PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between Lindsay Apollo (ranked 155 p4p, 275 weight class) and Don Crenshaw (ranked 8 p4p, 15 weight class). Crenshaw is bouncing up and down as he enters the arena, backed by Deep Purple - Perfect Strangers. Lindsay Apollo is staring across the cage at his opponent, tweaking his nipples... Tweaking his own nipples that is.

Apollo
vs
Crenshaw

168 cm
31
140
24 - 9 - 0

162 cm
29
146
22 - 12 - 0

Great wrestler
World class boxer
Insanely flexible

Olympic wrestler
World class MT
Good gas tank

Shadow Realm Apparel
Conviction

Conviction
© Trap House

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the bantamweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 24 - 9 - 0, fighting out of Montreal, Lindsay Apollo!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 22 - 12 - 0, fighting out of Amsterdam, Don Crenshaw!
The judges for this bout are Yuuki Gou, Yasuomi Hirokawa and Taro Takaoka.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Apollo is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Crenshaw.
Apollo checks a leg kick.
Apollo is looking to counter with a shot to the body.
Apollo throws a body shot but no joy.
Crenshaw misses with a body punch
and Apollo counters with a stiff right hand.
A jab from Apollo misses.
Crenshaw throws an overhand right that lands on Apollo's shoulder, as Apollo tries to avoid the shot.
Crenshaw tries to clinch up but Apollo circles away and keeps his distance.
Apollo throws a lazy uppercut
and Crenshaw counters with a two punch combo.
Crenshaw takes a body kick right on the floating rib. Ouchie.
Crenshaw connects with a hook to the side of his opponent's head.
Apollo misses with a jab, cross combination.
Crenshaw throws out a counter right but Apollo avoids it with no problem.
Apollo fails with an attempt to clinch.
Apollo tries to close the distance and clinch but Crenshaw swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Apollo fakes with a right hand and throws a good leg kick, right into the thigh. That had to hurt Crenshaw.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Apollo misses the body punch
and Crenshaw counters with an outside leg kick.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Crenshaw fails with an attempt to clinch.
It looked like Apollo wanted to counter with a hook but didn't fully commit.

Crenshaw has taken the fight to the clinch.
Crenshaw lands with a short head shot on the inside.
Nice body punch from Apollo.
Crenshaw misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Crenshaw blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Apollo swings wildly with an uppercut but Crenshaw uses good head movement to avoid it.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Apollo.
We've been informed that Crenshaw 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.
Apollo tries to pull guard but Crenshaw holds him up against the cage and eventually Apollo drops back down to his feet.
Crenshaw misses with a punch to the body.
Crenshaw lands a left hand that snaps the head of Apollo backwards.

Apollo manages to pull guard.
Apollo has control of Crenshaw's left arm, preventing Crenshaw from doing any damage.
Crenshaw won't allow Apollo to sweep him here.
Apollo working a defensive guard here.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Apollo is active off his back here, looking for submissions.
Crenshaw sitting in guard here, content to control.
Crenshaw wants to pass the guard but Apollo is keeping the position.
Apollo trying to control the position.
Apollo bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Crenshaw's guard.

Crenshaw is looking for a triangle but Apollo pushes his legs off easily.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!

Crenshaw has his foot on Apollo's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Apollo works his way back into a safe position though.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Crenshaw is active off his back here, looking for submissions.
Apollo trying to control the position from guard on top but Crenshaw is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Crenshaw trying to control the position here.
Apollo stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Crenshaw swivels though and keeps the full guard.

The fighters are going at a pretty good pace and they're both starting to sweat now.
Crenshaw looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.

Crenshaw is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Apollo is aware though and is defending well.
Apollo forces his way into half guard.

Apollo is working for submissions here but there's nothing on.
Apollo tries to pass the half guard into mount. Crenshaw knows what he's doing though and prevents the attempt.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are getting on the fighters' backs, as the pace has dropped off in the last minute or so.

Crenshaw actively working from the bottom here.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Apollo wants to free his trapped foot but Crenshaw is holding on for dear life with his legs.
Crenshaw is staying active underneath Apollo, who seems content to just control the action from this position.
Crenshaw is looking to improve his position.

