PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Jack Withrow (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Sub Zero (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the cage.

Withrow
vs
Zero

185 cm
25
195 lbs
18 - 6 - 1

180 cm
23
198 lbs
12 - 3 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Excellent boxer
Very quick

Good wrestler
Good kicks
Powerful

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the middleweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 18 - 6 - 1, fighting out of Los Angeles, Jack Withrow!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 12 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Sub Zero!
The judges for this bout are Frank Antenori, and Timothy Bukovac.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Zero misses with a low kick as Withrow jumps back.
Withrow feints and then cracks Zero's leading leg with a nice low kick. He's obviously looking to slow Zero down.
No luck for Zero with that takedown attempt.
Withrow looks to land a combination but Zero avoids it well.
A bone on bone clash there as Withrow blocks the leg kick.
Withrow looking to throw a kick but he's pulled out of it.
Withrow throws a head kick that misses

and Zero decides to take the opportunity to score a takedown. He's landed in Withrow's guard.
Zero throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Withrow works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Zero trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.

Zero is holding a leg here, probably looking for an ankle lock - he drops back and goes for it! Withrow is in trouble! Is it all over??? No! Withrow has escaped and now he's on top!
Withrow preventing the sweep.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Zero is trying to control the position but Withrow postures up.
Zero bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Withrow's guard.
Zero trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Withrow is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move.
Zero tries to roll over but Withrow keeps him under control.
Withrow has freed up his trapped foot and advances to mount.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Withrow prevents Zero from getting the reversal.
Zero wants to hold on but Withrow pushes him away.
Zero is desperately trying to improve his position but Withrow has a good base and remains in mount.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Zero is persisting with the attempt to improve his position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Withrow controlling from mount.
Withrow has controlled the position for a good 20 seconds, which will no doubt be starting to frustrate his opponent.
Zero tries to get back to half guard but can't.
Withrow looking to control and managing it successfully.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Withrow trying to control but he's not successful this time.
Zero sneaks a leg under to get to half guard.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Withrow wants to pass to mount but Zero is defending the position.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Sub Zero dominated that round.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!

Zero ducks under a wild hook from Withrow.
Withrow throws a low kick but Zero avoids it.
Withrow misses the jab.
Zero feints with a shoulder and throws a nice leg kick to Withrow's calf.
Sloppy strikes from Withrow. Those never looked like landing.
Zero throws a good cross that connects.
Withrow rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Zero moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Withrow takes a swing at Zero's ribcage but misses.
Withrow looks to land a right hand but Zero moved out of range.
Zero throws a lazy head kick
and Withrow counters with a three punch combo that has Zero backing up. Zero nods at Withrow to acknowledge the strikes.
Zero lands a leg kick that knocks Withrow off balance momentarily.
Zero fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
Zero throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Zero blocks a head kick by Withrow.
Withrow swinging wildly here.
Withrow is looking to land body kicks.
Withrow misses with a double jab.
Withrow throws a right and a left that both miss.
Zero tries to score with an inside leg kick but telegraphs it and Withrow is able to avoid easily.
Zero tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Withrow paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Withrow lands a nice shot to the body.
Withrow scores with a kick to the body.

Zero fakes a strike and closes the distance, dragging Withrow to the ground. Zero is now in Withrow's guard.
Zero stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Withrow swivels though and keeps the full guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Withrow looking for a sweep. Not yet Withrow, not yet.
Sub Zero has got the better of the ground game so far.
Withrow is trying to keep Zero in close.
Zero with a flurry of punches that miss.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Withrow working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Zero.
Zero trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Withrow is trying to control the position from the bottom.
Withrow has control of Zero's left arm, preventing Zero from doing any damage.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

The ref stands the fighters back up. Jack Withrow wasn't doing enough on the ground.
Zero thumps Withrow with a low kick.
A combination from Withrow does no damage.
Withrow tries to bum rush Zero with a series of wild strikes but Zero uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Zero looks to land a body kick but Withrow moved away.
Jack Withrow is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Zero shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.

Zero throws the overhand right but ducks down into a quick takedown attempt. Withrow was covering up waiting for the punch and Zero finishes the takedown easily into guard.
Zero in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Zero loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Withrow seems keen to control Zero's posture.
Zero with a flurry of punches that miss.
Zero missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Zero throws a strike but Withrow rolls with it and manages to sweep. Now he's in guard on top.

Zero throws his legs up looking for a submission but Withrow uses it to pass to side control.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Zero is positioning himself to get back to half guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close second round but Sub Zero will probably get the nod - 10:9.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action.

Withrow throws a lazy head kick

and Zero counters with a nice double leg into side control. Withrow won't be happy with that.
Zero throws a knee to the body but it doesn't do much damage.

Zero is trying to land an Americana. He has the arm isolated but Withrow is keeping cool and he's avoided the danger for now.
Withrow can't do much from the bottom here.
Zero throws a strike aimed at the side of Withrow's head but Withrow avoids it well.
Zero working the strikes but Withrow uses the opportunity to regain half guard.
Zero throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Withrow keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Zero throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.
Zero throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
Zero not landing any meaningful shots this time.
The referee walks around the fighters to get a better view of the action. Zero lands a nice short elbow.
Zero not landing any meaningful shots this time.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Zero throwing shots but Withrow is blocking nicely.
Zero thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
Zero throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Zero is pressing down on Withrow's thigh, looking to free his foot. Withrow is holding on for now.
Zero sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Withrow defending well though.
Zero slips a nice elbow through Withrow's hands, connecting with Withrow's forehead.
Zero looks to score some points with some ground and pound.
Zero has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
Zero misses with a head shot. Withrow uses the momentum to regain guard.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Withrow manages to land a sweep and now he's in mount on top!

