PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Kwame Redcliffe (ranked 293 p4p, 287 weight class) and Johnny Billabong (ranked 39 p4p, 38 weight class). Redcliffe comes to the cage accompanied by Close Your Eyes (And Count To F**k). Billabong has chosen Waltzing Matilda as his entrance music. I can't wait for this one - let's get the fighter introductions out of the way and get this one started!

Redcliffe
vs
Billabong

175 cm
23
155
9 - 5 - 2

171 cm
23
155
12 - 4 - 0

Good wrestling
World class boxer
Granite chin

Good wrestler
Excellent boxer
Granite chin

Voodoo Nutrition
Groove Gear

Voodoo Nutrition
Conquer

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the lightweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 9 - 5 - 2, fighting out of Los Angeles, Kwame Redcliffe!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 12 - 4 - 0, fighting out of Montreal, Johnny Billabong!
The judges for this bout are Elvis Blanc, Steve Smith and Trevor Gratis.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Billabong avoids the body shot from Redcliffe.
Redcliffe thows a left - swing and a miss!
Billabong scores with a sloppy punch to the body. Not much technique there but it did the business.
A telegraphed right hand from Billabong misses the target.
Redcliffe throws a looping overhand right but Billabong ducks down to avoid it.
Billabong tries a counter takedown but it's more of a dummy move, and he uses it to push himself away.
Redcliffe swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Redcliffe defending well as Billabong loads up on a big left hand.
As Billabong backs away, Redcliffe returns fire with a leg kick that just misses.
Redcliffe lands with a cross.
Redcliffe misses with a looping left.
Redcliffe misses with a wild body shot.
Redcliffe pulls out of a head kick attempt.
A chopping leg kick lands by Redcliffe.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Billabong blocks a head kick by Redcliffe.
Billabong is definitely looking for the counter takedowns here.
Redcliffe finds nothing but air with that leg kick attempt.
Billabong swings away with a counter right hand but no contact made.
Billabong ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Billabong dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Redcliffe takes a swing at Billabong's ribcage but misses.
Redcliffe ducks low and lands a nice hook to the body of his opponent.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Billabong shoots in and gets a takedown into Redcliffe's guard.
Redcliffe is working an open guard here, looking to improve his position. No doubt that will leave him open to counters but at least he's being more offensive.
Billabong scoring with punches to the head and body.
Billabong with a flurry of punches that miss.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Redcliffe keeping moving, preventing Billabong from controlling successfully.
Billabong working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Redcliffe preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Redcliffe controls Billabong momentarily but Billabong frees himself.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

Billabong thinks about going for a leg but decides against it, in order to maintain the position.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Redcliffe utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Billabong throwing strikes but missing.
Redcliffe controlling Billabong's posture.
Billabong stays in close to Redcliffe's body and controls the position.

The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.
Redcliffe bobbing and weaving, closes the distance and lands a hook to the side of Billabong's head.
Redcliffe tries a head kick but it misses.
And Billabong tries to counter it with a takedown but Redcliffe pushes his down on his head and steps out.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Billabong lands a straight punch to the body, keeping Redcliffe at a distance.
A nice inside leg kick there by Redcliffe. That's going to slow Billabong down.
Billabong takes a big uppercut there. He seems a bit wobbly but no, he's OK.
Billabong uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Redcliffe.
Redcliffe just misses with a punch to the body.
Billabong is clearly trying to counter these attacks from Redcliffe with a body shot.
Billabong lands a right hook to the body.
Billabong rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
and Redcliffe counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Billabong tries to check a leg kick but that clearly hurt him.
Billabong is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Redcliffe.
Billabong keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Redcliffe ducks low and lands a nice hook to the body of his opponent.
Redcliffe throws a leg kick that is checked
enabling Billabong to counter with a crisp jab.
Redcliffe throws a body kick that misses.
Billabong cracks Redcliffe with an open hand slap.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Redcliffe lands with a kick to the temple. Billabong shrugs as if to say "is that all you've got?"
Billabong throws out a loose jab but Redcliffe uses good head movement to avoid it.
Billabong shoots in for a double leg but Redcliffe sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Redcliffe looks to land a right hand but Billabong moved out of range.
Redcliffe throws a body shot but no joy.
Redcliffe looking to land some kicks to the body here.
Redcliffe throws a solid leg kick but Billabong takes the impact on his shin and smiles at Redcliffe.
Billabong goes for a double leg but Redcliffe avoids the attempt and the two fighters end up clinched against the cage as Redcliffe continues to drive forward.
Redcliffe connects with a leg kick.
Redcliffe throws a body punch but Billabong moves out of range.
Billabong throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Redcliffe's waist but Redcliffe gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Billabong off to one side.
Kwame Redcliffe has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Johnny Billabong.
Redcliffe throws a shot to the body.
Billabong misses with an uppercut. Redcliffe saw that one coming.
Billabong waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Redcliffe.
Redcliffe throws a body punch but Billabong moves out of range.
Redcliffe misses with a low kick as Billabong jumps back.
A left lands for Redcliffe.
Billabong waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Redcliffe.
Redcliffe throws a low kick but his opponent is out of range.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Kwame Redcliffe dominated that round.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!

