PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Mario Nicks (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Max Michaels (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Michaels is bouncing up and down as he enters the arena, backed by Hillbilly Deluxe. Well, I have no idea who's going to take this one!

Nicks
vs
Michaels

192 cm
24
220 lbs
10 - 3 - 0

185 cm
24
215 lbs
12 - 7 - 1

Good wrestling
World class boxer
Cardio machine

Good wrestler
Dangerous knees
Powerful

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the light heavyweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 10 - 3 - 0, fighting out of New York, Mario Nicks!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 12 - 7 - 1, fighting out of New York, Max Michaels!
The judges for this bout are Jonathan Paton, John Kavanagh and Reed Andrews.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Nicks misses the jab.
Michaels throws a leg kick
and Nicks counters with a kick to the head that grazes his opponent. Michaels is lucky that one didn't land flush.
Nicks misses the body punch
and Michaels counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Michaels tries to score with a leg kick but it misses it's target.
A low kick from Michaels misses
letting Nicks counter with a right hand.
Michaels misses with a lunging right hand
and Nicks cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Nicks stuns Michaels with a nice body shot, before stepping back out of range.
Michaels takes a thudding leg kick, right into the meat of the thigh.
Michaels steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Nicks.
Nicks throws a leg kick but Michaels sees it coming and checks it nicely.
Michaels throws a jab, cross combination which is slipped
and Nicks counters with a flying knee. Nice.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Michaels throws a jab when Nicks was well out of range.
Nicks misses the jab.
Nicks misses with a jab to the body
and Michaels counters with a two punch combo.
Nicks avoids the head kick by Michaels.
Mario Nicks seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Nicks looks to land a left hand but Michaels moved out of range nicely.
Michaels feints and then cracks Nicks's leading leg with a nice low kick. He's obviously looking to slow Nicks down.
Michaels misses with a head kick.
Michaels throws a combination. Nicks tries to block but a couple of punches get through.
A big left from Nicks misses.
A low kick from Michaels misses
and Nicks makes him pay by landing a nice hook to the body before moving out of range.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Nicks throws a combination that misses
and Michaels counters with a straight punch to the midsection.
Nicks checks a leg kick.
Nicks misses with a lunging right hand
and Michaels counters with a one-two to the body.
Michaels throws a combination that misses
and Nicks connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Nicks fails to land with a series of punches.
Michaels slips under a jab.
Michaels rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Nicks moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Nicks checks a low kick from Michaels.
Michaels misses with a hook.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Nicks swings widly with a right hand

and Michaels moves into the clinch.
Michaels swings wildly with an uppercut but Nicks uses good head movement to avoid it.
Michaels tries to land a knee to the head but misses.
Nicks wants to push off and get back to the center of the mat but Michaels has him pressed against the cage.
Michaels slowing the pace effectively.
Michaels connects with a nasty looking knee right to Nicks's face.

Michaels has Nicks pressed up against the cage. He's trying to work for a single leg takedown. Michaels pulls back from the cage and twists to the side, sending Nicks tumbling to the mat - Michaels dives into Nicks's guard.
Nicks is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Nicks keeping moving, preventing Michaels from controlling successfully.
Nicks controls Michaels momentarily but Michaels frees himself.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Michaels trying to control the position from guard on top but Nicks is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Michaels looking to pass the guard.
It looks like the ref is thinking about a standup.
Nicks looking for a sweep. Not yet Nicks, not yet.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.

Well, the referee has seen enough. Neither fighter is active enough on the ground so he's stood them back up.
Nicks changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.
Nicks throws a combination that misses
and Michaels counters with a leg kick that reverborates around the arena.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but Max Michaels will probably get the nod.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!

Nicks fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Michaels manages to avoid it.
A low kick from Nicks misses
and Michaels counters with a three punch combination, finished off with a leg kick. Nice work.
Nicks misses with a leg kick

and Michaels decides to take the opportunity to score a takedown. He's landed in Nicks's guard.
Nicks preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Nicks trying to keep a closed guard but Michaels is proving a slippery customer.
Michaels wants to control from the top but Nicks keeps moving.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

That's one minute gone in the round.
The referee claps his hands together and tells the fighters to work.
Michaels is in a good position here but he's just trying to control... And he's not even managing to do that successfully.

OK we're going to have a standup here. Max Michaels hasn't been effective enough on the ground and the referee wants a restart.
Nicks swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Nicks lands a straight punch to the body, keeping Michaels at a distance.
Nicks throws an overhand right that lands on Michaels's shoulder, as Michaels tries to avoid the shot.
Nicks's corner calls for a 1-2. Nicks obliges with the 1 part as he scores the single shot and moves back out of range.
Michaels uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Nicks.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A big right from Nicks misses.
Mario Nicks is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.

Michaels has Nicks up against the cage in a clinch.