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Zero is trying to escape the mount.
Zero wants to hold on but Withrow pushes him away.
Zero bucks up and manages to get a nice reversal! He's in guard on the top - nicely done!
Zero working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Zero postures up in Withrow's guard and throws a big left but Withrow blocks it.
Zero keeps in close for a moment and lands a decent shot to the side of Withrow's head.
Zero pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Withrow is keeping the position for now.
Zero throws and elbow that misses. Withrow uses the momentum to reverse the position. He's now in Zero's guard. Nice move by Withrow!
Withrow stopping the sweep attempt from Zero.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.

Zero is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Withrow defends well.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Sub Zero really dominated that round.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.

Withrow throws a head kick that misses.
Withrow throws the kick towards the body but Zero avoids it.
Zero wants to clinch.
A big right from Withrow misses.
Withrow lands with a nice body kick.
Withrow pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Donk. Withrow catches Zero right on the button with a cross.
Zero ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Withrow moves away.
Withrow throws a right hand that Zero ducks under and follows up with a left that Zero also avoids with ease.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Zero chopping away at his opponent's legs.
Zero fails to land the takedown.
Withrow shuffles to his left behind two crisp jabs. Zero eats them both and turns towards Withrow to reposition himself and eats a stinging right hand-left hook combo.
Zero misses with a leg kick
enabling Withrow to counter with a crisp jab.
Withrow throws a series of strikes that have Zero backpedaling.
Withrow looks to land a combination but Zero avoids it well.
It's got to the stage where if one of these guys blows hard enough, the other might fall over.
Withrow misses with a jab, cross combination.

Zero looks for a takedown. He's got it. We're now in half guard.
Withrow keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Withrow has hold of Zero's hands but Zero slips his arm to the side and lands an elbow.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Zero trying to mount his opponent but Withrow defends it.
Zero not landing any meaningful shots this time.
Zero not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
Withrow wants to control but Zero is keeping busy.
Zero lands a big shot. The thud that echoes around the arena is like music to the fans' ears.
Zero is pressing down on Withrow's thigh, looking to free his foot. Withrow is holding on for now.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Zero missing with the ground and pound from half guard.

Zero is looking for a kimura. It's going to be difficult to finish that from half guard though and Withrow defends it well.
Zero not landing any meaningful shots this time.
Zero missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.
Zero not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
Withrow on the receiving end of some nice ground and pound.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Zero working some ground and pound from close in. He's looking to maintain this position and strike for a while by the looks of things... although he'll probably advance to full mount in a minute now I've said that.

Zero is looking for an arm triangle, whilst trying to pass to side control. Withrow doesn't seem that keen to cooperate though. No luck this time Zero.
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. Zero connects with a nice short shot to Withrow's temple.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Zero drops an elbow to the side of Withrow's head.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Sub Zero dominated that fourth round.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action! This is the final round!

A bone on bone clash there as Withrow blocks the leg kick.
Zero does a little shimmy and throws a leg kick. The leg kick missed by a considerable margin though, making him look a little bit silly for doing the shimmy.
Jack Withrow is winning the standup battle so far.
Withrow throws a right hand that Zero ducks under and follows up with a left that Zero also avoids with ease.
Withrow throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Withrow tries to land a front kick but Zero steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed.
Zero feints with a shoulder and throws a nice leg kick to Withrow's calf.
Withrow lets loose with a powerful body kick. Zero will feel that in the morning.
Withrow pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Zero misses with a leg kick.
Withrow misses with a body kick.
Zero sees a low kick coming and goes to check it, but it's actually a body kick and it thuds into his unprotected ribs.
Zero steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Withrow.
Zero throws a leg kick which misses Withrow's front leg but catches the back leg as Withrow tries to avoid it.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Withrow lands a pitter patter jab to the forehead of his opponent.
Withrow has his front leg slapped to the side - a nice low kick landing there from Zero.
Zero uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Withrow.
Zero looks to land a left hand but Withrow moved out of range nicely.
Zero checks a leg kick nicely.
Withrow throws a head kick that misses.
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.
Zero throws a body punch but Withrow moves out of range.
Withrow misses with a double jab.
Zero tries to close the distance and clinch but Withrow swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Zero throws a sloppy head kick and Withrow moves out of range easily.
Withrow tries to bum rush Zero with a series of wild strikes but Zero uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Withrow fails to land with a series of punches.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Zero moves away from the strike by Withrow.
A looping hook to the body misses from Zero. Withrow does a little dance to reset his feet.
Zero throws a right high kick that is partially blocked by Withrow.

Zero gets the takedown into side control.
Withrow is positioning himself to get back to half guard.
Zero looking to punish the body of his opponent here but Withrow is avoiding damage well.
The strikes coming from Zero are missing the target in this wave of attacks.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Zero in side control, trying to ground and pound but not landing this time.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Zero in side control lands a nice looking series of punches and elbows.
Zero throws a knee to the body but it doesn't do much damage.
Zero throwing shots but missing, from side control.
Zero lands an elbow.
Sloppy strikes there by Zero.
Zero tries to move to mount but Withrow blocks the move with his legs.
Zero is working Withrow over with some ground and pound from side control.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Zero postures up a little and throws a couple of hammerfists but they don't connect properly.
Sub Zero is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.

Zero has an Americana. Withrow didn't react quickly enough there and he's in big trouble now! He tries to squirm out but is forced to tap! Zero is delighted and gyrates in front of the ring girls. They seem to like the attention - it'll be interesting to see if Zero hooks up with any of them at the after show party.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:29 of round 5, we have a winner by way of Submission (Americana). Sub Zero!
Sub Zero is the new middleweight champion!