PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between Mohammed Adekambi (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Avon Barksdale (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Adekambi comes to the cage accompanied by Red Hot Chili Peppers - Can't Stop. Avon Barksdale has the better chin. Will he look to stand and bang today?

Adekambi
vs
Barksdale

171 cm
21
147 lbs
3 - 0 - 0

165 cm
21
145 lbs
4 - 2 - 0

Abu Dhabi Champ
Excellent boxer
Cardio machine

Excellent grappler
Decent boxing
Powerful

Fury Nutrition Inc.
KAISER Nutrition (160!/220$)

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 3 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Amsterdam, Mohammed Adekambi!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 4 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Amsterdam, Avon Barksdale!
The judges for this bout are Nard Betker, Wagner Zegers and Saam Ante.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Barksdale blocks a jab.
Barksdale changes levels for a counter takedown but doesn't follow through with his attempt.
Barksdale checks a leg kick.
Barksdale looks like he wants to counter punch here.
Barksdale 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.
Barksdale throws a big shot that misses.

Barksdale looking for a takedown here - he's got it.
Barksdale trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Barksdale distracts Adekambi with his right hand and drops a big elbow with his other arm.
Barksdale working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Adekambi looking for a sweep. Not yet Adekambi, not yet.

Adekambi has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Barksdale can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.
Adekambi avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Barksdale preventing the sweep.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Barksdale accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Barksdale engaging in some classic timewasting tactics.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Barksdale lands a couple of digs.
Adekambi is controlling Barksdale's posture.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Barksdale accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Barksdale pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Adekambi is keeping the position for now.
Barksdale cracks Adekambi with a solid left hand.
Barksdale postures up.
Adekambi keeping moving, preventing Barksdale from controlling successfully.
Adekambi manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Barksdale manages to get himself to full guard.

Barksdale looking to control.
Adekambi trying to control the position from guard on top but Barksdale is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Adekambi content to stall in guard here.
Barksdale looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Adekambi pushing down on Barksdale's thigh, trying to pass to half guard. He's managed it... Nice work.
Adekambi not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
Adekambi has been talking about how he's improved his wrestling in the run up to the fight so let's see if that's enough to sway the balance.
Barksdale tries to roll over but Adekambi keeps him under control.
Barksdale gets full guard.
Adekambi throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Barksdale works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Adekambi trying to control but Barksdale is working from the bottom.
Barksdale tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Adekambi pushes down on Barksdale's leg and manages to get into half guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Adekambi is figuring out what he wants to do next.
Adekambi wants to free his trapped foot but Barksdale is holding on for dear life with his legs.
Barksdale is staying active underneath Adekambi, who seems content to just control the action from this position.
Adekambi is going to have to think about doing something other than just controlling because Barksdale is managing to avoid having the position dictated to him.
Adekambi seems content to maintain position for now, rather than mounting any offense.
Barksdale tries to roll over but Adekambi keeps him under control.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

That's four 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.
Barksdale keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Barksdale has his hands clasped together around Adekambi's back. He's all about the action.
Barksdale wants to get back to full guard.
Adekambi content to sit in half guard and control for a moment.

Barksdale is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Adekambi pulls his head out easily.
Adekambi prevents Barksdale from improving his position.
Adekambi tries to stand but can't do so whilst Barksdale controls his leg.

The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up. He just wasn't happy with the level of activity.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Barksdale misses with a hook.
Adekambi throws a low kick but Barksdale avoids it.
A looping hook to the body misses from Barksdale. Adekambi does a little dance to reset his feet.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but Avon Barksdale 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.

