PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Jack Spratt (ranked 43 p4p, 114 weight class) and Papa Legba (ranked 8 p4p, 17 weight class). Spratt kept the crowd waiting but all that was forgotten when his ring entrance music started. The incomparable musical genius that is Havana. 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.

Spratt
vs
Legba

189 cm
30
195
16 - 4 - 0

178 cm
30
185
20 - 7 - 2

Good wrestling
World class boxer
Insanely flexible

Olympic wrestler
World class boxer
Granite chin

Urban Fighter

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 16 - 4 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Jack Spratt!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 20 - 7 - 2, fighting out of New York, Papa Legba!
The judges for this bout are Sam Margolis, James Glass and Phil Schofield.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Legba gets cracked there but stands up to it.
Legba slips under a jab from Spratt.
Spratt has his hands up protecting his head but a hook from Legba finds it's way round the side to connect with Spratt's head.
Legba throws a hook but Spratt avoids it easily.
It looked like Spratt was trying to counter with a body shot coming off that last attack from Legba.
Legba throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Spratt.
Spratt was looking to counter that last move with a shot to the body but he didn't commit.
Spratt misses with a telegraphed body shot
letting Legba counter with a right hand.
A telegraphed right hand from Spratt misses the target.
Legba bobs and weaves and unloads with a good uppercut.
Spratt has his head snapped back a nice jab. A little nod from Spratt there as he acknowledges the shot.
Legba connects with a right hand. Spratt shakes it off.
Jack Spratt seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
A looping hook to the body misses from Spratt. Legba does a little dance to reset his feet.
Legba with a hook.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Legba tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Spratt was well out of range. Poor timing from Legba.
Legba takes a body punch but keeps moving.
Spratt moves out of range of the strikes.
Spratt misses the shot to the body.
Legba looked like he wanted to counter with a punch but didn't throw it.
Spratt throws a body shot but no joy.
Spratt misses the shot to the body.
Spratt throws a big shot that misses.
A little jabbing left from Legba on the counter but it doesn't find it's target.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Legba fails with a takedown attempt.
Legba avoids the body shot from Spratt.
Spratt is looking to wear down Legba with body shots, infact he's throwing more body shots than head shots at the moment.
Spratt throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Spratt misses with a straight left.
Spratt misses with an uppercut.
Legba stuns Spratt with a nice body shot, before stepping back out of range.
A punch lands to the side of Legba 's head but he takes it in his stride.
Spratt slips in close and lands a nice hook before moving back out of range.
Spratt waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Legba.
Spratt throws a right and a left that both miss.
A looping hook to the body misses from Legba. Spratt does a little dance to reset his feet.
Spratt throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Legba sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Spratt throws a couple of head shots and lands with the final one - a decent hook, which struck Legba on the side of the head.
Spratt cracks Legba with an open hand slap.
Spratt connects with a lovely jab that went straight through the gap between Legba's hands.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Spratt uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Legba.
Spratt misses with a body shot
and Legba counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Spratt misses with a wild body shot.
Spratt slips under a jab.
Legba moves out of range as Spratt strikes.
A nice side step and Legba releases a counter shot to the body, but it doesn't find it's home.
Legba fakes a jab and then connects with a hook.
Spratt jabs at Legba's body.
Spratt throws a body shot but no joy.
Legba misses the jab.
Legba misses with a hook
and Spratt counters with a straight right hand.
Spratt misses with a looping right.
Legba cracks a nice hook into Spratt's ribs.
Legba throws a body shot but no joy.
Legba uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Spratt.
Legba showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Spratt.
Good standup being displayed there by Legba as he connects with a hook.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Spratt connects nicely with a jab. Noted by the judges no doubt.
Legba lands with a cross.
Spratt throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd.

Legba shoots in from a long way out. He's driving through with the takedown attempt and he eventually gets it, landing in Spratt's guard.
Spratt seems keen to control rather than go for a submission, at least for now.
Spratt being controlled here, momentarily.
Spratt will need to keep those long limbs tucked in whilst he's on the ground, to prevent any submissions.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Spratt wants to control the position but Legba says "no thanks buddy" and passes to half guard.
Legba seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Spratt does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.

Legba seems to be working for a kimura but Spratt defends the submission attempt.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

Legba is working for a kimura but Spratt is defending it quite comfortably.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but Papa Legba will probably get the nod.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

Spratt misses with an uppercut. Legba saw that one coming.
Legba takes a jab right on the kisser.
Nice uppercut lands for Legba. That snapped Spratt's head back.

