PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Li Xiaodong (ranked 142 p4p, 88 weight class) and Darren Dixon (ranked 13 p4p, 10 weight class). Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the cage.

Xiaodong
vs
Dixon

165 cm
31
143
25 - 9 - 0

169 cm
36
145
33 - 16 - 2

Good wrestling
World class boxer
Cardio machine

Good wrestler
World class MT
Good gas tank

Bondi MMA 🏝️
Conviction

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 25 - 9 - 0, fighting out of Montreal, Li Xiaodong!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 33 - 16 - 2, fighting out of Amsterdam, Darren Dixon!
The judges for this bout are Timothy Bukovac, Jack Bonds and Percy O'Donnell.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Dixon tries to score a power double leg takedown but Xiaodong sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Dixon somewhat.
Xiaodong tried to counter with a leg kick but Dixon avoided it.
Dixon fails with the takedown
and Xiaodong counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Xiaodong ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Dixon moves away.
Dixon shoots in but no luck this time.
Li Xiaodong has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Darren Dixon.
Xiaodong throws a leg kick but Dixon checks it.
Dixon dives in and grabs Xiaodong's left leg, looking for a takedown. Xiaodong pushes down on Dixon's head and hops out.
Xiaodong lands a jab-cross combination.
Li Xiaodong seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
The fighters circling - Xiaodong throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Xiaodong throws a quick inside leg kick.
Xiaodong throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Dixon with the counter takedown but Xiaodong avoids it easily.
Xiaodong lands the left hand.
Xiaodong fakes a couple of low kicks, before throwing one on the third attempt. It connects and Dixon has to reset his feet before getting ready to engage.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Dixon slips under a jab.
Dixon slips under a jab from Xiaodong.
Dixon is definitely looking for the counter takedowns here.
A chopping leg kick lands by Xiaodong.
Xiaodong loads up on a big right hand but Dixon slips the punch.
Dixon drops down looking to force a counter takedown but Xiaodong defends it well.
Xiaodong loads up on a big right hand but Dixon slips the punch.
Xiaodong drops his hands momentarily and Dixon takes advantage with a crisp shot to the head.
Dixon moves out of range of the strikes.
Xiaodong scores with the left hand. Dixon knows he should have avoided that one.
Dixon defending well as Xiaodong loads up on a big left hand.
Dixon avoids the body shot from Xiaodong.
Dixon tries a counter takedown but it's more of a dummy move, and he uses it to push himself away.
Xiaodong lands a right hook to the body.
Xiaodong misses with a straight left.
Li Xiaodong is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Xiaodong stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Xiaodong wants it to stay on the feet.
Xiaodong is looking to counter with a shot to the body.
Xiaodong misses with a low kick as Dixon jumps back.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Xiaodong connects with a looping left hand that seems like it dazed Dixon momentarily.
Dixon takes an uppercut right on the jaw but it doesn't phase him.
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!

Dixon is looking for a takedown here. He's shot in and has managed to get it, finishing up in Xiaodong's half guard.
Xiaodong is concentrating on defense, preventing Dixon from advancing position.
Dixon looking to pass the half guard. Not this time.
Xiaodong wants to improve his position but Dixon is controlling well.

Dixon 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.
Dixon takes a deep breath and rests his weight momentarily on top of his opponent, to control the position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Xiaodong is positioning himself well to prevent Dixon advancing to mount.
Dixon is trying to control the action in half guard but Xiaodong is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.
Xiaodong tries to roll over but Dixon keeps him under control.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

Dixon is looking for a kimura but he's never going to get it from there.
Dixon trying to control the action but Xiaodong is working from the bottom.
Dixon tries to pass to full mount but Xiaodong defends it.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Well. There's a bit of a lull in the action here and the crowd are starting to get restless.
Xiaodong is refusing to be controlled, as Dixon sits in half guard.
Xiaodong is trying to get back to full guard.
Xiaodong keeps control of the position for the meantime.
Dixon works his foot free and advances to mount.
Dixon tries to control but Xiaodong wriggling away.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Xiaodong wants to hold on but Dixon pushes him away.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Li Xiaodong dominated that round.
That's time! Back to the action!

Xiaodong takes the fight into the clinch.
Dixon is trying to pull guard but Xiaodong turns him against the cage and we stay in the clinch.
Dixon tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Xiaodong's elbow.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Dixon.
Dixon misses with a shot to the kidneys.

