PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Domagoj Kovacic (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Rich Murphy (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Kovacic kept the crowd waiting but all that was forgotten when his ring entrance music started. The incomparable musical genius that is Wtihin Temptation-Memories. Domagoj Kovacic could well score a knockout today. He has the power to get to Rich Murphy's chin.

Kovacic
vs
Murphy

180 cm
22
207 lbs
0 - 5 - 0

192 cm
18
221 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Solid Muay Thai
KO power

BJJ Blue Belt
Good kicks
Determined

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the light heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 0 - 5 - 0, fighting out of London, Domagoj Kovacic!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of London, Rich Murphy!
The judges for this bout are James Ackerman, Chris Edwards and Steven Brown.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Murphy scores with a shot to the body.
Kovacic looks exhausted already! Oh dear, he should have come in in better shape than this!
Murphy checks the leg kick.
Murphy tries to close the distance and clinch but Kovacic swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
The fight stays on the outside here - Murphy looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Murphy wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.
Domagoj Kovacic seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Kovacic takes a jab on the nose there. A little bit of blood seems to be coming out. Hopefully that won't affect his breathing.
Murphy tries to clinch up but Kovacic circles away and keeps his distance.
Murphy lands a slapping body shot.
Murphy connects with a body shot.
Murphy has a takedown stuffed.
Murphy changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.
Murphy scores with a reasonable looking shot to the body. Kovacic doesn't seem bothered though.
Murphy goes to the watering hole and comes back with a big thumbs up from the judges as he scores a three punch combo.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Murphy scores with a hook to the body. Kovacic takes a step back and tries to catch his breath.
Murphy is looking to clinch.
Murphy tries to clinch up but Kovacic circles away and keeps his distance.
Kovacic takes a shot to the body in his stride.
Kovacic doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
Murphy thuds a left hand into Kovacic's body.
Kovacic dives in and grabs Murphy's left leg, looking for a takedown. Murphy pushes down on Kovacic's head and hops out.
Kovacic takes a body punch but keeps moving.
Murphy connects with a leg kick. He turned his hip over nicely there.
Murphy with a body punch. A glancing blow.
Murphy is throwing a lot of body shots here, looking to wear down Kovacic rather than just go for the knockout.
Murphy scores with a head kick.
Murphy dips down and scores with a jab to the body.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kovacic takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.
Murphy punishes Kovacic's body with a nice straight punch.
Murphy shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Kovacic defends it nicely.
Murphy cracks a nice hook into Kovacic's ribs.
Murphy tries to clinch up but Kovacic circles away and keeps his distance.
Murphy throws a quick head kick that skims the top of Kovacic's head.
Murphy lands a nice shot to the body.
Murphy lands a nice shot that snaps Kovacic's head back.
Murphy jabs at Kovacic's body.
Murphy lands a body shot.
A shot to de liver by Murphy. Beautiful body shot.
The fans in attendance giving it up for the two fighters, who have really let it all hang out in the last minute or so!
Murphy sizes up Kovacic with a pawing jab and scores with a straight right down the middle.
Murphy lands a right hook to the body.
Kovacic slaps away a takedown attempt from Murphy, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Domagoj Kovacic has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Rich Murphy.
Murphy lands with a shot to the body.
Murphy misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
Murphy throws a nice head kick!
Murphy tries to clinch there but Kovacic circles away.
Murphy doesn't manage to clinch there - Kovacic circles away.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Murphy changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.
Kovacic takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.
Murphy scores with a body shot.
Kovacic takes a head kick and keeps coming.
Murphy digs a good body shot into Kovacic's ribs.
Kovacic takes a shot to the body in his stride.
Murphy tries to clinch but Kovacic is having none of it.
Murphy throws a head kick that Kovacic semi-blocks.
