PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Pacome Thibodeaux (ranked 3541 p4p, 2771 weight class) and Tarrell Newsome (ranked 386 p4p, 314 weight class). Tarrell Newsome told me before the fight that he's been watching a lot of DVDs so let's see if that helps him in this one! I can't wait to find out!

Thibodeaux
vs
Newsome

180 cm
21
166
4 - 2 - 0

184 cm
21
155
4 - 2 - 1

BJJ Blue Belt
Dangerous knees
Cardio machine

Decent wrestler
Excellent MT
Good gas tank

Brooklyn Threads
Brooklyn Apothecary

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 4 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Pacome Thibodeaux!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 4 - 2 - 1, fighting out of New York, Tarrell Newsome!
The judges for this bout are William Gold, Donald Grub and James Glass.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Thibodeaux ducks down and throws a hook to the body.
Thibodeaux definitely looks more muscular than last time we saw him fight.
Newsome works the jab nicely.
Newsome scores with a hook.
Thibodeaux misses with a wild body shot.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Newsome! But no joy.
Thibodeaux throws a lazy right hand but Newsome sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Newsome avoids the body shot from Thibodeaux.
Newsome jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Newsome throws a hook to the side of Thibodeaux's head but Thibodeaux sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Nice shot by Thibodeaux.
Newsome misses with a body shot.
Thibodeaux tries to counter by clinching up but Newsome breaks away and moves out of range.
Thibodeaux tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Newsome was well out of range. Poor timing from Thibodeaux.
Newsome throws a lazy right hand but Thibodeaux sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Pacome Thibodeaux seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Thibodeaux moving in and out of range nicely, whilst landing the scoring shot.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Thibodeaux lands with a nice body punch.
A jab from Thibodeaux misses.

Thibodeaux lands a big right hand that sends Newsome crashing to the mat! Thibodeaux stays standing though and waves Newsome back to his feet!

Newsome is rocked!

That's one minute gone in the round.
A punch lands to the side of Thibodeaux 's head but he takes it in his stride.
Thibodeaux keeps his opponent at a distance with a nice jab.
Newsome is still on wobbly legs! Can Thibodeaux finish him?
Thibodeaux misses with a body shot.
Newsome seems to have recovered his senses.
Thibodeaux misses with an uppercut
and Newsome counters with a straight punch to the midsection.
Thibodeaux throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Newsome sees it coming and avoids it easily.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Newsome! But no joy.
Newsome avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Thibodeaux missing with a left hand there. Newsome was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Thibodeaux connects with a lovely jab that went straight through the gap between Newsome's hands.
Thibodeaux fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Thibodeaux scores with a punch to the gut of his opponent.
Newsome jabs Thibodeaux right on the nose. Thibodeaux blinks but takes it well.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Thibodeaux looks to land a left hand but Newsome moved out of range nicely.
Newsome misses with an uppercut.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Newsome misses with a straight right.
Thibodeaux pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Newsome moves out of range of the strikes.
Thibodeaux tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Newsome was well out of range. Poor timing from Thibodeaux.
Thibodeaux jabbing away but nothing is landing.
It seemed like Newsome was going to counter with the hook but didn't fully commit to it.

Newsome gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.
Newsome lands a nice shot to the body.
Newsome lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Thibodeaux backwards.

Thibodeaux manages to break the clinch.
Thibodeaux fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Newsome! But no joy.
Newsome throws a hook but Thibodeaux blocks it.
Thibodeaux thows a left - swing and a miss!
Newsome avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
It seemed like Newsome was going to counter with the hook but didn't fully commit to it.
Newsome tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Thibodeaux paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Thibodeaux throws a right hand that misses
and Newsome counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Newsome might want to mix his strikes up a bit more. He's just going for head shots at the moment and that can become a bit predictable.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Thibodeaux lands a jab. Then a cross. Then finally a nice hook to the body. Good work there by Thibodeaux.
Newsome uses good footwork to get in and out, landing a nice hook.
Thibodeaux uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Newsome.
A big right from Thibodeaux misses.
Newsome throws a hook but Thibodeaux blocks it.
Newsome wants to clinch
and Thibodeaux counters with a straight punch to the midsection.
Thibodeaux takes a body punch but keeps moving.

Newsome rushes Thibodeaux and presses him up against the cage.
Newsome misses with a punch on the inside.
Newsome lands a right hand.
Thibodeaux tries to land knees in the clinch but Newsome avoids the damage to the body.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Newsome lands a left hand that snaps the head of Thibodeaux backwards.
Newsome tries to throw a body punch but Thibodeaux avoids it by throwing Newsome back against the cage.
Thibodeaux tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Thibodeaux is trying to force a seperation but Newsome has the dominant position.
Newsome is leaning against Thibodeaux and scores with a nice uppercut to the body.
Thibodeaux misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Newsome.
Newsome pushes Thibodeaux back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.
A head punch on the inside from Newsome fails to land.
Thibodeaux throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Newsome blocks it with crossed arms.
Thibodeaux is trying to force a seperation but Newsome has the dominant position.

