PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between Peeta Mellark (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Eli Gabriel (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). These two fighters really are very evenly matched on the feet - it will be fascinating to see who can assert themselves in that aspect of the fight.

Mellark
vs
Gabriel

172 cm
24
140 lbs
6 - 3 - 0

160 cm
26
147 lbs
10 - 5 - 1

Decent wrestler
Excellent boxer
Very strong

Powerful takedowns
Excellent boxer
Powerful

Aggression Clothing

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the bantamweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 6 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Montreal, Peeta Mellark!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 10 - 5 - 1, fighting out of Montreal, Eli Gabriel!
The judges for this bout are William Peck, Robert Douchet and Elvis Blanc.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Gabriel throws a jab but it's blocked by Mellark.
Nice cross by Mellark.
Mellark jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Gabriel misses with a looping left.
A chopping leg kick lands by Mellark.
Mellark slips a jab from Gabriel.
Mellark defending well as Gabriel loads up on a big left hand.
A slow jab from Gabriel misses its intended target.
Mellark throws a leg kick but Gabriel sees it coming and moves out of range.
Mellark scores with a kick to the midsection.
Mellark comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.
Mellark stuffs the takedown attempt from Gabriel. Gabriel gets slowly back to his feet.
Gabriel looks to land a right hand but Mellark moved out of range.
Gabriel uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Mellark.
Mellark turns his hip over beautifully as he lands a nice leg kick.
Mellark avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Gabriel fails with an attempt to clinch.
Gabriel is really struggling to land any decent head shots against his taller opponent.
A solid leg kick lands there for Mellark.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Mellark fakes with a right hand and throws a good leg kick, right into the thigh. That had to hurt Gabriel.
Mellark looking to throw a kick but he's pulled out of it.
A big left from Mellark misses.
The fight stays on the outside here - Mellark looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Gabriel stumbles momentarily as he takes a strong leg kick from Mellark.