Spratt has Legba up against the cage in a clinch.
Legba misses with a punch on the inside.
Spratt lands a nice shot to the body.
Legba prevents a body shot from Spratt.
A right hook to the body lands for Spratt.
A short body shot lands from Spratt as the two fighters clinch.
Spratt tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Legba blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Legba looking to stall.
Legba has hold of a leg and is looking for a trip takedown. Spratt avoids it nicely though and we remain in the clinch.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Spratt lands a body shot in the clinch.
Spratt lands with a short punch from the clinch.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Legba.
Legba is breathing heavily.
Spratt lands a hook to the side of the head.
Spratt tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Legba's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!

That's one minute gone in the round.
Spratt lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Legba backwards.
Spratt lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
Spratt works for underhooks and lands a body shot in the process.
Spratt lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
Spratt lands with a light punch inside.
Spratt blocks an uppercut.
Legba is trying to work for a single leg takedown but Spratt pulls him back up using the underhooks.
Legba changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Spratt fights it off and pushes away nicely.
Jack Spratt has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Papa Legba.
Spratt throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Decent striking displayed by Spratt there.
Legba takes a swing at Spratt's ribcage but misses.
Spratt tests Legba's chin there with a solid looking shot.

Spratt takes the fight into the clinch.
Spratt misses with the head strike.
Spratt lands with a light punch inside.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Spratt lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Legba backwards.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Spratt lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Legba backwards.
Spratt lands a body punch - he's looking to wear down Legba.
Spratt is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Legba can do to turn this around?
Spratt lands a body shot in the clinch.
Spratt lands a shoulder strike.
Spratt lands with a left to the head.
Legba stalling in the clinch but Spratt improves position.
Spratt scores with a shoulder strike.
Spratt goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Spratt tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Spratt lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
Spratt lands a hook to the side of the head.
Spratt misses with a hook to the ribs.
A nice left hand lands by Spratt.
Jack Spratt has scored more points in the clinch so far.
Spratt lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
Spratt tries to throw a body punch but Legba avoids it by throwing Spratt back against the cage.
Spratt fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Legba goes for a takedown in the clinch but Spratt prevents it.
Spratt throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Legbas head.
Still in the clinch, Spratt scores with a nice short uppercut.
Legba lands a body shot.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Spratt goes for a body shot but it's blocked.

Legba lands a takedown into guard.
Legba with a flurry of punches that miss.
Spratt pulls Legba in close to prevent any damage.
Legba looking to pass the guard.
Legba wants to control from the top but Spratt keeps moving.
Spratt looking to control the pace of the fight rather than finish it.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Legba pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Spratt is keeping the position for now.
We may be looking at a referee standup if the pace doesn't pick up soon.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Legba trying to control but Spratt is working from the bottom.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Legba throws a body punch but Spratt moves out of range.
Jack Spratt is winning the standup battle so far.
Legba scores with a decent looking hook.
Legba misses the shot to the body.
The fighters circling - Legba throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Legba takes a jab on the nose. He smiles like he loves it and keeps coming.
Spratt misses with a wild body shot.
Spratt scores with the left hand. Legba knows he should have avoided that one.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Jack Spratt dominated that second 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.

Spratt jabs Legba right on the nose. Legba blinks but takes it well.
Legba feints a straight left to the body, then turns around with a flashy move and hits Spratts jaw with a dramatic spinning back fist!
Spratt throws a big shot that misses.
Legba gets cracked there but stands up to it.
The fighters circling - Spratt throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Spratt tries to clinch up but Legba circles away and keeps his distance.
Spratt jabs. That one connects to the head of his opponent.
Legba looks to score with a jab to the body but Spratt is just out of range.
Spratt just misses with a punch to the body.
Legba looks like he wants to counter punch here.
Legba uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Spratt.
Spratt is using his reach advantage well here, landing the more effective single shots from range.
Legba throws a lazy right hand but Spratt sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Spratt throws a hook but Legba blocks it.
Spratt throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Spratt takes a swing at Legba's ribcage but misses.
A slow jab from Spratt misses its intended target.
Spratt takes a shot to the nose. Hopefully that hasn't broken it.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Legba swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Spratt misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Spratt ducks low and lands a nice hook to the body of his opponent.

