PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between God Save the Queen (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Rik Spahn (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). The crowd seem to be enjoying Spahn's choice of entrance music: Slap my elbow. Both fighter's entrance songs getting the crowd jumping here.

Save the Queen
vs
Spahn

192 cm
25
215 lbs
14 - 2 - 0

168 cm
24
219 lbs
11 - 6 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Great low kicks
Very strong

Good wrestler
Solid Muay Thai
Granite chin

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 14 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, God Save the Queen!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 11 - 6 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Rik Spahn!
The judges for this bout are George Francis, Alan Glass and Frank Dennis.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Spahn tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Queen swivels and escapes.
Spahn shoots for a takedown but Queen saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
A solid body kick from Queen.
Queen tries to close the distance and clinch up but Spahn swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Queen dances in quickly and lands a nice inside leg kick on Spahn. That did some damage!
Queen is looking to score with low kicks.
Queen 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.
Spahn is trying hard to land a takedown here. Queen sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
God Save the Queen has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Rik Spahn.
A thudding body kick lands there by Queen!

Queen drives through and clinches with Spahn against the cage.
Queen struggles to land a body shot inside as Spahn controls his hands.
Spahn tries to pull guard but Queen won't allow it.
Queen tries to throw a body punch but Spahn avoids it by throwing Queen back against the cage.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Spahn fails to pull guard.
Spahn tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.
Queen misses with a short punch on the inside.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Spahn tries to pull guard but can't drag his opponent to the mat. Queen just stands there and leans against the cage.
Queen working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.

Spahn pulls guard successfully.
Queen sitting in guard here, content to control.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Queen would like to get this fight back to the feet but can't get free from the closed guard.
Queen seems content to control from guard here. He's going to have to remain active though if he doesn't want to get stood back up.

God Save the Queen has forced the referee to step in and bring the fight back to the feet.
Spahn blocks a leg kick.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Queen tried to score with a low kick but Spahn checks it.
Queen cracks the inside of Spahn's front leg.
Queen throws a head kick that connects with a bit of head and a bit of hand.
God Save the Queen seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Queen stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Queen wants it to stay on the feet.
Queen scores with a push kick.
Queen lands a nice hook to Spahn's body. Spahn takes it in his stride and looks to land his own strikes.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Spahn shoots in looking for a takedown but Queen manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Spahn's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
Queen throws a head kick that half lands.
Queen throws a solid leg kick but Spahn takes the impact on his shin and smiles at Queen.
Spahn tries to close the distance and clinch but Queen swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
That kick from Queen tenderised Spahn's leg. Spahn is trying to keep his angry face on.
Queen throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Spahn.
Spahn takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
Spahn takes one to the chin there.

Queen gets caught napping as Spahn dives in and scores a takedown. Queen manages to retain guard.
Queen will need to keep those long limbs tucked in whilst he's on the ground, to prevent any submissions.
Spahn looking to pass the guard.
Queen wants to stand but Spahn is controlling the position.
Spahn trying to control but Queen is working from the bottom.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Spahn trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Queen pulls Spahn in close to his closed guard and prevents Spahn from doing any damage or advancing position.
If this pace continues, the referee will definitely step in and force a standup.

The referee has ruled that neither fighter is active enough on the ground and has stood them back up.

Spahn shoots in for a takedown from distance. He catches Queen napping and manages to drive through into side control!
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Queen struggling a bit here.
Queen is trying to improve his position.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Spahn in side control lands a decent elbow.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

God Save the Queen dominated that round.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.

Queen cracks the inside of Spahn's front leg.
Queen lands a really nice looking cross but Spahn seems unphased.
Spahn fakes a head punch and goes low to the body. Nicely done.
Queen throws a leg kick that misses.
Spahn does a little shimmy and throws a leg kick. The leg kick missed by a considerable margin though, making him look a little bit silly for doing the shimmy.
Queen keeps his opponent at a distance with a nice jab.
Spahn avoids a kick to the body.
Queen avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Queen attempts a low kick but it misses it's target.
Spahn misses with a few strikes there.
Spahn misses with a double jab.
Queen throws a body kick that digs right into the meat.
Spahn shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Queen but Queen pushes him off and we're back to square one.
God Save the Queen is winning the standup battle so far.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Spahn throws a right hand that Queen ducks under and follows up with a left that Queen also avoids with ease.
Queen doesn't manage to clinch there - Spahn circles away.

