PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Ronnie McDonald (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Baki Hanma (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Chooooooooon! I think McDonald might be my favorite fighter, now he's come out to Get Busy Living. The crowd seem to be enjoying Hanma's choice of entrance music: Disl Automatic (feat. K-rino) - Battle Cry. 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.

McDonald
vs
Hanma

165 cm
33
155 lbs
13 - 20 - 0

178 cm
29
158 lbs
12 - 14 - 0

Abu Dhabi Champ
Excellent boxer
Insanely flexible

Excellent grappler
World class MT
Good gas tank

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 13 - 20 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Ronnie McDonald!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 12 - 14 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Baki Hanma!
The judges for this bout are Steven Brown, Andrew Berry and Chris Edwards.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Nice takedown defense from Hanma. No joy for McDonald on that attempt.
Hanma keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
Hanma chopping away at his opponent's legs.
We've been informed that Hanma has been sparring a lot of Muay Thai in the buildup to this fight so let's see if that has an impact on the result.
Hanma fakes with a right hand and throws a good leg kick, right into the thigh. That had to hurt McDonald.
Baki Hanma seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
A clash of legs there as McDonald blocks the low kick.
Hanma avoids the clinch attempt nicely.

McDonald feints and then dives in with a takedown. That was a long way out but the feint bought him enough time to close the distance and complete the takedown. Now we'll play guard for a bit and see who can get the better of that position.
Hanma 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.
McDonald trying to control the position from guard on top but Hanma is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
McDonald might be looking to lock onto one of his opponent's long limbs for a submission, whilst we're on the ground.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Hanma trying to control the position here.
McDonald working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Hanma looking for a sweep. Not yet Hanma, not yet.
Hanma lands a beautiful sweep and he's now moved into his opponent's guard.

Hanma pushes down on McDonald's leg and manages to get into half guard.
Hanma is looking to advance position but McDonald won't allow it.
Hanma is keen to just control but McDonald is a slippery customer.
Hanma takes a deep breath and rests his weight momentarily on top of his opponent, to control the position.
McDonald is trying to maintain the position but Hanma is very close to passing his half guard.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Hanma keeping composed on the top, looking to control the action.
McDonald trying to control here.
Hanma stalling.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Hanma tries to pass to full mount but McDonald defends it.
We must be close to a standup if these guys don't pick up the pace.
Hanma wants to take a breather but McDonald is having none of it.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
We've been told by McDonald's head coaches at Death Valley Training Facility that he's been working on his takedown defense in preparation for this fight.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Hanma cracks the inside of McDonald's front leg.
McDonald shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Hanma as he avoids it easily.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Ronnie McDonald. That's going to take a lot out of him.
McDonald shoots in looking for a takedown. Hanma tries to sprawl out of it but McDonald keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Hanma manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Hanma throws a solid leg kick but McDonald takes the impact on his shin and smiles at Hanma.
Hanma feints and then cracks McDonald's leading leg with a nice low kick. He's obviously looking to slow McDonald down.
Hanma with a nice looking leg kick. You could hear that one land in a back row.
That kick from Hanma tenderised McDonald's leg. McDonald is trying to keep his angry face on.
Hanma connects with an inside leg kick.
Baki Hanma is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
A good leg kick by Hanma.
A bone on bone clash there as McDonald blocks the leg kick.
Hanma feints and then cracks McDonald's leading leg with a nice low kick. He's obviously looking to slow McDonald down.
McDonald misses with a head kick.
Hanma scores with a slapping inside leg kick.
A slapping leg kick lands for Hanma.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Hanma moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Hanma tried to score with a low kick but McDonald checks it.
An inside leg kick from Hanma misses.
Hanma fakes a couple of low kicks, before throwing one on the third attempt. It connects and McDonald has to reset his feet before getting ready to engage.
A low kick from Hanma misses

and McDonald counters by moving into the clinch.
Hanma lands a nice shot to the body.
McDonald is hobbling a little on that front leg after taking quite a few leg kicks so far in this fight.
McDonald creates a bit of distance and throws an elbow that only just misses.
Hanma lands with a short punch from the clinch.
Hanma misses with a body punch.
Hanma has a couple of punches blocked by McDonald.
McDonald trying to stall but Hanma improves his position.
McDonald lands a body shot.
McDonald scores with a nice hook to the head.
Hanma lands with a short shot to the head.
McDonald tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Hanma lands a right hand that snaps the head of McDonald backwards.

McDonald gets a nice trip takedown into half guard.
Hanma manages to get to full guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Baki Hanma dominated that round.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action.

A nice inside leg kick there by Hanma. That's going to slow McDonald down.
Hanma throws a decent looking leg kick but it doesn't land clean.
Hanma throws a low kick but it's checked well by McDonald.
Hanma lands a leg kick and bounces back out of range.
Hanma throws a low kick but McDonald avoids it.
McDonald tries to clinch up.
Hanma buckles his opponent's knee momentarily with a nice leg kick.
Hanma lands with a thumping leg kick.
McDonald darts in looking for a takedown but Hanma gets double underhooks and turns McDonald into the cage.
McDonald backing away here, and Hanma unleashes a leg kick that just misses.
McDonald is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
McDonald tries to clinch up but Hanma circles away and keeps his distance.
Hanma feints and then cracks McDonald's leading leg with a nice low kick. He's obviously looking to slow McDonald down.
A solid leg kick lands there for Hanma.
Hanma throws out a leg kick but McDonald moves out of range and Hanma only half commits.
McDonald checks a leg kick.

