PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between Floyd Merithweather (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Shakeem Howell (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Shakeem Howell has the power to score a knockout today if he connects clean with Floyd Merithweather's chin.

Merithweather
vs
Howell

165 cm
18
130 lbs
1 - 0 - 0

191 cm
22
135 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Cuts easily

BJJ Blue Belt
Decent boxing
Determined

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the bantamweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of London, Floyd Merithweather!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of London, Shakeem Howell!
The judges for this bout are Colin Fotheringham, Donald Grub and Daniel Bishop.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Merithweather thows a left - swing and a miss!
Howell steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Merithweather.
Merithweather blocks a head kick by Howell.
Merithweather throws a series of punches but Howell moves out of range.
Merithweather misses with a body shot

and Howell counters by moving into the clinch.
Merithweather wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.
Howell lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
Merithweather tries to break free but Howell pushes him back against the cage.

Howell pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Howell throws a head kick that misses.
Howell wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.
Merithweather scores with a hook to the body. Howell takes a step back and tries to catch his breath.
Merithweather rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
and Howell counters with a straight right hand.
Merithweather misses with a wild body shot.
Merithweather throws a sloppy body shot
and Howell counters with a stiff right hand.
Merithweather throws a jab but it's blocked by Howell.
Howell moves out of range of the strikes.
Merithweather looks to land a left hand but Howell moved out of range nicely.
This has been an exciting period of action!
A punch combination from Howell misses.
Merithweather throws a series of punches but Howell avoids them all with ease.
Floyd Merithweather is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Merithweather misses with a shot to the body
and Howell counters with a nice body shot.
Howell tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Merithweather tries to bum rush Howell with a series of wild strikes but Howell uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Nice takedown defense from Merithweather. No joy for Howell on that attempt.
Floyd Merithweather seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Merithweather misses with an uppercut
and Howell counters with a left and a right that stings Merithweather.
Merithweather is really struggling to find his range with his punches. Howell's reach advantage is clearly causing him problems.
Merithweather misses with a right hand
and Howell counters with a two punch combo.
Merithweather misses with a body punch
and Howell counters with a left and a right that stings Merithweather.
Merithweather is breathing heavily.
Merithweather thuds a left hand into Howell's body.
Merithweather throws a predictable looking body shot

and Howell counters by clinching up.
Howell manages to get underhooks and slows down the pace for a moment.

Howell pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Merithweather throws a right and a left that both miss.
Merithweather throws a predictable looking body shot
and Howell counters with a three punch combination, finished off with a leg kick. Nice work.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Howell shoots for a double leg takedown but Merithweather sprawls well. He's pushed Howell's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Merithweather throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Merithweather changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.
Howell closes this distance looking for a takedown but Merithweather circles away.
Floyd Merithweather has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Shakeem Howell.
Merithweather throws a lazy right hand but Howell sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Howell is a painfully thin specimen of a man. You do wonder whether a good body kick would snap him clean in two.
Howell will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
Merithweather swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Merithweather throws an ugly left hook that misses
and Howell connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Howell takes a jab right on the kisser.

Howell clinches up with Merithweather and pushes him back against the cage.
Merithweather tries to circle away but Howell has him pinned against the cage.
Merithweather is trying to break free.
Howell keeps the fight in the clinch, despite Merithweather's efforts to push away.
Howell wants to stall.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Howell keeps the fight in the clinch, despite Merithweather's efforts to push away.

Merithweather's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Howell throws a body kick but he wasn't in range.
Merithweather misses with a wild body shot.
Howell closes the distance and clinches up with Merithweather, looking for a takedown. Howell pushes Merithweather against the cage but Merithweather circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Merithweather scores with a sloppy punch to the body. Not much technique there but it did the business.
Merithweather looks to score with a jab to the body but Howell is just out of range.

Howell gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.
Merithweather can't break the clinch.
Merithweather tries to break free but Howell pushes him back against the cage.
Howell tries to score a body lock takedown but Merithweather shows good agility there to stay on his feet.
Howell keeps control of Merithweather as he tries to wriggle out of the double underhooks.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Howell lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.

