PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Eliott Leighton (ranked 1216 p4p, 175 weight class) and Charley Hanagan (ranked 1016 p4p, 146 weight class). Leighton comes to the cage accompanied by Bad to the Bone - George Thorogood. Hanagan is bouncing up and down as he enters the arena, backed by Guilty Until Proven Innocent. Well, the cameraman is lingering on a pretty young lady for a bit too long there. Keep your eyes on the prize buddy or you'll miss the fighter intros!

Leighton
vs
Hanagan

191 cm
25
209 lbs
10 - 8 - 0

180 cm
27
211 lbs
14 - 12 - 0

Good wrestling
Excellent boxer
Insanely flexible

BJJ Red Belt
World class boxer
Good gas tank

Pit Bull Development

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the light heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 10 - 8 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Eliott Leighton!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 14 - 12 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Charley Hanagan!
The judges for this bout are Robert Twigg, Alan Glass and Daniel Franklin.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Leighton ducks under a wild hook from Hanagan.
Leighton was looking to counter that move with a punch but didn't quite pull the trigger.
Hanagan slips under a jab.
Leighton misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Hanagan.
Hanagan swings away with a counter right hand but no contact made.
Hanagan tries to close the distance and clinch but Leighton swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Leighton takes one on the chin but seems OK.
Leighton pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Leighton throws a right hand that Hanagan ducks under and follows up with a left that Hanagan also avoids with ease.
Leighton scores with a hook to the body. Hanagan takes a step back and tries to catch his breath.
Leighton throws out a loose jab but Hanagan uses good head movement to avoid it.
Leighton swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Hanagan avoids the head kick by Leighton.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Nice defenses there by Leighton.
Leighton ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Leighton misses with a jab to the body
and Leighton takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.

Leighton clinches up with Hanagan and pushes him back against the cage.
Leighton swings wildly with an uppercut but Hanagan uses good head movement to avoid it.
A shot in the inside from Leighton.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Hanagan lands with a short shot to the head.
Hanagan misses with the head strike.
Leighton makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
Hanagan letting Leighton take a breather here.

Hanagan breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Leighton fails to land with a series of punches.
Leighton is looking to clinch.

Hanagan dives in and scores a takedown into Leighton's guard.
Hanagan stands and throws Leighton's legs to the side, diving into side control.
Leighton is positioning himself to get back to half guard.
Hanagan has knee on belly and now moves to full mount! Trouble for Leighton!
Hanagan looking to control but Leighton is working nicely, looking to advance position himself.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Leighton regains half guard.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Hanagan trying to control from half guard but Leighton is working away.
Hanagan is in a good position here but he's just trying to control... And he's not even managing to do that successfully.
Leighton tries to get to full guard but Hanagan has control of the leg.
Hanagan is looking to advance position but Leighton won't allow it.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Leighton is staying active underneath Hanagan, who seems content to just control the action from this position.

Hanagan looking for a kimura but he'll have to free his other leg if he wants to finish that. Perhaps he's just using it as a distraction technique.
Leighton looks to be in better condition than last time we saw him fight. Obviously he's been working hard on his cardio.
Leighton is trying to get back to full guard.
Still in half guard, Hanagan seems content to control.
Hanagan trying to pass the guard but Leighton defending well.

Leighton is defending against the submission attempts here by Hanagan.

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.
Leighton wants to control but Hanagan is keeping busy and won't allow it.
Hanagan wants to free his trapped foot but Leighton is holding on for dear life with his legs.
Leighton trying to control but Hanagan postures up.
Leighton is going to have to think about doing something other than just controlling because Hanagan is managing to avoid having the position dictated to him.

The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up. He just wasn't happy with the level of activity.
Leighton connects with a crisp jab.
Hanagan slips a straight right by Leighton.
Leighton ducks under a wild hook from Hanagan.
Leighton swung with a counter punch to the body but it didn't connect.
Leighton throws a lazy head kick
and Hanagan counters with a lovely shot to the body.
Leighton lands a really nice looking cross but Hanagan seems unphased.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but Charley Hanagan will probably get the nod.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action.

