PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between Anton Pope (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and John Le Govic (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). John Le Govic has the power to score a knockout today if he connects clean with Anton Pope's chin.

Pope
vs
Le Govic

206 cm
22
140 lbs
0 - 2 - 0

175 cm
18
130 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Counter fighter
Cuts easily

BJJ White Belt
Decent boxing
Inexperienced

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 0 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Montreal, Anton Pope!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Montreal, John Le Govic!
The judges for this bout are Ian Loll, Yves DeLean and Steve Smith.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Le Govic shoots for a double leg takedown but Pope sprawls well. He's pushed Le Govic's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.

Le Govic shoots in and gets a takedown into Pope's guard.
Pope has a closed guard, preventing anything of note from happening. Perhaps he's looking to stall.
Pope manages to land a sweep and now he's in mount on top!
Pope controlling the pace for now.

Pope looking for an armbar but decides to keep the dominant position instead.
Pope controlling his opponent.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Le Govic tries to hold on but Pope postures up.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Pope takes a little breather and maintains the position. The referee will be looking for him to stay active from such a dominant position though.
Pope's ground tactics aren't going to win him many fans. Let's hope he's got fireworks for us if he gets back to his feet because he's not doing much on the ground.
Pope seems to have a rather negative gameplan on the ground. He seems keen to just score the takedown and hold down Le Govic for as long as he can get away with.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up, due to lack of activity on the part of Anton Pope.

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

Pope jumps into guard, dragging Le Govic to the mat.
Pope is doing well to control the posture of his opponent and prevent any damage.
Pope keeping moving, preventing Le Govic from controlling successfully.
This has been an exciting period of action!

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.

Pope has managed to clinch.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Pope lands a nice trip takedown into half guard.
Pope content to sit in half guard and control for a moment.
We've had a lack of effective grappling in the last minute or so, which could well see a referee standup.

Pope is looking for a kimura. It's going to be difficult to finish that from half guard though and Le Govic defends it well.
Le Govic wants to improve his position but Pope is controlling well.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Pope decides to stand up and try his luck on the feet.

Le Govic shoots in and gets a takedown into Pope's guard.
Pope will need to keep those long limbs tucked in whilst he's on the ground, to prevent any submissions.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Pope wants to sweep but no luck.
Pope wants to stand up but Le Govic is controlling him.
Pope is breathing heavily.
Le Govic stopping the sweep attempt from Pope.
Pope keeping moving, preventing Le Govic from controlling successfully.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Pope pulls Le Govic in close to prevent any damage.
Le Govic lands a couple of decent looking shots.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Anton Pope dominated that round.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.

Le Govic is looking for a takedown here. He's shot in and has managed to get it, finishing up in Pope's half guard.
Pope is trying to control but can't.
Anton Pope overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Pope controlling the position well.
Le Govic is just sitting in half guard, waiting for something to happen.
Pope is trying to maintain the position but Le Govic is very close to passing his half guard.
Le Govic missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.
Pope is trying to maintain the position but Le Govic is very close to passing his half guard.

The ref stands the fighters back up. Anton Pope wasn't doing enough on the ground.
A punch combination from Pope misses.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Le Govic forces Pope back against the cage and clinches.
Pope slows down the pace here.
Pope is trying to pull guard but Le Govic turns him against the cage and we stay in the clinch.
Pope is working for a takedown up against the cage. He can't get it on this occasion though.
Le Govic softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
Le Govic is trying to force a seperation but Pope has the dominant position.
Le Govic can't get the takedown.
Pope has Le Govic pressed against the cage, preventing Le Govic from circling away and getting back to striking at range.
Le Govic trying to control the position but instead, Pope has worked for underhooks and has pushed Le Govic into the cage.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Le Govic.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Pope trying to stall but Le Govic improves his position.
Pope'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.
Le Govic lands a right hand that snaps the head of Pope backwards.
Pope wants a takedown.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Anton Pope. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Pope is trying to pull guard but Le Govic turns him against the cage and we stay in the clinch.

Pope pulls guard effortlessly.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
A real slowdown in the pace of the fight for a moment, as Pope holds on and takes a little breather.
Pope really does look like a pencil wearing a pair of gloves. Let's hope he has a gameplan to suit that ridiculous body shape.

Pope is looking for a triangle but Le Govic pushes his legs off easily.
Le Govic postures up.
Pope wants to control here, rather than go for any submissions from the bottom. At least for now.
Le Govic trying to control the position from guard on top but Pope is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Pope wants to sweep here but Le Govic controlling him for the moment.
It looks like the ref is thinking about a standup.

