PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Johnny Billabong (ranked 50 p4p, 170 weight class) and Rafael Benedetti (ranked 9 p4p, 25 weight class). There are an array of beautiful celebrities at ringside tonight! I wonder if any of them paid for their tickets.

Billabong
vs
Benedetti

171 cm
29
155
24 - 9 - 2

175 cm
31
155
22 - 11 - 0

Great wrestler
World class boxer
Insanely flexible

Good wrestler
World class MT
Granite chin

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Bondi MMA 🏝️

Conviction
Bondi MMA 🏝️

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the lightweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 24 - 9 - 2, fighting out of Montreal, Johnny Billabong!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 22 - 11 - 0, fighting out of Montreal, Rafael Benedetti!
The judges for this bout are Richard Clark, Steven Brown and Paul Tew.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Benedetti tries to clinch
and Billabong counters with a nice uppercut.

Billabong bobs and weaves into range and then changes levels and scores with a nice takedown into side control.
Billabong trying to control the position but Benedetti is working away.
Benedetti stops Billabong from passing to mount.
Benedetti struggling a bit here.
Billabong lands some shots froms side control.

Billabong swings around for an armbar but Benedetti sees it coming a mile off and turns beautifully into Billabong's guard.
Billabong keeping full guard, as Benedetti tries to pass.

Billabong escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Benedetti gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.
Benedetti looking to pass the guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Billabong trying to control the position.
Benedetti slows down the pace of the fight, as he sits in guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

Billabong has his foot on Benedetti's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Benedetti works his way back into a safe position though.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Billabong is trying to control the position but Benedetti postures up.

Billabong isolates an arm and boxes in a triangle. Benedetti stacks Billabong on his neck as he steps over and passes to the side. He's now in a much more dominant position where he can look to do some serious damage. Nice move by Benedetti!
Billabong is looking for a sweep.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are hurling abuse towards the fighters... You can hardly blame them though because there isn't a lot going on in the fight.

Benedetti decides to stand back up. Benedetti steps back and let's Billabong get back to his feet.
Benedetti ducks under a wild hook from Billabong.
Benedetti takes a swing at Billabong's ribcage but misses.
Benedetti throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Benedetti throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Billabong throws an overhand right that lands on Benedetti's shoulder, as Benedetti tries to avoid the shot.
Billabong uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Benedetti.
Benedetti swings widly with a right hand
and Billabong makes him pay by landing a nice hook to the body before moving out of range.
Benedetti misses with a left hand
and Billabong counters with a nice body shot.
Benedetti tries a head kick but it misses.
An attempted straight right counter from Billabong misses the target.
Benedetti throws a body shot but no joy.
Benedetti bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
A chopping leg kick lands by Benedetti.
Benedetti misses with a jab to the body

and Billabong decides to take the opportunity to score a takedown. He's landed in Benedetti's guard.

Benedetti pushes Billabong off and scrambles back to his feet.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Billabong cracks Benedetti with a hook to the jaw. Both fighters smile at eachother and high-five before getting back down to business.
Oooooooooooh, not good. A low kick from Benedetti lands where it shouldn't have, right in the... well, you know what he did? He kicked him in the penis. He's injured, injured bad. The referee sends both fighters to their corners and Billabong has 5 minutes to recover. He's OK now though... a thumbs up from Billabong and we're back underway with a touch of gloves.
Billabong pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Benedetti only half commits to the counter leg kick.
Billabong slips under a jab.
Billabong feinted with a counter takedown.
Benedetti connects with a leg kick.
Benedetti tries to score with a low kick but Billabong moves his leg out of the way.
Billabong has his front leg slapped to the side - a nice low kick landing there from Benedetti.
Benedetti lands a jab to Billabong's midsection.
Benedetti throws a looping overhand right but Billabong ducks down to avoid it.
Billabong shoots in for a double leg but Benedetti sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
Rafael Benedetti seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Billabong throws a hook but Benedetti avoids it easily.
Billabong uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Benedetti.
Rafael Benedetti is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Benedetti fakes low and throws an overhand right that catches Billabong on the side of the head.
Billabong ducks down and throws a hook to the body.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Nice body punch from Benedetti.
Benedetti jabs at Billabong's body.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Benedetti ducks right into an uppercut from Billabong.
Billabong uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Benedetti.
Billabong swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
A looping hook to the body misses from Billabong. Benedetti does a little dance to reset his feet.
Benedetti throws an overhand right that lands on Billabong's shoulder, as Billabong tries to avoid the shot.
A little feinted left hand from Billabong on the counter but he doesn't commit to it.
Billabong throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Benedetti sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Billabong checks the leg kick nicely there.
Benedetti scores with a shot to the body.
Billabong uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Benedetti.
Billabong misses with a straight right.
Billabong looks to have improved his striking defense since last time we saw him fight.
Nice defenses there by Billabong.
A big left from Billabong misses.
A jab from Benedetti misses.
Benedetti shapes like he's going to throw a leg kick but settles back down.
Benedetti on the wrong end of a vicious looking body shot.
Benedetti takes a jab right on the kisser.
Billabong blocks a low kick nicely.
Billabong chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Benedetti can pounce on him.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

