PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between Nunca Subestime O Palmeiras (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Josh Middleton (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). These two fighters really are very evenly matched on the feet - it will be fascinating to see who can assert themselves in that aspect of the fight.

Subestime O Palmeiras
vs
Middleton

162 cm
30
135 lbs
16 - 27 - 0

173 cm
22
144 lbs
0 - 1 - 0

Good takedowns
Good knees
Big right hand

Good wrestler
Good low kicks
Good gas tank

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 16 - 27 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Nunca Subestime O Palmeiras!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Josh Middleton!
The judges for this bout are George Francis, Stewart Dunkirk and Wesley Smith.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
O Palmeiras displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Middleton throws out the jab.
Middleton stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Middleton wants it to stay on the feet.
Middleton lands a beauty of a right hand that gets the crowd cheering.
Middleton ducks down and throws a hook to the body but O Palmeiras moves away.
Middleton lands a jab, followed by a cross and another cross, as O Palmeiras backs up against the cage.

It looks like Nunca Subestime O Palmeiras has been cut.
Middleton throws a jab but it's blocked by O Palmeiras.
O Palmeiras fails to land the takedown.
O Palmeiras tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Middleton swivels and escapes.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Nunca Subestime O Palmeiras. That's going to take a lot out of him.
O Palmeiras throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Middleton's waist but Middleton gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing O Palmeiras off to one side.
O Palmeiras wants to clinch but Middleton slips to the side

and Middleton counters with a nice double leg into half guard.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Middleton slows the pace down in half guard.
Middleton throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.

That's one minute gone in the round.
O Palmeiras tries to strike from the bottom but it doesn't land.
O Palmeiras tries to get to full guard but Middleton has control of the leg.
Middleton is controlling the pace.
O Palmeiras is pressing down on Middleton's left leg trying to get back to full guard. He's managed it.
In the pre-fight buildup videos we saw Middleton working his ground and pound in the gym. He isn't landing a great percentage of his ground strikes so far though.
O Palmeiras lands a beautiful sweep and he's now moved into his opponent's guard.

Middleton seems keen to control O Palmeiras's posture.
Middleton is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Middleton utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Middleton looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
O Palmeiras lands a couple of digs.
O Palmeiras stopping the sweep attempt from Middleton.
O Palmeiras loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
O Palmeiras throws a big elbow that misses.
O Palmeiras is in a tricky position. We've heard reports from his gym mates at Rape Academy that he's been drilling escapes, so let's see if he can get back to his feet.
O Palmeiras throws a strike but Middleton rolls with it and manages to sweep. Now he's in guard on top.

O Palmeiras is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.
The fighters are starting to get a bit slippery now, which will make submissions a bit more difficult.
Middleton trying to control the position from guard on top but O Palmeiras is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
O Palmeiras avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Middleton chips away with some ground and pound.
O Palmeiras might be looking to lock onto one of his opponent's long limbs for a submission, whilst we're on the ground.
Middleton trying to control the position from guard on top but O Palmeiras is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
O Palmeiras bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Middleton's guard.

O Palmeiras stopping the sweep attempt from Middleton.
Middleton pulls O Palmeiras in close to his closed guard and prevents O Palmeiras from doing any damage or advancing position.
Middleton working a defensive guard here.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Middleton has a closed guard, preventing O Palmeiras from standing up.
Middleton wants to sweep but no luck.
The referee claps his hands together and tells the fighters to work.
Middleton keeping moving, preventing O Palmeiras from controlling successfully.
O Palmeiras preventing the sweep.

The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up. He just wasn't happy with the level of activity.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Middleton looks to score with a jab to the body but O Palmeiras is just out of range.
Nice defenses there by O Palmeiras.
O Palmeiras showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Middleton.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Josh Middleton dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Nunca Subestime O Palmeiras's cut.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.

O Palmeiras shoots in and drives through. Middleton sprawls well.
Middleton throws out a counter right but O Palmeiras avoids it with no problem.
O Palmeiras tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Middleton manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Middleton pulls out of a head kick attempt.
O Palmeiras shoots in looking for a takedown. Middleton tries to sprawl out of it but O Palmeiras keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Middleton manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Middleton appears to be waiting to throw a counter punch to the body.
O Palmeiras ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Middleton moves away.
Middleton connects with a looping left hand that seems like it dazed O Palmeiras momentarily.
Middleton has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
O Palmeiras throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
A left lands for Middleton.
Nunca Subestime O Palmeiras is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
That kick from Middleton tenderised O Palmeiras's leg. O Palmeiras is trying to keep his angry face on.
Middleton lands a right hook to the body.
Middleton lands with an uppercut that bounces O Palmeiras off the cage and back into range.
Middleton circles away from the clinch attempt.
A looping hook to the body misses from Middleton. O Palmeiras does a little dance to reset his feet.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Nice takedown defense from Middleton. No joy for O Palmeiras on that attempt.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Nunca Subestime O Palmeiras. That's going to take a lot out of him.
A solid leg kick lands there for Middleton.
Middleton with a nice looking leg kick. You could hear that one land in a back row.
Middleton throws a series of punches but O Palmeiras avoids them all with ease.
O Palmeiras looked to counter with a high kick but didn't commit.
O Palmeiras closes the distance and takes a jab right on the nose as he does so.
O Palmeiras checks a leg kick.
Danga de danga de dang - Middleton scores with a four punch combination!
Middleton misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from O Palmeiras.
Middleton throws a feint and then finishes with a kick to the body.
Middleton swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Middleton throws out a loose jab but O Palmeiras uses good head movement to avoid it.
O Palmeiras shoots in looking for a takedown but Middleton manages to keep the fight standing, pushing O Palmeiras's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
Middleton looks like he wanted to counter with a high kick but didn't throw it.
O Palmeiras shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Middleton as he avoids it easily.
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!
O Palmeiras shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Middleton sprawls well. Middleton wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. O Palmeiras gets slowly back to his feet.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Middleton lands a leg kick that knocks O Palmeiras off balance momentarily.
Middleton misses with a straight left.
Middleton moves out of range as O Palmeiras throws a body kick.
Middleton scores with a sloppy punch to the body. Not much technique there but it did the business.
Middleton throws a series of strikes that have O Palmeiras backpedaling.
Josh Middleton is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Middleton lands with a cross to side of his opponent's head.
O Palmeiras ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
O Palmeiras shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Middleton sprawls well. Middleton wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. O Palmeiras gets slowly back to his feet.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Middleton throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd.
Middleton lands a jab.
Middleton is looking to slow O Palmeiras down with leg kicks.
Middleton is using his reach advantage to land shots from outside his opponent's range.
O Palmeiras tries to clinch up but Middleton circles away and keeps his distance.
Middleton throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd.

