PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between Pedro Fernandez (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Wayne Banner (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Chooooooooon! I think Fernandez might be my favorite fighter, now he's come out to The Fire Cadenza. Wayne Banner is the more experienced fighter, so let's see if that makes a difference tonight.

Fernandez
vs
Banner

178 cm
26
104 lbs
8 - 2 - 1

171 cm
23
136 lbs
6 - 1 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Excellent boxer
Very strong

Decent wrestler
Decent boxing
Powerful

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the bantamweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 8 - 2 - 1, fighting out of Las Vegas, Pedro Fernandez!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 6 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Wayne Banner!
The judges for this bout are Stewart Dunkirk, Frank Dennis and George Francis.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Banner moves out of range of the strikes.
Banner is trying hard to land a takedown here. Fernandez sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
Banner fails with a takedown attempt.
No luck for Banner with that takedown attempt.
Pedro Fernandez has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Wayne Banner.
Nice sprawl there from Fernandez as Banner shoots in.
Banner wants to clinch up but Fernandez keeps it at a distance.
Banner looks for a takedown but Fernandez sprawls well.
Fernandez ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Banner moves away.
Banner closes this distance looking for a takedown but Fernandez circles away.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Banner.
Banner is trying hard to land a takedown here. Fernandez sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
Fernandez punishes Banner's body with a nice straight punch.
Fernandez bobs and weaves and unloads with a good uppercut.
Wayne Banner seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
The fight stays on the outside here - Banner looks like he's thinking about clinching though.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Fernandez ducks down and throws a hook to the body.
Banner looks gassed!
Fernandez scores with a body shot.
Boom, another hit is landed. "You're gunna get knocked out" taunts Fernandez, as that shot connected.
Fernandez misses with a two punch combination.
Banner shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Banner fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Fernandez lands a jab to Banner's midsection.
Fernandez tests Banner's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Fernandez digs a good body shot into Banner's ribs.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Fernandez connects with a jab.
Banner takes a really solid shot there but just smiles back and shrugs his shoulders.
A left lands for Fernandez.
Banner takes a shot right to the bread basket.
Banner drops his hands momentarily and Fernandez takes advantage with a crisp shot to the head.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Fernandez connects nicely with a jab. Noted by the judges no doubt.

Banner is rocked!
Fernandez misses the shot to the body.
Pedro Fernandez is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Fernandez displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Banner.
Fernandez works the jab nicely.
Banner is still on wobbly legs! Can Fernandez finish him?
Fernandez is using his height advantage well here, landing a good percentage of his punches.
Fernandez paws at his opponent with the jab and then lunges in with a straight, right on the button.
Banner seems to have recovered his senses.
Fernandez connects with a single shot there.
Banner takes a jab right on the kisser.
Banner tries to close the distance and clinch but Fernandez swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Fernandez lands a body shot.
Fernandez is really peppering his opponent's head with punches.
Fernandez scores with a jab.
Fernandez connects with a right hand. Banner shakes it off.
Banner misses with a combination
and Banner takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Fernandez looks to land a combination but Banner avoids it well.
Banner misses with a takedown
and Fernandez counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Fernandez cracks Banner with a nice right hand that draws applause from the crowd.
Fernandez's corner calls for a 1-2. Fernandez obliges with the 1 part as he scores the single shot and moves back out of range.
Banner closes the distance looking to clinch
and Fernandez counters with a straight punch to the midsection.
Fernandez's corner calls for a 1-2. Fernandez obliges with the 1 part as he scores the single shot and moves back out of range.
Fernandez lands an overhand right.
Banner tries to grapple but his opponent circles
and Fernandez counters with a lovely shot to the body.
Fernandez fakes and then throws a beautiful body shot. Banner looks a bit winded and takes a step backwards to take a breath.
Banner misses with a takedown attempt
and Fernandez counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Fernandez uses good footwork to get in and out, landing a nice hook.
Fernandez connects with a hook to the side of his opponent's head.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Fernandez lands a straight punch to the body, keeping Banner at a distance.
Banner has his takedown stuffed
and Fernandez counters with a right hand to the body.
Fernandez lands the left hand.
Fernandez dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Fernandez scores with a hook to the body. Banner takes a step back and tries to catch his breath.
Banner on the wrong end of a vicious looking body shot.
Nice shot by Fernandez.
Fernandez lands with a straight right. Banner didn't see that one coming.
Fernandez sizes up Banner with a pawing jab and scores with a straight right down the middle.
Banner tries for a takedown but Fernandez circles away easily
and Fernandez counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Good exchange - Fernandez coming out on top.
Fernandez scores with a sloppy right hand. Banner should have avoided that one.
Fernandez connects with the punch.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Pedro Fernandez dominated that round.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.

