PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Tucker Strickland (ranked 4324 p4p, 24378 weight class) and Mon Battleaxe (ranked 454 p4p, 555 weight class). Mon Battleaxe told me before the fight that he's been watching a lot of DVDs so let's see if that helps him in this one! I can't wait to find out!

Strickland
vs
Battleaxe

190 cm
26
275
2 - 3 - 0

196 cm
29
272
2 - 4 - 0

Decent wrestler
Excellent boxer
Very strong

BJJ White Belt
Excellent boxer
Experienced

30th Century Beer Store

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 2 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Tucker Strickland!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 2 - 4 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Mon Battleaxe!
The judges for this bout are Sergei Dronov, Fedor Mirinova and Valeri Chadov.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Battleaxe stuffs the takedown.
Strickland staying out of range there.
Strickland shoots in for a takedown but Battleaxe shows good takedown defense.
Strickland misses with a two punch combination.
Strickland has his hands up protecting his head but a hook from Battleaxe finds it's way round the side to connect with Strickland's head.
Strickland keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Battleaxe with a nice cross.

It looks like Tucker Strickland has been cut.
Battleaxe throws a body punch but Strickland moves out of range.

Strickland closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the cage.

Strickland has picked Battleaxe up - he's going for a ride! Strickland dumps his opponent to the mat with a thud and settles into half guard.
Battleaxe scrambles, trying to get to his feet, but Strickland manages to mount him!
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Battleaxe tries to buck Strickland off but Strickland takes his back!
Battleaxe is trying to stand back up.
Battleaxe is using up a lot of energy trying to get back to his feet. Perhaps he should improve his position first.
Strickland has been talking about how he's improved his wrestling in the run up to the fight so let's see if that's enough to sway the balance.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Strickland is staying calm and holding on to the back position, whilst working on a rear naked choke. Battleaxe is defending well though. Strickland let's go of the attempt for now.
Battleaxe is being controlled on the ground here - he must escape this position otherwise surely the end is near.
Battleaxe is trying to get back to his feet but Strickland has full control of the position and if anything, Battleaxe has just worked his way into a worse spot.

Strickland looking to break Battleaxe's wrist control so he can sink in the choke. Battleaxe remaining controlled and patient though - he really has to keep calm otherwise Strickland will wrap this one up with the rear naked choke!
A bit of a pause in the action here. Strickland controlling the positon.

Strickland looking for the choke but no joy.
Battleaxe wants to get back to his feet.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Strickland is landing with strikes from the back.
Strickland trying to secure his dominant position for a moment - making sure Battleaxe doesn't escape.
Battleaxe is trying to stand back up.
I would not like to be Battleaxe right now.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Strickland is staying calm and holding on to the back position, whilst working on a rear naked choke. Battleaxe is defending well though. Strickland let's go of the attempt for now.
Strickland lands with a couple of good shots - one to the side of the head and one questionable shot that could be viewed as to the back of the head but the referee lets it go.
Strickland throwing lazy shots from the back mount that aren't doing any damage.
Battleaxe wants to get back to his feet.
What can Battleaxe do to escape this position? He's going to have to figure it out pretty quick if he wants to stay in the fight!

Strickland working for a choke but Battleaxe is defending well.

Strickland working for a RNC but it's not happening just yet.
Strickland slows the pace down here. Having a little breather whilst he's in a dominant position, looking to rest and regain some energy, ready to go for the finish.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Strickland working for a RNC but it's not happening just yet.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Battleaxe is trying to stand back up.
Strickland trying to secure his dominant position for a moment - making sure Battleaxe doesn't escape.
Battleaxe wants to get back to his feet.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Strickland just keeping the dominant position. He can't wait too long though, otherwise the referee will stand them back up.

Battleaxe fending off the submission attempt from Strickland.

Battleaxe is displaying good submission defense - not really looking in danger of submitting to the rear naked choke at the moment. That could change in an instant of course if Strickland gets his way!
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Tucker Strickland dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Tucker Strickland's cut.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.

Strickland bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Strickland tries to counter by moving into the clinch but Battleaxe manages to circle out of the way.
Battleaxe displaying good standup as he scores with a three punch combination.

