PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Ang Bak (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Tyler Vassell (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Ang Bak has a significant reach advantage - let's see if he can make it count.

Bak
vs
Vassell

190 cm
22
190 lbs
5 - 0 - 0

178 cm
22
194 lbs
6 - 4 - 1

BJJ Purple Belt
Excellent MT
Granite chin

Good wrestler
Excellent boxer
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 5 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Montreal, Ang Bak!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 6 - 4 - 1, fighting out of Montreal, Tyler Vassell!
The judges for this bout are Steve Smith, Alec Ball and William Peck.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Vassell looks for a takedown. He's got it. We're now in half guard.
Vassell sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Bak defending well though.
Bak blocking the ground and pound attempt from Vassell.
Vassell misses with a head shot. Bak uses the momentum to regain guard.
Vassell wants to control from the top but Bak keeps moving.
Bak controls Vassell momentarily but Vassell frees himself.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Bak wants to stand but Vassell is controlling the position.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Vassell accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Vassell trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Bak is pulling down on Vassell's head to control his posture.
The referee wants the fighters to be more active or he's going to reset them on the feet.

We're going to have a standup here because Ang Bak wasn't active enough for the referee's liking.
Bak looks to throw the jab but Vassell is out of range.

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.
Vassell misses with a jab, cross combination.
Bak moves out of range of the strikes.
Bak throws a low kick but his opponent is out of range.
Vassell smiles there as he lands a nice right hand right on the button.
Vassell misses with a few strikes there.
Bak lands with a kick to the ribs.
Bak moves out of range as Vassell throws a body kick.
Vassell moves out of range as Bak throws a body kick.
Bak throws a front kick that sends Vassell stumbling back into the cage.
Vassell tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Bak swivels and escapes.
Vassell lands with a two punch combination before moving back out of range.

It looks like Ang Bak has been cut.
Vassell thows a body shot but no joy.
Vassell getting the better of the striking in that exchange.
Vassell will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
Vassell blocks a head kick by Bak.
Bak chopping away at his opponent's legs.
Bak looks to land a body kick but Vassell moved away.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Bak keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Bak keeps Vassell at a distance using the push kick.
Bak lands a head kick!
Nice shot by Vassell.
Nice jab there from Vassell.
Bak tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Bak thuds a mid kick into his opponent's body. That will wear on Vassell if he has to take too many more of those.
A punch combination from Vassell misses.
Bak walks into a jab.
Bak misses with a wild body shot.
Vassell gets off balance looking for a body kick
and Bak counters with a nice leg kick.
Ang Bak is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Vassell looks gassed!
Vassell takes a push kick to the midsection and stumbles backwards.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Vassell takes a kick to the body and keeps moving.
Bak 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.
Bak tries a head kick but it misses.
Bak works his jab well there, keeping his opponent at a distance.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Vassell.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Vassell takes a head kick and keeps coming.
Vassell on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by Bak. Bak obviously looking to wear him down.
Bak misses with a head kick.
Bak tries a head kick but it misses.
Thud! ouch! good body kick from Bak - that will leave a mark!
Bak blocks a jab.
Vassell on the wrong end of a kick to the body.
Bak throws a jab when Vassell was well out of range.
Bak moves out of range as Vassell strikes.
Vassell blocks a jab.
That's a knee to de groin and it's over and out! Vassell crumples to the ground after an illegal strike from Bak - the referee stops the clock and Vassell gets 5 minutes to recover from that one. "I'm sorry" says Bak. Vassell manages to get back to his feet and the fight resumes.
Bak tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Bak throws a head kick that misses.
A nice leg kick lands there from Bak.
Bak lets loose with a powerful body kick. Vassell will feel that in the morning.
Bak misses with a wild body shot.
Bak throws a head kick but Vassell moves out of range.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Ang Bak dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Ang Bak's cut.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.

Vassell misses with a looping left.
Vassell fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
Bak stuffs the takedown attempt from Vassell. Vassell gets slowly back to his feet.
A combination from Bak does no damage.
Vassell has developed a nice purple lump on his ribcage, as a result of some heavy body kicks from Bak.
A good leg kick by Bak.
Nice body kick from Bak.
Bak keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Bak moves into range and lands a nice body kick.
Bak lands a head kick. Vassell smiles back at him and beckons him forward.