Wow, both these guys are really going for it!
Murphy shoots in but Kovacic avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Kovacic doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
Murphy tries to clinch there but Kovacic circles away.
Murphy is looking to clinch but Kovacic is avoiding it.
Murphy lands a nice hook to Kovacic's body. Kovacic takes it in his stride and looks to land his own strikes.
Murphy tests Kovacic's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Murphy lands with a shot to the body.
Murphy ducks low and lands a nice hook to the body of his opponent.
Murphy tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Kovacic paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Murphy tries for a takedown but Kovacic sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Murphy lands a jab to Kovacic's midsection.
Kovacic chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Murphy can pounce on him.
Kovacic takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Murphy fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Kovacic avoids it really well and circles away.
Murphy scores with a body shot.
Murphy scores with a body shot.
Murphy fakes and then throws a beautiful body shot. Kovacic looks a bit winded and takes a step backwards to take a breath.
Murphy lands a nice leg kick that just misses Kovacic's sensitive parts.
Murphy is using his reach advantage to land shots from outside his opponent's range.
Murphy fakes a head shot and lands one to the body.
Murphy wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.
A right-left combo lands from Murphy.
Murphy with a body punch. A glancing blow.
A nice leg kick lands there from Murphy.
Murphy fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Kovacic avoids it really well and circles away.
Murphy fails in his attempt to clinch.
Murphy connects with a body shot.
Murphy digs a good body shot into Kovacic's ribs.
Murphy wants to clinch.
Murphy fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Murphy throws a nice inside leg kick.
Murphy goes for a high kick. It partially lands.
Murphy throws a quick head kick that skims the top of Kovacic's head.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Murphy dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Murphy scores with a sloppy punch to the body. Not much technique there but it did the business.
Kovacic takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
Murphy scores with a punch to the gut of his opponent.
Murphy wants to clinch up but Kovacic keeps it at a distance.
Kovacic on the wrong end of a vicious looking body shot.
A shot to de liver by Murphy. Beautiful body shot.
Murphy shoots in looking for a takedown. Kovacic tries to sprawl out of it but Murphy keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Kovacic manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Murphy dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Murphy scores with a jab to the body.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Murphy lands a body shot.
Murphy lands a jab to Kovacic's midsection.
Kovacic swats away the attempt to clinch by Murphy.
Murphy throws a head kick that Kovacic semi-blocks.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Murphy scores with a hook to the body. Kovacic takes a step back and tries to catch his breath.
Kovacic takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.
Murphy lands a slapping body shot.
Murphy has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Kovacic takes a head kick and keeps coming.
Murphy connects nicely with a jab. Noted by the judges no doubt.
Kovacic swats away the attempt to clinch by Murphy.
Murphy is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Murphy comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.
Murphy jabs at Kovacic's body.
Kovacic walks into a straight right hand from Murphy.
Murphy shoots in for a takedown but Kovacic shows good takedown defense.
Kovacic takes a solid shot to the body. That one hurt him but he's trying not to show it.
Murphy tries to clinch but Kovacic is having none of it.
Murphy lands a jab to Kovacic's midsection.
Murphy throws a head kick that connects with a bit of head and a bit of hand.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Murphy throws a right high kick that is partially blocked by Kovacic.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Murphy digs a good hook to Kovacic's body.
Murphy moves in looking to clinch but Kovacic pushes him off.
Murphy lands a jab to Kovacic's midsection.
Murphy's corner calls for a 1,2 combination and Murphy duly obliges.
Murphy scores with a punch to the gut of his opponent.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Murphy connects with a high kick.
Murphy fails with a takedown attempt.

