PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between Trenth Ball (ranked 4166 p4p, 25677 weight class) and Meto McGregor (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). McGregor has chosen hücum marşı as his entrance music. The key to victory for Trenth Ball has got to be keeping the fight on the feet.

Ball
vs
McGregor

175 cm
18
145
0 - 0 - 0

182 cm
18
143
1 - 2 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Excellent MT
Prefers standup

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Very confident

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 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Amsterdam, Trenth Ball!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Meto McGregor!
The judges for this bout are Daniel Blasius, Paul Aken and Saam Ante.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

McGregor fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Ball, pushing him back against the cage.
McGregor throws an elbow but it misses.
Ball throws a hook to the body. More of an arm punch but it's all scoring with the judges.
McGregor fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
McGregor looking for a takedown.

McGregor's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
McGregor is a painfully thin specimen of a man. You do wonder whether a good body kick would snap him clean in two.
McGregor misses with a double jab.
Ball tries to close the distance and clinch but McGregor swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.

McGregor instigates a clinch.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for McGregor.

McGregor manages to break the clinch.
Ball tries to clinch but McGregor moves out of range.
Ball scores with a crisp jab that stopped McGregor in his tracks.
McGregor throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
McGregor wants to clinch.
McGregor misses with the combination.

McGregor rushes Ball and presses him up against the cage.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Ball misses with a hook to the ribs.

McGregor has double underhooks and is working for a body lock takedown. He's got it. The fighters land in half guard but Ball regains guard immediately.
McGregor loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.

Ball is working an open guard so McGregor takes the opportunity to get back to his feet.

McGregor fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Ball, pushing him back against the cage.
Ball keeps control of McGregor as he tries to wriggle out of the double underhooks.

McGregor breaks the clinch.
Ball tries to clinch up but McGregor circles away and keeps his distance.
Ball jabs McGregor to the body, keeping him at a distance.
McGregor misses with a series of wild punches.
Ball tries to close the distance and clinch up but McGregor swats him away and circles back towards the center.

Ball fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with McGregor, pushing him back against the cage.
Ball pushes McGregor back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A head punch on the inside from Ball fails to land.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Ball makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
Ball wants to get back to striking at distance but McGregor won't allow it.
McGregor is looking to break free of the clinch but Ball has double underhooks.
Ball is trying to force a seperation but McGregor has the dominant position.
McGregor blocks a punch to the side of the head.
McGregor blocks a body shot from Ball.

McGregor breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.

McGregor gets a clinch.
McGregor keeps control of Ball as he tries to wriggle out of the double underhooks.
McGregor wants to break free. God knows he wants to breaaaak freeee.
Ball swings wildly with an uppercut but McGregor uses good head movement to avoid it.
McGregor tries to stall but Ball uses the opportunity to gain a better position.
McGregor scores with a knee to the head.

McGregor's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Ball changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.
Ball avoids the clinch attempt nicely.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Ball throws out a powerful jab.
Ball uses good footwork to get in and out and land a nice right hand before McGregor has time to react.
McGregor tries to move into range but Ball moves to the side and lands with a nice right hand.
Ball tries to clinch up.

Ball clinches up against the cage.
Ball prevents a takedown attempt there.
McGregor taking a breather.

McGregor breaks from the clinch.

McGregor tries to keep at a distance but Ball has taken the fight into the clinch.
McGregor effectively controlling the action here.
Ball lands a right hand that snaps the head of McGregor backwards.
Ball misses with a punch on the inside.
McGregor is trying to drag Ball to the mat but Ball just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.
Trenth Ball has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Meto McGregor.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Ball.
With the fighters up against the cage, McGregor throws an elbow but misses.
McGregor is trying to break the clinch but Ball has him pressed against the cage.
A nice right hand lands inside from Ball.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Ball can't break the clinch.

McGregor breaks the clinch.
Ball fakes a jab and then connects with a hook.
McGregor swats away the attempt to clinch by Ball.

Ball takes the fight into the clinch.
McGregor blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
McGregor blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
McGregor tries to jump guard but he falls flat on his backside. Ball smiles and moves away.
Ball fakes and then throws a beautiful body shot. McGregor looks a bit winded and takes a step backwards to take a breath.
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 Trenth Ball will probably get the nod.
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.

McGregor darts in trying to clinch
and Ball counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
McGregor fails with a takedown attempt.

McGregor rushes Ball and presses him up against the cage.
A short left from Ball.
McGregor is looking to take this one to the mat.
The fighters are going at a pretty good pace and they're both starting to sweat now.
Ball lands a hook to the body. It's hard to tell if that hurt McGregor or not.

McGregor pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Trenth Ball is winning the standup battle so far.
Ball is looking to clinch.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Ball swings wildly with a hook that is half blocked by McGregor.
McGregor keeps the fight on the outside.
McGregor swings wildly with a couple of big hooks

and Ball counters into the clinch. Nicely done.

McGregor breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Ball tries to clinch there but McGregor circles away.
Ball scores with the left hand. McGregor knows he should have avoided that one.

That's one minute gone in the round.
McGregor tries to close the distance and clinch up but Ball swats him away and circles back towards the center.
McGregor lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Ball circles away quickly and effectively.
Ball showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from McGregor.
Ball connects with a hook to the side of his opponent's head.