It looks like Tyler Vassell has been cut.
Bak throws a feint and then finishes with a kick to the body.
Bak lands an overhand right.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Bak pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Vassell blocks a head kick by Bak.
Bak misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Vassell swinging wildly here.
Bak moves into range and lands a nice body kick.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Bak lands a kick to the ribs of his opponent. Nice work there - in and out in a flash.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Bak throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Bak scores with a nice body kick.
Bak lands a leg kick. The shin dug right into the meat of the thigh.
Vassell takes a head kick and keeps coming.
Bak throws a body kick that sends a sickening thudding noise reverberating around the arena.
Bak throws a sloppy head kick and Vassell moves out of range easily.
A kick lands to the mid section there for Bak.
Bak tries a head kick but it misses.
A head kick misses from Bak.
A big left from Vassell misses.
Vassell stuns Bak with a nice body shot, before stepping back out of range.
Bak misses with a body kick.
Good leg kick by Vassell there. It's the ones that make that thud noise that hurt and that was an almighty thud.
Vassell missing with a left hand there. Bak was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Ang Bak is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Bak lands with a head kick! That's gotta hurt.
Bak moves his head to the side to avoid a jab but walks straight into a cross.
Vassell moves out of range as Bak throws a body kick.
Bak buckles his opponent's knee momentarily with a nice leg kick.
Vassell lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Bak circles away quickly and effectively.
Vassell throws a series of punches but Bak moves out of range.
Vassell swings wildly with a couple of big hooks
and Bak counters with a one-two to the body.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Vassell moves out of range of the body kick from Bak.
Bak thows a body shot but no joy.
Vassell lands with an uppercut that bounces Bak off the cage and back into rage.
Bak tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Vassell avoids the head kick by Bak.
Vassell thuds a left hand into Bak's body.

Vassell scores a trip takedown into side control. Nice.
Vassell tries to score with some ground and pound. Bak controls his posture well this time though and the shots don't do any damage.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Vassell working the ground and pound but Bak is defending the strikes.

Vassell is looking for a kimura. He might have it! No, Bak has escaped the position, nice work there.
Vassell working away.
Vassell misses with an attempted head punch from side control.
Vassell misses with a strike but at least he's keeping busy, looking to cause some damage - that will still help him when it comes to the judges scorecards.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Well. There's a bit of a lull in the action here and the crowd are starting to get restless.
Vassell misses with the ground and pound.

Vassell working hard here to secure a kimura but he's not really in the right position for it.
Vassell wants to control but Bak is keeping him busy.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Vassell misses with the ground and pound.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Ang Bak dominated that second round.
Both fighters have cut men working on them during the interval.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action.

Vassell bobs and weaves into range and then changes levels and scores with a nice takedown into side control.
Vassell is looking to take a break and control but Bak is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.

Vassell is looking to finish here, going for an Americana. Bak knows the correct defense though, so he's OK.
Vassell misses with an attempted head punch from side control.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Vassell trying to control the action but Bak is working from the bottom.
Bak keeps Vassell under control for a moment.
Vassell misses with an attempted head punch from side control.
Vassell throwing ground and pound but whilst doing so, he forgets to control position and Bak works his way back to half guard. Good composure under pressure.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
There's not a lot going on here and the crowd are letting the fighters know they're not willing to tolerate a lack of action.
Vassell winds up and cracks Bak with a swinging punch to the side of the head.
Vassell throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.
Bak is staying active underneath Vassell, who seems content to just control the action from this position.

Bak manages to escape and get back to his feet!
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Bak swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Vassell shoots for a double leg takedown but Bak sprawls well. He's pushed Vassell's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Vassell will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
Vassell throws a hook but Bak avoids it easily.
Bak throws a sloppy head kick and Vassell moves out of range easily.
Bak tries a low kick but Vassell avoids it.
Bak takes a step towards his opponent and connects with a left hand, before circling away.
Bak avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
A low kick from Bak is predictable there

and Vassell counters with a nice double leg into side control. Bak won't be happy with that.
Vassell trying to control the position but Bak is working away.
Bak takes a nasty elbow to the side of the head.
Vassell postures up a little and throws a couple of hammerfists but they don't connect properly.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Vassell working hard here to secure a kimura but he's not really in the right position for it.
Bak dodges the ground and pound from Vassell.
Vassell misses with the ground and pound.
Bak wants to escape from the position here - easier said than done!
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Tyler Vassell really dominated that round.
Both fighters have cut men working on them during the interval.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

