PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between William O Leary (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Keith RunningRabbit (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

O Leary
vs
RunningRabbit

176 cm
23
199 lbs
9 - 4 - 0

179 cm
22
195 lbs
9 - 3 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Solid boxing
Granite chin

Powerful takedowns
Decent boxing
Powerful

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the middleweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 9 - 4 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, William O Leary!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 9 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Keith RunningRabbit!
The judges for this bout are Stewart Dunkirk, Cecil Peabody and Robert Twigg.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
RunningRabbit circles away from the clinch attempt.
O Leary lands with a good body shot.
RunningRabbit tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
O Leary swings and misses with a hook to the body.

RunningRabbit looking for a takedown here - he's got it.
RunningRabbit throwing strikes from guard but O Leary blocks nicely.
RunningRabbit postures up in O Leary's guard and throws a big left but O Leary blocks it.
RunningRabbit pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. O Leary is keeping the position for now.
RunningRabbit postures up in O Leary's guard and throws a big left but O Leary blocks it.
O Leary is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
O Leary wants to stand up but RunningRabbit is controlling him.

That's one minute gone in the round.
O Leary utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
O Leary will have to put a bit more behind his punches if he's going to do any damage from this position.

It looks like we're going to have a standup here. Neither fighter is doing enough on the ground.
O Leary tries to clinch but RunningRabbit is having none of it.
RunningRabbit shoots in for a double leg but O Leary sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
RunningRabbit lands a front kick.
O Leary walks into a straight right hand from RunningRabbit.

O Leary gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.

RunningRabbit escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
RunningRabbit smiles there as he lands a nice right hand right on the button.

RunningRabbit drives through with a takedown into guard.
RunningRabbit won't allow O Leary to sweep him here.
RunningRabbit trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
O Leary utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
RunningRabbit loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
O Leary keeping full guard, as RunningRabbit tries to pass.
RunningRabbit in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as RunningRabbit accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
O Leary wants to sweep but no luck.

The referee has ruled that neither fighter is active enough on the ground and has stood them back up.
RunningRabbit is trying hard to land a takedown here. O Leary sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
RunningRabbit dodges the punch combination from O Leary.
RunningRabbit doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
RunningRabbit takes one on the chin but keeps coming.

RunningRabbit gets a takedown into half guard.
O Leary won't allow RunningRabbit to pass to mount.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
RunningRabbit missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.
Nice strikes from RunningRabbit there.
O Leary on the receiving end of some nice ground and pound.
RunningRabbit thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed O Leary's head.
RunningRabbit thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
RunningRabbit misses with a head shot. O Leary uses the momentum to regain guard.
RunningRabbit pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. O Leary is keeping the position for now.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
RunningRabbit in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
RunningRabbit throws a big right hand that misses.
O Leary utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
RunningRabbit distracts O Leary with his right hand and drops a big elbow with his other arm.
RunningRabbit throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as O Leary works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
RunningRabbit is fighting to break O Leary's control of his arms but O Leary is doing a good job of controlling the position at the moment.
RunningRabbit postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
RunningRabbit postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
O Leary is trying to control the position from the bottom.
RunningRabbit throwing strikes but missing.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Keith RunningRabbit dominated that round.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business.

RunningRabbit moves out of range of the strikes.
O Leary keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
RunningRabbit fakes a head shot and lands one to the body.
Jab, jab by RunningRabbit - just one landing.
William O Leary seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
O Leary tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but RunningRabbit paws at him with a jab and circles away.
O Leary lands a jab to the nose.
O Leary misses with a straight left.
A looping hook to the body misses from RunningRabbit. O Leary does a little dance to reset his feet.
William O Leary is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
O Leary fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
O Leary walks straight into a jab right on the nose. That one stung - he's blinking and trying to clear his head.
RunningRabbit ducks under a wild hook from O Leary.
RunningRabbit takes an uppercut right on the jaw but it doesn't phase him.

