PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between Billy Bomber (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Viktor Herzog (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Bomber comes to the cage accompanied by call to prayer. Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the cage.

Bomber
vs
Herzog

175 cm
23
142 lbs
6 - 4 - 0

177 cm
25
134 lbs
14 - 3 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Lethal high kicks
Cardio machine

Powerful takedowns
Decent boxing
Powerful

Jihad Fight Gear-Cage Wars version
Jihad Fight Gear-Cage Wars version

Conviction
Conviction

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 6 - 4 - 0, fighting out of London, Billy Bomber!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 14 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Viktor Herzog!
The judges for this bout are Roosa Järviläinen, Tarja Halkonen and Arvi Lind.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Nice takedown defense from Bomber. No joy for Herzog on that attempt.
Herzog misses with a takedown attempt - Bomber sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Herzog throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Bomber's waist but Bomber gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Herzog off to one side.
Billy Bomber has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Viktor Herzog.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Herzog is defended easily by Bomber.
Herzog fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Bomber avoids it really well and circles away.
Bomber blocks a low kick nicely.
Bomber dances in quickly and lands a nice inside leg kick on Herzog. That did some damage!
Bomber moves into range and throws a combination. A nice jab followed by a hook to the body.
Herzog closes the distance and clinches up with Bomber, looking for a takedown. Herzog pushes Bomber against the cage but Bomber circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Bomber throws a series of punches but Herzog avoids them all with ease.

Herzog bobs and weaves into range and then changes levels and scores with a nice takedown into side control.
We may be looking at a referee standup if the pace doesn't pick up soon.
Herzog prevents Bomber from escaping the position.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Herzog misses with an attempted head punch from side control.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Herzog creates some space and throws a big elbow, but Bomber sees it coming and moves his head just enough to avoid the strike.
Herzog cracks Bomber with a big elbow.
Bomber is trying to escape and get back to his feet.
The ground and pound from Herzog seems to be hitting the mat more than his opponent.
Bomber is trying to buck Herzog off.
Both fighters really going for it on the ground here!
Bomber tries to get back to half guard but can't.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Bomber is pushing Herzog's head away, looking to escape. Herzog manages to hold on to the position though.
Sloppy strikes there by Herzog.
Bomber knows he needs to get back to his feet asap. He's simply no match for Herzog on the ground.
Herzog is looking to take a break and control but Bomber is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Sloppy strikes there by Herzog.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Herzog works a knee to the body and follows up with a nice elbow to the head.
Bomber tries to get back to half guard but can't.
Herzog fails to land a wild elbow strike.
Herzog wants to control but Bomber is keeping him busy.
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!
Bomber wants to get back to his feet.
Check out the look on Herzog's face as he threw that strike - that's one determined fighter!
Herzog trying to control the action but Bomber is working from the bottom.
Herzog throwing shots but missing, from side control.
Bomber is trying to buck Herzog off.
Bomber manages to get back to half guard.

Herzog is trying to work for a kimura but Bomber is defending well.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
The referee walks around the fighters to get a better view of the action. Herzog lands a nice short elbow.

Bomber looking for submissions from an awkward position here.
Herzog is a painfully thin specimen of a man. You do wonder whether a good body kick would snap him clean in two.
Bomber is trying to stand back up but Herzog is controlling him
Herzog looks towards his corner to check for any instructions. The corner give him nothing to work with, so he cracks Bomber with a short hammerfist. I guess that's as good as any advice he could get in this position.
Herzog takes a deep breath and rests his weight momentarily on top of his opponent, to control the position.
Bomber is not content to let Herzog control the position.
Herzog 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.
Bomber is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Bomber pushes Herzog off looking to stand but Herzog dives back in and keeps control.
Bomber is doing well to avoid being mounted. He's controlling the position at the moment.

Herzog is working for submissions here but there's nothing on.
Bomber wants to get back to his feet.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Bomber won't allow Herzog to pass to mount.

Herzog looking for a kimura but he'll have to free his other leg if he wants to finish that. Perhaps he's just using it as a distraction technique.
Bomber trying to control here.
Herzog not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Herzog drops an elbow to the side of Bomber's head.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Bomber is trying to stand up here but Herzog is controlling him well.
Herzog is looking to take a break and control but Bomber is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Bomber is trying to stand back up but Herzog is controlling him
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Viktor Herzog dominated that round.
That's time! Back to the action!

