PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between Michael Benoit (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Ville Apila (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Apila comes into a darkened arena with his song building. Distance ( OF OUR SKILLS) kicks in, the lights come on and the crowd goes wild! What a showman! The crowd giving both fighters a great reception on their way into the arena. That's good to see.

Benoit
vs
Apila

170 cm
22
140 lbs
13 - 1 - 0

175 cm
28
146 lbs
16 - 6 - 0

Good wrestling
Excellent boxer
Cardio machine

Powerful takedowns
Counter striker
Powerful

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the bantamweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 13 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Sydney, Michael Benoit!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 16 - 6 - 0, fighting out of Sydney, Ville Apila!
The judges for this bout are Damien Edna, Donatello Bradman and John Mangel.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Benoit cracks Apila with a hook to the jaw. Both fighters smile at eachother and high-five before getting back down to business.
Benoit lands a right hook to the body.
Both fighters are looking to counter, which isn't making for the most exciting fight in the world.
Benoit misses with an uppercut. Apila saw that one coming.
Benoit misses with a wild body shot.
A jab from Benoit does it's job there.

It looks like Ville Apila has been cut.

Apila closes the distance and clinches.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Benoit lands a shoulder strike.
Benoit lands a nice shot to the body.
Benoit softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
Benoit throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Apilas head.
Benoit lands a body shot.
A right hook to the body lands for Benoit.
Benoit lands a shoulder strike.
Benoit lands with a short shot to the head.
Apila drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Benoit lands a body punch.
Apila looks gassed!
Still in the clinch, Benoit scores with a nice short uppercut.
Benoit lands a body punch in the clinch.
Apila tries to pull guard but can't drag his opponent to the mat. Benoit just stands there and leans against the cage.
A right handed body shot lands from Benoit.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
A nice left hand lands by Benoit.
A short right from Benoit on the inside.
Benoit scores with a shoulder strike.
Benoit pushes Apila back against the cage and unloads with a body punch.
Benoit works on Apila's body with a couple of short punches.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, Benoit creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
A left hand lands to the body for Benoit.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Benoit pushes Apila back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.
Benoit lands a left hand.
Benoit stops a takedown attempt from Apila.
Michael Benoit has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Ville Apila.
Benoit is working Apila over against the cage.
A hook to the body from Benoit.
Benoit presses Apila against the cage and delivers a mid-strength body shot.
Benoit stays in close to his opponent and throws a right hand to the body.
Benoit lands a shot to the body.
Benoit lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
Benoit pushes Apila back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.
A short body shot lands from Benoit as the two fighters clinch.
A short body shot lands from Benoit as the two fighters clinch.
Benoit lands a right hand that snaps the head of Apila backwards.
Benoit lands with a right to the head.
Benoit throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Apilas head.
Still in the clinch, Benoit scores with a nice short uppercut.
Benoit working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, Benoit creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
Benoit scores with a nice hook to the head.
Benoit digs a right hand underneath Apila's ribcage. Apila let out a lung full of air as it connected.
Benoit throws a hook to the body. More of an arm punch but it's all scoring with the judges.
A hook to the body from Benoit.
An uppercut to the body lands inside from Benoit.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Benoit digs a right hand into Apila's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Apila's gas tank.
Benoit lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Apila backwards.
Benoit lands a right hand that snaps the head of Apila backwards.
A body shot lands from Benoit.
Nice body punch from Benoit.
Benoit lands a left hand that snaps the head of Apila backwards.
Benoit lands with a short punch from the clinch.
Benoit lands on the inside with an uppercut.
Benoit lands with a light punch inside.
Benoit is working Apila over against the cage.
Benoit lands a hook to the body. It's hard to tell if that hurt Apila or not.
Benoit gets through Apila's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
Benoit scores with a hook to the body.
Benoit working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
Benoit lands a right hand that snaps the head of Apila backwards.
Benoit works for underhooks and lands a body shot in the process.
Benoit stays in close to his opponent and throws a right hand to the body.
An uppercut to the body lands inside from Benoit.
Benoit digs a right hand into Apila's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Apila's gas tank.
Benoit scores with a nice hook to the head.
Benoit working some nice short punches in the clinch.
Benoit throws a hook to the body. More of an arm punch but it's all scoring with the judges.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A short body shot lands from Benoit as the two fighters clinch.
Benoit lands a nice uppercut.
Benoit makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, Benoit creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
Benoit lands a body punch.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Benoit throws a hook to the body. More of an arm punch but it's all scoring with the judges.
Benoit lands with a short punch from the clinch.
Benoit lands a body shot.
A hook to the body from Benoit.
Benoit lands with a light punch inside.
A hook to the body from Benoit.
A short left from Benoit.
Benoit scores with a hook to the body.
Benoit scores with a nice hook to the head.
An uppercut to the body lands inside from Benoit.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Benoit digs a right hand underneath Apila's ribcage. Apila let out a lung full of air as it connected.
Benoit is working Apila over against the cage.
Benoit lands a hook that snaps the head of Apila backwards.
Benoit working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
Benoit lands a nice looking hook to the body, against the cage.
Benoit makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Michael Benoit dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Ville Apila's cut.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.