It looks like we're going to have a standup here. Neither fighter is doing enough on the ground.
Le Govic throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.

Le Govic rushes Pope and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Pope is trying to drag Le Govic to the mat but Le Govic just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.
Knees in the clinch landing for Pope.
Le Govic is trying to drag Pope to the mat but Pope just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.

Pope jumps guard.
Le Govic trying to stand up but can't free himself from Pope's guard.

Pope is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Le Govic defends well.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.

Pope is looking for a triangle but Le Govic pushes his legs off easily.
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 Anton Pope will probably get the nod.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business. This is the final round!

Le Govic shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Pope but Pope pushes him off and we're back to square one.
Le Govic fails to land the takedown.
Le Govic shoots in and drives through. Pope sprawls well.
Anton Pope has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of John Le Govic.
Le Govic moves into range and throws a lovely three punch combination.

Pope is rocked!

Le Govic gets a takedown into half guard.
Oh Pope is still in real trouble! Will he be able to recover?!!
Pope keeping hold of Le Govic's head, controlling as best he can.
Ground and pound from Le Govic.
Le Govic takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Neither fighter is being very active at the moment, with Le Govic in particular looking to stall.
Pope wants to control but Le Govic is keeping busy.
Le Govic is trying to control. Pope wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.
Pope keeping control of the leg, stopping his opponent passing to mount.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
The referee wants the fighters to be more active or he's going to reset them on the feet.

The referee has ruled that neither fighter is active enough on the ground and has stood them back up.
Pope tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Le Govic swivels and escapes.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Pope gets tackled into the cage by Le Govic. Le Govic maintains the clinch.
Pope is looking to control Le Govic's arms but Le Govic gets an underhook and turns him. Now Pope has his back to the cage.
Le Govic fails to pull the fight into his guard.
Le Govic looking to throw knees to the head but Pope is blocking nicely.

Le Govic escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Pope changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Le Govic tries to avoid it but Pope manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Le Govic to the ground. Le Govic escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Le Govic shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Pope defends it nicely.
John Le Govic is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Le Govic misses with a head kick.
Pope shoots for a takedown but Le Govic saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
Le Govic shoots in for a takedown but Pope shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Le Govic throws a two punch combo that lands nicely.

Le Govic shoots in for a takedown from distance. He catches Pope napping and manages to drive through into side control!
Le Govic working away.

Le Govic has had enough of the ground for now and decides to stand.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!

Le Govic moves into the clinch.
Le Govic is pressed up against the cage. Pope has hold of a leg and is looking to drag Le Govic down to the mat. Le Govic avoids the attempt though and has circled away. We're back to striking at a distance.

Pope gets caught on his heels momentarily as he allows Le Govic to score an easy takedown into full guard.
Le Govic stopping the sweep attempt from Pope.
Pope wants to control the position but Le Govic says "no thanks buddy" and passes to half guard.
The two fighters exchange a few words. I couldn't hear what they were saying but maybe it's more fun if you make it up yourself. Le Govic connects with a nice short shot to Pope's temple.
Le Govic keeping composed on the top, looking to control the action.
Pope is looking to control Le Govic's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Pope avoid being mounted?
Le Govic wants to get back to his feet.
Nice strikes from Le Govic there.
Pope is trying to maintain the position but Le Govic is very close to passing his half guard.

Le Govic is looking for a kimura but he's never going to get it from there.
Pope is trying to defend against the ground and pound but Le Govic scores with a couple of nice shots.
Pope missing with punches from the bottom.
Pope controlling the leg, holding on to half guard.
Le Govic working the head and body with strikes.
Le Govic landing with strikes to the body and head, softening up his opponent.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

Pope is defending against the submission attempts here by Le Govic.
Pope tries to roll over but Le Govic keeps him under control.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Le Govic seems to be looking for submissions.
Well, if Le Govic 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.
Pope wants to control but Le Govic is keeping busy.

Le Govic is looking for a kimura here.

Le Govic seems to be working for a kimura but Pope defends the submission attempt.
Pope trying to control from the bottom.

Le Govic is working for submissions here but there's nothing on.
Le Govic tries to stand and escape but Pope is controlling the position.
Pope on the receiving end of some nice ground and pound.
Le Govic tries to pass the half guard into mount. Pope knows what he's doing though and prevents the attempt.

Le Govic is looking for a kimura but Pope is holding onto that half guard position, so it's hard for Le Govic to get the leverage.