O Palmeiras gets a double leg takedown into Middleton's guard.
Middleton looking to hit a scissor sweep but O Palmeiras is one step ahead there.
Middleton has control of O Palmeiras's left arm, preventing O Palmeiras from doing any damage.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
O Palmeiras trying to control the position from guard on top but Middleton is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
O Palmeiras loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Middleton avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
O Palmeiras trying to control the position from guard on top but Middleton is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
O Palmeiras trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Middleton trying to keep a closed guard but O Palmeiras is proving a slippery customer.

The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.
O Palmeiras lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Middleton circles away quickly and effectively.
A slapping leg kick lands for Middleton.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Josh Middleton showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The cut man is working on Nunca Subestime O Palmeiras's cut.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action! This is the final round!

O Palmeiras takes a hook to the side of the head. I wonder if that's got his ears ringing.
Middleton scores with a big left there. The judges will like that one.
O Palmeiras takes a kick to the side of the head.

O Palmeiras is rocked!
Middleton looks to land a left hand but O Palmeiras moved out of range nicely.
The fight stays on the outside here - O Palmeiras looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Middleton misses with a hook. O Palmeiras ducked under it nicely.
O Palmeiras appears to be looking for a counter takedown.
Middleton lands with a hook. O Palmeiras tried to avoid it but it clipped the top of his head.

O Palmeiras throws the overhand right but ducks down into a quick takedown attempt. Middleton was covering up waiting for the punch and O Palmeiras finishes the takedown easily into guard.
O Palmeiras trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.

O Palmeiras postures up as if he's going to throw some strikes but drops back for an ankle! Middleton is in big trouble! He looks ready to tap! But no, he's escaped and dives on top of O Palmeiras, into his guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Middleton distracts O Palmeiras with his right hand and drops a big elbow with his other arm.
Middleton chips away with some ground and pound.
Middleton wants to control from the top but O Palmeiras keeps moving.
O Palmeiras tries to land a sweep but no joy.

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.
Middleton postures up and lands a big shot to O Palmeiras's brow.
O Palmeiras keeping full guard, as Middleton tries to pass.

O Palmeiras throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.
Middleton throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Middleton throws a big right hand that misses.
O Palmeiras wants to stand but Middleton is controlling the position.
O Palmeiras is trying to control the position but Middleton postures up.

The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.
A shot to the liver by Middleton. Beautiful body shot.
Middleton throws a leg kick but O Palmeiras moved away.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Middleton paws at his opponent with the jab and then lunges in with a straight, right on the button.
Nice straight punches there by Middleton. You know Roy Jones Jr respects the hands of Middleton.
O Palmeiras with a lazy takedown attempt
and Middleton counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Middleton scores with a jab to the body.
Middleton stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Middleton wants it to stay on the feet.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Middleton is looking to land body kicks.
Middleton has used his reach advantage pretty well so far tonight.
Middleton moves into range and lands a nice body kick.

O Palmeiras drops down and drives through with a powerful takedown into guard.
Middleton keeping moving, preventing O Palmeiras from controlling successfully.
Nunca Subestime O Palmeiras has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Middleton pulls O Palmeiras in to control the position.
Middleton controls O Palmeiras momentarily but O Palmeiras frees himself.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
O Palmeiras pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Middleton is keeping the position for now.
Middleton is trying to keep O Palmeiras in close.
Middleton is working an open guard here, looking to improve his position. No doubt that will leave him open to counters but at least he's being more offensive.
O Palmeiras slows down the pace of the fight, as he sits in guard.
The referee claps his hands together and tells the fighters to work.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
O Palmeiras won't allow Middleton to sweep him here.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.

And that's the end of the fight!
Josh Middleton comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I've got Middleton winning every round here. Surely the decision will go his way and he'll pick up a well deserved decision victory. 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 George Francis scores the fight 27:30
Judge Stewart Dunkirk scores the fight 27:30
Judge Wesley Smith scores the fight 27:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Josh Middleton!
A relieved looking Josh Middleton thanked the fans for their support and gave the usual line about them being amazing. They seemed to believe that he actually meant it.