Nicks breaks the clinch.
Michaels throws a leg kick
and Nicks counters with a stiff right hand.
Nicks throws a lazy head kick
and Michaels counters with a straight right hand.
Boom, another hit is landed. "You're gunna get knocked out" taunts Nicks, as that shot connected.
Nicks misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Nicks falls off balance throwing a combination

and Michaels counters into the clinch. Nicely done.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Michaels misses with a hook from the clinch.
Michaels keeps control of Nicks as he tries to wriggle out of the double underhooks.
Nicks lands a hook to the side of the head.
Nicks wants to break free. God knows he wants to breaaaak freeee.
Michaels tries to work over Nicks's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Michaels with an attempt at a knee that misses.
Nicks goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Michaels stalling in the clinch but Nicks improves position.
Michaels is trying to slow the pace down but that's a couple of times in a row that he's tried to get underhooks and Nicks has denied him.
Michaels lands a knee to the head there! That was nasty!
Nicks tries to break the clinch but Michaels is controlling the position.
Michaels tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Michaels fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Nicks wants to break free. God knows he wants to breaaaak freeee.
A hook to the body from Michaels.
Nicks lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Michaels backwards.
Michaels tries to stall but Nicks uses the opportunity to gain a better position.
Michaels has a couple of punches blocked by Nicks.
Nicks tries to circle away but Michaels has him pinned against the cage.
Michaels keeps the fight in the clinch, despite Nicks's efforts to push away.
Michaels misses with a punch on the inside.
Michaels is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Nicks is defending well for now.

That's four 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.
Michaels is leaning against Nicks and scores with a nice uppercut to the body.
Michaels misses with some punches.
Nicks blocks a body shot from Michaels.
Michaels misses with some punches.
Nicks lands a shoulder strike.
Nicks working aggressively here.

Michaels pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Michaels tries to clinch there but Nicks circles away.
Nicks fakes a jab and scores with a low kick.
Nicks tests Michaels's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Michaels takes one on the chin but keeps coming.
Nicks throws a right hand that misses
and Michaels counters with a thumping low kick.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Max Michaels showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!

Michaels throws a left and a right that both miss
and Nicks makes him pay by landing a nice hook to the body before moving out of range.
Michaels tries to check the leg kick but that clearly hurt him.
Nicks catches Michaels with a nice straight right. He seems pissed - ooooh, it's on now! On like donkey kong!
A shot to the liver by Michaels. Beautiful body shot.
Good exchange - Nicks coming out on top.
A head kick by Michaels misses
and Nicks counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Michaels throws a jab, cross combination which is slipped
and Michaels takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Michaels misses with a series of wild punches.
Jab, cross, leg kick. Nice combination by Nicks!

That's one minute gone in the round.
Nicks swings for the body but Michaels moves out of range.
Michaels pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Nicks sizes up Michaels with a pawing jab and scores with a straight right down the middle.
Michaels throws a left and a right that both miss
letting Nicks counter with a right hand.
Michaels throws a right and a left that Nicks avoids nicely.
Good shot there by Nicks.
Michaels fails to land with a series of punches.
Nicks blocks a head kick by Michaels.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Michaels moves forwards but Nicks connects with a nice, crisp jab.
Nicks throws a low kick, looking for Michaels's leg but Michaels calmly moves out of range.
Michaels moves out of range as Nicks strikes.
Nicks moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
Michaels throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Nicks circles away from the clinch attempt
and Nicks counters nicely by changing levels and landing a hook to the body.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Nicks throws a chopping leg kick but Michaels manages to avoid taking any serious damage.
A head kick misses from Michaels.
Max Michaels is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Michaels throws a jab, cross combination which is slipped
and Nicks counters with a shot to the ribs. That looked like it hurt.
Nicks scores with a kick to the midsection.
Michaels takes an uppercut right on the jaw but it doesn't phase him.
Michaels wants to clinch up but Nicks keeps it at a distance.
Nicks bobs and weaves and throws out a fast jab that snaps Michaels's head backwards.
Nicks lands with a nice body kick.
Michaels takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Nicks scores with a crisp jab that stopped Michaels in his tracks.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Nicks goes for a high kick. It partially lands.
Michaels misses with a few strikes there.
Nicks is on the wrong end of a nice combination from Michaels.
Nicks with a jab.
Nicks lands a leg kick that knocks Michaels off balance momentarily.
Mario Nicks is winning the standup battle so far.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Michaels takes one on the chin but keeps coming.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Nicks bobs and weaves and throws out a fast jab that snaps Michaels's head backwards.
Nicks throws a good cross that connects.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Mario Nicks clearly takes that round.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!

Michaels scores with a nice strike.
Michaels tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Nicks swivels and escapes.
Michaels misses with a hook
and he gets countered with a snapping leg kick.
A clash of legs there as Michaels blocks the low kick.

Michaels clinches up against the cage.
Michaels lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
Michaels has a pretty nasty looking mouse under his right eye.
Nicks is trying to break the clinch but Michaels has him pressed against the cage.
Michaels misses with a hook to the ribs.