Barksdale moves out of range of the body kick from Adekambi.
Avon Barksdale seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
A looping hook to the body misses from Barksdale. Adekambi does a little dance to reset his feet.
Barksdale looks to land a right hand but Adekambi moved out of range.
A combination from Adekambi does no damage.
Nice cross by Barksdale.
Barksdale shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Adekambi as he avoids it easily.
Barksdale throws an off balance right hand
and Adekambi counters with a left to the body.
Barksdale throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Adekambi sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Adekambi throws a wild body kick that Barksdale sees coming a mile off.
Adekambi tries to land a front kick but Barksdale steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed.
Adekambi wants to slow Barksdale down by chopping away at his legs.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Barksdale blocks the body kick.
Barksdale swats away the attempt to clinch by Adekambi.
Barksdale swats away the attempt to clinch by Adekambi.
It seemed like Barksdale was going to counter with the hook but didn't fully commit to it.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Adekambi fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Barksdale manages to avoid it.
Adekambi moves out of range as Barksdale strikes.
Barksdale lands the left hand.
Barksdale looking to land some kicks to the body here.
Adekambi is looking to counter punch.
Barksdale throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
It looked like Adekambi wanted to counter with a hook but didn't fully commit.
Barksdale avoids the head kick by Adekambi.
Adekambi throws a body kick but he wasn't in range.
Mohammed Adekambi is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Adekambi throws a front kick aimed at Barksdale's knee but Barksdale avoids it well.
Barksdale tries a counter takedown but it's more of a dummy move, and he uses it to push himself away.
Adekambi misses with a hook.
Crunch! Adekambi slams his shin into Barksdale's torso.
Barksdale takes a push kick to the midsection and stumbles backwards.
Barksdale missing with a left hand there. Adekambi was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Adekambi keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Barksdale.
Adekambi was looking to counter that move with a punch but didn't quite pull the trigger.
Adekambi jabs Barksdale right on the nose. Barksdale blinks but takes it well.
Adekambi connects with an inside leg kick.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Adekambi is looking to score with low kicks.
Barksdale is definitely looking for the counter takedowns here.
Adekambi pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Adekambi lands a high kick!
This has been an exciting period of action!
Adekambi looks to land a right hand but Barksdale moved out of range.
Barksdale scores with a hook to the body. Adekambi takes a step back and tries to catch his breath.
Barksdale ducks under a wild hook from Adekambi.
A little jabbing left from Barksdale on the counter but it doesn't find it's target.
Barksdale closes the distance and clinches up with Adekambi, looking for a takedown. Barksdale pushes Adekambi against the cage but Adekambi circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Barksdale throws a looping overhand right but Adekambi ducks down to avoid it.
Adekambi slips under a jab.
A big right from Barksdale misses.
Barksdale lands with a straight right. Adekambi didn't see that one coming.
Barksdale fakes a head shot and lands one to the body.
Barksdale lunges at Adekambi with a hook that half lands and is half blocked by Adekambi's hand.
Adekambi throws a body kick that misses.
Barksdale has his takedown stuffed
and Adekambi connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Mohammed Adekambi has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Avon Barksdale.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Barksdale throws a hook to the side of Adekambi's head but Adekambi sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Adekambi steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Barksdale.
Adekambi finds nothing but air with that leg kick attempt.
Adekambi slips under a jab from Barksdale.
Adekambi ducks under a wild hook from Barksdale.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Barksdale.
Barksdale scores with a sloppy punch to the body. Not much technique there but it did the business.
Adekambi swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Barksdale looks like he wants to counter punch here.
Adekambi on the wrong end of a nice hook.
Barksdale misses with a telegraphed body shot
and Adekambi counters with a nice body kick.
A big left from Barksdale misses.
Barksdale misses with a looping left.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Adekambi tries to close the distance and clinch but Barksdale swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Adekambi uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Barksdale.
Barksdale lands with an overhand left.
Barksdale walks forward, straight into a front kick from Adekambi.
Barksdale with a nice cross.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Adekambi cracks Barksdale with a hook to the jaw. Both fighters smile at eachother and high-five before getting back down to business.
Barksdale throws a jab but it's blocked by Adekambi.
Adekambi misses with a low kick as Barksdale jumps back.
Adekambi slips a straight right by Barksdale.
Adekambi is looking for a counter combo.
Adekambi pivots as if he's going to throw a leg kick but stops half way.
Nice shot lands for Barksdale.
Adekambi paws at his opponent with the jab and then lunges in with a straight, right on the button.
Adekambi goes for a spinning back kick but it misses.
Adekambi swings away with a leg kick that misses.
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 Mohammed Adekambi will probably get the nod.
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!