Herzog tries for a takedown but Bomber sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Bomber bobs and weaves and then throws a good body kick.
Bomber throws a head kick that half lands.
Herzog tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Bomber swivels and escapes.
Herzog shoots in looking for a takedown. Bomber tries to sprawl out of it but Herzog keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Bomber manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Billy Bomber has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Viktor Herzog.
Bomber misses with a body shot.
Herzog shoots in but no luck this time.
Bomber lands a jab. Then a cross. Then finally a nice hook to the body. Good work there by Bomber.
Bomber lands a leg kick. The shin dug right into the meat of the thigh.
Bomber misses with a leg kick.
Bomber lands a leg kick that knocks Herzog off balance momentarily.
Bomber throws a good cross that connects.
Bomber tries to score with an inside leg kick but telegraphs it and Herzog is able to avoid easily.

Herzog scores with a nice takedown into half guard. Let's see what he's got on the ground.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Herzog thows a huge punch but Bomber dodges it nicely.
Bomber trying to hold on to Herzog's head to control him but Herzog postures up.
Herzog thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
Bomber wants to control but Herzog is keeping busy.
Herzog winds up and cracks Bomber with a swinging punch to the side of the head.
Bomber looks like he's trying to stand up.
Herzog seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Bomber does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.
Herzog thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
Herzog thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Bomber's head.
Bomber looks like he's trying to stand up.
Herzog is trying to control the action in half guard but Bomber is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.
Herzog throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.
Herzog drops an elbow to the side of Bomber's head.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Herzog prevents Bomber from standing back up.
Herzog seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Bomber does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.
Herzog stops Bomber from getting back to his feet.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Herzog drops an elbow to the side of Bomber's head.
Herzog is thwarting Bomber's attempts to control the position.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Herzog thows a huge punch but Bomber dodges it nicely.
Herzog missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.
Herzog not landing any meaningful shots this time.
Bomber wants to get back to his feet.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Bomber is controlling Herzog's position as best he can from this difficult position.
Herzog not landing any meaningful shots this time.
Bomber tries to roll over but Herzog keeps him under control.
Bomber trying to control from the bottom.
It looks like the ref is thinking about a standup.
Herzog prevents Bomber from standing back up.
Herzog has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Bomber is staying active underneath Herzog, who seems content to just control the action from this position.
Herzog prevents Bomber from standing back up.
Herzog keeping composed on the top, looking to control the action.

Neither fighter is doing enough for the referee's liking and he's decided to stand them back up.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Herzog.

Herzog shoots in for a takedown and gets it.
Bomber wants to get back to his feet.
Herzog keeping composed on the top, looking to control the action.
Bomber looks like he's trying to stand up.
Herzog wants to lay and pray for a moment but Bomber keeps working.
Herzog is scoring with some nice ground and pound from the dominant position.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Herzog wants to lay and pray for a moment but Bomber keeps working.
Herzog working Bomber over with strikes.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Bomber tries to kick Herzog off but Herzog keeps his base steady and stays in half guard.

Herzog is working for a submission of some sort.
Viktor Herzog has got the better of the ground game so far.
Herzog trying to control from half guard but Bomber is working away.
Bomber wants to get back to his feet.
Herzog is keeping good posture, landing some ground and pound.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Bomber wants to control the action here but instead Herzog manages to pass to full mount!
Herzog tries to control but Bomber wriggling away.
Bomber takes a big shot to the head but keeps on trying to improve his position.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Viktor Herzog showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
That's time! Back to the action!

Herzog changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Bomber tries to avoid it but Herzog manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Bomber to the ground. Bomber escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Bomber tries to bum rush Herzog with a series of wild strikes but Herzog uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Bomber lands with a shot to the body.
Herzog misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
Herzog shoots in but no luck this time.
Billy Bomber has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Viktor Herzog.

Excellent takedown into side control there by Herzog.
Bomber tries to work a leg under to get back to half guard but Herzog wriggles his own leg back out and remains in side control.
Herzog throwing strikes but missing, from side control.
Bomber wants to get back to his feet.
Bomber is trying to get back to half guard.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Bomber dodges the ground and pound from Herzog.
Bomber pushes Herzog away and creates a bit of space to escape. He's almost out here... but no, Herzog gets a good hold of his legs and remains firmly in side control.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Bomber is looking to regain half guard here but Herzog keeps moving and retains side control.
Bomber is working to avoid the ground and pound but Herzog connects with a decent elbow.
Herzog scoring with punches and elbows.
Bomber is looking to work his way out of this bad position but Herzog is controlling him well.
Herzog cracks Bomber with a big right hand but Bomber just smiles back at him and invites him to have another go.
Herzog working the head and body with strikes.
Bomber can't do much from the bottom here.
Bomber is trying to escape the position but Herzog is controlling the position.
Bomber taking a bit of punishment here - Herzog scoring with strikes.
Herzog working the ground and pound from side control.
The strikes coming from Herzog are missing the target in this wave of attacks.
Bomber takes a big shot right to the temple there but he's taken it well.
Bomber wants to get back to his feet.
Bomber dodges the ground and pound from Herzog.

