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PBP Commentary |
Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Everett Covington (ranked 1283 p4p, 1330 weight class) and Matthew Fritz (ranked 182 p4p, 187 weight class). Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!
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| 177 cm
31
169
11 - 3 - 0 |
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165 cm
31
155
13 - 5 - 0 |
Abu Dhabi Champ
Solid Muay Thai
Granite chin |
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Good wrestler
World class MT
Heavy handed |
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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 11 - 3 - 0, fighting out of New York, Everett Covington!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 13 - 5 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Matthew Fritz!
The judges for this bout are Gwen Towbar, Alan Glass and Frank Dennis.
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Covington misses with a hook
and Fritz counters with a slapping leg kick.
We've been informed that Fritz 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.
Fritz missing with a left hand there. Covington was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Covington half commits to a counter takedown before pushing away, out of range.
A chopping leg kick lands by Fritz.
The fighters circling - Fritz throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Fritz takes a step towards his opponent and connects with a left hand, before circling away.
A slow jab from Fritz misses its intended target.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Fritz scores with a slapping inside leg kick.
Fritz tests Covington's chin there with a solid looking shot.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Fritz throws a looping overhand right but Covington ducks down to avoid it.
Covington changes levels looking for a counter takedown but doesn't commit.
Both fighters are looking to counter, which isn't making for the most exciting fight in the world.
Covington walks into a jab.
Fritz lands with a cross to side of his opponent's head.
Fritz throws a quick inside leg kick.
Fritz paws at his opponent with the jab and then lunges in with a straight, right on the button.
Matthew Fritz seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Fritz swings away with a leg kick that misses.
Fritz throws a right and a left that Covington avoids nicely.
Fritz throws a right and a left that Covington avoids nicely.
Covington appears to be looking for a counter takedown.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Fritz throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Covington sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Covington is looking to counter the offense by Fritz and move into the clinch.
Covington has a nice red mark on his side after a thudding body kick by Fritz.
Covington shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Fritz as he avoids it easily.
Nice straight punches there by Fritz. You know Roy Jones Jr respects the hands of Fritz.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Covington bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Fritz tries to land a body kick
and Covington counters with a shoot takedown into half guard.
Covington prevents Fritz from improving his position.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Covington trying to pass the guard but Fritz defending well.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Covington throwing shots but Fritz is blocking nicely.
Fritz manages to get to full guard.
Covington throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Fritz works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Fritz preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Fritz utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Covington is looking to work some ground and pound but Fritz has wrist control.
Covington pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Fritz is keeping the position for now.
Covington in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Covington has been looking to land a fair amount of strikes on the ground. He might be looking to soften his opponent up in order to work for a submission.
Covington stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Fritz swivels though and keeps the full guard.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Fritz pulls Covington in to control the position.
Covington looking to pass the guard.
Fritz looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Covington will need to keep those long limbs tucked in whilst he's on the ground, to prevent any submissions.
Covington trying to control the position from guard on top but Fritz is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Covington throwing strikes from guard but Fritz blocks nicely.
Covington wants to control from the top but Fritz keeps moving.
The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.
Covington darts in and out, connecting with a jab.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.
Matthew Fritz dominated that round.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!
Fritz misses with a looping right.
Fritz slips in close and lands a nice hook before moving back out of range.
Covington displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Fritz throws out the jab.
Fritz rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
and Covington counters with a shoot takedown into half guard.
Covington is looking for a kimura but he's never going to get it from there.
Fritz is concentrating on defense, preventing Covington from advancing position.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Covington working over Fritz with some ground and pound. Fritz looks like he wants out of this position, which is understandable.
Covington seems to be taking a bit of a break to think of his next move. He lands a short punch in the meantime.
Fritz tries to roll over but Covington keeps him under control.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Covington tries to pass to full mount but Fritz defends it.
Covington thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
Covington is keeping good posture, landing some ground and pound.
Covington wants to lay and pray for a moment but Fritz keeps working.
Covington is looking to stall here but Fritz recovers full guard.
Fritz is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move.
Covington manages to get to full guard.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Covington throws his legs up looking to secure a triangle. Oh, that looks pretty tight, I gotta say! Fritz escapes and throws Covington's legs to the side, diving into side control!
Fritz content to control the pace. The referee will try and keep them active though.