Redcliffe throws a leg kick but Billabong sees it coming and moves out of range.
Redcliffe looks to land a right hand but Billabong moved out of range.
Kwame Redcliffe is winning the standup battle so far.
Billabong swings wildly with a hook that is half blocked by Redcliffe.
Billabong avoids a low kick by using good footwork.
Redcliffe lets loose with a powerful body kick. Billabong will feel that in the morning.
Billabong misses with a body shot.
Redcliffe throws a low kick but Billabong avoids it.
It seemed like Billabong was going to counter with the hook but didn't fully commit to it.
A jab from Billabong finds it's way through Redcliffe's defenses.
Redcliffe throws the left hand but Billabong avoids the punch easily.
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Billabong cracks Redcliffe with a right hand to the side of the head.
Billabong stooping low to avoid any incoming strikes and then lunges in with an uppercut come cross that lands flush.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Billabong looks to land a left hand but Redcliffe moved out of range nicely.
Redcliffe throws a low kick but Billabong moves out of range easily.
Redcliffe uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Billabong.
Redcliffe walks forward and throws out a flicking leg kick. Billabong checks it nicely though, as he moves to the side.
Redcliffe avoids the body shot from Billabong.
Redcliffe throws out a leg kick but Billabong moves out of range and Redcliffe only half commits.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Redcliffe attempts a leg kick but it's missed by a good margin.
Redcliffe uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Billabong.
Nice jab there from Redcliffe.
Redcliffe scores with a body shot.
Billabong throws a jab when Redcliffe was well out of range.
Redcliffe misses with a leg kick.
Redcliffe circles away from the clinch attempt.
Redcliffe lands with a straight right. Billabong didn't see that one coming.
Redcliffe scores with a straight right hand, right through his opponent's guard.
Billabong misses with a hook.
Redcliffe is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Billabong can do to turn this around?
A looping hook to the body misses from Billabong. Redcliffe does a little dance to reset his feet.
Redcliffe throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Redcliffe lands with a nice low kick. That'll leave a bruise.
Redcliffe takes a big uppercut there. He seems a bit wobbly but no, he's OK.
Redcliffe takes a jab on the nose there. A little bit of blood seems to be coming out. Hopefully that won't affect his breathing.
Billabong uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Redcliffe.
And Billabong tries to counter it with a takedown but Redcliffe pushes his down on his head and steps out.

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!
Redcliffe turns his hip over beautifully as he lands a nice leg kick.
Redcliffe misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Billabong.
It seemed like Billabong was going to counter with the hook but didn't fully commit to it.
Redcliffe misses with a left hand
and Billabong cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Billabong looks to land a left hand but Redcliffe moved out of range nicely.

Billabong fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Redcliffe, pushing him back against the cage.
A short right from Redcliffe.

Billabong breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
A head kick misses from Redcliffe.
Kwame Redcliffe seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Billabong checks the leg kick.
Redcliffe throws a body punch but Billabong moves out of range.
Billabong moves into range and connects with a jab.
Redcliffe throws a hook but Billabong blocks it.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Billabong! But no joy.
Kwame Redcliffe is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Redcliffe bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
A little feinted left hand from Redcliffe on the counter but he doesn't commit to it.
Redcliffe misses with a looping left.
Billabong with the counter takedown but Redcliffe avoids it easily.
Redcliffe finds nothing but air with that leg kick attempt.
Billabong tries a counter takedown but it's more of a dummy move, and he uses it to push himself away.
Billabong slips under a jab from Redcliffe.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Redcliffe feints a jab promting Billabong to slip. Redcliffe then demonstrates his capabilities by jabbing again. Billabong slips again and ducks right into an uppercut.
Redcliffe misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Billabong displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Redcliffe throws out the jab.
Billabong looked like he wanted to counter with a punch but didn't throw it.
Redcliffe darts in and out, connecting with a jab.
Billabong ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
A low kick from Redcliffe misses

and Billabong counters with a nice shoot takedown that brings the fighters to the ground.
Billabong stopping the sweep attempt from Redcliffe.
Billabong throwing strikes from guard but Redcliffe blocks nicely.
Redcliffe keeping moving, preventing Billabong from controlling successfully.
Redcliffe pulls Billabong in close to prevent any damage.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Redcliffe preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Billabong throws a big right hand that misses.
Billabong scoring with punches to the head and body.
Redcliffe is looking to stand up but Billabong isn't so interested in that idea.
Billabong trying to control but Redcliffe is working from the bottom.
Billabong stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Redcliffe swivels though and keeps the full guard.

