PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Luther Socippo (ranked 3524 p4p, 24025 weight class) and Justice McManus (ranked 447 p4p, 617 weight class). McManus comes into a darkened arena with his song building. Pat Murphy of the Irish Brigade kicks in, the lights come on and the crowd goes wild! What a showman! Both these guys have solid standup skills and neither is particularly fantastic on the ground, so let's hope for a nice standup war!

Socippo
vs
McManus

189 cm
19
215
3 - 0 - 0

191 cm
23
225
1 - 8 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Excellent boxer
Cardio machine

BJJ Blue Belt
Decent boxing
Good gas tank

Honest Apparel ($30 SPECIAL ALL Shorts!)

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the light heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 3 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Montreal, Luther Socippo!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 8 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Justice McManus!
The judges for this bout are Trevor Gratis, William Peck and Gregory Folan.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
We've got one fighter who appears to only be looking to counter and the other not looking particularly aggressive either, so we could be in for a dull fight.
Some bone on bone action there as Socippo checks a low kick. Luckily it wasn't a particularly hard one.
Justice McManus seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Socippo moves out of range as McManus throws a body kick.
Socippo attempts a counter takedown but McManus avoids it well and moves away.
A looping hook to the body misses from McManus. Socippo does a little dance to reset his feet.
McManus misses with a head kick.
Socippo appears to be looking for a counter takedown.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
McManus misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
McManus throws a wild body kick that Socippo sees coming a mile off.

That's one minute gone in the round.
McManus misses with a wild body shot.
Socippo half commits to a counter takedown before pushing away, out of range.
Socippo avoids a kick to the body.
McManus swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Socippo changes levels looking for a counter takedown but doesn't commit.
McManus throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
McManus throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Socippo changes levels looking for a counter takedown but doesn't commit.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
McManus tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Socippo changes levels looking for a counter takedown but doesn't commit.
McManus tries to score with a low kick but Socippo moves his leg out of the way.
Socippo half commits to a counter takedown before pushing away, out of range.
McManus throws a nice head kick!
McManus is looking to land body kicks.
Socippo feinted with a counter takedown.
McManus tries to land a front kick but Socippo steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed.
Some wild striking there from McManus.
Socippo attempts a counter takedown but McManus avoids it well and moves away.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
McManus works Socippo's body with a nice hook.
McManus misses with a double jab.
Socippo drops down looking for a counter takedown but McManus sprawls and moves away.
McManus has been working on his striking defense in training and it's paying off as Socippo is landing a low percentage of strikes.
Socippo moves out of range as McManus throws a body kick.
Socippo attempts a counter takedown but McManus avoids it well and moves away.
Socippo looks to be in better condition than last time we saw him fight. Obviously he's been working hard on his cardio.

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.
Socippo avoids the head kick by McManus.
A looping hook to the body misses from McManus. Socippo does a little dance to reset his feet.
Socippo appears to be looking for a counter takedown.
McManus tries to land a front kick but Socippo steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed.
Socippo tries to counter with a takedown but McManus is quick to defend against it.
A head kick misses from McManus.
McManus swings for the body but Socippo moves out of range.
Socippo feinted with a counter takedown.
Justice McManus is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
A telegraphed right hand from McManus misses the target.
Socippo feinted with a counter takedown.

That's five minutes gone in the round.
McManus throws the kick towards the body but Socippo avoids it.
Socippo appears to be looking for a counter takedown.
McManus looks to land a right hand but Socippo moved out of range.
Socippo half commits to a counter takedown before pushing away, out of range.
McManus lands a nice looking body shot.
McManus misses with a straight left.
McManus throws a right and a left that both miss.
Socippo tries to counter with a takedown but McManus is quick to defend against it.

That's six minutes gone in the round.
McManus 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.
Socippo tries to counter with a takedown but McManus is quick to defend against it.
McManus throws a head kick that connects with a bit of head and a bit of hand.
Socippo checks a low kick from McManus.
Socippo half commits to a counter takedown before pushing away, out of range.
Socippo moves out of range of the body kick from McManus.
Socippo feinted with a counter takedown.
McManus digs a good body shot into Socippo's ribs.
McManus finds nothing but air with that leg kick attempt.

That's seven minutes gone in the round.
McManus throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Socippo half commits to a counter takedown before pushing away, out of range.
McManus is looking to chop away at Socippo's legs.
Socippo changes levels looking for a counter takedown but doesn't commit.
This fight brought to you by 5M nutrition - it's mmmmm tasty. Nice jab by McManus.
Socippo moves out of range as McManus throws a body kick.
Socippo attempts a counter takedown but McManus avoids it well and moves away.
McManus throws the kick towards the body but Socippo avoids it.
Both fighters are looking to counter, which isn't making for the most exciting fight in the world.