The fighters circle momentarily. Fernandez darts into range and connects with a nice straight punch.
Banner tries to clinch but Fernandez moves away
enabling Fernandez to counter with a crisp jab.
Banner tries to clinch up
and Fernandez makes him pay by landing a nice hook to the body before moving out of range.
Fernandez really does look like a pencil wearing a pair of gloves. Let's hope he has a gameplan to suit that ridiculous body shape.
Banner tries to clinch there but Fernandez circles away.
Fernandez throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Banner shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Fernandez sprawls well. Fernandez wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Banner gets slowly back to his feet.
Banner has his takedown stuffed
and Fernandez counters with a straight punch to the midsection.
Fernandez throws a shot to the body.
Wayne Banner is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Good shot there by Fernandez.

Banner looks for a takedown. He's got it. We're now in half guard.
Banner is breathing heavily.

Fernandez kicks off Banner and gets to his feet.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Banner takes a jab on the nose there. A little bit of blood seems to be coming out. Hopefully that won't affect his breathing.
Banner has a pretty nasty looking mouse under his right eye.
Banner tries to clinch there but Fernandez circles away.
Banner doesn't succeed with the takedown
and Fernandez counters with a three punch combo that has Banner backing up. Banner nods at Fernandez to acknowledge the strikes.
Pedro Fernandez has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Wayne Banner.
Fernandez's corner calls for a 1-2. Fernandez obliges with the 1 part as he scores the single shot and moves back out of range.
It really doesn't seem like the step up in weight is hurting Fernandez here at all. He's more than holding his own against the bigger man.
Banner misses with a takedown attempt
and Fernandez counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Fernandez rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Banner moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Fernandez fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Banner manages to avoid it.
Fernandez moves into range and throws a lovely three punch combination.
Fernandez tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Banner was well out of range. Poor timing from Fernandez.
Banner shoots and misses
and Fernandez counters with a lovely shot to the body.
Banner on the wrong end of an overhand right that came out of nowhere.
Banner walks straight into an uppercut. Luckily it didn't land flush.
Fernandez is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Banner can do to turn this around?