Xiaodong breaks from the clinch.
Xiaodong cracks Dixon with a nice right hand that draws applause from the crowd.
Xiaodong tries to clinch up.
Xiaodong leaves Dixon with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
Dixon 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.
Xiaodong swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Xiaodong throws a body punch but Dixon moves out of range.
Dixon with the counter takedown but Xiaodong avoids it easily.
Xiaodong throws a hook but Dixon avoids it easily.
Dixon has a takedown stuffed.
Li Xiaodong has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Darren Dixon.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Dixon moves out of range as Xiaodong strikes.
Dixon drops down looking to force a counter takedown but Xiaodong defends it well.
Xiaodong misses with a looping left.
Dixon with the counter takedown but Xiaodong avoids it easily.
Xiaodong lunges in with an uppercut that skims his opponent's chin.
Dixon gets cracked there but stands up to it.
Dixon avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Dixon changes levels for a counter takedown but doesn't follow through with his attempt.
A slow jab from Xiaodong misses its intended target.
A bone on bone clash there as Dixon blocks the leg kick.
Xiaodong fails in his attempt to clinch.
Dixon with the counter takedown but Xiaodong avoids it easily.
Dixon bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Dixon with the counter takedown but Xiaodong avoids it easily.
Boom, another hit is landed. "You're gunna get knocked out" taunts Xiaodong, as that shot connected.
Xiaodong looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Xiaodong looks to score with a jab to the body but Dixon is just out of range.
Dixon checks a leg kick.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Xiaodong scores with a slapping inside leg kick.
Xiaodong attempts a leg kick but it's missed by a good margin.
Xiaodong with a body punch. A glancing blow.
Xiaodong is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Dixon can do to turn this around?
Xiaodong misses with a low kick.
Dixon is definitely looking for the counter takedowns here.
Xiaodong looks to throw the jab but Dixon is out of range.
Xiaodong throws a lazy right hand but Dixon sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Dixon tries a counter takedown but it's more of a dummy move, and he uses it to push himself away.
Dixon avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
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!
Dixon shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Xiaodong as he avoids it easily.
Xiaodong tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Dixon was well out of range. Poor timing from Xiaodong.
Xiaodong lands a glancing blow to the side of Dixon's head.
Dixon shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Xiaodong as he jumps to the side.
Nice shot by Xiaodong.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Dixon closes the distance and gets a trip takedown into side control. Xiaodong quickly recovers to half guard.
Dixon prevents Xiaodong from improving his position.
The referee calls for the fighters to work.
Xiaodong is doing well to avoid being mounted. He's controlling the position at the moment.
Dixon is looking to stall here but Xiaodong recovers full guard.
Xiaodong keeping moving, preventing Dixon from controlling successfully.
Dixon pushing down on Xiaodong's thigh, trying to pass to half guard. He's managed it... Nice work.
Xiaodong is looking to control Dixon's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Xiaodong avoid being mounted?

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Xiaodong is looking to improve his position.
Xiaodong won't allow Dixon to pass to mount.
Dixon keeping composed on the top, looking to control the action.
Dixon wants to pass to mount but Xiaodong is defending the position.
Dixon wants to control but Xiaodong is keeping him busy.

Dixon is thinking about going for an arm triangle but he can't free his leg.
Dixon wants to free his trapped foot but Xiaodong is holding on for dear life with his legs.
Xiaodong is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Li Xiaodong dominated that second round.
That's time! Back to the action!

Xiaodong takes a swing at Dixon's ribcage but misses.
And Dixon tries to counter it with a takedown but Xiaodong pushes his down on his head and steps out.
A looping hook to the body misses from Xiaodong. Dixon does a little dance to reset his feet.
Dixon's hands are dropping dangerously low here and Xiaodong connects clean with a right hook that sends him down to one knee! Dixon scrambles back to his feet.
Dixon checks a leg kick nicely.
Dixon is definitely looking for the counter takedowns here.
Dixon avoids the body shot from Xiaodong.
Dixon feints the counter takedown.
Xiaodong throws a nice outside leg kick.
A jab from Xiaodong does it's job there.
Dixon shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Xiaodong misses with a straight right.
Dixon changes levels for a counter takedown but doesn't follow through with his attempt.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Dixon has his front leg slapped to the side - a nice low kick landing there from Xiaodong.
Xiaodong is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Dixon drops down looking to force a counter takedown but Xiaodong defends it well.
Xiaodong misses with a looping right.
Xiaodong pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
And Dixon tries to counter it with a takedown but Xiaodong pushes his down on his head and steps out.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Xiaodong paws at his opponent with the jab and then lunges in with a straight, right on the button.
Good shot there by Xiaodong.
Xiaodong fakes a jab and throws a low kick but Dixon checks it well.
Dixon moves away from the strike by Xiaodong.
Dixon is definitely looking for the counter takedowns here.
Dixon avoids the body shot from Xiaodong.
Dixon tries a counter takedown but it's more of a dummy move, and he uses it to push himself away.
Dixon uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Xiaodong.
Xiaodong tries to clinch but Dixon is having none of it.
Xiaodong misses with a straight right.
Dixon drops down looking to force a counter takedown but Xiaodong defends it well.
Xiaodong misses the shot to the body.
Dixon takes one to the side of the head.
Xiaodong lands a jab to the head.
Xiaodong misses with a right hand

