PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Georg the Caliph (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Dan Henderson (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Henderson comes into a darkened arena with his song building. Call On Me - Eric Pyrdz kicks in, the lights come on and the crowd goes wild! What a showman! Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

the Caliph
vs
Henderson

184 cm
25
181 lbs
6 - 0 - 0

175 cm
27
180 lbs
12 - 4 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Solid boxing
Granite chin

Powerful takedowns
Basic striking
Powerful

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 4 rounds, in the welterweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 6 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Georg the Caliph!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 12 - 4 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Dan Henderson!
The judges for this bout are Robert Twigg, George Francis and Gwen Towbar.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Henderson walks into a jab.

It looks like Dan Henderson has been cut.
the Caliph darts in and out, connecting with a jab.
the Caliph blocks a leg kick.
the Caliph avoids a kick to the body.
the Caliph ducks down and throws a hook to the body.
the Caliph throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Henderson misses with a low kick.

Henderson is looking for a takedown here. He's shot in and has managed to get it, finishing up in the Caliph's half guard.
the Caliph is not content to let Henderson control the position.
the Caliph won't allow Henderson to pass to mount.
the Caliph is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Henderson not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
the Caliph looks like he's trying to stand up.
Henderson not landing any meaningful shots this time.
the Caliph is trying to stand back up but Henderson is controlling him
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

That's one minute gone in the round.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Henderson lands a slapping body shot.
Henderson throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.

Henderson fakes an overhand right and shoots for a takedown. the Caliph sprawls well initially but Henderson persists and gets the takedown into half guard.
Henderson looking to pass the half guard. Not this time.

the Caliph kicks off Henderson and gets to his feet.
the Caliph cracks Henderson with an open hand slap.
A big right from the Caliph misses.
Henderson tries to bum rush the Caliph with a series of wild strikes but the Caliph uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
the Caliph displaying good standup as he scores with a three punch combination.
the Caliph fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Henderson slips a jab and a cross from the Caliph.
the Caliph blocks the body kick.
Henderson misses with a low kick.
Henderson misses with a leg kick.
Henderson tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but the Caliph was well out of range. Poor timing from Henderson.
the Caliph cracks Henderson with a hook to the jaw. Both fighters smile at eachother and high-five before getting back down to business.
the Caliph throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
the Caliph connects with a looping left hand that seems like it dazed Henderson momentarily.
Henderson throws a nice looking combination but the Caliph bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
the Caliph avoids a punch combination nicely.
Henderson throws a series of punches but the Caliph moves out of range.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Henderson lands a nice shot to the body.
the Caliph with a body punch. A glancing blow.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
the Caliph uses good footwork to get in and out, landing a nice hook.
Henderson fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Henderson tries to land a front kick but the Caliph steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed.
the Caliph misses with a wild body shot.
the Caliph looks to land a combination. Henderson sees it coming but can only parry a couple of the shots.
the Caliph is breathing heavily.
Henderson misses with a double jab.
Henderson tries to work over the Caliph's front leg with a kick but the Caliph checks it.
Wow, both these guys are really going for it!
the Caliph throws a right hand that Henderson ducks under and follows up with a left that Henderson also avoids with ease.
the Caliph throws a nice looking combination but Henderson bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
the Caliph is using his height advantage well here, landing a good percentage of his punches.
Henderson scores to the head and body with a nice combination!
Henderson throws a series of punches but the Caliph moves out of range.
Henderson pushing out the jab but it's not landing.

Henderson scores a takedown into full mount!
Henderson fakes a shot to the body and cracks his opponent in the head. Nice ground and pound there!
the Caliph tries to reverse the position but Henderson maintains control.
Henderson has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
the Caliph is working hard here to advance position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
the Caliph squirming around on the bottom, looking to escape.
Henderson working away from the top, dropping strikes.
Henderson landing strikes from the mount.
Henderson lands with some strikes.
the Caliph taking shots to the head.
Henderson landing strikes from the mount and the Caliph is in trouble!
Henderson controlling from the full mount.
Henderson breaks from the Caliph's wrist control and lands an elbow.

Henderson has hold of the Caliph's left arm, perhaps looking for a submission. The two fighters tussle over control of the isolated limb and the Caliph manages to get his arm back to his side and away from danger.
Henderson lands a nice shot to the head.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
the Caliph slips a leg in and gets back to half guard.
Henderson is trying to control. the Caliph wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.
the Caliph blocking the ground and pound attempt from Henderson.
Henderson working the head and body with strikes.
Henderson seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but the Caliph does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.
Henderson stops the Caliph from getting back to his feet.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Henderson is trying to control. the Caliph wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.
Henderson lands with a punch from half guard.
the Caliph is trying to stand.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but Dan Henderson will probably get the nod.
The cut man is working on Dan Henderson's cut.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

Henderson scores with a takedown into the Caliph's guard.
Henderson trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Henderson is working the ground and pound from guard. He might want to try advancing position though to get more of an impact.
the Caliph is trying to keep Henderson in close.
Henderson pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. the Caliph is keeping the position for now.
the Caliph controls Henderson momentarily but Henderson frees himself.
the Caliph avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Henderson pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. the Caliph is keeping the position for now.
Henderson trying to control the position from guard on top but the Caliph is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

That's one minute gone in the round.