Howell's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.

Howell instigates a clinch.
Merithweather is trying to work out of this bad position, with his back against the cage.

Merithweather manages to break the clinch.
Merithweather misses with a series of wild punches.
Howell slips in close and lands a nice hook before moving back out of range.
Howell shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Merithweather sprawls well. Merithweather wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Howell gets slowly back to his feet.
Merithweather misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Howell.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Merithweather thows a body shot but no joy.
Howell shoots in for a takedown but Merithweather shows good takedown defense.
Howell moves in looking to clinch but Merithweather pushes him off.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close round but I would say that Floyd Merithweather will probably get the nod.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action.

Merithweather throws a hook but Howell blocks it.
Merithweather falls off balance throwing a combination
and Merithweather takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
A shot to the body from Merithweather misses
and Howell counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Howell throws a sloppy head kick and Merithweather moves out of range easily.
Merithweather leaves Howell with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
Howell blocks a jab.
Merithweather throws a hook to the side of Howell's head but Howell sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Merithweather ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Howell moves away.
Howell tries to score a power double leg takedown but Merithweather sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Howell somewhat.
Merithweather stuffs the takedown attempt from Howell. Howell gets slowly back to his feet.
Floyd Merithweather has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Shakeem Howell.
Howell is breathing heavily.
Howell on the wrong end of a vicious looking body shot.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Merithweather fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Merithweather thows a body shot but no joy.

Howell closes the distance and clinches.
Howell has Merithweather pressed against the cage, preventing Merithweather from circling away and getting back to striking at range.
Howell drops to a knee looking for a takedown but Merithweather gets the underhooks and prevents it.

Howell jumps into guard, dragging Merithweather to the mat.
Merithweather wants to stand but Howell is controlling his posture from full guard.

Merithweather gets to his feet. Howell looking to butt scoot but the ref puts an end to that. On your feet son!
Merithweather lunges in with an uppercut that skims his opponent's chin.
Floyd Merithweather is winning the standup battle so far.
Merithweather ducks low and lands a nice hook to the body of his opponent.
Howell tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Howell has a takedown stuffed.
Merithweather thows a body shot but no joy.
Merithweather scores with a punch to the head.
Merithweather misses with a hook. Howell ducked under it nicely.
Merithweather swings and misses with a shot to the body

and Howell counters by clinching up.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Merithweather has had enough of the clinch and is looking to separate.
Howell tries to pull guard but Merithweather won't allow it.

Merithweather escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Howell has used his reach advantage pretty well so far tonight.
Merithweather throws a body punch but Howell moves out of range.
Howell wants to clinch.
Merithweather misses with a body punch
and Howell makes him pay by landing a nice hook to the body before moving out of range.

Merithweather tries to keep at a distance but Howell has taken the fight into the clinch.
Howell is trying to pull guard but Merithweather has him pressed against the cage.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Merithweather manages to break the clinch.
Merithweather fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Howell manages to avoid it.
Merithweather fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Howell manages to avoid it.
Howell changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Merithweather tries to avoid it but Howell manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Merithweather to the ground. Merithweather escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Howell is using his reach advantage to land shots from outside his opponent's range.
Merithweather misses the shot to the body.
Merithweather is looking to wear down Howell with body shots, infact he's throwing more body shots than head shots at the moment.
Howell tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Merithweather swivels and escapes.
Merithweather misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Howell.
Merithweather misses with an uppercut
and Howell counters with a series of strikes. Merithweather will be more careful next time no doubt.
Merithweather connects with a lovely right hand, straight down the pipe.
Merithweather misses with a jab to the body
and Howell counters with a left and a right that stings Merithweather.
A shot to the body from Merithweather misses

and Howell counters with a nice double leg into guard.
Howell wants to control from the top but Merithweather keeps moving.
Merithweather might be looking to lock onto one of his opponent's long limbs for a submission, whilst we're on the ground.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
We must be close to a standup if these guys don't pick up the pace.