The fighters are starting to get sweaty, which will make takedowns a bit more tricky.
The fight moves into the clinch position.
Murphy looks like he'd prefer to be striking at range right now.
Murphy working hard to break the clinch.
Murphy goes for a takedown in the clinch but Kovacic prevents it.
Domagoj Kovacic has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Rich Murphy.
Kovacic keeps the fight in the clinch, despite Murphy's efforts to push away.
Murphy looks like he'd prefer to be striking at range right now.
Kovacic wants to break free. God knows he wants to breaaaak freeee.
Murphy keeps control of Kovacic as he tries to wriggle out of the double underhooks.

Murphy's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Murphy plants his feet and lands a nice head kick!
Murphy throws a head kick that half lands.
Kovacic on the wrong end of a vicious looking body shot.
Murphy throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Murphy scores with a sloppy punch to the body. Not much technique there but it did the business.
Murphy scores with a jab to the body.
Murphy lands a nice shot to the body.
Murphy stuns Kovacic with a nice body shot, before stepping back out of range.
Kovacic takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.
Kovacic takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.
Murphy shoots in for a double leg but Kovacic sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
Murphy is looking to clinch.
Murphy throws a jab to the body, straight down the pipe. Boom. That sent Kovacic stumbling backwards but he manages to regain his composure quickly.
Murphy is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Kovacic takes a shot right to the bread basket.
Murphy scores with a nice head shot.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Murphy shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Kovacic as he avoids it easily.
Murphy tries to close the distance and clinch up but Kovacic swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Murphy scores with a three punch combo!
Nice sprawl there from Murphy as Kovacic shoots in.
Kovacic doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
Murphy scores with a body shot.
Domagoj Kovacic is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Kovacic wants to slow Murphy down by chopping away at his legs.
Murphy scores with a body shot.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
A shot to de liver by Murphy. Beautiful body shot.
Kovacic throws a leg kick but Murphy checks it.
Murphy is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Murphy looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
Kovacic takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.
Murphy tries to clinch there but Kovacic circles away.
Murphy throws a right high kick that is partially blocked by Kovacic.
Murphy fakes and then throws a beautiful body shot. Kovacic looks a bit winded and takes a step backwards to take a breath.
Murphy dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Murphy tries to close the distance and clinch but Kovacic swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Good shot there by Murphy.
Murphy scores with a sloppy punch to the body. Not much technique there but it did the business.
Rich Murphy seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Murphy scores with a reasonable looking shot to the body. Kovacic doesn't seem bothered though.
Murphy throws a shot to the body.
Murphy scores with a jab to the body.
Murphy closes the distance and lands a one-two.
Murphy ducks down and throws a hook to the body.
Murphy lands a straight punch to the body, keeping Kovacic at a distance.
Kovacic takes a head kick and shrugs it off.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Murphy works Kovacic's body with a nice hook.
Murphy lands a right hook to the body.
Murphy lands a slapping body shot.
A nice combination there by Murphy.
Nice takedown defense from Kovacic. No joy for Murphy on that attempt.
A shot to de liver by Murphy. Beautiful body shot.
Kovacic on the wrong end of a vicious looking body shot.
The fans in attendance giving it up for the two fighters, who have really let it all hang out in the last minute or so!
Murphy ducks down and throws a hook to the body.
Murphy shoots in and drives through. Kovacic sprawls well.
Murphy lands with a nice body punch.
Murphy ducks low and lands a nice hook to the body of his opponent.
Murphy looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Kovacic is fending him off so far but Murphy persists. Nope, Kovacic circles away and we're back to standing.
Murphy lands a nice looking body shot.
Murphy lands with a shot to the body.
Murphy lands with a slapping head kick.
Kovacic misses with a low kick.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Kovacic swats away the attempt to clinch by Murphy.
Murphy dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Murphy throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd.
Murphy fakes a head shot and lands one to the body.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Rich Murphy showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
That's the end of the interval. I'm sure that seemed a lot quicker than a minute for our two fighters! Back to the action. This is the final round!

Murphy lands with a good body shot.
Murphy fails with a takedown attempt.
Kovacic slaps away a takedown attempt from Murphy, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Murphy tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Kovacic paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Kovacic closes the distance and clinches up with Murphy, looking for a takedown. Kovacic pushes Murphy against the cage but Murphy circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Murphy is trying hard to land a takedown here. Kovacic sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
Domagoj Kovacic has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Rich Murphy.
Murphy fakes a head shot and lands one to the body.
Kovacic swats away the attempt to clinch by Murphy.
Kovacic takes a shot right to the bread basket.
Murphy plants his feet and lands a nice head kick!
Murphy scores with a sloppy punch to the body. Not much technique there but it did the business.
Murphy moves in looking to clinch but Kovacic pushes him off.
Murphy throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd.
Murphy lands a nice hook to Kovacic's body. Kovacic takes it in his stride and looks to land his own strikes.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Murphy lands a jab to Kovacic's midsection.
Murphy is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Murphy lands a jab to Kovacic's midsection.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Murphy digs a good hook to Kovacic's body.
Murphy lands a straight punch to the body, keeping Kovacic at a distance.
Murphy stuns Kovacic with a nice body shot, before stepping back out of range.
Murphy throws a head kick that connects with a bit of head and a bit of hand.
Murphy with a body punch. A glancing blow.
Murphy dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Murphy scores with the left hand. Kovacic knows he should have avoided that one.
Murphy lands a body shot.
Murphy lands a pitter patter jab to the forehead of his opponent.
Kovacic takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
Murphy lands with a good body shot.
Murphy is looking to clinch but Kovacic is avoiding it.
Murphy tries to close the distance and clinch but Kovacic swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Kovacic defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Murphy.

