PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Lamar Washington (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Chris Matthews (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Washington comes into the arena with Back in Black-AC/DC blaring out of the sound system. 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.

Washington
vs
Matthews

183 cm
22
182 lbs
1 - 2 - 0

177 cm
22
180 lbs
1 - 3 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Solid Muay Thai
Prefers standup

BJJ Blue Belt
Decent knees
Granite chin

Forbidden Apple

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the welterweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 1 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Lamar Washington!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Chris Matthews!
The judges for this bout are , Timothy Bukovac and Jack Bonds.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Washington fails with the takedown.

Washington clinches with his opponent.

Matthews escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Washington tries a head kick but it misses.

Matthews shoots in for a takedown and gets it. Let's see what he's got on the mat.
Washington avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Washington avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Matthews accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Matthews passes Washington's right leg, so he's now in half guard.
Washington on his back here. We all know that wrestlers don't like being on their back so let's see if Washington tries to get out of the position.
Matthews thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Washington blocking the ground and pound attempt from Matthews.
Matthews thows a huge punch but Washington dodges it nicely.
Washington tries to roll over but Matthews keeps him under control.

That's one minute gone in the round.

It looks like we're going to have a standup here. Neither fight is doing enough on the ground.
Washington misses with a head kick.
Matthews takes a swing at Washington's ribcage but misses.
Chris Matthews seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Washington tries to clinch up.
Matthews takes a body kick right on the floating rib. Ouchie.
Matthews swats away the attempt to clinch by Washington.
Matthews changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Washington tries to avoid it but Matthews manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Washington to the ground. Washington escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Washington is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Washington looks to land a body kick but Matthews moved away.
The fight stays on the outside here - Washington looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Matthews throws a series of punches but Washington avoids them all with ease.
Matthews throws a shot from downtown. Washington moves away and avoids it.
Washington scores with a decent looking hook.
A thudding body kick lands there by Washington!
Matthews shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Washington as he avoids it easily.
Lamar Washington is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Matthews misses with an uppercut. Washington saw that one coming.
Matthews looks gassed!
Matthews tries to clinch but Washington moves away

and Washington moves into the clinch.
Washington crunches a lovely knee into Matthews's ribcage.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Washington using the Thai clinch to land knees to the body.

Washington escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Washington misses with a head kick.
Washington gets his head snapped back by a nice shot there.
Washington throws a head kick that misses.
Matthews moves in looking to clinch but Washington pushes him off.
Washington is looking to land body kicks.
Washington is looking to land body kicks.
Matthews blocks a head kick by Washington.
Matthews swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Matthews fails to land the takedown.
Lamar Washington has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Chris Matthews.
Matthews takes one to the side of the head.

Washington gets in close and instigates a clinch.
Matthews tries a knee to the head but he's missed.
Matthews tries for a takedown but Washington manages to get underhooks.

Washington manages to break the clinch.
Washington looking to land some kicks to the body here.

Washington has taken the fight to the clinch.

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

Washington moves into the clinch successfully.
Matthews is working for takedown but Washington is calmly controlling the position for now.
Matthews has had enough of the clinch but Washington keeps him there for the moment.
Matthews on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
Matthews has Washington pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Washington manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Washington breaks the clinch.

Matthews shoots in for a takedown and gets it.
The two fighters exchange a few words. I couldn't hear what they were saying but maybe it's more fun if you make it up yourself. Matthews connects with a nice short shot to Washington's temple.
Washington keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Washington tries to kick Matthews off but Matthews keeps his base steady and stays in half guard.
Matthews has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
Matthews missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
Washington is controlling Matthews's trapped leg to prevent Matthews from advancing to side control.
Matthews not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The fighters are going at a pretty good pace and they're both starting to sweat now.
Washington is trying to stand back up but Matthews is controlling him
Washington keeping hold of Matthews's head, controlling as best he can.
Matthews thows a huge punch but Washington dodges it nicely.

