PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Tamdan McCrory (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Jo Banza (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Tamdan McCrory had real problems making weight for this fight. After initially coming in at 186.2lbs, he had two hours to make the official fight weight. He made it but it will have taken a lot out of him to cut those extra few pounds. Both these guys have really solid chins. Will we see a standup war or will they both decide that a knockout is unlikely and try to win the fight elsewhere?

McCrory
vs
Banza

185 cm
19
203 lbs
1 - 5 - 0

190 cm
20
185 lbs
3 - 9 - 1

Dangerous GnP
Counter striker
Granite chin

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Solid chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the middleweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 1 - 5 - 0, fighting out of Montreal, Tamdan McCrory!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 3 - 9 - 1, fighting out of Montreal, Jo Banza!
The judges for this bout are Gregory Folan, Steve Smith and Yves DeLean.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Nice takedown defense from Banza. No joy for McCrory on that attempt.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from McCrory is defended easily by Banza.
Banza tries to clinch but McCrory is having none of it.
McCrory uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Banza.
McCrory ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Banza throws out a loose jab but McCrory uses good head movement to avoid it.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from McCrory is defended easily by Banza.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Tamdan McCrory. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Banza throws a nice looking combination but McCrory bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Jo Banza 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.
Banza lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but McCrory circles away quickly and effectively.
Nice sprawl there from Banza as McCrory shoots in.
Banza swings for the body but McCrory moves out of range.
Banza tries to clinch but McCrory moves out of range.
Banza connects nicely with a jab. Noted by the judges no doubt.

It looks like Tamdan McCrory has been cut.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Banza throws a right and a left that both miss.
Good work by McCrory as he checks the leg kick.
McCrory circles away from the clinch attempt.
Banza throws a body kick but he was well out of range there.
McCrory shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Banza pinned against the cage. Banza gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
Banza throws a two punch combo that lands nicely.
Banza throws a hook to the side of McCrory's head but McCrory sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
McCrory shoots in looking for a takedown. Banza tries to sprawl out of it but McCrory keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Banza manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Banza shoots in but no luck this time.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
McCrory with a lazy takedown attempt
and Banza counters with a nice body shot.
Banza misses with a hook. McCrory ducked under it nicely.
McCrory displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Banza throws out the jab.
Banza shapes like he's going to throw a leg kick but settles back down.
Banza tries to clinch but McCrory is having none of it.

Banza feints and then dives in with a takedown. That was a long way out but the feint bought him enough time to close the distance and complete the takedown. Now we'll play guard for a bit and see who can get the better of that position.
Banza tries to stand but McCrory is controlling from the bottom.
Banza looks gassed!
McCrory wants to stand but Banza is controlling the position.

McCrory manages to escape and get back to his feet.
Banza misses with a jab, cross combination.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
McCrory fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
McCrory doesn't succeed with the takedown

and Banza counters with a shoot takedown. McCrory fights it but they end up in guard.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Banza tries to free his leg and advance position but McCrory is retaining full guard.
Banza prevents McCrory from getting back to his feet.
Banza wants to stand and escape but instead McCrory has hit a sweep and he's now on top in guard.
McCrory working from the guard for now, landing some ground and pound.
McCrory works over Banza with some ground and pound from guard.
Banza wants to get back to his feet but McCrory is in a dominant position and won't allow it.
Both fighters really going for it on the ground here!

That's four minutes gone in the round.
McCrory postures up and scores with a shot to the body and a follow up elbow to the head.
McCrory preventing the sweep.
McCrory lands a couple of digs.
McCrory distracts Banza with his right hand and drops a big elbow with his other arm.
McCrory keeps in close for a moment and lands a decent shot to the side of Banza's head.
McCrory makes a bit of distance and scores with some ground and pound, still in guard.
McCrory knows he needs to get back to his feet asap. He's simply no match for Banza on the ground.
McCrory lands a couple of digs.
Banza wants to stand and escape but McCrory is having none of it.
McCrory lands a couple of elbows.
McCrory scoring with punches to the head and body.
Banza wants to stand up but McCrory is controlling him.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
McCrory is working the ground and pound from guard. He might want to try advancing position though to get more of an impact.
Banza is looking to get back to his feet but can't, whilst McCrory is controlling him.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Jo Banza dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Tamdan McCrory's cut.
That's time! McCrory's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

McCrory shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Banza but Banza pushes him off and we're back to square one.
Banza throws a series of strikes that have McCrory backpedaling.
Tamdan McCrory is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
McCrory fails with the takedown
and Banza counters with a three punch combo that has McCrory backing up. McCrory nods at Banza to acknowledge the strikes.
Banza throws a solid leg kick but McCrory takes the impact on his shin and smiles at Banza.
Banza keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Tamdan McCrory. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Banza throws a right and a left that McCrory avoids nicely.
Banza misses with a looping right.
McCrory changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Banza tries to avoid it but McCrory manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Banza to the ground. Banza escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.

That's one minute gone in the round.
McCrory has his takedown stuffed
and Banza counters with a series of strikes. McCrory will be more careful next time no doubt.
Banza misses with a few strikes there.
McCrory shoots for a double leg takedown but Banza sprawls well. He's pushed McCrory's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.

McCrory closes the distance and scores a nice trip takedown into half guard. Banza did well to prevent McCrory getting side control.
McCrory working some ground and pound from close in. He's looking to maintain this position and strike for a while by the looks of things... although he'll probably advance to full mount in a minute now I've said that.
Banza punching from the bottom.
Banza tries to roll over but McCrory keeps him under control.
Ground and pound from McCrory.
McCrory lands with a punch from half guard.