The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close second round but I would say that Kwame Redcliffe will probably get the nod.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!

Redcliffe lunges in with an uppercut that skims his opponent's chin.
Billabong fakes a head shot and lands one to the body.
Redcliffe throws a leg kick but Billabong checks it.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Billabong.
Billabong dives in and grabs Redcliffe's left leg, looking for a takedown. Redcliffe pushes down on Billabong's head and hops out.
Billabong looks to score with a jab to the body but Redcliffe is just out of range.
Redcliffe's jab looks to have found its range, popping Billabong under the eye.
Billabong with a body punch. A glancing blow.
Billabong connects with a lovely right hand, straight down the pipe.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Redcliffe just misses with a punch to the body.
A little jabbing left from Billabong on the counter but it doesn't find it's target.
Redcliffe turns his hip over beautifully as he lands a nice leg kick.
Billabong scores with a sloppy punch to the body. Not much technique there but it did the business.
Jab by Redcliffe.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Billabong getting the better of the striking in that exchange.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Redcliffe pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Billabong chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Redcliffe can pounce on him.

Redcliffe gets caught on his heels momentarily as he allows Billabong to score an easy takedown into full guard.
In the pre-fight buildup videos we saw Billabong working his ground and pound in the gym. He isn't landing a great percentage of his ground strikes so far though.
Redcliffe is working an open guard here, looking to improve his position. No doubt that will leave him open to counters but at least he's being more offensive.
Billabong in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Billabong not doing a lot at the moment. He'll have to show some more aggression or the fight will get stood up.
Redcliffe is trying to hold Billabong in close to prevent damage but Billabong has managed to pass into half guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Billabong looking for a kimura but he'll have to free his other leg if he wants to finish that. Perhaps he's just using it as a distraction technique.
Billabong not landing any meaningful shots this time.
Redcliffe is looking to control Billabong's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Redcliffe avoid being mounted?
Billabong thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Redcliffe's head.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Redcliffe is trying to get back to full guard.
Redcliffe is working hard here to advance position.
Redcliffe is concentrating on defense, preventing Billabong from advancing position.
Billabong working the head and body with strikes.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Well. There's a bit of a lull in the action here and the crowd are starting to get restless.
Redcliffe is trying to get back to full guard.
Billabong not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
Billabong is looking to advance position but Redcliffe won't allow it.

The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.
A slapping leg kick lands for Redcliffe.
Redcliffe ducks under a wild hook from Billabong.
Redcliffe misses with a few strikes there.
Billabong uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Redcliffe.
A nice side step and Billabong releases a counter shot to the body, but it doesn't find it's home.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Redcliffe drops his hands momentarily and Billabong takes advantage with a crisp shot to the head.
Redcliffe throws a head kick that misses.
Billabong misses with a looping left.
Redcliffe throws a body kick despite being completely out of range
and Billabong counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Johnny Billabong really dominated that round.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business.

Billabong shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Redcliffe as he avoids it easily.
A jab from Billabong misses.
Redcliffe throws a leg kick that is checked

and Billabong counters with a takedown into side control! That could mean trouble for Redcliffe!
Billabong creates a bit of distance and throws down some hard shots.
Billabong has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
Billabong throws a knee to the body but it doesn't do much damage.
Redcliffe is looking for a sweep.
Billabong fails to land a wild elbow strike.
Redcliffe takes a couple of big shots there - the referee warns him that he has to defend himself better.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
You can see the frustration on Redcliffe's face, being in this tough position on the bottom.
Redcliffe takes an elbow right on the bridge of the nose and winces in pain.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Billabong connects with a decent looking elbow from side control that caused Redcliffe some visible discomfort.
Billabong taking a break here but Redcliffe is having none of it and regains half guard.
Billabong is trying to control. Redcliffe wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.
Billabong is scoring with some nice ground and pound from the dominant position.
Billabong is trying to control the action in half guard but Redcliffe is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.
Redcliffe keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Redcliffe has his hands clasped together around Billabong's back. He's all about the action.
Billabong prevents Redcliffe from improving his position.
Billabong is figuring out what he wants to do next.

Billabong is looking for a kimura but he's never going to get it from there.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Billabong wants to control but Redcliffe is keeping him busy.

