PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between David Cross (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Kimbo Slysizzle (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.

Cross
vs
Slysizzle

190 cm
22
193 lbs
12 - 3 - 0

180 cm
22
192 lbs
9 - 0 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Solid boxing
Cardio machine

BJJ Blue Belt
Decent boxing
Powerful

MADE IN GERMANY

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 12 - 3 - 0, fighting out of London, David Cross!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 9 - 0 - 0, fighting out of London, Kimbo Slysizzle!
The judges for this bout are Daniel Bishop, Chris Edwards and William Gold.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Slysizzle closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the cage.
Nice body punch from Cross.
The pace really dropping off here, momentarily.
Slysizzle tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
A short uppercut from Cross.
Cross scores with a hook to the body.
Cross works on Slysizzle's body with a couple of short punches.
Slysizzle is working for a takedown up against the cage. He can't get it on this occasion though.
Cross misses with a body punch.
A hook to the body from Cross.
Cross is leaning against Slysizzle and scores with a nice uppercut to the body.
Slysizzle looks gassed!
Slysizzle misses with a punch to the body.
Cross lands a body shot in the clinch.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
The two fighters are working to gain dominance in the clinch.
Nice body punch from Cross.
Cross slowing the pace effectively.
Cross can't find room to land a body shot as Slysizzle controls the action.
Slysizzle struggles to land a body shot inside as Cross controls his hands.

That's one minute gone in the round.
The two fighters are working to gain dominance in the clinch.
A body shot lands from Cross.
Cross tries to work over Slysizzle's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Slysizzle misses with a hook to the ribs.
Cross can't find room to land a body shot as Slysizzle controls the action.
Cross trying to land knees to the body.
Cross is stalling here.
Slysizzle tries to score a body lock takedown but Cross shows good agility there to stay on his feet.
Cross lands a nice shot to the body.
Cross lands a hook to the body. It's hard to tell if that hurt Slysizzle or not.
Cross blocks a body shot from Slysizzle.
Cross lands a right hand that snaps the head of Slysizzle backwards.
Cross lands a nice looking hook to the body, against the cage.
Cross lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
Cross is leaning against Slysizzle and scores with a nice uppercut to the body.
Cross lands a body punch - he's looking to wear down Slysizzle.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Knees in the clinch landing for Cross.
Come on Cross - let's have some action - none of this stalling nonsense.
Cross softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Cross digs a right hand into Slysizzle's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Slysizzle's gas tank.
Cross pushes Slysizzle back against the cage and unloads with a body punch.
Cross is stalling here. The referee will be looking to step in if he doesn't pick up the pace.
A shot in the inside from Cross.
Cross landing knees to the body. They look like they could hurt.
A bit of stalling here from Cross.
Cross is leaning against Slysizzle and scores with a nice uppercut to the body.
Cross is leaning against Slysizzle and scores with a nice uppercut to the body.
Cross effectively controlling the action here.
Slysizzle is trying to work out of this bad position, with his back against the cage.
A hook to the body from Cross.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Cross digs a right hand into Slysizzle's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Slysizzle's gas tank.
Cross stalling here - the referee won't stand for too much of that.
Slysizzle swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Slysizzle misses with a punch to the body.
A body shot lands from Cross.
Cross lands on the inside with an uppercut.

It looks like Kimbo Slysizzle has been cut.
Stalling in the clinch from Cross.
Slysizzle is trying to break the clinch but Cross is controlling him.
Stalling in the clinch from Cross.
Cross blocking some punches.
Cross presses Slysizzle against the cage and delivers a mid-strength body shot.
Cross presses Slysizzle against the cage and delivers a mid-strength body shot.
Slysizzle has had enough of the clinch and is looking to separate.
Nice body punch from Cross - that landed with a thud.
An uppercut to the body lands inside from Cross.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Cross stays in close to his opponent and throws a right hand to the body.
The fighters are pressed against the cage, as the pace of the fight slows.
Cross lands a body punch in the clinch.
Cross working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
The pace slowing considerably in the clinch, as Cross takes a break from that fighting nonsense to think about the finer things in life.
Nice body punch from Cross.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Slysizzle wants a takedown but no success here.
David Cross has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Kimbo Slysizzle.
Cross lands a hook that snaps the head of Slysizzle backwards.
Slysizzle has Cross pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Cross manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.
Slysizzle struggles to land a body shot inside as Cross controls his hands.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

David Cross dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Kimbo Slysizzle's cut.
That's time! Cross's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

A looping hook to the body misses from Slysizzle. Cross does a little dance to reset his feet.
Cross shoots for a takedown but Slysizzle saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
Slysizzle throws a right and a left that Cross avoids nicely.
Cross cracks a nice hook into Slysizzle's ribs.
Slysizzle darts in and out, connecting with a jab.

