PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Pence Apene (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Ged Hax (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Both fighters look pumped up here. Let's hope this is a good fight!

Apene
vs
Hax

187 cm
30
205 lbs
12 - 2 - 0

186 cm
28
205 lbs
7 - 1 - 0

Abu Dhabi Champ
Good kicks
Granite chin

Powerful takedowns
Brawler
Granite chin

Blood Bank ($10)

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the light heavyweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 12 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Sydney, Pence Apene!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 7 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Sydney, Ged Hax!
The judges for this bout are Summer Carpenter, Donatello Bradman and Damien Edna.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Hax gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily

and Apene counters with a takedown into side control.
Apene working away.
Hax manages to work his way to half guard, despite Apene's best efforts.
Hax tries to get to full guard but Apene has control of the leg.

Apene is trying to work for a kimura. This could be trouble! No, Hax has managed to free his arm - good work.
Apene is just sitting in half guard, waiting for something to happen.
Hax keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Apene sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Hax defending well though.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.

Apene seems to be looking for submissions.

Apene is trying a forearm choke… I don't think that's going to do much at this level of the game.
Apene trying to control the action but Hax is working from the bottom.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Hax gets back to full guard.
Hax being controlled here, momentarily.
Apene seems to have a rather negative gameplan on the ground. He seems keen to just score the takedown and hold down Hax for as long as he can get away with.
Apene stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Hax swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Apene wants to control from the top but Hax keeps moving.

We're going to have a standup here because Pence Apene wasn't active enough for the referee's liking.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Hax is defended easily by Apene.
Hax misses with a takedown attempt

and Apene counters with a nice double leg into side control. Hax won't be happy with that.
Pence Apene has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Ged Hax.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Hax pushes Apene away and creates a bit of space to escape. He's almost out here... but no, Apene gets a good hold of his legs and remains firmly in side control.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
You can see the frustration on Hax's face, being in this tough position on the bottom.

Apene decides to stand back up.

Apene shoots in for a takedown and gets it.
Hax tries to get to full guard but Apene has control of the leg.
Hax trying to control here.

Hax is defending against the submission attempts here by Apene.
Apene is trying to control. Hax wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Apene is working hard to pass the guard. He's done it - he's now in full mount! Trouble for Hax!
Hax is trying to escape the mount.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Hax wants to hold on but Apene pushes him away.
Hax tries to control Apene's body but Apene pushes him off. Hax squirms to his side and now Apene has his back!
Hax trying to control but he's just got himself in more trouble.
Apene struggling to keep hold of the position.

Apene is remaining active here, looking for the choke. The more discerning members of the crowd will appreciate his efforts.
Hax is trying to stand back up.
Apene has good solid back control here.
Hax breaks Apene's hooks off and manages to turn into his guard.
Hax postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Hax tries to free his leg and advance position but Apene is retaining full guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Apene wants to stand up but Hax is controlling him.
Hax with a flurry of punches that miss.
Apene working a defensive guard here.

Hax drops back, looking for a kneebar! Apene looks panicked! The fighters roll across the mat, one looking to finish, one looking to escape. Apene looks to have wriggled free... Yes, he's got his leg free and he's dived into side control! Good work there from Apene!
Hax tries to bench press Apene off him but Apene keeps the position.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Apene cracks Hax with an elbow. That is naaassty.
Hax is trying to get back to half guard.
Apene in side control, just content to control the action for now.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!

Apene is trying to get an arm triangle but Hax is defending well.
Hax is trying to control Apene's posture but Apene avoids it.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Pence Apene dominated that round.
That's the end of the interval. I'm sure that seemed a lot quicker than a minute for our two fighters! Back to the action.

Hax tries to sprawl but Apene drives through with a takedown into half guard.

Apene is trying to work for a kimura but Hax is defending well.
Apene prevents Hax from improving his position.
Hax has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Apene is working away from the top position though.
Hax looks like he's trying to stand up.

Apene is looking for a kimura. It's going to be difficult to finish that from half guard though and Hax defends it well.
Hax moves his hips nicely and gets into full guard.
Hax is looking to get back to his feet but can't, whilst Apene is controlling him.
Hax being controlled here, momentarily.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Hax lands a beautiful switch and he's in full mount! That could spell trouble for Apene!