Apollo is looking for an arm triangle, whilst trying to pass to side control. Crenshaw doesn't seem that keen to cooperate though. No luck this time Apollo.
Apollo is pressing down on Crenshaw's thigh, looking to free his foot. Crenshaw is holding on for now.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close round but I would say that Lindsay Apollo will probably get the nod.
That's time! Apollo's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

Crenshaw takes a shot to the body in his stride.
Lindsay Apollo is winning the standup battle so far.
Crenshaw throws an overhand right that lands on Apollo's shoulder, as Apollo tries to avoid the shot.
Apollo fakes a head punch and goes low to the body. Nicely done.
Apollo throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd.
Apollo throws a body kick despite being completely out of range
enabling Crenshaw to counter with a crisp jab.
Apollo throws an overhand right that lands on Crenshaw's shoulder, as Crenshaw tries to avoid the shot.
Crenshaw misses with a combination
and Apollo counters with a lovely shot to the body.
Apollo throws a wild body kick that Crenshaw sees coming a mile off.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Apollo misses with a wild body shot.
Apollo scores with a kick to the midsection.
Apollo slips in close and lands a nice hook before moving back out of range.
Apollo misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Crenshaw.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Apollo cracks Crenshaw with a nice right hand that draws applause from the crowd.
Apollo throws a body kick that digs right into the meat.
A jab from Crenshaw does it's job there.
Crenshaw moves out of range as Apollo throws a body kick.
Crenshaw throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Crenshaw misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Apollo.
Apollo throws a body kick that sends a sickening thudding noise reverberating around the arena.
Apollo is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Crenshaw can do to turn this around?
Crenshaw misses with a lunging right hand
and Apollo counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Apollo tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Crenshaw was well out of range. Poor timing from Apollo.
Crenshaw walks straight into an uppercut. Luckily it didn't land flush.
Apollo looks to land a right hand but Crenshaw moved out of range.
Crenshaw uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Apollo.
Crenshaw tries to check a leg kick but that clearly hurt him.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A nice leg kick from Apollo, right into the meat of the thigh.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Apollo lands a really nice looking cross but Crenshaw seems unphased.
Crenshaw rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
and Apollo counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Crenshaw has his hands up protecting his head but a hook from Apollo finds it's way round the side to connect with Crenshaw's head.
Apollo pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
A decent looking body kick lands there for Apollo.
Jab by Crenshaw.
Crenshaw misses with a wild body shot.

Apollo has taken the fight to the clinch.

Apollo breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Apollo throws a front kick that sends Crenshaw stumbling back into the cage.
Crenshaw on the wrong end of a decent looking cross there.
Crenshaw looks shocked there as he takes a right hand to the temple.
Jab from Apollo.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Crenshaw throws a shot from downtown. Apollo moves away and avoids it.
Apollo tries to land a front kick but Crenshaw steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed.
Apollo scores with a decent looking hook.
Crenshaw slips under a jab.
Apollo getting the better of the striking in that exchange.
Crenshaw waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Apollo.
Apollo lands a head kick!
Apollo connects with an inside leg kick.
Crenshaw with a jab.
Crenshaw has developed a nice purple lump on his ribcage, as a result of some heavy body kicks from Apollo.
Crenshaw looks to score with a jab to the body but Apollo is just out of range.
Crenshaw swings and misses with a shot to the body
and Apollo counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A punch combination from Apollo misses.
Crenshaw has his front leg slapped to the side - a nice low kick landing there from Apollo.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Apollo throws a nice looking combination but Crenshaw bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Apollo fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Crenshaw manages to avoid it.
Apollo avoids the body shot from Crenshaw.
A solid leg kick lands there for Apollo.
A head kick misses from Apollo.
Crenshaw tries to counter with a clinch but Apollo shakes him off and moves away.
The fighters circle momentarily. Apollo darts into range and connects with a nice straight punch.
Apollo thuds his right hand into Crenshaw's forehead from close range. That could be painful for both fighters.
A solid leg kick lands there for Apollo.
Apollo throws a right hand that misses
and Crenshaw counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Crenshaw missing with a left hand there. Apollo was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Lindsay Apollo seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Apollo throws a jab when Crenshaw was well out of range.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Lindsay Apollo dominated that second round.
That's time! Apollo's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight. Let's get this one finished - here comes the final round!

