PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Dale McCann (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Sasa Rekic (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Sasa Rekic acknowledges the crowd's support as he enters the cage.

McCann
vs
Rekic

190 cm
19
200 lbs
2 - 1 - 0

200 cm
18
200 lbs
3 - 2 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Solid boxing
Self confident

BJJ Blue Belt
Counter fighter
Determined

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, in the light heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 2 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Dale McCann!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 3 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Amsterdam, Sasa Rekic!
The judges for this bout are Cecil Peabody, Alan Glass and Tiny Johnson.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
A left and a right from McCann both land. Nice combination.

It looks like Sasa Rekic has been cut.
McCann scores with a nice strike.
We've been told by McCann's head coaches at Infinity that he's been working on his takedown defense in preparation for this fight.

The fight moves into the clinch position.

McCann breaks from the clinch.

McCann closes the distance and clinches.

McCann breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.

McCann has managed to clinch.

McCann breaks the clinch.
McCann connects with a lovely right hand, straight down the pipe.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
McCann darts in and out, connecting with a jab.
McCann ducks down and throws a hook to the body.

McCann has Rekic up against the cage in a clinch.

That's one minute gone in the round.
A frustrated look appears on McCann's face as he tries to break the clinch.

McCann breaks the clinch.
McCann throws a one two combo.
Rekic blocks a head kick by McCann.

McCann moves into the clinch.
McCann is trying to break the clinch but Rekic is controlling him.

McCann breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.

McCann moves into the clinch.

McCann breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
McCann throws a head kick that misses.

McCann gets in close and instigates a clinch.
Rekic keeps control of McCann as he tries to wriggle out of the double underhooks.
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!

McCann pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
McCann throws a quick head kick that skims the top of Rekic's head.
McCann throws a series of strikes that have Rekic backpedaling.

That has opened up Sasa Rekic's cut even more.

McCann takes the fight into the clinch.

McCann breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.

McCann clinches up against the cage.
McCann scores with a knee to the head.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

McCann breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Dale McCann is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
McCann tries to close the distance and clinch up but Rekic swats him away and circles back towards the center.

McCann instigates a clinch.
Rekic prevents McCann from breaking the clinch.
Rekic keeps the fight in the clinch, despite McCann's efforts to push away.

McCann breaks from the clinch.
McCann lands a nice looking body shot.
Nice cross by McCann.

McCann pushes Rekic up against the cage in a clinch.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

McCann breaks from the clinch.
McCann pushes forward with a 1-2 combination that forces Rekic back to the cage. McCann follows up with a solid lead hook to the liver.
Dale McCann seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
McCann moves in looking to clinch but Rekic pushes him off.
McCann lands an overhand left. A wild punch that just about connected.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Rekic moves forwards but McCann connects with a nice, crisp jab.
McCann tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Rekic paws at him with a jab and circles away.
McCann doesn't manage to clinch there - Rekic circles away.
McCann lands a nice looking body shot.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
McCann connects with a looping left hand that seems like it dazed Rekic momentarily.

McCann closes the distance and clinches.

McCann escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Dale McCann dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Sasa Rekic's cut.
That's time! McCann's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