Mellark closes the distance and pushes Gabriel back into the cage.
Mellark gets underhooks to prevent Gabriel's takedown attempt.
Mellark lands with a left to the head.
Mellark lands a shot to the body.
A head punch on the inside from Mellark fails to land.
Mellark wants to stall.
Mellark lands a hook to the body. It's hard to tell if that hurt Gabriel or not.
Gabriel looks gassed!
Gabriel lands a left hand that snaps the head of Mellark backwards.
Mellark lands a hook to the body. It's hard to tell if that hurt Gabriel or not.
Mellark stalls.
Gabriel scores with a shoulder strike.
Mellark tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Mellark works on Gabriel's body with a couple of short punches.
Mellark tries to throw a body punch but Gabriel avoids it by throwing Mellark back against the cage.
Gabriel misses with a hook from the clinch.
Gabriel tries to throw a body punch but Mellark avoids it by throwing Gabriel back against the cage.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Gabriel swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Still in the clinch, Mellark scores with a nice short uppercut.
Gabriel throws a head punch that misses.
Gabriel lands a body shot.
Gabriel misses with a hook from the clinch.
A body shot lands from Mellark.
Mellark presses Gabriel against the cage and delivers a mid-strength body shot.
A short uppercut from Mellark.
Mellark lands a right hand that snaps the head of Gabriel backwards.
Mellark stays in close to his opponent and throws a right hand to the body.
Still in the clinch, Mellark scores with a nice short uppercut.
Gabriel tries a knee to the head but Mellark blocks it.
Mellark makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
Mellark lands with a short shot to the head.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Nice body punch from Mellark.
Mellark lands a nice looking hook to the body, against the cage.
Mellark has Gabriel pressed against the cage.
Mellark trying to stall but Gabriel improves his position.
Mellark lands a shot to the body.
A right hand to the body from Mellark.
Mellark is pushing Gabriel up against the cage, for a bit of lean and pray action. Action being used the in the loosest possible sense of the word.
Both guys are working to get underhooks.
Mellark works for underhooks and lands a body shot in the process.
A short left from Mellark.
Mellark is leaning against Gabriel and scores with a nice uppercut to the body.
Nice body punch from Mellark.
A short left from Mellark.
Mellark lands a nice uppercut.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Mellark lands a left hand that snaps the head of Gabriel backwards.
A right handed body shot lands from Mellark.
A right handed body shot lands from Mellark.
Mellark pushes Gabriel back against the cage and unloads with a body punch.
Mellark is trying to slow down the pace in the clinch, to catch his breath.
A short right from Mellark.
Mellark lands an uppercut.
Mellark scores with a nice hook to the head.
Both fighters working to control the clinch.
Mellark digs a right hand underneath Gabriel's ribcage. Gabriel let out a lung full of air as it connected.
Mellark works on Gabriel's body with a couple of short punches.
A body shot lands from Mellark.
Mellark pushes Gabriel back against the cage and unloads with a body punch.
Nice body punch from Mellark.
Mellark throws a hook to the body. More of an arm punch but it's all scoring with the judges.
A right hand to the body from Mellark.
Mellark works for underhooks and lands a body shot in the process.
A hook to the body from Mellark.
Mellark lands on the inside with an uppercut.
Gabriel misses with a shot to the kidneys.
A hook to the body from Mellark.
Mellark makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
A right handed body shot lands from Mellark.
Mellark stalling in the clinch.
Mellark works on Gabriel's body with a couple of short punches.
Mellark tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Mellark prevents a body shot from Gabriel.
Gabriel blocks a body shot from Mellark.
Mellark lands with a light punch inside.
Gabriel's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
Mellark lands with a left to the head.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Mellark lands a body punch - he's looking to wear down Gabriel.
Mellark lands a body punch.
Mellark is leaning against Gabriel and scores with a nice uppercut to the body.
Mellark presses Gabriel against the cage and delivers a mid-strength body shot.
Mellark pushes Gabriel back against the cage and unloads with a body punch.
Mellark slows down the pace here.
Gabriel misses with a hook from the clinch.
Mellark scores with a hook to the body.
Mellark is trying to stall.
Mellark lands a left hand.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Mellark throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Gabriels head.
Gabriel softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
Gabriel doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Mellark blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
A left hand lands to the body for Mellark.
Mellark works for underhooks and lands a body shot in the process.
The referee is keeping an eye on Mellark - much more stalling and he will separate the fighters.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Peeta Mellark dominated that round.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!

Nice straight punches there by Gabriel. You know Roy Jones Jr respects the hands of Gabriel.
Mellark misses with a looping left.
Gabriel thows a left - swing and a miss!
A good leg kick by Mellark.
Mellark throws a quick inside leg kick.
Gabriel misses with a hook. Mellark ducked under it nicely.

Mellark gets in close and instigates a clinch.
A shot in the inside from Mellark.
Gabriel is trying to work for a single leg takedown but Mellark pulls him back up using the underhooks.
A shot in the inside from Mellark.
Mellark lands a body shot in the clinch.
Mellark blocking some punches.
The fighters are pressed against the cage, as the pace of the fight slows.
Mellark lands a hook that snaps the head of Gabriel backwards.
Gabriel is breathing heavily.
Mellark taking a breather.
Mellark makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
Mellark misses with a body punch.
Peeta Mellark has scored more points in the clinch so far.
Mellark stays in close to his opponent and throws a right hand to the body.
Mellark lands a body shot.

