PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Zhao Ming (ranked 3428 p4p, 4377 weight class) and Micah Hawley (ranked 336 p4p, 387 weight class). Micah Hawley struggled to make weight for this fight. He only made it down to 146.6lbs at the first attempt and had to take the additional two hours to make the official bout weight. Let's see how much it's taken out of him. Zhao Ming is staring across the cage at his opponent, tweaking his nipples... Tweaking his own nipples that is.

Ming
vs
Hawley

165 cm
23
135
0 - 1 - 0

178 cm
25
155
0 - 0 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Big heart

Decent wrestler
Decent boxing
Determined

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the featherweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 0 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Zhao Ming!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of New York, Micah Hawley!
The judges for this bout are Chad Campbell, Alyssa Summers and Jonathan Paton.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
No luck for Ming with that takedown attempt.
Ming throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Hawley's waist but Hawley gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Ming off to one side.
Hawley defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Ming.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Zhao Ming. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Hawley throws a right and a left that Ming avoids nicely.
Hawley lands an overhand left. A wild punch that just about connected.

Ming scores with a nice takedown into half guard. Let's see what he's got on the ground.

Hawley kicks Ming off and gets back to his feet.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Hawley stuns Ming with a nice body shot, before stepping back out of range.
Ming takes a really solid shot there but just smiles back and shrugs his shoulders.
Hawley closes the distance and lands a one-two.
A telegraphed right hand from Hawley misses the target.
Micah Hawley seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Ming tries for a takedown but Hawley sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Hawley scores with a sloppy punch to the body. Not much technique there but it did the business.

Ming gets tackled into the cage by Hawley. Hawley maintains the clinch.
Ming is trying to drag Hawley to the mat but Hawley just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.
Hawley is clearly stalling here... Pick up the pace son.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Ming has dropped down and is looking to force the takedown but it's defended by Hawley after a bit of a struggle.
Hawley digs a right hand underneath Ming's ribcage. Ming let out a lung full of air as it connected.
Hawley has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Ming is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.

Hawley breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Ming.
Hawley misses with a few strikes there.
Ming tries to counter with a takedown but Hawley is quick to defend against it.
Hawley circles away from the clinch attempt.

Hawley closes the distance and pushes Ming back into the cage.
Hawley is pushing Ming up against the cage, for a bit of lean and pray action. Action being used the in the loosest possible sense of the word.
Ming tries to break free but Hawley pushes him back against the cage.
Hawley tries to throw a body punch but Ming avoids it by throwing Hawley back against the cage.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Hawley tries to work over Ming's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Ming looks like he'd prefer to be striking at range right now.
The pace really dropping off here, momentarily.
Ming is trying to pull guard but being pressed up against the cage enables Hawley to keep the fight standing.

Hawley breaks the clinch.
Ming tries to close the distance and clinch up but Hawley swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Ming takes a solid shot to the body. That one hurt him but he's trying not to show it.
Hawley fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Ming manages to avoid it.
Hawley misses with a body shot.
Ming tries to counter with a takedown but Hawley is quick to defend against it.
Ming shoots in for a takedown but Hawley shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Hawley jabs Ming to the body, keeping him at a distance.
Hawley wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.
Hawley throws a series of punches but Ming moves out of range.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Ming doesn't manage to clinch there - Hawley circles away.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
A big left from Hawley misses.
A punch combination from Hawley misses.
Hawley avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Hawley throws a looping overhand right but Ming ducks down to avoid it.
Ming throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Hawley's waist but Hawley gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Ming off to one side.
Nice body punch from Hawley.
Ming drops his hands momentarily and Hawley takes advantage with a crisp shot to the head.
Hawley looks winded!
Ming avoids a punch combination nicely.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Ming is defended easily by Hawley.
Hawley swings away with a counter right hand but no contact made.
Ming throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Hawley tries to counter by closing the distance.
Ming walks into a left hand.

Hawley moves into range and clinches up with Ming.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The pace slowing considerably in the clinch, as Hawley takes a break from that fighting nonsense to think about the finer things in life.

Hawley has double underhooks and is working for a body lock takedown. He's got it. The fighters land in half guard but Ming regains guard immediately.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Hawley controlling from the top position.
Ming lands a beautiful sweep and he's now moved into his opponent's guard.

Hawley working a defensive guard but Ming passes into half guard.
Hawley flails away from the bottom but he's not doing any damage.
Hawley is looking to get back to full guard here but Ming has managed to pass to side control instead.
Hawley is trying to improve his position.
Ming wants to stand but Hawley has his arm trapped.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Micah Hawley dominated that round.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.

Ming throws a right and a left that both miss.
Hawley scores with a reasonable looking shot to the body. Ming doesn't seem bothered though.
Hawley jabs Ming right on the nose. Ming blinks but takes it well.
Hawley lands with a shot to the body.
Ming closes this distance looking for a takedown but Hawley circles away.
Ming needs to keep his hands up - Hawley had a free shot at his head there.
Ming keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Ming wants to take advantage of his opponent's missed offense by moving into the clinch.
Ming goes for a double leg but Hawley avoids the attempt and the two fighters end up clinched against the cage as Hawley continues to drive forward.
As Ming backs off Hawley throws a huge counter combo but Ming manages to avoid it all.
Hawley tries to score a body lock takedown but Ming shows good agility there to stay on his feet.
Ming blocks a body shot from Hawley.