McCann wants to clinch

and Rekic counters with a driving takedown into guard. Nice work there by Rekic.
Rekic working in close now, lands a nice elbow to the side of McCann's head.
My spies in Cozad Amsterdam inform me that Rekic has been getting involved in the gym's BJJ sparring sessions. Let's see whether that pays dividends!
McCann is looking to get back to his feet but can't, whilst Rekic is controlling him.
McCann wants to sweep but no luck.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Rekic with a nice head shot there.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
McCann is looking to stand up but Rekic isn't so interested in that idea.
Rekic is working the ground and pound from guard. He might want to try advancing position though to get more of an impact.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Rekic postures up and lands some nice ground and pound.
McCann trying to punch from his back but it's not doing any damage.
McCann wants to stand up but Rekic is controlling him.
Rekic scores with a decent looking elbow strike.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Rekic postures up and scores with a shot to the body and a follow up elbow to the head.
Rekic landing some decent shots from guard.
Rekic chips away with some ground and pound.
Rekic stands up over McCann, holding his feet. He dives back in and lands a decent shot to the head.
Rekic cracks McCann with a solid left hand.
Rekic landing some decent shots from guard.
McCann wants to stand but Rekic is controlling the position.
Rekic lands a couple of decent looking shots.
Both fighters really going for it on the ground here!
Rekic landing with the ground and pound.
Rekic working in close now, lands a nice elbow to the side of McCann's head.
McCann looking to hit a scissor sweep but Rekic is one step ahead there.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Rekic stands up over McCann, holding his feet. He dives back in and lands a decent shot to the head.
Rekic prevents McCann from getting back to his feet.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Hammerfist, elbow! yells Rekic's corner. There ya go! There ya go!
McCann wants to get back to his feet but Rekic is in a dominant position and won't allow it.
Rekic with a nice head shot there.
McCann knows he needs to get back to his feet asap. He's simply no match for Rekic on the ground.
Rekic scoring with punches to the head and body.
Rekic has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
McCann wants to stand up but Rekic is controlling him.
Rekic working from the guard for now, landing some ground and pound.
Rekic postures up and lands some nice ground and pound.
Rekic pushing down on McCann's thigh, trying to pass to half guard. He's managed it... Nice work.
Rekic slips a nice elbow through McCann's hands, connecting with McCann's forehead.
Rekic scores with a couple of good hammerfists.
Rekic prevents McCann from standing back up.
Rekic lands a big shot. The thud that echoes around the arena is like music to the fans' ears.
McCann is trying to stand.
Rekic working McCann over with strikes.
Sasa Rekic has got the better of the ground game so far.
Rekic scoring with strikes to the body and head.
McCann looks like he's trying to stand up.
Rekic is keeping good posture, landing some ground and pound.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
McCann is trying to defend against the ground and pound but Rekic scores with a couple of nice shots.
Nice strikes from Rekic there.
Rekic lands strikes from half guard.
Nice strikes from Rekic there.

McCann is rocked!
McCann is trying to defend against the ground and pound but Rekic scores with a couple of nice shots.
Oh McCann is still in real trouble! Will he be able to recover?!!
McCann has hold of Rekic's hands but Rekic slips his arm to the side and lands an elbow.
McCann seems to have got his legs back now.
Rekic prevents McCann from standing back up.
Rekic is keeping good posture, landing some ground and pound.
Rekic scores with a couple of good hammerfists.
McCann pushes Rekic off looking to stand but Rekic dives back in and keeps control.
McCann is trying to defend against the ground and pound but Rekic scores with a couple of nice shots.
McCann punching from the bottom.
Rekic is keeping good posture, landing some ground and pound.
McCann taking some punishment here, with Rekic in his half guard.
Rekic stops McCann from getting back to his feet.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Rekic looks to score some points with some ground and pound.
Rekic lands strikes from half guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Rekic working some ground and pound from close in. He's looking to maintain this position and strike for a while by the looks of things... although he'll probably advance to full mount in a minute now I've said that.
Rekic lands with a punch from half guard.
Rekic looks to score some points with some ground and pound.
Rekic slips a nice elbow through McCann's hands, connecting with McCann's forehead.
McCann looks like he's trying to stand up.
Rekic lands with an elbow from half guard - that looked like it hurt.
The referee walks around the fighters to get a better view of the action. Rekic lands a nice short elbow.
McCann wants to get back to his feet.
Rekic landing with strikes to the body and head, softening up his opponent.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Nice strikes from Rekic there.
Rekic prevents McCann from standing back up.
Rekic winds up and cracks McCann with a swinging punch to the side of the head.
Rekic working the head and body with strikes.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Sasa Rekic showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The cut man is working on Sasa Rekic's cut.
That's time! Back to the action!

Rekic swats away the attempt to clinch by McCann.
McCann tries to clinch up but Rekic circles away and keeps his distance.
McCann tries to clinch up but Rekic circles away and keeps his distance.

McCann rushes Rekic and presses him up against the cage.
Rekic keeps control of McCann as he tries to wriggle out of the double underhooks.
Rekic is working for takedown but McCann is calmly controlling the position for now.
Rekic prevents McCann from breaking the clinch.