That's one minute gone in the round.
RunningRabbit throws a hook to the side of O Leary's head but O Leary sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
RunningRabbit throws a good cross that connects.
RunningRabbit closes the distance and clinches up with O Leary, looking for a takedown. RunningRabbit pushes O Leary against the cage but O Leary circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
RunningRabbit dodges the punch combination from O Leary.
O Leary takes one on the chin but keeps coming.
O Leary gets cracked there but stands up to it.
O Leary takes a jab on the nose there. A little bit of blood seems to be coming out. Hopefully that won't affect his breathing.
O Leary misses the shot to the body.
RunningRabbit shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with O Leary but O Leary pushes him off and we're back to square one.
William O Leary has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Keith RunningRabbit.
O Leary throws an overhand right that lands on RunningRabbit's shoulder, as RunningRabbit tries to avoid the shot.
RunningRabbit 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.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
O Leary tries to clinch but RunningRabbit moves out of range.
RunningRabbit misses with a double jab.
O Leary tries to clinch there but RunningRabbit circles away.
The fight stays on the outside here - O Leary looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
O Leary needs to keep his hands up - RunningRabbit had a free shot at his head there.
O Leary lands a nice looking body shot.
O Leary is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
O Leary doesn't manage to clinch there - RunningRabbit circles away.
RunningRabbit swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
RunningRabbit jabs O Leary right on the nose. O Leary blinks but takes it well.
O Leary swings wildly with a couple of big hooks

and RunningRabbit counters with a nice single leg takedown and he's in O Leary's guard now.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
RunningRabbit thows a big elbow that misses.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
RunningRabbit keeps in close for a moment and lands a decent shot to the side of O Leary's head.
RunningRabbit throws a strike but O Leary rolls with it and manages to sweep. Now he's in guard on top.
RunningRabbit 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.
RunningRabbit lands a beautiful switch and he's in full mount! That could spell trouble for O Leary!
RunningRabbit working some short elbows here. He postures up to throw some more ground and pound but O Leary slips a leg through to get back to half guard. Nice work.
RunningRabbit throwing shots but O Leary is blocking nicely.
RunningRabbit throwing shots but O Leary is blocking nicely.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

RunningRabbit is sneakily working for an arm triangle but O Leary sees it coming and defends easily.
O Leary is looking for a sweep. RunningRabbit is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
RunningRabbit looks to score some points with some ground and pound.

RunningRabbit is trying to work for a kimura but O Leary is defending well.
RunningRabbit is breathing heavily.
RunningRabbit missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
RunningRabbit missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
RunningRabbit throws a strike but O Leary avoids it easily and moves to full guard.
O Leary avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Keith RunningRabbit showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

RunningRabbit connects with a slap. Keep your fist closed son.
RunningRabbit throws a couple of head shots and lands with the final one - a decent hook, which struck O Leary on the side of the head.
O Leary throws a left and a right that both miss
and RunningRabbit counters with a straight right hand.
O Leary looks to clinch
and RunningRabbit counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
O Leary throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
O Leary darts in trying to clinch
and RunningRabbit counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
RunningRabbit connects with a lovely right hand, straight down the pipe.
A jab from RunningRabbit finds it's way through O Leary's defenses.
O Leary tries to bum rush RunningRabbit with a series of wild strikes but RunningRabbit uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
RunningRabbit circles away from the clinch attempt.
O Leary tries to bum rush RunningRabbit with a series of wild strikes but RunningRabbit uses good footwork to avoid the assault.

