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PBP Commentary |
Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Dao Sonnen (ranked 19 p4p, 3 weight class) and Pablo Mara�on (ranked 41 p4p, 7 weight class). Sonnen comes to the cage accompanied by The Devil's Doorbell. Mara�on has chosen Pistolero as his entrance music. Both these guys have really solid chins. Will we see a standup war or will they both decide that a knockout is unlikely and try to win the fight elsewhere?
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| 183 cm
33
188 lbs
27 - 11 - 0 |
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186 cm
34
185 lbs
30 - 9 - 2 |
Great wrestler
World class boxer
Insanely flexible |
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Olympic wrestler
World class MT
Good gas tank |
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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
27 - 11 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Dao Sonnen!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of
30 - 9 - 2, fighting out of London, Pablo Mara�on!
The judges for this bout are Colin Fotheringham, Donald Grub and Chris Edwards.
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Sonnen jabs Mara�on to the body, keeping him at a distance.
Sonnen 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.
Mara�on fakes with the hands and throws a leg kick but Sonnen is out of range.
Mara�on with a body punch. A glancing blow.
Sonnen looks to throw the jab but Mara�on is out of range.
Mara�on has been spending a lot of time sparring his boxing in the run up to the fight, trying to sharpen up those hands and look for a knockout.
Sonnen fakes an overhand right and shoots for a takedown. Mara�on sprawls well initially but Sonnen persists and gets the takedown into half guard.
Mara�on tries to roll over but Sonnen keeps him under control.
Sonnen is looking for a kimura here.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Mara�on is trying to stand up here but Sonnen is controlling him well.
Mara�on keeping control of the leg, stopping his opponent passing to mount.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Mara�on is trying to get back to full guard.
Sonnen stalling.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Sonnen is trying to work for a kimura but Mara�on is defending well.
Sonnen is working for a submission of some sort.
Sonnen trying to mount his opponent but Mara�on defends it.
Mara�on is looking to improve his position.
Sonnen is trying to control the action in half guard but Mara�on is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.
Sonnen wants to work for an arm triangle but Mara�on is really keeping half guard well and defending the submission attempt.
Mara�on tries to get to full guard but Sonnen has control of the leg.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.
Sonnen is looking to take a break and control but Mara�on is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Mara�on controlling the position for now.
Mara�on is refusing to be controlled, as Sonnen sits in half guard.
Mara�on is looking to improve his position.
Sonnen is thinking about going for an arm triangle but he can't free his leg.
Sonnen wants to lay and pray for a moment but Mara�on keeps working.
Mara�on is pressing down on Sonnen's left leg trying to get back to full guard. He's managed it.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Mara�on scrambles and gets back to his feet.
Mara�on throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Mara�on walks into a straight right hand from Sonnen.
Sonnen tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Mara�on was well out of range. Poor timing from Sonnen.
Sonnen throws a leg kick that is checked
and Mara�on counters with a slapping leg kick.
Sonnen lands with a right hand.
Mara�on tried to score with a low kick but Sonnen checks it.
Sonnen tried to counter with a leg kick but Mara�on avoided it.
Sonnen pushes Mara�on up against the cage in a clinch.
Sonnen lands a body punch.
Mara�on prevents a takedown attempt there.
A head punch on the inside from Mara�on fails to land.
Mara�on misses with a hook to the ribs.
Mara�on lands with a right to the head.
Sonnen has Mara�on pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Mara�on manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Sonnen goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
A right hook to the body lands for Mara�on.
Mara�on can't find room to land a body shot as Sonnen controls the action.
Sonnen lands a body punch in the clinch.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Sonnen pulls guard effortlessly.
Sonnen had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Mara�on defends it easily.
Mara�on passes Sonnen's left leg - he's now in half guard.
Sonnen has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Mara�on is working away from the top position though.
Mara�on stalling.
Sonnen is pressing down on Mara�on's left leg trying to get back to full guard. He's managed it.
Mara�on controls from within his opponent's guard.
Sonnen is trying to control the position from the bottom.
And that�s the end of the round � the fighters go back to their corners.
That was a close round but I would say that Dao Sonnen will probably get the nod.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!
Sonnen moves away from the strike by Mara�on.
Mara�on connects nicely with a jab. Noted by the judges no doubt.
Sonnen takes a body punch but keeps moving.
Mara�on ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Sonnen moves away.
A head kick misses from Sonnen.
Sonnen takes a big uppercut there. He seems a bit wobbly but no, he's OK.
Sonnen keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
A slapping leg kick lands for Sonnen.
Mara�on throws a body kick that misses.
