PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Ralph McGuire (ranked 428 p4p, 564 weight class) and Blake Phoenix (ranked 62 p4p, 79 weight class). McGuire comes to the cage accompanied by Confederate Railroad - Daddy Never Was The Cadillac Kind. Ralph McGuire had a look across the cage there at his opponent. He definitely means business

McGuire
vs
Phoenix

190 cm
29
206
18 - 6 - 0

189 cm
27
210
13 - 5 - 0

Good wrestling
World class boxer
Insanely flexible

Good wrestler
World class boxer
Good gas tank

Paddy's Enhancing Drugs (160Q)
Brooklyn Apothecary

Urban Fighter
Brooklyn Apothecary

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 18 - 6 - 0, fighting out of New York, Ralph McGuire!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 13 - 5 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Blake Phoenix!
The judges for this bout are Anthony Taglia, Steve Montenegro and Russell Pearce.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Phoenix gets tackled into the cage by McGuire. McGuire maintains the clinch.
McGuire tries to work over Phoenix's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
I was talking to McGuire's coach per-fight and he was telling me that they'd been working on the clinch in the runup to this fight.
McGuire misses with a punch to the body.

Phoenix jumps guard.

Phoenix throws his legs up looking for a submission but McGuire uses it to pass to side control.
Phoenix looking for a sweep but McGuire has passed into full mount! Oh no!
Phoenix is looking to get to half guard.
Phoenix wants to control but McGuire is having none of it.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Phoenix is working to get back to half guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.

McGuire is standing up out of mount! Strange tactic there - he must really want this one on the feet!
Phoenix dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Phoenix looks to throw the jab but McGuire is out of range.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
McGuire pivots as if he's going to throw a leg kick but stops half way.
McGuire tried to score with a low kick but Phoenix checks it.
McGuire jabs at Phoenix's body.
Phoenix on the wrong end of an overhand right that came out of nowhere.

It looks like Blake Phoenix has been cut.
McGuire tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Phoenix was well out of range. Poor timing from McGuire.
McGuire throws a body shot but no joy.
McGuire throws a quick inside leg kick.
Ralph McGuire seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Phoenix tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but McGuire was well out of range. Poor timing from Phoenix.
McGuire was looking to counter that move with a punch but didn't quite pull the trigger.
McGuire getting the better of the striking in that exchange.
Phoenix misses with a body shot
and McGuire makes the exchange count by landing a cracking kick to the body. Phoenix really felt that one!
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
McGuire misses with a leg kick.

McGuire rushes Phoenix and presses him up against the cage.
McGuire taking a break, stalling in the clinch.
Phoenix tries to throw a body punch but McGuire avoids it by throwing Phoenix back against the cage.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
McGuire takes a shot to the head.
McGuire tries a body shot but Phoenix blocks it.
McGuire misses with an elbow over the top.
Phoenix tries a body shot but McGuire blocks it.
McGuire throws an elbow but it's blocked.
McGuire lands on the inside with an uppercut.
Phoenix taking a break, stalling in the clinch.

McGuire escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
McGuire scores with a slapping inside leg kick.
Phoenix missing with a left hand there. McGuire was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
McGuire thumps Phoenix with a low kick.
McGuire listening to his corner there, landing a nice uppercut.
A nice leg kick lands there from McGuire.
Phoenix throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
McGuire throws a nice inside leg kick.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
McGuire misses with a left hand
and Phoenix counters with a three punch combination, finished off with a leg kick. Nice work.
McGuire misses with a hook. Phoenix ducked under it nicely.
It seemed like Phoenix was going to counter with the hook but didn't fully commit to it.
Phoenix with a hook.
Phoenix throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
McGuire connects with a solid leg kick.
McGuire swings and misses with a hook to the body.
McGuire misses with a hook.
McGuire misses with a body kick.
Phoenix throws a lazy right hand but McGuire sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
McGuire throws a big counter combination but Phoenix scrambles out of danger and avoids any damage.
McGuire misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Phoenix.
A countering left hand to the body from Phoenix misses.
Phoenix lands with an uppercut that bounces McGuire off the cage and back into range.
McGuire scores with a crisp jab that stopped Phoenix in his tracks.
McGuire closes the distance and takes a jab right on the nose as he does so.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Ralph McGuire dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Blake Phoenix's cut.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business.

