PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Floyd Pacquiao (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Alex James (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Pacquiao comes to the cage accompanied by Sometimes when we Fight. Alex James is staring across the cage at his opponent, tweaking his nipples.

Pacquiao
vs
James

172 cm
21
205 lbs
5 - 1 - 0

185 cm
22
212 lbs
6 - 6 - 0

Abu Dhabi Champ
Solid boxing
Cardio machine

Good wrestler
Excellent boxer
Granite chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the light heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 5 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Sydney, Floyd Pacquiao!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 6 - 6 - 0, fighting out of Sydney, Alex James!
The judges for this bout are Steve Erwin, Donatello Bradman and John Mangel.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
James misses with a series of wild punches.
Pacquiao misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from James.
Pacquiao has a takedown stuffed.
Pacquiao showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from James.
James scores with a shot to the body.
James rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Pacquiao moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
James scores to the head and body with a nice combination!

Pacquiao drops down and drives through with a powerful takedown into guard.
Pacquiao won't allow James to get back to his feet.
Pacquiao working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
James wants to get back to his feet but Pacquiao is in a dominant position and won't allow it.
Pacquiao has been looking to land a fair amount of strikes on the ground. He might be looking to soften his opponent up in order to work for a submission.
Pacquiao postures up in James's guard and throws a big left but James blocks it.
Pacquiao wants to control from the top but James keeps moving.
James wants to stand and escape but Pacquiao is having none of it.
Pacquiao trying to control the position from guard on top but James is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

That's one minute gone in the round.
James wants to get back to his feet but Pacquiao is in a dominant position and won't allow it.

Pacquiao drops back for a leg! It's a sloppy attempt though and Pacquiao jumps back into guard quickly, to retain the dominant position.
Pacquiao trying to control but James is working from the bottom.
Pacquiao is frustrating his opponent with some stalling tactics from top position.

The ref stands the fighters back up. Floyd Pacquiao wasn't doing enough on the ground.
Pacquiao is pinned up against the cage taking some big shots here. The referee is looking closely deciding whether he should stop the fight.

Pacquiao shoots in and gets a takedown into James's guard.
Pacquiao prevents James from getting back to his feet.
James keeping moving, preventing Pacquiao from controlling successfully.

James has butterfly guard. He's looking to stand up here. He pushes Pacquiao off him and springs to his feet nicely. The crowd applauds.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
James walks straight into an uppercut. Luckily it didn't land flush.
Pacquiao swings and misses with a hook to the body.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Pacquiao takes a swing at James's ribcage but misses.
A big right from James misses.
James swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Pacquiao closes this distance looking for a takedown but James circles away.
Alex James seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Pacquiao avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
James catches Pacquiao with a nice straight right. He seems pissed - ooooh, it's on now! On like donkey kong!
Pacquiao looks shocked there as he takes a right hand to the temple.
Pacquiao avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Pacquiao moves out of range as James strikes.
James missing with a left hand there. Pacquiao was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Pacquiao cracks a nice hook into James's ribs.
Pacquiao gets his head snapped back by a nice shot there.
James throws an overhand right that lands on Pacquiao's shoulder, as Pacquiao tries to avoid the shot.
Pacquiao throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
James throws an off balance right hand

and Pacquiao counters with a nice double leg into side control. James won't be happy with that.
James managing to avoid any damage from the strikes thrown by Pacquiao.
James is trying to stand back up. He's worked his way up against the cage but Pacquiao has just dragged him back down to the mat.

Pacquiao thinks about going for a far side armbar but bails out and retains the dominant position instead.

Pacquiao is looking for a kimura. He might have it! No, James has escaped the position, nice work there.
James is trying to get back to his feet.

Pacquiao tries for a kimura. Not really close to a finish though.

James throws Pacquiao to one side and escapes!
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
A swing and a miss from James.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Pacquiao will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Floyd Pacquiao. That's going to take a lot out of him.
James staying out of range there.
James displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Pacquiao.
James might want to mix his strikes up a bit more. He's just going for head shots at the moment and that can become a bit predictable.
James throws a nice looking combination but Pacquiao bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
A swing and a miss from James.
Pacquiao's corner calls for a 1-2. Pacquiao obliges with the 1 part as he scores the single shot and moves back out of range.

Pacquiao drives through with a takedown into James's guard. Let's see what he can do from the top position.
Pacquiao prevents James from getting back to his feet.
Pacquiao trying to control the position from guard on top but James is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Pacquiao lands a couple of digs.
Pacquiao trying to control the position from guard on top but James is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
James wants to stand up but Pacquiao is controlling him.
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 Pacquiao will probably get the nod.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.

James jabbing away but nothing is landing.
James throws the left hand but Pacquiao avoids the punch easily.
James swings for the body but Pacquiao moves out of range.
A punch combination from James misses.
James lands a jab-cross combination.
Pacquiao throws a lazy right hand but James sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
James misses with a straight left.
James throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
A combination from James does no damage.
James uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Pacquiao.
James stuffs the takedown attempt from Pacquiao. Pacquiao gets slowly back to his feet.
James fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Pacquiao manages to avoid it.
James misses with a double jab.
Pacquiao scores with a nice strike.
James stalks Pacquiao and leaps in with a furious combination of punches. Uppercuts and crosses smash into Pacquiao's face. Pacquiao staggers backwards, shaken.
Pacquiao moves out of range as James strikes.
Nice jab there from Pacquiao.