Apila closes the distance and takes a jab right on the nose as he does so.
Benoit misses with a hook
and Apila counters with a left and a right that stings Benoit.
Benoit lands with a right hand.
Apila takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.
Apila is breathing heavily.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Benoit looks to score with a jab to the body but Apila is just out of range.
Benoit throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Apila sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Apila misses with a hook to the body
and Benoit counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Benoit is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Apila can do to turn this around?
The fighters circling - Benoit throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Benoit misses the shot to the body.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are hurling abuse towards the fighters... You can hardly blame them though because there isn't a lot going on in the fight.
Benoit throws an overhand right that lands on Apila's shoulder, as Apila tries to avoid the shot.
Apila is trying hard to land a takedown here. Benoit sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
A combination from Benoit does no damage.
Benoit scores with a sloppy punch to the body. Not much technique there but it did the business.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Benoit throws a combination. Apila tries to block but a couple of punches get through.
Benoit ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Apila moves away.
Benoit throws a right and a left that both miss.
Benoit falls off balance throwing a combination

and Apila counters with a nice single leg takedown and he's in Benoit's guard now.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Apila postures up in Benoit's guard and throws a big left but Benoit blocks it.
Benoit working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Apila.
Benoit keeping full guard, as Apila tries to pass.
Benoit bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Apila's guard.
Benoit is just sitting in guard, looking to avoid any submissions.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Michael Benoit dominated that second round.
The cut man is working on Ville Apila's cut.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

Benoit throws out a loose jab but Apila uses good head movement to avoid it.
Apila misses with a takedown
and Benoit counters with a stiff right hand.

That's one minute gone in the round.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Benoit jabs Apila to the body, keeping him at a distance.
Benoit takes a swing at Apila's ribcage but misses.
Benoit swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Benoit digs a good body shot into Apila's ribs.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
There's not a lot going on here and the crowd are letting the fighters know they're not willing to tolerate a lack of action.
Apila gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily
and Benoit counters with a lovely shot to the body.
Apila takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Benoit throws a jab but it's blocked by Apila.
A jab from Benoit finds it's way through Apila's defenses.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Apila takes a shot right to the bread basket.
Benoit throws a shot from downtown. Apila moves away and avoids it.
Apila uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Benoit.
The fighters circling - Benoit throws out the jab but it was never going to land.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.
Apila shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Michael Benoit has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Ville Apila.
Apila keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Benoit with a body punch. A glancing blow.
Michael Benoit is winning the standup battle so far.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Benoit lands an overhand right.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Michael Benoit clearly takes that round.
The cut man is working on Ville Apila's cut.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!

Benoit looks to land a right hand but Apila moved out of range.
Apila misses the shot to the body.
Benoit lands a jab followed by a nice looking cross.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Benoit misses with a wild body shot.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Benoit misses the shot to the body.
Benoit scores with a shot to the body.
Benoit misses with a double jab.
Benoit lands a slapping body shot.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A looping hook to the body misses from Benoit. Apila does a little dance to reset his feet.
Nice sprawl there from Benoit as Apila shoots in.
Benoit connects with a body shot.
Apila is absolutely dripping with sweat - he looks exhausted.
Benoit misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Apila.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Apila shoots in for a takedown from distance. He catches Benoit napping and manages to drive through into side control!
Apila with the ground and pound but Benoit regains half guard under the barage of strikes.
Benoit desperately trying to maintain half guard.
Benoit keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Apila thows a big elbow that misses, also allowing Benoit to regain full guard.
Apila throws a big right hand that misses.
Benoit working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Apila.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Apila is fighting to break Benoit's control of his arms but Benoit is doing a good job of controlling the position at the moment.
Apila loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Apila thows a big elbow that misses.
Apila prevents Benoit from getting back to his feet.
Apila pushes down on Benoit's leg and manages to get into half guard.
Apila is looking to advance position but Benoit won't allow it.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Benoit keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Benoit has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Apila is working away from the top position though.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Michael Benoit had his way with Ville Apila in that round.
The cut man is working on Ville Apila's cut.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action. Let's hear some noise people - this is the final round!

Benoit throws the left hand but Apila avoids the punch easily.
Benoit throws a series of punches but Apila avoids them all with ease.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Benoit lands three nice shots there - that looked like it hurt!

That's one minute gone in the round.
A looping hook to the body misses from Benoit. Apila does a little dance to reset his feet.
Benoit takes a swing at Apila's ribcage but misses.
Benoit just misses with a punch to the body.
Apila uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Benoit.

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.
Benoit misses with a telegraphed body shot

and Apila counters with a driving takedown into guard. Nice work there by Apila.
Benoit working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Apila.

Apila postures up as if he's going to throw some strikes but drops back for an ankle! Benoit is in big trouble! He looks ready to tap! But no, he's escaped and dives on top of Apila, into his guard.
Apila pulls Benoit in close to prevent any damage.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Benoit slows down the pace of the fight, as he sits in guard.
Apila pulls Benoit in close to prevent any damage.
Ville Apila has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Benoit postures up.
We've had a lack of effective grappling in the last minute or so, which could well see a referee standup.
Apila wants to get back to his feet but Benoit is in a dominant position and won't allow it.
Apila has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Neither fighter has done anything of merit for a good minute or two here and the crowd are not happy about it.

The ref stands the fighters back up. Ville Apila was stalling too much, according to the referee.
Apila ducks under a wild hook from Benoit.
Apila takes a really solid shot there but just smiles back and shrugs his shoulders.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Benoit misses the shot to the body.

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 Michael Benoit.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Benoit, 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 5 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Damien Edna scores the fight 49:45
Judge Donatello Bradman scores the fight 50:45
Judge John Mangel scores the fight 50:45

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Michael Benoit!
Michael Benoit retains his bantamweight title!