PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between AL Lickertwat (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Tad Ghostal (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Ghostal comes into a darkened arena with his song building. Good King Wenceslas kicks in, the lights come on and the crowd goes wild! What a showman! Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the cage.

Lickertwat
vs
Ghostal

175 cm
27
147 lbs
14 - 6 - 1

183 cm
31
145 lbs
26 - 11 - 0

Abu Dhabi Champ
World class boxer
Cardio machine

Olympic wrestler
World class MT
Good gas tank

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the bantamweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 14 - 6 - 1, fighting out of Sydney, AL Lickertwat!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 26 - 11 - 0, fighting out of Sydney, Tad Ghostal!
The judges for this bout are Summer Carpenter, Damien Edna and Eliza Hachem.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Lickertwat misses with a lunging right hand
and Ghostal counters with a nice uppercut.
A jab lands there for Ghostal.
Ghostal blocks a jab.
Lickertwat waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Ghostal.
Lickertwat misses the shot to the body.
Lickertwat tries for a takedown but Ghostal sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Lickertwat throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Ghostal sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Ghostal is a painfully thin specimen of a man. You do wonder whether a good body kick would snap him clean in two.
Ghostal throws a hook but Lickertwat avoids it easily.
Lickertwat misses with a body shot.
Lickertwat throws a hook to the side of Ghostal's head but Ghostal sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Lickertwat checks a leg kick.
Ghostal avoids the body shot from Lickertwat.
Ghostal takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.
Ghostal uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Lickertwat.
Lickertwat moves out of range of the body kick from Ghostal.
Lickertwat ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Ghostal moves away.
Ghostal ducks under a wild hook from Lickertwat.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Jab, jab by Lickertwat - just one landing.
Lickertwat throws the left hand but Ghostal avoids the punch easily.
Ghostal ducks under a wild hook from Lickertwat.
Lickertwat scores with a nice head shot.
Lickertwat ducks under a wild hook from Ghostal.
A telegraphed right hand from Lickertwat misses the target.
Ghostal fails with a takedown attempt.
Ghostal misses with a kick to the body.
Lickertwat ducks under a wild hook from Ghostal.
Ghostal lands a beauty of a right hand that gets the crowd cheering.

Ghostal clinches up with Lickertwat and pushes him back against the cage.
Lickertwat blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Ghostal fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Lickertwat can't find room to land a body shot as Ghostal controls the action.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Lickertwat avoiding damage.
Ghostal trying to control the position but instead, Lickertwat has worked for underhooks and has pushed Ghostal into the cage.
Ghostal lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
Ghostal works on Lickertwat's body with a couple of short punches.
Ghostal is trying to stall.
A right hand to the body from Ghostal.
Ghostal blocks an elbow strike from Lickertwat.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Ghostal prevents a body shot from Lickertwat.
Ghostal throws a head punch that misses.
Both guys are working to get underhooks.
Ghostal misses with a punch on the inside.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Ghostal misses with a hook to the ribs.
Lickertwat goes for a takedown attempt but Ghostal pushes him away and we're back to fighting at a distance.
Lickertwat just misses with a punch to the body.
Lickertwat clobbers Ghostal with an overhand right that has the crowd gasping. That made a horrendous noise.
Lickertwat misses with a few strikes there.
Lickertwat throws a body punch but Ghostal moves out of range.
Ghostal throws out a powerful jab.
Jab from Lickertwat.
Lickertwat takes a thudding leg kick, right into the meat of the thigh.
Lickertwat fails to land with a series of punches.
Lickertwat looks to throw the jab but Ghostal is out of range.
Ghostal fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Lickertwat manages to avoid it.
Ghostal changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Lickertwat tries to avoid it but Ghostal manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Lickertwat to the ground. Lickertwat escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
AL Lickertwat seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Ghostal's corner calls for a 1, 2 combination and Ghostal duly obliges.
Ghostal has used his reach advantage pretty well so far tonight.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Lickertwat scores with a jab to the head.
Lickertwat avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Lickertwat lands a nice shot that snaps Ghostal's head back.
Lickertwat throws a nice inside leg kick.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Ghostal swings wildly with a hook that is half blocked by Lickertwat.
Ghostal slaps away a takedown attempt from Lickertwat, before circling back to the center of the mat.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for AL Lickertwat. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Ghostal throws a body kick that misses.
Ghostal throws the kick towards the body but Lickertwat avoids it.
Ghostal uses good footwork to get in and out and land a nice right hand before Lickertwat has time to react.
Ghostal looks to land a right hand but Lickertwat moved out of range.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Ghostal misses with a straight right.
Ghostal checks a low kick. Bone on bone - not my idea of a good time.
Lickertwat moves out of range as Ghostal strikes.
Lickertwat keeps his opponent at a distance with a nice jab.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but Tad Ghostal will probably get the nod.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business.