Spratt clinches up with Legba and pushes him back against the cage.
Legba looking for a takedown.
Spratt is using his height advantage well here, landing a good percentage of his punches.
Legba goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
A nice left hand lands by Spratt.
A short uppercut from Spratt.
Spratt misses with some punches.
Spratt misses with a hook to the ribs.
Legba looking to slow down the pace here.
Spratt presses Legba against the cage and delivers a mid-strength body shot.
Legba takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Legba is working for a takedown up against the cage. He can't get it on this occasion though.
A shot in the inside from Legba.
Spratt lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Legba backwards.
Spratt stays in close to his opponent and throws a right hand to the body.
Spratt misses with a body punch.
Spratt softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
A head punch blocked on the inside by Legba.
Spratt swings wildly with an uppercut but Legba uses good head movement to avoid it.
Spratt gets underhooks to prevent Legba's takedown attempt.
Jack Spratt has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Papa Legba.
Spratt lands a body punch.
Spratt lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Legba backwards.
Spratt is leaning against Legba and scores with a nice uppercut to the body.
A short uppercut from Spratt.
Spratt lands a left hand that snaps the head of Legba backwards.
Spratt lands a hook to the body. It's hard to tell if that hurt Legba or not.
A nice left hand lands by Spratt.
Spratt tries to work over Legba's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Spratt lands a body shot in the clinch.
Spratt is leaning against Legba and scores with a nice uppercut to the body.
A hook to the body from Spratt.
Spratt digs a right hand underneath Legba's ribcage. Legba let out a lung full of air as it connected.
Spratt lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
Spratt doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Legba prevents a body shot from Spratt.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Spratt scores with a shot to the side of Legba's head.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Spratt.
Legba blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Spratt scores with a nice hook to the head.
Spratt scores with a shot to the side of Legba's head.
Spratt scores with an uppercut up the middle.
Spratt working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
Spratt misses with a punch to the body.
Legba goes for a takedown in the clinch but Spratt prevents it.
Legba misses with a short punch on the inside.
Spratt stays in close to his opponent and throws a right hand to the body.
Nice body punch from Spratt.
Spratt misses with a punch to the body.
Nice body punch from Spratt - that landed with a thud.
Legba's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Spratt lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
Spratt lands a body punch.
Spratt throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Legbas head.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Spratt prevents the takedown attempt.
Spratt lands a body punch.
Spratt can't find room to land a body shot as Legba controls the action.
Spratt lands a body shot.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, Spratt creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
Spratt lands with a right to the head.
Spratt lands a right hand that snaps the head of Legba backwards.
Spratt works on Legba's body with a couple of short punches.
A short uppercut from Spratt.
Spratt lands a nice uppercut.
Spratt lands a body punch in the clinch.
Spratt lands a shoulder strike.
Spratt lands a hook that snaps the head of Legba backwards.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Spratt.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
A right handed body shot lands from Spratt.
Spratt struggles to land a body shot inside as Legba controls his hands.
Spratt misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Spratt tries to throw a body punch but Legba avoids it by throwing Spratt back against the cage.
Spratt misses with a hook to the ribs.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Jack Spratt clearly takes that round.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business.

Spratt throws a lazy right hand but Legba sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Legba is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Spratt.
Spratt lands a jab followed by a nice looking cross.
A swing and a miss from Legba.
Legba walks into a left hand.
Spratt fakes a jab and then connects with a hook.
Spratt throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Spratt throws a body punch but Legba moves out of range.
Legba ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Spratt ducks under a wild hook from Legba.
Legba shakes his hands off, looking to compose himself, but takes a jab to the jaw whilst he does it.
Spratt swings for the body but Legba moves out of range.
Spratt tests Legba's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Spratt dips to his left and cracks Legba with an uppercut!

Legba is rocked!

That's one minute gone in the round.
Legba looks to score with a jab to the body but Spratt is just out of range.
Legba throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Spratt sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Spratt throws out a powerful jab.
Spratt misses with an uppercut. Legba saw that one coming.
Legba throws out a counter right but Spratt avoids it with no problem.
Legba throws a jab when Spratt was well out of range.
Spratt throws the left hand but Legba avoids the punch easily.
It seemed like Legba was going to counter with the hook but didn't fully commit to it.
Spratt lands a jab to Legba's midsection.
Legba has a pretty nasty looking mouse under his right eye.
Spratt tries to close the distance and clinch but Legba swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Jack Spratt is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
A jab lands there for Legba.
Spratt throws a looping overhand right but Legba ducks down to avoid it.
Spratt looks to land a left hand but Legba moved out of range nicely.
Decent striking displayed by Spratt there.
Legba lands with a straight right. Spratt didn't see that one coming.
Spratt swings for the body but Legba moves out of range.
A big right from Legba misses.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Spratt throws a lazy right hand but Legba sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Legba misses with a straight left.
Spratt misses with a jab, cross combination.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Spratt thuds a left hand into Legba's body.
Spratt takes one on the chin but seems OK.
Spratt scores with a sloppy punch to the body. Not much technique there but it did the business.
Legba tries to drive through with a takedown attempt but Spratt defends well and Legba ends up having to push Spratt into the cage where they will battle it out in the clinch.

