PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Craig Thompson (ranked 4167 p4p, 4175 weight class) and Travis Krawl (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). We have two fighters making their debuts here, so let's see who comes out of this one with their first professional victory.

Thompson
vs
Krawl

190 cm
18
187
0 - 0 - 0

183 cm
22
190
0 - 0 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Excellent MT
Big heart

BJJ White Belt
Excellent boxer
Granite chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the middleweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of London, Craig Thompson!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Montreal, Travis Krawl!
The judges for this bout are Cecil Peabody, Chris Downing and Tiny Johnson.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Thompson looks to throw the jab but Krawl is out of range.
Krawl looks like he wants to counter punch here.
Thompson tries to clinch but Krawl moves out of range.
Krawl throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Krawl just misses with a punch to the body.
Krawl scores with a reasonable looking shot to the body. Thompson doesn't seem bothered though.
Thompson misses with a series of wild punches.
Krawl looks to land a combination but Thompson avoids it well.
Krawl throws a looping overhand right but Thompson ducks down to avoid it.

Thompson rushes Krawl and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.
Thompson lands a knee to the body.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Thompson scores with a knee to the head.
Thompson utilising his Muay Thai to score with a knee to the body.
Krawl fails to pull guard.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Krawl fails to pull the fight into his guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kneeeeees! The crowd are calling for knees to the body. Thompson obliges.
Krawl is trying to break free.
The two fighters are working to gain dominance in the clinch.
Thompson connects with a knee to the head.
Thompson scores with a knee to the head.

It looks like Travis Krawl has been cut.
Thompson misses with some punches.
Thompson lands a knee to the head.
Krawl throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Thompson blocks it with crossed arms.
Thompson lands a knee to the head.
Thompson taking a breather.
Thompson scores with a knee to the head.
Thompson lands a good knee to the midsection. Krawl won't want to take too many of those.
Krawl looks winded!
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Krawl wants to break free but Thompson has control.
Thompson connects with a nasty looking knee right to Krawl's face.
Thompson connects with a nasty looking knee right to Krawl's face.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Krawl blocking some punches.
Thompson leaning his opponent against the cage.
Thompson working Krawl over with knees to the body.
Thompson has Krawl pressed against the cage, preventing Krawl from circling away and getting back to striking at range.
Thompson keeps control of Krawl as he tries to wriggle out of the double underhooks.
Krawl is trying to break the clinch but Thompson is controlling him.
Thompson tries a knee to the head but Krawl blocks it.
Thompson tries a knee to the head but Krawl blocks it.
Thompson is struggling to control the position.
Thompson unloads a knee to the mid-section. Krawl lets out a prehistoric sounding urrrrgh.
Thompson is looking to control Krawl's arms but Krawl gets an underhook and turns him. Now Thompson has his back to the cage.
Krawl wants to break free. God knows he wants to breaaaak freeee.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Thompson connects with a nasty looking knee right to Krawl's face.
Thompson scores with a knee to the head.
Krawl is trying to pull guard but being pressed up against the cage enables Thompson to keep the fight standing.
Craig Thompson has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Travis Krawl.
Knees in the clinch landing for Thompson.
Thompson connects with a nasty looking knee right to Krawl's face.
Krawl is working for takedown but Thompson is calmly controlling the position for now.
Thompson lands with a short shot to the head.
A knee to the head by Thompson.
Thompson landing knees to the head.
Thompson connects with a knee to the head.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Krawl blocking some punches.
Krawl tries to work over Thompson's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Thompson unloads a knee to the mid-section. Krawl lets out a prehistoric sounding urrrrgh.
Thompson lands a knee to the head.
Thompson lands a knee to the head.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Knees to the body from Thompson.
Thompson lands a hook to the side of the head.
Thompson lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
Thompson crunches a lovely knee into Krawl's ribcage.
Thompson with a knee to the head.
Thompson landing knees to the body. They look like they could hurt.
Thompson taking a break, stalling in the clinch.
Thompson tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Thompson looking to throw knees to the head but Krawl is blocking nicely.
Thompson lands a knee to the head.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Krawl fails to pull the fight into his guard.
Krawl takes a knee right on the jaw!
Thompson throws a knee to the head but misses.
A knee to the head by Thompson.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Craig Thompson dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Travis Krawl's cut.
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.

Thompson is looking to clinch but Krawl is avoiding it.
Thompson misses with the combination.
Krawl dips to his left and cracks Thompson with an uppercut!
Thompson uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Krawl.
Thompson tries to counter by moving into the clinch but Krawl manages to circle out of the way.
Krawl goes to the watering hole and comes back with a big thumbs up from the judges as he scores a three punch combo.
Krawl paws at his opponent with the jab and then lunges in with a straight, right on the button.
Thompson misses with the combination.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Thompson dodges the punch combination from Krawl.
Thompson tries to clinch but Krawl moves out of range.
Thompson avoids a punch combination nicely.

That's one minute gone in the round.
A combination from Thompson does no damage.
Thompson tries to clinch but Krawl is having none of it.
Thompson tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Krawl manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Krawl lunges at Thompson with a hook that half lands and is half blocked by Thompson's hand.
Krawl will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.