Ghostal jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Lickertwat chopping away at his opponent's legs.
Ghostal on the wrong end of a nice jab.
Ghostal wants to land a leg kick but Lickertwat is out of range.
Lickertwat scores with a sloppy punch to the body. Not much technique there but it did the business.
Ghostal misses the shot to the body.
The crowd cheers as Lickertwat lands an impressive looking overhand right. Ghostal doesn't seem phased though.
Ghostal misses with a body shot.
A left lands for Lickertwat.
Lickertwat will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
Ghostal ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Lickertwat moves away.
Ghostal moves out of range of the strikes.
Ghostal checks a leg kick nicely.
Lickertwat misses with a body kick.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Lickertwat lands a slapping body shot.
Ghostal looks to land a combination but Lickertwat avoids it well.
A looping hook to the body misses from Ghostal. Lickertwat does a little dance to reset his feet.
Ghostal pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Ghostal ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Lickertwat moves away.
Lickertwat connects with a looping right hand.
Lickertwat misses with a hook.
Lickertwat scores with a nice strike.
Lickertwat lands a jab.
Well, he's not going to score with shots like that. A lazy body kick attempt from Ghostal.

Ghostal moves into range and clinches up with Lickertwat.
Ghostal has a couple of punches blocked by Lickertwat.
Ghostal lands with a left to the head.
Lickertwat lands a body punch - he's looking to wear down Ghostal.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Ghostal fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
A nice left hand lands by Ghostal.
Ghostal swings wildly with an uppercut but Lickertwat uses good head movement to avoid it.
Ghostal is working on a leg, looking for a takedown but Lickertwat is defending well.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Lickertwat lands a right hand.
Lickertwat is looking to control Ghostal's arms but Ghostal gets an underhook and turns him. Now Lickertwat has his back to the cage.
Ghostal blocks an uppercut.
Ghostal throws a head punch that misses.
Lickertwat blocks an uppercut.
Lickertwat is trying to maintain a safe position but Ghostal gets an underhook and turns Lickertwat into the cage.
Ghostal lands with a left to the head.
Lickertwat doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Ghostal goes for a takedown in the clinch but Lickertwat prevents it.
Lickertwat tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Ghostal's elbow.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Ghostal lands with a short punch from the clinch.
Ghostal misses with a short punch on the inside.
Ghostal lands a right hand that snaps the head of Lickertwat backwards.
Lickertwat slowing the pace effectively.
Lickertwat lands with a short shot to the head.
Ghostal misses with a punch on the inside.
Lickertwat lands a body punch - he's looking to wear down Ghostal.
Tad Ghostal seems to be working more effectively in the clinch in the fight so far.
Ghostal scores with a shoulder strike.
Ghostal misses with some punches.
Ghostal holding his opponent close, against the cage.
Ghostal has hold of a leg and is looking for a trip takedown. Lickertwat avoids it nicely though and we remain in the clinch.
AL Lickertwat has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Tad Ghostal.
Lickertwat throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Ghostals head.
Lickertwat blocks a couple of punches on the inside.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Ghostal misses with a body punch.
Lickertwat blocking some punches.
Lickertwat scores with a shoulder strike.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Ghostal takes a shot to the head.
Ghostal swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Lickertwat stalling in the clinch.
Lickertwat has a couple of punches blocked by Ghostal.
Lickertwat is trying to slow down the pace in the clinch, to catch his breath.
Lickertwat misses with a short punch on the inside.
Ghostal is working Lickertwat over against the cage.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Ghostal.
Ghostal lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Lickertwat backwards.
Ghostal trying to control the position but instead, Lickertwat has worked for underhooks and has pushed Ghostal into the cage.
Ghostal keeps the fight in the clinch, despite Lickertwat's efforts to push away.
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 AL Lickertwat will probably get the nod.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action. This is the final round!

