PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between CJ Benn (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Lil Thumper Saint Shamrock (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Saint Shamrock has chosen Dueces as his entrance music, which hasn't gone down very well with the crowd. Lil Thumper Saint Shamrock has the better chin. Will he look to stand and bang today?

Benn
vs
Thumper Saint Shamrock

175 cm
21
155 lbs
7 - 1 - 0

180 cm
26
155 lbs
7 - 2 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Solid boxing
Insanely flexible

BJJ Purple Belt
Good kicks
Powerful

Syndicate Drugs

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the featherweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 7 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, CJ Benn!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 7 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Lil Thumper Saint Shamrock!
The judges for this bout are Edson Gomes, Matheus Silva and Daniel Cesar.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Saint Shamrock throws a nice inside leg kick.
Saint Shamrock throws the kick towards the body but Benn avoids it.
Benn swinging wildly here.
A head kick misses from Saint Shamrock.
Benn chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Saint Shamrock can pounce on him.
Benn is trying hard to land a takedown here. Saint Shamrock sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
Benn shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Saint Shamrock pinned against the cage. Saint Shamrock gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Saint Shamrock throws a hook to the side of Benn's head but Benn sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Saint Shamrock lands with a slapping head kick.
Lil Thumper Saint Shamrock seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Saint Shamrock misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Lil Thumper Saint Shamrock is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Saint Shamrock throws a head kick but Benn moves out of range.

Saint Shamrock drives through and clinches with Benn against the cage.
Saint Shamrock throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Benn blocks it with crossed arms.
Benn tries to jump guard but he falls flat on his backside. Saint Shamrock smiles and moves away.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for CJ Benn. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Benn shoots in for a takedown but Saint Shamrock shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Saint Shamrock tries a head kick but it misses.
An inside leg kick lands from Saint Shamrock.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Benn misses with a wild combination.
Saint Shamrock throws a sloppy head kick and Benn moves out of range easily.
Benn fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
Saint Shamrock throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Saint Shamrock throws a head kick that misses.
Benn misses with a takedown attempt - Saint Shamrock sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Benn on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by Saint Shamrock. Saint Shamrock obviously looking to wear him down.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Benn misses with a takedown attempt - Saint Shamrock sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Saint Shamrock throws a head kick that misses.
Saint Shamrock throws a head kick that misses.
Saint Shamrock is looking to land body kicks.
Saint Shamrock thumps Benn with a low kick.
Saint Shamrock slaps away a takedown attempt from Benn, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Saint Shamrock lands with a head kick! That's gotta hurt.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Benn blocks a head kick by Saint Shamrock.
Saint Shamrock scores with a kick to the midsection.

Benn shoots in and bounces Saint Shamrock off the cage to secure the takedown into guard.
Benn trying to control the position from guard on top but Saint Shamrock is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

Saint Shamrock has his feet on Benn's hips. He pushes off and gets to his feet. Nice work.

Saint Shamrock moves into the clinch successfully.
Saint Shamrock landing knees to the head.
Saint Shamrock misses with a knee strike.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Lil Thumper Saint Shamrock dominated that round.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business.

Benn has a takedown stuffed.
Saint Shamrock misses with a body kick.
Saint Shamrock tries to close the distance and clinch up but Benn swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Nice body kick from Saint Shamrock.
A kick lands to the mid section there for Saint Shamrock.
Saint Shamrock throws a head kick that misses.
Saint Shamrock pushes Benn away with a front kick.
Saint Shamrock throws a head kick that half lands.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Benn looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Saint Shamrock is fending him off so far but Benn persists. Nope, Saint Shamrock circles away and we're back to standing.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Saint Shamrock connects with a high kick.
Saint Shamrock misses with a head kick.
Saint Shamrock feints with a shoulder and throws a nice leg kick to Benn's calf.
Saint Shamrock throws a head kick but Benn moves out of range.
Benn has a takedown stuffed.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for CJ Benn. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Nice sprawl there from Saint Shamrock as Benn shoots in.
Saint Shamrock throws a head kick that looked like it stung.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Saint Shamrock throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Lil Thumper Saint Shamrock seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Saint Shamrock throws a half hearted mid kick.

