is looking to force the takedown but it's defended by Von Erick after a bit of a struggle.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Von Erick tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Ponce is looking to take this one to the mat.
Von Erick throws a punch but it's blocked by Ponce.
Ponce looking for a takedown.
Von Erick working some nice short punches in the clinch.
Ponce goes for a takedown in the clinch but Von Erick prevents it.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Von Erick lands a shoulder strike.
Von Erick working some nice short punches in the clinch.
Von Erick stops a takedown attempt from Ponce.
Von Erick misses with a knee to the head.
Ponce is working on a leg, looking for a takedown but Von Erick is defending well.
Ponce tries for a takedown. No joy.
Von Erick stops a takedown attempt from Ponce.
Ponce wants to take the fight to the mat but Von Erick manages to get underhooks and keep the fight in the clinch.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Von Erick gets underhooks to prevent Ponce's takedown attempt.
Ponce wants to take the fight to the mat but Von Erick manages to get underhooks and keep the fight in the clinch.
Von Erick lands with a short shot to the head.
Von Erick lands a nice knee to the body.
Ponce looking for a takedown.
Von Erick prevents a takedown attempt there.
Von Erick has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Von Erick misses with a shot to the kidneys.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Von Erick misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Ponce has dropped down and is looking to force the takedown but it's defended by Von Erick after a bit of a struggle.
Von Erick lands a left hand.
Ponce changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Von Erick fights it off and pushes away nicely.
Ponce shoots for a double leg takedown but Von Erick sprawls well. He's pushed Ponce's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.

Von Erick drives through and clinches with Ponce against the cage.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Von Erick tries to land a knee to the head but Ponce blocks with his arms.
Von Erick fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Ponce managing to block the knees to the body from Von Erick.
Von Erick with an attempt at a knee that misses.
Von Erick tries to land a knee to the head but misses.
Von Erick is pressed up against the cage. Ponce has hold of a leg and is looking to drag Von Erick down to the mat. Von Erick avoids the attempt though and has circled away. We're back to striking at a distance.
Von Erick connects with a high kick.
Von Erick goes for a high kick. It partially lands.

Von Erick gets in close and instigates a clinch.
Ponce has hold of a leg and is looking for a trip takedown. Von Erick avoids it nicely though and we remain in the clinch.
Von Erick using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Ponce has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Von Erick misses with a hook to the ribs.
Von Erick pushes off and fires off an elbow that misses, before clinching up again, against the cage.
Von Erick lands a right hand that snaps the head of Ponce backwards.
Von Erick lands a right hand that snaps the head of Ponce backwards.
Ponce avoids the elbow strike from Von Erick, against the cage.
Ponce wants a takedown.
Von Erick gets underhooks to prevent Ponce's takedown attempt.
Von Erick throws an elbow that misses.
Ponce drops down looking for an ankle pick but Von Erick pulls his leg out and moves away.

Von Erick has managed to clinch.
Ponce managing to block the knees to the body from Von Erick.
Ponce has Von Erick pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Von Erick manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.
Ponce dodges an elbow strike from Von Erick.
Ponce blocking some punches.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Von Erick tries to land a knee to the head but Ponce blocks with his arms.
Von Erick tries a knee to the head but he's missed.
Von Erick has a couple of punches blocked by Ponce.
Von Erick looking to throw knees to the head but Ponce is blocking nicely.
Still in the clinch, Von Erick scores with a nice short uppercut.
Von Erick gets double underhooks to prevent a takedown attempt from Ponce.
Von Erick tries to land a knee to the head but Ponce blocks with his arms.
Von Erick with an attempt at a knee that misses.
Rick Von Erick seems to be working more effectively in the clinch in the fight so far.
Von Erick tries to land a knee to the head but misses.
Ponce is working on a leg, looking for a takedown but Von Erick is defending well.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Ponce has Von Erick pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Von Erick manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.
Von Erick prevents a takedown attempt there.
Ponce goes for a takedown in the clinch but Von Erick prevents it.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Rick Von Erick showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
That's time! Ponce's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight. This is the final round!

