PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Beric Dondarrion (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Dan Hedwig (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). We have two fighters making their debuts here, so let's see who comes out of this one with their first professional victory.

Dondarrion
vs
Hedwig

187 cm
22
190 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

186 cm
22
185 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Improved boxing
Granite chin

BJJ White Belt
Solid Muay Thai
Inexperienced

Monster MMA

Monster MMA
The Fire Inside

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the middleweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of New York, Beric Dondarrion!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of New York, Dan Hedwig!
The judges for this bout are Franklyn Lucas, John Roberts and Jonathan Paton.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Hedwig moves into the clinch.
Hedwig with a knee to the head.
Hedwig throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Dondarrion blocks it with crossed arms.
Hedwig tries a knee to the head but Dondarrion blocks it.
Dondarrion tries to pull guard but can't drag his opponent to the mat. Hedwig just stands there and leans against the cage.
Hedwig with a knee to the head.

It looks like Beric Dondarrion has been cut.
Hedwig misses with a knee to the head.
Dondarrion looking to stall.
Dondarrion misses with a knee to the head.
Hedwig tries a knee to the head but Dondarrion blocks it.
Hedwig with an attempt at a knee that misses.
Dondarrion is trying to break the clinch but Hedwig has him pressed against the cage.
Hedwig with an attempt at a knee that misses.
Hedwig with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.
Dondarrion tries to pull guard but Hedwig won't allow it.
Hedwig lands a knee to the head.
Hedwig misses with a knee strike.
Hedwig tries a knee to the head but he's missed.
Hedwig looks gassed!
Hedwig using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Dondarrion has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
Hedwig lands a knee to the head.
Hedwig throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Dondarrion blocks it with crossed arms.
Dondarrion tries to pull guard but Hedwig won't allow it.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Beric Dondarrion. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Dondarrion changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Hedwig fights it off and pushes away nicely.
The fight stays on the outside here - Hedwig looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Dondarrion blocks a head kick by Hedwig.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Dondarrion stuns Hedwig with a nice body shot, before stepping back out of range.
Dondarrion moves in looking to clinch but Hedwig pushes him off.
Hedwig throws a head kick that misses.
Dondarrion swats away the attempt to clinch by Hedwig.
Dondarrion lands a jab. Then a cross. Then finally a nice hook to the body. Good work there by Dondarrion.

Hedwig has taken the fight to the clinch.
Dondarrion drops down looking for an ankle pick but Hedwig pulls his leg out and moves away.
Dondarrion is looking to clinch.
Hedwig tries to clinch but Dondarrion moves away

and Dondarrion counters with a nice single leg takedown and he's in Hedwig's guard now.
Dondarrion trying to control but Hedwig is working from the bottom.
Hedwig is looking to stand up but Dondarrion isn't so interested in that idea.
Dondarrion wants to control from the top but Hedwig keeps moving.
Hedwig really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Dondarrion. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Hedwig is looking to stand back up... there's a bit of a scramble and Dondarrion dives into side control.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Hedwig gets back to half guard.
Hedwig wants to get back to his feet.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

Dondarrion stands up from half guard... He's had enough of that ground malarky for the time being.
Dondarrion tries to clinch but Hedwig moves out of range.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Dondarrion fails to land the takedown.
Hedwig is looking to clinch.