Strickland rushes Battleaxe and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.

Battleaxe is fighting off a takedown attempt but Strickland is just too persistent for him and manages to trip Battleaxe to the mat. Battleaxe regains guard as soon as the fighters hit the mat.
Strickland stops Battleaxe from standing up.

Battleaxe has butterfly guard. He's looking to stand up here. He pushes Strickland off him and springs to his feet nicely. The crowd applauds.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Strickland is defended easily by Battleaxe.
Battleaxe swings away with a counter right hand but no contact made.
Strickland is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Battleaxe can do to turn this around?
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Strickland tries to score a power double leg takedown but Battleaxe sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Strickland somewhat.
Battleaxe connects with a nice looking jab.
Battleaxe scores with a sloppy right hand. Strickland should have avoided that one.
Battleaxe wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.
Battleaxe defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Strickland.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Tucker Strickland. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Battleaxe scores with the left hand. Strickland knows he should have avoided that one.

That's one minute gone in the round.
A jab from Battleaxe misses.
Nice sprawl there from Battleaxe as Strickland shoots in.
Tucker Strickland is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Some wild striking there from Battleaxe.
Strickland dives in for a single leg takedown but Battleaxe sprawls and the fighters end up clinched against the cage.
Strickland is looking to take this one to the mat.
Strickland drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Battleaxe wants to get back to striking at distance but Strickland won't allow it.
Strickland has Battleaxe pressed against the cage, preventing Battleaxe from circling away and getting back to striking at range.
Battleaxe tries to circle away but Strickland has him pinned against the cage.
Strickland is trying to drag Battleaxe to the mat but Battleaxe just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.
Battleaxe is trying to break the clinch but Strickland has him pressed against the cage.
Battleaxe is defending well against a takedown attempt.
Battleaxe is looking to break free of the clinch but Strickland has double underhooks.
Battleaxe is trying to work out of this bad position, with his back against the cage.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Battleaxe looks like he'd prefer to be striking at range right now.
Battleaxe is trying to break the clinch but Strickland is controlling him.
Battleaxe has had enough of the clinch but Strickland keeps him there for the moment.
Battleaxe is trying to work out of this bad position, with his back against the cage.
Battleaxe tries to circle away but Strickland has him pinned against the cage.
Battleaxe stops a takedown attempt from Strickland.
Battleaxe can't break the clinch.
Battleaxe wants to break free but Strickland has control.
Strickland is looking for a takedown.
A frustrated look appears on Battleaxe's face as he tries to break the clinch.
Strickland is looking for a takedown.
Battleaxe is trying to break the clinch but Strickland has him pressed against the cage.
Battleaxe tries to break the clinch but Strickland is controlling the position.
Battleaxe tries to circle away but Strickland has him pinned against the cage.
Strickland is working for a takedown up against the cage. He can't get it on this occasion though.
Battleaxe wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.
Battleaxe avoiding damage as Strickland throws knees to the body.

Strickland gets the body lock takedown. After a quick scramble, Battleaxe regains guard.

Battleaxe scrambles and gets back to his feet.
Mon Battleaxe is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Strickland has taken the fight to the clinch.
Strickland keeps the fight in the clinch, despite Battleaxe's efforts to push away.
Battleaxe is trying to work out of this bad position, with his back against the cage.
Battleaxe on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
Strickland is working for a takedown up against the cage. He can't get it on this occasion though.
Battleaxe wants to break free but Strickland has control.
Strickland keeps control of Battleaxe as he tries to wriggle out of the double underhooks.

Strickland has double underhooks and is working for a body lock takedown. He's got it. The fighters land in half guard but Battleaxe regains guard immediately.

Battleaxe has managed to wall walk up one of the corner posts to get back to his feet. Strickland is pushing him up against the cage, looking to control the position.
Battleaxe wants to push off and get back to the center of the mat but Strickland has him pressed against the cage.