Banza is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but McCrory pulls his head out easily.
Banza flails away from the bottom but he's not doing any damage.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Banza tries to kick McCrory off but McCrory keeps his base steady and stays in half guard.

Neither fighter is doing enough for the referee's liking and he's decided to stand them back up.
McCrory tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Banza swivels and escapes.
Banza stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Banza wants it to stay on the feet.
McCrory with a lazy takedown attempt
enabling Banza to counter with a crisp jab.
McCrory dodges the punch combination from Banza.
Banza leaves McCrory with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
McCrory fails with the takedown
and Banza counters with a shot to the ribs. That looked like it hurt.
Banza misses with a double jab.
McCrory looks for a takedown but Banza sprawls well.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Banza fails to land with a series of punches.

Banza clinches.
McCrory tries for a takedown but Banza manages to get underhooks.
Banza has had enough of the clinch and is looking to separate.

McCrory is working on a single leg takedown against the cage. Banza can't fight it off and eventually McCrory manages to take the fight to the floor. Banza looks annoyed but at least he's managed to land in guard.
McCrory throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Banza is working an open guard here, looking to improve his position. No doubt that will leave him open to counters but at least he's being more offensive.
McCrory wants to pass the guard but Banza is keeping the position.
Banza wants to stand and escape but McCrory is having none of it.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
McCrory lands a nice shot whilst sitting in his opponent's guard.
Banza is looking to get back to his feet but can't, whilst McCrory is controlling him.
McCrory lands a nice shot whilst sitting in his opponent's guard.

It looks like we're going to have a standup here. Neither fighter is doing enough on the ground.
McCrory slips a jab from Banza.
McCrory fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Banza avoids it really well and circles away.
McCrory shoots in and drives through. Banza sprawls well.
McCrory tries for a takedown but Banza sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
McCrory shoots for a double leg takedown but Banza sprawls well. He's pushed McCrory's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Jo Banza showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The cut man is working on Tamdan McCrory's cut.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action! Let's hear some noise people - this is the final round!

McCrory showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Banza.
McCrory shoots in but no luck this time.
Nice cross by Banza.
McCrory shoots and misses

and Banza counters with a nice double leg into side control. McCrory won't be happy with that.

Banza decides to stand back up. Banza steps back and let's McCrory get back to his feet.
Banza closes this distance looking for a takedown but McCrory circles away.
McCrory dives in and grabs Banza's left leg, looking for a takedown. Banza pushes down on McCrory's head and hops out.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Tamdan McCrory. That's going to take a lot out of him.
A punch combination from Banza misses.
Banza misses with the combination.

Banza rushes McCrory and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.

That's one minute gone in the round.
McCrory tries for a takedown but Banza manages to get underhooks.
Banza gets underhooks to prevent McCrory's takedown attempt.
Banza is trying to force a seperation but McCrory has the dominant position.
McCrory has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Banza is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.
Banza can't break the clinch.
Banza tries to break the clinch but McCrory is controlling the position.
Banza wants to push off and get back to the center of the mat but McCrory has him pressed against the cage.
Banza gets double underhooks to prevent a takedown attempt from McCrory.
Banza gets underhooks to prevent McCrory's takedown attempt.

Banza gets control of McCrory's arms and successfully pulls guard. Banza will no doubt be looking for submissions off his back.
Banza has momentary wrist control but McCrory slips an elbow through the middle.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
McCrory content to strike from guard, landing some decent shots.
Jo Banza has got the better of the ground game so far.
McCrory throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
McCrory connects with a couple of short punches.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
McCrory lands a nice shot whilst sitting in his opponent's guard.
Banza has momentary wrist control but McCrory slips an elbow through the middle.
McCrory prevents Banza from getting back to his feet.

Banza uses the cage to get back to his feet.
McCrory uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Banza.
Banza looks to score with a jab to the body but McCrory is just out of range.
McCrory has a takedown stuffed.
Banza leaves McCrory with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
McCrory keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
McCrory fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Banza avoids it really well and circles away.
Danga de danga de dang - Banza scores with a four punch combination!
McCrory shoots in for a takedown but Banza shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Horrible takedown by McCrory or perhaps it was just good defense by Banza which made him look bad.
Banza misses with a hook.
Jo Banza is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Banza is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Banza misses with a takedown attempt

and McCrory counters with a nice shoot takedown that brings the fighters to the ground.
Banza wants to stand and escape but McCrory is having none of it.
McCrory landing some decent shots from guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
McCrory is working the ground and pound from guard. He might want to try advancing position though to get more of an impact.

Banza is edging up against the cage. He's using the cage to get back to his feet. Nice work there - the fighters are clinched.
Banza misses with a punch on the inside.

McCrory jumps guard and drags Banza to the mat. He's obviously going to be looking for submissions off his back.

Banza gets to his feet. McCrory looking to butt scoot but the ref puts an end to that. On your feet son!
McCrory shoots for a takedown but Banza saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
Banza tries to score with a leg kick but it misses it's target.
Banza throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
McCrory uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Banza.
Tamdan McCrory has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Banza wants to clinch but McCrory slips to the side

and McCrory counters with a driving takedown into guard. Nice work there by McCrory.

And that's the end of the fight!
Jo Banza comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I've got Banza winning every round here. Surely the decision will go his way and he'll pick up a well deserved decision victory. 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 Gregory Folan scores the fight 27:30
Judge Steve Smith scores the fight 27:30
Judge Yves DeLean scores the fight 27:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Jo Banza!