That's one minute gone in the round.
RunningRabbit tries to score a power double leg takedown but O Leary sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten RunningRabbit somewhat.
Nice cross by O Leary.
RunningRabbit ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
RunningRabbit ducks under a wild hook from O Leary.
O Leary is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by RunningRabbit.
O Leary misses with a double jab
and RunningRabbit counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
A low kick from O Leary misses

and RunningRabbit counters with a nice double leg into guard.
RunningRabbit loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
O Leary is looking to get back to his feet but can't, whilst RunningRabbit is controlling him.
RunningRabbit in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
RunningRabbit trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
RunningRabbit landing some decent shots from guard.
RunningRabbit working from the guard for now, landing some ground and pound.
RunningRabbit is looking to work some ground and pound but O Leary has wrist control.
RunningRabbit with a couple of shots to the head there. Not particularly brutal.
RunningRabbit thows a big elbow that misses.
RunningRabbit lands a couple of digs.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as RunningRabbit accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
RunningRabbit thows a big elbow that misses.
RunningRabbit loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
O Leary utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
RunningRabbit is looking to work some ground and pound but O Leary has wrist control.
RunningRabbit pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. O Leary is keeping the position for now.

RunningRabbit drops back looking for a heel hook - he quickly realises he's not going to get it but O Leary manages to dive on top of him before he can escape and now RunningRabbit has O Leary in his guard.
RunningRabbit keeping moving, preventing O Leary from controlling successfully.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now RunningRabbit is on top in guard.
RunningRabbit scoring with punches to the head and body.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
RunningRabbit advances position into side control!
RunningRabbit is working O Leary over with some ground and pound from side control.
O Leary manages to land a sweep and he's now on top! Lovely Jiu Jitsu!
RunningRabbit is pressing down on O Leary's left leg trying to get back to full guard. He's managed it.
RunningRabbit throwing strikes off his back to little effect.
RunningRabbit manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. O Leary manages to get himself to full guard.
RunningRabbit trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
O Leary is trying to control the position from the bottom.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Keith RunningRabbit really dominated that round.
That's time! Back to the action!

RunningRabbit moves out of range as O Leary strikes.
A head kick misses from RunningRabbit.
RunningRabbit throws a wild body kick that O Leary sees coming a mile off.
O Leary waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract RunningRabbit.
O Leary swings wildly with a couple of big hooks
and O Leary takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
O Leary throws a body punch but RunningRabbit moves out of range.
O Leary looks to clinch
and RunningRabbit counters with a straight right hand.
O Leary moves in looking to clinch but RunningRabbit pushes him off.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
O Leary throws a body kick that digs right into the meat.
O Leary tries to clinch

and RunningRabbit counters with a shoot takedown. O Leary fights it but they end up in guard.
It's got to the stage where if one of these guys blows hard enough, the other might fall over.
RunningRabbit landing with the ground and pound.
RunningRabbit loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.

That's one minute gone in the round.
RunningRabbit keeps in close for a moment and lands a decent shot to the side of O Leary's head.
RunningRabbit trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
RunningRabbit stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. O Leary swivels though and keeps the full guard.
RunningRabbit pushing down on O Leary's thigh, trying to pass to half guard. He's managed it... Nice work.
RunningRabbit lands with a punch from half guard.
RunningRabbit missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.
RunningRabbit lands a big shot. The thud that echoes around the arena is like music to the fans' ears.

RunningRabbit is trying a forearm choke… I don't think that's going to do much at this level of the game.
Keith RunningRabbit has got the better of the ground game so far.
RunningRabbit thows a huge punch but O Leary dodges it nicely.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
RunningRabbit missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
RunningRabbit looks towards his corner to check for any instructions. The corner give him nothing to work with, so he cracks O Leary with a short hammerfist. I guess that's as good as any advice he could get in this position.
RunningRabbit sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. O Leary defending well though.
O Leary controlling the position well.
RunningRabbit not landing any meaningful shots this time.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
RunningRabbit missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
RunningRabbit wants to free his trapped foot but O Leary is holding on for dear life with his legs.

It looks like we're going to have a standup here. Neither fighter is doing enough on the ground.
O Leary misses with a straight left.
O Leary ducks low and lands a nice hook to the body of his opponent.
O Leary catches RunningRabbit with a nice straight right. He seems pissed - ooooh, it's on now! On like donkey kong!
RunningRabbit lands a straight punch to the body, keeping O Leary at a distance.
RunningRabbit pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
O Leary throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
O Leary slips under a jab.
Nice cross by RunningRabbit.
O Leary walks straight into an uppercut. Luckily it didn't land flush.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
O Leary misses with a body shot.
O Leary drops his hands momentarily and RunningRabbit takes advantage with a crisp shot to the head.
O Leary misses with a body punch
and RunningRabbit counters with a stiff right hand.