The referee has ruled that neither fighter is active enough on the ground and has stood them back up.
Henderson moves away from the strike by the Caliph.
the Caliph leaves Henderson with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
Henderson uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by the Caliph.
Henderson throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
the Caliph lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Henderson circles away quickly and effectively.
A punch combination from the Caliph misses.
Henderson looks to land a combination but the Caliph avoids it well.
Henderson throws a low kick but it's checked well by the Caliph.
the Caliph throws a nice looking combination but Henderson bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Dan Henderson seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
the Caliph blocks a head kick by Henderson.
Henderson dodges the punch combination from the Caliph.
the Caliph takes a shot right to the bread basket.
the Caliph comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.
Henderson cracks the Caliph with an open hand slap.
Georg the Caliph is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
the Caliph throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
the Caliph fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Henderson tries for a takedown but the Caliph sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Henderson throws a nice looking combination but the Caliph bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Some wild striking there from the Caliph.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
My god... these two guys really need to pick up the pace or everyone will leave to go get a beer.
Henderson misses with a double jab.
the Caliph looks to score with a jab to the body but Henderson is just out of range.
Henderson thows a body shot but no joy.
Henderson displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as the Caliph throws out the jab.

Henderson closes the distance and clinches up, looking for a takedown. He shifts his weight and gets a nice trip into half guard.
the Caliph is trying to stand.

Henderson seems to be looking for submissions.
Henderson not doing much here.
Henderson trying to control the action but the Caliph is working from the bottom.
the Caliph wants to control but Henderson is keeping busy and won't allow it.
the Caliph is looking to escape.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

the Caliph looking for submissions off his back.

The referee has ruled that neither fighter is active enough on the ground and has stood them back up.

Henderson fakes an overhand right and shoots for a takedown. the Caliph sprawls well initially but Henderson persists and gets the takedown into half guard.
Henderson landing with strikes to the body and head, softening up his opponent.
Dan Henderson has got the better of the ground game so far.
the Caliph is refusing to be controlled, as Henderson sits in half guard.
Henderson thows a huge punch but the Caliph dodges it nicely.
Henderson sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. the Caliph defending well though.
the Caliph is looking to escape.
Henderson works his way into full mount!
the Caliph is in a horrible position here. Henderson smacks him with another shot as he tries to escape the position.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Henderson punishing his opponent with strikes.
Henderson landing strikes, looking to finish!
Henderson with good strikes from the mount here!
the Caliph wants to try and get back to his feet.
Henderson lands an elbow that was bordering on illegal but the referee lets it go with a warning.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
A nice elbow there by Henderson.
Henderson putting on the heat here with some good ground and pound!

Henderson looking for a guillotine from mount but the Caliph is having none of it.
Henderson misses with some ground and pound and the Caliph recovers position to half guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Dan Henderson showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The cut man is working on Dan Henderson's cut.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!

the Caliph takes a swing at Henderson's ribcage but misses.
Henderson avoids a punch combination nicely.
Henderson shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Henderson lands a body shot.
the Caliph dodges the punch combination from Henderson.
A left lands for the Caliph.
the Caliph slips a jab and a cross from Henderson.
the Caliph looks to land a combination but Henderson avoids it well.

Henderson shoots in and gets a takedown into half guard. Henderson showed some decent athleticism there.
the Caliph on the receiving end of some nice ground and pound.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Henderson is taking a breather. the Caliph says something to him but it's hard to make out. Perhaps he's telling him to get on with it and actually do something.
Henderson thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed the Caliph's head.

That's one minute gone in the round.
the Caliph tries to get to full guard but Henderson has control of the leg.
Henderson working to pass to mount. He's got his hand pressing down on the Caliph's thigh. the Caliph counters though and makes it back to full guard.
Henderson passes into half guard.
Henderson works his way into side control.
the Caliph regains half guard.
Henderson wants to take a breather but the Caliph is having none of it.
the Caliph wants to get back to full guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
the Caliph won't allow Henderson to pass to mount.
the Caliph tries to kick Henderson off but Henderson keeps his base steady and stays in half guard.
Henderson missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.
Henderson wants to lay and pray for a moment but the Caliph keeps working.