That's one minute gone in the round.
A hook to the body from Mellark.
A real battle for position is taking place between these two warriors.
A hook to the body from Mellark.
Mellark lands a body shot.
Mellark's corner are urging him to control the action in the clinch for a moment, rather than mount any serious offense. I'm sure the crowd appreciate those instructions... not.
Mellark lands a hook to the side of the head.
Mellark digs a right hand underneath Gabriel's ribcage. Gabriel let out a lung full of air as it connected.
A right handed body shot lands from Mellark.
Mellark lands a shot to the body.
Mellark misses with a body punch.
Mellark is stalling here. The referee will be looking to step in if he doesn't pick up the pace.
Mellark scores with a nice hook to the head.
Nice body punch from Mellark.
Mellark is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Gabriel can do to turn this around?
Mellark lands a shoulder strike.
Mellark lands a body punch.
Mellark is working Gabriel over against the cage.
Mellark gets through Gabriel's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
Mellark slows down the pace here.
Gabriel has Mellark pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Mellark manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.
Mellark scores with a hook to the body.
Mellark is trying to slow down the pace in the clinch, to catch his breath.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Mellark prevents a takedown attempt there.
Peeta Mellark has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Eli Gabriel.
Mellark lands a nice shot to the body.
Mellark works for underhooks and lands a body shot in the process.
Mellark is trying to maintain a safe position but Gabriel gets an underhook and turns Mellark into the cage.
Mellark lands a body punch in the clinch.
Mellark digs a right hand underneath Gabriel's ribcage. Gabriel let out a lung full of air as it connected.
An uppercut to the body lands inside from Mellark.
Mellark is trying to slow down the pace of the fight but Gabriel is keeping busy.
Gabriel has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Mellark is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.
A bit of stalling here from Mellark.
Mellark is pressed up against the cage. Gabriel has hold of a leg and is looking to drag Mellark down to the mat. Mellark avoids the attempt though and has circled away. We're back to striking at a distance.
Mellark throws a nice inside leg kick.

The fight moves into the clinch position.
Mellark digs a right hand underneath Gabriel's ribcage. Gabriel let out a lung full of air as it connected.
Mellark lands a body punch - he's looking to wear down Gabriel.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Nice body punch from Mellark.
A left hand lands to the body for Mellark.
Mellark is trying to stall.
Mellark lands a body punch - he's looking to wear down Gabriel.
Mellark lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Mellark working some nice short punches in the clinch.
Some stalling of biblical proportions here from Mellark.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Mellark.
Mellark lands a body shot in the clinch.
Gabriel tries to land knees in the clinch but Mellark avoids the damage to the body.
Mellark digs a right hand underneath Gabriel's ribcage. Gabriel let out a lung full of air as it connected.
Mellark tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Mellark pressing his opponent against the cage.
Mellark lands a body punch.
The referee is keeping an eye on Mellark - much more stalling and he will separate the fighters.
Mellark misses with a hook to the ribs.
Mellark wants to stall.
A left hand lands to the body for Mellark.
Mellark is leaning against Gabriel and scores with a nice uppercut to the body.
Mellark taking a breather.
Gabriel misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Mellark scores with a hook to the body.
Mellark scores with a hook to the body.
Mellark lands a hook to the body. It's hard to tell if that hurt Gabriel or not.
Mellark lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
Gabriel drops down looking for an ankle pick but Mellark pulls his leg out and moves away.
Gabriel's leg has a nasty welt from taking a succession of leg kicks. That must be slowing him down.
Jab by Mellark.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Gabriel moves his head to the side to avoid a jab but walks straight into a cross.
Mellark turns his hip over beautifully as he lands a nice leg kick.
Gabriel defending well as Mellark loads up on a big left hand.
Mellark feints and then cracks Gabriel's leading leg with a nice low kick. He's obviously looking to slow Gabriel down.
Gabriel takes a thudding leg kick, right into the meat of the thigh.
Mellark throws a hook but Gabriel blocks it.
Mellark lands a jab to the nose.
Gabriel throws a shot from downtown. Mellark moves away and avoids it.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Mellark looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.
Mellark's corner calls for a 1-2. Mellark obliges with the 1 part as he scores the single shot and moves back out of range.
Peeta Mellark seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Gabriel dodges the punch combination from Mellark.
Gabriel moves out of range of the body kick from Mellark.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Peeta Mellark dominated that second round.
That's time! Mellark's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight. Let's get this one finished - here comes the final round!