Hedwig closes the distance and clinches.
Hedwig tries to land a knee to the head but misses.
Dondarrion is trying to break the clinch but Hedwig has him pressed against the cage.
Hedwig with the Thai clinch, lands a knee to the head.
Hedwig throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Dondarrion blocks it with crossed arms.
Hedwig tries a knee to the head but Dondarrion blocks it.
Hedwig tries to land a knee to the head but misses.
Dondarrion has had enough of the clinch but Hedwig keeps him there for the moment.
Dondarrion takes a knee right on the jaw!
Hedwig connects with a nasty looking knee right to Dondarrion's face.
Dondarrion takes a knee right on the jaw!
Hedwig lands a damaging elbow.
Hedwig with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.
Hedwig tries a knee to the head but he's missed.
Hedwig lands a knee to the head.
Hedwig throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Dondarrion blocks it with crossed arms.
Hedwig connects with a nasty looking knee right to Dondarrion's face.
Dondarrion stalling in the clinch but Hedwig improves position.
Hedwig lands a knee to the body.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Hedwig tries to land a knee to the head but Dondarrion blocks with his arms.
Dondarrion is trying to work out of this bad position, with his back against the cage.
Hedwig avoiding damage as Dondarrion throws knees to the body.
Hedwig tries a knee to the head but Dondarrion blocks it.
Hedwig tries a knee to the head but he's missed.
Dondarrion looking for a takedown.
Hedwig misses with a knee to the head.
Hedwig is pressed up against the cage. Dondarrion has hold of a leg and is looking to drag Hedwig down to the mat. Hedwig avoids the attempt though and has circled away. We're back to striking at a distance.
Hedwig tries to clinch but Dondarrion moves out of range.
Dondarrion changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Hedwig tries to avoid it but Dondarrion manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Hedwig to the ground. Hedwig escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Dondarrion avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Dondarrion avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Hedwig tries to clinch but Dondarrion moves away
and Dondarrion counters nicely by changing levels and landing a hook to the body.
Dondarrion misses with a takedown attempt - Hedwig sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Hedwig tries to clinch but Dondarrion is having none of it.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Dondarrion shoots in looking for a takedown. Hedwig tries to sprawl out of it but Dondarrion keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Hedwig manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Hedwig tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Dondarrion paws at him with a jab and circles away.
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 Beric Dondarrion will probably get the nod.
The cut man is working on Beric Dondarrion's cut.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business.

Hedwig tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Dondarrion paws at him with a jab and circles away.

Hedwig gets in close and instigates a clinch.
Dondarrion tries for a takedown but Hedwig manages to get underhooks.
Hedwig tries to land a knee to the head but Dondarrion blocks with his arms.
Hedwig connects with a nasty looking knee right to Dondarrion's face.
Hedwig lands a nice elbow from the clinch.
Hedwig tries a knee to the head but he's missed.
Dondarrion is trying to work out of this bad position, with his back against the cage.
Hedwig connects with a nasty looking knee right to Dondarrion's face.
Hedwig throws a knee to the head but misses.
Hedwig tries a knee to the head but he's missed.
Hedwig connects with a knee to the head.
A knee to the head by Hedwig.
Hedwig tries a knee to the head but Dondarrion blocks it.
Hedwig misses with an elbow strike.
Dondarrion takes a knee right on the jaw!
Dondarrion is trying to work out of this bad position, with his back against the cage.
Hedwig connects with a nasty looking knee right to Dondarrion's face.
Hedwig tries a knee to the head but Dondarrion blocks it.
Hedwig connects with a nasty looking knee right to Dondarrion's face.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Hedwig with a knee to the head.
Dondarrion tries to break the clinch but Hedwig is controlling the position.
Hedwig lands a nice knee to the body.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Hedwig.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Hedwig throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Dondarrion blocks it with crossed arms.
Hedwig throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Dondarrion blocks it with crossed arms.
Hedwig on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
Hedwig tries a knee to the head but Dondarrion blocks it.
Dondarrion changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Hedwig fights it off and pushes away nicely.
Dondarrion tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Hedwig paws at him with a jab and circles away.

