PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Phil Harris (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Alexander Mann (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Harris
vs
Mann

185 cm
26
187 lbs
6 - 4 - 0

194 cm
29
193 lbs
7 - 8 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Solid Muay Thai
Experienced

BJJ Purple Belt
Good kicks
Determined

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the middleweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 6 - 4 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Phil Harris!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 7 - 8 - 0, fighting out of Amsterdam, Alexander Mann!
The judges for this bout are Elvis Blanc, Dillan Fox and Ian Loll.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Harris fails to land the takedown.
Harris throws a looping overhand right but Mann ducks down to avoid it.
Harris dives in for a single leg takedown but Mann sprawls and the fighters end up clinched against the cage.
Harris takes a shot to the head.
Mann lands a left hand that snaps the head of Harris backwards.
Mann tries to work over Harris's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Harris tries a body shot but Mann blocks it.
Harris missing with knees to the body.
Harris missing with knees to the body.
Harris misses with a knee to the head.
We've been informed that Mann has been sparring a lot of Muay Thai in the buildup to this fight so let's see if that has an impact on the result.
Harris working aggressively here.
Harris pushes off and fires off an elbow that misses, before clinching up again, against the cage.
Mann is clearly stalling here... Pick up the pace son.
Harris is trying to force a seperation but Mann has the dominant position.
Harris tries to throw a body punch but Mann avoids it by throwing Harris back against the cage.

Harris manages to break the clinch.
Harris looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Mann is fending him off so far but Harris persists. Nope, Mann circles away and we're back to standing.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Phil Harris. That's going to take a lot out of him.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Ouch! a nice leg kick from Mann, right into the meat.
Harris lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Mann circles away quickly and effectively.

Mann clinches up against the cage.
Mann lands a shoulder strike.
Harris tries to land a knee to the head but Mann blocks with his arms.

Harris breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Harris throws a head kick that misses.

Mann clinches up with Harris and pushes him back against the cage.
Mann manages to get underhooks and slows down the pace for a moment.
Mann lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Harris backwards.
Harris tries a body shot but Mann blocks it.
Harris lands a body punch - he's looking to wear down Mann.
Mann tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Mann is working hard here but doesn't seem to be able to control effectively, up against the cage.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Harris wants to get back to striking at distance but Mann won't allow it.
Mann lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Harris backwards.
Mann is trying to slow down the pace of the fight but Harris is keeping 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!
Harris wants to get back to striking at distance but Mann won't allow it.
Harris with an attempt at a knee that misses.
Mann will no doubt start fighting again in a minute but for now he's just having a little rest, leaning Harris up against the cage.
A real battle for position is taking place between these two warriors.
The ref breaks the fighters up, due to lack of action by Alexander Mann.
Mann throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Harris throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Mann's waist but Mann gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Harris off to one side.
Harris darts in looking for a takedown but Mann gets double underhooks and turns Harris into the cage.
Harris tries a knee to the head but he's missed.

Harris escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Harris shoots in for a takedown but Mann shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Mann looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.

Harris fakes a strike and closes the distance, dragging Mann to the ground. Harris is now in Mann's guard.
The referee is pacing around the two fighters - he looks like he's thinking about a standup.
Mann wants to sweep here but Harris controlling him for the moment.

Harris is holding a leg here, probably looking for an ankle lock - he drops back and goes for it! Mann is in trouble! Is it all over??? No! Mann has escaped and now he's on top!
Mann trying to control the position from guard on top but Harris is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Harris tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Mann looking to pass the guard.
Mann wants to control from the top but Harris keeps moving.
Mann 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.
Harris wants to sweep but no luck.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

OK we're going to have a standup here. Alexander Mann hasn't been effective enough on the ground and the referee wants a restart.
Harris moves out of range of the leg kick from Mann.
Harris gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily
and Mann counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Mann connects with an inside leg kick.
Harris wants to clinch up but Mann keeps it at a distance.

Mann moves into range and clinches up with Harris.
Harris is looking to break free of the clinch but Mann has double underhooks.
Harris looking to throw knees to the head but Mann is blocking nicely.
Mann lands a shoulder strike.
Some stalling of biblical proportions here from Harris.
Harris looking to throw knees to the head but Mann is blocking nicely.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Mann's corner are urging him to control the action in the clinch for a moment, rather than mount any serious offense. I'm sure the crowd appreciate those instructions... not.
Harris stalling.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but Alexander Mann 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.

Mann tries to clinch up.
Mann attempts a low kick but it misses it's target.
A good leg kick by Mann.

Harris moves into range and clinches up with Mann.
Harris is trying to work out of this bad position, with his back against the cage.
Harris using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Mann has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
Harris has had enough of the clinch but Mann keeps him there for the moment.
Harris tries a knee to the head but he's missed.
Harris tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Mann avoids it.
Mann avoiding damage.
Harris blocking some punches.
Mann stalling in the clinch but Harris improves position.
Both guys are working to get underhooks.
Good anti-grappling being displayed by Harris as Mann tries to tie him up.
Mann lands a right hand that snaps the head of Harris backwards.
Mann takes an elbow to the temple.

That's one minute gone in the round.
A left hand lands to the body for Mann.
Mann is working hard here but doesn't seem to be able to control effectively, up against the cage.
Harris trying to land knees to the body.

Harris escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Mann throws a nice head kick!
Phil Harris seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Harris moves in looking to clinch but Mann pushes him off.
Harris misses with a wild combination.
A low kick from Mann is predictable there
and Harris counters with a head kick.
Harris misses with a double jab
and Mann counters with a straight right hand.