Saint Shamrock moves into the clinch successfully.
Saint Shamrock tries a knee to the head but Benn blocks it.
Saint Shamrock tries to land a knee to the head but misses.
Benn on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
A knee to the head by Saint Shamrock.
Saint Shamrock crunches a lovely knee into Benn's ribcage.
Saint Shamrock using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Benn has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
Saint Shamrock throws a knee to the head but misses.
Benn wants a takedown but no success here.
Saint Shamrock landing some nice looking knees to the body.
Benn managing to block the knees to the body from Saint Shamrock.
Saint Shamrock misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Benn.
Saint Shamrock missing with knees to the body.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Saint Shamrock tries to land knees in the clinch but Benn avoids the damage to the body.
Saint Shamrock misses with a knee strike.
Saint Shamrock tries to land knees in the clinch but Benn avoids the damage to the body.
Benn tries to break free but Saint Shamrock pushes him back against the cage.
Benn tries to jump guard but he falls flat on his backside. Saint Shamrock smiles and moves away.
Nice sprawl there from Saint Shamrock as Benn shoots in.
Saint Shamrock tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Saint Shamrock fakes with a right hand and throws a good leg kick, right into the thigh. That had to hurt Benn.
A head kick from Saint Shamrock lands but Benn takes it in his stride.
Benn tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Saint Shamrock swivels and escapes.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Benn avoids the clinch attempt nicely.

Saint Shamrock moves into range and clinches up with Benn.
Saint Shamrock tries to land a knee to the head but misses.
Benn takes a knee right on the jaw!
Saint Shamrock looking to throw knees to the head but Benn is blocking nicely.
Saint Shamrock is trying to wear down his opponent with knees to the body.
Saint Shamrock misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Benn.
Saint Shamrock tries a knee to the head but he's missed.
Benn wants a takedown but no success here.
Benn looking for a takedown.
Saint Shamrock tries a knee to the head but Benn blocks it.
Benn misses with a hook to the ribs.
Saint Shamrock misses with a knee to the head.
Saint Shamrock stops a takedown attempt from Benn.
Benn is trying to drag Saint Shamrock to the mat but Saint Shamrock just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Lil Thumper Saint Shamrock showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action.

Saint Shamrock gets caught flat footed, as Benn shoots in with a quick takedown into guard.

Benn drops back for a leg! It's a sloppy attempt though and Benn jumps back into guard quickly, to retain the dominant position.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Benn is trying to work a guillotine from the top, or something like that? Don't know how he thinks he's going to get a finish from there.
Saint Shamrock trying to control the position here.
Benn trying to control but Saint Shamrock is working from the bottom.

Benn drops back looking for a leg! Saint Shamrock is in trouble here! The fighters roll with the hold and Saint Shamrock manages to kick Benn off! Benn jumps back into Saint Shamrock's guard.
Benn won't allow Saint Shamrock to get back to his feet.
Saint Shamrock pulls Benn in close to his closed guard and prevents Benn from doing any damage or advancing position.

That's two 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.
Benn tries to free his leg and advance position but Saint Shamrock is retaining full guard.

