PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Tarik Gibson (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Andy Wilkins (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Gibson
vs
Wilkins

186 cm
29
192 lbs
17 - 7 - 0

185 cm
37
195 lbs
28 - 12 - 0

Good wrestling
World class boxer
Insanely flexible

Olympic wrestler
World class boxer
Granite chin

GREEN!160

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the middleweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 17 - 7 - 0, fighting out of Sydney, Tarik Gibson!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 28 - 12 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Andy Wilkins!
The judges for this bout are John Mangel, Summer Carpenter and Donatello Bradman.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Gibson tries to sprawl but Wilkins drives through with a takedown into half guard.
Wilkins moves into full mount! Gibson won't be happy about that!
Wilkins thowing strikes but they're hitting the gloves, not doing any damage.
Gibson tries to lock up and control but Wilkins gives him a forearm to the face and pushes him away.
Gibson can't escape the position.
Wilkins has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
Wilkins sitting in mount, just looking to control for the moment.
Gibson suckers Wilkins into throwing a sloppy strike and uses the momentum to reverse the position beautifully! Gibson is now in Wilkins's guard!
Our spies down at at Fokai Academy inform us that Wilkins has really been working on his submissions in the buildup to this fight. Will it pay off?
Gibson trying to control the position from guard on top but Wilkins is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Gibson stopping the sweep attempt from Wilkins.
Gibson engaging in some classic timewasting tactics.
Gibson trying to stand up but can't free himself from Wilkins's guard.

Wilkins working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Gibson doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Gibson manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.
Gibson has to be careful here, sitting in the guard of a superior BJJ player.

Wilkins working for a triangle but Gibson defends it easily.
Gibson wanted to stand there but Wilkins had control of the position.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Well. There's a bit of a lull in the action here and the crowd are starting to get restless.
Gibson pushing down on Wilkins's thigh, trying to pass to half guard. He's managed it... Nice work.
Gibson wants to pass the guard but Wilkins is defending well.
Gibson is controlling the pace.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Gibson has controlled the position for a good 20 seconds, which will no doubt be starting to frustrate his opponent.
The referee must be thinking about standing these guys back up.
The fighters are starting to get a bit slippery now, which will make submissions a bit more difficult.
Wilkins won't allow Gibson to pass to mount.

The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up. He just wasn't happy with the level of activity.
Gibson misses the shot to the body.
Wilkins digs a good hook to Gibson's body.
Wilkins scores with a body shot.
Gibson uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Wilkins.
Gibson throws a quick head kick that skims the top of Wilkins's head.
Gibson misses with a head kick.
Wilkins feints the counter takedown.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Gibson throws a body shot but no joy.
Gibson misses with a kick to the body

and Wilkins counters with a nice double leg into half guard.
Wilkins controlling the action here.
Wilkins wants to control but Gibson is keeping him busy.
Wilkins lands with a punch from half guard.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Wilkins wants to take a breather but Gibson is having none of it.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Wilkins tries to pass to full mount but Gibson defends it.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Gibson is looking for a sweep. Wilkins is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Andy Wilkins dominated that round.
That's time! Back to the action!

Gibson is looking to slow Wilkins down with leg kicks.
Wilkins throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd.
Gibson misses with a leg kick

so Wilkins counters with a double leg into guard. Good agility.
Wilkins throws a big elbow that misses.
Wilkins controlling from the guard. I say controlling but really, he's stalling.
Wilkins lands a couple of elbows.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Gibson is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Wilkins sitting in guard here, content to control.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Wilkins throwing strikes from guard but Gibson blocks nicely.
The referee must be thinking about standing these guys back up.
Wilkins throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Wilkins has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Gibson avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Wilkins sitting in guard here, content to control.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Gibson is looking to land body kicks.
Wilkins throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Wilkins shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Gibson as he avoids it easily.
Gibson takes a really solid shot there but just smiles back and shrugs his shoulders.
Wilkins is throwing a lot of body shots here, looking to wear down Gibson rather than just go for the knockout.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Gibson stuffs the takedown attempt from Wilkins. Wilkins gets slowly back to his feet.
Wilkins throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Gibson is looking to counter punch.
Wilkins throws a series of punches but Gibson moves out of range.
Wilkins throws a predictable looking body shot
and Gibson counters with a stiff right hand.
Wilkins misses with a body shot
and Gibson counters with a straight right hand.
Tarik Gibson is winning the standup battle so far.
Gibson throws a head kick but Wilkins moves out of range.
Gibson lands a nice hook to Wilkins's body. Wilkins takes it in his stride and looks to land his own strikes.
Wilkins swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Wilkins takes a shot to the eye socket. That's gotta hurt.
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!
Gibson throws a looping overhand right but Wilkins ducks down to avoid it.
Tarik Gibson seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Wilkins avoids the head kick by Gibson.
Wilkins scores with a crisp jab that stopped Gibson in his tracks.
Wilkins lands a body shot.
Gibson throws a jab but it's blocked by Wilkins.
Gibson thows a leg kick but Wilkins checks it

