PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Jon McGruder (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Dixie Normous (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). McGruder comes to the cage accompanied by Jesus is a Friend of Mine. Both fighter's entrance songs getting the crowd jumping here.

McGruder
vs
Normous

186 cm
21
161 lbs
6 - 1 - 0

180 cm
21
170 lbs
11 - 2 - 0

Decent wrestler
Lethal high kicks
Cardio machine

Excellent grappler
Counter fighter
Good gas tank

Milwaukee's Best 160

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the lightweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 6 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Jon McGruder!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 11 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Sydney, Dixie Normous!
The judges for this bout are Summer Carpenter, Chris Dean and Hugh Johnson.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Normous throws a low kick but it's checked well by McGruder.

Normous looking to shoot here. He's gone for it and he's landed a takedown into side control! Oh, that's bad for McGruder!
The referee looks like he's ready to step in and stand the fighters back up.
McGruder is looking to slip a leg under and get half guard but Normous is one step ahead and moves to full mount!

Normous is in full mount, looking to secure a guillotine but McGruder is surviving well by controlling Normous's body position as best he can.
Normous punching from mount but McGruder doing a good job of avoiding damage.
McGruder is in all sorts of trouble here.
McGruder really does look like a pencil wearing a pair of gloves. Let's hope he has a gameplan to suit that ridiculous body shape.
McGruder tries to hold on but Normous pushes him away.

Normous goes for an armbar but McGruder turns quickly into his guard - lovely anticipation from McGruder.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Normous is on top in guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Normous throwing strikes but missing.
McGruder preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Normous wants to pass the guard but McGruder is keeping the position.
Normous throwing strikes but missing.
Normous pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. McGruder is keeping the position for now.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Normous with a flurry of punches that miss.

Normous thinks about going for a leg but decides against it, in order to maintain the position.
McGruder on his back here. We all know that wrestlers don't like being on their back so let's see if McGruder tries to get out of the position.
Normous postures up in McGruder's guard and throws a big left but McGruder blocks it.

Normous is holding a leg here, probably looking for an ankle lock - he drops back and goes for it! McGruder is in trouble! Is it all over??? No! McGruder has escaped and now he's on top!
McGruder trying to control the position from guard on top but Normous is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Normous had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. McGruder defends it easily.

McGruder got a little sloppy there for a moment and Normous has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, McGruder has managed to get both his arms back between Normous's legs - danger averted.
McGruder trying to control the position from guard on top but Normous is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
McGruder has to be careful here, sitting in the guard of a superior BJJ player.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Normous looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.

Normous is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. McGruder is aware though and is defending well.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.

Normous looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.
McGruder trying to control the position from guard on top but Normous is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

Normous working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. McGruder doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. McGruder manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Normous keeping moving, preventing McGruder from controlling successfully.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Dixie Normous dominated that round.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

Normous goes for a double leg but McGruder avoids the attempt and the two fighters end up clinched against the cage as McGruder continues to drive forward.
McGruder is clearly stalling here... Pick up the pace son.
McGruder misses with a hook from the clinch.
McGruder misses with a hook to the ribs.
McGruder swings wildly with an uppercut but Normous uses good head movement to avoid it.
Normous goes for a takedown attempt but McGruder pushes him away and we're back to fighting at a distance.
McGruder with a nice cross.