McGuire uses good footwork to get in and out and land a nice right hand before Phoenix has time to react.
Phoenix dodges the punch combination from McGuire.
A good leg kick by McGuire.
Phoenix keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Phoenix let fly with a counter punch to the body but it didn't land.
McGuire jabs Phoenix to the body, keeping him at a distance.
Phoenix throws a lazy right hand but McGuire sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
McGuire takes a swing at Phoenix's ribcage but misses.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Phoenix on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by McGuire. McGuire obviously looking to wear him down.
Phoenix throws a hook to the side of McGuire's head but McGuire sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
McGuire misses with a kick to the body.
A low kick from McGuire is predictable there
and Phoenix counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Phoenix throws a hook but McGuire avoids it easily.

That's one minute gone in the round.
McGuire tests Phoenix's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Phoenix throws an ugly left hook that misses
and McGuire counters with a left to the body.
Phoenix moves out of range as McGuire strikes.
Phoenix appears to be waiting to throw a counter punch to the body.
McGuire throws a body kick, spinning off balance
and Phoenix counters with a nice uppercut.
Phoenix takes a shot to the eye socket. That's gotta hurt.
Phoenix scores with a hook to the body. McGuire takes a step back and tries to catch his breath.
McGuire throws an ugly left hook that misses
and Phoenix makes him pay by landing a nice hook to the body before moving out of range.

McGuire rushes Phoenix and presses him up against the cage.
McGuire is trying to work out of this bad position, with his back against the cage.
Phoenix tries to pull guard but McGuire won't allow it.
A short body shot lands from McGuire as the two fighters clinch.

Phoenix pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
McGuire tries to clinch but Phoenix is having none of it.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Phoenix misses with a jab to the body
and McGuire counters with a one-two to the body.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
McGuire scores with a jab to the jaw of his opponent.
McGuire missing with a left hand there. Phoenix was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Phoenix has his front leg slapped to the side - a nice low kick landing there from McGuire.
Phoenix's leg has a nasty welt from taking a succession of leg kicks. That must be slowing him down.
McGuire is looking to clinch.
Phoenix comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.
Phoenix looks to score with a jab to the body but McGuire is just out of range.
McGuire is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Phoenix can do to turn this around?
McGuire takes a jab right on the nose. That must have hurt but he shrugs his shoulders and looks to return the favor.

McGuire moves into range and clinches up with Phoenix.
Phoenix tries to pull guard but McGuire holds him up against the cage and eventually Phoenix drops back down to his feet.
A right handed body shot lands from Phoenix.
McGuire can't find room to land a body shot as Phoenix controls the action.
Phoenix prevents a body shot from McGuire.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Good body shot from Phoenix.
Phoenix blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Phoenix fails to pull guard.
Ralph McGuire has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Blake Phoenix.
A left hand lands to the body for Phoenix.
A right hand to the body from Phoenix.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
McGuire tries to throw a body punch but Phoenix avoids it by throwing McGuire back against the cage.
McGuire tries to throw a body punch but Phoenix avoids it by throwing McGuire back against the cage.

Phoenix escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
McGuire staying out of range there.
Phoenix lunges at McGuire with a hook that half lands and is half blocked by McGuire's hand.
McGuire misses with a head kick.
A punch lands to the side of Phoenix 's head but he takes it in his stride.
McGuire throws a leg kick
and Phoenix counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Phoenix fakes and then throws a beautiful body shot. McGuire looks a bit winded and takes a step backwards to take a breath.
McGuire ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
McGuire lands a glancing blow to the side of Phoenix's head.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
McGuire looks to score with a jab to the body but Phoenix is just out of range.
Phoenix slips under a jab from McGuire.
Phoenix lunges in with an uppercut that skims his opponent's chin.
McGuire staying out of range there.
McGuire throws a poor cross that misses
and Phoenix counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Phoenix blocks a leg kick.
McGuire delivers a nice body kick.
McGuire lands a head kick!
Good leg kick by McGuire.
Phoenix throws a looping overhand right but McGuire ducks down to avoid it.
McGuire throws a chopping leg kick but Phoenix manages to avoid taking any serious damage.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Ralph McGuire dominated that second round.
The cut man is working on Blake Phoenix's cut.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business. The crowd applaud as we get ready to start the final round!