McCann's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.

McCann forces Rekic back against the cage and clinches.

That's one minute gone in the round.
McCann is trying to work out of this bad position, with his back against the cage.
McCann wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.

McCann breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
The fight stays on the outside here - McCann looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
McCann lands a two punch combo.

McCann drives through and clinches with Rekic against the cage.
Rekic tries to pull guard but can't drag his opponent to the mat. McCann just stands there and leans against the cage.

McCann escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
The fight stays on the outside here - McCann looks like he's thinking about clinching though.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
McCann scores with a head kick. Rekic tried to block it but didn't get his arm up in time.
McCann tries to close the distance and clinch up but Rekic swats him away and circles back towards the center.
McCann wants to clinch up but Rekic keeps it at a distance.
Rekic takes a kick to the side of the head.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
McCann tries to clinch up.
McCann fails in his attempt to clinch.
Rekic avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
McCann moves in looking to clinch but Rekic pushes him off.
McCann tries to clinch there but Rekic circles away.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Rekic circles away from the clinch attempt

and Rekic counters with a shoot takedown. McCann fights it but they end up in guard.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Rekic is working the ground and pound from guard. He might want to try advancing position though to get more of an impact.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Rekic lands a couple of digs.
McCann wants to get back to his feet but Rekic is in a dominant position and won't allow it.
Rekic with a couple of shots to the head there. Not particularly brutal.
Rekic keeps in close for a moment and lands a decent shot to the side of McCann's head.
Rekic postures up and lands a big shot to McCann's brow.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Rekic stops McCann from standing up.
Rekic working in close now, lands a nice elbow to the side of McCann's head.
Rekic is in close to McCann's body, working some short punches and elbows.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Rekic scoring with some ground and pound.
McCann wants to stand and escape but Rekic is having none of it.
Rekic postures up and scores with a shot to the body and a follow up elbow to the head.
McCann is looking to stand up but Rekic isn't so interested in that idea.
Rekic landing with the ground and pound.
Rekic won't allow McCann to get back to his feet.
Rekic with a nice head shot there.
Rekic is working the ground and pound from guard. He might want to try advancing position though to get more of an impact.
Rekic keeps in close for a moment and lands a decent shot to the side of McCann's head.
McCann wants to get back to his feet but Rekic is in a dominant position and won't allow it.
Rekic postures up and scores with a shot to the body and a follow up elbow to the head.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Rekic works over McCann with some ground and pound from guard.
Rekic scoring with some ground and pound.
McCann is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.
Rekic distracts McCann with his right hand and drops a big elbow with his other arm.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close third round but Sasa Rekic just about did enough to take it.
The cut man is working on Sasa Rekic's cut.
That's time! Back to the action!

McCann misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Rekic.
McCann is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
McCann pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Rekic avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
A head kick misses from McCann.
McCann tries to close the distance and clinch up but Rekic swats him away and circles back towards the center.

McCann darts in and clinches Rekic up against the cage.
McCann tries to break free but Rekic pushes him back against the cage.
Rekic tries to pull guard but McCann won't allow it.

That's one minute gone in the round.
McCann trying to control the position but instead, Rekic has worked for underhooks and has pushed McCann into the cage.
Rekic tries to pull guard but McCann holds him up against the cage and eventually Rekic drops back down to his feet.
McCann has had enough of the clinch and is looking to separate.

McCann breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
McCann throws a head kick that Rekic semi-blocks.

McCann clinches up with Rekic and pushes him back against the cage.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Rekic is trying to drag McCann to the mat but McCann just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.
Dale McCann has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Sasa Rekic.

McCann manages to break the clinch.
McCann fails in his attempt to clinch.

McCann has managed to clinch.

