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PBP Commentary |
Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between Michael Matthews (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Cage Nichols (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!
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| 175 cm
31
140 lbs
25 - 9 - 0 |
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167 cm
25
140 lbs
10 - 4 - 0 |
BJJ Purple Belt
Excellent boxer
Experienced |
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Good wrestler
Excellent boxer
Good gas tank |
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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
25 - 9 - 0, fighting out of New York, Michael Matthews!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of
10 - 4 - 0, fighting out of Montreal, Cage Nichols!
The judges for this bout are Ian Loll, Robert Douchet and Gregory Folan.
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Nichols looks for a takedown but Matthews sprawls well.
Matthews displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Nichols throws out the jab.
Matthews takes one on the chin but seems OK.
Matthews leaves Nichols with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
Nichols waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Matthews.
Nichols lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Matthews circles away quickly and effectively.
Matthews scores with a punch to the gut of his opponent.
Nichols throws a combination that misses
and Nichols takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Nichols thows a left - swing and a miss!
That's one minute gone in the round.
Matthews takes a solid shot to the body. That one hurt him but he's trying not to show it.
Nichols throws a solid leg kick but Matthews takes the impact on his shin and smiles at Nichols.
Nichols lands with an overhand left.
A big left from Nichols misses.
Nichols shoots in but no luck this time.
Michael Matthews has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Cage Nichols.
Nichols lands a jab to Matthews's midsection.
Nichols throws a right and a left that both miss.
Nichols looks to land a combination but Matthews avoids it well.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Nichols closes the distance and clinches up, looking for a takedown. He shifts his weight and gets a nice trip into half guard.
Matthews is staying active underneath Nichols, who seems content to just control the action from this position.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Nichols is trying for a guillotine from the top but the pressure isn't in the right place so Matthews is just riding it out for now. Nichols eventually gives up the hold.
Nichols wants to work for an arm triangle but Matthews is really keeping half guard well and defending the submission attempt.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Nichols is looking for a kimura but he's never going to get it from there.
Nichols scores with a couple of good hammerfists.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Nichols is trying to work for a kimura. This could be trouble! No, Matthews has managed to free his arm - good work.
Nichols is trying for a guillotine from the top but the pressure isn't in the right place so Matthews is just riding it out for now. Nichols eventually gives up the hold.
Nichols is looking for a kimura but Matthews is holding onto that half guard position, so it's hard for Nichols to get the leverage.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are getting on the fighters' backs, as the pace has dropped off in the last minute or so.
Matthews is not content to let Nichols control the position.
Nichols seems to be trying to get a kimura but instead Matthews has recovered full guard.
Matthews wants to stand and escape but Nichols is having none of it.
Nichols trying to control the position from guard on top but Matthews is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Nichols drops back for a leg but he's not going to get it - he lets go and Matthews dives on top into guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
Cage Nichols dominated that round.
That's time! Matthews's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.
Nichols thows a body shot but no joy.
Sloppy strikes from Nichols. Those never looked like landing.
Nichols throws a sloppy head kick and Matthews moves out of range easily.
Matthews slips a straight right by Nichols.
Nichols shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Matthews as he avoids it easily.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Matthews bobbing and weaving, closes the distance and lands a hook to the side of Nichols's head.
Nichols misses with a looping right.
Nichols jabs at Matthews's body.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Matthews uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Nichols.
A swing and a miss from Nichols.
Matthews lands with a straight right. Nichols didn't see that one coming.
Matthews thuds his right hand into Nichols's forehead from close range. That could be painful for both fighters.
A big right from Matthews misses.
Nichols throws a hook to the side of Matthews's head but Matthews sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Nichols connects with a single shot there.
Cage Nichols seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Matthews tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Nichols was well out of range. Poor timing from Matthews.
Nichols closes the distance and pushes Matthews back into the cage.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Matthews tries to land a knee to the head but misses.
Matthews has a couple of punches blocked by Nichols.
Matthews breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Nichols fakes a head punch and goes low to the body. Nicely done.
Nichols misses with a wild combination.
Michael Matthews is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Matthews uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Nichols.
Nichols lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Matthews circles away quickly and effectively.
Nichols pulls out of a head kick attempt.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Matthews jabs Nichols right on the nose. Nichols blinks but takes it well.
Nichols moves away from the strike by Matthews.
Matthews looks shocked there as he takes a right hand to the temple.
Nichols misses with a takedown attempt - Matthews sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Nichols comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.
Matthews keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
The fighters circling - Matthews throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Nichols uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Matthews.
Matthews is using his height advantage well here, landing a good percentage of his punches.
Nichols's jab looks to have found its range, popping Matthews under the eye.
Nichols scores with a nice strike.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Nichols.
Michael Matthews has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Cage Nichols.
Nichols throws a jab but it's blocked by Matthews.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Nichols is looking to land body kicks.
Matthews throws a series of punches but Nichols moves out of range.
Nichols pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
Cage Nichols showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Nichols.
Matthews walks into a straight right hand from Nichols.
Matthews connects with a good right hand that stumbles Nichols. Nichols circles away out of range and recomposes himself.
Nichols fakes a jab and then connects with a hook.
Nichols loads up on a big right hand but Matthews slips the punch.
Nichols defending well as Matthews loads up on a big left hand.
Nichols rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
and Matthews counters with a straight right hand.
Matthews swats away the attempt to clinch by Nichols.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Nichols has a takedown stuffed.
Matthews moves out of range of the strikes.
Nice body punch from Matthews.
Nichols fakes a head shot and lands one to the body.