Mara�on uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Sonnen.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Mara�on! But no joy.
Nice defenses there by Sonnen.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Nice shot by Sonnen.
Mara�on misses with a low kick.
Sonnen needs to keep his hands up - Mara�on had a free shot at his head there.
Sonnen swings for the body but Mara�on moves out of range.
Mara�on chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Sonnen can pounce on him.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Mara�on ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Sonnen moves away.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Mara�on throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Sonnen throws a quick inside leg kick.
Good standup being displayed there by Sonnen as he connects with a hook.
Sonnen tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Mara�on was well out of range. Poor timing from Sonnen.
A low kick from Sonnen is predictable there
and Mara�on counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Mara�on connects with a good right hand that stumbles Sonnen. Sonnen circles away out of range and recomposes himself.
Sonnen connects with a good right hand that stumbles Mara�on. Mara�on circles away out of range and recomposes himself.
Mara�on misses with a body shot.
Mara�on looks for the body kick but Sonnen saw that one coming.
Sonnen throws a sloppy head kick and Mara�on moves out of range easily.
A low kick from Sonnen is predictable there
and Mara�on counters with a nice uppercut.
Mara�on lands a head shot.
The crowd cheers as Sonnen lands an impressive looking overhand right. Mara�on doesn't seem phased though.
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!
Mara�on checks a low kick. Bone on bone - not my idea of a good time.
Mara�on just misses with a punch to the body.
Sonnen dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Sonnen misses with a lunging right hand
and Mara�on counters with a lovely shot to the body.
Pablo Mara�on is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Mara�on avoids the head kick by Sonnen.
Sonnen throws a body kick that misses.
Mara�on misses with a kick to the body.
Sonnen lands a lovely overhand right.
Mara�on displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Sonnen.
Sonnen throws a body kick but he wasn't in range.
A nice side step and Mara�on releases a counter shot to the body, but it doesn't find it's home.
Sonnen explodes with a nice body kick and back out of range. Nice work.
Sonnen lands with a cross to side of his opponent's head.
A looping hook to the body misses from Mara�on. Sonnen does a little dance to reset his feet.
Sonnen swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.
Mara�on scores with a nice body kick.
Mara�on blocks the body kick.
Sonnen takes a thudding leg kick, right into the meat of the thigh.
Sonnen throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Mara�on throws a looping overhand right but Sonnen ducks down to avoid it.
Pablo Mara�on seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Sonnen uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Mara�on.
Mara�on scoring well with a low kick there.
Sonnen throws a lazy right hand but Mara�on sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Mara�on is trying to counter with his kicks.
Sonnen scores a trip takedown into side control. Nice.
Sonnen is looking to take a break and control but Mara�on is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Mara�on holding on.
Sonnen wants to lay and pray for a moment but Mara�on keeps working.
Dao Sonnen overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Mara�on is trying to control Sonnen's posture but Sonnen avoids it.
Mara�on is trying to get back to half guard. He's pushing on Sonnen's leg. He's managed it. Nice work.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Mara�on is trying to get back to full guard.
Mara�on is doing well to control the position and prevent Sonnen from advancing to side control.
Sonnen seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Mara�on does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.
Mara�on is looking for a sweep. Sonnen is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Sonnen is taking a breather. Mara�on 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.
Sonnen seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Mara�on does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.
Mara�on regains full guard. Nicely done.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Mara�on keeping moving, preventing Sonnen from controlling successfully.
Mara�on not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
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 Dao Sonnen will probably get the nod.
That's time! Sonnen's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.
Sonnen just misses with a punch to the body.
Mara�on keeps his opponent at a distance with a nice jab.
Mara�on takes a nice looking leg kick right on the meat of his thigh there.
Mara�on is looking to score with low kicks.
Mara�on connects with a high kick.
Ooooh, nice body kick lands from Mara�on. Sonnen shrugs it off though.
Boom, another hit is landed. "You're gunna get knocked out" taunts Sonnen, as that shot connected.
Sonnen tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Mara�on was well out of range. Poor timing from Sonnen.
Sonnen throws a hook but Mara�on avoids it easily.
Horrible takedown attempt by Sonnen or perhaps it was just good defense by Mara�on, which made it look bad.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Sonnen misses with a lunging right hand
enabling Mara�on to counter with a crisp jab.
Sonnen scores with a takedown into Mara�on's guard.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Sonnen being controlled here momentarily.
Mara�on's corner are shouting for him to control the position and he seems happy to oblige.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Sonnen looking to pass the guard.
