PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Neal Diaz (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Craig Anderson (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Diaz
vs
Anderson

168 cm
25
150 lbs
3 - 2 - 0

173 cm
23
150 lbs
9 - 1 - 0

Good wrestling
Brawler
Very quick

Good wrestler
Counter fighter
Solid chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the featherweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 3 - 2 - 0, fighting out of New York, Neal Diaz!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 9 - 1 - 0, fighting out of New York, Craig Anderson!
The judges for this bout are Dean Styles, Russell Pearce and Chad Campbell.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Diaz has his takedown stuffed

and Anderson counters by clinching up.
Anderson stalling in the clinch.
Diaz goes for a takedown in the clinch but Anderson prevents it.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, Anderson creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
Anderson scores with a shoulder strike.
Diaz is looking to take this one to the mat.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Neal Diaz. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Diaz is trying to drag Anderson to the mat but Anderson just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.
A left hand lands to the body for Anderson.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Anderson lands a body punch - he's looking to wear down Diaz.
Anderson lands a hook that snaps the head of Diaz backwards.
Anderson lands a hook that snaps the head of Diaz backwards.
Anderson throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Diazs head.
Anderson pushes Diaz back against the cage and unloads with a body punch.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Anderson lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
Anderson keeps the fight in the clinch, despite Diaz's efforts to push away.
Diaz changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Anderson fights it off and pushes away nicely.

Anderson forces Diaz back against the cage and clinches.
Anderson is leaning against Diaz and scores with a nice uppercut to the body.
Anderson lands a left hand.
Anderson scores with an uppercut up the middle.
A short right from Anderson on the inside.
Anderson lands an uppercut.
Anderson softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
Diaz takes a shot to the head.
Anderson lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Diaz backwards.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Anderson lands a left hand that snaps the head of Diaz backwards.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Anderson lands a hook that snaps the head of Diaz backwards.
Diaz goes for a takedown attempt but Anderson pushes him away and we're back to fighting at a distance.
Diaz fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Anderson manages to avoid it.
Diaz tried to score with a low kick but Anderson checks it.

Anderson darts in and clinches Diaz up against the cage.
A short right from Anderson on the inside.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Anderson.
Anderson scores with a shot to the side of Diaz's head.
Anderson lands on the inside with an uppercut.
Anderson is defending well against a takedown attempt.
Anderson working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
Still in the clinch, Anderson scores with a nice short uppercut.
Anderson scores with a shoulder strike.
Still in the clinch, Anderson scores with a nice short uppercut.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Diaz's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
Anderson lands with a light punch inside.
A nice left hand lands by Anderson.
Anderson softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
Diaz is working for a takedown up against the cage. He can't get it on this occasion though.
Diaz is trying to slow down the pace of the fight but Anderson is keeping busy.
Anderson scores with a shot to the side of Diaz's head.
Diaz is working for takedown but Anderson is calmly controlling the position for now.
Anderson working some nice short punches in the clinch.
Anderson pushes Diaz back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.
Still in the clinch, Anderson scores with a nice short uppercut.
Anderson lands a left hand.
Anderson lands a body punch in the clinch.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Anderson lands a right hand that snaps the head of Diaz backwards.
Good body shot from Anderson.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Anderson lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Diaz backwards.
Still in the clinch, Anderson scores with a nice short uppercut.
Anderson lands on the inside with an uppercut.
Anderson lands with a short punch from the clinch.
Anderson lands a hook that snaps the head of Diaz backwards.
Anderson prevents the takedown attempt.
Diaz's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
Anderson prevents a takedown attempt there.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, Anderson creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
Anderson lands a shoulder strike.
Diaz wants a takedown.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Anderson prevents the takedown attempt.
Anderson throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Diazs head.
Anderson lands with a right to the head.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Craig Anderson dominated that round.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