Fritz passes to full mount! That's big trouble for Covington!
Fritz is looking to work his way around to Covington's back. He needs to be careful though, as he's in danger of losing this dominant position.
Covington regains half guard.
Covington tries to get to full guard but Fritz has control of the leg.
Fritz has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Covington throws a strike from the bottom that misses.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Covington looking for submissions off his back.
Covington misses with some strikes from the bottom.
Fritz not doing much here.
Covington tries to get to full guard but Fritz has control of the leg.
Covington is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Fritz pulls his head out easily.
Covington strikes from the bottom but Fritz passes into mount!
That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are showing their displeasure at the lack of action as loud boos ring out around the arena.
Fritz prevents Covington from getting the reversal.
Everett Covington overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Fritz can't quite control the action as he would like just now, as Covington is looking to escape.
Covington is desperately trying to get back to half guard.
Fritz wants to take Covington's back but he can't do it this time.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Covington is working to get back to half guard.
Covington throwing hammer fists to the chest of Fritz. What's that going to do exactly?
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.
Matthew Fritz showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.
Fritz scores with a jab. Covington acknowledges it with a nod of the head.
Covington takes a kick to the side of the head.
Matthew Fritz seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Fritz throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Covington drops down looking for a counter takedown but Fritz sprawls and moves away.
Covington ducks under a wild hook from Fritz.
Covington defending well as Fritz loads up on a big left hand.
Covington changes levels looking for a counter takedown but doesn't commit.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Fritz lands with a good body shot.
Nice defenses there by Covington.
Covington half commits to a counter takedown before pushing away, out of range.
Fritz waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Covington.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Covington misses with a takedown attempt
and Fritz counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Fritz throws a poor cross that misses
and Covington counters with a takedown into side control.
Fritz bucks up and manages to escape back to his feet!
Covington takes an uppercut right on the button but keeps his composure.
A swing and a miss from Fritz.
Covington tries to counter by moving into the clinch but Fritz manages to circle out of the way.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Fritz tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
A head kick misses from Fritz.
Fritz looks to throw a body kick
and Covington counters with a single leg into guard. Fritz didn't expect that.
Covington in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Covington trying to pass the guard. He's being very persistent here but Fritz manages to land a sweep and now he's on top!
Covington thows some rabbit punches from the bottom but they don't do any damage.
Fritz must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.
Fritz trying to control the position from guard on top but Covington is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Covington had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Fritz defends it easily.
Fritz sitting in guard, not really doing much.
Covington 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.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Covington has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Fritz can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.
Covington is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
Covington looking to hit a scissor sweep but Fritz is one step ahead there.
Covington escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Fritz gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.
Covington working for a triangle but Fritz defends it easily.
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.
Covington can't do much from the bottom at the moment, as Fritz controls the pace.
Covington thows some rabbit punches from the bottom but they don't do any damage.
Fritz wants to control from the top but Covington keeps moving.
Fritz slows down the pace of the fight for a moment. He'll need to remain active if he doesn't want to see the fight stood back up.
Covington is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Covington looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.
Matthew Fritz really dominated that round.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!
Fritz scores with a spinning back kick!
Fritz lands with a shot to the body.
Fritz connects with a nice looking jab.
Fritz swings for the body but Covington moves out of range.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Fritz changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.
Fritz waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Covington.
Covington moves out of range as Fritz strikes.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Covington is pinned up against the cage taking some big shots here. The referee is looking closely deciding whether he should stop the fight.
Fritz lands with a cross to side of his opponent's head.
Fritz wants to slow Covington down by chopping away at his legs.
Matthew Fritz is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Fritz throws a head kick but Covington moves out of range.
Covington changes levels looking for a counter takedown but doesn't commit.
Covington on the wrong end of an overhand right that came out of nowhere.
Fritz throws the left hand but Covington avoids the punch easily.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Fritz misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Covington.
Covington walks into a stiff left hand from Fritz.
Covington moves away from the strike by Fritz.
Covington wants to take advantage of his opponent's missed offense by moving into the clinch.
The fighters circling - Covington throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Fritz throws a nice outside leg kick.
Fritz looks to throw the jab but Covington is out of range.
Fritz digs a good hook to Covington's body.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Covington avoids the body shot from Fritz.