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Boom, another hit is landed. "You're gunna get knocked out" taunts Fernandez, as that shot connected.
Fernandez connects with a slap. Keep your fist closed son.
Pedro Fernandez is winning the standup battle so far.
Banner tries to clinch up
and Fernandez counters with a straight right hand.
Banner fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
Fernandez scores with a decent looking hook.
Banner tries to close the distance and clinch but Fernandez swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Banner shakes his hands off, looking to compose himself, but takes a jab to the jaw whilst he does it.
Fernandez scores with a punch to the gut of his opponent.
Banner fails with a takedown attempt.
Banner takes a shot to the body in his stride.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Banner fails with the takedown
and Fernandez counters with a three punch combo that has Banner backing up. Banner nods at Fernandez to acknowledge the strikes.
Fernandez lands a nice shot to the body.
Fernandez changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.
Fernandez connects with a lovely right hand, straight down the pipe.
Fernandez scores with a sloppy punch to the body. Not much technique there but it did the business.
Fernandez throws a jab to the body, straight down the pipe. Boom. That sent Banner stumbling backwards but he manages to regain his composure quickly.
Banner takes one to the side of the head.
Fernandez connects with a body shot.
Fernandez lands a right hook to the body.
Fernandez lands with a cross.
Banner fails with the takedown
and Fernandez counters with a three punch combination, finished off with a leg kick. Nice work.
Fernandez dips down and scores with a jab to the body.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Fernandez lands a pitter patter jab to the forehead of his opponent.
Banner takes one on the chin but seems OK.
Fernandez throws a body punch but Banner moves out of range.
Banner with a poor takedown
and Fernandez counters with a stiff right hand.
Fernandez keeps his opponent at a distance with a nice jab.
Fernandez throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Banner.
Banner fails with the takedown
and Fernandez counters with a lovely shot to the body.
Fernandez ducks low and lands a nice hook to the body of his opponent.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Fernandez lands a lovely overhand right.
Fernandez with a body punch. A glancing blow.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Banner has his takedown stuffed
and Fernandez counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
The crowd cheers as Fernandez lands an impressive looking overhand right. Banner doesn't seem phased though.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Pedro Fernandez dominated that second round.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action.

Banner tries for a takedown but Fernandez circles away easily
and Fernandez counters with a nice jab to the body that keeps Banner thinking.
Banner shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Fernandez as he jumps to the side.
Banner closes the distance but Fernandez moves to the side
and Fernandez counters with a right hand to the body.
Banner on the wrong end of an overhand right that came out of nowhere.
Banner has his takedown stuffed
and Fernandez counters with a stiff right hand.
Pedro Fernandez has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Wayne Banner.
Banner looks to clinch
letting Fernandez counter with a right hand.
Left hook, right uppercut from Fernandez.
Banner walks into a left hand.
Banner tries to clinch but Fernandez moves away
and Fernandez counters with a straight punch to the midsection.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Banner takes a body punch but keeps moving.
Fernandez cracks a nice hook into Banner's ribs.
Banner tries to clinch but Fernandez is having none of it.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Fernandez lands with a cross.
Banner takes one on the chin but seems OK.
Fernandez lands an overhand right.
Banner closes the distance but Fernandez moves to the side
and Fernandez counters with a three punch combination, finished off with a leg kick. Nice work.
Fernandez lands a jab.
Fernandez connects with a body shot.
Fernandez connects with a jab.
Banner takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.
Fernandez listening to his corner there, landing a nice uppercut.
Fernandez fakes and then throws a beautiful body shot. Banner looks a bit winded and takes a step backwards to take a breath.
Banner tries for a takedown but Fernandez circles away easily
and Fernandez counters with a nice uppercut.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A shot to the liver by Fernandez. Beautiful body shot.
Fernandez tests Banner's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Banner takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.
Banner misses with a takedown attempt
and Fernandez counters with a right hand to the body.
Banner misses with a takedown
enabling Fernandez to counter with a crisp jab.
Jab, cross, leg kick. Nice combination by Fernandez!
A lazy left from Fernandez finds it's target.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Fernandez's corner calls for a 1-2. Fernandez obliges with the 1 part as he scores the single shot and moves back out of range.
Fernandez dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Fernandez lands a body shot.
Fernandez scores with a one two! Banner had his feet all tangled up there and couldn't avoid the strikes.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Banner has his takedown stuffed
and Fernandez counters with a lovely shot to the body.
Banner fails with the takedown
and Fernandez counters with a lovely shot to the body.
Fernandez circles away from the clinch attempt
and Fernandez counters nicely by changing levels and landing a hook to the body.
Banner misses with a combination
and Fernandez counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Fernandez smiles there as he lands a nice right hand right on the button.
Banner closes the distance but Fernandez moves to the side
and Fernandez counters with a right hand to the body.
Banner shoots in for a takedown but Fernandez shows good takedown defense.
Banner on the wrong end of a vicious looking body shot.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Fernandez scores with a hook to the body. Banner takes a step back and tries to catch his breath.
Fernandez works his jab well there, keeping his opponent at a distance.
Banner wants to clinch but Fernandez slips to the side
and Fernandez counters with a straight punch to the midsection.
Fernandez scores with a decent looking hook.
Fernandez getting the better of the striking in that exchange.
Fernandez misses the shot to the body.
Banner closes the distance looking to clinch
and Banner takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Fernandez darts in and out, connecting with a jab.
Banner has his takedown stuffed
and Fernandez counters with a straight punch to the midsection.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Fernandez with a hook.
Fernandez scores with a reasonable looking shot to the body. Banner doesn't seem bothered though.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Pedro Fernandez clearly takes that round.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