That's one minute gone in the round.
McGruder scores with a shot to the body.
Normous uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by McGruder.
McGruder swings for the body but Normous moves out of range.
Good leg kick by McGruder there. It's the ones that make that thud noise that hurt and that was an almighty thud.
McGruder throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Left hook, right uppercut from McGruder.
McGruder looks to have improved his striking defense since last time we saw him fight.
McGruder getting the better of the striking in that exchange.
Like a baseball bat into the meat of his leg there - nice leg kick by McGruder.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Normous chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before McGruder can pounce on him.
Thud! ouch! good body kick from McGruder - that will leave a mark!
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!
A good leg kick by McGruder.
McGruder is looking to slow Normous down with leg kicks.
Normous fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Jon McGruder has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Dixie Normous.
McGruder thuds his right hand into Normous's forehead from close range. That could be painful for both fighters.
McGruder fakes a head punch and goes low to the body. Nicely done.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Normous needs to keep his hands up - McGruder had a free shot at his head there.
McGruder misses with a low kick.
McGruder lands a nice hook to Normous's body. Normous takes it in his stride and looks to land his own strikes.
McGruder tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Normous was well out of range. Poor timing from McGruder.
McGruder goes for a spinning back kick but it misses.
Both fighters are looking to counter, which isn't making for the most exciting fight in the world.
McGruder getting the better of the striking in that exchange.
Nice straight punches there by McGruder. You know Roy Jones Jr respects the hands of McGruder.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
McGruder misses with an attempted mid kick.
Normous misses with a takedown
and McGruder counters with a stiff right hand.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Normous throws a leg kick but he was too far away and it doesn't land.
Jon McGruder seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
McGruder swings wildly with a hook that is half blocked by Normous.
Normous on the wrong end of a nice low kick. He's acting like it's no big deal but he doesn't want to take many more of those.
McGruder lands a nice looking body kick.
McGruder jabs at Normous's body.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
McGruder throws a nice inside leg kick.
McGruder with a nice looking leg kick. You could hear that one land in a back row.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Jon McGruder dominated that second round.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business.

McGruder looking to throw a kick but he's pulled out of it.
McGruder lets loose with a powerful body kick. Normous will feel that in the morning.
Normous fails with a takedown attempt.
McGruder moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
Normous on the wrong end of a vicious looking body shot.
McGruder throws a shot to the body.
Normous takes a thudding leg kick, right into the meat of the thigh.
McGruder fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Normous manages to avoid it.

That's one minute gone in the round.
McGruder digs a good hook to Normous's body.
McGruder's jab looks to have found its range, popping Normous under the eye.
Normous's leg has a nasty welt from taking a succession of leg kicks. That must be slowing him down.
Normous drops his hands momentarily and McGruder takes advantage with a crisp shot to the head.
McGruder lands a pitter patter jab to the forehead of his opponent.
McGruder lands a leg kick. The shin dug right into the meat of the thigh.
Jon McGruder is winning the standup battle so far.
A thudding body kick lands there by McGruder!
Normous takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
McGruder delivers a nice body kick.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Normous stumbles momentarily as he takes a strong leg kick from McGruder.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Normous has his hands up protecting his head but a hook from McGruder finds it's way round the side to connect with Normous's head.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Normous is defended easily by McGruder.
An inside leg kick lands from McGruder.
McGruder punishes Normous's body with a nice straight punch.
Normous looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
Jon McGruder has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Dixie Normous.
Ouch! a nice leg kick from McGruder, right into the meat.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Normous shoots in and drives through. McGruder sprawls well.
Jab from McGruder.
Normous shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. McGruder defends it nicely.
Normous moves forwards but McGruder connects with a nice, crisp jab.
McGruder works Normous's body with a nice hook.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
McGruder scores with a hook to the body. Normous takes a step back and tries to catch his breath.
McGruder throws a front kick that sends Normous stumbling back into the cage.
A shot to the liver by McGruder. Beautiful body shot.
Normous has developed a nice purple lump on his ribcage, as a result of some heavy body kicks from McGruder.
McGruder lands an overhand left. A wild punch that just about connected.
This has been an exciting period of action!
McGruder scores with a hook to the body. Normous takes a step back and tries to catch his breath.
McGruder cracks Normous with an open hand slap.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
McGruder is moving around nicely and scores here with a single head shot.
McGruder lands a leg kick that knocks Normous off balance momentarily.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Jon McGruder clearly takes that round.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

