PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Tacitus Kilgore (ranked 3 p4p, 30 weight class) and Ernest Graves (ranked 1 p4p, 6 weight class). These two fighters really are very evenly matched on the feet - it will be fascinating to see who can assert themselves in that aspect of the fight.

Kilgore
vs
Graves

175 cm
36
160
37 - 13 - 0

172 cm
40
160
43 - 32 - 2

Good wrestling
World class boxer
Insanely flexible

Olympic wrestler
World class boxer
Good gas tank

Conviction
Paddy's Enhancing Drugs (160Q)

Shadow Realm Apparel
Bondi MMA 🏝️

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 37 - 13 - 0, fighting out of New York, Tacitus Kilgore!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 43 - 32 - 2, fighting out of Tokyo, Ernest Graves!
The judges for this bout are Timothy Bukovac, Percy O'Donnell and Jack Bonds.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Kilgore throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Graves sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Graves feints the counter takedown.
Graves takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.
Graves walks into a jab.
Kilgore throws a body kick but he wasn't in range.
And Graves tries to counter it with a takedown but Kilgore pushes his down on his head and steps out.
A swing and a miss from Kilgore.
Kilgore lands a lovely overhand right.
Kilgore swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Graves let fly with a counter punch to the body but it didn't land.
Tacitus Kilgore seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Kilgore misses with a low kick as Graves jumps back.
Kilgore looks to have improved his striking defense since last time we saw him fight.
Graves moves out of range of the leg kick from Kilgore.
Graves on the wrong end of a vicious looking body shot.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Kilgore throws a leg kick

and Graves counters with a driving takedown into guard. Nice work there by Graves.
Graves tries to free his leg and advance position but Kilgore is retaining full guard.
Graves landing some decent shots from guard.
This has been an exciting period of action!
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Graves accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kilgore looking to control the pace of the fight rather than finish it.
Graves trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Graves throwing strikes from guard but Kilgore blocks nicely.
Graves trying to control the position from guard on top but Kilgore is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Graves tries to free his leg and advance position but Kilgore is retaining full guard.
Graves keeps trying to improve his position.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are hurling abuse towards the fighters... You can hardly blame them though because there isn't a lot going on in the fight.
Graves trying to control but Kilgore is working from the bottom.
Graves throws a big elbow that misses.
The referee is pacing around the two fighters, thinking about a standup.
Kilgore trying to control the position.

The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.
Graves uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Kilgore.
Graves appears to be waiting to throw a counter punch to the body.
Kilgore throws a leg kick

and Graves counters with a nice double leg into half guard.
Graves is keen to just control but Kilgore is a slippery customer.
Kilgore keeping hold of Graves's head, controlling as best he can.
Graves is pressing down on Kilgore's thigh, looking to free his foot. Kilgore is holding on for now.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Graves is looking to pass Kilgore's guard but actually Kilgore recovers to full guard.
Kilgore keeping full guard, as Graves tries to pass.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Graves accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Graves trying to control the position from guard on top but Kilgore is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Graves is fighting to break Kilgore's control of his arms but Kilgore is doing a good job of controlling the position at the moment.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A few boos can be heard. I'm sure they will multiply if the fighters don't pick up the pace.
Graves wants to pass the guard but Kilgore is keeping the position.
Graves throwing strikes from guard but Kilgore blocks nicely.
Graves engaging in some classic timewasting tactics.

The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.
Graves blocks a low kick nicely.
Kilgore cracks Graves with a hook to the jaw. Both fighters smile at eachother and high-five before getting back down to business.
Kilgore avoids the body shot from Graves.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Kilgore throws a leg kick but Graves sees it coming and checks it nicely.
Kilgore thows a leg kick but Graves checks it

and Graves counters with a shoot takedown into half guard.
Kilgore is controlling Graves's trapped leg to prevent Graves from advancing to side control.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

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

Kilgore moves out of range as Graves strikes.
Kilgore throws a leg kick but Graves moved away.
Graves doesn't fully commit to the body shot counter.
Graves takes a big uppercut there. He seems a bit wobbly but no, he's OK.
Kilgore swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Graves avoids a low kick by using good footwork.
Kilgore misses with a wild body shot.
And Graves tries to counter it with a takedown but Kilgore pushes his down on his head and steps out.
Kilgore scores with a hook.
Kilgore looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.
Tacitus Kilgore is winning the standup battle so far.
Kilgore cracks Graves with an open hand slap.
Kilgore misses with a right hand
and Graves counters nicely by changing levels and landing a hook to the body.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Graves uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Kilgore.
Graves let fly with a counter punch to the body but it didn't land.
Kilgore lands a right hook to the body.
Graves fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Kilgore manages to avoid it.
Kilgore throws a low kick but Graves moves out of range easily.
Graves now looks to counter with a shot at the body.
Kilgore misses with a body shot.
Graves feints the counter takedown.
Tacitus Kilgore is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kilgore connects with a single shot there.
Kilgore throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Kilgore looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.
Kilgore misses with a body kick.
A countering left hand to the body from Graves misses.
Kilgore misses with a hook. Graves ducked under it nicely.
Graves with the counter takedown but Kilgore avoids it easily.
Graves is throwing a lot of body shots here, looking to wear down Kilgore rather than just go for the knockout.
Kilgore throws out a leg kick but Graves moves out of range and Kilgore only half commits.
Graves feints the counter takedown.
Kilgore throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Despite the aggression on Graves's face he doesn't fully commit to the counter.
A low kick from Kilgore misses