and Wilkins counters with a driving takedown into guard. Nice work there by Wilkins.
Wilkins passes into half guard.
Gibson is refusing to be controlled, as Wilkins sits in half guard.
Wilkins is taking a breather. Gibson says something to him but it's hard to make out. Perhaps he's telling him to get on with it and actually do something.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Wilkins throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.
Wilkins uses his free foot to push down on Gibson's thigh. Eventually he works his other foot free and he's advanced to mount - this is trouble for Gibson.

Wilkins swings around for an armbar but it's a sloppy attempt and Gibson is now in Wilkins's guard. A big mistake from Wilkins there, giving up the dominant position!
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Gibson seems content to control from guard here. He's going to have to remain active though if he doesn't want to get stood back up.
Wilkins wants to sweep but no luck.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Andy Wilkins showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

Gibson misses with a two punch combination.
Gibson looks shocked there as he takes a right hand to the temple.
A low kick from Gibson is predictable there

and Wilkins counters with a shoot takedown. Gibson fights it but they end up in guard.
Wilkins stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Gibson swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Gibson looking to control.
Wilkins looking to pass the guard.
Andy Wilkins has got the better of the ground game so far.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Gibson utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Wilkins throwing strikes from guard but Gibson blocks nicely.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Wilkins is working Gibson over from the guard. He should look to pass the guard and do a little more damage with these strikes.
Wilkins looking to sit in guard and control but Gibson gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top.

Gibson is intent on slowing down the pace of the fight, simply looking to control.
Gibson won't allow Wilkins to sweep him here.

Wilkins looking for a guillotine here but Gibson defends easily.
Gibson looking to pass the guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Gibson sneaks a leg through and gets to half guard. That was like a knife through butter how easily he passed Wilkins's guard.
Wilkins is refusing to be controlled, as Gibson sits in half guard.
Wilkins wants to get back to full guard.
Gibson is taking a breather. Wilkins says something to him but it's hard to make out. Perhaps he's telling him to get on with it and actually do something.
Gibson trying to control from half guard but Wilkins is working away.
Gibson is going to have to think about doing something other than just controlling because Wilkins is managing to avoid having the position dictated to him.
Wilkins trying to control here.

The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Wilkins scores with a big left there. The judges will like that one.
Wilkins misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Gibson.
Gibson was looking to counter that move with a punch but didn't quite pull the trigger.
Gibson misses with a straight right.
Gibson throws a mid kick that lands with a slap.
Gibson pivots, looking for a leg kick but Wilkins is out of range and Gibson settles back down.
Wilkins is definitely looking for the counter takedowns here.
Wilkins chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Gibson can pounce on him.
A telegraphed right hand from Gibson misses the target.
Wilkins connects with a body shot.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Wilkins with a hook.
Gibson chopping away at his opponent's legs.
A jab from Wilkins finds it's way through Gibson's defenses.
Wilkins moves out of range of the leg kick from Gibson.
Wilkins lands with a shot to the body.
Gibson tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Wilkins was well out of range. Poor timing from Gibson.
Gibson throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Wilkins throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Gibson looks to have improved his striking defense since last time we saw him fight.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
A looping hook to the body misses from Gibson. Wilkins does a little dance to reset his feet.
Wilkins swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Gibson gets his head snapped back by a nice shot there.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Andy Wilkins really dominated that round.
That's time! Back to the action!