Cross rushes Slysizzle and presses him up against the cage.
Cross slowing the pace effectively.
Slysizzle wants to break the clinch but can't.
Cross manages to get underhooks and slows down the pace for a moment.
A hook to the body from Cross.
Slysizzle blocks a body shot from Cross.
Slysizzle is breathing heavily.
Slysizzle on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
Cross misses with some punches.
Cross throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Slysizzles head.
Cross has Slysizzle pushed against the cage.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Cross lands a body shot.
Slysizzle working hard to break the clinch.
Slysizzle working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
Cross tries a body shot but Slysizzle blocks it.
Cross lands a nice knee to the body.
Cross prevents a body shot from Slysizzle.
Cross pushes Slysizzle back against the cage and unloads with a body punch.
Cross stalling here - the referee won't stand for too much of that.
Cross lands a body shot.
Cross lands a hook to the body. It's hard to tell if that hurt Slysizzle or not.
Cross lands with a right to the head.
Cross is leaning against Slysizzle and scores with a nice uppercut to the body.
Cross lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
Cross is pushing Slysizzle up against the cage, for a bit of lean and pray action. Action being used the in the loosest possible sense of the word.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Slysizzle working hard to break the clinch.
Cross with a knee to the head.
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!
Cross landing knees to the head.
Cross lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
Slysizzle wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.
Cross is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Slysizzle can do to turn this around?
Cross holding his opponent close, against the cage.
Cross lands with a short punch from the clinch.
The fighters are pressed against the cage, as the pace of the fight slows.
Slysizzle is trying to break the clinch but Cross is controlling him.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Cross avoiding damage.
Cross tries to work over Slysizzle's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Come on Cross - let's have some action - none of this stalling nonsense.
The ref breaks the fighters up, due to lack of action by David Cross.
Cross will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
Slysizzle tries to score with a low kick but Cross moves his leg out of the way.
Cross throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd.
Cross throws a jab when Slysizzle was well out of range.
A looping hook to the body misses from Cross. Slysizzle does a little dance to reset his feet.
Cross tries to clinch
and Slysizzle cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Cross throws a leg kick but Slysizzle checks it.
Slysizzle throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Cross.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Slysizzle fakes a jab and throws a low kick but Cross checks it well.
Slysizzle looks to throw the jab but Cross is out of range.

Cross clinches with his opponent.
Slysizzle wants to break the clinch but can't.
Cross taking a break, stalling in the clinch.
Cross works on Slysizzle's body with a couple of short punches.
Cross tries a body shot but Slysizzle blocks it.
Cross stalling the fight.
Cross throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Slysizzles head.
Slysizzle lands a shot to the body.
Cross throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Slysizzles head.
Cross'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.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Cross stalling in the clinch but Slysizzle improves position.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

David Cross dominated that second round.
The cut man is working on Kimbo Slysizzle's cut.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!

A telegraphed right hand from Slysizzle misses the target.
Cross on the wrong end of an overhand right that came out of nowhere.
Slysizzle bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Cross closes the distance and clinches up with Slysizzle, looking for a takedown. Cross pushes Slysizzle against the cage but Slysizzle circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Cross takes an uppercut right on the jaw but it doesn't phase him.
Slysizzle lands with a cross.
A big right from Cross misses.
Slysizzle lands an overhand right.
Slysizzle misses with a double jab.
Slysizzle takes a swing at Cross's ribcage but misses.
Slysizzle connects with a body shot.
Slysizzle throws a jab when Cross was well out of range.
Slysizzle jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Good exchange - Cross coming out on top.
Slysizzle throws a jab when Cross was well out of range.
Cross keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Slysizzle scores with a jab to the jaw of his opponent.
Slysizzle takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Cross loads up on a big right hand but Slysizzle slips the punch.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Cross shoots in and drives through. Slysizzle sprawls well.
Cross throws a leg kick but Slysizzle sees it coming and checks it nicely.
Slysizzle stumbles momentarily as he takes a strong leg kick from Cross.
Slysizzle cracks Cross with a good shot that sees him stumbling back into the cage.
Cross scores with a crisp jab that stopped Slysizzle in his tracks.

Slysizzle clinches.
Slysizzle is looking for a takedown up against the cage. Cross gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.
Slysizzle tries to throw a body punch but Cross avoids it by throwing Slysizzle back against the cage.
Cross is clearly stalling here... Pick up the pace son.
Slysizzle wants to push off and get back to the center of the mat but Cross has him pressed against the cage.
Cross lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Slysizzle backwards.
Cross avoiding damage.