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

Billabong throws a body punch but Benedetti moves out of range.
Billabong moves his head to the side to avoid a jab but walks straight into a cross.
Benedetti fakes a couple of low kicks, before throwing one on the third attempt. It connects and Billabong has to reset his feet before getting ready to engage.
Benedetti cracks a nice hook into Billabong's ribs.
Billabong throws a big shot that misses.
Nice cross by Benedetti.
Billabong slips a straight right by Benedetti.

Benedetti closes the distance and clinches.
Billabong working hard to break the clinch.
Benedetti looking to slow down the pace here.
Billabong tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Benedetti's elbow.
Benedetti works on Billabong's body with a couple of short punches.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Billabong pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Benedetti swings wildly with a hook that is half blocked by Billabong.
Billabong displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Benedetti throws out the jab.
Billabong defending well as Benedetti loads up on a big left hand.
Benedetti misses with a looping left.
Benedetti has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Benedetti misses the shot to the body.
It looked like Billabong wanted to counter with a hook but didn't fully commit.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Billabong takes a big uppercut there. He seems a bit wobbly but no, he's OK.
Benedetti bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Benedetti throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Benedetti will need to close the distance a bit before he attacks - that leg kick was thrown from too far away.
Benedetti slips a jab from Billabong.
Billabong lands with a two punch combination before moving back out of range.
Benedetti lands an overhand right.
Billabong blocks a jab.
It looked like Billabong wanted to counter with a hook but didn't fully commit.
Rafael Benedetti seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Benedetti looks to land a combination but Billabong avoids it well.
Billabong swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Billabong takes a nice looking leg kick right on the meat of his thigh there.
Billabong is pinned up against the cage taking some big shots here. The referee is looking closely deciding whether he should stop the fight.
Billabong takes a body punch but keeps moving.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Billabong is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Benedetti.
Benedetti ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Billabong moves away.
Benedetti tries to clinch but Billabong is having none of it.
Benedetti thuds a mid kick into his opponent's body. That will wear on Billabong if he has to take too many more of those.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Billabong ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Billabong lands a vicious shot with the stealth of a sniper and the strength of a viper. Are vipers that strong? I can think of lots of things that are stronger than a viper - not many rhyme with sniper though.
Billabong checks a low kick from Benedetti.
Benedetti misses with a hook.
Benedetti throws a wild body kick that Billabong sees coming a mile off.
A clash of legs there as Billabong blocks the low kick.
Billabong staying out of range there.
Benedetti scores with a jab to the jaw.
Billabong tries to drive through with a takedown attempt but Benedetti defends well and Billabong ends up having to push Benedetti into the cage where they will battle it out in the clinch.

Billabong wants the takedown. Benedetti is fighting it off but Billabong persists and manages to bring the fight to the ground, ending up in Benedetti's guard against the cage.
Benedetti looking to control the pace of the fight rather than finish it.
Benedetti is looking to get back to his feet but can't, whilst Billabong is controlling him.
Billabong trying to control the position from guard on top but Benedetti is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Benedetti trying to keep a closed guard but Billabong is proving a slippery customer.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Billabong prevents Benedetti from getting back to his feet.
Benedetti managing to control the position.
Benedetti wants to sweep but no luck.
Billabong keeps in close for a moment and lands a decent shot to the side of Benedetti's head.
Benedetti looking for a sweep. Not yet Benedetti, not yet.
Billabong won't allow Benedetti to get back to his feet.
Benedetti pulls Billabong in to control the position.
Billabong postures up.

The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.
Benedetti tries to score with an inside leg kick but telegraphs it and Billabong is able to avoid easily.
Benedetti scores with a leg kick.
Benedetti throws the left hand but Billabong avoids the punch easily.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Billabong thuds a left hand into Benedetti's body.
Benedetti wants to slow Billabong down by chopping away at his legs.
Billabong is looking to counter punch.
A big left from Benedetti misses.

Billabong manages to get an easy takedown there - catching Benedetti on his heels. He'll look to pass Benedetti's guard now, I'm sure.
Benedetti is wriggling around but Billabong manages to pass to half guard.

Benedetti is looking to improve his position.
Benedetti pushes Billabong off looking to stand but Billabong dives back in and keeps control.
Billabong scores with a couple of good hammerfists.
Billabong tries to pass to full mount but Benedetti defends it.
Benedetti is trying to stand up here but Billabong is controlling him well.
Benedetti is using up a lot of energy trying to get back to his feet. Perhaps he should improve his position first.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Billabong is just sitting in half guard, waiting for something to happen.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Rafael Benedetti showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
That's time! Back to the action! Let's hear some noise people - this is the final round!

