PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Atlas Sky (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Ash Ketchum (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Ketchum is bobbing his head along to his entrance song: Death Theme. Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Sky
vs
Ketchum

180 cm
22
195 lbs
3 - 0 - 0

194 cm
23
215 lbs
5 - 2 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Counter striker
Prefers ground

BJJ Purple Belt
Counter striker
Solid chin

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 3 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Sydney, Atlas Sky!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 5 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Sydney, Ash Ketchum!
The judges for this bout are Winston Howard, Donatello Bradman and John Mangel.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Sky misses with a two punch combination.
Sky fails in his attempt to clinch.
Ketchum shoots in for a takedown but Sky shows good takedown defense.
A punch combination from Sky misses.

Ketchum feints and then dives in with a takedown. That was a long way out but the feint bought him enough time to close the distance and complete the takedown. Now we'll play guard for a bit and see who can get the better of that position.
Ketchum trying to control but Sky is working from the bottom.

Ketchum postures up as if he's going to throw some strikes but drops back for an ankle! Sky is in big trouble! He looks ready to tap! But no, he's escaped and dives on top of Ketchum, into his guard.
A real slowdown in the pace of the fight for a moment, as Ketchum holds on and takes a little breather.
Sky is looking to stand up but Ketchum won't let him.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Ketchum has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Sky can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.

Ketchum keeping busy on the bottom but Sky has passed one foot through into half guard.
Ketchum is looking to improve his position.
Ketchum is trying to control but can't.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
My god... these two guys really need to pick up the pace or everyone will leave to go get a beer.
Ketchum is trying to get back to full guard.
Sky tries to stand but can't do so whilst Ketchum controls his leg.
Ketchum is trying to get back to full guard.
Sky is thwarting Ketchum's attempts to control the position.
Ketchum looks gassed!

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Sky rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Ketchum moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Sky drops Ketchum with a left right combo! Sky follows him down to the ground into side control.

It looks like Ash Ketchum has been cut.
Sky passes to full mount! That's big trouble for Ketchum!

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Sky stands up from mount. Strange move.
Ash Ketchum seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Ketchum throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Sky tries to clinch but Ketchum is having none of it.
Ketchum lands a nice shot to the body.
Ketchum misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Sky.
Sky lands a jab, followed by a cross and another cross, as Ketchum backs up against the cage.
Ketchum slips a jab and a cross from Sky.
Ketchum avoids a punch combination nicely.
Sky misses with a two punch combination.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Sky looks to land a combination but Ketchum avoids it well.

Sky scores a takedown into full mount!
Ketchum is writhing around trying to get back to his feet.
Ketchum is in all sorts of trouble here.
Sky manages to capitalize on a mistake by Ketchum to take his back!
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Ketchum is very frustrated here, being controlled quite effectively by Sky.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Atlas Sky dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Ash Ketchum's cut.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.

Sky fails in his attempt to clinch.
Sky throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Ketchum slips a jab and a cross from Sky.
Sky takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.

Ketchum drives through with a really nice takedown into side control.
Ketchum wants to control but Sky is keeping him busy.
Ketchum is breathing heavily.
Sloppy strikes there by Ketchum.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Ketchum controls the position.
Ketchum creates some space and throws a big elbow, but Sky sees it coming and moves his head just enough to avoid the strike.
Sky is not content to let Ketchum control the position.
Sky tries to bench press Ketchum off him but Ketchum keeps the position.
Ketchum creates some space and throws a big elbow, but Sky sees it coming and moves his head just enough to avoid the strike.
Ketchum throws a knee to the body but it doesn't do much damage.

