PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Derek Higginsworth (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Richard Fitzwell (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Higginsworth comes to the cage accompanied by Mr. Grinch. The crowd seem to be enjoying Fitzwell's choice of entrance music: RATM - Killing in The Name. Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Higginsworth
vs
Fitzwell

193 cm
23
280 lbs
9 - 2 - 0

200 cm
28
270 lbs
14 - 6 - 0

Good wrestling
Excellent boxer
KO power

Good wrestler
Excellent boxer
Granite chin

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 9 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Derek Higginsworth!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 14 - 6 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Richard Fitzwell!
The judges for this bout are Matheus Silva, Seu Braga and Emerson Jorge.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Higginsworth cracks the inside of Fitzwell's front leg.
Fitzwell throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Higginsworth throws a front kick that sends Fitzwell stumbling back into the cage.
Fitzwell has his front leg slapped to the side - a nice low kick landing there from Higginsworth.
A kick lands to the mid section there for Higginsworth.
Fitzwell looks gassed!
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Higginsworth feints with a shoulder and throws a nice leg kick to Fitzwell's calf.
Fitzwell on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by Higginsworth. Higginsworth obviously looking to wear him down.
Higginsworth scores with a hook.
A head kick from Higginsworth lands but Fitzwell takes it in his stride.

It looks like Richard Fitzwell has been cut.
A nice inside leg kick there by Higginsworth. That's going to slow Fitzwell down.
An inside leg kick lands from Higginsworth.
Higginsworth is looking to slow Fitzwell down with leg kicks.
Fitzwell on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by Higginsworth. Higginsworth obviously looking to wear him down.
Higginsworth connects with a leg kick. Fitzwell looked like he was expecting something else and didn't defend it.
Higginsworth pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Higginsworth moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
Derek Higginsworth seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Higginsworth lands with a kick to the temple. Fitzwell shrugs as if to say "is that all you've got?"
Higginsworth thows a body kick. Fitzwell tries to catch it but that hurt him.
Higginsworth connects with an inside leg kick.
Higginsworth lands a high kick!
Higginsworth lands a nice leg kick that just misses Fitzwell's sensitive parts.
Higginsworth lands a leg kick and bounces back out of range.
Higginsworth lands a head kick. Fitzwell smiles back at him and beckons him forward.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Crunch! Higginsworth slams his shin into Fitzwell's torso.
Derek Higginsworth is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Higginsworth misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Higginsworth looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.
Higginsworth scoring well with a low kick there.
Higginsworth throws a nice head kick!
Fitzwell on the wrong end of a nice low kick. He's acting like it's no big deal but he doesn't want to take many more of those.
A slapping leg kick lands for Higginsworth.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Higginsworth looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.
Higginsworth tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Fitzwell takes a step back and watches a body kick go sailing past his mid section.
Higginsworth keeps Fitzwell at a distance using the push kick.
Higginsworth throws a quick head kick that skims the top of Fitzwell's head.
Fitzwell takes a head kick and shrugs it off.
Higginsworth throws a head kick that misses.
Higginsworth throws a sloppy head kick and Fitzwell moves out of range easily.
That kick from Higginsworth tenderised Fitzwell's leg. Fitzwell is trying to keep his angry face on.
Higginsworth scoring well with a low kick there.
Higginsworth lands a front kick.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Higginsworth lands a high kick!
That kick from Higginsworth tenderised Fitzwell's leg. Fitzwell is trying to keep his angry face on.
Higginsworth throws a sloppy head kick and Fitzwell moves out of range easily.
Fitzwell shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Fitzwell on the wrong end of a nice low kick. He's acting like it's no big deal but he doesn't want to take many more of those.
Higginsworth lands a high kick!
Fitzwell avoids the head kick by Higginsworth.
Higginsworth fakes a couple of low kicks, before throwing one on the third attempt. It connects and Fitzwell has to reset his feet before getting ready to engage.
Fitzwell shoots in but Higginsworth avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Fitzwell has developed a nice purple lump on his ribcage, as a result of some heavy body kicks from Higginsworth.
Higginsworth lands a nice looking kick to the body. Fitzwell takes a step back to recover.
Fitzwell has his front leg slapped to the side - a nice low kick landing there from Higginsworth.
Higginsworth cracks the inside of Fitzwell's front leg.
Fitzwell takes a thudding leg kick, right into the meat of the thigh.
Higginsworth misses with an attempted mid kick.
Higginsworth thumps Fitzwell with a low kick.
Higginsworth fakes the leg kick and cracks Fitzwell in the body.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Higginsworth tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Higginsworth throws a head kick but Fitzwell moves out of range.
Fitzwell clobbers Higginsworth with an overhand right that has the crowd gasping. That made a horrendous noise.
Higginsworth on the wrong end of a decent looking cross there.
Higginsworth throws a head kick but Fitzwell moves out of range.
Fitzwell looks to throw the jab but Higginsworth is out of range.
Fitzwell avoids the head kick by Higginsworth.
Fitzwell lands a really nice looking cross but Higginsworth seems unphased.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Fitzwell.
Derek Higginsworth has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Richard Fitzwell.