Thibodeaux breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Newsome clobbers Thibodeaux with an overhand right that has the crowd gasping. That made a horrendous noise.
Thibodeaux throws a looping overhand right but Newsome ducks down to avoid it.
Good shot there by Newsome.
Thibodeaux looks to score with a jab to the body but Newsome is just out of range.
Newsome uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Thibodeaux.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Thibodeaux looks to score with a jab to the body but Newsome is just out of range.
Thibodeaux misses with a straight left.
Thibodeaux misses with a hook
and Newsome cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Pacome Thibodeaux dominated that 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.

Thibodeaux ducks under a wild hook from Newsome.
Thibodeaux lands a beauty of a right hand that gets the crowd cheering.
Thibodeaux misses the jab.
Thibodeaux misses with a hook
and Newsome counters with a nice uppercut.
Thibodeaux throws the left hand but Newsome avoids the punch easily.
Pacome Thibodeaux is winning the standup battle so far.
Newsome pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Thibodeaux throws a jab, cross combination which is slipped
and Newsome connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Thibodeaux throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Newsome misses with an uppercut.
A swing and a miss from Newsome.
Thibodeaux wants to take advantage of his opponent's missed offense by moving into the clinch.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Newsome uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Thibodeaux.
Newsome moves into range and connects with a jab.
Thibodeaux throws out a loose jab but Newsome uses good head movement to avoid it.
Newsome catches Thibodeaux with a nice straight right. He seems pissed - ooooh, it's on now! On like donkey kong!

That's one minute gone in the round.
Newsome throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Thibodeaux throws a jab when Newsome was well out of range.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Newsome! But no joy.
A big right from Thibodeaux misses.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Newsome! But no joy.
Newsome slips a straight right by Thibodeaux.
Newsome throws a hook but Thibodeaux avoids it easily.
Newsome tries to clinch but Thibodeaux is having none of it.
Newsome takes a shot to the body in his stride.
Thibodeaux avoids the body shot from Newsome.
Newsome displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Thibodeaux throws out the jab.
Thibodeaux looks to land a left hand but Newsome moved out of range nicely.
Newsome takes a punch to the jaw and another one to the bread basket.
Thibodeaux bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Thibodeaux throws the left hand but Newsome avoids the punch easily.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Newsome jabs at Thibodeaux's body.
Thibodeaux scores with a sloppy punch to the body. Not much technique there but it did the business.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Newsome misses with an uppercut.
Thibodeaux scores with a shot to the body.
Thibodeaux pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Newsome throws out a counter right but Thibodeaux avoids it with no problem.
Thibodeaux misses the body punch
and Newsome counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Thibodeaux misses with a hook.
Thibodeaux throws a sloppy body shot
and Newsome cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.

Newsome has closed the distance and engaged Thibodeaux in a clinch.
Newsome is trying to slow down the pace in the clinch, to catch his breath.
Thibodeaux misses with a hook from the clinch.
Newsome lands with a short head shot on the inside.
Newsome prevents a body shot from Thibodeaux.
Newsome tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Newsome can't find room to land a body shot as Thibodeaux controls the action.
Newsome has Thibodeaux pressed against the cage, preventing Thibodeaux from circling away and getting back to striking at range.
Newsome doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Thibodeaux trying to land knees to the body.
Newsome lands a body punch.
A head punch on the inside from Thibodeaux fails to land.
Newsome fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Thibodeaux wants to break free. God knows he wants to breaaaak freeee.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Thibodeaux.
Thibodeaux looks like he'd prefer to be striking at range right now.
A shot in the inside from Newsome.
Newsome has been looking to improve his clinch game in recent weeks. Thibodeaux seems to have the measure of him in the clinch so far, so let's see if Newsome can turn it around.
Thibodeaux missing with knees to the body.
Newsome scores with an uppercut up the middle.
Newsome is leaning against Thibodeaux and scores with a nice uppercut to the body.
Newsome lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Thibodeaux backwards.
A head punch on the inside from Newsome fails to land.
Newsome tries to work over Thibodeaux's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Newsome lands a body shot.
Newsome doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Newsome tries to throw a body punch but Thibodeaux avoids it by throwing Newsome back against the cage.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A nice right hand lands inside from Newsome.
Newsome is a painfully thin specimen of a man. You do wonder whether a good body kick would snap him clean in two.
Newsome blocks a body shot from Thibodeaux.
Good body shot from Newsome.
Tarrell Newsome seems to be working more effectively in the clinch in the fight so far.
Newsome is leaning against Thibodeaux and scores with a nice uppercut to the body.
Thibodeaux missing with knees to the body.

