PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Ted Bundy (ranked 1249 p4p, 991 weight class) and Juju Baraka (ranked 175 p4p, 138 weight class). Baraka has chosen Burning Spear as his entrance music. Ted Bundy has a significant reach advantage - let's see if he can make it count.

Bundy
vs
Baraka

225 cm
32
277
22 - 13 - 0

203 cm
28
243
11 - 7 - 0

Great wrestler
Excellent boxer
Insanely flexible

Good wrestler
World class MT
Good gas tank

Voodoo Nutrition

Urban Fighter
Brooklyn Apothecary

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 22 - 13 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Ted Bundy!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 11 - 7 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Juju Baraka!
The judges for this bout are Don Winkell, Frank Antenori and Jack Bonds.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Baraka catches Bundy with a nice straight right. He seems pissed - ooooh, it's on now! On like donkey kong!
Baraka throws a low kick but his opponent is out of range.
Bundy half commits to a counter takedown before pushing away, out of range.
Baraka tries to clinch but Bundy is having none of it.
Bundy blocks a jab.
Bundy changes levels looking for a counter takedown but doesn't commit.
Baraka throws a lazy head kick

and Bundy counters with a nice shoot takedown that brings the fighters to the ground.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Baraka looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Baraka wants to stand up but Bundy is controlling him.

Bundy is trying to work a guillotine from the top, or something like that? Don't know how he thinks he's going to get a finish from there.
Baraka looking to hit a scissor sweep but Bundy is one step ahead there.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Baraka wants to stand but Bundy is controlling the position.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Bundy works a leg free and moves into half guard.
The referee walks around the fighters to get a better view of the action. Bundy lands a nice short elbow.
Bundy working the head and body with strikes.

Baraka is defending against the submission attempts here by Bundy.
Baraka is trying to control but can't.

Bundy is sneakily working for an arm triangle but Baraka sees it coming and defends easily.
The fighters are battling for position here. Baraka manages to regain full guard. Nice work.
Bundy looking to pass the guard.
Bundy sneaks a leg through and gets to half guard. That was like a knife through butter how easily he passed Baraka's guard.
Bundy trying to control the action but Baraka is working from the bottom.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Bundy is looking to pass the guard... He's managed it - he's now in full mount!
Bundy tries to control but Baraka wriggling away.
Bundy landing strikes from the mount.
Baraka tries to hold on but Bundy postures up.

Bundy goes for an armbar but he's not got it… Baraka turns into him and now he's in Bundy's guard.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Baraka is just sitting in guard, looking to avoid any submissions.
Baraka is looking to stand up but Bundy won't let him.
Bundy will need to keep those long limbs tucked in whilst he's on the ground, to prevent any submissions.

Bundy working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Baraka doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Baraka manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.
Bundy really does look like a pencil wearing a pair of gloves. Let's hope he has a gameplan to suit that ridiculous body shape.
Baraka tries to stand but Bundy is controlling from the bottom.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Baraka seems content to control from guard here. He's going to have to remain active though if he doesn't want to get stood back up.
Baraka trying to control but Bundy is working from the bottom.
Baraka postures up in Bundy's guard and throws a big left but Bundy blocks it.

Bundy is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Baraka is aware though and is defending well.

Bundy has his foot on Baraka's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Baraka works his way back into a safe position though.

Bundy is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Baraka defends well.

Bundy working for a triangle but Baraka defends it easily.
Baraka would like to get this fight back to the feet but can't get free from the closed guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are showing their displeasure at the lack of action as loud boos ring out around the arena.
Baraka working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Baraka wanted to stand there but Bundy had control of the position.
Baraka wants to control from the top but Bundy keeps moving.
Baraka must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.

Bundy throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.

Bundy looking for a guillotine here but Baraka defends easily.
Bundy is trying to control the position from the bottom.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Baraka is looking to stand up but Bundy won't let him.
Baraka is pushing down on Bundy's leg trying to pass to half guard. Bundy is fighting to maintain full guard but Baraka has managed to sneak the leg through.

Bundy looking for submissions off his back.
Baraka wants to stand up but Bundy has a hold of him and won't allow it.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Ted Bundy dominated that round.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

Baraka fails with an attempt to clinch.
Bundy walks into a stiff left hand from Baraka.

It looks like Ted Bundy has been cut.
Baraka throws an ugly left hook that misses

and Bundy counters with a takedown into side control! That could mean trouble for Baraka!

Bundy goes for an armbar here - this could be all over! But no, Baraka has escaped beautifully and is now on top in side control! Oh, that's unlucky for Bundy but great work by Baraka.
Bundy is trying to improve his position.
Bundy is trying to get back to half guard. He's pushing on Baraka's leg. He's managed it. Nice work.
Baraka wants to stand but Bundy has hold of a leg and an arm, so he's trapped for now.

Baraka decides he's had enough of the ground and stands up.
Baraka waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Bundy.
Bundy half commits to a counter takedown before pushing away, out of range.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Baraka doesn't manage to clinch there - Bundy circles away.
Bundy feinted with a counter takedown.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Baraka takes a swing at Bundy's ribcage but misses.
Bundy feinted with a counter takedown.
The crowd cheers as Baraka lands an impressive looking overhand right. Bundy doesn't seem phased though.
Juju Baraka is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Bundy slips a straight right by Baraka.
Bundy appears to be looking for a counter takedown.
Baraka lands a leg kick and bounces back out of range.
Baraka throws a sloppy head kick and Bundy moves out of range easily.
Bundy displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Baraka throws out the jab.
Baraka pulls out of a head kick attempt.