Higginsworth with a nice looking leg kick. You could hear that one land in a back row.
Higginsworth throws a body kick that sends a sickening thudding noise reverberating around the arena.
Higginsworth lands with a nice low kick. That'll leave a bruise.
Fitzwell is trying desperately to land a takedown but Higginsworth is having absolutely none of it. This is turning into a bit of a nightmare for Fitzwell.
Fitzwell takes a nasty kick to the mid section... That should keep him thinking. Does he try and block and risk a head kick landing?
Higginsworth fakes a couple of low kicks, before throwing one on the third attempt. It connects and Fitzwell has to reset his feet before getting ready to engage.
Higginsworth lands with a head kick! That's gotta hurt.
Higginsworth misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Higginsworth looking to throw a kick but he's pulled out of it.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Higginsworth feints with a shoulder and throws a nice leg kick to Fitzwell's calf.
Fitzwell loads up on a big right hand but Higginsworth slips the punch.
Higginsworth bobs and weaves and then throws a good body kick.
Like a baseball bat into the meat of his leg there - nice leg kick by Higginsworth.
Higginsworth tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Higginsworth lands with a head kick! That's gotta hurt.
A chopping leg kick lands by Higginsworth.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Higginsworth looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.
Higginsworth misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Higginsworth thumps Fitzwell with a low kick.
Fitzwell takes a kick to the side of the head.
Fitzwell throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Higginsworth's waist but Higginsworth gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Fitzwell off to one side.
Fitzwell steps to his left, right into the path of a big body kick from Higginsworth. That one must have hurt.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Higginsworth connects with a leg kick. Fitzwell looked like he was expecting something else and didn't defend it.
Higginsworth scores with a kick to the body.
Higginsworth throws a head kick but Fitzwell moves out of range.
Higginsworth fakes with a right hand and throws a good leg kick, right into the thigh. That had to hurt Fitzwell.
Fitzwell blocks a head kick by Higginsworth.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Fitzwell takes a nice looking leg kick right on the meat of his thigh there.
Higginsworth pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Fitzwell tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Higginsworth was well out of range. Poor timing from Fitzwell.
Higginsworth misses with a head kick.
Higginsworth looks to land a body kick but Fitzwell moved away.
Fitzwell misses with the combination.
Higginsworth takes one on the chin but seems OK.
Both these guys seem content to just stand up and trade with eachother but Fitzwell might want to think about changing up his gameplan a bit because over the course of the fight, Higginsworth has got the better of the exchanges.
Higginsworth takes a really solid shot there but just smiles back and shrugs his shoulders.
Fitzwell rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Higginsworth moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Fitzwell moves into range and throws a combination. A nice jab followed by a hook to the body.
Higginsworth fakes a jab and scores with a low kick.
Fitzwell's leg has a nasty welt from taking a succession of leg kicks. That must be slowing him down.
A head kick from Higginsworth lands but Fitzwell takes it in his stride.
Higginsworth defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Fitzwell.
Higginsworth moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
Fitzwell takes a head kick and keeps coming.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
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!
Higginsworth lands with a thumping leg kick.
Fitzwell shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Higginsworth sprawls well. Higginsworth wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Fitzwell gets slowly back to his feet.
Some wild striking there from Fitzwell.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Higginsworth fakes low and throws an overhand right that catches Fitzwell on the side of the head.
Higginsworth throws a head kick that misses.
Higginsworth lands with a head kick! That's gotta hurt.
The crowd cheers as Fitzwell lands an impressive looking overhand right. Higginsworth doesn't seem phased though.
Higginsworth pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Fitzwell keeping at a good range here, avoiding a leg kick.
Richard Fitzwell is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Fitzwell scores with a jab to the head.
Higginsworth fakes a couple of low kicks, before throwing one on the third attempt. It connects and Fitzwell has to reset his feet before getting ready to engage.
Fitzwell misses with a double jab.
Higginsworth thuds his shin into the meat of Fitzwell's side.
A head kick from Higginsworth lands but Fitzwell takes it in his stride.
Higginsworth throws a head kick that looked like it stung.
Higginsworth chopping away at his opponent's legs.
A nice inside leg kick there by Higginsworth. That's going to slow Fitzwell down.
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!
Fitzwell takes a thudding leg kick, right into the meat of the thigh.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Higginsworth pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Higginsworth lands a nice looking body kick.
Horrible takedown by Fitzwell or perhaps it was just good defense by Higginsworth which made him look bad.
Derek Higginsworth has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Richard Fitzwell.
Higginsworth lands with a kick to the temple. Fitzwell shrugs as if to say "is that all you've got?"
Higginsworth connects with a leg kick. He turned his hip over nicely there.
Higginsworth throws a nice head kick!
Higginsworth misses with a body kick.
Derek Higginsworth is winning the standup battle so far.
Higginsworth looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.
Higginsworth cracks the inside of Fitzwell's front leg.
Fitzwell takes a nice looking leg kick right on the meat of his thigh there.