McCann's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
McCann tries a head kick but it misses.
McCann throws a sloppy head kick and Rekic moves out of range easily.
It's got to the stage where if one of these guys blows hard enough, the other might fall over.
McCann is looking to clinch but Rekic is avoiding it.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
McCann scores with a sloppy right hand. Rekic should have avoided that one.
McCann scores with a sloppy punch to the body. Not much technique there but it did the business.
McCann tries to clinch

and Rekic counters with a nice shoot takedown that brings the fighters to the ground.
Rekic stands up over McCann, holding his feet. He dives back in and lands a decent shot to the head.
McCann is looking to stand up but Rekic isn't so interested in that idea.
Rekic lands a couple of elbows.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Rekic lands a couple of digs.
McCann is looking to get back to his feet but can't, whilst Rekic is controlling him.
McCann has momentary wrist control but Rekic slips an elbow through the middle.
Rekic scoring with some ground and pound.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Rekic prevents McCann from getting back to his feet.
Rekic landing with the ground and pound.
Rekic working in close now, lands a nice elbow to the side of McCann's head.
McCann wants to stand but Rekic is controlling the position.
Rekic working in close now, lands a nice elbow to the side of McCann's head.
Rekic is sitting in guard, working some ground and pound.
Rekic scoring with some ground and pound.
Rekic scoring with some ground and pound.
Rekic connects with a couple of short punches.
McCann is looking to stand up but Rekic isn't so interested in that idea.
Rekic chips away with some ground and pound.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Rekic with a couple of shots to the head there. Not particularly brutal.
McCann wants to stand and escape but Rekic is having none of it.
McCann is working an open guard here, looking to improve his position. No doubt that will leave him open to counters but at least he's being more offensive.
Rekic scores with a decent looking elbow strike.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close fourth round but Sasa Rekic will probably get the nod - 10:9.
The cut man is working on Sasa Rekic's cut.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin! Let's get this one finished - here comes the final round!

McCann wants to clinch up but Rekic keeps it at a distance.
McCann lunges in with an uppercut that skims his opponent's chin.
McCann connects with a high kick.
McCann fails in his attempt to clinch.
McCann lands a head kick!
McCann goes for a high kick. It partially lands.
McCann chopping away at his opponent's legs.
Both of our modern day gladiators look out of it here - a gruelling 5 rounds of action taking it's toll on them, no doubt.
Rekic takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.
McCann plants his feet and lands a nice head kick!

That's one minute gone in the round.
McCann tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Rekic paws at him with a jab and circles away.

McCann moves into the clinch successfully.
A knee to the head by McCann.
Rekic fails to pull guard.
Rekic is trying to pull guard but McCann has him pressed against the cage.

McCann pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
McCann tries to clinch there but Rekic circles away.
McCann cracks Rekic with a right hand to the side of the head.

McCann has managed to clinch.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Rekic takes an elbow to the temple.

McCann's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
McCann is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
McCann doesn't manage to clinch there - Rekic circles away.

McCann closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the cage.

McCann escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
McCann goes to the watering hole and comes back with a big thumbs up from the judges as he scores a three punch combo.
Dale McCann is winning the standup battle so far.

McCann clinches up with Rekic and pushes him back against the cage.
Dale McCann has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

That's three minutes gone in the round.

McCann breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
McCann is looking to take this fight into the clinch.

McCann moves into the clinch.
McCann tries to circle away but Rekic has him pinned against the cage.
McCann wants to push off and get back to the center of the mat but Rekic has him pressed against the cage.

McCann breaks the clinch.
McCann lands a head kick!
McCann wants to clinch.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
McCann tries to close the distance and clinch but Rekic swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Sasa Rekic is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
McCann throws a right high kick that is partially blocked by Rekic.
McCann tries to clinch up but Rekic circles away and keeps his distance.
McCann tries to clinch up but Rekic circles away and keeps his distance.
Rekic avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
McCann tries to clinch

and Rekic counters with a nice double leg into guard.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Rekic with a couple of shots to the head there. Not particularly brutal.
Rekic is sitting in guard, working some ground and pound.

And that's the end of the fight!
Dale McCann showed his dominance in that final round.
I think Rekic 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 Cecil Peabody scores the fight 47:47
Judge Alan Glass scores the fight 49:46
Judge Tiny Johnson scores the fight 49:46

In favor of your winner, by majority decision... Dale McCann!