Murphy scores with a takedown into Kovacic's guard.
We could do with one of the fighters taking the initiative a bit more on the ground - they're both waiting to capitalize on a mistake.
Murphy trying to control the position from guard on top but Kovacic is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

Murphy stands up from guard. Let's bang!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kovacic swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Jab by Murphy.
Murphy has used his reach advantage pretty well so far tonight.
Murphy misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
Murphy scores with a shot to the body.
Murphy moves in looking to clinch but Kovacic pushes him off.
Murphy comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.
Murphy tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Kovacic paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Murphy stuns Kovacic with a nice body shot, before stepping back out of range.
Murphy throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Kovacic's waist but Kovacic gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Murphy off to one side.
Kovacic keeps the fight on the outside.

Kovacic shoots in for a takedown from distance. He catches Murphy napping and manages to drive through into side control!
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!

Kovacic decides to stand back up.
Kovacic throws a leg kick that is checked
and Murphy makes him pay by landing a nice hook to the body before moving out of range.
Murphy lands a nice leg kick that just misses Kovacic's sensitive parts.
Murphy thuds a left hand into Kovacic's body.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kovacic thows a leg kick but Murphy checks it
and Murphy counters with a right hand to the body.
Murphy is looking to clinch.
Murphy throws a jab to the body, straight down the pipe. Boom. That sent Kovacic stumbling backwards but he manages to regain his composure quickly.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Murphy.
A low kick from Kovacic is predictable there
and Murphy counters with a nice low kick that buckles Kovacic's knee momentarily.
Kovacic motions for Murphy to come forward. Kovacic throws a leg kick but it misses it's target.
A decent looking cross lands there for Murphy.
Murphy dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Murphy cracks Kovacic with an open hand slap.
Murphy lands a jab to Kovacic's midsection.
Murphy stuns Kovacic with a nice body shot, before stepping back out of range.
Oooooooooooh, not good. A low kick from Kovacic 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 Murphy has 5 minutes to recover. He's OK now though... a thumbs up from Murphy and we're back underway with a touch of gloves.
Murphy lands a slapping body shot.
Murphy changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Kovacic tries to avoid it but Murphy manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Kovacic to the ground. Kovacic escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Murphy scores with a jab to the body.
Jab, jab by Murphy - just one landing.
Kovacic takes a big uppercut there. He seems a bit wobbly but no, he's OK.
Kovacic doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
Kovacic moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
Murphy lands with a slapping head kick.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kovacic takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
Murphy fails with a takedown attempt.

Kovacic scores a trip takedown into side control. Nice.

Kovacic stands up and beckons Murphy to his feet.
Murphy lands with a shot to the body.
Kovacic takes a solid shot to the body. That one hurt him but he's trying not to show it.
Murphy stuns Kovacic with a nice body shot, before stepping back out of range.
Kovacic displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Murphy.
Kovacic shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Murphy defends it nicely.
Domagoj Kovacic has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Kovacic throws a nice outside leg kick.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Kovacic throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Rich Murphy is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Kovacic doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
Kovacic takes a shot right to the bread basket.

And that's the end of the fight!
Rich Murphy comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I've got Murphy 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 James Ackerman scores the fight 26:30
Judge Chris Edwards scores the fight 25:30
Judge Steven Brown scores the fight 25:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Rich Murphy!