Anderson closes the distance and clinches.
Anderson scores with a shoulder strike.
Anderson lands with a right to the head.
Anderson lands a left hand that snaps the head of Diaz backwards.
Anderson working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
Anderson lands a left hand that snaps the head of Diaz backwards.
A shot in the inside from Anderson.
Both fighters working to control the clinch.
Anderson has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Anderson is defending well against a takedown attempt.
Diaz takes a shot to the head.
Diaz wants a takedown.
Anderson lands a right hand that snaps the head of Diaz backwards.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Anderson lands a body shot.
A shot in the inside from Anderson.
Diaz has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Anderson is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Neal Diaz. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Anderson softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Anderson throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Diazs head.
Anderson gets double underhooks to prevent a takedown attempt from Diaz.
Anderson lands an uppercut.
Anderson lands a left hand that snaps the head of Diaz backwards.
Anderson lands a nice uppercut.
Anderson working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
Anderson gets through Diaz's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
Anderson lands a left hand.
Diaz is trying to drag Anderson to the mat but Anderson just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.
A short body shot lands from Anderson as the two fighters clinch.
Diaz can't get the takedown.
Diaz is looking to take this one to the mat.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Anderson working some nice short punches in the clinch.
Diaz tries to score a body lock takedown but Anderson shows good agility there to stay on his feet.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Anderson working some nice short punches in the clinch.
Anderson lands with a right to the head.
Anderson lands an uppercut.
Diaz wants a takedown.
Diaz tries to score a body lock takedown but Anderson shows good agility there to stay on his feet.
Anderson lands a right hand.
Anderson lands with a short head shot on the inside.
Anderson gets underhooks to prevent Diaz's takedown attempt.
Diaz is trying to force a seperation but Anderson has the dominant position.
Diaz has Anderson pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Anderson manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.
Craig Anderson seems to be working more effectively in the clinch in the fight so far.
A nice left hand lands by Anderson.
Anderson works on Diaz's body with a couple of short punches.
A short left from Anderson.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Anderson lands a nice uppercut.
Anderson lands with a right to the head.
Anderson lands with a short punch from the clinch.
Anderson scores with a shot to the side of Diaz's head.
Diaz has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Anderson is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.
A body shot lands from Anderson.
Anderson works for underhooks and lands a body shot in the process.
Anderson working some nice short punches in the clinch.
Anderson scores with an uppercut up the middle.
Anderson lands a nice uppercut.
A short uppercut from Anderson.
Anderson lands with a short head shot on the inside.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Anderson prevents Diaz from breaking the clinch.
Anderson digs a right hand into Diaz's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Diaz's gas tank.
Anderson lands a right hand.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Anderson stays in close to his opponent and throws a right hand to the body.
Anderson pushes Diaz back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.
Diaz wants to take the fight to the mat but Anderson manages to get underhooks and keep the fight in the clinch.
Anderson lands with a short head shot on the inside.
Anderson lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
Anderson lands with a short head shot on the inside.
Still in the clinch, Anderson scores with a nice short uppercut.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Anderson.
Anderson lands with a short head shot on the inside.
Diaz wants to push off and get back to the center of the mat but Anderson has him pressed against the cage.
Anderson lands an uppercut.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Anderson lands a nice uppercut.
Anderson prevents Diaz from breaking the clinch.
Anderson working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
Anderson is pressed up against the cage. Diaz has hold of a leg and is looking to drag Anderson down to the mat. Anderson avoids the attempt though and has circled away. We're back to striking at a distance.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Craig Anderson showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
That's time! Diaz's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight. And we move into the final round!

Anderson closes the distance and clinches.
Anderson lands a left hand that snaps the head of Diaz backwards.
Diaz has dropped down and is looking to force the takedown but it's defended by Anderson after a bit of a struggle.
Diaz working hard to break the clinch.
Anderson pushes Diaz back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.
Anderson lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
A short left from Anderson.
Diaz tries for a takedown. No joy.
Diaz wants a takedown.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Neal Diaz. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Anderson lands a shot to the body.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Anderson lands on the inside with an uppercut.
Anderson is working Diaz over against the cage.
Diaz is working on a leg, looking for a takedown but Anderson is defending well.
A right hand to the body from Anderson.
Anderson lands a right hand.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Anderson digs a right hand underneath Diaz's ribcage. Diaz let out a lung full of air as it connected.

That's one minute gone in the round.
A right handed body shot lands from Anderson.
Anderson lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
Still in the clinch, Anderson scores with a nice short uppercut.
Anderson lands with a short head shot on the inside.
Still in the clinch, Anderson scores with a nice short uppercut.
Anderson lands a hook to the body. It's hard to tell if that hurt Diaz or not.
Anderson lands with a light punch inside.
Anderson lands with a short head shot on the inside.
A shot in the inside from Anderson.
Anderson lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.

Diaz is rocked!
A short right hand to the side of the head by Anderson.
Oh Diaz is still all over the place! His legs are completely gone! Will he be able to recover?!!
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Anderson prevents a takedown attempt there.
Anderson lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Diaz backwards.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Anderson.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Diaz tries to score a body lock takedown but Anderson shows good agility there to stay on his feet.
Anderson lands a hook to the side of the head.
A shot in the inside from Anderson.
A short right from Anderson.
Anderson lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
Anderson makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
Still in the clinch, Anderson scores with a nice short uppercut.
Anderson pushes Diaz back against the cage and unloads with a body punch.
Anderson lands a right hand that snaps the head of Diaz backwards.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Anderson.
A short right from Anderson on the inside.
Anderson scores with a hook to the body.
Anderson lands with a light punch inside.
Diaz being controlled against the cage.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, Anderson creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Anderson scores with an uppercut up the middle.
Diaz seems to have got his legs back now.
Diaz has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Anderson is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.
Anderson lands a shoulder strike.
Diaz can't get the takedown.
Anderson lands with a short head shot on the inside.
Anderson lands a hook that snaps the head of Diaz backwards.
A short left from Anderson.
Anderson lands with a left to the head.
Anderson throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Diazs head.
Diaz can't get the takedown.
Good body shot from Anderson.
Anderson digs a right hand into Diaz's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Diaz's gas tank.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Anderson lands on the inside with an uppercut.
Anderson pushes Diaz back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.
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!
Anderson taking a break, stalling in the clinch.
Anderson lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
A short left from Anderson.
Diaz tries to score a body lock takedown but Anderson shows good agility there to stay on his feet.
Anderson lands with a right to the head.
Anderson lands a body punch in the clinch.
Still in the clinch, Anderson scores with a nice short uppercut.
A short uppercut from Anderson.
Anderson lands a hook to the side of the head.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Diaz is looking for a takedown up against the cage. Anderson gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.
Anderson gets underhooks to prevent Diaz's takedown attempt.
Neal Diaz has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Good body shot from Anderson.
Anderson lands a right hand that snaps the head of Diaz backwards.

And that's the end of the fight!
Craig Anderson comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I've got Anderson 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 Dean Styles scores the fight for Craig Anderson!
Judge Russell Pearce scores the fight for Craig Anderson!
Judge Chad Campbell scores the fight for Craig Anderson!

Craig Anderson wins by unanimous decision!
Craig Anderson bigged himself up after the win. The crowd seemed to love it.