Covington ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Covington defending well as Fritz loads up on a big left hand.
Covington throws a hook but Fritz blocks it.
Fritz looks to land a right hand but Covington moved out of range.
Covington takes a body kick right on the floating rib. Ouchie.
Covington misses with a takedown attempt
and Fritz counters with a lovely straight right hand!
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Fritz misses with a straight right.
Covington feinted with a counter takedown.
Covington moves out of range as Fritz strikes.
Covington tries to counter by clinching up but Fritz breaks away and moves out of range.
A swing and a miss from Fritz.
Covington wants to take advantage of his opponent's missed offense by moving into the clinch.
A telegraphed right hand from Fritz misses the target.
As Fritz tries to get set, Covington tries to push him back and clinch up but Fritz manages to avoid the attempt.
Covington avoids the body shot from Fritz.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Fritz looks to throw the jab but Covington is out of range.
Covington drops down looking for a counter takedown but Fritz sprawls and moves away.
Fritz misses with an uppercut.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.
Matthew Fritz dominated that fourth round.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action! This is the final round!
A head kick misses from Fritz.
Fritz is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Covington.
Covington feinted with a counter takedown.
Fritz throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Fritz throws a body shot but no joy.
Jab, jab by Fritz - just one landing.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Fritz throws an overhand right that lands on Covington's shoulder, as Covington tries to avoid the shot.
Covington wants to take advantage of his opponent's missed offense by moving into the clinch.
Covington walks straight into an uppercut. Luckily it didn't land flush.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Fritz looks to throw the jab but Covington is out of range.
Covington steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Fritz.
As Fritz tries to get set, Covington tries to push him back and clinch up but Fritz manages to avoid the attempt.
Fritz rushes Covington and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.
Covington tries to pull guard but Fritz won't allow it.
Fritz working aggressively here.
Fritz escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Fritz throws a head kick but Covington moves out of range.
Covington blocks a jab.
Covington appears to be looking for a counter takedown.
Covington tries to check a leg kick but that clearly hurt him.
Everett Covington has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Covington uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Fritz.
Fritz keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Fritz! But no joy.
Fritz feints and then cracks Covington's leading leg with a nice low kick. He's obviously looking to slow Covington down.
Fritz throws the left hand but Covington avoids the punch easily.
Covington changes levels looking for a counter takedown but doesn't commit.
Fritz waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Covington.
Covington moves out of range as Fritz strikes.
Covington lands with a right hand.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Some bone on bone action there as Covington checks a low kick. Luckily it wasn't a particularly hard one.
Covington throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Fritz's waist but Fritz gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Covington off to one side.
It seemed like Fritz was going to counter with the hook but didn't fully commit to it.
Fritz misses with a hook.
Fritz lands a body shot.
Fritz loads up on a big right hand but Covington slips the punch.
Fritz throws a hook to the side of Covington's head but Covington sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Covington feinted with a counter takedown.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Fritz cracks Covington with a good jab.
Matthew Fritz is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
Fritz swings widly with a right hand
and Covington counters with a nice double leg into side control. Fritz won't be happy with that.
Covington trying to control the action but Fritz is working from the bottom.
Covington is looking for a kimura. He might have it! No, Fritz has escaped the position, nice work there.
Fritz tries to improve position but can't.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Covington goes for an armbar here - this could be all over! But no, Fritz has escaped beautifully and is now on top in side control! Oh, that's unlucky for Covington but great work by Fritz.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Covington looks to move to half guard but instead Fritz has passed into mount! Damn!
And that's the end of the fight!
Matthew Fritz comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
Well Fritz 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 5 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Gwen Towbar scores the fight 44:50
Judge Alan Glass scores the fight 44:50
Judge Frank Dennis scores the fight 44:50
In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Matthew Fritz!
Matthew Fritz is the new lightweight champion!
A relieved looking Matthew Fritz thanked the fans for their support and gave the usual line about them being amazing. They seemed to believe that he actually meant it.
The defeated Everett Covington had this to say: 'Aw crap!'.
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| S |
C
A |
G |
S |
C
B |
G |
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S |
C |
G |
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energy
A | B |
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hype
A | B |
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pop
A | B |
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mgr
A | B |
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FIGHT
RATING
38% |
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