That's eight minutes gone in the round.
McManus throws a jab when Socippo was well out of range.
Socippo appears to be looking for a counter takedown.
McManus throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Socippo attempts a counter takedown but McManus avoids it well and moves away.
McManus misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
McManus misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Socippo.
McManus throws a body shot but no joy.
Socippo half commits to a counter takedown before pushing away, out of range.

That's nine minutes gone in the round.
McManus throws a head kick but Socippo moves out of range.
McManus tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Socippo was well out of range. Poor timing from McManus.
McManus throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Socippo sees it coming and avoids it easily.
That kick from McManus tenderised Socippo's leg. Socippo is trying to keep his angry face on.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Socippo blocks a head kick by McManus.
Socippo drops down looking for a counter takedown but McManus sprawls and moves away.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Justice McManus dominated that round.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!

McManus just misses with a punch to the body.
Socippo tries to counter with a takedown but McManus is quick to defend against it.
A swing and a miss from McManus.
A head kick misses from McManus.
McManus has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Socippo takes a jab right on the nose. That must have hurt but he shrugs his shoulders and looks to return the favor.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
McManus throws a half hearted mid kick.
Socippo changes levels looking for a counter takedown but doesn't commit.
McManus attempts a low kick but it misses it's target.

That's one minute gone in the round.
McManus looks for the body kick but Socippo saw that one coming.
Socippo drops down looking for a counter takedown but McManus sprawls and moves away.
McManus swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Socippo changes levels looking for a counter takedown but doesn't commit.
This entire fight has taken place on the feet so far and you wonder whether Socippo might be better served trying to take this one to the ground because he's losing the standup battle so far.
McManus throws a series of punches but Socippo moves out of range.
McManus scores with a jab to the body.
Socippo moves out of range as McManus throws a body kick.
Socippo feinted with a counter takedown.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
McManus misses with a low kick as Socippo jumps back.
Socippo moves out of range of the body kick from McManus.
Socippo changes levels looking for a counter takedown but doesn't commit.
McManus throws a low kick, looking for Socippo's leg but Socippo calmly moves out of range.
Socippo drops down looking for a counter takedown but McManus sprawls and moves away.
McManus looks to land a combination but Socippo avoids it well.
Socippo drops down looking for a counter takedown but McManus sprawls and moves away.
McManus throws a lazy body kick

and Socippo decides to take the opportunity to score a takedown. He's landed in McManus's guard.
We could do with one of the fighters taking the initiative a bit more on the ground - they're both waiting to capitalize on a mistake.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
McManus is trying to control the position from the bottom.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Socippo trying to stand up but can't free himself from McManus's guard.
McManus manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Socippo manages to get himself to full guard.

McManus advances position into side control!

McManus wants to work for a kimura but he's foiled early by Socippo, who protects the arm well.
Socippo is trying to buck McManus off.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
McManus trying to control the action but Socippo is working from the bottom.
McManus working the ground and pound but he's contacting the mat, not the fighter.
Socippo is trying to get back to his feet.
McManus works to advance to full mount. Socippo defends for a few seconds but eventually he succumbs.
McManus punching from mount but Socippo doing a good job of avoiding damage.

McManus is thinking about an arm triangle here, looking to tighten it up before moving to side control. Socippo can see it coming though and defends well with a couple of strikes to the head and some good arm positioning.
Socippo tries to buck McManus off but he can't manage it.

That's five minutes gone in the round.
McManus can't quite control the action as he would like just now, as Socippo is looking to escape.
Socippo squirming around on the bottom, looking to escape.

McManus working for a guillotine from mount but Socippo is in no mood to give up.
McManus throws an elbow from mount that misses. Lucky escape for Socippo because McManus loaded up on that one.
McManus controlling his opponent.
McManus working away from the top, dropping strikes.

That's six 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.

McManus jumps to side control looking for an arm triangle but Socippo manages to avoid the submission attempt.
McManus working the strikes but Socippo uses the opportunity to regain half guard.
McManus sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Socippo defending well though.
Socippo is trying to stand back up but McManus is controlling him
McManus throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
Socippo won't allow McManus to pass to mount.
McManus trying to control the action but Socippo is working from the bottom.

The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.

That's seven minutes gone in the round.
Socippo moves out of range as McManus strikes.
Socippo avoids the head kick by McManus.
Socippo attempts a counter takedown but McManus avoids it well and moves away.
McManus misses with a wild body shot.
Socippo half commits to a counter takedown before pushing away, out of range.
Socippo keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Luther Socippo is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Some bone on bone action there as Socippo checks a low kick. Luckily it wasn't a particularly hard one.

That's eight minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.
Socippo slips under a jab from McManus.
Socippo blocks the body kick.
Socippo drops down looking for a counter takedown but McManus sprawls and moves away.
Socippo moves out of range of the body kick.
McManus throws a leg kick but he was too far away and it doesn't land.
Socippo tries to counter with a takedown but McManus is quick to defend against it.
McManus swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Socippo changes levels looking for a counter takedown but doesn't commit.