It looks like we're going to have a standup here. Neither fighter is doing enough on the ground.
Ketchum has his takedown stuffed
and Sky counters with a three punch combo that has Ketchum backing up. Ketchum nods at Sky to acknowledge the strikes.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Sky scores with a nice body kick.
Sky tries to clinch but Ketchum moves out of range.
Sky throws out a powerful jab.
Atlas Sky is winning the standup battle so far.
Sky throws a two punch combo that lands nicely.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Sky misses with a series of wild punches.
Sky misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Sky with a body punch. A glancing blow.
Ketchum swings wildly with a couple of big hooks
and Sky counters with a nice kick to the body.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Sky throws the kick towards the body but Ketchum avoids it.
Sky lands a two punch combo.
Sky throws a body punch but Ketchum moves out of range.
Ketchum stuffs the takedown.
Sky looks to land a body kick but Ketchum moved away.
Ketchum takes one on the chin but seems OK.
Ketchum throws a predictable looking body shot
and Sky counters with a nice uppercut.

Sky rushes Ketchum and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Sky breaks the clinch.
Ketchum with a poor takedown
and Sky counters with a three punch combo that has Ketchum backing up. Ketchum nods at Sky to acknowledge the strikes.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Sky throws a quick head kick that skims the top of Ketchum's head.
Sky is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Ketchum can do to turn this around?
Sky misses with a jab, cross combination.
It really doesn't seem like the step up in weight is hurting Sky here at all. He's more than holding his own against the bigger man.
Sky lands a jab. Then a cross. Then finally a nice hook to the body. Good work there by Sky.
Ketchum swings wildly with a couple of big hooks
and Sky counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Ketchum swings wildly with a couple of big hooks
and Sky counters with an outside leg kick.
Sky connects with the punch.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Atlas Sky dominated that second round.
The cut man is working on Ash Ketchum's cut.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action.

Sky clinches.
Ketchum has Sky pushed against the cage.
Ketchum is trying to work out of this bad position, with his back against the cage.
Sky keeps control of Ketchum as he tries to wriggle out of the double underhooks.
Ketchum can't break the clinch.

Ketchum breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Ketchum fails with the takedown

and Sky decides to take the opportunity to score a takedown. He's landed in Ketchum's guard.
Ketchum takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.

Ketchum keeping busy on the bottom but Sky has passed one foot through into half guard.
Sky wants to stand up but Ketchum has a hold of him and won't allow it.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Well, if Sky is going to just lie there, perhaps we should talk about what we're having for dinner tonight… I'm having a ham and pineapple pizza… Yum. Can't wait.
Ketchum wants to improve his position but Sky is controlling well.

Sky is trying a forearm choke… I don't think that's going to do much at this level of the game.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Neither fighter has done anything of merit for a good minute or two here and the crowd are not happy about it.
Ketchum wants to get back to full guard.
Sky moves nicely into side control.

Sky decides to stand up, so the ref orders Ketchum to his feet.
Sky misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Sky scores with a kick to the midsection.
Sky throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Sky fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
Ketchum swings wildly with a couple of big hooks
and Sky counters with a series of strikes. Ketchum will be more careful next time no doubt.
Sky moves away from the strike by Ketchum.
Sky fails in his attempt to clinch.
Ketchum throws an overhand right that lands on Sky's shoulder, as Sky tries to avoid the shot.
Sky will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Sky bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Ketchum misses with a looping left.
The sound of bone on bone echoes around the arena as Ketchum checks a leg kick.
Ketchum with a poor takedown

and Sky counters with a takedown into side control.
Ketchum looks to move to half guard but instead Sky has passed into mount! Damn!
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Sky controlling from the full mount.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Atlas Sky clearly takes that round.
The cut man is working on Ash Ketchum's cut.
That's time! Back to the action!

Ketchum takes a really solid shot there but just smiles back and shrugs his shoulders.
Sky scores with a three punch combo!
Ketchum tries to bum rush Sky with a series of wild strikes but Sky uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Ketchum throws a jab, cross combination which is slipped
and Sky counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Sky misses with a double jab.
Ketchum doesn't succeed with the takedown
and Sky counters with a big head kick but Ketchum shrugs it off.
It's got to the stage where if one of these guys blows hard enough, the other might fall over.

That's one minute gone in the round.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Ketchum.
Sky takes a swing at Ketchum's ribcage but misses.
Sky pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Sky paws at his opponent with the jab and then lunges in with a straight, right on the button.

Sky drives through with a really nice takedown into side control.
Ketchum is looking for a sweep.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Sky decides to take the fight back to the feet.
Sky throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Ketchum's waist but Ketchum gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Sky off to one side.