Barksdale moves out of range as Adekambi throws a body kick.
Barksdale misses with a takedown
and Adekambi counters with a solid body kick.
Adekambi misses with a hook. Barksdale ducked under it nicely.
Well, he's not going to score with shots like that. A lazy body kick attempt from Adekambi.
Barksdale changes levels for a counter takedown but doesn't follow through with his attempt.
Barksdale missing with a left hand there. Adekambi was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Barksdale keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Adekambi.
Barksdale thuds a left hand into Adekambi's body.

Adekambi closes the distance and clinches.
Adekambi lands a hook that snaps the head of Barksdale backwards.
Adekambi is looking to control Barksdale's arms but Barksdale gets an underhook and turns him. Now Adekambi has his back to the cage.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Adekambi manages to get underhooks and slows down the pace for a moment.
Adekambi effectively controlling the action here.
Adekambi looking to stall.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Adekambi looking to stall.
The ref breaks the fighters up, due to lack of action by Mohammed Adekambi.
Adekambi with a jab.
Barksdale keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Adekambi.
Barksdale ducks under a wild hook from Adekambi.
Barksdale shoots in and drives through. Adekambi sprawls well.
Mohammed Adekambi is winning the standup battle so far.
Adekambi lands with a kick to the ribs.
Barksdale shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Adekambi as he avoids it easily.
Mohammed Adekambi has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Avon Barksdale.
Barksdale jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Adekambi throws a leg kick but Barksdale sees it coming and checks it nicely.
Barksdale pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Barksdale looks to score with a jab to the body but Adekambi is just out of range.
Barksdale throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Adekambi tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Adekambi uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Barksdale.
Nice cross by Adekambi.
Adekambi lunges at Barksdale with a hook that half lands and is half blocked by Barksdale's hand.
Adekambi misses with a right hand
and Barksdale counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Adekambi moves away from the strike by Barksdale.
Adekambi appeared to be looking to counter that last move with a leg kick.
Adekambi is moving around nicely and scores here with a single head shot.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Barksdale moves out of range as Adekambi throws a body kick.
Barksdale misses with an uppercut.
Adekambi slips a straight right by Barksdale.
Barksdale misses with a hook
and Adekambi counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Barksdale takes a swing at Adekambi's ribcage but misses.
Adekambi displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Barksdale throws out the jab.
Adekambi throws a low kick, looking for Barksdale's leg but Barksdale calmly moves out of range.

Adekambi gets in close and instigates a clinch.
Adekambi throws a punch but it's blocked by Barksdale.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Adekambi's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
A real battle for position is taking place between these two warriors.
Adekambi trying to stall but Barksdale improves his position.
Barksdale has developed a nice purple lump on his ribcage, as a result of some heavy body kicks from Adekambi.
Adekambi throws a hook to the body. More of an arm punch but it's all scoring with the judges.
Adekambi scores with an uppercut up the middle.
Barksdale throws a head punch that misses.
Adekambi misses with a punch on the inside.
Adekambi lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
A left hand lands to the body for Barksdale.
Adekambi blocks an uppercut.
Barksdale tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Adekambi tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Barksdale misses with some punches.
Barksdale goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Barksdale blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Barksdale swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Adekambi is trying to maintain a safe position but Barksdale gets an underhook and turns Adekambi into the cage.
Adekambi blocking some punches.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Adekambi stalling in the clinch but Barksdale improves position.
Barksdale working aggressively here.
Adekambi has a couple of punches blocked by Barksdale.
Barksdale scores with a shoulder strike.
Barksdale cracks Adekambi with a nice body shot.
Mohammed Adekambi has scored more points in the clinch so far.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Adekambi.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Adekambi gets double underhooks to prevent a takedown attempt from Barksdale.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Barksdale.
A short uppercut from Adekambi.
Adekambi trying to control the position but instead, Barksdale has worked for underhooks and has pushed Adekambi into the cage.
Adekambi lands a right hand that snaps the head of Barksdale backwards.
Barksdale misses with a short punch on the inside.
Barksdale scores with a shot to the side of Adekambi's head.
Good anti-grappling being displayed by Barksdale as Adekambi tries to tie him up.

And that's the end of the fight!
Mohammed Adekambi showed his dominance in that final round.
I think Adekambi 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 Nard Betker scores the fight 30:27
Judge Wagner Zegers scores the fight 28:29
Judge Saam Ante scores the fight 29:28

In favor of your winner, by split decision... Mohammed Adekambi!