Leighton scores with a jab to the jaw of his opponent.
Leighton lands a head shot.
A big right from Hanagan misses.
Leighton swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.
Leighton slips under a jab from Hanagan.
Hanagan misses with an uppercut
and Leighton counters with a low kick, right behind Hanagan 's knee.
Leighton lands a leg kick. The shin dug right into the meat of the thigh.
Leighton is pinned up against the cage taking some big shots here. The referee is looking closely deciding whether he should stop the fight.
Leighton misses with a looping left.
Leighton tries to close the distance and clinch but Hanagan swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Hanagan misses with a body shot.
Leighton defending well as Hanagan loads up on a big left hand.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Leighton throws a hook to the side of Hanagan's head but Hanagan sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Leighton tries to close the distance and clinch but Hanagan swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Hanagan looked like he wanted to counter with a punch but didn't throw it.
Hanagan throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Leighton sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Hanagan throws a shot from downtown. Leighton moves away and avoids it.
As Hanagan looks to move away, Leighton throws a big counter combo but Hanagan just gets out of the way.
Leighton tries to work over Hanagan's front leg with a kick but Hanagan checks it.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Leighton fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Hanagan avoids it really well and circles away.
Leighton with poor footwork there. He got himself in a bit of a tangle, enabling Hanagan to score with a decent uppercut.
Leighton dives in for a single leg takedown but Hanagan sprawls and the fighters end up clinched against the cage.
Leighton scores with a big left there. The judges will like that one.
Hanagan throws an overhand right that lands on Leighton's shoulder, as Leighton tries to avoid the shot.
Hanagan defending well as Leighton loads up on a big left hand.
Hanagan punishes Leighton's body with a nice straight punch.
Hanagan keeps the fight on the outside.
It seemed like Hanagan was going to counter with the hook but didn't fully commit to it.
Leighton blocks a jab.
The fighters circling - Leighton throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Leighton throws an off balance right hand
and Hanagan counters with a right hand to the body.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Leighton wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.
Leighton moves out of range of the strikes.
Hanagan lands a right hook to the body.
Hanagan tries to clinch but Leighton is having none of it.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Leighton closes the distance and takes a jab right on the nose as he does so.
Hanagan has his front leg slapped to the side - a nice low kick landing there from Leighton.
Hanagan fakes and then throws a beautiful body shot. Leighton looks a bit winded and takes a step backwards to take a breath.
Hanagan jabs. That one connects to the head of his opponent.
Leighton darts in and out, connecting with a jab.
Leighton misses with a two punch combination.
Leighton lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Hanagan circles away quickly and effectively.
Leighton misses with a head kick.
Hanagan misses with a wild body shot.
Leighton misses with a straight right.
A countering left hand to the body from Hanagan misses.
Hanagan rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
and Leighton counters with a thumping low kick.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Leighton thows a left - swing and a miss!
Leighton swings for the body but Hanagan moves out of range.
Hanagan scores with a jab to the jaw.
Hanagan scores with a punch to the head.
Hanagan has his head snapped back a nice jab. A little nod from Hanagan there as he acknowledges the shot.
Leighton stuffs the takedown.
Leighton attempts a counter takedown but Hanagan avoids it well and moves away.
Leighton thuds his right hand into Hanagan's forehead from close range. That could be painful for both fighters.

Hanagan fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Leighton, pushing him back against the cage.
Leighton stops a takedown attempt from Hanagan.
Hanagan lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
Leighton fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Hanagan lands with a short head shot on the inside.
A real battle for position is taking place between these two warriors.
Hanagan lands a hook to the side of the head.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Leighton lands with a light punch inside.
Leighton tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.

Hanagan has moved round to his opponent's back and is looking for a suplex! Oh snap! He's tossed Leighton clear over his head and slammed him to the mat!

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Hanagan working for the choke.
Leighton just trying to survive but Hanagan is wriggling into a better position, looking to finish.

Hanagan is looking to finish the fight by rear naked choke. Leighton knows exactly what he's got planned though, so he's defending well. Maybe a few strikes would soften Leighton for a finish.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
The crowd hopeful of a finish here - Hanagan's supporters are on their feet, screaming for him to go for the rear naked choke.
Leighton is trying to break free.