The fight moves into the clinch position.
Von Erick lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Ponce backwards.
Von Erick throws a punch but it's blocked by Ponce.
Von Erick throws a nice elbow but it doesn't land.
Ponce is trying to work for a single leg takedown but Von Erick pulls him back up using the underhooks.
Von Erick tries to land a knee to the head but Ponce blocks with his arms.
Von Erick misses with a knee to the head.
Ponce avoiding damage as Von Erick throws knees to the body.
Von Erick working aggressively here.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Von Erick lands with a light punch inside.
With the two fighters working up against the cage, Von Erick just misses with a elbow thrown towards Ponce's brow.
Von Erick lands with a short shot to the head.
Ponce has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Von Erick is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.
Ponce is working for takedown but Von Erick is calmly controlling the position for now.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Bruno Ponce. That's going to take a lot out of him.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Von Erick.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Von Erick tries to land a knee to the head but Ponce blocks with his arms.
Von Erick misses with the head strike.
Ponce tries to score a body lock takedown but Von Erick shows good agility there to stay on his feet.
Von Erick missing with knees to the body.
Ponce is working on a leg, looking for a takedown but Von Erick is defending well.
Von Erick looking to throw knees to the head but Ponce is blocking nicely.
Ponce tries for a takedown. No joy.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Ponce is working for takedown but Von Erick is calmly controlling the position for now.
A nice right hand lands inside from Von Erick.
Von Erick tries a knee to the head but Ponce blocks it.
Von Erick tries to land a knee to the head but misses.
Ponce has hold of a leg and is looking for a trip takedown. Von Erick avoids it nicely though and we remain in the clinch.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Von Erick.
Von Erick missing with knees to the body.
Von Erick misses with a knee to the head.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Von Erick tries a knee to the head but Ponce blocks it.
Ponce blocking some punches.
Von Erick cracks Ponce with a nice body shot.
Von Erick lands with a light punch inside.
Ponce drops to a knee looking for a takedown but Von Erick gets the underhooks and prevents it.
Ponce managing to block the knees to the body from Von Erick.
Ponce drops to a knee looking for a takedown but Von Erick gets the underhooks and prevents it.
Von Erick tries a knee to the head but he's missed.
Von Erick tries to land a knee to the head but misses.
Von Erick using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Ponce has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
Ponce tries for a takedown. No joy.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Ponce avoiding damage as Von Erick throws knees to the body.
Ponce goes for a takedown attempt but Von Erick pushes him away and we're back to fighting at a distance.

Von Erick clinches with his opponent.
Von Erick lands an uppercut.
Ponce drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Von Erick tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Ponce's elbow.
Ponce looking for a takedown.
Von Erick swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Von Erick stops a takedown attempt from Ponce.
Von Erick lands an elbow just above Ponce 's eye.
Ponce is working for takedown but Von Erick is calmly controlling the position for now.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Von Erick with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.
Von Erick prevents a takedown attempt there.
Von Erick pushes Ponce back against the cage and unloads with a body punch.
Von Erick misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Ponce has dropped down and is looking to force the takedown but it's defended by Von Erick after a bit of a struggle.
Von Erick gets underhooks to prevent Ponce's takedown attempt.
A nice right hand lands inside from Von Erick.
Von Erick can't find room to land a body shot as Ponce controls the action.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Von Erick.
Ponce wants a takedown.
Von Erick scores with an uppercut up the middle.
Ponce blocks an elbow strike.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Von Erick tries to work over Ponce's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Ponce blocks an uppercut.
Bruno Ponce has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Rick Von Erick is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
Ponce has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Von Erick is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.

And that's the end of the fight!
Rick Von Erick comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I've got Von Erick 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 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Peter Branson scores the fight 25:30
Judge Winston Alpacca scores the fight 25:30
Judge Santiago Holmes scores the fight 25:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Rick Von Erick!