Thibodeaux manages to break the clinch.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Thibodeaux misses with a looping left.
Newsome scores with a decent looking hook.
Thibodeaux misses with a body shot.
Thibodeaux uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Newsome.
Thibodeaux takes one on the chin but keeps coming.

Thibodeaux tries to keep at a distance but Newsome has taken the fight into the clinch.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Newsome.
Newsome prevents a body shot from Thibodeaux.
Newsome misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Newsome lands a left hand.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Tarrell Newsome showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business. This is the final round!

Newsome defending well as Thibodeaux loads up on a big left hand.
Thibodeaux throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Newsome looked like he wanted to counter with a punch but didn't throw it.
Nice straight punches there by Thibodeaux. You know Roy Jones Jr respects the hands of Thibodeaux.
Thibodeaux swings for the body but Newsome moves out of range.

Newsome gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.
Newsome tries to throw a body punch but Thibodeaux avoids it by throwing Newsome back against the cage.
Both fighters working to control the clinch.
Newsome misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Newsome scores with a nice hook to the head.
Thibodeaux blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
A nice right hand lands inside from Newsome.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
A body shot lands from Newsome.
Thibodeaux blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Newsome doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Newsome prevents a body shot from Thibodeaux.
Newsome misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Thibodeaux wants to push off and get back to the center of the mat but Newsome has him pressed against the cage.
Newsome lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Thibodeaux backwards.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Newsome doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Newsome stays in close to his opponent and throws a right hand to the body.
Newsome tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Thibodeaux's elbow.
Newsome lands with a left to the head.
Newsome tries to work over Thibodeaux's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Newsome on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
Thibodeaux trying to land knees to the body.
Newsome misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Thibodeaux using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Newsome has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
Thibodeaux tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Thibodeaux tries to land a knee to the head but Newsome blocks with his arms.
Thibodeaux tries to break the clinch but Newsome is controlling the position.
Newsome lands an uppercut.
Thibodeaux throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Newsomes head.
Knees in the clinch landing for Thibodeaux.
Newsome misses with a short punch on the inside.
Thibodeaux blocks a body shot from Newsome.
Both guys are working to get underhooks.
Newsome managing to block the knees to the body from Thibodeaux.
Newsome struggles to land a body shot inside as Thibodeaux controls his hands.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Thibodeaux tries to work over Newsome's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Newsome misses with a punch to the body.
Thibodeaux tries to break free but Newsome pushes him back against the cage.
Newsome blocks an uppercut.
Thibodeaux misses with a knee strike.
Thibodeaux doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Thibodeaux tries to land a knee to the head but Newsome blocks with his arms.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Thibodeaux working some nice short punches in the clinch.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Newsome avoiding damage as Thibodeaux throws knees to the body.
Newsome tries to throw a body punch but Thibodeaux avoids it by throwing Newsome back against the cage.
Newsome lands a nice shot to the body.
Newsome lands a shot to the body.
Thibodeaux has had enough of the clinch and is looking to separate.
Newsome tries a body shot but Thibodeaux blocks it.
Still in the clinch, Newsome scores with a nice short uppercut.
Newsome lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Thibodeaux backwards.
Thibodeaux looks like he'd prefer to be striking at range right now.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Newsome.
Newsome lands a left hand.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Thibodeaux blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Newsome lands a body punch - he's looking to wear down Thibodeaux.
Thibodeaux wants to break the clinch but can't.
The fighters are pressed against the cage, as the pace of the fight slows.
Come on Newsome - let's have some action - none of this stalling nonsense.
Thibodeaux swings wildly with an uppercut but Newsome uses good head movement to avoid it.
Newsome lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
Newsome tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Good body shot from Newsome.
Newsome tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Thibodeaux takes a shot to the head.
Newsome can't find room to land a body shot as Thibodeaux controls the action.
Newsome works on Thibodeaux's body with a couple of short punches.
Newsome misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Thibodeaux misses with a knee strike.
Newsome blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Thibodeaux blocks a body shot from Newsome.
Newsome prevents Thibodeaux from breaking the clinch.
Thibodeaux's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
Newsome misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Thibodeaux tries a body shot but Newsome blocks it.
A short body shot lands from Newsome as the two fighters clinch.
Newsome leaning his opponent against the cage.
Newsome misses with a hook from the clinch.
Thibodeaux misses with a punch on the inside.
Newsome lands a body shot.
Newsome leaning his opponent against the cage.
Newsome lands a right hand that snaps the head of Thibodeaux backwards.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Newsome struggles to land a body shot inside as Thibodeaux controls his hands.
Newsome misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Thibodeaux lands a good knee to the midsection. Newsome won't want to take too many of those.

And that's the end of the fight!
Tarrell Newsome comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think Newsome has won this one but let's see whether the judges agree with me. 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 William Gold scores the fight 28:29
Judge Donald Grub scores the fight 28:29
Judge James Glass scores the fight 28:29

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Tarrell Newsome!