Excellent takedown into side control there by RunningRabbit.
RunningRabbit working the ground and pound but O Leary is defending the strikes.

RunningRabbit thinks about going for a far side armbar but bails out and retains the dominant position instead.
RunningRabbit throwing shots but missing, from side control.

RunningRabbit is looking to finish here, going for an Americana. O Leary knows the correct defense though, so he's OK.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Keith RunningRabbit dominated that fourth round.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin! This is the final round!

A left and a right from O Leary both land. Nice combination.
O Leary throws out a powerful jab.
RunningRabbit will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
RunningRabbit shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says O Leary as he avoids it easily.
Nice sprawl there from O Leary as RunningRabbit shoots in.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
O Leary is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by RunningRabbit.

O Leary gets taken down but at least he's managed to land in guard.
RunningRabbit is wobbling all over the place through exhaustion. Will he make it to the final bell?
RunningRabbit throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as O Leary works some decent striking defense from the bottom.

That's one minute gone in the round.
RunningRabbit throws a strike but O Leary rolls with it and manages to sweep. Now he's in guard on top.
O Leary working in close now, lands a nice elbow to the side of RunningRabbit's head.
O Leary controlling from the top position.
O Leary preventing the sweep.
O Leary wants to stand but RunningRabbit is controlling his posture from full guard.
O Leary wants to control from the top but RunningRabbit keeps moving.
RunningRabbit throwing some rather feeble looking strikes off his back.
William O Leary has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.
RunningRabbit is trying to control the position but O Leary postures up.
RunningRabbit looking to hit a scissor sweep but O Leary is one step ahead there.

It looks like we're going to have a standup here. Neither fighter is doing enough on the ground.
RunningRabbit uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by O Leary.

RunningRabbit closes the distance and clinches up, looking for a takedown. He shifts his weight and gets a nice trip into half guard.
RunningRabbit misses with a head shot. O Leary uses the momentum to regain guard.
RunningRabbit keeps in close for a moment and lands a decent shot to the side of O Leary's head.
Keith RunningRabbit is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
RunningRabbit sitting in guard here, content to control.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
RunningRabbit working from the guard for now, landing some ground and pound.
RunningRabbit in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
RunningRabbit trying to control but O Leary is working from the bottom.
RunningRabbit stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. O Leary swivels though and keeps the full guard.
O Leary working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from RunningRabbit.
O Leary is trying to control the position from the bottom.
RunningRabbit wants to control from the top but O Leary keeps moving.

That's four 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.

Well, the referee has seen enough. Neither fighter is active enough on the ground so he's stood them back up.
RunningRabbit bobs and weaves and unloads with a good uppercut.
RunningRabbit lands with a right hand.
O Leary tries to clinch but RunningRabbit is having none of it.
O Leary swings wildly with a couple of big hooks
and RunningRabbit counters with a nice jab to the body that keeps O Leary thinking.
RunningRabbit works his jab well there, keeping his opponent at a distance.
O Leary takes a shot to the eye socket. That's gotta hurt.
O Leary swings wildly with a couple of big hooks
and RunningRabbit counters with a nice body shot.
O Leary takes a big uppercut there. He seems a bit wobbly but no, he's OK.

RunningRabbit shoots in for a takedown and gets it.

O Leary actively working from the bottom here.

And that's the end of the fight!
Keith RunningRabbit comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I've got RunningRabbit 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 5 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Stewart Dunkirk scores the fight 45:50
Judge Cecil Peabody scores the fight 45:50
Judge Robert Twigg scores the fight 45:50

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Keith RunningRabbit! Keith RunningRabbit retains his middleweight title!