PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between Viktor Herzog (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Mike Durham (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). The crowd seem to be enjoying Durham's choice of entrance music: Chipmunk ft Chris Brown - Champion. Fingers crossed for an exciting fight - I'm sure both fighters are looking for a nice under the table bonus!

Herzog
vs
Durham

177 cm
27
134 lbs
18 - 3 - 0

170 cm
24
144 lbs
14 - 4 - 0

Powerful takedowns
Solid boxing
Very strong

Good wrestler
Excellent boxer
Granite chin

- - - - - All Nutrients 160 - - - - -

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 18 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Viktor Herzog!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 14 - 4 - 0, fighting out of Hilo, Mike Durham!
The judges for this bout are , Timothy Bukovac and Don Winkell.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Durham misses with a straight right.
Herzog shoots and misses
and Durham counters with a straight right hand.
Herzog tries for a takedown but Durham circles away easily
and Herzog takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Herzog misses with an uppercut. Durham saw that one coming.
Herzog moves out of range as Durham strikes.
Herzog fails in his attempt to clinch.
Herzog takes a shot to the body in his stride.
Durham dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Herzog misses with a takedown
and Durham counters with a two punch combo.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Viktor Herzog. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Herzog wants to clinch.
Herzog misses with a takedown
and Durham counters with a straight right hand.
Herzog takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.
Durham misses with a straight left.
Herzog misses with a straight right.
Herzog fails with the takedown
and Durham cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Durham misses with a looping left.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Durham displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Herzog throws out the jab.
Durham throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Nice sprawl there from Durham as Herzog shoots in.
A slow jab from Durham misses its intended target.
Durham moves out of range of the strikes.
Durham jabs Herzog right on the nose. Herzog blinks but takes it well.
Herzog with a lazy takedown attempt
and Durham counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Durham throws a shot to the body.
A combination from Durham does no damage.
Durham lands a nice shot that snaps Herzog's head back.
Herzog shoots in but doesn't get the takedown
and Durham counters with a lovely shot to the body.
Herzog shoots in but doesn't get the takedown
enabling Durham to counter with a crisp jab.
Herzog shoots and misses
and Durham counters nicely by changing levels and landing a hook to the body.
Herzog throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
No luck for Herzog with that takedown attempt.
Herzog is breathing heavily.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Herzog shoots in but doesn't get the takedown
and Durham connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Durham misses with a looping left.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Durham misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Herzog tries for a takedown but Durham circles away easily
enabling Durham to counter with a crisp jab.
Durham tests Herzog's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Durham connects with a body shot.
Durham throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Durham throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Durham pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Durham throws a shot from downtown. Herzog moves away and avoids it.
Herzog takes a shot to the body in his stride.
Herzog really does look like a pencil wearing a pair of gloves. Let's hope he has a gameplan to suit that ridiculous body shape.
Durham throws a hook to the side of Herzog's head but Herzog sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Durham defending well as Herzog loads up on a big left hand.
Durham throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Herzog.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Durham tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Herzog was well out of range. Poor timing from Durham.
Herzog shoots in but doesn't get the takedown
and Durham counters with a nice uppercut.
Herzog changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Durham tries to avoid it but Herzog manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Durham to the ground. Durham escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Herzog blocks a jab.
Herzog dodges the punch combination from Durham.
Jab, cross, leg kick. Nice combination by Durham!
Herzog has a takedown stuffed.
Herzog takes one on the chin but keeps coming.
Durham looks to score with a jab to the body but Herzog is just out of range.
Herzog slips a straight right by Durham.
Herzog has his takedown stuffed
and Durham counters with a nice body shot.
This is turning into a torrid day at the office for Herzog. He's trying desperately to land a takedown but he's failing miserably and getting slapped silly on the feet to compound his misery.
Herzog shoots in but no luck this time.
Durham connects with the punch.
Viktor Herzog seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Durham scores with a sloppy punch to the body. Not much technique there but it did the business.
Durham takes a step towards his opponent and connects with a left hand, before circling away.
Durham misses with a looping right.
Herzog shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Durham defends it nicely.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Herzog throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Durham's waist but Durham gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Herzog off to one side.
Herzog gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily
and Durham counters with a stiff right hand.
Durham throws a jab but it's blocked by Herzog.
Durham getting the better of the striking in that exchange.
Durham lands the left hand.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.

Herzog scores a trip takedown into side control. Nice.
The referee wants the fighters to be more active or he's going to reset them on the feet.
Durham is looking for a sweep.
Durham dodges the ground and pound from Herzog.
Herzog is looking to take a break and control but Durham is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Mike Durham dominated that round.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business.