Baraka moves into the clinch successfully.
Baraka lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.

Bundy ties up his opponent against the cage and manages to drag the fight down to the ground. Bundy no doubt will be looking to work submissions from his guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Bundy is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Baraka defends well.
Ted Bundy overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.

Baraka avoids a guillotine attempt easily.
Baraka trying to control but Bundy is working from the bottom.
Bundy looking to control.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

Bundy has his foot on Baraka's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Baraka works his way back into a safe position though.

Baraka got a little sloppy there for a moment and Bundy has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Baraka has managed to get both his arms back between Bundy's legs - danger averted.
Bundy is trying to keep Baraka in close.

Baraka stands up and waves to Bundy to follow him.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.

Baraka drives through and clinches with Bundy against the cage.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Baraka lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Bundy backwards.

Bundy manages to pull guard. Let's see whether he can land a sub off his back.

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

Baraka avoids a guillotine attempt easily.
Bundy keeping moving, preventing Baraka from controlling successfully.

Baraka stands and steps away. Bundy gets to his feet too and we're back to the striking game.
Juju Baraka seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Baraka throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Baraka connects with a hook to the side of his opponent's head.
Bundy moves out of range of the strikes.
Baraka tries to close the distance and clinch up but Bundy swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Baraka throws a hook to the side of Bundy's head but Bundy sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Bundy feinted with a counter takedown.
Baraka connects with a looping left hand that seems like it dazed Bundy momentarily.
Baraka throws a leg kick but Bundy sees it coming and checks it nicely.
Baraka throws a jab when Bundy was well out of range.
Baraka dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
The step up in weight doesn't seem to be a problem for Baraka. He's performing admirably here against the bigger man.
Bundy avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Bundy attempts a counter takedown but Baraka avoids it well and moves away.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Juju Baraka showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The cut man is working on Ted Bundy's cut.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare each other down, ready to get back to the action. This is the final round!

Baraka throws out a loose jab but Bundy uses good head movement to avoid it.
Juju Baraka seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Some bone on bone action there as Bundy checks a low kick. Luckily it wasn't a particularly hard one.
A jab from Baraka does it's job there.
Bundy takes a really solid shot there but just smiles back and shrugs his shoulders.
Baraka misses with a straight right.
Bundy changes levels looking for a counter takedown but doesn't commit.
Bundy takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Baraka scoring well with a low kick there.
Baraka throws a looping overhand right but Bundy ducks down to avoid it.
Bundy appears to be looking for a counter takedown.
Baraka tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Bundy manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Bundy attempts a counter takedown but Baraka avoids it well and moves away.

That's one minute gone in the round.
A nice inside leg kick there by Baraka. That's going to slow Bundy down.
Bundy swats away the attempt to clinch by Baraka.

Baraka rushes Bundy and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.
An uppercut to the body lands inside from Baraka.
A body shot lands from Baraka.
Baraka tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Bundy prevents a body shot from Baraka.
Baraka tries to work over Bundy's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Bundy is trying to pull guard but Baraka turns him against the cage and we stay in the clinch.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Baraka pushes Bundy back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.
Baraka lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Bundy backwards.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Baraka.
Bundy fails to pull the fight into his guard.
Bundy is trying to pull guard but Baraka turns him against the cage and we stay in the clinch.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Ted Bundy. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Baraka tries to work over Bundy's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Baraka doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Baraka pushes Bundy back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.
Baraka throws a punch but it's blocked by Bundy.
Bundy jumps guard but Baraka turns him against the cage and keeps the fight standing.

Baraka breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Bundy moves away from the strike by Baraka.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Baraka moves in looking to clinch but Bundy pushes him off.
Bundy appears to be looking for a counter takedown.
Baraka's corner calls for a 1-2. Baraka obliges with the 1 part as he scores the single shot and moves back out of range.
Bundy keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Baraka.
Bundy drops down looking for a counter takedown but Baraka sprawls and moves away.
Baraka looks to throw the jab but Bundy is out of range.
Bundy feinted with a counter takedown.
Bundy staying out of range there.
Bundy tries to counter with a takedown but Baraka is quick to defend against it.
Baraka misses with a lunging right hand

and Bundy counters with a shoot takedown into half guard.
Bundy wants to take a breather but Baraka is having none of it.
Bundy looking to pass the half guard. Not this time.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Baraka gets full guard.
Bundy preventing the sweep.
Bundy slips effortlessly into side control - very nice.
Bundy lands a nice forearm strike.
Baraka prevents Bundy from improving position.

Bundy tries for an arm triangle. That looks pretty tight to me. Is this one over!?! Possibly, maybe, no Bundy has let go of the choke. Obviously it wasn't as tight as we thought!
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!

Bundy looking for an arm triangle but it's way too loose to do anything.
Bundy tries to advance to mount but Baraka denies him.

And that's the end of the fight!
Juju Baraka comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think Baraka has won this one but let's see whether the judges agree with me. 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 Don Winkell scores the fight 28:29
Judge Frank Antenori scores the fight 28:29
Judge Jack Bonds scores the fight 28:29

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Juju Baraka!
An out of breath Juju Baraka thanked his loyal fans in his post fight interview, giving them credit for his success over the course of his career.