PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Pann Khumpai (ranked 3435 p4p, 312 weight class) and Justin Purcell (ranked 3916 p4p, 346 weight class). Justin Purcell has the eye of the tiger tonight.

Khumpai
vs
Purcell

170 cm
23
152 lbs
3 - 0 - 0

185 cm
27
155 lbs
2 - 1 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Excellent MT
KO power

BJJ Purple Belt
Basic striking
Granite chin

Fist MMA Gear

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the featherweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 3 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Hilo, Pann Khumpai!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 2 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Justin Purcell!
The judges for this bout are Roger Salmon, Josh West and Colin Fray.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Khumpai takes a step back and watches a body kick go sailing past his mid section.

Purcell moves into the clinch.
Khumpai misses with the head strike.
Khumpai misses with a body punch.
Khumpai is trying to push Purcell away but Purcell has him pressed against the cage, so he's going nowhere.
The pace really dropping off here, momentarily.
Kneeeeees! The crowd are calling for knees to the body. Purcell obliges.
Khumpai tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Purcell's elbow.
Purcell is working for a takedown up against the cage. He can't get it on this occasion though.
Purcell has dropped down and is looking to force the takedown but it's defended by Khumpai after a bit of a struggle.
Khumpai wants to break free. God knows he wants to breaaaak freeee.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Purcell slows down the pace here.
Khumpai using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Purcell has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
Purcell tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.
Pann Khumpai has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Justin Purcell.
Purcell tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Khumpai has Purcell pressed against the cage, preventing Purcell from circling away and getting back to striking at range.
Khumpai misses with a body punch.

Khumpai breaks from the clinch.
Pann Khumpai is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Sloppy strikes from Khumpai. Those never looked like landing.
Purcell misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Khumpai chopping away at his opponent's legs.

Purcell drives through and clinches with Khumpai against the cage.

Purcell pulls guard effortlessly.
Khumpai trying to stand up but can't free himself from Purcell's guard.
Khumpai is in a tricky position. We've heard reports from his gym mates at Finch Gym that he's been drilling escapes, so let's see if he can get back to his feet.

Khumpai stands up from guard. Let's bang!
Khumpai throws a nice inside leg kick.
Khumpai fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Khumpai lets loose with a powerful body kick. Purcell will feel that in the morning.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Purcell is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Khumpai looks to land a combination but Purcell avoids it well.
Khumpai wants to clinch.

Khumpai rushes Purcell and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Khumpai is defending well against a takedown attempt.
Khumpai misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Khumpai struggles to land a body shot inside as Purcell controls his hands.
Khumpai lands a body punch.
Khumpai lands with a short shot to the head.
Come on Khumpai - let's have some action - none of this stalling nonsense.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Khumpai stops a takedown attempt from Purcell.
Purcell tries for a takedown. No joy.
Khumpai prevents the takedown attempt.
Khumpai lands a left hand.

Khumpai breaks the clinch.
Khumpai throws a body kick that misses.
Purcell changes levels for a counter takedown but doesn't follow through with his attempt.
Purcell misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Khumpai doesn't manage to clinch there - Purcell circles away.
Khumpai lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Purcell circles away quickly and effectively.

Khumpai gets tackled into the cage by Purcell. Purcell maintains the clinch.

Khumpai breaks the clinch.
Khumpai misses with a few strikes there.
Khumpai tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Purcell paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Purcell doesn't manage to clinch there - Khumpai circles away.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Purcell swats away the attempt to clinch by Khumpai.
Khumpai tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Khumpai misses with an attempted mid kick.
Khumpai swinging wildly here.
Khumpai looks to land a combination but Purcell avoids it well.
Purcell moves out of range of the body kick.
Purcell swings and misses with a hook to the body.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Purcell looks for the body kick but Khumpai saw that one coming.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Purcell.
Justin Purcell seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Purcell takes one to the chin there.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Pann Khumpai dominated that round.
That's time! Khumpai's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

Purcell throws a shot from downtown. Khumpai moves away and avoids it.
Purcell changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Khumpai tries to avoid it but Purcell manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Khumpai to the ground. Khumpai escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Khumpai is looking for a counter combo.
Khumpai keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
A quick step to the side and Khumpai tries to counter with a shot to the body but it doesn't connect.
Purcell is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Khumpai.

Purcell gets a double leg takedown into Khumpai's guard.

Khumpai has his feet on Purcell's hips. He pushes off and gets to his feet. Nice work.
Purcell fails with the takedown
and Khumpai finishes the little exchange by landing a big kick to the body.