and Dixon counters with a takedown into side control.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Xiaodong tries to improve position but can't.
Xiaodong stops Dixon from passing to mount.
Darren Dixon has got the better of the ground game so far.
Xiaodong is trying to control Dixon's posture but Dixon avoids it.
Dixon tries to advance to mount but Xiaodong denies him.
Xiaodong tries to work a leg under to get back to half guard but Dixon wriggles his own leg back out and remains in side control.
Dixon wants to control but Xiaodong is keeping him busy.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Dixon is trying to get an arm triangle but Xiaodong is defending well.
Xiaodong manages to get one leg in to regain half guard.
Dixon works his foot free and advances to mount.
Xiaodong is wriggling around trying to escape.
Dixon wants to take Xiaodong's back here but Xiaodong is holding on to an arm, himself looking to escape.
Xiaodong is looking to improve his position but Dixon isn't that keen on the idea.

Dixon is going oldschool here, as he tries to force Xiaodong to tap using a forearm choke. This isn't 1993 though, so Xiaodong shrugs it off.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Dixon looking to control but Xiaodong is working nicely, looking to advance position himself.
Xiaodong tries to hold on but Dixon postures up.
Xiaodong wants to improve position but instead he's given up his back.
So, who will make the next big move? In this position it could be crucial.
Xiaodong is really stuck here.
Xiaodong is working hard here to advance position.
Xiaodong looks to control his opponent's hands but he's not mananging it at the moment.
Xiaodong tries to escape the position.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close round but Li Xiaodong did the better work so I'd imagine he'll take it.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business.

Dixon slips under a jab from Xiaodong.
Dixon shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Xiaodong as he avoids it easily.
Xiaodong throws an overhand right that lands on Dixon's shoulder, as Dixon tries to avoid the shot.

The fight moves into the clinch position.
I was talking to Xiaodong's coach per-fight and he was telling me that they'd been working on the clinch in the runup to this fight.
Xiaodong lands a body punch.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Xiaodong.
Dixon lands with a short punch from the clinch.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Xiaodong.
A body shot lands from Dixon.
Xiaodong lands a right hand that snaps the head of Dixon backwards.
Dixon is trying to work for a single leg takedown but Xiaodong pulls him back up using the underhooks.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Xiaodong lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Dixon backwards.
Nice body punch from Dixon.

Dixon wants the takedown. Xiaodong is fighting it off but Dixon persists and manages to bring the fight to the ground, ending up in Xiaodong's guard against the cage.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Xiaodong looking to control.
Dixon wants to control from the top but Xiaodong keeps moving.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Dixon is holding a leg here, probably looking for an ankle lock - he drops back and goes for it! Xiaodong is in trouble! Is it all over??? No! Xiaodong has escaped and now he's on top!

Xiaodong stands up and waves to Dixon to follow him.
Xiaodong lands with a nice body punch.
Xiaodong jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Xiaodong loads up on a big right hand but Dixon slips the punch.
Dixon changes levels for a counter takedown but doesn't follow through with his attempt.

Xiaodong has taken the fight to the clinch.
Xiaodong swings away with an uppercut that misses.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Dixon blocks an uppercut.
Good body shot from Dixon.
Xiaodong is defending well against a takedown attempt.
Li Xiaodong has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Darren Dixon.
Dixon works on Xiaodong's body with a couple of short punches.
Dixon can't get the takedown.
Xiaodong lands a right hand that snaps the head of Dixon backwards.
Dixon looking for a takedown.
Xiaodong misses with a hook from the clinch.
Dixon swings wildly with an uppercut but Xiaodong uses good head movement to avoid it.
Dixon fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Dixon jumps guard but his hands slip and he falls flat on his back. Well, he's made himself look a right mug there, as Xiaodong walks away with a smile on his face. Dixon gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head.
Xiaodong throws the left hand but Dixon avoids the punch easily.