Howell drops back, looking for a kneebar! Merithweather looks panicked! The fighters roll across the mat, one looking to finish, one looking to escape. Merithweather looks to have wriggled free... Yes, he's got his leg free and he's dived into side control! Good work there from Merithweather!
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Howell tries to bench press Merithweather off him but Merithweather keeps the position.

Merithweather stands up and beckons Howell to his feet.
Shakeem Howell is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Merithweather throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Merithweather misses with a telegraphed body shot
and Howell counters nicely by changing levels and landing a hook to the body.
Howell shoots in for a takedown but Merithweather shows good takedown defense.
Howell avoids a punch combination nicely.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close second round but I would say that Floyd Merithweather will probably get the nod.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action! This is the final round!

Howell throws a leg kick but Merithweather moved away.
Howell fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Merithweather tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Howell was well out of range. Poor timing from Merithweather.
Merithweather cracks Howell with an open hand slap.
Howell swings wildly with a hook that is half blocked by Merithweather.
Merithweather misses with a looping left.
Howell defending well as Merithweather loads up on a big left hand.
Merithweather stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Merithweather wants it to stay on the feet.
Howell moves out of range of the strikes.
Nice defenses there by Howell.
Howell shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Merithweather but Merithweather pushes him off and we're back to square one.
Floyd Merithweather has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Shakeem Howell.

Howell gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.

Merithweather pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Howell moves away from the strike by Merithweather.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.

That's one minute gone in the round.
A shot to the body from Merithweather misses
and Howell counters with a straight right hand.
Howell looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Merithweather is fending him off so far but Howell persists. Nope, Merithweather circles away and we're back to standing.
Merithweather misses with a body shot.
Merithweather misses with a wild body shot.
Merithweather thows a left - swing and a miss!
Merithweather scores with a straight right hand, right through his opponent's guard.
Merithweather lands with a good body shot.
Merithweather misses the shot to the body.
Merithweather ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Howell moves away.
Howell tries to clinch but Merithweather is having none of it.
Howell tries to score a power double leg takedown but Merithweather sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Howell somewhat.
Howell takes an uppercut right on the button but keeps his composure.
Nice takedown defense from Merithweather. No joy for Howell on that attempt.
Floyd Merithweather is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Merithweather throws an off balance right hand
and Howell counters with a straight right hand.
Merithweather looks to score with a jab to the body but Howell is just out of range.
Merithweather ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Howell moves away.
Merithweather thows a body shot but no joy.
Merithweather throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Merithweather misses with a shot to the body

and Howell counters by moving into the clinch.

Howell breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Howell tries for a takedown but Merithweather sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Merithweather thows a body shot but no joy.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Merithweather slaps away a takedown attempt from Howell, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Merithweather lands a right hook to the body.
Merithweather looks to score with a jab to the body but Howell is just out of range.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Merithweather throws a looping overhand right but Howell ducks down to avoid it.
Merithweather throws an ugly left hook that misses

and Howell counters by moving into the clinch. Good anticipation by Howell.
Howell changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Merithweather fights it off and pushes away nicely.
The crowd cheers as Merithweather lands an impressive looking overhand right. Howell doesn't seem phased though.
Howell uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Merithweather.
Howell has a takedown stuffed.
Merithweather throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Merithweather throws a big shot that misses.
Merithweather misses with a right hand

and Howell counters by moving into the clinch. Good anticipation by Howell.
Howell is trying to pull guard but Merithweather turns him against the cage and we stay in the clinch.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Merithweather is trying to break free.
Howell has Merithweather pressed against the cage, preventing Merithweather from circling away and getting back to striking at range.
Howell leaning his opponent against the cage.
Howell looking for a takedown.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Howell keeps the fight in the clinch, despite Merithweather's efforts to push away.
Howell fails to pull guard.

And that's the end of the fight!
Floyd Merithweather showed his dominance in that final round.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Merithweather, 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 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Colin Fotheringham scores the fight 30:28
Judge Donald Grub scores the fight 30:28
Judge Daniel Bishop scores the fight 30:28

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Floyd Merithweather!