Le Govic is looking for an arm triangle, whilst trying to pass to side control. Pope doesn't seem that keen to cooperate though. No luck this time Le Govic.
Le Govic passes to full mount!
Le Govic with shots to the head and body - Pope looks very uncomfortable down there.

Le Govic is working on an americana here. Ooh, that looks pretty nasty! Nope, Pope has managed to escape the submission attempt.

Le Govic is working for a guillotine from mount but Pope frees his head quite easily.
Le Govic trying to control but Pope is having none of it.
Le Govic working Pope over with strikes here.
Le Govic misses with a head shot.
Le Govic throws some wild stikes that Pope manages to avoid easily.
Le Govic scores with a couple of good head shots there.
Pope is just holding on here. Le Govic manages to take his back.
Le Govic scores with punches and elbows.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Pope is really stuck here.
Le Govic punches Pope on the ear.
Pope trying to control the position but Le Govic manages to sink in the hooks.

Pope defends a rear naked choke attempt by controlling one of Le Govic's arms.

Le Govic is working hard for the rear naked choke here.

Pope is displaying good submission defense - not really looking in danger of submitting to the rear naked choke at the moment. That could change in an instant of course if Le Govic gets his way!
Le Govic controlling the position well here. Pope rolled but Le Govic kept the hooks locked in and stayed in the dominant position.

Le Govic is persistently looking for the submission but Pope is defending it well.
Pope trying to control but not successfully.

Le Govic looking for the choke but no joy.
The crowd hopeful of a finish here - Le Govic's supporters are on their feet, screaming for him to go for the rear naked choke.
Pope trying to control the hands but Le Govic won't let him.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Le Govic controlling from the back.
Le Govic loading up with punches from the back mount - how long can Pope hold on?

Le Govic is working hard for the rear naked choke here.
Le Govic is trying to stick to Pope's back but Pope is turning into Le Govic. He's managed to reverse the position - now he's in Le Govic's guard. Polite applause from the crowd in appreciation of some nice Jiu Jitsu by Pope.
Le Govic keeping moving, preventing Pope from controlling successfully.

Le Govic is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Pope defends well.
Pope looking to sit in guard and control but Le Govic gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top.
Le Govic lands a couple of elbows.

Pope had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Le Govic defends it easily.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Pope is adopting a defensive guard.
Le Govic sitting in guard here, content to control.
Le Govic wants to control from the top but Pope keeps moving.
Le Govic wants to get up but he can't break Pope's closed guard. He needs to be careful trying to break the legs open, as he's open to submissions here.
Le Govic's corner is telling him to maintain position.

The referee has ruled that neither fighter is active enough on the ground and has stood them back up.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Le Govic is defended easily by Pope.
A jab from Pope misses.
Pope takes a punch to the jaw and another one to the bread basket.
John Le Govic seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Le Govic scores with a big left there. The judges will like that one.
Le Govic delivers a nice body kick.

Le Govic closes the distance and after a bit of a stuggle, scores a takedown into Pope's guard.
Le Govic's corner is telling him to maintain position.
Pope is pulling down on Le Govic's head. It's preventing any offense from Le Govic, at least for the moment.
Le Govic stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Pope swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Le Govic postures up and lands a big shot to Pope's brow.
Le Govic is just sitting in guard, looking to avoid any submissions.
The referee is pacing around the two fighters - he looks like he's thinking about a standup.
Le Govic trying to control but Pope is working from the bottom.

The ref stands the fighters back up, due to lack of action by John Le Govic.

Pope looking to score a takedown here. Le Govic is defending well but Pope drives through and ends up in Le Govic's guard.
Le Govic controlling Pope's posture.
Pope stands up out of Le Govic's guard for a moment - Le Govic manages to land a nice upkick.
Le Govic looking to hit a scissor sweep but Pope is one step ahead there.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Le Govic is trying to control the position but Pope postures up.
Le Govic looking to hit a scissor sweep but Pope is one step ahead there.

Pope postures up as if he's going to throw some strikes but drops back for an ankle! Le Govic is in big trouble! He looks ready to tap! But no, he's escaped and dives on top of Pope, into his guard.
Pope controls Le Govic momentarily but Le Govic frees himself.
John Le Govic has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Anton Pope is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Le Govic is working the ground and pound from guard. He might want to try advancing position though to get more of an impact.

And that's the end of the fight!
John Le Govic comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think Pope 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 Ian Loll scores the fight 29:28
Judge Yves DeLean scores the fight 29:28
Judge Steve Smith scores the fight 29:28

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Anton Pope!