Ketchum closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the cage.
Ketchum wants to break free. God knows he wants to breaaaak freeee.
Sky can't get the takedown.
Ketchum jumps guard but Sky stands there with Ketchum around his waist. Ketchum gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch.
Atlas Sky has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Ash Ketchum.
Ketchum leaning against his opponent.

Sky breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Ketchum throws a right and a left that both miss.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Sky throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd.
Sky lands with a straight right. Ketchum didn't see that one coming.
Sky is using his height advantage well here, landing a good percentage of his punches.
Ketchum misses with a double jab
and Sky counters with a one-two to the body.
Sky bobs and weaves and unloads with a good uppercut.
Ketchum fails with the takedown

and Sky counters with a takedown into side control.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Ketchum is looking to regain half guard here but Sky keeps moving and retains side control.

Sky stands up and we're back to a striking position.
Sky throws a nice looking combination but Ketchum bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Ketchum scores with a sloppy punch to the body. Not much technique there but it did the business.
Sky throws a head kick that misses
and Ketchum counters with a head kick. That will keep Sky thinking before he tries any more sloppy attacks!
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.

Sky has closed the distance and engaged Ketchum in a clinch.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Sky throws a hook to the body. More of an arm punch but it's all scoring with the judges.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Atlas Sky had his way with Ash Ketchum in that round.
The cut man is working on Ash Ketchum's cut.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business. Let's get this one finished - here comes the final round!

Sky tries to bum rush Ketchum with a series of wild strikes but Ketchum uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Ketchum throws a one two combo.
Sky throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Ketchum throws a body punch but Sky moves out of range.
Ketchum has his takedown stuffed
and Sky counters with a three punch combo that has Ketchum backing up. Ketchum nods at Sky to acknowledge the strikes.
Ketchum shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Sky pinned against the cage. Sky gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
Both of our modern day gladiators look out of it here - an gruelling 5 rounds of action taking it's toll on them, no doubt.
Sky falls off balance throwing a combination
and Ketchum counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Ketchum gets cracked there but stands up to it.
Ketchum has a pretty nasty looking mouse under his right eye.
Sky connects with a hook to the side of his opponent's head.
A head kick misses from Sky.
Sky throws a nice looking combination but Ketchum bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Sky shoots for a double leg takedown but Ketchum sprawls well. He's pushed Sky's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Ketchum tries to bum rush Sky with a series of wild strikes but Sky uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Ketchum shoots in but doesn't get the takedown
and Sky counters with a two punch combo.
Atlas Sky has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Ash Ketchum.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Sky swings wildly with a couple of big hooks

and Ketchum counters with a takedown into side control.
Sky is pushing Ketchum's head away, looking to escape. Ketchum manages to hold on to the position though.
Ketchum advances nicely into full mount.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

Ketchum goes for an armbar but he's fallen flat on his backside there and now Sky is on top in guard.
Sky trying to stand up but can't free himself from Ketchum's guard.
Ketchum looking to sweep using the butterfly guard but Sky puts pay to that idea as he passes nicely into half guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Ketchum looking for submissions from an awkward position here.
Ketchum is looking to improve his position.

Ketchum has guillotine here! It looks pretty tight! Could this be all over! No, Sky escapes and passes into side control at the same time. Nice work there by Sky!

Sky has had enough of the ground for now and decides to stand.
Sky scores to the head and body with a nice combination!

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Sky darts in trying to clinch

and Ketchum counters with a shoot takedown into half guard.
Sky works his way to full guard. Good work.
Ash Ketchum has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Ketchum throwing strikes from guard but Sky blocks nicely.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Sky bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Ketchum's guard.
Atlas Sky is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.

Ketchum looking for submissions from the bottom but instead Sky passes into side control.

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 Atlas Sky.
Well Sky 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 Winston Howard scores the fight 49:46
Judge Donatello Bradman scores the fight 50:45
Judge John Mangel scores the fight 50:45

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Atlas Sky!
Atlas Sky retains his light heavyweight title!