Mann closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the cage.
Mann trying to control the position but instead, Harris has worked for underhooks and has pushed Mann into the cage.
Mann avoiding damage.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Mann takes a knee right on the jaw!
Mann pressing his opponent against the cage.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Harris is trying to force a seperation but Mann has the dominant position.
Mann stalling against the cage.
The ref breaks the fighters up, due to lack of action by Alexander Mann.
Harris tries to grapple but his opponent circles
and Harris takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Mann uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Harris.

Mann gets caught on his heels momentarily as he allows Harris to score an easy takedown into full guard.
Mann controls Harris momentarily but Harris frees himself.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Harris makes a bit of distance and scores with some ground and pound, still in guard.

Mann is active off his back here, looking for submissions.
Harris won't allow Mann to get back to his feet.
Harris connects with a couple of short punches.
Both fighters really going for it on the ground here!
Harris stands and throws Mann's legs to the side, diving into side control.

Harris tries for a kimura but Mann is defending well.
Mann tries to work a leg under to get back to half guard but Harris wriggles his own leg back out and remains in side control.
Harris is looking to take a break and control but Mann is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.

Harris tries for an arm triangle. That looks pretty tight to me. Is this one over!?! Possibly, maybe, no Harris has let go of the choke. Obviously it wasn't as tight as we thought!
Sloppy strikes there by Harris.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Harris thinks about going for a far side armbar but bails out and retains the dominant position instead.
Mann is looking to reverse the position.
You can see the frustration on Mann's face, being in this tough position on the bottom.

Harris tries for an arm triangle. That looks pretty tight to me. Is this one over!?! Possibly, maybe, no Harris has let go of the choke. Obviously it wasn't as tight as we thought!
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Harris is looking to take a break and control but Mann is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Harris in side control, throwing shots but Mann defends.
Harris trying to control the position but Mann is working away.
Mann manages to land a sweep and he's now on top! Lovely Jiu Jitsu!
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 Phil Harris 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. The crowd applaud as we get ready to start the final round!

Harris fails with a takedown attempt.
A clash of legs there as Mann blocks the low kick.
Mann misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.

Harris shoots in with a lovely double leg takedown. Mann manages to land in full guard to minimise the damage.
Mann is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Phil Harris overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Harris wants to pass the guard but Mann is keeping the position.
Mann is trying to control the position from the bottom.
Mann is pulling down on Harris's head. It's preventing any offense from Harris, at least for the moment.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Harris pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Mann is keeping the position for now.

That's one minute gone in the round.

The ref calls for a clean break and stands the fighters back up. Alexander Mann wasn't active enough on the ground.

Harris gets in close and instigates a clinch.

Harris breaks the clinch.
Mann misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.

Mann has closed the distance and engaged Harris in a clinch.

Mann breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Alexander Mann seems to be getting the better of the standup.

Mann takes the fight into the clinch.
Harris throws a head punch that misses.
Mann dictating the pace here, as the fighters clinch against the cage.
Mann misses with some punches.
Mann taking a breather.
Harris throws an elbow that misses.
Harris crunches a lovely knee into Mann's ribcage.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, Harris creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Harris lands a nice knee to the body.
Mann's corner are urging him to control the action in the clinch for a moment, rather than mount any serious offense. I'm sure the crowd appreciate those instructions... not.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Mann misses with a hook from the clinch.
Mann effectively controlling the action here.
The crowd are getting on Mann's back here. They're not happy about his lack of aggression in the clinch.
Alexander Mann seems to be working more effectively in the clinch in the fight so far.
With the two fighters working up against the cage, Harris just misses with a elbow thrown towards Mann's brow.
Harris throws a nice elbow but it doesn't land.
Harris blocking some punches.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Mann escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.

Mann rushes Harris and presses him up against the cage.
Mann is trying to maintain a safe position but Harris gets an underhook and turns Mann into the cage.

Harris breaks from the clinch.
Harris tries to clinch but Mann moves out of range.
Harris dives in and grabs Mann's left leg, looking for a takedown. Mann pushes down on Harris's head and hops out.
Harris tries to work over Mann's front leg with a kick but Mann checks it.
Mann looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Mann walks forward and throws out a flicking leg kick. Harris checks it nicely though, as he moves to the side.
The sound of bone on bone echoes around the arena as Mann checks a leg kick.
Harris changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Mann tries to avoid it but Harris manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Mann to the ground. Mann escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Phil Harris. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Mann misses with a jab, cross combination.
Harris tries for a takedown but Mann sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Alexander Mann is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Harris waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Mann.
Harris misses with a straight right.

Harris gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Harris pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Mann throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Harris tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Mann manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.

Harris instigates a clinch.
Mann scores with a shoulder strike.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
A battle for position here, against the cage.
Harris tries to break free but Mann pushes him back against the cage.
Come on Mann - let's have some action - none of this stalling nonsense.

Harris breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Harris tries to close the distance and clinch but Mann swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Harris changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Mann tries to avoid it but Harris manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Mann to the ground. Mann escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.

Mann drives through and clinches with Harris against the cage.

Harris turns his back and goes for a hip toss. It's a bit messy but it gets the job done and Harris manages to end up in side control.

Harris tries for a kimura. Not really close to a finish though.

And that's the end of the fight!
That was a close round. You could make an argument for either fighter but I would give it to Phil Harris.
I think Harris has won this one but let's see what the judges have to say. 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 Elvis Blanc scores the fight 29:28
Judge Dillan Fox scores the fight 29:28
Judge Ian Loll scores the fight 29:28

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Phil Harris!
During a confident post fight interview, Phil Harris thanked all his fans. He seemed very genuine when describing how motivated his fans keep him.