It looks like we're going to have a standup here. Neither fighter is doing enough on the ground.
the Caliph takes a step back and watches a body kick go sailing past his mid section.
Henderson uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from the Caliph.
Henderson tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but the Caliph swivels and escapes.
Henderson misses with a double jab.
the Caliph misses with a series of wild punches.
Georg the Caliph is winning the standup battle so far.
Henderson throws a jab but it's blocked by the Caliph.
Henderson punishes the Caliph's body with a nice straight punch.
Georg the Caliph is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Henderson attempts a low kick but it misses it's target.
the Caliph misses with an uppercut. Henderson saw that one coming.
the Caliph waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Henderson.
Henderson misses with a jab, cross combination.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Henderson shoots in for a takedown and gets it. Let's see what he's got on the mat.
the Caliph is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.
Henderson passes easily into side control. Nice work.
Henderson scoring with punches from side control.
the Caliph taking a bit of punishment here - Henderson scoring with strikes.
Henderson misses with the ground and pound.
the Caliph wants to get back to his feet.
Henderson working the ground and pound.
the Caliph is trying to get back to half guard.
Henderson is working the Caliph over with some ground and pound from side control.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Henderson trying to control the position but the Caliph is working away.
the Caliph prevents Henderson from moving into mount.
Henderson tries to score with some ground and pound. the Caliph controls his posture well this time though and the shots don't do any damage.

The referee has ruled that neither fighter is active enough on the ground and has stood them back up.
Henderson tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
A jab lands there for the Caliph.
A swing and a miss from the Caliph.
the Caliph lands a jab, followed by a cross and another cross, as Henderson backs up against the cage.
Henderson throws a low kick, looking for the Caliph's leg but the Caliph calmly moves out of range.
A punch combination from Henderson misses.

Henderson shoots in for a takedown and gets it. Let's see what he's got on the mat.

the Caliph is edging up against the cage. He's using the cage to get back to his feet. Nice work there - the fighters are clinched.
Henderson is trying to force a seperation but the Caliph has the dominant position.

the Caliph escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.

Henderson gets a takedown into half guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Dan Henderson really dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Dan Henderson's cut.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action! This is the final round!

Nice uppercut there from the Caliph.
the Caliph rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Henderson moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
the Caliph throws a big shot that misses.
Henderson slips under a jab.
the Caliph avoids a kick to the body.
Henderson fakes high and swings low for a body shot but the Caliph manages to avoid it.
Henderson ducks under a wild hook from the Caliph.
Henderson attempts a leg kick but it's missed by a good margin.
the Caliph misses with a wild combination.
the Caliph takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.
Henderson misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
Henderson misses with a body shot.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
the Caliph misses with a looping left.
the Caliph misses with a jab, cross combination.

Henderson shoots in with a lovely double leg takedown. the Caliph manages to land in full guard to minimise the damage.
Henderson landing with the ground and pound.
It's got to the stage where if one of these guys blows hard enough, the other might fall over.

That's one minute gone in the round.
the Caliph controls Henderson momentarily but Henderson frees himself.
the Caliph is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.
Henderson with a nice head shot there.
Henderson stopping the sweep attempt from the Caliph.
the Caliph wants to stand and escape but Henderson is having none of it.
Henderson advances to half guard.
the Caliph is trying to stand up here but Henderson is controlling him well.
Henderson winds up and cracks the Caliph with a swinging punch to the side of the head.

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.
Henderson wants to free his trapped foot but the Caliph is holding on for dear life with his legs.
Henderson is nestled in close to the Caliph, controlling him well. He's worked in a nice elbow to the side of the head as well, for good measure.
the Caliph blocking the ground and pound attempt from Henderson.
Henderson is scoring with some nice ground and pound from the dominant position.
the Caliph wants to get back to his feet.
Henderson trying to control from half guard but the Caliph is working away.
the Caliph is trying to control but can't.
Henderson frees up his trapped foot and advances to mount.
Henderson landing strikes, looking to finish!

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Henderson punishing his opponent with strikes.
Henderson lands a nice shot to the head.
Henderson connects with a couple of good shots from mount.
the Caliph wants to use the cage to get back to his feet here.
Henderson putting on the heat here with some good ground and pound!
The referee warns the Caliph that he has to improve his position here as he takes two more clean shots to the head.
Henderson lands an elbow that was bordering on illegal but the referee lets it go with a warning.
Henderson in mount throwing good strikes here, bouncing his opponent's head off the canvas.
the Caliph controls the position.
Henderson lands with some vicious ground and pound - can the Caliph hang on?

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Henderson working the Caliph over with strikes here.
Henderson lands a shot to the body, followed up by a shot to the exposed head of his trapped opponent.
the Caliph tries to hold on but Henderson pushes him away.
Henderson lands a nice shot to the head.
Henderson tries to control but the Caliph wriggling away.
Henderson putting on the heat here with some good ground and pound!
the Caliph is not a happy chappy… he wants out of there.
Georg the Caliph has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Henderson sitting in mount, just looking to control for the moment.
the Caliph is working to get back to half guard.

And that's the end of the fight!
Dan Henderson comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I've got Henderson 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 4 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Robert Twigg scores the fight 37:40
Judge George Francis scores the fight 37:39
Judge Gwen Towbar scores the fight 37:39

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Dan Henderson!