Hanagan looking for the RNC.
Leighton rolls and manages to get back to half guard. Nicely done.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Leighton tries to clinch but Hanagan moves away
letting Hanagan counter with a right hand.
Hanagan swats away the attempt to clinch by Leighton.
Leighton uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Hanagan.
Leighton tries to clinch but Hanagan is having none of it.
A big right from Hanagan misses.
Hanagan has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Leighton throws an overhand right that lands on Hanagan's shoulder, as Hanagan tries to avoid the shot.
Hanagan blocks a head kick by Leighton.
Hanagan throws a jab but it's blocked by Leighton.
Leighton shakes his hands off, looking to compose himself, but takes a jab to the jaw whilst he does it.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Leighton tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.

Hanagan has closed the distance and engaged Leighton in a clinch.
Leighton lands with a short shot to the head.
Hanagan misses with the head strike.
Hanagan can't find room to land a body shot as Leighton controls the action.
Leighton blocks a punch to the side of the head.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Leighton can't find room to land a body shot as Hanagan controls the action.
Hanagan tries to throw a body punch but Leighton avoids it by throwing Hanagan back against the cage.
Leighton lands with a right to the head.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Leighton.
Leighton misses with a punch on the inside.
Hanagan drops to a knee looking for a takedown but Leighton gets the underhooks and prevents it.
Leighton tries to stall but Hanagan uses the opportunity to gain a better position.
Leighton tries a body shot but Hanagan blocks it.
Leighton takes a shot to the head.
Hanagan can't find room to land a body shot as Leighton controls the action.
Leighton throws a punch but it's blocked by Hanagan.
Eliott Leighton has scored more points in the clinch so far.

Hanagan pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Leighton misses with a looping right.
Hanagan looks like he wants to counter punch here.
Leighton ducks under a wild hook from Hanagan.
Hanagan throws a hook but Leighton avoids it easily.
Leighton shoots in for a double leg but Hanagan sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
It seemed like Hanagan was going to counter with the hook but didn't fully commit to it.
Hanagan is looking to clinch.
Leighton appears to be looking for a counter takedown.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Leighton misses with a left hand
and Leighton takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Leighton misses with the combination.
Hanagan lands with a hook. Leighton tried to avoid it but it clipped the top of his 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!
Hanagan throws a hook but Leighton avoids it easily.
Leighton bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
A little feinted left hand from Leighton on the counter but he doesn't commit to it.
Hanagan smiles there as he lands a nice right hand right on the button.
Leighton connects with a jab.
Eliott Leighton has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Leighton lets the fists fly and connects with a left straight followed by a right hook.
Leighton avoids a punch combination nicely.
An inside leg kick lands from Leighton.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Hanagan with poor footwork there. He got himself in a bit of a tangle, enabling Leighton to score with a decent uppercut.
Leighton shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Hanagan as he jumps to the side.
Hanagan tries a counter takedown but it's more of a dummy move, and he uses it to push himself away.
Leighton lands a high kick!
Hanagan just misses with a punch to the body.
Leighton attempts a counter takedown but Hanagan avoids it well and moves away.
A swing and a miss from Leighton.
Leighton slips a straight right by Hanagan.
Hanagan takes a body punch but keeps moving.
Leighton tries a head kick but it misses.
Hanagan checks a leg kick nicely.
Hanagan scores with a jab.
Leighton fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Hanagan manages to avoid it.
Hanagan looks for a takedown but Leighton sprawls well.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Some wild striking there from Leighton.
Leighton pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Hanagan keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Leighton.
Hanagan digs a good hook to Leighton's body.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Leighton misses with an uppercut. Hanagan saw that one coming.
Hanagan comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Hanagan lands with a shot to the body.
Hanagan swings wildly with a hook that is half blocked by Leighton.
Leighton throws a looping overhand right but Hanagan ducks down to avoid it.
Hanagan connects with the punch.
Hanagan lands with a straight right. Leighton didn't see that one coming.
Leighton takes one to the side of the head.

Leighton is rocked!

And that's the end of the fight!
I would just about give that final round to Charley Hanagan.
I've got Hanagan 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 Robert Twigg scores the fight 27:30
Judge Alan Glass scores the fight 28:30
Judge Daniel Franklin scores the fight 27:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Charley Hanagan!
Our winner, Charley Hanagan, made sure he spent some time buttering up the crowd during his post fight interview, which will no doubt bring him a few more fans.
The defeated Eliott Leighton had this to say: 'Dis tool Hope, Wasted opportunity. Until we meet in the cage again, I am sure I will see this tool around and we will share some stories and. Wait! I am not done...'.