That's one minute gone in the round.
McDonald tries to clinch but Hanma is having none of it.
Hanma feints with a shoulder and throws a nice leg kick to McDonald's calf.

McDonald drops down and drives through with a powerful takedown into guard.
Hanma being controlled here, momentarily.
Hanma has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
McDonald preventing the sweep.
McDonald looking to control the position here, rather than advance.
Hanma looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Hanma being controlled here, momentarily.
Hanma keeping moving, preventing McDonald from controlling successfully.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Hanma bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in McDonald's guard.

McDonald managing to control the position.
Hanma tries to free his leg and advance position but McDonald is retaining full guard.
Hanma controlling from the top position.
McDonald is avoiding any damage by keeping wrist control.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Hanma trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
We must be close to a standup if these guys don't pick up the pace.
Hanma is stalling in the full guard.

The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up. He just wasn't happy with the level of activity.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are hurling abuse towards the fighters... You can hardly blame them though because there isn't a lot going on in the fight.
A solid leg kick lands there for Hanma.
Hanma tries a low kick but McDonald avoids it.
Hanma moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
McDonald fails in his attempt to clinch.
Hanma will need to close the distance a bit before he attacks - that leg kick was thrown from too far away.
McDonald throws a low kick but his opponent is out of range.
McDonald shoots in but no luck this time.
Hanma throws a leg kick but McDonald checks it.
McDonald is looking to counter punch.
McDonald has his front leg slapped to the side - a nice low kick landing there from Hanma.
Hanma is looking to chop away at McDonald's legs.
McDonald attempts a counter takedown but Hanma avoids it well and moves away.

Hanma gets caught flat footed, as McDonald shoots in with a quick takedown into guard.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Hanma is doing well to control the posture of his opponent and prevent any damage.
McDonald sitting in guard here, content to control.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Baki Hanma showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business. This is the final round!

McDonald misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Hanma blocks a leg kick.
Hanma takes an uppercut right on the button but keeps his composure.
Hanma throws a leg kick that misses.
Hanma moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
McDonald shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Hanma as he avoids it easily.
McDonald keeping at a good range here, avoiding a leg kick.
McDonald chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Hanma can pounce on him.

McDonald gets a clinch.
Hanma makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
Hanma misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Hanma lands a body punch.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
McDonald is looking for a takedown.
Hanma struggles to land a body shot inside as McDonald controls his hands.
Hanma's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
Hanma blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.
McDonald is trying to break the clinch but Hanma is controlling him.
McDonald jumps guard but Hanma stands there with McDonald around his waist. McDonald gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Ronnie McDonald. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Hanma makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Hanma scores with a shot to the side of McDonald's head.
Hanma tried to land a shot to the body but connects with McDonald's elbow.
Hanma misses with some punches.
Hanma is working McDonald over against the cage.
Hanma misses with a short punch on the inside.
McDonald tries to throw a body punch but Hanma avoids it by throwing McDonald back against the cage.
Hanma doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Hanma scores with a nice hook to the head.
Hanma stops a takedown attempt from McDonald.
Hanma lands a body punch in the clinch.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
McDonald misses with a punch on the inside.

McDonald lands a nice trip takedown into half guard.
Hanma keeping control of the leg, stopping his opponent passing to mount.
Hanma is looking to control McDonald's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Hanma avoid being mounted?

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Hanma is doing well to control the position and prevent McDonald from advancing to side control.
Hanma is trying to get back to full guard.
McDonald thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Hanma's head.
Hanma is looking for a sweep. McDonald is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
McDonald content to sit in half guard and control for a moment.
Ronnie McDonald overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
McDonald wants to free his trapped foot but Hanma is holding on for dear life with his legs.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
McDonald is looking to take a break and control but Hanma is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Hanma is trying to get back to full guard.
Hanma keeping control of the position.

The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.
McDonald connects with a slap. Keep your fist closed son.
Hanma looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.
Nice straight punches there by McDonald. You know Roy Jones Jr respects the hands of McDonald.
Hanma moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
Baki Hanma seems to be getting the better of the standup.
McDonald throws a right high kick that is partially blocked by Hanma.
Hanma throws a leg kick but he was too far away and it doesn't land.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Nice sprawl there from Hanma as McDonald shoots in.
Hanma buckles his opponent's knee momentarily with a nice leg kick.
Hanma leaves McDonald with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.

McDonald pushes Hanma up against the cage in a clinch.
Ronnie McDonald has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
McDonald tries a knee to the head but Hanma blocks it.
Hanma tries a body shot but McDonald blocks it.
McDonald wants a takedown.

McDonald gets double underhooks and manages to take the fight to the ground.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Hanma looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Hanma bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in McDonald's guard.

Hanma pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. McDonald is keeping the position for now.

McDonald looking for a guillotine here but Hanma defends easily.

And that's the end of the fight!
I would just about give that final round to Baki Hanma.
I've got Hanma 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 Steven Brown scores the fight 27:30
Judge Andrew Berry scores the fight 27:30
Judge Chris Edwards scores the fight 28:29

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Baki Hanma!
Baki Hanma decided to go for the less than humble approach in his post fight interview, telling everyone how he is going to conquer the world. The crowd seemed to like it when really that sort of approach could have gone either way.