Thompson moves into the clinch.
Thompson with the Thai clinch, lands a knee to the head.
Thompson tries to land a knee to the head but Krawl blocks with his arms.
Krawl has hold of a leg and is looking for a trip takedown. Thompson avoids it nicely though and we remain in the clinch.
Thompson connects with a knee to the head.
Thompson misses with a knee to the head.
Thompson looking to throw knees to the head but Krawl is blocking nicely.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Thompson looking to slow down the pace here.
Thompson looking to throw knees to the head but Krawl is blocking nicely.
Thompson landing knees to the body.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Krawl jumps guard but Thompson turns him against the cage and keeps the fight standing.
Thompson is working hard here but doesn't seem to be able to control effectively, up against the cage.
Thompson tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Krawl is trying to pull guard but being pressed up against the cage enables Thompson to keep the fight standing.
Craig Thompson has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Travis Krawl.
Thompson is looking to control Krawl's arms but Krawl gets an underhook and turns him. Now Thompson has his back to the cage.
Thompson utilising his Muay Thai to score with a knee to the body.
Krawl is breathing heavily.
Thompson using the Thai clinch to land knees to the body.
Krawl stalling in the clinch but Thompson improves position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Thompson lands a knee to the head there! That was nasty!
Thompson lands a knee to the head there! That was nasty!
Knees to the body from Thompson.
Thompson lands a knee to the head there! That was nasty!
Krawl goes for a takedown in the clinch but Thompson prevents it.
Thompson has Krawl pushed against the cage.
The referee calls for Thompson to work.
Thompson tries to land a knee to the head but Krawl blocks with his arms.
Thompson lands a knee to the head there! That was nasty!
Thompson stalling in the clinch.
Thompson has a couple of punches blocked by Krawl.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Thompson with a knee to the head.
Thompson misses with a hook from the clinch.
Krawl tries to score a body lock takedown but Thompson shows good agility there to stay on his feet.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
The referee is keeping an eye on Krawl - much more stalling and he will separate the fighters.
Thompson connects with a nasty looking knee right to Krawl's face.
Thompson makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
Krawl tries to break the clinch but Thompson is controlling the position.
Thompson scores with a knee to the head.
Thompson is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Krawl can do to turn this around?
Thompson putting his Muay Thai to good use. He has Krawl in a tight clinch and is doing some damage with knees to the body.
Thompson lands a knee to the head there! That was nasty!
Thompson tries to stall but Krawl uses the opportunity to gain a better position.
Thompson landing knees to the body.
Thompson lands a knee to the head.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Craig Thompson dominated that second round.
The cut man is working on Travis Krawl's cut.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action! This is the final round!

Thompson doesn't manage to clinch there - Krawl circles away.
Thompson misses with a straight left.
Krawl lands an overhand right.
Thompson throws a body punch but Krawl moves out of range.
Thompson tries to clinch up.
Thompson misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Krawl swats away the attempt to clinch by Thompson.
Krawl throws a right and a left that both miss.
No joy there for Krawl, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Thompson appears to be looking for a big counter.
Krawl takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
A big right from Krawl misses.

The fight moves into the clinch position.
Thompson stops a takedown attempt from Krawl.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Krawl tries to break free but Thompson pushes him back against the cage.
Krawl can't break the clinch.
Thompson with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.
Thompson pressing his opponent against the cage.
Krawl wants to stall.
Krawl jumps guard but Thompson stands there with Krawl around his waist. Krawl gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch.
Thompson lands a knee to the head.
Thompson misses with a short punch on the inside.
Krawl wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.
Krawl tries to pull guard but can't drag his opponent to the mat. Thompson just stands there and leans against the cage.
Travis Krawl has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Craig Thompson has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Travis Krawl.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Thompson throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Krawl blocks it with crossed arms.
Thompson has Krawl pressed against the cage.
Thompson landing knees to the body. They look like they could hurt.
Thompson lands a knee to the head there! That was nasty!
Thompson with the Thai clinch, lands a knee to the head.
Thompson using the Thai clinch to land knees to the body.
Thompson lands a knee to the head there! That was nasty!
Krawl can't get the takedown.
Thompson slowing the pace effectively.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Thompson unloads a knee to the mid-section.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Krawl.
Kneeeeees! The crowd are calling for knees to the body. Thompson obliges.
Thompson with a knee to the head.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Thompson scores with a knee to the head.
Thompson connects with a nasty looking knee right to Krawl's face.
Thompson is working hard here but doesn't seem to be able to control effectively, up against the cage.
Thompson connects with a knee to the head.
Thompson connects with a knee to the head.
Thompson scores with a knee to the head.
Thompson is trying to slow down the pace in the clinch, to catch his breath.
Thompson is trying to slow down the pace in the clinch, to catch his breath.
Thompson seems a little flustered. He's come in with the intention of controlling the clinch but Krawl is preventing him from doing so, at least for the moment.
Krawl is trying to push Thompson away but Thompson has him pressed against the cage, so he's going nowhere.
Thompson putting his Muay Thai to good use. He has Krawl in a tight clinch and is doing some damage with knees to the body.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Thompson tries to land a knee to the head but misses.
Thompson with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.
Thompson with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.
Krawl working hard to break the clinch.
Krawl is trying to break the clinch but Thompson is controlling him.
Knees to the body from Thompson.
Thompson is trying to wear down his opponent with knees to the body.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Thompson using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Krawl has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
Thompson lands a good knee to the midsection. Krawl won't want to take too many of those.
Thompson connects with a knee to the head.
Thompson working aggressively here.
Krawl is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Thompson is defending well for now.
Krawl tries to score a body lock takedown but Thompson shows good agility there to stay on his feet.
Thompson landing some nice looking knees to the body.
Both guys are working to get underhooks.

And that's the end of the fight!
Craig Thompson showed his dominance in that final round.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Thompson, 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 Cecil Peabody scores the fight 30:27
Judge Chris Downing scores the fight 30:26
Judge Tiny Johnson scores the fight 30:27

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Craig Thompson!
Craig Thompson seemed lost for words in his post fight interview but he remembered to thank his fans and directed everyone to his website.