Neither fighter is doing enough for the referee's liking and he's decided to stand them back up.
Saint Shamrock displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Benn.
Saint Shamrock dances in quickly and lands a nice inside leg kick on Benn. That did some damage!
Saint Shamrock throws a nice head kick!
Saint Shamrock dances in quickly and lands a nice inside leg kick on Benn. That did some damage!
Saint Shamrock leaves Benn with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
Saint Shamrock stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Saint Shamrock wants it to stay on the feet.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for CJ Benn. That's going to take a lot out of him.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Saint Shamrock has taken the fight to the clinch.
Benn wants a takedown but no success here.
Saint Shamrock tries to land a knee to the head but Benn blocks with his arms.
Kneeeeees! The crowd are calling for knees to the body. Saint Shamrock obliges.
A knee to the head by Saint Shamrock.
Saint Shamrock unloads a knee to the mid-section. Benn lets out a prehistoric sounding urrrrgh.
Saint Shamrock using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Benn has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
Saint Shamrock lands a knee to the head there! That was nasty!
Benn goes for a takedown attempt but Saint Shamrock pushes him away and we're back to fighting at a distance.
Benn takes a head kick and keeps coming.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Saint Shamrock connects with a leg kick. He turned his hip over nicely there.
A good leg kick by Saint Shamrock.
Benn has a nice red mark on his side after a thudding body kick by Saint Shamrock.
A slapping body kick lands there for Saint Shamrock.

Saint Shamrock instigates a clinch.
Benn drops to a knee looking for a takedown but Saint Shamrock gets the underhooks and prevents it.
Benn takes a knee right on the jaw!
Saint Shamrock crunches a lovely knee into Benn's ribcage.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Lil Thumper Saint Shamrock really dominated that round.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!

Saint Shamrock pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Saint Shamrock turns his hip over beautifully as he lands a nice leg kick.
CJ Benn is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Saint Shamrock scoring well with a low kick there.
Benn shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Saint Shamrock sprawls well. Saint Shamrock wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Benn gets slowly back to his feet.
Saint Shamrock lands a nice leg kick that just misses Benn's sensitive parts.
Benn is hobbling a little on that front leg after taking quite a few leg kicks so far in this fight.
It's got to the stage where if one of these guys blows hard enough, the other might fall over.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Saint Shamrock throws a leg kick which misses Benn's front leg but catches the back leg as Benn tries to avoid it.
Benn shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Saint Shamrock but Saint Shamrock pushes him off and we're back to square one.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Benn fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for CJ Benn. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Saint Shamrock throws a nice head kick!
That's a knee to de groin and it's over and out! Benn crumples to the ground after an illegal strike from Saint Shamrock - the referee stops the clock and Benn gets 5 minutes to recover from that one. "I'm sorry" says Saint Shamrock. Benn manages to get back to his feet and the fight resumes.
Benn will be looking to protect his midsection after taking some solid kicks to the body.

Saint Shamrock clinches up against the cage.
Saint Shamrock with an attempt at a knee that misses.
Saint Shamrock putting his Muay Thai to good use. He has Benn in a tight clinch and is doing some damage with knees to the body.
Saint Shamrock tries to land a knee to the head but Benn blocks with his arms.
Saint Shamrock with an attempt at a knee that misses.
Saint Shamrock tries to land a knee to the head but Benn blocks with his arms.
Saint Shamrock with an attempt at a knee that misses.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Saint Shamrock stops a takedown attempt from Benn.
Saint Shamrock misses with a knee to the head.
Benn drops down looking for an ankle pick but Saint Shamrock pulls his leg out and moves away.
Benn on the wrong end of a kick to the body.

Saint Shamrock takes the fight into the clinch.
Saint Shamrock looking to throw knees to the head but Benn is blocking nicely.
Saint Shamrock looking to throw knees to the head but Benn is blocking nicely.
Benn is working for takedown but Saint Shamrock is calmly controlling the position for now.
Saint Shamrock throws a knee to the head but misses.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Saint Shamrock with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.
The pace really dropping off here, momentarily.
Benn takes a knee to the side of the body.
Saint Shamrock misses with a knee strike.
Benn has Saint Shamrock pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Saint Shamrock manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.
Benn has Saint Shamrock pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Saint Shamrock manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.
A frustrated look appears on Benn's face as he tries to break the clinch.
Saint Shamrock throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Benn blocks it with crossed arms.
Saint Shamrock tries to land a knee to the head but misses.
Saint Shamrock with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.
Benn wants a takedown.
Saint Shamrock throws a knee to the head but misses.
Saint Shamrock tries to land a knee to the head but Benn blocks with his arms.
Saint Shamrock looking to throw knees to the head but Benn is blocking nicely.
Saint Shamrock tries a knee to the head but Benn blocks it.
Saint Shamrock has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Benn avoiding damage as Saint Shamrock throws knees to the body.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Well. There's a bit of a lull in the action here and the crowd are starting to get restless.
Saint Shamrock with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.
Benn goes for a takedown in the clinch but Saint Shamrock prevents it.