Dixon shoots in and scores a nice double leg takedown into half guard.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Xiaodong tries to get to full guard but Dixon has control of the leg.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Dixon passes the half guard and he's now in mount! Big trouble for Xiaodong!
Dixon controlling his opponent.
Dixon tries to control but Xiaodong wriggling away.
Xiaodong tries to hold on but Dixon pushes him away.
Xiaodong is desperately trying to improve his position but Dixon has a good base and remains in mount.
Xiaodong tries to lock up and control but Dixon gives him a forearm to the face and pushes him away.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Dixon has control of Xiaodong's right arm, working for a kimura. It's a bit of a token attempt though and Xiaodong regains control of the situation pretty easily.
Dixon controlling the position easily from mount.
Xiaodong is trying desperately to improve position.
Dixon looking to control and managing it successfully.
Xiaodong tries to lock up and control but Dixon gives him a forearm to the face and pushes him away.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close fourth round but I would say that Li Xiaodong will probably get the nod.
That's time! Xiaodong's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight. This is the final round!

Dixon shoots in with a lovely double leg takedown. Xiaodong manages to land in full guard to minimise the damage.
Xiaodong is controlling Dixon's posture.
Dixon looking to pass the guard.
Dixon keeps trying to improve his position.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Xiaodong looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Xiaodong has a closed guard, preventing anything of note from happening. Perhaps he's looking to stall.
Dixon controls from within his opponent's guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Dixon works a leg free and moves into half guard.
Xiaodong is positioning himself well to prevent Dixon advancing to mount.
Xiaodong is looking for a sweep. Dixon is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Dixon wants to pass to mount but Xiaodong is defending the position.
Dixon trying to control the action but Xiaodong is working from the bottom.
Darren Dixon has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are getting on the fighters' backs, as the pace has dropped off in the last minute or so.
Dixon has freed up his trapped foot and advances to mount.

Dixon goes for an armbar but he's fallen flat on his backside there and now Xiaodong is on top in guard.
Dixon looking for a sweep. Not yet Dixon, not yet.
Xiaodong wants to stand but Dixon has a closed guard, so he can't escape.

Dixon is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Xiaodong is aware though and is defending well.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Dixon looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.
Xiaodong tries to free his leg and advance position but Dixon is retaining full guard.

Xiaodong stands up from guard. Let's bang!
Xiaodong connects with a body shot that sends Dixon's belly button to the back.
A chopping leg kick lands by Xiaodong.
The fight stays on the outside here - Xiaodong looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Xiaodong misses with a straight left.
Xiaodong is moving around nicely and scores here with a single head shot.
Xiaodong lands with a nice body punch.
Xiaodong works the jab nicely.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Xiaodong scores with a jab.
Xiaodong cracks Dixon with a hook to the jaw. Both fighters smile at eachother and high-five before getting back down to business.
Dixon throws a hook but Xiaodong avoids it easily.
Dixon dives in for a single leg takedown but Xiaodong sprawls and the fighters end up clinched against the cage.
Xiaodong fires out a quick counter leg kick but Dixon just manages to avoid it.
Xiaodong tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Dixon was well out of range. Poor timing from Xiaodong.
Dixon tries to drive through with a takedown attempt but Xiaodong defends well and Dixon ends up having to push Xiaodong into the cage where they will battle it out in the clinch.
Dixon is wobbling all over the place through exhaustion. Will he make it to the final bell?
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Xiaodong fakes a jab and then connects with a hook.
Xiaodong with a nice calf kick.
Xiaodong connects with a good right hand that stumbles Dixon. Dixon circles away out of range and recomposes himself.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Dixon steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Xiaodong.
Dixon has a pretty nasty looking mouse under his right eye.
Dixon tries to check a leg kick but that clearly hurt him.
Li Xiaodong is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Xiaodong throws the left hand but Dixon avoids the punch easily.

And that's the end of the fight!
Li Xiaodong showed his dominance in that final round.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Xiaodong, 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 Timothy Bukovac scores the fight 50:45
Judge Jack Bonds scores the fight 50:45
Judge Percy O'Donnell scores the fight 50:46

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Li Xiaodong!
Li Xiaodong retains his featherweight title!
A very excited looking Li Xiaodong made sure he remembered to thank all the fans both in the arena and on the internet. He said all the coolest people spend all day on MMA websites, which got a big reaction.