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!
Herzog is chipping away with strikes.
Herzog scoring with punches and elbows.
Bomber parries the strikes from Herzog easily there. Herzog is wary of posturing up too much because it might enable Bomber to escape.

Herzog thinks about going for a far side armbar but bails out and retains the dominant position instead.
Bomber wants to get back to his feet but Herzog is dominant here and he's now got Bomber's back!
Herzog lands with a couple of good shots - one to the side of the head and one questionable shot that could be viewed as to the back of the head but the referee lets it go.
Bomber is trying to stand back up.

Herzog has his hand under the chin of his opponent looking for the choke. He's nearly got it! This one could be all over! But no, Bomber has freed his hand and lives to survive another… well, another couple of seconds at least!
Bomber is trying to get back to his feet but he's not managed it yet.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Herzog punches Bomber on the ear.
Herzog trying to control momentarily.
Bomber is trying to stand back up.
Bomber covers up after that shot from Herzog.
Herzog lands an elbow to the side of the head.
Herzog looking to soften up his opponent with punches.
Bomber wants to get back to his feet.

Bomber is staying cool under pressure, defending well against the rear naked choke attempt from his opponent.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Herzog has his opponent trapped and is landing shots. Not a good position for Bomber.

Bomber is rocked!

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Bomber is trying to get back to his feet but Herzog has full control of the position and if anything, Bomber has just worked his way into a worse spot.
Can Bomber hold on?! Herzog is landing more strikes to his hapless foe.
Herzog is landing with strikes. Bomber can't take much more of this.
Oh Bomber is still in real trouble! Will he be able to recover?!!
I would not like to be Bomber right now.
Bomber seems to have got his legs back now.
Herzog lands punches and elbows.
Herzog thows a huge left but connects with the canvas and not his opponent.

Herzog is working for the rear naked choke. He has one arm under the chin but Bomber has hold of the other arm. A bit of a stalemate here.
Bomber grimaces as he takes a shot to the body.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!

Herzog has his opponent's back and is working for the choke.
Bomber is really stuck here.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Viktor Herzog really dominated that round.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!

A nice inside leg kick there by Bomber. That's going to slow Herzog down.
Bomber throws a quick inside leg kick.
Bomber circles away from the clinch attempt.
Bomber 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.
Bomber lands with a thumping leg kick.
Herzog with a lazy takedown attempt
and Bomber counters with a good low kick that Herzog was not able to check.
Bomber buckles his opponent's knee momentarily with a nice leg kick.
Bomber stuffs the takedown attempt from Herzog. Herzog gets slowly back to his feet.
Herzog takes a body kick right on the floating rib. Ouchie.
Bomber misses with a hook. Herzog ducked under it nicely.
Bomber throws a leg kick which misses Herzog's front leg but catches the back leg as Herzog tries to avoid it.
Herzog tries to score a power double leg takedown but Bomber sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Herzog somewhat.
Billy Bomber has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Viktor Herzog.
Herzog fails to land the takedown.
Herzog is absolutely dripping with sweat - he looks exhausted.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Herzog shoots in for a takedown but Bomber shows good takedown defense.
Bomber displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Herzog.
A punch lands to the side of Herzog 's head but he takes it in his stride.
Herzog drops his hands and takes a jab to the jaw for his troubles.
Bomber fakes a jab and scores with a low kick.
A slapping leg kick lands for Bomber.
Bomber scores with a reasonable looking shot to the body. Herzog doesn't seem bothered though.
Bomber throws a nice looking combination but Herzog bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Herzog 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.
Billy Bomber is winning the standup battle so far.
Like a baseball bat into the meat of his leg there - nice leg kick by Bomber.
Herzog tries to move into range but Bomber moves to the side and lands with a nice right hand.
Good leg kick by Bomber there. It's the ones that make that thud noise that hurt and that was an almighty thud.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Herzog fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Bomber avoids it really well and circles away.
Bomber lands a slapping body shot.
Bomber throws a left and a right that both miss
letting Herzog counter with a right hand.
Herzog stumbles momentarily as he takes a strong leg kick from Bomber.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Herzog looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Bomber is fending him off so far but Herzog persists. Nope, Bomber circles away and we're back to standing.
That kick from Bomber tenderised Herzog's leg. Herzog is trying to keep his angry face on.
An inside leg kick from Herzog misses.
Bomber misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Billy Bomber is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.

Herzog has managed to clinch.

Bomber breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.