Billabong jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Benedetti ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Billabong moves away.
Benedetti misses with a hook. Billabong ducked under it nicely.
Benedetti looks for the body kick but Billabong saw that one coming.
Benedetti lands a head shot.
Benedetti throws a combination that misses
and Billabong connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Billabong lands a really nice looking cross but Benedetti seems unphased.
Billabong pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Benedetti blocks a jab.
Benedetti attempts a leg kick but it's missed by a good margin.
Billabong avoids a kick to the body.
Billabong shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Benedetti defends it nicely.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Benedetti moves into the clinch successfully.
Benedetti tries to pull guard but Billabong holds him up against the cage and eventually Benedetti drops back down to his feet.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Billabong blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Benedetti misses with a hook to the ribs.
Benedetti lands with a short head shot on the inside.
Billabong pushes Benedetti back against the cage and unloads with a body punch.
Benedetti lands a nice uppercut.
Billabong lands a hook to the side of the head.
Billabong prevents a body shot from Benedetti.
A shot in the inside from Benedetti.

Billabong pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Billabong lands a vicious shot with the stealth of a sniper and the strength of a viper. Are vipers that strong? I can think of lots of things that are stronger than a viper - not many rhyme with sniper though.
Benedetti takes a swing at Billabong's ribcage but misses.
Billabong lands a vicious shot with the stealth of a sniper and the strength of a viper. Are vipers that strong? I can think of lots of things that are stronger than a viper - not many rhyme with sniper though.
Billabong throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Benedetti sees it coming and avoids it easily.
A punch combination from Benedetti misses.
Billabong rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
and Benedetti counters with a slapping leg kick.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
A low kick from Benedetti misses
and Billabong cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
A big left from Benedetti misses.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Benedetti is looking to score with low kicks.
Benedetti swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Benedetti lands a leg kick that knocks Billabong off balance momentarily.
Billabong lands a nice shot to the body.
Billabong fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Benedetti manages to avoid it.
As Billabong backs off Benedetti throws a huge counter combo but Billabong manages to avoid it all.
Johnny Billabong has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Billabong moves into range and throws a lovely three punch combination.
Billabong walks into a left hand.
A slapping leg kick lands for Benedetti.
Billabong throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Benedetti swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Billabong misses with a straight left.
Benedetti digs a good body shot into Billabong's ribs.
A nice leg kick from Benedetti, right into the meat of the thigh.
Benedetti misses with a hook
and Billabong counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Benedetti throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Benedetti uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Billabong.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Billabong avoids a punch combination nicely.
Benedetti swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Billabong looks to throw the jab but Benedetti is out of range.
Billabong takes one to the side of the head.
Billabong throws a hook but Benedetti avoids it easily.
Benedetti throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Billabong.
Billabong seem to be loading up, looking for a big counter.
Benedetti rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
and Billabong counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Billabong misses with a straight right.
Benedetti takes a swing at Billabong's ribcage but misses.
Benedetti throws a leg kick but Billabong moved away.
Billabong avoids the body shot from Benedetti.
It looked like Billabong wanted to counter with a hook but didn't fully commit.
Benedetti doesn't manage to clinch there - Billabong circles away.
Billabong stuns Benedetti with a nice body shot, before stepping back out of range.
Billabong throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Benedetti throws a right and a left that both miss.
Benedetti misses with a body shot
and Billabong counters with a straight right hand.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Benedetti misses with an uppercut.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Benedetti keeps his opponent at a distance with a nice jab.
Benedetti bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Benedetti tries a quick counter leg kick but Billabong is wise to it.
Benedetti avoids the body shot from Billabong.
Benedetti waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Billabong.
Billabong paws at his opponent with the jab and then lunges in with a straight, right on the button.
Billabong swings for the body but Benedetti moves out of range.
Benedetti uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Billabong.
Billabong cracks Benedetti with a hook to the jaw. Both fighters smile at eachother and high-five before getting back down to business.
Nice jab there from Billabong.
Benedetti walks straight into a jab right on the nose. That one stung - he's blinking and trying to clear his head.
Billabong throws a big shot that misses.
Benedetti throws a jab when Billabong was well out of range.
Billabong tries to move into range but Benedetti moves to the side and lands with a nice right hand.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Benedetti fails with an attempt to clinch.
Billabong checks a low kick from Benedetti.

And that's the end of the fight!
That was a close round. You could make an argument for either fighter but I would give it to Johnny Billabong.
I think Benedetti 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 Richard Clark scores the fight 28:29
Judge Steven Brown scores the fight 28:29
Judge Paul Tew scores the fight 28:29

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Rafael Benedetti!
A victorious Rafael Benedetti thanked his army of followers in his post fight interview, telling people to make sure they follow him on Twitter.