Strickland has clasped his hands together around Battleaxe's back... aaand, he's got a takedown into side control. Nicely done.
Battleaxe tries to wriggle free to get back to his feet but he's given up his back! Oops.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Strickland just keeping the dominant position. He can't wait too long though, otherwise the referee will stand them back up.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Strickland lands with a nice looking elbow that stuns Battleaxe.
Battleaxe is trying to get back to his feet but Strickland has full control of the position and if anything, Battleaxe has just worked his way into a worse spot.
Strickland missing with punches from the back.
Battleaxe covering up well under a series of strikes from Strickland.
So, who will make the next big move? In this position it could be crucial.
Battleaxe trying to get back to his feet but Strickland is in full control for now.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Mon Battleaxe showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The cut man is working on Tucker Strickland's cut.
That's time! Strickland's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight. The crowd applaud as we get ready to start the final round!

Strickland rushes Battleaxe and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.
Strickland pushes Battleaxe back against the cage and unloads with a body punch.
Strickland can't get the takedown.
Strickland stays in close to his opponent and throws a right hand to the body.
Strickland lands with a light punch inside.
Battleaxe can't break the clinch.

Strickland turns his hips and lands a very nice judo throw into side control!

Battleaxe sneaks out the side door and pushes Strickland away - he's back to his feet. The crowd show their appreciation for the escape.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!

Strickland gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.
Battleaxe looks like he'd prefer to be striking at range right now.
Battleaxe wants to break the clinch but can't.
Strickland taking a breather.
Strickland drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Strickland tries for a takedown. No joy.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Tucker Strickland. That's going to take a lot out of him.
A frustrated look appears on Battleaxe's face as he tries to break the clinch.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Strickland has double underhooks and is working for a body lock takedown. He's got it. The fighters land in half guard but Battleaxe regains guard immediately.
Tucker Strickland overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Strickland forces his way into half guard.

Strickland is looking for a kimura here.

Battleaxe has managed to escape just enough to sneak back to his feet but Strickland is on him like a limpet, forcing Battleaxe back against the cage.
Strickland keeps control of Battleaxe as he tries to wriggle out of the double underhooks.
Battleaxe is trying to push Strickland away but Strickland has him pressed against the cage, so he's going nowhere.
A frustrated look appears on Battleaxe's face as he tries to break the clinch.
Battleaxe has had enough of the clinch and is looking to separate.
Battleaxe tries to break the clinch but Strickland is controlling the position.
Battleaxe looks like he'd prefer to be striking at range right now.
Strickland is working on a leg, looking for a takedown but Battleaxe is defending well.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Battleaxe gets double underhooks to prevent a takedown attempt from Strickland.
Battleaxe wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.

Strickland breaks the clinch.
Mon Battleaxe seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Battleaxe throws a right hand that misses
and Strickland counters with a one-two to the body.

Strickland fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Battleaxe, pushing him back against the cage.
The fans in attendance giving it up for the two fighters, who have really let it all hang out in the last minute or so!

Strickland breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.

Strickland drives through with a takedown into Battleaxe's guard. Let's see what he can do from the top position.
Battleaxe can't keep his opponent in guard - Strickland advances to half guard, no doubt looking to mount.
Neither fighter is being very active at the moment, with Strickland in particular looking to stall.

Strickland decides to stand up.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Battleaxe cracks a nice hook into Strickland's ribs.

Strickland has taken the fight to the clinch.
Strickland has Battleaxe pressed against the cage, preventing Battleaxe from circling away and getting back to striking at range.

Strickland lands a takedown into guard.
Battleaxe is looking to stand back up... there's a bit of a scramble and Strickland dives into side control.

Strickland thinks about going for a far side armbar but bails out and retains the dominant position instead.
Battleaxe takes a nasty elbow to the side of the head.

Strickland is looking to finish here, going for an Americana. Battleaxe knows the correct defense though, so he's OK.
Battleaxe is putting a lot of effort into getting back to his feet here.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Battleaxe bucks up and tries to throw Strickland off but instead Strickland has got his back!

Strickland working for a choke but Battleaxe is defending well.
Battleaxe wants to get back to his feet.
Strickland landing with strikes.

And that's the end of the fight!
Tucker Strickland showed his dominance in that final round.
I think Strickland has won this one but let's see what the judges have to say. 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 Sergei Dronov scores the fight 29:28
Judge Fedor Mirinova scores the fight 29:28
Judge Valeri Chadov scores the fight 29:28

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Tucker Strickland!