That's nine minutes gone in the round.
Socippo blocks a leg kick.
Socippo changes levels looking for a counter takedown but doesn't commit.
McManus throws a head kick but Socippo moves out of range.
Socippo appears to be looking for a counter takedown.
McManus throws a leg kick that misses.
McManus is looking to land body kicks.
Socippo half commits to a counter takedown before pushing away, out of range.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Socippo blocks the body kick.
Socippo half commits to a counter takedown before pushing away, out of range.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Justice McManus showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
That's time! Socippo's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight. Ladies and gentlemen, this is the final round!

McManus wants to land a leg kick but Socippo is out of range.
McManus swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Socippo changes levels looking for a counter takedown but doesn't commit.
Socippo moves out of range as McManus throws a body kick.
McManus lands with a shot to the body.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Socippo keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Socippo tries to check a leg kick but that clearly hurt him.

That's one minute gone in the round.
McManus throws a head kick that misses.
Socippo moves out of range as McManus throws a body kick.
Socippo feinted with a counter takedown.
Justice McManus seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Socippo slips a jab and a cross from McManus.
Socippo drops down looking for a counter takedown but McManus sprawls and moves away.
McManus just misses with a punch to the body.
McManus pulls out of a head kick attempt.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.
McManus throws a right and a left that both miss.
McManus throws a head kick but Socippo moves out of range.
McManus throws a big shot that misses.
McManus fakes with the hands and throws a leg kick but Socippo is out of range.
Socippo tries to counter with a takedown but McManus is quick to defend against it.
Socippo checks the leg kick.
Socippo attempts a counter takedown but McManus avoids it well and moves away.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
A good leg kick by McManus.
Socippo on the wrong end of a nice low kick. He's acting like it's no big deal but he doesn't want to take many more of those.
McManus goes for a spinning back kick but it misses.
McManus tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
McManus tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
McManus with a nice calf kick.
McManus looks to score with a jab to the body but Socippo is just out of range.
McManus throws a front kick aimed at Socippo's knee but Socippo avoids it well.
Socippo attempts a counter takedown but McManus avoids it well and moves away.
McManus looks to throw the jab but Socippo is out of range.
McManus throws a leg kick but Socippo sees it coming and checks it nicely.

That's five minutes gone in the round.
McManus wants to land a leg kick but Socippo is out of range.
Socippo changes levels looking for a counter takedown but doesn't commit.
McManus throws a body punch but Socippo moves out of range.
Socippo attempts a counter takedown but McManus avoids it well and moves away.
McManus throws a body kick that misses

and Socippo counters with a takedown into side control! That could mean trouble for McManus!
McManus looks to move to half guard but instead Socippo has passed into mount! Damn!
Socippo is trying to stand up but he's being controlled by his opponent.

That's six minutes gone in the round.
McManus is looking to improve his position but Socippo isn't that keen on the idea.

Socippo is standing up, even though he is in mount.
McManus throws the kick towards the body but Socippo avoids it.
Socippo feinted with a counter takedown.
McManus throws the kick towards the body but Socippo avoids it.
Socippo appears to be looking for a counter takedown.
Socippo closes the distance and takes a jab right on the nose as he does so.

That's seven minutes gone in the round.
McManus finds nothing but air with that leg kick attempt.
Socippo changes levels looking for a counter takedown but doesn't commit.
McManus connects with a body shot that sends Socippo's belly button to the back.
Socippo uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by McManus.
Socippo tries to counter with a takedown but McManus is quick to defend against it.
McManus looks for the body kick but Socippo saw that one coming.
McManus throws a body kick but he was well out of range there.
Socippo feinted with a counter takedown.

That's eight minutes gone in the round.
Neither fighter has done anything of merit for a good minute or two here and the crowd are not happy about it.
McManus scores with a nice head shot.
McManus misses with a body kick.
Socippo changes levels looking for a counter takedown but doesn't commit.
McManus misses with a looping left.
Socippo half commits to a counter takedown before pushing away, out of range.
McManus throws a series of punches but Socippo avoids them all with ease.
Socippo feinted with a counter takedown.
Justice McManus is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
Socippo displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as McManus throws out the jab.
Socippo feinted with a counter takedown.

That's nine minutes gone in the round.
McManus swings for the body but Socippo moves out of range.
McManus is looking to land body kicks.
Socippo feinted with a counter takedown.
McManus scores with a shot to the body.
McManus throws a front kick aimed at Socippo's knee but Socippo avoids it well.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
McManus with a nice calf kick.

And that's the end of the fight!
Justice McManus comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
Well McManus 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 Trevor Gratis scores the fight 26:30
Judge William Peck scores the fight 26:30
Judge Gregory Folan scores the fight 26:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Justice McManus!
Justice McManus decided to thank the fans in attendance for making a great atmosphere. It seemed to go down pretty well.