Mara�on pulls Sonnen in close to his closed guard and prevents Sonnen from doing any damage or advancing position.
Sonnen trying to control the position from guard on top but Mara�on is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Mara�on is doing well to control the posture of his opponent and prevent any damage.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.
Sonnen advances to half guard.
Mara�on is looking to control Sonnen's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Mara�on avoid being mounted?
Sonnen is trying to control. Mara�on wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.
Mara�on is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Sonnen is sneakily working for an arm triangle but Mara�on sees it coming and defends easily.
Mara�on is working for an escape here. He's hooked one of Sonnen's legs and he's managed to sneak out and take Sonnen's back!
Mara�on has the hooks sunk in and you can see the will to fight slowly draining out of Sonnen's body.
Sonnen turns into Mara�on and is now in his guard.
Sonnen is just sitting in guard, looking to avoid any submissions.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Mara�on wants to get back to his feet but Sonnen is in a dominant position and won't allow it.
Mara�on has butterfly guard. He's looking to stand up here. He pushes Sonnen off him and springs to his feet nicely. The crowd applauds.
Mara�on misses with a leg kick.
Mara�on throws a body shot but no joy.
Sonnen tries to land a front kick but Mara�on steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed.
Sonnen lands an overhand right.
Mara�on misses with a low kick as Sonnen jumps back.
A big right from Mara�on misses.
Sonnen fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Mara�on avoids it really well and circles away.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Mara�on! But no joy.
Nice defenses there by Sonnen.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Mara�on keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Mara�on appeared to try and counter that last move with a leg kick.
Nice defenses there by Sonnen.
Sonnen misses with a right hand
and Mara�on counters with a solid body kick.
Mara�on fakes a jab and scores with a low kick.
Sonnen just misses with a punch to the body.
Mara�on fakes a jab and throws a low kick but Sonnen checks it well.
Sonnen swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
A bone on bone clash there as Sonnen blocks the leg kick.
A left lands for Mara�on.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Sonnen slips under a jab from Mara�on.
Mara�on shakes his hands off, looking to compose himself, but takes a jab to the jaw whilst he does it.
Mara�on avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Mara�on delivers a nice body kick.
A slapping leg kick lands for Mara�on.
Sonnen defending well as Mara�on loads up on a big left hand.
And that�s the end of the round � the fighters go back to their corners.
Pablo Mara�on really dominated that round.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!
Sonnen lands a lovely overhand right.
Sonnen shoots in for a takedown and gets it.
Sonnen is looking to pass the guard... He's managed it - he's now in full mount!
Sonnen trying to control but Mara�on is having none of it.
Mara�on gets back to half guard.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Mara�on tries to roll over but Sonnen keeps him under control.
Sonnen content to control rather than advance.
Sonnen trying to control from Mara�on's half guard. Mara�on has other ideas though and has regained full guard.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Sonnen wants to control from the top but Mara�on keeps moving.
Sonnen is really struggling to control Mara�on but he's trying to hold on to the position.
Sonnen pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Mara�on is keeping the position for now.
Sonnen is working hard here to advance position.
Sonnen preventing the sweep.
Sonnen wants to control from the top but Mara�on keeps moving.
Mara�on tries to land a sweep but no joy.
That's two 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.
Mara�on keeping full guard, as Sonnen tries to pass.
Sonnen pushes down on Mara�on's leg and manages to get into half guard.
Mara�on is controlling Sonnen's trapped leg to prevent Sonnen from advancing to side control.
Sonnen is trying for a guillotine from the top but the pressure isn't in the right place so Mara�on is just riding it out for now. Sonnen eventually gives up the hold.
Sonnen is trying for a guillotine from the top but the pressure isn't in the right place so Mara�on is just riding it out for now. Sonnen eventually gives up the hold.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Mara�on tries to get to full guard but Sonnen has control of the leg.
Sonnen wants to control but Mara�on is keeping him busy.
Sonnen seems to be working for a kimura but Mara�on defends the submission attempt.
Mara�on manages to get to full guard.
Mara�on wants to sweep but no luck.
That's four 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.
Mara�on controls Sonnen momentarily but Sonnen frees himself.
Sonnen being controlled here momentarily.
Sonnen wants to control from the top but Mara�on keeps moving.
The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up. He just wasn't happy with the level of activity.
That kick from Mara�on tenderised Sonnen's leg. Sonnen is trying to keep his angry face on.
Sonnen misses with a left hand
and Mara�on counters nicely by changing levels and landing a hook to the body.
Sonnen fakes low and throws an overhand right that catches Mara�on on the side of the head.