and Graves counters with a driving takedown into guard. Nice work there by Graves.
Graves trying to control the position from guard on top but Kilgore is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Kilgore trying to control the position.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Graves stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Kilgore swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Graves trying to control the position from guard on top but Kilgore is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Kilgore keeping full guard, as Graves tries to pass.
Graves wants to control from the top but Kilgore keeps moving.
Kilgore seems keen to control Graves's posture.

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

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kilgore with a hook.
Kilgore throws a hook but Graves blocks it.
Kilgore misses the jab.
Kilgore moving in and out of range nicely, whilst landing the scoring shot.
Kilgore lands a leg kick that knocks Graves off balance momentarily.
Kilgore looks to throw the jab but Graves is out of range.
Graves let fly with a counter punch to the body but it didn't land.
Graves uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Kilgore.
Kilgore misses with an uppercut. Graves saw that one coming.
Kilgore walks forward and throws out a flicking leg kick. Graves checks it nicely though, as he moves to the side.
Kilgore swings and misses with a shot to the body

and Graves counters with a single leg into guard. Kilgore didn't expect that.
Ernest Graves has got the better of the ground game so far.
Kilgore utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Kilgore controls Graves momentarily but Graves frees himself.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kilgore keeping moving, preventing Graves from controlling successfully.
Graves wants to pass the guard but Kilgore is keeping the position.
Kilgore controls Graves momentarily but Graves frees himself.
Kilgore avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Graves trying to control but Kilgore is working from the bottom.
We've had a lack of effective grappling in the last minute or so, which could well see a referee standup.

The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

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

Kilgore throws an ugly left hook that misses

and Graves counters with a single leg into guard. Kilgore didn't expect that.
Graves wants to control from the top but Kilgore keeps moving.
Graves throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Kilgore works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Kilgore has control of Graves's left arm, preventing Graves from doing any damage.
Graves postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Graves cracks Kilgore with a solid left hand.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Graves missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Graves throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Kilgore works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Kilgore keeping moving, preventing Graves from controlling successfully.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Graves throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Kilgore works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Graves is looking to work some ground and pound but Kilgore has wrist control.
Graves throwing strikes from guard but Kilgore blocks nicely.
Graves controlling from the top position.

The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.
Kilgore misses with a straight right.
Kilgore just misses with a punch to the body.
And Graves tries to counter it with a takedown but Kilgore pushes his down on his head and steps out.
A slapping leg kick lands for Kilgore.
Kilgore throws an overhand right that lands on Graves's shoulder, as Graves tries to avoid the shot.
Kilgore throws out a powerful jab.
Graves bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kilgore tries a low kick but Graves avoids it.
Graves tries a counter takedown but it's more of a dummy move, and he uses it to push himself away.
Kilgore throws a leg kick but Graves sees it coming and moves out of range.
Kilgore fakes low and throws an overhand right that catches Graves on the side of the head.
Kilgore throws a hook but Graves avoids it easily.
Kilgore throws a lazy uppercut
and Graves counters with a shot to the ribs. That looked like it hurt.
Kilgore misses with a lunging right hand
and Graves counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Some wild striking there from Kilgore.
Graves doesn't fully commit to the body shot counter.
The fighters circling - Kilgore throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Graves tries a counter takedown but it's more of a dummy move, and he uses it to push himself away.
Decent striking displayed by Kilgore there.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Kilgore scores with a punch to the gut of his opponent.
Kilgore misses with an uppercut
and Graves counters with a shot to the ribs. That looked like it hurt.
Kilgore throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Graves sees it coming and avoids it easily.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Graves blocks a jab.
Kilgore thows a leg kick but Graves checks it

and Graves decides to take the opportunity to score a takedown. He's landed in Kilgore's guard.
Graves advances to half guard.
Graves is just content to waste time from the top position. Kilgore takes advantage of the situation and regains full guard.
Graves engaging in some classic timewasting tactics.
Graves trying to control the position from guard on top but Kilgore is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Graves missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Graves trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Graves postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Graves throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Kilgore works some decent striking defense from the bottom.

The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.
Kilgore throws a body punch but Graves moves out of range.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Ernest Graves really 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.