Slysizzle breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Cross misses with a few strikes there.
Cross closes the distance and clinches up with Slysizzle, looking for a takedown. Cross pushes Slysizzle against the cage but Slysizzle circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for David Cross. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Slysizzle shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Cross as he jumps to the side.
Oooooooooooh, not good. A low kick from Slysizzle 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 Cross has 5 minutes to recover. He's OK now though... a thumbs up from Cross and we're back underway with a touch of gloves.
Cross lands a jab.
Slysizzle 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.
Cross tries to clinch up
and Slysizzle counters with a lovely straight right hand!

Slysizzle moves into the clinch successfully.
Cross misses with a hook to the ribs.
Cross blocks a body shot from Slysizzle.
Slysizzle tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Cross's elbow.
Cross pressing his opponent against the cage.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Cross presses Slysizzle against the cage and delivers a mid-strength body shot.
Cross throws a head punch that misses.
Slysizzle prevents a body shot from Cross.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, Cross creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
Cross tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Slysizzle's elbow.
Cross with the Thai clinch, lands a knee to the head.
Still in the clinch, Cross scores with a nice short uppercut.
Cross works on Slysizzle's body with a couple of short punches.
A battle for position here, against the cage.
Slysizzle is leaning against Cross and scores with a nice uppercut to the body.
Cross lands an uppercut.
Slysizzle's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Cross trying to control the position but instead, Slysizzle has worked for underhooks and has pushed Cross into the cage.
Cross's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
A battle for position here, against the cage.
Cross is pushing Slysizzle up against the cage, for a bit of lean and pray action. Action being used the in the loosest possible sense of the word.
Cross landing some nice looking knees to the body.
A bit of stalling here from Cross.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Nice body punch from Cross - that landed with a thud.
The referee is keeping an eye on Cross - much more stalling and he will separate the fighters.
Slysizzle blocking some punches.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

David Cross clearly takes that round.
The cut man is working on Kimbo Slysizzle's cut.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!

Cross tries to bum rush Slysizzle with a series of wild strikes but Slysizzle uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Cross just misses with a punch to the body.

Slysizzle takes the fight into the clinch.
Good body shot from Cross.
Cross goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Cross keeps control of Slysizzle as he tries to wriggle out of the double underhooks.
Cross misses with a hook to the ribs.
Cross swings wildly with an uppercut but Slysizzle uses good head movement to avoid it.
Slysizzle misses with a punch to the body.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
A frustrated look appears on Slysizzle's face as he tries to break the clinch.
Cross pushes Slysizzle back against the cage and unloads with a body punch.
Slysizzle tries to throw a body punch but Cross avoids it by throwing Slysizzle back against the cage.
Cross doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Cross throws a head punch that misses.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Slysizzle misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Cross softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
Cross throws a hook to the body. More of an arm punch but it's all scoring with the judges.
David Cross has scored more points in the clinch so far.
Slysizzle is absolutely dripping with sweat - he looks exhausted.
A shot in the inside from Cross.
Cross stalling the fight.
A right hook to the body lands for Cross.
Cross is working Slysizzle over against the cage.
Cross lands an elbow that stopped Slysizzle in his tracks for a moment.
Nice body punch from Cross.
Cross lands a nice shot to the body.
Cross stalling against the cage.
Cross prevents Slysizzle from breaking the clinch.
A body shot lands from Cross.
The referee is keeping an eye on Cross - much more stalling and he will separate the fighters.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Cross throws a hook to the body. More of an arm punch but it's all scoring with the judges.
Slysizzle takes an elbow to the forehead.
Cross lands a shoulder strike.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Cross tries to throw a body punch but Slysizzle avoids it by throwing Cross back against the cage.
Cross'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.
A short right from Cross.
Cross slowing the pace effectively.

Slysizzle breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Slysizzle is looking to score with low kicks.

Cross rushes Slysizzle and presses him up against the cage.
Slysizzle lands a body punch in the clinch.
Cross lands with a short shot to the head.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Slysizzle letting Cross take a breather here.
Cross lands a hook to the side of the head.
Cross dictating the pace here, as the fighters clinch against the cage.
Slysizzle pushes off and fires off an elbow that misses, before clinching up again, against the cage.
Cross misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Slysizzle is trying to break the clinch but Cross is controlling him.
Cross is working hard here but doesn't seem to be able to control effectively, up against the cage.
A nice right hand lands inside from Cross.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Slysizzle working some nice short punches in the clinch.
A hook to the body from Slysizzle.
Cross misses with a body punch.
Slysizzle is working for takedown but Cross is calmly controlling the position for now.
Cross is trying to slow down the pace of the fight but Slysizzle is keeping busy.
Slysizzle wants to break the clinch but can't.
Cross goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Cross gets double underhooks to prevent a takedown attempt from Slysizzle.
Cross scores with a hook to the body.
Cross slowing the pace effectively.
Cross prevents Slysizzle from breaking the clinch.
Cross tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Slysizzle blocks an uppercut.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

David Cross had his way with Kimbo Slysizzle in that round.
The cut man is working on Kimbo Slysizzle's cut.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action! So, we enter the final round. Let's see if either fighter can bring us a finish, or whether we're going to the judges scorecards.