Nicks breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Nicks throws a nice outside leg kick.
Nicks lands a right hook to the body.
Nice uppercut there from Nicks.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Nicks throws the left hand but Michaels avoids the punch easily.
Good exchange - Nicks coming out on top.
Nicks ducks under a wild hook from Michaels.
Nicks throws an ugly left hook that misses
enabling Michaels to counter with a crisp jab.
Michaels slips a straight right by Nicks.
Nicks scores with a slapping inside leg kick.
Michaels misses with a double jab
and Nicks counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Nicks cracks the inside of Michaels's front leg.
Michaels looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Nicks circles away from the clinch attempt
and Nicks counters with a leg kick.
Michaels is absolutely dripping with sweat - he looks exhausted.
Nicks scores with a jab to the body.
Michaels's leg has a nasty welt from taking a succession of leg kicks. That must be slowing him down.
A jab from Nicks finds it's way through Michaels's defenses.
Nicks misses the body punch
and Michaels counters with a nice low kick that buckles Nicks's knee momentarily.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Nicks lands a straight punch to the body, keeping Michaels at a distance.
Nicks stuffs the takedown.
Nicks throws a jab to the body, straight down the pipe. Boom. That sent Michaels stumbling backwards but he manages to regain his composure quickly.
Michaels takes a shot to the body in his stride.
A low kick from Michaels is predictable there
and Nicks cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Nicks uses good footwork to get in and out and land a nice right hand before Michaels has time to react.
A head kick by Michaels misses
and Nicks counters with a shot to the ribs. That looked like it hurt.
Nicks throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A solid leg kick lands there for Nicks.
Nicks uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Michaels.
Nicks fakes a jab and scores with a low kick.
Michaels blocks a jab.
Michaels misses with a combination
enabling Nicks to counter with a crisp jab.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Nicks closes the distance and lands a one-two.
Michaels throws a jab, cross combination which is slipped
and Nicks makes him pay by landing a thudding low kick.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Mario Nicks had his way with Max Michaels in that 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. This is the final round!

Nicks jabs at Michaels's body.
A low kick from Nicks misses

and Michaels counters with a nice double leg into side control. Nicks won't be happy with that.
Michaels 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.

Michaels goes for an armbar here - this could be all over! But no, Nicks has escaped beautifully and is now on top in side control! Oh, that's unlucky for Michaels but great work by Nicks.

Nicks decides to stand up, so the ref orders Michaels to his feet.
Nicks misses with a combination
and Michaels counters with a leg kick.
Michaels is wobbling all over the place through exhaustion. Will he make it to the final bell?
Nicks thows a leg kick but Michaels checks it
and Michaels cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Nicks misses with a jab, cross combination.

That's one minute gone in the round.
A good leg kick by Nicks.
Michaels tries to close the distance and clinch but Nicks swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Michaels misses with a kick to the body.
Nicks is using his height advantage well here, landing a good percentage of his punches.
Nicks lands a nice looking body shot.
Nicks misses with a low kick as Michaels jumps back.
Michaels tries to close the distance and clinch up but Nicks swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Michaels tries to clinch up.
A bone on bone clash there as Michaels blocks the leg kick.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.
Nicks throws a leg kick but Michaels checks it.
Nicks throws a poor cross that misses
letting Michaels counter with a right hand.
Michaels throws a head kick that misses
letting Nicks counter with a right hand.
Nicks throws a hook to the side of Michaels's head but Michaels sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Michaels with poor footwork there. He got himself in a bit of a tangle, enabling Nicks to score with a decent uppercut.
Michaels throws a combination that misses
enabling Nicks to counter with a crisp jab.
Nicks throws a combination that misses
and Michaels counters with a series of strikes. Nicks will be more careful next time no doubt.
Michaels avoids a lazy jab quite easily.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Nicks misses with a leg kick
and Michaels makes him pay by landing a thudding low kick.
Nicks lands a jab to the nose.
Nicks buckles his opponent's knee momentarily with a nice leg kick.
Nicks throws a sloppy head kick
and he gets countered with a snapping leg kick.
Nicks throws an overhand right that lands on Michaels's shoulder, as Michaels tries to avoid the shot.
Nicks defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Michaels.
A head kick misses from Michaels.
Michaels moves out of range of the leg kick from Nicks.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Michaels drops his hands and takes a jab to the jaw for his troubles.
Michaels wants to clinch
and Nicks counters with a head kick.
Michaels throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Nicks throws a couple of head shots and lands with the final one - a decent hook, which struck Michaels on the side of the head.
Nicks throws a low kick but his opponent is out of range.
Michaels waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Nicks.
Michaels moves out of range as Nicks strikes.

And that's the end of the fight!
Mario Nicks showed his dominance in that final round.
I think Nicks has won this one but let's see what the judges have to say. 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 Jonathan Paton scores the fight 48:47
Judge John Kavanagh scores the fight 48:47
Judge Reed Andrews scores the fight 48:47

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Mario Nicks!
Mario Nicks is the new light heavyweight champion!