Crenshaw is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Crenshaw throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Apollo scores with a hook.
Nice body kick there by Crenshaw.
Apollo just misses with a punch to the body.
Crenshaw slips under a jab.
Crenshaw uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Apollo.
Apollo lands with a good body shot.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Crenshaw tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Apollo was well out of range. Poor timing from Crenshaw.
Apollo throws a leg kick

and Crenshaw holds on and brings the fighters into a clinch.
Apollo struggles to land a body shot inside as Crenshaw controls his hands.

Apollo ties up his opponent against the cage and manages to drag the fight down to the ground. Apollo no doubt will be looking to work submissions from his guard.
Crenshaw trying to control but Apollo is working from the bottom.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Apollo has a closed guard, preventing Crenshaw from standing up.
Crenshaw looking to control the position here, rather than advance.
Crenshaw trying to control but Apollo is working from the bottom.
Apollo wants to sweep but no luck.
Apollo keeping moving, preventing Crenshaw from controlling successfully.
Crenshaw is intent on slowing down the pace of the fight, simply looking to control.
Crenshaw has decided he wants to stand but the closed guard of Apollo is proving hard to escape from.

The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.
Don Crenshaw has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are getting on the fighters' backs, as the pace has dropped off in the last minute or so.
Crenshaw takes a jab on the nose there. A little bit of blood seems to be coming out. Hopefully that won't affect his breathing.
Crenshaw jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Crenshaw tries to bum rush Apollo with a series of wild strikes but Apollo uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Crenshaw fakes a jab and throws a low kick but Apollo checks it well.
Crenshaw takes one on the chin but keeps coming.
A big right from Apollo misses.
Crunch! Apollo slams his shin into Crenshaw's torso.
Apollo keeps his opponent at a distance with a nice jab.
Apollo with a hook.
Crenshaw has a pretty nasty looking mouse under his right eye.
A leg kick checked by Apollo.
Crenshaw takes a push kick to the midsection and stumbles backwards.

Crenshaw closes the distance and pushes Apollo back into the cage.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Crenshaw creates a bit of space for himself and sneaks an elbow through Apollo's defenses.

Apollo pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Apollo fakes a head punch and goes low to the body. Nicely done.
Apollo with a hook.
Crenshaw does a little shimmy and throws a leg kick. The leg kick missed by a considerable margin though, making him look a little bit silly for doing the shimmy.
Crenshaw uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Apollo.
A looping hook to the body misses from Crenshaw. Apollo does a little dance to reset his feet.
Apollo is looking to counter punch.
Apollo misses with a looping left.
Crenshaw needs to keep his hands up - Apollo had a free shot at his head there.
Crenshaw misses with an uppercut.
Crenshaw throws a body punch but Apollo moves out of range.
Lindsay Apollo is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Apollo connects with a looping right hand.
A nice leg kick from Crenshaw, right into the meat of the thigh.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Crenshaw takes a step back and watches a body kick go sailing past his mid section.
Crenshaw on the wrong end of an overhand right that came out of nowhere.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Crenshaw wants to clinch.
Crenshaw on the wrong end of a kick to the body.
Crenshaw scores with a big left there. The judges will like that one.
Apollo lands a head shot.
Apollo dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Apollo's Muay Thai looks sharper than normal. He has obviously been working on it in the gym.
Apollo slips under a jab from Crenshaw.
A quick step to the side and Apollo tries to counter with a shot to the body but it doesn't connect.

And that's the end of the fight!
Lindsay Apollo showed his dominance in that final round.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Apollo, winning every round. Will the judges agree? They are the ones who matter, even if they are often depressingly incompetent. 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 Yuuki Gou scores the fight 30:27
Judge Yasuomi Hirokawa scores the fight 30:27
Judge Taro Takaoka scores the fight 30:27

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Lindsay Apollo!
Lindsay Apollo seemed lost for words in his post fight interview but he remembered to thank his fans and directed everyone to his website.
In defeat, Don Crenshaw stepped up to the mic, saying 'I'm still a cool dad, though.'.