Hax looking for an armbar but decides to keep the dominant position instead.
Pence Apene overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Hax landing strikes from the mount and Apene is in trouble!
Apene wants to hold on but Hax pushes him away.
Hax scores with a couple of good head shots there.
Hax pausing momentarily but resumes with a couple of decent strikes that do a bit of damage.
Apene tries to reverse the position but Hax maintains control.
Hax punishing his opponent with strikes.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Apene tries to hold on but Hax pushes him away.
Hax working the ground and pound effectively.
Apene tries to hold on but Hax pushes him away.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Hax is still in mount, landing shots to his trapped opponent. Apene can't stay in a position like this for much longer.

Hax looking for an armbar but decides to keep the dominant position instead.
Apene swinging wildly from the bottom but he's not landing.

Hax is in full mount, looking to secure a guillotine but Apene is surviving well by controlling Hax's body position as best he can.
Hax throwing strikes here but Apene is writhing around nicely and avoiding any serious damage.
Apene is in a horrible position here. Hax smacks him with another shot as he tries to escape the position.
Apene tries to reverse the position but Hax maintains control.
Hax with the ground and pound from mount.

Hax goes for an armbar but he's not got it… Apene turns into him and now he's in Hax's guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Apene tries to free his leg and advance position but Hax is retaining full guard.
Hax has control of Apene's left arm, preventing Apene from doing any damage.
Hax wants to stand and escape but Apene is having none of it.
Apene preventing the sweep.
Hax can't keep his opponent in guard - Apene advances to half guard, no doubt looking to mount.
Neither fighter is being very active at the moment, with Apene in particular looking to stall.

Apene is sneakily working for an arm triangle but Hax sees it coming and defends easily.
Apene stalling.
Hax trying to control from the bottom.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Hax wants to get back to his feet.

Apene is looking for a kimura here.
Hax keeping control of the position.
Apene seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Hax does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.
Apene prevents Hax from standing back up.
Hax wants to improve his position but Apene is controlling well.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Apene trying to mount his opponent but Hax defends it.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!

Well, the referee has seen enough. Neither fighter is active enough on the ground so he's stood them back up.
Hax has his takedown stuffed

and Apene counters with a nice double leg into half guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Ged Hax showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

Hax tries for a takedown but Apene circles away easily
and Apene finishes the little exchange by landing a big kick to the body.
Hax shoots in but doesn't get the takedown
letting Apene counter with a right hand.
Hax with a poor takedown
and Apene counters with a head kick.
Pence Apene has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Ged Hax.

Apene shoots in for a takedown and gets it. Let's see what he's got on the mat.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Apene slows down the pace of the fight for a moment. He'll need to remain active if he doesn't want to see the fight stood back up.
Apene throwing strikes but missing.
Both fighters really going for it on the ground here!
Apene trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Apene looking to pass the guard.
Hax keeping moving, preventing Apene from controlling successfully.
Hax wants to sweep but no luck.
Apene tries to free his leg and advance position but Hax is retaining full guard.
Hax trying to control the position.

That's one minute gone in the round.

The referee has ruled that neither fighter is active enough on the ground and has stood them back up.
Hax doesn't succeed with the takedown

and Apene counters with a nice shoot takedown that brings the fighters to the ground.
Hax takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Hax controlling Apene's posture.
Hax avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Hax not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
Apene looking to control the position here, rather than advance.
We've had a lack of effective grappling in the last minute or so, which could well see a referee standup.
Hax wants to get back to his feet but Apene is in a dominant position and won't allow it.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Hax shoots and misses

and Apene counters with a shoot takedown. Hax fights it but they end up in guard.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Apene passes Hax's left leg - he's now in half guard.
Apene is looking to take a break and control but Hax is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Apene with a momentary lay and pray from half guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Hax is defending against the submission attempts here by Apene.
Hax won't allow Apene to pass to mount.
Hax is trying to maintain the position but Apene is very close to passing his half guard.