Ball pushes McGregor up against the cage in a clinch.
Ball misses with a hook to the ribs.
Trenth Ball has scored more points in the clinch so far.
Ball lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
Ball pushes McGregor back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.
McGregor can't break the clinch.
A head punch on the inside from Ball fails to land.
McGregor takes a shot to the head.
McGregor is trying to pull guard but being pressed up against the cage enables Ball to keep the fight standing.
Trenth Ball has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Meto McGregor.
A body shot lands from Ball.
Ball gets through McGregor's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
Ball struggles to land a body shot inside as McGregor controls his hands.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
McGregor tries to break the clinch but Ball is controlling the position.
McGregor with an attempt at a knee that misses.
McGregor is breathing heavily.
Ball is trying to break the clinch but McGregor is controlling him.
Ball tries to work over McGregor's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
McGregor jumps guard but his hands slip and he falls flat on his back. Well, he's made himself look a right mug there, as Ball walks away with a smile on his face. McGregor gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
The fight stays on the outside here - Ball looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Meto McGregor seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
McGregor has his head snapped back a nice jab. A little nod from McGregor there as he acknowledges the shot.
Ball is looking to clinch but McGregor is avoiding it.
McGregor swats away the attempt to clinch by Ball.
Ball swats away the attempt to clinch by McGregor.

McGregor clinches.
Ball working aggressively here.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
McGregor throws an elbow that misses.
Ball lands a body punch.

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

Ball closes the distance and clinches.
Ball tried to land a shot to the body but connects with McGregor's elbow.
McGregor blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Ball scores with a shot to the side of McGregor's head.
Ball lands a nice uppercut.
Ball doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Ball misses with a hook to the ribs.
Ball is trying to push McGregor away but McGregor has him pressed against the cage, so he's going nowhere.
McGregor wants to break free. God knows he wants to breaaaak freeee.
McGregor tries for a takedown but Ball manages to get underhooks.
Ball has had enough of the clinch and is looking to separate.
Ball lands a right hand that snaps the head of McGregor backwards.
McGregor tries to circle away but Ball has him pinned against the cage.
Ball struggles to land a body shot inside as McGregor controls his hands.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
McGregor prevents a body shot from Ball.
McGregor jumps guard but Ball stands there with McGregor around his waist. McGregor gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch.
McGregor missing with knees to the body.
Ball is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that McGregor can do to turn this around?
McGregor is trying to pull guard but Ball has him pressed against the cage.
Ball has had enough of the clinch but McGregor keeps him there for the moment.
McGregor wants to break free. God knows he wants to breaaaak freeee.
Ball lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
McGregor prevents a body shot from Ball.
Ball pushes McGregor back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.
Ball stays in close to his opponent and throws a right hand to the body.
Ball wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.
Ball lands a left hand that snaps the head of McGregor backwards.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
McGregor has had enough of the clinch and is looking to separate.
McGregor can't break the clinch.
McGregor swings away with an uppercut that misses.
McGregor wants to take the fight to the mat but Ball manages to get underhooks and keep the fight in the clinch.
Ball wants to break free but McGregor has control.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Trenth Ball dominated that second round.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action! Let's get this one finished - here comes the final round!

Ball tries to close the distance and clinch but McGregor swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.

Ball rushes McGregor and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.
Ball fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Ball lands a shot to the body.

McGregor manages to break the clinch.
Ball connects with a lovely jab that went straight through the gap between McGregor's hands.

Ball has taken the fight to the clinch.
Ball works for underhooks and lands a body shot in the process.

McGregor turns his back and goes for a hip toss. It's a bit messy but it gets the job done and McGregor manages to end up in side control.
McGregor in side control, trying to ground and pound but not landing this time.
Ball is trying to get back to half guard.

McGregor stands up and we're back to a striking position.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
McGregor looks shocked there as he takes a right hand to the temple.
McGregor closes the distance and clinches up with Ball, looking for a takedown. McGregor pushes Ball against the cage but Ball circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.

That's one minute gone in the round.
McGregor slips a jab and a cross from Ball.
Ball connects with a nice looking jab.
McGregor gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily
letting Ball counter with a right hand.
McGregor takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Ball slaps away a takedown attempt from McGregor, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Trenth Ball has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Meto McGregor.
Ball stuffs the takedown attempt from McGregor. McGregor gets slowly back to his feet.
Ball swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.
Ball lands a jab, followed by a cross and another cross, as McGregor backs up against the cage.
Ball moves into range and connects with a jab.
Ball scores with a hook.
McGregor takes a body punch but keeps moving.
Jab by Ball.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!

McGregor moves into range and clinches up with Ball.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Ball doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
McGregor takes a shot to the head.

McGregor pulls Ball into guard.
Ball slips effortlessly into side control - very nice.
McGregor has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
Ball wants to lay and pray for a moment but McGregor keeps working.
Both fighters take a look at the clock.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
McGregor can't do much from the bottom here.
McGregor is in a bad spot here and he knows it... just holding on for now.
Trenth Ball is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
McGregor manages to work his way to half guard, despite Ball's best efforts.
Ball wants to lay and pray for a moment but McGregor keeps working.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.
Ball is looking to stall here but McGregor recovers full guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
McGregor pulls Ball in close to his closed guard and prevents Ball from doing any damage or advancing position.
The referee claps his hands together and tells the fighters to work.
Meto McGregor has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
McGregor tries to strike from the bottom.

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

And that's the end of the fight!
Trenth Ball showed his dominance in that final round.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Ball, 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 Daniel Blasius scores the fight 30:27
Judge Paul Aken scores the fight 30:27
Judge Saam Ante scores the fight 30:27

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Trenth Ball!
In defeat, Meto McGregor stepped up to the mic, saying 'fuck you'.