Neither fighter is doing enough for the referee's liking and he's decided to stand them back up.
Horrible takedown by Matthews or perhaps it was just good defense by Washington which made him look bad.
Washington throws a head kick that Matthews semi-blocks.
Washington throws a head kick that misses.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Washington goes for a high kick. It partially lands.
The fight stays on the outside here - Matthews looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Matthews doesn't manage to clinch there - Washington circles away.
Washington tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Lamar Washington dominated that round.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

Matthews looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
Washington tries to land a front kick but Matthews steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed.
Washington lands with an uppercut that bounces Matthews off the cage and back into rage.
No luck for Matthews with that takedown attempt.
Matthews misses with a looping left.
Washington fails with an attempt to clinch.
Washington misses with a head kick.
No luck for Matthews with that takedown attempt.
Lamar Washington has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Chris Matthews.
Washington throws a sloppy head kick and Matthews moves out of range easily.
Matthews avoids the head kick by Washington.
Washington pivots as if he's going to throw a leg kick but stops half way.
Matthews listening to his corner there, landing a nice uppercut.
Matthews tries to clinch there but Washington circles away.
Washington tries a head kick but it misses.
Matthews will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
Matthews moves into range and connects with a jab.
Washington throws a head kick that misses.
Washington scores with a nice strike.
Washington keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Washington throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Matthews lands a nice hook to Washington's body. Washington takes it in his stride and looks to land his own strikes.
Washington lands a high kick to the side of Matthews's head that stuns him and send him tumbling down to the canvas! Washington dives into guard, looking to finish.
Washington looking to control the position here, rather than advance.

Washington gets to his feet and steps away from his opponent.
Matthews lands a jab to the nose.
Matthews misses with a few strikes there.
A cross from Washington lands.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Matthews lands a pitter patter jab to the forehead of his opponent.
Washington jabs away that one connects to the head of his opponent.
Washington lands with a nice body kick.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Washington throws a head kick that lands with a deafening thwack! The crowd roars as Matthews stumbles backwards and falls to the mat. Washington follows into mount!

Matthews is rocked!
Matthews swinging wildly from the bottom but he's not landing.
Matthews is still in real trouble! Can Washington finish him?
Matthews is looking to improve his position but Washington isn't that keen on the idea.
Matthews seems to have recovered his senses.
Matthews tries to hold on but Washington postures up.
Matthews really trying hard to get back to half guard here.
Matthews tries to hold on but Washington postures up.
Matthews is trying to avoid being dragged into an even worse position than he's already in but Washington is staying active.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Washington stands up from mount. Strange move.
Washington throws the kick towards the body but Matthews avoids it.
Matthews shoots in looking for a takedown. Washington tries to sprawl out of it but Matthews keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Washington manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Ooooh, nice body kick lands from Washington. Matthews shrugs it off though.
Matthews takes a step back and watches a body kick go sailing past his mid section.
Matthews shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Washington as he avoids it easily.
Washington tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Washington throws a quick head kick that skims the top of Matthews's head.
Washington throws a body kick but he was well out of range there.
Matthews tries to clinch up but Washington circles away and keeps his distance.
Matthews throws out a loose jab but Washington uses good head movement to avoid it.

Excellent takedown into side control there by Matthews.
Matthews throwing strikes but missing, from side control.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Washington manages to get one leg in to regain half guard.
Washington wants to get back to his feet.
Matthews not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
Matthews prevents Washington from standing back up.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
The two fighters exchange a few words. I couldn't hear what they were saying but maybe it's more fun if you make it up yourself. Matthews connects with a nice short shot to Washington's temple.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Lamar Washington dominated that second round.
That's time! Back to the action! This is the final round!