Slysizzle stumbles momentarily as he takes a strong leg kick from Cross.

Cross gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.
Cross gets through Slysizzle's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
Cross prevents a body shot from Slysizzle.
Cross will no doubt start fighting again in a minute but for now he's just having a little rest, leaning Slysizzle up against the cage.
Cross stays in close to his opponent and throws a right hand to the body.
Cross blocks a body shot from Slysizzle.
Slysizzle throws a punch but it's blocked by Cross.
The two fighters are working to gain dominance in the clinch.
Slysizzle wants a takedown but no success here.
Slysizzle has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Cross is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.
Slysizzle is wobbling all over the place through exhaustion. Will he make it to the final bell?
Slysizzle prevents a body shot from Cross.
Cross lands a body punch - he's looking to wear down Slysizzle.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Slysizzle breaks from the clinch.
Cross swings wildly with a couple of big hooks
enabling Slysizzle to counter with a crisp jab.
Cross misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Slysizzle.
Cross connects with a crisp jab.

Slysizzle is rocked!
Slysizzle circles away from the clinch attempt.
Slysizzle checks a low kick from Cross.
Slysizzle throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Cross sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Slysizzle throws a big shot that misses.
Slysizzle doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
David Cross is winning the standup battle so far.
Slysizzle avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Cross misses with a body shot.

Cross closes the distance and clinches.
Slysizzle is trying to break free.
With the fighters up against the cage, Slysizzle throws an elbow but misses.
Cross slows down the pace here.
Cross gets a warning from the ref for wasting time.
Kimbo Slysizzle has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Cross swings wildly with an uppercut but Slysizzle uses good head movement to avoid it.
A frustrated look appears on Slysizzle's face as he tries to break the clinch.
Cross stalling the fight.
Cross lands with a short punch from the clinch.
Cross stalling here - the referee won't stand for too much of that.
Slysizzle tries to work over Cross's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Cross missing with knees to the body.
Slysizzle tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Cross's elbow.
Cross lands a body shot.
Cross misses with a hook to the ribs.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Cross cracks Slysizzle with a nice body shot.
Cross lands a left hand that snaps the head of Slysizzle backwards.
A right handed body shot lands from Cross.
Slysizzle wants to break free. God knows he wants to breaaaak freeee.
Cross has Slysizzle pressed against the cage, preventing Slysizzle from circling away and getting back to striking at range.
Slysizzle misses with a hook from the clinch.
Cross working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
Nice body punch from Cross - that landed with a thud.
Cross misses with a hook to the ribs.
Cross cracks Slysizzle with a nice body shot.
Cross is pushing Slysizzle up against the cage, for a bit of lean and pray action. Action being used the in the loosest possible sense of the word.
Cross scores with a nice hook to the head.
David Cross is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Cross dictating the pace here, as the fighters clinch against the cage.
Cross prevents Slysizzle from breaking the clinch.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Cross displaying some good clinch control by pressing Slysizzle up against the cage.
Slysizzle misses with a punch to the body.
Cross presses Slysizzle against the cage and delivers a mid-strength body shot.
Cross lands a body punch.
Slysizzle tries a knee to the head but Cross blocks it.
Slysizzle is trying to break the clinch but Cross is controlling him.
Come on Cross - let's have some action - none of this stalling nonsense.
Good body shot from Cross.
A short body shot lands from Cross as the two fighters clinch.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Cross lands a knee to the body.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Cross landing knees to the body. They look like they could hurt.
Nice body punch from Cross.
Cross is leaning against Slysizzle and scores with a nice uppercut to the body.
Cross is struggling to control the position.
Cross lands a nice looking hook to the body, against the cage.

And that's the end of the fight!
David Cross showed his dominance in that final round.
Well Cross has outscored his opponent in every aspect of the fight today. Only a scarily incompetent judge or two will keep him from a well deserved win... 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 Daniel Bishop scores the fight 50:43
Judge Chris Edwards scores the fight 50:43
Judge William Gold scores the fight 50:43

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... David Cross!
David Cross retains his middleweight title!