Herzog clinches.
Durham tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Herzog's elbow.
Durham cracks Herzog with a nice body shot.

Durham breaks from the clinch.
Durham looks to land a right hand but Herzog moved out of range.
Herzog moves in looking to clinch but Durham pushes him off.
Herzog takes a jab right on the kisser.
Durham displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Herzog.
A looping hook to the body misses from Durham. Herzog does a little dance to reset his feet.
Herzog fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Durham comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.
Durham lands a jab-cross combination.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Durham ducks under a wild hook from Herzog.

Durham tries to sprawl but Herzog drives through with a takedown into half guard.
Durham is trying to get back to full guard.
Herzog has been looking to land a fair amount of strikes on the ground. He might be looking to soften his opponent up in order to work for a submission.
Durham is trying to control but can't.
Durham is looking to improve his position.
Durham wants to control but Herzog is keeping busy.
Durham controlling the position for now.
We've had a lack of effective grappling in the last minute or so, which could well see a referee standup.
Ground and pound from Herzog.
Durham is looking to control Herzog's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Durham avoid being mounted?

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Durham keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Herzog thows a huge punch but Durham dodges it nicely.
Durham is trying is best to control the position 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!
Durham is looking to improve his position.
Durham is controlling Herzog's position as best he can from this difficult position.
Herzog is trying to control the action in half guard but Durham is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.
Durham gets full guard.
Durham controlling Herzog's posture.
Herzog preventing the sweep.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Herzog wants to control from the top but Durham keeps moving.

We're going to have a standup here because Viktor Herzog wasn't active enough for the referee's liking.
Herzog has his takedown stuffed
and Durham counters with a one-two to the body.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Viktor Herzog. That's going to take a lot out of him.

Herzog shoots in for a takedown! He's got it and he's managed to land in full mount! That's better than Herzog was expecting from the takedown attempt, I'm sure!
Durham is in all sorts of trouble here.
Durham tries to hold on but Herzog pushes him away.
Both fighters really going for it on the ground here!
Herzog looking to control but Durham is working nicely, looking to advance position himself.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Durham tries to lock up and control but Herzog gives him a forearm to the face and pushes him away.
Herzog controlling from the full mount.
Herzog with good strikes from the mount here!

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Herzog has control of Durham's right arm, working for a kimura. It's a bit of a token attempt though and Durham regains control of the situation pretty easily.
Durham looks out of his depth in this position - he's holding on tight.
Herzog misses with a series of strikes from mount. He'll no doubt be working on his ground and pound when he gets back to the gym.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Durham really trying hard to get back to half guard here.
The crowd growing excited in anticipation of a finish here! Right on cue, Herzog cracks his opponent with a massive right hand that draws loud cheers!
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Herzog lands with some vicious ground and pound - can Durham hang on?
Herzog lands a shot to the body, followed up by a shot to the exposed head of his trapped opponent.
Durham is in all sorts of trouble here.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close second round but I would say that Viktor Herzog will probably get the nod.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

Herzog looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Durham is fending him off so far but Herzog persists. Nope, Durham circles away and we're back to standing.
Herzog doesn't succeed with the takedown
and Durham cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Durham clobbers Herzog with an overhand right that has the crowd gasping. That made a horrendous noise.
Durham throws a body punch but Herzog moves out of range.
Durham throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Herzog misses with a takedown attempt - Durham sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Viktor Herzog. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Durham displaying good standup as he scores with a three punch combination.
Herzog shoots in but doesn't get the takedown
and Durham makes him pay by landing a nice hook to the body before moving out of range.
Herzog has his takedown stuffed
and Durham counters nicely by changing levels and landing a hook to the body.
Durham misses with a left hand
enabling Herzog to counter with a crisp jab.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Nice defenses there by Herzog.
Durham looks to throw the jab but Herzog is out of range.
Mike Durham seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Durham lands a straight punch to the body, keeping Herzog at a distance.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Durham fakes a head shot and lands one to the body.
Herzog misses with a takedown
enabling Durham to counter with a crisp jab.
Herzog fails with the takedown.
Durham throws a jab when Herzog was well out of range.
Durham cracks Herzog with a right hand to the side of the head.
Herzog misses with a takedown attempt
and Durham connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Herzog dives in and grabs Durham's left leg, looking for a takedown. Durham pushes down on Herzog's head and hops out.
Herzog tries for a takedown but Durham circles away easily
and Durham counters with a right hand to the body.
Durham throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd.
Herzog uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Durham.
Durham clobbers Herzog with an overhand right that has the crowd gasping. That made a horrendous noise.
Durham thows a left - swing and a miss!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Durham sizes up Herzog with a pawing jab and scores with a straight right down the middle.
Mike Durham is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Herzog takes a body punch but keeps moving.
A big left from Durham misses.
Durham scores with the left hand. Herzog knows he should have avoided that one.
A looping hook to the body misses from Durham. Herzog does a little dance to reset his feet.
Herzog fails with a takedown attempt.
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 with a poor takedown
and Durham counters with a three punch combo that has Herzog backing up. Herzog nods at Durham to acknowledge the strikes.