Graves uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Kilgore.
A big right from Kilgore misses.
Kilgore throws a jab when Graves was well out of range.
Kilgore throws a leg kick

so Graves counters with a double leg into guard. Good agility.
Graves trying to control the position from guard on top but Kilgore is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Graves chips away with some ground and pound.
Kilgore seems keen to control rather than go for a submission, at least for now.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Graves connects with a couple of short punches.
Graves trying to control but Kilgore is working from the bottom.
Graves trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Graves loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
A real slowdown in the pace of the fight for a moment, as Kilgore holds on and takes a little breather.
Graves stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Kilgore swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Graves with a flurry of punches that miss.
Kilgore keeping full guard, as Graves tries to pass.

The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.
Kilgore throws a body punch but Graves moves out of range.
Graves drops down looking to force a counter takedown but Kilgore defends it well.
The fighters circling - Kilgore throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
And Graves tries to counter it with a takedown but Kilgore pushes his down on his head and steps out.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.
Kilgore buckles his opponent's knee momentarily with a nice leg kick.
Kilgore jabs Graves to the body, keeping him at a distance.
Kilgore scores with a slapping inside leg kick.
Kilgore throws a lazy uppercut

and Graves counters with a driving takedown into guard. Nice work there by Graves.
Graves trying to control but Kilgore is working from the bottom.
In the pre-fight buildup videos we saw Graves working his ground and pound in the gym. He isn't landing a great percentage of his ground strikes so far though.
Graves tries to free his leg and advance position but Kilgore is retaining full guard.
Kilgore preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Graves passes into half guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kilgore is trying to maintain the position but Graves is very close to passing his half guard.
Graves is looking to take a break and control but Kilgore is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Graves is in a good position here but he's just trying to control... And he's not even managing to do that successfully.
The referee looks like he's ready to step in and stand the fighters back up.
Kilgore won't allow Graves to pass to mount.
Graves lands strikes from half guard.
Kilgore wants to improve his position but Graves is controlling well.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are hurling abuse towards the fighters... You can hardly blame them though because there isn't a lot going on in the fight.
Graves lands with an elbow from half guard - that looked like it hurt.

It looks like Tacitus Kilgore has been cut.
Graves throwing shots but Kilgore is blocking nicely.
Graves throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
Graves wants to free his trapped foot but Kilgore is holding on for dear life with his legs.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Graves throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
Graves takes a deep breath and rests his weight momentarily on top of his opponent, to control the position.

The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Ernest Graves dominated that fourth round.
The cut man is working on Tacitus Kilgore's cut.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business. Let's get this one finished - here comes the final round!

Graves looks to land a right hand but Kilgore moved out of range.
Graves slips under a jab.
Graves appears to be waiting to throw a counter punch to the body.
Kilgore throws a low kick but his opponent is out of range.
Graves throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Kilgore throws a leg kick that is checked

and Graves counters with a shoot takedown into half guard.
Graves with a momentary lay and pray from half guard.
Graves prevents Kilgore from improving his position.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Kilgore is refusing to be controlled, as Graves sits in half guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Graves working over Kilgore with some ground and pound. Kilgore looks like he wants out of this position, which is understandable.
Graves thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Kilgore's head.
Kilgore is looking to control Graves's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Kilgore avoid being mounted?
Graves is working hard to pass the guard. He's done it - he's now in full mount! Trouble for Kilgore!
Graves can't quite control the action as he would like just now, as Kilgore is looking to escape.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Graves lands a shot to the body, followed up by a shot to the exposed head of his trapped opponent.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kilgore is bucking up trying to escape but Graves cracks him with another couple of good strikes.
BOOM! Graves connects with a massive shot to the dome!
Graves in mount throwing good strikes here, bouncing his opponent's head off the canvas.
Graves controlling from mount.
Graves thowing strikes but they're hitting the gloves, not doing any damage.
Poor strikes thrown by Graves there. More accuracy and less frantic strikes would help!
Kilgore is desperately trying to improve his position but Graves has a good base and remains in mount.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
The referee warns Kilgore that he has to improve his position here as he takes two more clean shots to the head.
Graves postures up and cracks his opponent a couple of times before moving back into close ground control. Kilgore looks a forlorn figure.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Graves punching from mount but Kilgore doing a good job of avoiding damage.
Graves has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Graves throws some wild stikes that Kilgore manages to avoid easily.
Kilgore is bucking up trying to escape but Graves cracks him with another couple of good strikes.

Kilgore is rocked!

Tacitus Kilgore's cut is getting worse.
A big strike lands for Graves! That's really hurt Kilgore and he's turned his back - Graves keeps firing away and the ref dives in to stop the fight! Graves jumps to his feet to celebrate the victory!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:47 of round 5, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Ernest Graves!
Ernest Graves is the new lightweight champion!
A relieved looking Ernest Graves thanked the fans for their support and gave the usual line about them being amazing. They seemed to believe that he actually meant it.