Mellark looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.
Gabriel throws a jab when Mellark was well out of range.
Gabriel avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Mellark cracks a nice hook into Gabriel's ribs.
Gabriel misses with a looping right.
Mellark is looking to clinch but Gabriel is avoiding it.
Mellark throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Gabriel sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Gabriel misses with an uppercut.
Mellark cracks the inside of Gabriel's front leg.
Gabriel throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Mellark's waist but Mellark gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Gabriel off to one side.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Gabriel drops his hands momentarily and Mellark takes advantage with a crisp shot to the head.
Mellark thumps Gabriel with a low kick.
Gabriel might want to mix his strikes up a bit more. He's just going for head shots at the moment and that can become a bit predictable.
Mellark connects with a leg kick. He turned his hip over nicely there.
Mellark fakes with a right hand and throws a good leg kick, right into the thigh. That had to hurt Gabriel.
Gabriel takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Mellark tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Gabriel paws at him with a jab and circles away.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Mellark cracks Gabriel with a good shot that sees him stumbling back into the cage.
Mellark wants to clinch but Gabriel slips to the side

and Gabriel counters with a takedown into side control.
Mellark is looking for a sweep.
Gabriel working away.
Mellark is in a bad position, trying to hold on for dear life but he is really struggling to maintain any sort of control.
Mellark knows he needs to get back to his feet asap. He's simply no match for Gabriel on the ground.
Mellark gets one leg under and gets the fight to half guard.
Gabriel is trying to control the action in half guard but Mellark is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.
Mellark wants to control but Gabriel is keeping busy.
Gabriel has freed up his trapped foot and advances to mount.
Gabriel unloads with some shots from mount but Mellark bucks and avoids them well.
Mellark is in all sorts of trouble here.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Gabriel lands a big elbow.
Mellark is trying desperately to improve position.
Mellark tries to lock up and control but Gabriel gives him a forearm to the face and pushes him away.
Gabriel wants to control the pace but Mellark is squirming around nicely.
Mellark tries to get back to half guard but can't.
Gabriel content just to control the position here.
Mellark working to try and regain half guard.
Gabriel landing strikes from the mount and Mellark is in trouble!

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Gabriel breaks from Mellark's wrist control and lands an elbow.
Gabriel avoids the attempt from Mellark to control.
The referee warns Mellark that he has to improve his position here as he takes two more clean shots to the head.
Gabriel throws an elbow from mount that misses. Lucky escape for Mellark because Gabriel loaded up on that one.
Gabriel has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
Mellark is trying desperately to improve position.
Mellark is writhing around trying to get back to his feet.
Gabriel lands a big elbow.
Gabriel throwing sloppy strikes, which aren't doing any damage.
Mellark sneaks a leg back under and regains half guard and is working straight away to try and get back to guard. He hasn't managed just yet though.
Gabriel throwing shots but Mellark is blocking nicely.
Gabriel landing with strikes to the body and head, softening up his opponent.
Mellark slips a foot under and gets full guard. Nice work.
Gabriel working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Gabriel looking to pass the guard.
Gabriel in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Peeta Mellark is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Mellark looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Gabriel trying to control but Mellark is working from the bottom.

Well, the referee has seen enough. Neither fighter is active enough on the ground so he's stood them back up.
Mellark displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Gabriel.
Mellark jabs Gabriel right on the nose. Gabriel blinks but takes it well.
Mellark is looking to clinch.
Gabriel looks to land a right hand but Mellark moved out of range.
No joy there for Gabriel, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Mellark throws a quick inside leg kick.
Eli Gabriel has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Mellark scores with a slapping inside leg kick.

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 Peeta Mellark.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Mellark, 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 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge William Peck scores the fight 30:25
Judge Robert Douchet scores the fight 30:25
Judge Elvis Blanc scores the fight 30:25

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Peeta Mellark!