Herzog is rocked!
Durham cracks Herzog with a right hand to the side of the head.
Oh Herzog is still all over the place! His legs are completely gone! Will he be able to recover?!!
Herzog with a poor takedown
and Durham counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Durham scores with a hook to the body. Herzog takes a step back and tries to catch his breath.
Durham fakes a head punch and goes low to the body. Nicely done.
Herzog misses with a takedown attempt
and Durham counters with a nice uppercut.
Durham thows a body shot but no joy.
Herzog misses with a takedown attempt
and Durham counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Durham digs a good hook to Herzog's body.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
A big right from Durham misses.
Durham cracks Herzog with an open hand slap.
Durham lands a nice hook to Herzog's body. Herzog takes it in his stride and looks to land his own strikes.
Herzog looks like he's developed a pretty tasty lump over his left eye. He'll need to avoid taking much more damage to that.

Herzog clinches.
Herzog wants to take the fight to the mat but Durham manages to get underhooks and keep the fight in the clinch.

Durham wants the takedown. Herzog is fighting it off but Durham persists and manages to bring the fight to the ground, ending up in Herzog's guard against the cage.
Durham postures up and scores with a shot to the body and a follow up elbow to the head.
Herzog looking to control.
Durham tries to free his leg and advance position but Herzog is retaining full guard.
Durham trying to control the position from guard on top but Herzog is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Durham keeps in close for a moment and lands a decent shot to the side of Herzog's head.

Herzog had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Durham defends it easily.
Durham throws a big elbow that misses.
Herzog seems to have got his legs back now.
Durham must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
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!
Durham trying to control the position from guard on top but Herzog is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Durham landing some decent shots from guard.
Durham passes Herzog's right leg, so he's now in half guard.
Durham wants to take a breather but Herzog is having none of it.
Herzog on the receiving end of some nice ground and pound.
Herzog wants to get back to full guard.

Durham is looking for a kimura but he's never going to get it from there.

Herzog actively working from the bottom here.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Herzog blocking the ground and pound attempt from Durham.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Durham lunges in with an uppercut that skims his opponent's chin.
Herzog avoids a punch combination nicely.
Herzog has his head slapped from side to side by a 3 punch combination. That must have hurt him.
Durham is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Herzog.
Durham scores with a nice strike.
A lazy left from Durham finds it's target.
Herzog misses with a takedown attempt
and Durham counters with a nice uppercut.
Herzog shoots in for a takedown but Durham shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Durham lands with a cross to side of his opponent's head.
Durham throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Herzog shoots in for a double leg but Durham sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Viktor Herzog. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Herzog shoots for a double leg takedown but Durham sprawls well. He's pushed Herzog's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
It's got to the stage where if one of these guys blows hard enough, the other might fall over.
Herzog tries for a takedown but Durham circles away easily
and Herzog takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Durham scores with a punch to the gut of his opponent.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Durham thuds his right hand into Herzog's forehead from close range. That could be painful for both fighters.
Herzog shoots in for a double leg but Durham sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Herzog.
Durham throws a right and a left that Herzog avoids nicely.
Herzog moves out of range as Durham strikes.
Durham lands with a two punch combination before moving back out of range.
Herzog with a lazy takedown attempt
and Durham counters with a right hand to the body.
Herzog takes a jab on the nose there. A little bit of blood seems to be coming out. Hopefully that won't affect his breathing.
Durham sizes up Herzog with a pawing jab and scores with a straight right down the middle.
Durham ducks down and throws a hook to the body.
Herzog is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Durham misses with an uppercut.
Herzog shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Durham sprawls well. Durham wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Herzog gets slowly back to his feet.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Durham throws a shot from downtown. Herzog moves away and avoids it.
Durham just misses with a punch to the body.
Durham catches Herzog with a nice straight right. He seems pissed - ooooh, it's on now! On like donkey kong!
Herzog slips a straight right by Durham.
Herzog shoots in for a takedown but Durham shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Durham swinging wildly here.
Durham looks to land a right hand but Herzog moved out of range.
Herzog misses with a takedown
and Durham makes him pay by landing a nice hook to the body before moving out of range.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Herzog fails with a takedown attempt.
Durham connects with the punch.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Durham lands with a nice body punch.
Herzog keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Durham misses with an uppercut. Herzog saw that one coming.
Herzog needs to keep his hands up - Durham had a free shot at his head there.
Herzog has a takedown stuffed.
Durham throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Herzog shoots in for a double leg but Durham sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
Herzog fails with the takedown
and Durham counters with a nice jab to the body that keeps Herzog thinking.
Durham connects with a good right hand that stumbles Herzog. Herzog circles away out of range and recomposes himself.
Herzog tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Durham was well out of range. Poor timing from Herzog.
Herzog on the wrong end of an overhand right that came out of nowhere.
A slow jab from Durham misses its intended target.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Durham looks to land a left hand but Herzog moved out of range nicely.
Durham swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
The fight stays on the outside here - Herzog looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Herzog with a lazy takedown attempt
and Durham counters with a shot to the ribs. That looked like it hurt.
Durham lunges at Herzog with a hook that half lands and is half blocked by Herzog's hand.
Herzog slips under a jab from Durham.
Herzog ducks under a wild hook from Durham.
Durham connects with a slap. Keep your fist closed son.
Herzog misses with a hook to the body
and Durham counters with a nice uppercut.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Herzog slips a straight right by Durham.
Herzog is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Durham.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Durham throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Herzog.
Durham clobbers Herzog with an overhand right that has the crowd gasping. That made a horrendous noise.
Nice sprawl there from Durham as Herzog shoots in.
Herzog defending well as Durham loads up on a big left hand.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Mike Durham dominated that fourth round.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action. Let's get this one finished - here comes the final round!