Benn has moved round to his opponent's back and is looking for a suplex! Oh snap! He's tossed Saint Shamrock clear over his head and slammed him to the mat!
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Saint Shamrock has the hand control, trying to stop the rear naked choke.

Benn looking for the RNC.
Benn is looking to control Saint Shamrock but Saint Shamrock is wriggling around and keeping busy.
Saint Shamrock manages to reverse the position and now he's in Benn's guard. Nice work there by Saint Shamrock.
Saint Shamrock wants to pass the guard but Benn is keeping the position.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Lil Thumper Saint Shamrock dominated that fourth round.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business. The crowd applaud as we get ready to start the final round!

Saint Shamrock looking to land some kicks to the body here.
Saint Shamrock looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Benn.
Saint Shamrock moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Like a baseball bat into the meat of his leg there - nice leg kick by Saint Shamrock.
Both of our modern day gladiators look out of it here - an gruelling 5 rounds of action taking it's toll on them, no doubt.
Saint Shamrock throws a nice inside leg kick.
Benn shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Saint Shamrock defends it nicely.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Benn avoids the head kick by Saint Shamrock.

Saint Shamrock clinches with his opponent.
Saint Shamrock misses with a knee strike.
Saint Shamrock throws a knee to the head but misses.
Saint Shamrock misses with a knee to the head.
Benn tries to throw a body punch but Saint Shamrock avoids it by throwing Benn back against the cage.

Benn pulls guard.
Saint Shamrock wanted to stand there but Benn had control of the position.
Benn is controlling Saint Shamrock's posture.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A few boos can be heard. I'm sure they will multiply if the fighters don't pick up the pace.
Benn manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Saint Shamrock manages to get himself to full guard.

Benn drops back for a leg! It's a sloppy attempt though and Benn jumps back into guard quickly, to retain the dominant position.
Saint Shamrock has control of Benn's left arm, preventing Benn from doing any damage.
Saint Shamrock keeping full guard, as Benn tries to pass.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Saint Shamrock is on top in guard.
Saint Shamrock has decided he wants to stand but the closed guard of Benn is proving hard to escape from.

Saint Shamrock gets to his feet and steps away from his opponent.
Benn closes the distance and clinches up with Saint Shamrock, looking for a takedown. Benn pushes Saint Shamrock against the cage but Saint Shamrock circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for CJ Benn. That's going to take a lot out of him.

Saint Shamrock rushes Benn and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.
Saint Shamrock misses with a knee strike.
CJ Benn has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Saint Shamrock with an attempt at a knee that misses.
Benn changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Saint Shamrock fights it off and pushes away nicely.
Saint Shamrock pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Lil Thumper Saint Shamrock is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Saint Shamrock tries to close the distance and clinch up but Benn swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Saint Shamrock throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Saint Shamrock throws a sloppy head kick and Benn moves out of range easily.
Saint Shamrock throws a head kick but Benn moves out of range.

And that's the end of the fight!
Lil Thumper Saint Shamrock comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I've got Saint Shamrock winning every round here. Surely the decision will go his way and he'll pick up a well deserved decision victory. Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 5 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Edson Gomes scores the fight 44:50
Judge Matheus Silva scores the fight 44:50
Judge Daniel Cesar scores the fight 44:50

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Lil Thumper Saint Shamrock!
Lil Thumper Saint Shamrock is the new featherweight champion!