Ming gets control of Hawley's arms and successfully pulls guard. Ming will no doubt be looking for submissions off his back.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Ming working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Hawley.
Hawley controlling from the top position.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Hawley content to strike from guard, landing some decent shots.
Hawley really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Ming. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.
Hawley is breathing heavily.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Ming avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Hawley has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Hawley content to strike from guard, landing some decent shots.
Hawley missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Ming keeping moving, preventing Hawley from controlling successfully.
Micah Hawley has got the better of the ground game so far.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Hawley accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Ming is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.

Ming has his foot on Hawley's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Hawley works his way back into a safe position though.
Ming is trying to keep Hawley in close.
Hawley works a leg free and moves into half guard.
Hawley missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.
Ming tries to get to full guard but Hawley has control of the leg.
Ming trying to control but Hawley postures up.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Neither fighter is being very active at the moment, with Hawley in particular looking to stall.
Ming pushes Hawley off looking to stand but Hawley dives back in and keeps control.
Hawley working over Ming with some ground and pound. Ming looks like he wants out of this position, which is understandable.
Hawley is taking a breather. Ming says something to him but it's hard to make out. Perhaps he's telling him to get on with it and actually do something.
Ming on the receiving end of some nice ground and pound.
Ming is looking for a sweep. Hawley is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Hawley slips a nice elbow through Ming's hands, connecting with Ming's forehead.
Hawley lands a big shot. The thud that echoes around the arena is like music to the fans' ears.

Ming actively working from the bottom here.
The referee walks around the fighters to get a better view of the action. Hawley lands a nice short elbow.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Ming is looking to improve his position.
Hawley drops an elbow to the side of Ming's head.
Ming has hold of Hawley's hands but Hawley slips his arm to the side and lands an elbow.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Ming is looking for a sweep. Hawley is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Hawley is keeping good posture, landing some ground and pound.
Hawley takes advantage of the dominant position to land a couple of big hammer fists.
Hawley sitting and controlling from the half guard.
Ming on the receiving end of some nice ground and pound.
Ming trying to hold on to Hawley's head to control him but Hawley postures up.
Ming is staying active underneath Hawley, who seems content to just control the action from this position.
Ming wants to get back to his feet.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Hawley slips a nice elbow through Ming's hands, connecting with Ming's forehead.
Ming is trying to control but can't.
Hawley working Ming over with strikes.
Hawley content to control rather than advance.
Hawley looks to score some points with some ground and pound.
Ming on the receiving end of some nice ground and pound.
Hawley stalling.
Hawley is keeping good posture, landing some ground and pound.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Ming regains full guard. Nicely done.
Ming might be looking to lock onto one of his opponent's long limbs for a submission, whilst we're on the ground.
Ming looking for a sweep. Not yet Ming, not yet.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Micah Hawley 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. And we move into the final round!

Ming shoots in for a takedown but Hawley shows good takedown defense.
A combination from Hawley does no damage.
Hawley swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Hawley tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Ming was well out of range. Poor timing from Hawley.
It looked like Ming was looking amped, ready to throw a big counter but didn't commit.
Ming avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Hawley throws a nice looking combination but Ming bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.

Ming tries to keep at a distance but Hawley has taken the fight into the clinch.

Hawley has moved round to his opponent's back and is looking for a suplex! Oh snap! He's tossed Ming clear over his head and slammed him to the mat!
Ming manages to scramble and ends up in full guard, under a barage of strikes . Great composure from Ming.
Hawley throws a big elbow that misses.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Hawley loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Ming trying to control the position.
Hawley postures up and scores with a shot to the body and a follow up elbow to the head.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Hawley connects with a couple of short punches.
Ming is trying to control the position but Hawley postures up.
Hawley must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.
Hawley trying to control the position from guard on top but Ming is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Hawley's corner is telling him to maintain position.
Ming pulls Hawley in close to prevent any damage.
Hawley loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Ming wants to sweep here but Hawley controlling him for the moment.
Hawley postures up in Ming's guard and throws a big left but Ming blocks it.
Hawley stands and throws Ming's legs to the side, diving into side control.
Ming regains half guard there - taking advantage of Hawley's attempt to lay and pray for a moment.
Micah Hawley is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Ming is trying to get back to full guard.
Ming is looking to control Hawley's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Ming avoid being mounted?
Hawley performing his best blanket impression for a moment.
Ming is trying to get back to full guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Hawley content to control rather than advance.
The referee is pacing around the two fighters, thinking about a standup.

The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up.

Hawley gets caught on his heels momentarily as he allows Ming to score an easy takedown into full guard.
Hawley keeping moving, preventing Ming from controlling successfully.
Hawley trying to control the position here.
Ming with a flurry of punches that miss.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Hawley wants to sweep but no luck.
Hawley keeping moving, preventing Ming from controlling successfully.
Ming trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Ming is fighting to break Hawley's control of his arms but Hawley is doing a good job of controlling the position at the moment.
The referee looks like he's ready to step in and stand the fighters back up.
Ming trying to control but Hawley is working from the bottom.
We get told so often about how wrestlers don't like to be on their backs. Let's see if Hawley can do anything to dispel that myth.
Ming preventing the sweep.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Ming trying to control the position from guard on top but Hawley is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up.
Hawley blocks the body kick.
Zhao Ming has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Zhao Ming is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Hawley blocks a head kick by Ming.

And that's the end of the fight!
I would just about give that final round to Micah Hawley.
Well Hawley 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 Chad Campbell scores the fight 27:30
Judge Alyssa Summers scores the fight 27:30
Judge Jonathan Paton scores the fight 27:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Micah Hawley!