Normous has his front leg slapped to the side - a nice low kick landing there from McGruder.
Normous on the wrong end of a nice low kick. He's acting like it's no big deal but he doesn't want to take many more of those.
Normous shakes his hands off, looking to compose himself, but takes a jab to the jaw whilst he does it.
An inside leg kick lands from McGruder.
A thudding body kick lands there by McGruder!
Normous tries to check the leg kick but that clearly hurt him.
McGruder jabs at Normous's body.
McGruder feints with a shoulder and throws a nice leg kick to Normous's calf.
McGruder is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Normous can do to turn this around?
Normous is absolutely dripping with sweat - he looks exhausted.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Thud! ouch! good body kick from McGruder - that will leave a mark!
McGruder lands a nice looking body kick.
McGruder throws a mid kick that lands with a slap.
McGruder connects with a crisp jab.
McGruder lands a nice looking body shot.
McGruder scores with a jab to the body.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
McGruder digs a good body shot into Normous's ribs.
McGruder goes for a high kick. It partially lands.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
McGruder bobbing and weaving, closes the distance and lands a hook to the side of Normous's head.
McGruder fakes with a right hand and throws a good leg kick, right into the thigh. That had to hurt Normous.
McGruder connects with a leg kick. He turned his hip over nicely there.
McGruder scores with a kick to the body.
A nice inside leg kick there by McGruder. That's going to slow Normous down.
McGruder thuds a left hand into Normous's body.
Normous tries to check the leg kick but that clearly hurt him.
McGruder moves into range and lands a nice body kick.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
McGruder scores with a reasonable looking shot to the body. Normous doesn't seem bothered though.
McGruder connects with a leg kick. Normous looked like he was expecting something else and didn't defend it.
Normous has a pretty nasty looking mouse under his right eye.
Nice body kick there by McGruder.
Normous sees a low kick coming and goes to check it, but it's actually a body kick and it thuds into his unprotected ribs.
Normous on the wrong end of a nice jab.
McGruder connects with a body shot that sends Normous's belly button to the back.
Jab from McGruder.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
McGruder connects with a leg kick. He turned his hip over nicely there.
McGruder scores with a kick to the body.
McGruder lands a nice shot to the body.
McGruder cracks Normous with a hook to the jaw. Both fighters smile at eachother and high-five before getting back down to business.
McGruder is looking to wear down Normous with body shots, infact he's throwing more body shots than head shots at the moment.
McGruder comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.
Thud! ouch! good body kick from McGruder - that will leave a mark!
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
McGruder throws a feint and then finishes with a kick to the body.
McGruder lands a front kick.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Jon McGruder had his way with Dixie Normous in that round.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business. The crowd applaud as we get ready to start the final round!

McGruder throws a feint and then finishes with a kick to the body.
Normous fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but McGruder avoids it really well and circles away.
Normous looks for a takedown but McGruder sprawls well.
A decent looking body kick lands there for McGruder.
McGruder connects with a leg kick. Normous looked like he was expecting something else and didn't defend it.
Normous is wobbling all over the place through exhaustion. Will he make it to the final bell?

That's one minute gone in the round.
McGruder thuds a left hand into Normous's body.
McGruder connects with a body shot.
Ouch! a nice leg kick from McGruder, right into the meat.
McGruder digs a good hook to Normous's body.
McGruder scores with a leg kick.
McGruder bobs and weaves and throws out a fast jab that snaps Normous's head backwards.
McGruder scores with a punch to the gut of his opponent.
McGruder lands with a straight right. Normous didn't see that one coming.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
This has been an exciting period of action!
McGruder bobs and weaves and then throws a good body kick.
Normous shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has McGruder pinned against the cage. McGruder gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
Jon McGruder has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Dixie Normous.
McGruder turns his hip over beautifully as he lands a nice leg kick.
McGruder connects with an inside leg kick.
McGruder dances in quickly and lands a nice inside leg kick on Normous. That did some damage!
Jon McGruder is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Normous stumbles momentarily as he takes a strong leg kick from McGruder.
Normous takes a nasty kick to the mid section... That should keep him thinking. Does he try and block and risk a head kick landing?
Normous on the wrong end of a nice hook.
Normous stumbles momentarily as he takes a strong leg kick from McGruder.
A slapping body kick lands there for McGruder.
McGruder lands a right hook to the body.
A chopping leg kick lands by McGruder.
Normous takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
McGruder lands with a slapping head kick.
McGruder lands a jab to the head.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
McGruder throws a series of strikes that have Normous backpedaling.
McGruder scores with a slapping inside leg kick.
Normous closes the distance and clinches up with McGruder, looking for a takedown. Normous pushes McGruder against the cage but McGruder circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Normous fails with the takedown
and McGruder makes him pay by landing a thudding low kick.

And that's the end of the fight!
Jon McGruder showed his dominance in that final round.
I think McGruder 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 5 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Summer Carpenter scores the fight 49:42
Judge Chris Dean scores the fight 49:42
Judge Hugh Johnson scores the fight 49:42

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Jon McGruder!
Jon McGruder retains his lightweight title!
After winning the bout, Jon McGruder thanked all his fans and promised he'd do even better in his next fight. The crowd seemed to love his humility.