Sonnen lands a nice looking kick to the body. Mara�on takes a step back to recover.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Mara�on looking to land some kicks to the body here.
Sonnen's hands are dropping dangerously low here and Mara�on connects clean with a right hook that sends him down to one knee! Sonnen scrambles back to his feet.
A low kick from Mara�on misses
and Sonnen counters with a shoot takedown into half guard.
And that�s the end of the round � the fighters go back to their corners.
Dao Sonnen had his way with Pablo Mara�on in that round.
That's the end of the interval. I'm sure that seemed a lot quicker than a minute for our two fighters! Back to the action. This is the final round!
A low kick from Mara�on misses
letting Sonnen counter with a right hand.
Sonnen pivots, looking for a leg kick but Mara�on is out of range and Sonnen settles back down.
Sonnen fakes an overhand right and shoots for a takedown. Mara�on sprawls well initially but Sonnen persists and gets the takedown into half guard.
Mara�on is defending against the submission attempts here by Sonnen.
Mara�on tries to roll over but Sonnen keeps him under control.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Mara�on won't allow Sonnen to pass to mount.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Mara�on tries to roll over but Sonnen keeps him under control.
Mara�on keeping control of the position.
Mara�on is refusing to be controlled, as Sonnen sits in half guard.
Sonnen trying to pass the guard but Mara�on defending well.
Sonnen wants to work for an arm triangle but Mara�on is really keeping half guard well and defending the submission attempt.
Mara�on wants to control but Sonnen is keeping busy.
Mara�on is not content to let Sonnen control 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.
Sonnen stalling.
Sonnen trying to control from Mara�on's half guard. Mara�on has other ideas though and has regained full guard.
Sonnen tries to free his leg and advance position but Mara�on is retaining full guard.
Mara�on is trying to keep Sonnen in close.
Sonnen tries to free his leg and advance position but Mara�on is retaining full guard.
The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.
Sonnen throws a body kick but he was well out of range there.
Sonnen ducks under a wild hook from Mara�on.
Mara�on misses with a kick to the body.
Sonnen misses the shot to the body.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Sonnen scores with a leg kick.
Mara�on throws a leg kick which misses Sonnen's front leg but catches the back leg as Sonnen tries to avoid it.
Pablo Mara�on has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Sonnen walks forward and throws out a flicking leg kick. Mara�on checks it nicely though, as he moves to the side.
Sonnen shoots in but Mara�on avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Mara�on waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Sonnen.
Mara�on throws a low kick but Sonnen avoids it.
Mara�on keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Mara�on blocks a head kick by Sonnen.
Mara�on throws a push kick but Sonnen slaps the foot to one side.
Mara�on lands with an overhand left.
Sonnen throws a body kick but he wasn't in range.
A looping hook to the body misses from Mara�on. Sonnen does a little dance to reset his feet.
Sonnen feints with a shoulder and throws a nice leg kick to Mara�on's calf.
Mara�on lands a jab to the nose.
It looks like Dao Sonnen has been cut.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Sonnen cracks Mara�on with a good jab.
Mara�on uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Sonnen.
Mara�on misses the jab.
Mara�on throws an ugly left hook that misses
and Sonnen connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Mara�on misses with a hook to the body
and Sonnen counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Sonnen takes a kick to the body and keeps moving.
Mara�on uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Sonnen.
Mara�on throws a front kick aimed at Sonnen's knee but Sonnen avoids it well.
Mara�on misses with an attempted mid kick.
Mara�on throws a hook to the side of Sonnen's head but Sonnen sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Sonnen half commits to a counter takedown before pushing away, out of range.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Mara�on throws a lazy right hand but Sonnen sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Sonnen feinted with a counter takedown.
Sonnen connects with a leg kick. He turned his hip over nicely there.
Mara�on throws a lazy uppercut
and Sonnen counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Dao Sonnen is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Sonnen avoids a kick to the body.
And that's the end of the fight!
That was a close round. You could make an argument for either fighter but I would give it to Dao Sonnen.
I think Sonnen 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 5 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Colin Fotheringham scores the fight 49:47
Judge Donald Grub scores the fight 48:47
Judge Chris Edwards scores the fight 48:47
In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Dao Sonnen!
Dao Sonnen retains his middleweight title!
Dao Sonnen decided to thank the fans in attendance for making a great atmosphere. It seemed to go down pretty well.
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| S |
C
A |
G |
S |
C
B |
G |
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S |
C |
G |
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energy
A | B |
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hype
A | B |
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pop
A | B |
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mgr
A | B |
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FIGHT
RATING
47% |
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