The fighters circle momentarily. Fernandez darts into range and connects with a nice straight punch.
Banner swings away with a body shot that misses
and Fernandez counters with a series of strikes. Banner will be more careful next time no doubt.
Fernandez tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Banner was well out of range. Poor timing from Fernandez.
Banner shoots in but doesn't get the takedown
and Fernandez counters with a shot to the ribs. That looked like it hurt.
Banner with a poor takedown
and Fernandez counters with a nice jab to the body that keeps Banner thinking.
A right-left combo lands from Fernandez.
Fernandez lunges in with an uppercut that skims his opponent's chin.
Banner shakes his hands off, looking to compose himself, but takes a jab to the jaw whilst he does it.
Banner with a lazy takedown attempt
and Fernandez counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Pedro Fernandez has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Wayne Banner.
Fernandez lands a body shot.
Banner is absolutely dripping with sweat - he looks exhausted.
Fernandez dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Fernandez cracks Banner with a right hand to the side of the head.
This fight brought to you by 5M nutrition - it's mmmmm tasty. Nice jab by Fernandez.
Banner with a poor takedown
and Fernandez counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Fernandez listening to his corner there, landing a nice uppercut.
Fernandez's corner calls for a 1-2. Fernandez obliges with the 1 part as he scores the single shot and moves back out of range.
Fernandez scores with a shot to the body.
Fernandez lands a jab, followed by a cross and another cross, as Banner backs up against the cage.
Fernandez lands an overhand left. A wild punch that just about connected.
Fernandez keeps his opponent at a distance with a nice jab.
Fernandez scores with a crisp jab that stopped Banner in his tracks.
Banner is pinned up against the cage taking some big shots here. The referee is looking closely deciding whether he should stop the fight.
Fernandez scores with a jab to the jaw of his opponent.
Fernandez is moving around nicely and scores here with a single head shot.
Banner fails with the takedown
and Fernandez counters with a right hand to the body.
Fernandez misses with the combination.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Fernandez throws a hard body shot but it just misses.

Banner darts in and lands a nice takedown into half guard.
Banner missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
Banner trying to control from Fernandez's half guard. Fernandez has other ideas though and has regained full guard.
Banner won't allow Fernandez to get back to his feet.
Banner working some strikes from top position.
Banner controlling from the guard. I say controlling but really, he's stalling.
Banner postures up in Fernandez's guard and throws a big left but Fernandez blocks it.
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.
Banner preventing the sweep.
Banner throws a big right hand that misses.
Banner throws a big right hand that misses.
Banner missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Banner wants to pass the guard but Fernandez is keeping the position.
Banner pushing down on Fernandez's thigh, trying to pass to half guard. He's managed it... Nice work.
Banner not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
Banner is just sitting in half guard, waiting for something to happen.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.
Banner throwing shots but Fernandez is blocking nicely.
Banner trying to control from half guard but Fernandez is working away.
Banner has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
Fernandez taking some punishment here, with Banner in his half guard.
Fernandez is refusing to be controlled, as Banner sits in half guard.
Banner is in a good position here but he's just trying to control... And he's not even managing to do that successfully.
Banner lands a big shot. The thud that echoes around the arena is like music to the fans' ears.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Pedro Fernandez had his way with Wayne Banner in that round.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action. The crowd applaud as we get ready to start the final round!