Wilkins lands with a hook. Gibson tried to avoid it but it clipped the top of his head.
Wilkins digs a good hook to Gibson's body.
Gibson shapes like he's going to throw a leg kick but settles back down.
Wilkins feints the counter takedown.
Gibson shapes like he's going to throw a leg kick but settles back down.
Gibson swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Wilkins blocks a leg kick.
Wilkins scores with a jab to the jaw.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Gibson lands a jab.
Wilkins moves out of range as Gibson throws a body kick.
Wilkins jabs. That one connects to the head of his opponent.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Gibson walks into a stiff left hand from Wilkins.
Gibson throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Gibson throws a head kick but Wilkins moves out of range.
Wilkins checks a leg kick.
Wilkins scores with a body shot.
Wilkins punishes Gibson's body with a nice straight punch.
Good work by Wilkins as he checks the leg kick.
Gibson misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Wilkins with a jab.
Wilkins stooping low to avoid any incoming strikes and then lunges in with an uppercut come cross that lands flush.
Gibson works his jab well there, keeping his opponent at a distance.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Gibson thows a left - swing and a miss!
Wilkins changes levels for a counter takedown but doesn't follow through with his attempt.
Wilkins avoids a punch combination nicely.
Tarik Gibson is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Gibson throws a right hand that misses

and Wilkins counters with a takedown into side control! That could mean trouble for Gibson!
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Wilkins in side control, trying to ground and pound but not landing this time.
Wilkins trying to control the position but Gibson is working away.
Gibson can't do much from the bottom here.
Wilkins works a knee to the body and follows up with a nice elbow to the head.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Wilkins tries for a kimura. Not really close to a finish though.
Wilkins throws an elbow but Gibson slips to the side and avoids it well.

Wilkins working hard here to secure a kimura but he's not really in the right position for it.
Wilkins throwing shots but missing, from side control.

That's four 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.
Wilkins cracks Gibson with a big right hand but Gibson just smiles back at him and invites him to have another go.
Wilkins is working Gibson over with some ground and pound from side control.
Gibson prevents Wilkins from moving into mount.

Wilkins swings around for an armbar but Gibson sees it coming a mile off and turns beautifully into Wilkins's guard.
Gibson stopping the sweep attempt from Wilkins.

Wilkins has his foot on Gibson's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Gibson works his way back into a safe position though.
Gibson slows down the pace of the fight, as he sits in guard.
Gibson looking to pass the guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Andy Wilkins dominated that fourth round.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action! Let's hear some noise people - this is the final round!

Wilkins connects nicely with a jab. Noted by the judges no doubt.
Wilkins fails with the takedown.
Gibson lifts his leg as if looking to counter with a high kick.
Gibson bobs and weaves and throws out a fast jab that snaps Wilkins's head backwards.
A slapping leg kick lands for Gibson.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Nice shot by Wilkins.
Wilkins shoots for a takedown but Gibson saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
Gibson uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Wilkins.
Wilkins with a poor takedown
and Gibson counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Tarik Gibson has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Andy Wilkins.

That's one minute gone in the round.
The sound of bone on bone echoes around the arena as Wilkins checks a leg kick.
Wilkins drops down looking to force a counter takedown but Gibson defends it well.
Wilkins digs a good body shot into Gibson's ribs.
Gibson wants to clinch

and Wilkins counters with a takedown into side control! That could mean trouble for Gibson!
Wilkins working the ground and pound from side control.
Wilkins wants to control but Gibson is keeping him busy.
Gibson is positioning himself to get back to half guard.
Wilkins working the head and body with strikes.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Wilkins is trying to ground and pound but Gibson uses the momentary lack of control by Wilkins to regain half guard.
Gibson is trying to control but can't.
Gibson is not content to let Wilkins control the position.
Wilkins sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Gibson defending well though.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Wilkins seems like he's working for an arm triangle here. He's freed his trapped foot and he's rotating nicely. Gibson is in big trouble! He's tapping out! This one is aaaaaaaaaaaall over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:24 of round 5, we have a winner by way of Submission (Arm Triangle). Andy Wilkins! Andy Wilkins retains his middleweight title!
Andy Wilkins decided to thank the fans in attendance for making a great atmosphere. It seemed to go down pretty well.