Vassell paws at his opponent with the jab and then lunges in with a straight, right on the button.
Bak moves out of range as Vassell strikes.
Vassell throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Vassell throws a shot to the body.
Bak lands a lovely overhand right.
Vassell shoots in for a double leg but Bak sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
Bak uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Vassell.
Ouch! a nice leg kick from Bak, right into the meat.
Bak looking to land some kicks to the body here.
Bak swinging wildly here.
Bak takes an uppercut right on the jaw but it doesn't phase him.
Vassell shoots in for a double leg but Bak sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.

Vassell shoots in and bounces Bak off the cage to secure the takedown into guard.
Vassell is absolutely dripping with sweat - he looks exhausted.
Vassell throws and elbow that misses. Bak uses the momentum to reverse the position. He's now in Vassell's guard. Nice move by Bak!

That's one minute gone in the round.

Vassell is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.

Vassell looking for a guillotine here but Bak defends easily.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A few boos can be heard. I'm sure they will multiply if the fighters don't pick up the pace.
Vassell tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Vassell has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
Vassell controls Bak momentarily but Bak frees himself.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

Vassell working away from the bottom but not quite defensive enough there because Bak has passed into half guard!

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Vassell keeping control of the position.
Vassell has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Bak is working away from the top position though.
Vassell keeping control of the position.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are getting on the fighters' backs, as the pace has dropped off in the last minute or so.
Vassell trying to control from the bottom.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.

The ref stands the fighters back up. Tyler Vassell was stalling too much, according to the referee.
Vassell misses with a two punch combination.

Vassell looking to shoot here. He's gone for it and he's landed a takedown into mount! Oh, that's bad for Bak!
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Tyler Vassell dominated that fourth round.
Both fighters have cut men working on them during the interval.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action! This is the final round!

Bak checks a leg kick.
Vassell throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Bak tries a head kick but it misses.
Bak lands a head kick. Vassell smiles back at him and beckons him forward.
Bak throws a chopping leg kick but Vassell manages to avoid taking any serious damage.
Vassell fails to land with a series of punches.
Bak misses with a body kick.
Bak throws an overhand right that lands on Vassell's shoulder, as Vassell tries to avoid the shot.
Bak throws a sloppy head kick and Vassell moves out of range easily.
Bak lands with a nice low kick. That'll leave a bruise.

Vassell is looking for a takedown here. He's shot in and has managed to get it, finishing up in Bak's half guard.
Bak tries to kick Vassell off but Vassell keeps his base steady and stays in half guard.
Both of our modern day gladiators look out of it here - an gruelling 5 rounds of action taking it's toll on them, no doubt.
Bak avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Vassell.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Vassell throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
Vassell thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Bak's head.
Bak regains full guard, whilst avoiding punches from Vassell.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Vassell accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Vassell throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Bak works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Bak keeping moving, preventing Vassell from controlling successfully.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
There's not a lot going on here and the crowd are letting the fighters know they're not willing to tolerate a lack of action.
Vassell stopping the sweep attempt from Bak.
Vassell works a leg free and moves into half guard.
Bak won't allow Vassell to pass to mount.

Vassell wants to work for an arm triangle but Bak is really keeping half guard well and defending the submission attempt.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Vassell is looking for a kimura but he's never going to get it from there.
Bak is trying to get back to full guard.
Vassell not landing any meaningful shots this time.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.
Vassell sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Bak defending well though.
Tyler Vassell has got the better of the ground game so far.
Bak keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Vassell trying to control the action but Bak is working from the bottom.
Bak blocking the ground and pound attempt from Vassell.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Bak keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Bak is trying to control but Vassell manages to pass to mount!

And that's the end of the fight!
I would just about give that final round to Tyler Vassell.
I think Vassell has won this one but let's see whether the judges agree with me. 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 Steve Smith scores the fight 47:48
Judge Alec Ball scores the fight 47:48
Judge William Peck scores the fight 47:48

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Tyler Vassell!
Tyler Vassell is the new middleweight champion!