Hedwig forces Dondarrion back against the cage and clinches.
Hedwig tries to land knees in the clinch but Dondarrion avoids the damage to the body.
Hedwig tries a knee to the head but he's missed.
Dondarrion wants to break free. God knows he wants to breaaaak freeee.
Hedwig scores a nice knee to the body.
Dondarrion takes a knee right on the jaw!
Hedwig with the Thai clinch, lands a knee to the head.
Hedwig lands an elbow inside.
Hedwig with the Thai clinch, lands a knee to the head.
Hedwig misses with a knee to the head.
Hedwig scores with a knee to the head.
Hedwig lands a knee to the head there! That was nasty!
Dondarrion is trying to work for a single leg takedown but Hedwig pulls him back up using the underhooks.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Beric Dondarrion. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Dondarrion managing to block the knees to the body from Hedwig.
Hedwig tries to land a knee to the head but Dondarrion blocks with his arms.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Dondarrion on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
Dondarrion can't break the clinch.
Dondarrion looking to slow down the pace here.
Dondarrion takes a knee right on the jaw!

Beric Dondarrion's cut is getting worse.
Hedwig with an attempt at a knee that misses.
Dan Hedwig seems to be working more effectively in the clinch in the fight so far.
Hedwig landing knees to the body.
Hedwig tries a knee to the head but he's missed.
Hedwig looking to throw knees to the head but Dondarrion is blocking nicely.
Hedwig connects with a knee to the head.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Dondarrion tries to pull guard but can't drag his opponent to the mat. Hedwig just stands there and leans against the cage.
Dondarrion takes a knee right on the jaw!
Hedwig tries to land a knee to the head but Dondarrion blocks with his arms.
Hedwig misses with a knee to the head.
Hedwig with an attempt at a knee that misses.
Dondarrion lands a shoulder strike.
Hedwig scores with a knee to the head.
Hedwig scores with a knee to the head.
Hedwig crunches a lovely knee into Dondarrion's ribcage.
Hedwig with a knee to the head.
Hedwig misses with a knee to the head.
Hedwig lands a glancing elbow in the clinch.
Hedwig scores with a knee to the head.
Hedwig gets an overhook and lands an elbow to the side of the head.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Hedwig with an attempt at a knee that misses.
Dondarrion using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Hedwig has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
Hedwig throws a knee to the head but misses.
Dondarrion has Hedwig pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Hedwig manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.
Dondarrion is trying to break free.
Hedwig tries to land a knee to the head but Dondarrion blocks with his arms.
Dondarrion with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.
Hedwig misses with a knee to the head.
Dondarrion jumps guard but Hedwig stands there with Dondarrion around his waist. Dondarrion gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch.
Hedwig connects with a nasty looking knee right to Dondarrion's face.
Knees in the clinch landing for Hedwig.
A knee to the head by Hedwig.
Hedwig with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.
Knees in the clinch landing for Hedwig.
Dondarrion is trying to work out of this bad position, with his back against the cage.
Dondarrion takes a knee right on the jaw!
Hedwig with the Thai clinch, lands a knee to the head.
Dondarrion has had enough of the clinch but Hedwig keeps him there for the moment.
Dondarrion takes an elbow to the temple.
Hedwig throws a knee to the head but misses.
Hedwig looking to throw knees to the head but Dondarrion is blocking nicely.
Dondarrion wants to break free but Hedwig has control.
Dondarrion goes for a takedown attempt but Hedwig pushes him away and we're back to fighting at a distance.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Hedwig keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
Hedwig avoids the clinch attempt nicely.

Dondarrion shoots in for a takedown and gets it. Oh and he's advanced to full mount straight away.
Hedwig is trying to get to the cage to help him get back to his feet.
Dondarrion breaks from Hedwig's wrist control and lands an elbow.
Hedwig is wriggling around trying to escape.
Hedwig trying desperately to get to his feet.
Hedwig is trying desperately to improve position.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Hedwig manages to regain half guard. Good work.
Hedwig tries to strike from the bottom but it doesn't land.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Dan Hedwig showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The cut man is working on Beric Dondarrion's cut.
That's time! Dondarrion's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight. 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.

Hedwig moves into the clinch successfully.
Hedwig scores with a knee to the head.
Hedwig scores with a knee to the head.
Hedwig tries a knee to the head but he's missed.
Hedwig landing knees to the head.
Hedwig using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Dondarrion has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
Dondarrion throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Hedwig blocks it with crossed arms.
Hedwig misses with a knee strike.