Boom, another hit is landed. "You're gunna get knocked out" taunts Lickertwat, as that shot connected.
Lickertwat throws a big shot that misses.
Ghostal misses with a telegraphed body shot
and Ghostal takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Lickertwat walks forward and throws out a flicking leg kick. Ghostal checks it nicely though, as he moves to the side.
Lickertwat connects with a nice looking jab.
Lickertwat bobs and weaves and unloads with a good uppercut.
Ghostal connects with a lovely right hand, straight down the pipe.
Ghostal throws a chopping leg kick but Lickertwat manages to avoid taking any serious damage.
Ghostal lands a front kick.
Lickertwat cracks Ghostal with a good jab.
Lickertwat on the wrong end of a vicious looking body shot.
Lickertwat misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Ghostal.
AL Lickertwat is winning the standup battle so far.
Ghostal takes a thudding leg kick, right into the meat of the thigh.
Ghostal fails to land the takedown.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Ghostal motions for Lickertwat to come forward. Ghostal throws a leg kick but it misses it's target.
That kick from Ghostal tenderised Lickertwat's leg. Lickertwat is trying to keep his angry face on.
Ghostal is looking to chop away at Lickertwat's legs.
Lickertwat misses with a looping right.
Ghostal lands a leg kick that knocks Lickertwat off balance momentarily.
Lickertwat tries for a takedown but Ghostal sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Ghostal bobs and weaves and then throws a good body kick.
Ghostal slips a straight right by Lickertwat.
Ghostal slaps away a takedown attempt from Lickertwat, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Lickertwat takes a head kick and keeps coming.
Ghostal throws a body kick, spinning off balance
and Lickertwat counters with a stiff right hand.
Lickertwat throws a hook to the side of Ghostal's head but Ghostal sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Lickertwat rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
enabling Ghostal to counter with a crisp jab.

Lickertwat is rocked!
Lickertwat blocks the body kick.
Oh Lickertwat is still all over the place! His legs are completely gone! Will he be able to recover?!!
Lickertwat shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Ghostal defends it nicely.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for AL Lickertwat. That's going to take a lot out of him.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Ghostal takes a solid shot to the body. That one hurt him but he's trying not to show it.
Lickertwat slips a jab from Ghostal.
Lickertwat seems to have got his legs back now.

Ghostal closes the distance and gets a trip takedown into side control. Lickertwat quickly recovers to half guard.
Ghostal wants to lay and pray for a moment but Lickertwat keeps working.
Lickertwat has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Ghostal is working away from the top position though.
Lickertwat is looking for a sweep. Ghostal is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Ghostal wants to control but Lickertwat is keeping him busy.
Lickertwat is working for an escape here. He's hooked one of Ghostal's legs and he's managed to sneak out and take Ghostal's back!

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Lickertwat is working hard for the rear naked choke here.
Ghostal is trying to break free.

Lickertwat has his opponent's back and is working for the choke.
Lickertwat is working the ground and pound here and the referee is taking a close look at Ghostal. He must escape soon or this one will be stopped.
Ghostal turns into Lickertwat and is now in his guard.
Lickertwat avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Lickertwat wants to control here, rather than go for any submissions from the bottom. At least for now.
Lickertwat is trying to control the position but Ghostal postures up.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Lickertwat wants to control the position but Ghostal says "no thanks buddy" and passes to half guard.
Ghostal is keeping good posture, landing some ground and pound.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Lickertwat slips a foot under and gets full guard. Nice work.
Ghostal trying to control but Lickertwat is working from the bottom.

Lickertwat is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Ghostal is aware though and is defending well.
Lickertwat controls Ghostal momentarily but Ghostal frees himself.
Ghostal postures up and lands a big shot to Lickertwat's brow.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Ghostal postures up and lands a big shot to Lickertwat's brow.
Lickertwat keeping full guard, as Ghostal tries to pass.

And that's the end of the fight!
I would just about give that final round to Tad Ghostal.
I think Ghostal 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 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Summer Carpenter scores the fight 28:30
Judge Damien Edna scores the fight 28:29
Judge Eliza Hachem scores the fight 28:29

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Tad Ghostal!
Tad Ghostal very nearly forgot to thank Syndicate Nutrition amongst all the excitement of his win but just as the interview came to a close, he screamed their name. Hopefully he'll get a few nice freebies in the mail as a thank you.