That's one minute gone in the round.
James throws a body punch but Pacquiao moves out of range.
A slow jab from James misses its intended target.
Pacquiao throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Alex James seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Pacquiao takes a swing at James's ribcage but misses.
Pacquiao keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
James throws a series of strikes that have Pacquiao backpedaling.
James looks to land a combination but Pacquiao avoids it well.
James throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Pacquiao.
Pacquiao looks to throw the jab but James is out of range.
Pacquiao shakes his hands off, looking to compose himself, but takes a jab to the jaw whilst he does it.
Pacquiao displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as James throws out the jab.

Pacquiao shoots in for a takedown from distance. He catches James napping and manages to drive through into side control!
Pacquiao controls the position.
James is not content to let Pacquiao control the position.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

Pacquiao tries for a kimura. Not really close to a finish though.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

James bucks up and manages to escape back to his feet!
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
James is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Pacquiao.
No joy there for James, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Pacquiao closes the distance and clinches up with James, looking for a takedown. Pacquiao pushes James against the cage but James circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Pacquiao throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
James takes a swing at Pacquiao's ribcage but misses.
Pacquiao pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
James throws a looping overhand right but Pacquiao ducks down to avoid it.
Pacquiao bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Alex James is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Pacquiao slips a jab and a cross from James.
James thuds a left hand into Pacquiao's body.
Pacquiao looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Floyd Pacquiao. That's going to take a lot out of him.
A left and a right from James both land. Nice combination.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Pacquiao lands a nice shot to the body.
James just misses with a punch to the body.
James lands a jab.
Pacquiao slips in close and lands a nice hook before moving back out of range.
Pacquiao slips a straight right by James.
James misses with a wild body shot.
Pacquiao misses with a body shot.
James takes a swing at Pacquiao's ribcage but misses.
A looping hook to the body misses from Pacquiao. James does a little dance to reset his feet.
James swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Good exchange - Pacquiao coming out on top.
James pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Pacquiao thuds his right hand into James's forehead from close range. That could be painful for both fighters.
James keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
James keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Pacquiao lands a head shot.
Nice takedown defense from James. No joy for Pacquiao on that attempt.
Pacquiao takes a jab on the nose. He smiles like he loves it and keeps coming.
Pacquiao uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from James.
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!
James misses with an uppercut.
Pacquiao is looking to wear down James with body shots, infact he's throwing more body shots than head shots at the moment.
James misses with a few strikes there.
Pacquiao fakes high and swings low for a body shot but James manages to avoid it.
James lands a two punch combo.
James slips under a jab.
James throws a lazy right hand but Pacquiao sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
James keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Pacquiao slips under a jab from James.
Pacquiao avoids the body shot from James.
Pacquiao takes one on the chin but keeps coming.
Pacquiao waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract James.
James throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Alex James showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business. This is the final round!

Pacquiao takes a body punch but keeps moving.
James's jab looks to have found its range, popping Pacquiao under the eye.
James misses with a jab, cross combination.
Pacquiao throws a body punch but James moves out of range.
Some wild striking there from James.
James rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Pacquiao moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
James throws a right and a left that Pacquiao avoids nicely.
James throws a jab when Pacquiao was well out of range.

Pacquiao gets a double leg takedown into James's guard.
Pacquiao is sitting in guard, working some ground and pound.
James preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
James is looking to get back to his feet but can't, whilst Pacquiao is controlling him.
Pacquiao advances to half guard.
Pacquiao stops James from getting back to his feet.
James takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Pacquiao throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Pacquiao wants to take a breather but James is having none of it.
Pacquiao has freed up his trapped foot and advances to mount.
Pacquiao raining down shots from the mount!
Pacquiao controlling the position easily from mount.
Pacquiao cracks James with a nasty head shot there - the crowd let out an audible gasp there, as the noise reverberated around the arena.

Pacquiao is thinking about an arm triangle here, looking to tighten it up before moving to side control. James can see it coming though and defends well with a couple of strikes to the head and some good arm positioning.

Pacquiao looking for a guillotine from mount but James is having none of it.
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!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Pacquiao won't let James get back to his feet... He wants to keep the fight where it is for now.
James sneaks a leg back under and regains half guard and is working straight away to try and get back to guard. He hasn't managed just yet though.
Pacquiao stalling away here and it's allowed James to slip out his trapped foot and regain full guard.
Pacquiao stops James from standing up.
Pacquiao throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
James is looking to get back to his feet but can't, whilst Pacquiao is controlling him.
Floyd Pacquiao overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Pacquiao passes easily into side control. Nice work.
Pacquiao controls the position from side control.
James is trying to buck Pacquiao off.
You can see the frustration on James's face as Pacquiao controls the position.

Pacquiao is looking for a kimura. He might have it! No, James has escaped the position, nice work there.
James is trying to buck Pacquiao off.

Pacquiao is looking to finish here, going for an Americana. James knows the correct defense though, so he's OK.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Pacquiao is trying to get an arm triangle but James is defending well.
Pacquiao working away diligently from side control. Landing strikes effectively there - that will score him some points on the judges scorecards.

Pacquiao tries for an arm triangle. That looks pretty tight to me. Is this one over!?! Possibly, maybe, no Pacquiao has let go of the choke. Obviously it wasn't as tight as we thought!
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Pacquiao in side control, trying to ground and pound but not landing this time.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.

James explodes and escapes back to his feet! Nice escape there!
James throws a lazy right hand but Pacquiao sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
James fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Pacquiao manages to avoid it.

And that's the end of the fight!
Floyd Pacquiao showed his dominance in that final round.
I think Pacquiao 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 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Steve Erwin scores the fight 29:28
Judge Donatello Bradman scores the fight 29:28
Judge John Mangel scores the fight 29:28

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Floyd Pacquiao!
After the fight, Floyd Pacquiao was humble in paying tribute to his opponent but made it clear he wants to go on to bigger and better things. It seemed to go down well with the crowd who cheered him loudly.