Dondarrion pulls guard effortlessly.

Hedwig stands and steps away. Dondarrion gets to his feet too and we're back to the striking game.
Hedwig tries to grapple but his opponent circles
and Dondarrion counters with a nice uppercut.
Hedwig tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Dondarrion fails with a takedown attempt.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Hedwig is looking to clinch.
Dondarrion throws a head kick but Hedwig moves out of range.

That's one minute gone in the round.
A head kick misses from Hedwig.
Dondarrion looks to land a body kick but Hedwig moved away.
Hedwig tries to clinch but Dondarrion is having none of it.
Hedwig stuffs the takedown.
Dondarrion shoots in but Hedwig avoids the takedown attempt easily.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Beric Dondarrion. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Hedwig takes one to the side of the head.
Dondarrion keeps the fight on the outside.

Hedwig moves into the clinch successfully.
Hedwig connects with a nasty looking knee right to Dondarrion's face.
Hedwig connects with a knee to the head.
Hedwig with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.
Hedwig using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Dondarrion has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
Hedwig tries a knee to the head but he's missed.
Hedwig with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.
Hedwig with a knee to the head.
Hedwig scores with a knee to the head.
Dondarrion wants to push off and get back to the center of the mat but Hedwig has him pressed against the cage.
Hedwig tries a knee to the head but Dondarrion blocks it.
Hedwig with an attempt at a knee that misses.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Hedwig misses with a knee to the head.
Hedwig lands a knee to the head there! That was nasty!
Dondarrion takes a knee right on the jaw!
Dondarrion trying to land knees to the body.
Dondarrion goes for a takedown attempt but Hedwig pushes him away and we're back to fighting at a distance.
Dondarrion throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Hedwig's waist but Hedwig gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Dondarrion off to one side.
Hedwig is looking to clinch.
Dondarrion tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Hedwig paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Hedwig circles away from the clinch attempt.
Dondarrion shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.

Dondarrion scores with a takedown into Hedwig's guard.

Dondarrion is trying to work a guillotine from the top, or something like that? Don't know how he thinks he's going to get a finish from there.
Dondarrion pushes down on Hedwig's leg and manages to get into half guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Dondarrion is keen to just control but Hedwig is a slippery customer.
Hedwig tries to roll over but Dondarrion keeps him under control.
Hedwig is looking to escape.
Dondarrion controlling the action here.
Dondarrion scores with a couple of good hammerfists.
Hedwig is trying to stand.
Dondarrion looks over to his corner - he wants some instructions but his corner are not responding.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are hurling abuse towards the fighters... You can hardly blame them though because there isn't a lot going on in the fight.

Neither fighter is doing enough for the referee's liking and he's decided to stand them back up.
Dondarrion avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Dondarrion avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Hedwig tries to clinch there but Dondarrion circles away.
Dondarrion keeps the fight on the outside.
Hedwig tries to clinch there but Dondarrion circles away.
Dondarrion fails with the takedown.
Dondarrion avoids the clinch attempt nicely.

Hedwig forces Dondarrion back against the cage and clinches.
Hedwig throws a knee to the head but misses.
Dondarrion has hold of a leg and is looking for a trip takedown. Hedwig avoids it nicely though and we remain in the clinch.
Hedwig lands a knee to the head there! That was nasty!
Dondarrion misses with a hook to the ribs.
Dondarrion is trying to break free.
Hedwig connects with a nasty looking knee right to Dondarrion's face.
Dondarrion wants to get back to striking at distance but Hedwig won't allow it.
Hedwig with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.
Dondarrion misses with a hook to the ribs.
Dondarrion is trying to work for a single leg takedown but Hedwig pulls him back up using the underhooks.

And that's the end of the fight!
Dan Hedwig comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think Hedwig has won this one but let's see whether the judges agree with me. Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Franklyn Lucas scores the fight 27:30
Judge John Roberts scores the fight 28:29
Judge Jonathan Paton scores the fight 28:29

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Dan Hedwig!