Khumpai pushes Purcell up against the cage in a clinch.
Khumpai doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Purcell jumps guard but his hands slip and he falls flat on his back. Well, he's made himself look a right mug there, as Khumpai walks away with a smile on his face. Purcell gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head.
Pann Khumpai has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Justin Purcell.
Khumpai circles away from the clinch attempt.
Khumpai is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Purcell can do to turn this around?

Purcell has Khumpai up against the cage in a clinch.
Purcell throws an elbow but it misses.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Purcell goes for a takedown in the clinch but Khumpai prevents it.

Khumpai breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Purcell throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Khumpai throws a big counter combination but Purcell scrambles out of danger and avoids any damage.
Purcell throws a body shot but no joy.
Purcell is a painfully thin specimen of a man. You do wonder whether a good body kick would snap him clean in two.
Purcell is looking to clinch but Khumpai is avoiding it.
Pann Khumpai is winning the standup battle so far.
Purcell uses good footwork to get in and out and land a nice right hand before Khumpai has time to react.
Nice body kick there by Khumpai.
Purcell is looking to clinch.
Khumpai throws a wild combination but nothing lands.

Khumpai forces Purcell back against the cage and clinches.
Khumpai connects with a nasty looking knee right to Purcell's face.
Purcell tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.
Khumpai lands a body punch - he's looking to wear down Purcell.
Purcell is breathing heavily.
Purcell goes for a takedown in the clinch but Khumpai prevents it.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Purcell tries to pull guard but Khumpai won't allow it.

Khumpai's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Purcell fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Khumpai avoids it really well and circles away.
As Purcell looks to move away, Khumpai throws a big counter combo but Purcell just gets out of the way.
Khumpai lands with a nice combination. Purcell backs away looking to recover.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.

Khumpai closes the distance and clinches.

Khumpai breaks from the clinch.
Khumpai scores with a one two! Purcell had his feet all tangled up there and couldn't avoid the strikes.

Khumpai moves into the clinch.
Khumpai tries to work over Purcell's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.

Khumpai escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
A jab lands there for Purcell.
Khumpai tries to clinch up but Purcell circles away and keeps his distance.

Khumpai has closed the distance and engaged Purcell in a clinch.
Purcell is working for a takedown up against the cage. He can't get it on this occasion though.
Khumpai manages to get underhooks and slows down the pace for a moment.
Both guys are working to get underhooks.
Khumpai throws a hook to the body. More of an arm punch but it's all scoring with the judges.
Khumpai scores with a shoulder strike.
Khumpai is trying to stall.
Purcell managing to block the knees to the body from Khumpai.
Purcell tries to pull guard but Khumpai forces him back to his feet, against the cage.
Purcell tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Purcell is trying to drag Khumpai to the mat but Khumpai just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.

Purcell pulls Khumpai into guard.
Khumpai wants to stand but Purcell has a closed guard, so he can't escape.

Purcell has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Khumpai can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.

Khumpai gets to his feet - Purcell follows without any prompting.

Khumpai clinches up with Purcell and pushes him back against the cage.

Purcell breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Pann Khumpai is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Decent striking displayed by Purcell there.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Pann Khumpai dominated that second 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.

Khumpai works Purcell's body with a nice hook.
Khumpai fakes a jab and throws a low kick but Purcell checks it well.
Purcell is looking to clinch.
Khumpai connects with a lovely jab that went straight through the gap between Purcell's hands.
Khumpai ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Khumpai is looking to counter punch.
Purcell avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Khumpai fails in his attempt to clinch.
Khumpai tries to clinch up.
Purcell tries to close the distance and clinch but Khumpai swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Purcell is looking to land body kicks.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Khumpai doesn't manage to clinch there - Purcell circles away.
Purcell tries to clinch but Khumpai moves out of range.
A slapping body kick lands there for Khumpai.
Khumpai is looking to land body kicks.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Khumpai throws a push kick but Purcell slaps the foot to one side.
Khumpai scores with a nice looking left hook and follows it up with an uppercut!
Purcell tries to clinch there but Khumpai circles away.
Purcell throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
A big right from Purcell misses.
Khumpai misses with a kick to the body.
Purcell swats away the attempt to clinch by Khumpai.
Purcell misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
It looked like Khumpai was looking amped, ready to throw a big counter but didn't commit.
Purcell fails with a takedown attempt.
Khumpai was looking to counter that move with a punch but didn't quite pull the trigger.
Purcell shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Khumpai sprawls well. Khumpai wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Purcell gets slowly back to his feet.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Khumpai is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
No joy there for Khumpai, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Purcell pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Khumpai is looking for a counter combo.
Purcell circles away from the clinch attempt.
Khumpai tries to clinch but Purcell moves out of range.
Khumpai connects nicely with a jab. Noted by the judges no doubt.
Purcell is trying hard to land a takedown here. Khumpai sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
Pann Khumpai has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Justin Purcell.
Khumpai keeps the fight on the outside.