Apene seems to be looking for submissions.
Apene is figuring out what he wants to do next.
Hax has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Apene is working away from the top position though.
Apene seems content to maintain position for now, rather than mounting any offense.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Apene prevents Hax from standing back up.

Neither fighter is doing enough for the referee's liking and he's decided to stand them back up.
Apene misses with a head kick.
Apene works over Hax's head and body with a nice combination.

It looks like Ged Hax has been cut.
Hax fails miserably with a takedown attempt.

Hax gets caught flat footed, as Apene shoots in with a quick takedown into guard.
Hax pulls Apene in close to prevent any damage.
Apene throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Hax works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Apene advances to half guard.
Apene wants to lay and pray for a moment but Hax keeps working.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Hax is concentrating on defense, preventing Apene from advancing position.
The referee claps his hands together and tells the fighters to work.
Apene trying to mount his opponent but Hax defends it.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Hax keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.

Apene seems to be working for a kimura but Hax defends the submission attempt.

Apene is working for submissions here but there's nothing on.
Hax works his way to full guard. Good work.
Apene being controlled here momentarily.
Apene wants to control from the top but Hax keeps moving.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Apene throws a big elbow that misses.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Pence Apene clearly takes that round.
The cut man is working on Ged Hax's cut.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

Hax with a lazy takedown attempt
and Apene counters with a flying knee. Nice.

Apene scores with a takedown into Hax's guard.
Hax being controlled here, momentarily.
Hax looking for a sweep. Not yet Hax, not yet.
Apene trying to control but Hax is working from the bottom.
Hax is pulling down on Apene's head to control his posture.

The ref stands the fighters back up because Pence Apene just wasn't active enough.
Hax tries for a takedown but Apene circles away easily

so Apene counters with a double leg into guard. Good agility.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Apene trying to control the position from guard on top but Hax is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Hax is absolutely dripping with sweat - he looks exhausted.
Apene stays in close to Hax's body and controls the position.

That's one minute gone in the round.
The referee looks like he's ready to step in and stand the fighters back up.
Hax has control of Apene's left arm, preventing Apene from doing any damage.

The ref stands the fighters back up. Pence Apene wasn't doing enough on the ground.

Hax looking to shoot here. He's gone for it and he's landed a takedown into mount! Oh, that's bad for Apene!
Apene tries to hold on but Hax pushes him away.

Hax swings around for an armbar but it's a sloppy attempt and Apene is now in Hax's guard. A big mistake from Hax there, giving up the dominant position!
Apene stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Hax swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Hax wants to get back to his feet but Apene is in a dominant position and won't allow it.
Apene wants to control from the top but Hax keeps moving.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The referee is pacing around the two fighters - he looks like he's thinking about a standup.
Apene pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Hax is keeping the position for now.
Apene scoring with some ground and pound.
Apene pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Hax is keeping the position for now.
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!
Apene postures up.
Apene stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Hax swivels though and keeps the full guard.

Apene is trying to work a guillotine from the top, or something like that? Don't know how he thinks he's going to get a finish from there.
Hax wants to stand but Apene is controlling the position.
Apene postures up in Hax's guard and throws a big left but Hax blocks it.
Apene pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Hax is keeping the position for now.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Apene postures up.
Hax is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.
Apene slips effortlessly into side control - very nice.
Hax is working hard to escape and get back to his feet. After a battle for position, Apene asserts his dominance and retains side control.
Hax struggling a bit here.
Hax might have to switch it up a bit here because his efforts to control Apene kaven't been going to plan, at least at the current moment in time.
Apene controls the position.
Hax gets one leg under and gets the fight to half guard.

Apene seems to be looking for submissions.
Hax slips a foot under and gets full guard. Nice work.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Apene wants to control from the top but Hax keeps moving.
Hax has a closed guard, preventing anything of note from happening. Perhaps he's looking to stall.
Apene wants to pass the guard but Hax is keeping the position.
Hax is trying to control the position but Apene postures up.
Hax wants to get back to his feet but Apene is in a dominant position and won't allow it.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Apene won't allow Hax to sweep him here.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.