Fitzwell throws a loose over hand right and dives in with a double leg takedown. Higginsworth tries to sprawl but it's too late and the fighters hit the mat. Fitzwell is in Higginsworth's guard.
Higginsworth looking to hit a scissor sweep but Fitzwell is one step ahead there.
Higginsworth utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Fitzwell throwing strikes from guard but Higginsworth blocks nicely.
Fitzwell is looking to work some ground and pound but Higginsworth has wrist control.
Higginsworth preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Fitzwell working from the guard for now, landing some ground and pound.
Fitzwell is working Higginsworth over from the guard. He should look to pass the guard and do a little more damage with these strikes.
Fitzwell looking to pass the guard.
Fitzwell is looking to work some ground and pound but Higginsworth has wrist control.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Fitzwell wants to control from the top but Higginsworth keeps moving.
Fitzwell missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Fitzwell pushes down on Higginsworth's leg and manages to get into half guard.
Fitzwell thows a huge punch but Higginsworth dodges it nicely.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Fitzwell not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Derek Higginsworth dominated that second round.
The cut man is working on Richard Fitzwell's cut.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action! Let's hear some noise people - this is the final round!

Some bone on bone action there as Fitzwell checks a low kick. Luckily it wasn't a particularly hard one.
Higginsworth tries a head kick but it misses.
Higginsworth misses with a low kick.
Fitzwell has used his reach advantage pretty well so far tonight.
Higginsworth throws a head kick that half lands.
Higginsworth pivots as if he's going to throw a leg kick but stops half way.
A big right from Fitzwell misses.
Higginsworth scores with a kick to the midsection.
Fitzwell takes a step towards his opponent and connects with a left hand, before circling away.
Fitzwell on the wrong end of a nice low kick. He's acting like it's no big deal but he doesn't want to take many more of those.
Higginsworth pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Higginsworth is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Fitzwell can do to turn this around?
Higginsworth pushes Fitzwell away with a front kick.
Fitzwell fails with a takedown attempt.
Higginsworth moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
Higginsworth misses with a low kick.
Higginsworth moves into range and lands a nice body kick.
A big right from Fitzwell misses.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Fitzwell works the jab nicely.
Fitzwell might want to mix his strikes up a bit more. He's just going for head shots at the moment and that can become a bit predictable.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Fitzwell fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
A chopping leg kick lands by Higginsworth.
Higginsworth plants his feet and lands a nice head kick!
Ouch! a nice leg kick from Higginsworth, right into the meat.
Higginsworth lands with a kick to the temple. Fitzwell shrugs as if to say "is that all you've got?"
A nice inside leg kick there by Higginsworth. That's going to slow Fitzwell down.
Higginsworth delivers a nice body kick.
Fitzwell jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Higginsworth turns his hip over beautifully as he lands a nice leg kick.
Fitzwell blocks a head kick by Higginsworth.
Higginsworth throws a head kick that misses.
Fitzwell avoids the head kick by Higginsworth.
Nice shot lands for Fitzwell.
Higginsworth pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Fitzwell throws a shot from downtown. Higginsworth moves away and avoids it.
Higginsworth scores with a leg kick.
Fitzwell bobs and weaves and throws out a fast jab that snaps Higginsworth's head backwards.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Higginsworth throws a sloppy head kick and Fitzwell moves out of range easily.
Higginsworth throws a leg kick which misses Fitzwell's front leg but catches the back leg as Fitzwell tries to avoid it.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Higginsworth fakes a jab and scores with a low kick.
Higginsworth connects with a high kick.
The fighters circle momentarily. Fitzwell darts into range and connects with a nice straight punch.

Fitzwell shoots in for a takedown and gets it. Let's see what he's got on the mat.
Fitzwell postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Fitzwell missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Fitzwell must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.
Higginsworth preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Fitzwell makes a bit of distance and scores with some ground and pound, still in guard.
Fitzwell thows a big elbow that misses.
Fitzwell is working Higginsworth over from the guard. He should look to pass the guard and do a little more damage with these strikes.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Fitzwell lands a couple of decent looking shots.
Fitzwell thows a big elbow that misses.
Fitzwell working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Fitzwell throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Fitzwell lands a nice shot whilst sitting in his opponent's guard.
Fitzwell throwing strikes from guard but Higginsworth blocks nicely.
Fitzwell won't allow Higginsworth to sweep him here.
Higginsworth avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are showing their displeasure at the lack of action as loud boos ring out around the arena.
Higginsworth avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Fitzwell working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Fitzwell postures up and lands some nice ground and pound.
Derek Higginsworth is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Fitzwell loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Fitzwell is looking to work some ground and pound but Higginsworth has wrist control.
Fitzwell passes Higginsworth's right leg, so he's now in half guard.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Higginsworth is refusing to be controlled, as Fitzwell sits in half guard.
Richard Fitzwell has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

Fitzwell is looking for an arm triangle, whilst trying to pass to side control. Higginsworth doesn't seem that keen to cooperate though. No luck this time Fitzwell.

And that's the end of the fight!
That was a close round. You could make an argument for either fighter but I would give it to Derek Higginsworth.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Higginsworth, 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 Matheus Silva scores the fight 30:26
Judge Seu Braga scores the fight 30:26
Judge Emerson Jorge scores the fight 30:26

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Derek Higginsworth!