Khumpai instigates a clinch.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Khumpai prevents a takedown attempt there.
Purcell takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Khumpai tries to throw a body punch but Purcell avoids it by throwing Khumpai back against the cage.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Khumpai tries a body shot but Purcell blocks it.
Purcell is trying to pull guard but being pressed up against the cage enables Khumpai to keep the fight standing.
Purcell lands a nice elbow.
Purcell misses with a hook to the ribs.
Khumpai is working Purcell over against the cage.
Khumpai tries to throw a body punch but Purcell avoids it by throwing Khumpai back against the cage.
Purcell is trying to pull guard but being pressed up against the cage enables Khumpai to keep the fight standing.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, Khumpai creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Khumpai.
Khumpai tries to throw a body punch but Purcell avoids it by throwing Khumpai back against the cage.
Khumpai presses Purcell against the cage and delivers a mid-strength body shot.
Purcell tries to pull guard but Khumpai forces him back to his feet, against the cage.
Khumpai misses with a body punch.

Khumpai breaks the clinch.
Khumpai ducks low and lands a nice hook to the body of his opponent.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Khumpai connects with a right hand. Purcell shakes it off.
Purcell tries for a takedown but Khumpai circles away easily
and Khumpai counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Purcell gets his head snapped back by a nice shot there.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
A solid leg kick lands there for Khumpai.
Khumpai throws a nice looking combination but Purcell bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Purcell circles away from the clinch attempt.
A little jabbing left from Purcell on the counter but it doesn't find it's target.
Purcell dodges the punch combination from Khumpai.
Khumpai wants to clinch.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Pann Khumpai clearly takes that round.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.

Khumpai tries to clinch up.
Purcell moves out of range of the body kick from Khumpai.

Khumpai darts in and clinches Purcell up against the cage.
A right hook to the body lands for Khumpai.
Khumpai on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
Pann Khumpai has scored more points in the clinch so far.

Khumpai escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Purcell tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Khumpai was well out of range. Poor timing from Purcell.
Purcell gets cracked there but stands up to it.
Purcell takes a nice looking leg kick right on the meat of his thigh there.

Khumpai clinches.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Khumpai prevents the takedown attempt.
Khumpai's corner are urging him to control the action in the clinch for a moment, rather than mount any serious offense. I'm sure the crowd appreciate those instructions... not.
Khumpai lands a body punch.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Khumpai tries to work over Purcell's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Purcell is absolutely dripping with sweat - he looks exhausted.
Khumpai tries to work over Purcell's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Khumpai lands a body punch.
Khumpai lands a body shot.

Khumpai's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Khumpai leaves Purcell with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
Khumpai moves into range and throws a combination. A nice jab followed by a hook to the body.

Khumpai has taken the fight to the clinch.
Khumpai lands a shot to the body.
Purcell is working on a leg, looking for a takedown but Khumpai is defending well.
Pann Khumpai has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Justin Purcell.
Khumpai goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Khumpai lands a glancing elbow in the clinch.
Khumpai works on Purcell's body with a couple of short punches.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Khumpai manages to break the clinch.
Purcell circles away from the clinch attempt.
Purcell counters with a body kick.
Khumpai swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.

Khumpai gets caught napping as Purcell dives in and scores a takedown. Khumpai manages to retain guard.
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!
Purcell missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Khumpai might be looking to lock onto one of his opponent's long limbs for a submission, whilst we're on the ground.
Khumpai is looking to get back to his feet but can't, whilst Purcell is controlling him.
Purcell throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Purcell stops Khumpai from standing up.
Justin Purcell has got the better of the ground game so far.

Purcell drops back for a leg! It's a sloppy attempt though and Purcell jumps back into guard quickly, to retain the dominant position.
Khumpai working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Purcell.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Khumpai wants to stand but Purcell is controlling the position.
Khumpai keeping moving, preventing Purcell from controlling successfully.

The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.
Khumpai tries to close the distance and clinch up but Purcell swats him away and circles back towards the center.

Khumpai forces Purcell back against the cage and clinches.
Come on Purcell - let's have some action - none of this stalling nonsense.

Khumpai is fighting off a takedown attempt but Purcell is just too persistent for him and manages to trip Khumpai to the mat. Khumpai regains guard as soon as the fighters hit the mat.