Banner has his takedown stuffed
and Fernandez counters with a straight punch to the midsection.
Some wild striking there from Fernandez.
Banner shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Fernandez defends it nicely.
Banner gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily
and Fernandez counters with a nice body shot.
Pedro Fernandez has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Wayne Banner.
Fernandez cracks Banner with a good shot that sees him stumbling back into the cage.
Banner shoots and misses
and Fernandez counters with a three punch combo that has Banner backing up. Banner nods at Fernandez to acknowledge the strikes.
Banner with a poor takedown
and Fernandez counters nicely by changing levels and landing a hook to the body.
Banner fails with the takedown
enabling Fernandez to counter with a crisp jab.
Banner is wobbling all over the place through exhaustion. Will he make it to the final bell?
Fernandez scores with a jab. Banner acknowledges it with a nod of the head.
Fernandez lands an overhand right.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Banner showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Fernandez.
Fernandez dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Banner fails with the takedown
and Fernandez counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
The crowd cheers as Fernandez lands an impressive looking overhand right. Banner doesn't seem phased though.
Fernandez scores with a sloppy right hand. Banner should have avoided that one.
Banner misses with a takedown attempt
and Banner takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Fernandez keeps his opponent at a distance with a nice jab.
Fernandez scores with a jab to the jaw.
Fernandez throws a shot to the body.
Fernandez swings wildly with a hook that is half blocked by Banner.
A shot to the liver by Fernandez. Beautiful body shot.
Banner doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Banner takes a body punch but keeps moving.
Banner fails with a takedown attempt.
Fernandez lands a two punch combo.
The crowd cheers as Fernandez lands an impressive looking overhand right. Banner doesn't seem phased though.
Banner misses with a combination
and Fernandez counters with a three punch combination, finished off with a leg kick. Nice work.

Banner is looking for a takedown here. He's shot in and has managed to get it, finishing up in Fernandez's half guard.
Banner is keen to just control but Fernandez is a slippery customer.
Fernandez is trying to control but can't.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Fernandez wants to get back to his feet.
Fernandez is looking for a sweep. Banner is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Fernandez is trying to defend against the ground and pound but Banner scores with a couple of nice shots.
Banner looks to score some points with some ground and pound.
Fernandez on his back here. We all know that wrestlers don't like being on their back so let's see if Fernandez tries to get out of the position.
Banner is looking to take a break and control but Fernandez is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Banner looks towards his corner to check for any instructions. The corner give him nothing to work with, so he cracks Fernandez with a short hammerfist. I guess that's as good as any advice he could get in this position.
Banner throwing shots but Fernandez is blocking nicely.
Banner working Fernandez over with strikes.
Banner working the head and body with strikes.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Banner thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
Banner controlling the pace.
Banner scores with a couple of good hammerfists.
Banner working over Fernandez with some ground and pound. Fernandez looks like he wants out of this position, which is understandable.
Banner seems to be taking a bit of a break to think of his next move. He lands a short punch in the meantime.
Banner slips a nice elbow through Fernandez's hands, connecting with Fernandez's forehead.
Banner not landing any meaningful shots this time.
Pedro Fernandez is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Banner missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
Banner frees up his trapped foot and advances to mount.
Wayne Banner has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Banner lands with some strikes.

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 Pedro Fernandez.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Fernandez, 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 5 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Stewart Dunkirk scores the fight 50:43
Judge Frank Dennis scores the fight 50:44
Judge George Francis scores the fight 50:43

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Pedro Fernandez!
Pedro Fernandez retains his bantamweight title!