PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a light heavyweight kickboxing rules bout between Azor Ahai (ranked 1614 p4p, 3544 weight class) and Julius Benedict (ranked 219 p4p, 429 weight class). These two fighters really are very evenly matched on the feet - it will be fascinating to see who can assert themselves in that aspect of the fight.

Ahai
vs
Benedict

188 cm
42
210
35 - 25 - 3

188 cm
34
205
15 - 11 - 0

World class boxer
Very strong

World class MT
Heavy handed

Shadow Realm Apparel

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 35 - 25 - 3, fighting out of Los Angeles, Azor Ahai!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 15 - 11 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Julius Benedict!
The judges for this bout are Josh West, Chris Saunders and Jeff Smith.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Benedict slips a straight right by Ahai.
Julius Benedict seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Ahai avoids a punch combination nicely.
Ahai quickly followed up with a counter body kick but doesn't connect.
Ahai stumbles momentarily as he takes a strong leg kick from Benedict.
Benedict throws a jab but it's blocked by Ahai.
Benedict dances in quickly and lands a nice inside leg kick on Ahai. That did some damage!
Ahai has his hands up protecting his head but a hook from Benedict finds it's way round the side to connect with Ahai's head.
Good standup being displayed there by Benedict as he connects with a hook.
Benedict misses with a double jab
and Benedict takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Benedict motions for Ahai to come forward. Benedict throws a leg kick but it misses it's target.
Ahai looked to counter that last move with a leg kick but didn't pull the trigger.
Benedict misses with a left hand
and Benedict takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Ahai looks to have improved his striking defense since last time we saw him fight.
Benedict moves into range and connects with a jab.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
A good leg kick by Benedict.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Benedict connects with a leg kick. He turned his hip over nicely there.
Benedict throws a head kick that Ahai semi-blocks.
A solid body kick from Benedict.
Ahai takes a nice looking leg kick right on the meat of his thigh there.
Benedict throws the kick towards the body but Ahai avoids it.
Ahai ducks under a wild hook from Benedict.
A nice inside leg kick there by Benedict. That's going to slow Ahai down.
Ahai defending well as Benedict loads up on a big left hand.
Ahai appeared to be looking to counter that last move with a leg kick.
Benedict throws a body kick that sends a sickening thudding noise reverberating around the arena.
Ahai displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Benedict throws out the jab.
Ahai is trying to close the distance and clinch up, after that failed offence from Benedict.
Benedict throws a jab when Ahai was well out of range.
Benedict misses with a left hand

and Ahai counters with a perfectly timed counter left hook that drops Benedict to the mat, face first! Ahai goes to the neutral corner and waits for the referee to start the count. Benedict is back to hise feet already though and looking to continue the bout! Exciting stuff!

Benedict is rocked!

It looks like Julius Benedict has been cut.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Benedict misses with a leg kick
and Ahai counters with a big uppercut that nearly lifts Benedict off his feet! Benedict crashes to the mat in all kinds of trouble! The referee starts the count but I'm not sure it's necessary - Benedict isn't going to make it! The count reaches 10 and this fight is all over! Ahai screams and throws his mouthpiece into the crowd. Mmmmm spit, everywhere. Lovely.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:59 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Punch). Azor Ahai!
An out of breath Azor Ahai thanked his loyal fans in his post fight interview, giving them credit for his success over the course of his career.