The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up.
Billabong shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Redcliffe defends it nicely.
Billabong scores with a shot to the body.
A low kick from Redcliffe misses
enabling Billabong to counter with a crisp jab.
Redcliffe swings wildly with a hook that is half blocked by Billabong.
Billabong thuds a left hand into Redcliffe's body.
Redcliffe throws a hook but Billabong avoids it easily.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Redcliffe keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Billabong.
Billabong displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Redcliffe throws out the jab.
Redcliffe throws a hook but Billabong avoids it easily.
Redcliffe takes a solid shot to the body. That one hurt him but he's trying not to show it.
Redcliffe waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Billabong.
Billabong doesn't fully commit to the body shot counter.
Billabong fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Redcliffe connects with a leg kick.
Redcliffe scores with a slapping inside leg kick.
Redcliffe fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Billabong manages to avoid it.
Redcliffe thuds his right hand into Billabong's forehead from close range. That could be painful for both fighters.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.

Billabong takes the fight into the clinch.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Billabong blocks a body shot from Redcliffe.

Billabong decides to pull guard.
Billabong wants to sweep here but Redcliffe controlling him for the moment.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Johnny Billabong dominated that fourth round.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin! This is the final round!

Billabong on the wrong end of a nice low kick. He's acting like it's no big deal but he doesn't want to take many more of those.
Billabong misses the shot to the body.
Redcliffe throws a low kick but Billabong moves out of range easily.
Billabong's leg has a nasty welt from taking a succession of leg kicks. That must be slowing him down.
A low kick lands for Redcliffe.
Billabong will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
Redcliffe displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Billabong.
A chopping leg kick lands by Redcliffe.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Redcliffe connects with an inside leg kick.
Billabong takes a nice looking leg kick right on the meat of his thigh there.
Redcliffe scores with a head kick. Billabong tried to block it but didn't get his arm up in time.
Redcliffe is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Billabong.
Redcliffe lands with a nice low kick. That'll leave a bruise.

That's one minute gone in the round.
A cross from Redcliffe lands.
Redcliffe throws a leg kick that is checked
and Billabong counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Redcliffe ducks under a wild hook from Billabong.
Nice defenses there by Billabong.
Billabong swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Billabong checks the leg kick nicely there.
Redcliffe takes a big uppercut there. He seems a bit wobbly but no, he's OK.
Billabong connects with a body shot.
Redcliffe's jab looks to have found its range, popping Billabong under the eye.
Billabong drops his hands momentarily and Redcliffe takes advantage with a crisp shot to the head.
Redcliffe misses with an uppercut.
Billabong checks a low kick from Redcliffe.
Billabong doesn't fully commit to the body shot counter.
Redcliffe misses with a few strikes there.
Redcliffe throws out a powerful jab.
Billabong scores with a jab. Redcliffe acknowledges it with a nod of the head.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Redcliffe throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Billabong sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Billabong misses the shot to the body.
Billabong looks to throw the jab but Redcliffe is out of range.
Billabong keeping at a good range here, avoiding a leg kick.
A slow jab from Billabong misses its intended target.
Billabong throws a big shot that misses.
The fighters circling - Billabong throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Redcliffe appeared to be looking to counter that last move with a leg kick.
Redcliffe moves into range and connects with a jab.
A nice inside leg kick there by Redcliffe. That's going to slow Billabong down.

Billabong shoots in for a takedown and gets it. Let's see what he's got on the mat.

Redcliffe has butterfly guard. He's looking to stand up here. He pushes Billabong off him and springs to his feet nicely. The crowd applauds.
Redcliffe swings widly with a right hand
and Billabong counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Redcliffe jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Redcliffe lands a right hook to the body.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Redcliffe takes one on the chin but seems OK.
A jab from Redcliffe misses.
Billabong defending well as Redcliffe loads up on a big left hand.
Redcliffe throws a couple of head shots and lands with the final one - a decent hook, which struck Billabong on the side of the head.

Billabong shoots in with a lovely double leg takedown. Redcliffe manages to land in full guard to minimise the damage.
Redcliffe looking for a sweep. Not yet Redcliffe, not yet.
Billabong landing with the ground and pound.
Billabong tries to free his leg and advance position but Redcliffe is retaining full guard.
Johnny Billabong has got the better of the ground game so far.
Redcliffe not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Billabong postures up and scores with a shot to the body and a follow up elbow to the head.
Billabong working in close now, lands a nice elbow to the side of Redcliffe's head.
Billabong trying to control the position from guard on top but Redcliffe is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Redcliffe pulls Billabong in close to his closed guard and prevents Billabong from doing any damage or advancing position.
Redcliffe preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Billabong working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Redcliffe working a defensive guard here.

The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.

And that's the end of the fight!
Kwame Redcliffe showed his dominance in that final round.
I think Redcliffe has won this one but let's see what the judges have to say. 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 Elvis Blanc scores the fight 48:47
Judge Steve Smith scores the fight 48:48
Judge Trevor Gratis scores the fight 47:48

The fight is ruled a draw!
Kwame Redcliffe retains his title. It's always disappointing when a championship fight ends as a draw but that's what happens when you leave the fight in the judges hands!