The ref stands the fighters back up because Pence Apene just wasn't active enough.
Apene throws a head kick but Hax moves out of range.
Hax shoots in looking for a takedown. Apene tries to sprawl out of it but Hax keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Apene manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Pence Apene has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Ged Hax.

Apene shoots in for a takedown and gets it.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Pence Apene had his way with Ged Hax in that round.
The cut man is working on Ged Hax's cut.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action. This is the final round!

Hax tries to score a power double leg takedown but Apene sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Hax somewhat.
Apene throws a right high kick that is partially blocked by Hax.
Hax tries for a takedown but Apene circles away easily

and Apene counters with a nice single leg takedown and he's in Hax's guard now.
Apene is looking to work some ground and pound but Hax has wrist control.
Apene stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Hax swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Apene trying to control the position from guard on top but Hax is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
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!
We may be looking at a referee standup if the pace doesn't pick up soon.
Apene stopping the sweep attempt from Hax.
Hax is controlling Apene's posture.

That's one minute gone in the round.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up, due to lack of activity on the part of Pence Apene.

Apene closes the distance and gets a double leg, slamming Hax to the mat! Hax manages to get full guard.
Hax wants to sweep but no luck.
Hax is wobbling all over the place through exhaustion. Will he make it to the final bell?
Apene pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Hax is keeping the position for now.
Hax utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Apene trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Apene trying to control but Hax is working from the bottom.
Hax wants to stand and escape but Apene is having none of it.
Apene trying to control but Hax is working from the bottom.
Ged Hax has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Hax looking to sweep here. No luck so far.

Pence Apene has forced the referee to step in and bring the fight back to the feet.
Hax shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Apene but Apene pushes him off and we're back to square one.
Pence Apene has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Ged Hax.
Hax shoots and misses

and Apene counters with a takedown into side control.
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!
Apene working the ground and pound but he's contacting the mat, not the fighter.
Apene in side control, just content to control the action for now.
Hax stops Apene from passing to mount.
Hax is trying to control Apene's posture but Apene avoids it.
Apene is looking to take a break and control but Hax is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Hax is holding Apene down, trying to stall.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Apene controls the position.

The referee has ruled that neither fighter is active enough on the ground and has stood them back up.

Apene shoots in from a long way out. He's driving through with the takedown attempt and he eventually gets it, landing in Hax's guard.
Hax has his hands on Apene's head, controlling the position.
Apene preventing the sweep.
Apene tries to free his leg and advance position but Hax is retaining full guard.
Hax is looking to stand up but Apene isn't so interested in that idea.
Apene trying to control the position from guard on top but Hax is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
We've had a lack of effective grappling in the last minute or so, which could well see a referee standup.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Hax shoots for a takedown but Apene saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
Apene fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Hax manages to avoid it.

Apene shoots in with a lovely double leg takedown. Hax manages to land in full guard to minimise the damage.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Apene looking to pass the guard.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Hax wants to control here, rather than go for any submissions from the bottom. At least for now.
Hax wants to stand up but Apene is controlling him.
Pence Apene is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Apene trying to control but Hax is working from the bottom.
Apene sitting in guard here, content to control.
We must be close to a standup if these guys don't pick up the pace.

The ref stands the fighters back up because Pence Apene just wasn't active enough.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Apene is defended easily by Hax.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Hax shoots in but doesn't get the takedown
and Apene counters with a head kick. That will keep Hax thinking before he tries any more sloppy attacks!

Apene gets in close and instigates a clinch.
Apene has hold of a leg and is looking for a trip takedown. Hax avoids it nicely though and we remain in the clinch.

And that's the end of the fight!
Pence Apene showed his dominance in that final round.
Well Apene has outscored his opponent in every aspect of the fight today. Only a scarily incompetent judge or two will keep him from a well deserved win... 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 Summer Carpenter scores the fight 49:46
Judge Donatello Bradman scores the fight 49:46
Judge Damien Edna scores the fight 49:46

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Pence Apene!
Pence Apene retains his light heavyweight title!
After the big win, Pence Apene made sure to do all the important stuff like thanking his sponsors Blood Bank ($10) and telling the interviewer how much he loves him.