Nichols staying out of range there.
Matthews swings for the body but Nichols moves out of range.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
A bone on bone clash there as Matthews blocks the leg kick.
Nichols fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Matthews avoids it really well and circles away.
Michael Matthews has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Cage Nichols.
Nice jab there from Nichols.
Nichols is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Matthews.
Nichols throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Matthews sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Nichols throws out a loose jab but Matthews uses good head movement to avoid it.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Nichols will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
Matthews lands a really nice looking cross but Nichols seems unphased.
Nice shot by Matthews.
Matthews lands with an overhand left.
Nichols misses with an uppercut.
Cage Nichols seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Nichols uses good footwork to get in and out and land a nice right hand before Matthews has time to react.
Nichols with a body punch. A glancing blow.
Matthews takes a shot to the eye socket. That's gotta hurt.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Nichols ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Matthews moves away.
Matthews misses with a hook to the body
and Nichols counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Nichols throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Nichols throws a series of punches but Matthews avoids them all with ease.
Nichols closes the distance and gets a double leg, slamming Matthews to the mat! Matthews manages to get full guard.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Nichols trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Nichols is pushing down on Matthews's leg trying to pass to half guard. Matthews is fighting to maintain full guard but Nichols has managed to sneak the leg through.
Nichols is working for a kimura but Matthews is defending it quite comfortably.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
Cage Nichols really dominated that round.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!
Matthews uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Nichols.
Nichols misses with a looping right.
Matthews misses with a lunging right hand
and Nichols counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Nichols throws an ugly left hook that misses
and Matthews counters with a left and a right that stings Nichols.
Matthews throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Matthews avoids a punch combination nicely.
Nichols shoots for a takedown but Matthews saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
Matthews lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Nichols circles away quickly and effectively.
Matthews misses with a hook. Nichols ducked under it nicely.
Matthews keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
Nichols swings and misses with a hook to the body.
No joy there for Nichols, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Nichols ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Matthews moves away.
Nichols just misses with a punch to the body.
Michael Matthews is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Matthews tries to bum rush Nichols with a series of wild strikes but Nichols uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Nichols shoots in looking for a takedown. Matthews tries to sprawl out of it but Nichols keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Matthews manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Michael Matthews has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Cage Nichols.
Nichols takes one on the button.
Nichols shoots in looking for a takedown but Matthews manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Nichols's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Nichols shoots for a takedown but Matthews saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
Nichols is absolutely dripping with sweat - he looks exhausted.
Nichols takes a punch to the jaw and another one to the bread basket.
Matthews looks to score with a jab to the body but Nichols is just out of range.
Matthews looks to land a right hand but Nichols moved out of range.
Matthews's corner calls for a 1-2. Matthews obliges with the 1 part as he scores the single shot and moves back out of range.
A looping hook to the body misses from Matthews. Nichols does a little dance to reset his feet.
Nichols misses with a double jab
and Matthews counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Matthews misses with the combination.
Nichols throws a lazy right hand but Matthews sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Nichols looks to land a combination. Matthews sees it coming but can only parry a couple of the shots.
Nichols scores with a punch to the head.
Matthews misses with a body shot.
Nichols throws a right and a left that both miss.
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 Michael Matthews will probably get the nod.
That's time! Back to the action! This is the final round!
Nichols fakes a head shot and lands one to the body.
Matthews connects nicely with a jab. Noted by the judges no doubt.
Nichols throws a body kick but he wasn't in range.
Nichols scores with a nice head shot.
Matthews takes a shot to the body in his stride.
Matthews throws a jab, cross combination which is slipped
and Nichols holds on and brings the fighters into a clinch.
A head punch on the inside from Matthews fails to land.
Nichols jumps guard but Matthews turns him against the cage and keeps the fight standing.
Matthews escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Nichols fails with a takedown attempt.
Matthews wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.
Matthews defending well as Nichols loads up on a big left hand.
Nichols ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Matthews moves away.
Nichols scores with a jab to the jaw of his opponent.
Nichols just misses with a punch to the body.
Nichols throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Nichols swings wildly with a couple of big hooks
and Nichols takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Matthews's corner calls for a 1-2. Matthews obliges with the 1 part as he scores the single shot and moves back out of range.
Nichols is looking to clinch but Matthews is avoiding it.
Matthews will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
Nichols connects with a body shot.
Matthews uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Nichols.
Matthews moves out of range of the strikes.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Nichols wants to clinch up but Matthews keeps it at a distance.
A shot to the liver by Nichols. Beautiful body shot.
Nichols shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Matthews pinned against the cage. Matthews gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
Michael Matthews has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Cage Nichols.
Matthews misses with a wild combination.
Cage Nichols is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
Nichols lands with a nice combination. Matthews backs away looking to recover.
Michael Matthews has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Nichols takes a swing at Matthews's ribcage but misses.
A jab from Matthews misses.
Nichols lets the fists fly and connects with a left straight followed by a right hook.
Nichols thows a left - swing and a miss!
Nichols misses with the combination.
Matthews jabbing away but nothing is landing.
And that's the end of the fight!
Cage Nichols comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think Nichols 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 Ian Loll scores the fight 46:49
Judge Robert Douchet scores the fight 46:49
Judge Gregory Folan scores the fight 45:50
In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Cage Nichols!
Cage Nichols is the new bantamweight champion!
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| S |
C
A |
G |
S |
C
B |
G |
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S |
C |
G |
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energy
A | B |
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hype
A | B |
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pop
A | B |
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mgr
A | B |
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FIGHT
RATING
58% |
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