Durham wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.
A shot to the liver by Durham. Beautiful body shot.
Herzog with a poor takedown
letting Durham counter with a right hand.
Herzog misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.

Herzog shoots in and gets a takedown into half guard. Herzog showed some decent athleticism there.
Herzog seems to be taking a bit of a break to think of his next move. He lands a short punch in the meantime.
Durham is holding on to half guard well.
Herzog is thwarting Durham's attempts to control the position.
Durham makes his way to full guard. A much better position for Durham.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Herzog lands a couple of decent looking shots.
Durham manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Herzog manages to get himself to full guard.

Herzog working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Durham doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Durham manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.
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.
Durham lands a couple of decent looking shots.
Durham with a couple of shots to the head there. Not particularly brutal.
Durham showing good wrestling skills to control the position.

Herzog looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.

Durham got a little sloppy there for a moment and Herzog has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Durham has managed to get both his arms back between Herzog's legs - danger averted.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Herzog keeping full guard, as Durham tries to pass.
Herzog wants to sweep here but Durham controlling him for the moment.
Durham scoring with punches to the head and body.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!

Herzog has his foot on Durham's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Durham works his way back into a safe position though.
Durham looking to pass the guard.
Herzog is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Durham makes a bit of distance and scores with some ground and pound, still in guard.
Durham stands up over Herzog, holding his feet. He dives back in and lands a decent shot to the head.
Durham engaging in some classic timewasting tactics.
Durham forces his way into half guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Durham scoring with strikes to the body and head.
Durham sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Herzog defending well though.
Herzog is looking for a sweep. Durham is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Herzog wants to control but Durham is keeping busy and won't allow it.
The referee walks around the fighters to get a better view of the action. Durham lands a nice short elbow.
Durham thows a huge punch but Herzog dodges it nicely.
Durham is keen to just control but Herzog is a slippery customer.
Herzog is pressing down on Durham's left leg trying to get back to full guard. He's managed it.
Durham wants to pass the guard but Herzog is keeping the position.
Herzog controls Durham momentarily but Durham frees himself.
Durham trying to control the position from guard on top but Herzog is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Durham throws a big elbow that misses.
Mike Durham is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
Durham wants to control from the top but Herzog keeps moving.

Herzog has his feet on Durham's thighs here. He's pushed Durham off and worked for a very quick armbar from the bottom! He's flipped onto his stomach and he's cranking hard on the arm! Durham screams in pain and taps out! This one is all over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:33 of round 5, we have a winner by way of Submission (Armbar). Viktor Herzog!
Viktor Herzog retains his bantamweight title!
Viktor Herzog made sure to mention his sponsor, - - - - - All Nutrients 160 - - - - - in his post fight interview.