Spratt tries to sprawl but Legba drives through with a takedown into half guard.
Legba is keen to just control but Spratt is a slippery customer.
Legba controlling the pace.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Legba is trying to control. Spratt wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.
Spratt is looking to improve his position.
Legba looks to score some points with some ground and pound.
Legba sitting and controlling from the half guard.
Legba trying to mount his opponent but Spratt defends it.
We must be close to a standup if these guys don't pick up the pace.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.
Still in half guard, Legba seems content to control.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Legba lands a straight punch to the body, keeping Spratt at a distance.
Legba on the wrong end of a vicious looking body shot.
Legba tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Spratt was well out of range. Poor timing from Legba.
Spratt looks to score with a jab to the body but Legba is just out of range.
A lazy left from Legba finds it's target.
Spratt lands a body shot.
Legba is pinned up against the cage taking some big shots here. The referee is looking closely deciding whether he should stop the fight.
Legba steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Spratt.
Legba avoids the body shot from Spratt.
Legba loads up on a big right hand but Spratt slips the punch.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Jack Spratt had his way with Papa Legba in that round.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin! This is the final round!

Legba dips to his left and cracks Spratt with an uppercut!
Spratt moves out of range of the strikes.
Legba walks into a straight right hand from Spratt.
Legba uses good footwork to get in and out and land a nice right hand before Spratt has time to react.
Legba walks into a left hand.
Spratt fakes and then throws a beautiful body shot. Legba looks a bit winded and takes a step backwards to take a breath.

Spratt forces Legba back against the cage and clinches.
Spratt misses with a punch to the body.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Legba.
Legba drops to a knee looking for a takedown but Spratt gets the underhooks and prevents it.
Legba scores with an uppercut up the middle.
Spratt misses with a punch on the inside.
Legba is trying to drag Spratt to the mat but Spratt just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.
Spratt tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Legba's elbow.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Spratt misses with some punches.
Spratt lands on the inside with an uppercut.
Legba blocks a punch to the side of the head.
A short left from Spratt.
A short uppercut from Spratt.
Spratt cracks Legba with a nice body shot.
Legba makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
Legba tries for a takedown but Spratt manages to get underhooks.
Jack Spratt has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Papa Legba.
Legba goes for a takedown in the clinch but Spratt prevents it.
Legba is wobbling all over the place through exhaustion. Will he make it to the final bell?
Spratt lands a left hand that snaps the head of Legba backwards.
Spratt lands an uppercut.
Legba drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Legba drops to a knee looking for a takedown but Spratt gets the underhooks and prevents it.
Spratt scores with a shot to the side of Legba's head.
Papa Legba has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Jack Spratt is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Legba tries for a takedown but Spratt manages to get underhooks.
Spratt can't find room to land a body shot as Legba controls the action.
Legba tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Legba swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Legba is looking to take this one to the mat.
Legba throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Spratts head.
Spratt blocking some punches.
Legba is working hard here but doesn't seem to be able to control effectively, up against the cage.
Legba goes for a takedown in the clinch but Spratt prevents it.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Legba jumps guard but Spratt stands there with Legba around his waist. Legba gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch.
A nice right hand lands inside from Legba.
Legba is working for a takedown up against the cage. He can't get it on this occasion though.
Spratt prevents a body shot from Legba.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Legba.
Legba can't find room to land a body shot as Spratt controls the action.
Spratt throws a punch but it's blocked by Legba.
Spratt throws a hook to the body. More of an arm punch but it's all scoring with the judges.
Legba working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Spratt blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Legba is stalling here. The referee will be looking to step in if he doesn't pick up the pace.
Spratt misses with a short punch on the inside.
Spratt is defending well against a takedown attempt.
Spratt gets underhooks to prevent Legba's takedown attempt.
Legba drops to a knee looking for a takedown but Spratt gets the underhooks and prevents it.
Legba tries to stall but Spratt uses the opportunity to gain a better position.
Spratt prevents a body shot from Legba.

And that's the end of the fight!
Jack Spratt showed his dominance in that final round.
I think Spratt 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 Sam Margolis scores the fight 50:46
Judge James Glass scores the fight 49:46
Judge Phil Schofield scores the fight 50:44

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Jack Spratt!
Jack Spratt retains his middleweight title!
During a confident post fight interview, Jack Spratt thanked all his fans. He seemed very genuine when describing how motivated his fans keep him.