Matthews darts in trying to clinch
and Washington counters with a flying knee. Nice.
Lamar Washington is winning the standup battle so far.
Washington throws a head kick but Matthews moves out of range.
Matthews lands a powerful looking uppercut that connected with his opponent's jaw.
Matthews misses with a few strikes there.
Washington misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Washington tries to close the distance and clinch up but Matthews swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Washington throws a head kick but Matthews moves out of range.
Washington has his hands up protecting his head but a hook from Matthews finds it's way round the side to connect with Washington's head.
Matthews throws a head kick that misses

and Washington moves into the clinch.

Matthews breaks from the clinch.
Matthews lands with an overhand left.
A punch combination from Matthews misses.
Washington takes a jab right on the nose. That must have hurt but he shrugs his shoulders and looks to return the favor.
Washington throws a sloppy head kick

and Matthews counters with a shoot takedown into half guard.
Matthews missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
Matthews trying to control the action but Washington is working from the bottom.
Matthews not landing any meaningful shots this time.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Matthews working over Washington with some ground and pound. Washington looks like he wants out of this position, which is understandable.
Matthews is keen to just control but Washington is a slippery customer.
Matthews thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Washington's head.
Matthews is thwarting Washington's attempts to control the position.

It looks like we're going to have a standup here. Neither fight is doing enough on the ground.
Washington lands a head kick. Matthews smiles back at him and beckons him forward.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Matthews throws a nice looking combination but Washington bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Chris Matthews is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Matthews avoids the head kick by Washington.
Matthews throws a head kick that misses.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are showing their displeasure at the lack of action as loud boos ring out around the arena.
Washington lands with a thumping leg kick.
Washington throws a head kick that connects with a bit of head and a bit of hand.
Matthews tries to clinch up but Washington circles away and keeps his distance.
Washington connects with a solid leg kick.
Matthews keeps the fight on the outside.
Matthews lands a body shot.
Matthews misses with a straight left.
Washington pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Matthews is looking to clinch.
Washington circles away from the clinch attempt.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Matthews.
Washington throws a body kick but he wasn't in range.
Matthews will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
Washington throws a right high kick that is partially blocked by Matthews.
Matthews lands a jab to the nose.

Washington is rocked!
Washington throws a hook but Matthews blocks it.
Oh Washington is still all over the place! His legs are completely gone! Will he be able to recover?!!
Washington pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Washington misses with an attempted mid kick.
Washington seems to have got his legs back now.
Matthews connects with a crisp jab.
Washington uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Matthews.
Washington showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Matthews.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Washington throws a feint and then finishes with a kick to the body.
Washington tries to clinch but Matthews moves out of range.
Matthews misses with a series of wild punches.
Matthews throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Washington's waist but Washington gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Matthews off to one side.
Lamar Washington has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Chris Matthews.
Washington throws a head kick that connects with a bit of head and a bit of hand.
Matthews changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Washington tries to avoid it but Matthews manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Washington to the ground. Washington escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Washington connects with a high kick.
A slapping body kick lands there for Washington.
Washington swats away the attempt to clinch by Matthews.
Chris Matthews has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Washington listening to his corner there, landing a nice uppercut.
Washington throws a quick head kick that skims the top of Matthews's head.

Matthews scores a trip takedown into side control. Nice.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Matthews tries to land with some ground and pound but misses.
Matthews cracks Washington with a big right hand but Washington just smiles back at him and invites him to have another go.
Matthews is trying to ground and pound but Washington uses the momentary lack of control by Matthews to regain half guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Matthews wants to pass the guard but Washington is defending well.
Washington looks like he's trying to stand up.
Nice strikes from Matthews there.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Matthews with the ground and pound but Washington uses the opportunity to regain guard.

Matthews drops back for a leg! It's a sloppy attempt though and Matthews jumps back into guard quickly, to retain the dominant position.

And that's the end of the fight!
I would just about give that final round to Chris Matthews.
I think Washington has won this one but let's see what the judges have to say. 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 Percy O'Donnell scores the fight 29:28
Judge Timothy Bukovac scores the fight 29:28
Judge Jack Bonds scores the fight 29:28

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Lamar Washington!