Herzog drives through with a takedown into guard.
Herzog stops Bomber from standing up.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Herzog throws a big elbow that misses.
Herzog throwing strikes from guard but Bomber blocks nicely.
Herzog prevents Bomber from getting back to his feet.
Bomber has momentary wrist control but Herzog slips an elbow through the middle.
Herzog working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Herzog lands a couple of digs.
Herzog trying to control the position from guard on top but Bomber is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Bomber has his hands on Herzog's head, controlling the position.
Bomber is looking to sweep but instead, Herzog has passed into half guard.
Bomber pushes Herzog off looking to stand but Herzog dives back in and keeps control.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Herzog working Bomber over with strikes.
Herzog passes to side control.
Bomber is looking to reverse the position.
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!
Herzog is looking to take a break and control but Bomber is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Herzog throwing strikes but missing, from side control.
Bomber tries to slip a leg under to move to half guard but Herzog presses down on the leg and jumps into full mount!
Herzog breaks from Bomber's wrist control and lands an elbow.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Herzog is still in mount, landing shots to his trapped opponent. Bomber can't stay in a position like this for much longer.
Herzog with a couple of short strikes.
Bomber tries to hold on but Herzog postures up.
Herzog breaks from Bomber's wrist control and lands an elbow.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close fourth round but I would say that Billy Bomber will probably get the nod.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action! Let's get this one finished - here comes the final round!

Herzog looks for a takedown. He's got it. We're now in half guard.
Herzog throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.
Herzog wants to pass the guard but Bomber is defending well.
Bomber tries to kick Herzog off but Herzog keeps his base steady and stays in half guard.
Herzog not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
Herzog missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
Herzog is looking to take a break and control but Bomber is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Herzog working the head and body with strikes.
Ground and pound from Herzog.
Herzog missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.
Bomber wants to improve his position but Herzog is controlling well.
Bomber is working hard here to advance position.

Herzog looking for a kimura but he'll have to free his other leg if he wants to finish that. Perhaps he's just using it as a distraction technique.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Herzog thows a huge punch but Bomber dodges it nicely.
Bomber tries to kick Herzog off but Herzog keeps his base steady and stays in half guard.
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.
Herzog looks to score some points with some ground and pound.
Herzog passes the half guard and he's now in mount! Big trouble for Bomber!
Herzog landing strikes, looking to finish!
Bomber is trying to escape the mount.
Herzog with the ground and pound from mount.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Bomber is in a horrible position here. Herzog smacks him with another shot as he tries to escape the position.
Herzog landing punches.

Herzog has control of Bomber's right arm, working for a kimura. It's a bit of a token attempt though and Bomber regains control of the situation pretty easily.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Bomber wants to hold on but Herzog pushes him away.
Herzog scores with a couple of good head shots there.
Herzog is still in mount, landing shots to his trapped opponent. Bomber can't stay in a position like this for much longer.

Bomber bucks Herzog off and manages to get back to his feet!
Herzog tries to score a power double leg takedown but Bomber sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Herzog somewhat.
Bomber scores with a jab to the jaw.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Herzog fakes a strike and closes the distance, dragging Bomber to the ground. Herzog is now in Bomber's guard.
Herzog postures up.
Bomber controlling Herzog's posture.
Bomber wants to sweep but no luck.
Bomber looking to control.
The referee is asking the fighters to pick up the pace.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up, due to lack of activity on the part of Billy Bomber.
Bomber takes a swing at Herzog's ribcage but misses.
Bomber defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Herzog.
Herzog moves out of range as Bomber strikes.
Bomber connects with a leg kick. Herzog looked like he was expecting something else and didn't defend it.
Bomber scores with a punch to the head.
Herzog shoots in looking for a takedown but Bomber manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Herzog's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
Billy Bomber has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Viktor Herzog.
A chopping leg kick lands by Bomber.
Herzog tries for a takedown but Bomber sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Herzog misses with a takedown attempt
and Bomber counters with a left to the body.
Bomber chopping away at his opponent's legs.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Herzog doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
Herzog tries for a takedown but Bomber sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
A jab from Bomber does it's job there.
Bomber scores with a leg kick.
A slapping leg kick lands for Bomber.
Herzog with a poor takedown
and Bomber counters with a straight punch to the midsection.
Bomber throws a quick inside leg kick.
Bomber throws a head kick that connects with a bit of head and a bit of hand.
Bomber throws a nice head kick!
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Bomber scores with a nice head shot.
Bomber scores with a leg kick.
Billy Bomber has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Bomber lands a leg kick and bounces back out of range.

And that's the end of the fight!
I would just about give that final round to Viktor Herzog.
I think Herzog has won this one but let's see whether the judges agree with me. 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 Roosa Järviläinen scores the fight 45:50
Judge Tarja Halkonen scores the fight 46:49
Judge Arvi Lind scores the fight 46:49

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Viktor Herzog!
Viktor Herzog is the new bantamweight champion!