The fighters circling - Phoenix throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
McGuire throws a body kick, spinning off balance
and Phoenix counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Phoenix keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Ralph McGuire is winning the standup battle so far.
McGuire moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
Phoenix pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
It looked like McGuire wanted to counter with a hook but didn't fully commit.
McGuire tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Phoenix on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by McGuire. McGuire obviously looking to wear him down.
McGuire throws a shot from downtown. Phoenix moves away and avoids it.
Phoenix checks a low kick. Bone on bone - not my idea of a good time.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
McGuire uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Phoenix.
Phoenix thows a left - swing and a miss!
Phoenix throws an ugly left hook that misses
enabling McGuire to counter with a crisp jab.
Phoenix moves out of range of the strikes.

That's one minute gone in the round.
McGuire throws a wild body kick that Phoenix sees coming a mile off.
McGuire lands a jab followed by a nice looking cross.
Good leg kick by McGuire.
Phoenix blocks a jab.
McGuire scores with a jab.
Phoenix waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract McGuire.
A little feinted left hand from McGuire on the counter but he doesn't commit to it.
McGuire lands an overhand left. A wild punch that just about connected.
Phoenix connects with a jab.
McGuire tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
McGuire misses with a low kick as Phoenix jumps back.
McGuire swings and misses with a hook to the body.
McGuire throws a leg kick but Phoenix checks it.
McGuire throws a lazy body kick
enabling Phoenix to counter with a crisp jab.

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!
Phoenix tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
McGuire misses with a body kick.
McGuire moves in looking to clinch but Phoenix pushes him off.
Phoenix lets it all go there with a big combo counter but none of the punches connected.
McGuire misses with a looping right.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Phoenix! But no joy.
McGuire takes one to the side of the head.
Nice defenses there by Phoenix.
McGuire tried to score with a low kick but Phoenix checks it.
Phoenix throws out a counter right but McGuire avoids it with no problem.
Phoenix lands with a cross.
Phoenix swings wildly with a couple of big hooks
and McGuire counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Phoenix keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
McGuire misses with a straight left.
McGuire tried to score with a low kick but Phoenix checks it.
Phoenix looked like he wanted to counter with a punch but didn't throw it.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
McGuire closes the distance looking to clinch
and Phoenix counters with a straight punch to the midsection.
Phoenix avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Phoenix swings for the body but McGuire moves out of range.
McGuire misses with a low kick as Phoenix jumps back.
McGuire misses with a hook.
Phoenix looked like he wanted to counter with a punch but didn't throw it.
McGuire takes a hook to the side of the head. I wonder if that's got his ears ringing.
McGuire throws a hook to the side of Phoenix's head but Phoenix sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
It seemed like Phoenix was going to counter with the hook but didn't fully commit to it.
Phoenix scores with a nice head shot.
Phoenix misses with a double jab.
McGuire throws a jab, cross combination which is slipped
enabling Phoenix to counter with a crisp jab.
Blake Phoenix has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

That's four minutes gone in the round.
McGuire throws an ugly left hook that misses
and Phoenix connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
McGuire motions for Phoenix to come forward. McGuire throws a leg kick but it misses it's target.
Phoenix throws out a counter right but McGuire avoids it with no problem.
McGuire tries to clinch but fails miserably
and Phoenix counters with a deadly accurate combination that rocks McGuire badly! He tries to strike back but Phoenix puts an end to that with another precision combo that knocks McGuire out cold! Oh man, McGuire will never hear the end of this one!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:17 of round 3, we have a winner by way of KO (Punches). Blake Phoenix!
A relieved looking Blake Phoenix thanked the fans for their support and gave the usual line about them being amazing. They seemed to believe that he actually meant it.