Khumpai is edging up against the cage. He's using the cage to get back to his feet. Nice work there - the fighters are clinched.
Khumpai is pressed up against the cage. Purcell has hold of a leg and is looking to drag Khumpai down to the mat. Khumpai avoids the attempt though and has circled away. We're back to striking at a distance.
Khumpai throws a front kick that sends Purcell stumbling back into the cage.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Khumpai moves into range and clinches up with Purcell.
Khumpai is leaning against Purcell and scores with a nice uppercut to the body.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Khumpai lands a body shot in the clinch.
Khumpai tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Khumpai works on Purcell's body with a couple of short punches.
Nice body punch from Khumpai.
Khumpai struggles to land a body shot inside as Purcell controls his hands.
Purcell tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.

Khumpai breaks from the clinch.

Khumpai gets in close and instigates a clinch.
A short body shot lands from Khumpai as the two fighters clinch.
Khumpai tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Khumpai tries to land knees in the clinch but Purcell avoids the damage to the body.
Khumpai blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.

Khumpai breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Pann Khumpai had his way with Justin Purcell in that round.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action! So, we enter the final round. Let's see if either fighter can bring us a finish, or whether we're going to the judges scorecards.

Khumpai moves into range and clinches up with Purcell.
Purcell is trying to pull guard but Khumpai turns him against the cage and we stay in the clinch.
Khumpai tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Purcell has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Khumpai is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.
Purcell is looking for a takedown up against the cage. Khumpai gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.
Pann Khumpai has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Justin Purcell.

Purcell pulls guard successfully.
Khumpai has decided he wants to stand but the closed guard of Purcell is proving hard to escape from.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Purcell is working an open guard so Khumpai takes the opportunity to get back to his feet.
Khumpai tries to clinch up but Purcell circles away and keeps his distance.
Nice defenses there by Khumpai.
Khumpai throws a big counter combination but Purcell scrambles out of danger and avoids any damage.
Purcell is wobbling all over the place through exhaustion. Will he make it to the final bell?

That's one minute gone in the round.
Purcell fails with an attempt to clinch.
Purcell keeps the fight on the outside.
Purcell looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Khumpai is fending him off so far but Purcell persists. Nope, Khumpai circles away and we're back to standing.
Purcell fails with a takedown attempt.

Khumpai moves into the clinch.
Purcell jumps guard but Khumpai turns him against the cage and keeps the fight standing.
Khumpai tries to work over Purcell's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.

Khumpai breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Khumpai closes the distance and lands a one-two.
Khumpai tries to clinch but Purcell moves out of range.
Purcell misses with a low kick as Khumpai jumps back.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Khumpai tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Purcell circles away from the clinch attempt.
Khumpai tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.

Khumpai rushes Purcell and presses him up against the cage.
Khumpai lands with a short punch from the clinch.

Khumpai manages to break the clinch.
Purcell takes a punch to the jaw and another one to the bread basket.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Khumpai fails in his attempt to clinch.
A nice inside leg kick there by Khumpai. That's going to slow Purcell down.
Purcell wants to clinch.
Pann Khumpai is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Khumpai misses with a few strikes there.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Purcell shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Khumpai appears to be looking for a big counter.
Purcell shoots in for a takedown but Khumpai shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Khumpai went nuts there looking for a big combo counter but none of the flurry connected.
Purcell throws a leg kick that misses.
Khumpai tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Purcell throws a looping overhand right but Khumpai ducks down to avoid it.
Purcell throws a leg kick but he was too far away and it doesn't land.
Khumpai throws a big counter combination but Purcell scrambles out of danger and avoids any damage.
Justin Purcell has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Khumpai fails to land with a series of punches.
Purcell tries to close the distance and clinch but Khumpai swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Khumpai fails with an attempt to clinch.

Purcell closes the distance and clinches.
Purcell wants a takedown but no success here.

Purcell has dropped down and is working for a takedown. Khumpai is trying to keep an underhook but Purcell manages to get the takedown into half guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Purcell thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
Khumpai looks like he's trying to stand up.
Khumpai knows he needs to get back to his feet asap. He's simply no match for Purcell on the ground.
Purcell throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Purcell looking to pass the half guard. Not this time.
Purcell not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.

Purcell decides he's had enough of the ground and stands up.
Purcell misses with a low kick.

And that's the end of the fight!
Pann Khumpai showed his dominance in that final round.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Khumpai, winning every round. Will the judges agree? They are the ones who matter, even if they are often depressingly incompetent. 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 Roger Salmon scores the fight 50:45
Judge Josh West scores the fight 50:45
Judge Colin Fray scores the fight 50:45

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Pann Khumpai!
Pann Khumpai retains his featherweight title!