Spahn dives in and scores a takedown into Queen's guard.
Queen is looking to get back to his feet but can't, whilst Spahn is controlling him.
Spahn is pushing down on Queen's leg trying to pass to half guard. Queen is fighting to maintain full guard but Spahn has managed to sneak the leg through.
Spahn wants to control but Queen is keeping him busy.
Spahn is looking to stall here but Queen recovers full guard.
Queen wants to stand but Spahn is controlling the position.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Spahn trying to control the position from guard on top but Queen is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Spahn might have to switch it up a bit here because his efforts to control Queen kaven't been going to plan, at least at the current moment in time.
Queen is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Spahn accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Spahn trying to control the position from guard on top but Queen is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

The ref stands the fighters back up. Rik Spahn was stalling too much, according to the referee.
A punch combination from Spahn misses.
Queen lands with a kick to the temple. Spahn shrugs as if to say "is that all you've got?"
Spahn tries to clinch there but Queen circles away.
Spahn shoots for a takedown but Queen saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
Queen connects with an inside leg kick.
Nice takedown defense from Queen. No joy for Spahn on that attempt.
God Save the Queen has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Rik Spahn.
Spahn shoots in for a takedown but Queen shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Queen cracks the inside of Spahn's front leg.
Spahn is breathing heavily.
Queen goes for a high kick. It partially lands.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Spahn misses with a head kick.
Spahn looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
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!
Spahn takes a push kick to the midsection and stumbles backwards.
Queen tries to clinch but Spahn moves out of range.
A nice leg kick lands there from Queen.
Good leg kick by Queen there. It's the ones that make that thud noise that hurt and that was an almighty thud.
Queen connects with a solid leg kick.
Queen looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Queen misses with a body kick.
Queen thows a body kick. Spahn tries to catch it but that hurt him.
Nice uppercut there from Queen.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

God Save the Queen dominated that second round.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business.

A solid leg kick lands there for Queen.
Spahn has developed a nice purple lump on his ribcage, as a result of some heavy body kicks from Queen.
Spahn shoots for a double leg takedown but Queen sprawls well. He's pushed Spahn's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Queen tries to close the distance and clinch but Spahn swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Queen misses with a low kick as Spahn jumps back.
Queen scores with a kick to the body.
Spahn walks straight into a jab right on the nose. That one stung - he's blinking and trying to clear his head.
Spahn tries to land a front kick but Queen steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed.
Spahn's leg has a nasty welt from taking a succession of leg kicks. That must be slowing him down.
Queen scores with a jab to the body.
Queen wants to clinch.
Spahn goes for a spinning back kick but it misses.
Queen throws a low kick but Spahn moves out of range easily.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Queen misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Spahn fails to land the takedown.
Queen thumps Spahn with a low kick.
Spahn shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Queen defends it nicely.
God Save the Queen has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Rik Spahn.
Spahn takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Spahn takes one to the chin there.
Queen throws a head kick that half lands.
A head kick misses from Queen.
Spahn shoots in and drives through. Queen sprawls well.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Queen lands a glancing blow to the side of Spahn's head.
Queen lands a nice leg kick that just misses Spahn's sensitive parts.
Queen keeps his opponent at a distance with a nice jab.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Queen connects with a looping right hand.
Queen keeps Spahn at a distance using the push kick.
Queen scores with a jab to the jaw.
Queen lands a leg kick that knocks Spahn off balance momentarily.
Spahn steps to his left, right into the path of a big body kick from Queen. That one must have hurt.
Spahn throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Queen.
Queen throws a leg kick but Spahn sees it coming and checks it nicely.
God Save the Queen is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Queen lands a beauty of a right hand that gets the crowd cheering.
Spahn misses with the combination.
Queen is using his height advantage well here, landing a good percentage of his punches.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Queen takes the fight into the clinch.
Queen fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Spahn is trying to break free.
Queen tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Spahn's elbow.
Spahn tries to jump guard but he falls flat on his backside. Queen smiles and moves away.
Spahn on the wrong end of an overhand right that came out of nowhere.
A leg kick checked by Spahn.
A head kick misses from Queen.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Queen throws a body kick but he wasn't in range.
Queen is using his reach advantage well here, landing the more effective single shots from range.
Queen motions for Spahn to come forward. Queen throws a leg kick but it misses it's target.
Spahn on the wrong end of a kick to the body.
Spahn's hands are dropping dangerously low here and Queen connects clean with a right hook that sends him down to one knee! Spahn scrambles back to his feet.
Queen scores with a head kick. Spahn tried to block it but didn't get his arm up in time.
Queen throws a mid kick that lands with a slap.
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!
Queen listening to his corner there, landing a nice uppercut.
Queen fails with an attempt to clinch.

Queen takes the fight into the clinch.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Queen tries to work over Spahn's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Spahn is trying to pull guard but Queen turns him against the cage and we stay in the clinch.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

God Save the Queen clearly takes that round.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business.

Queen throws a head kick that misses.
Queen misses with a head kick.
Queen lands a powerful looking uppercut that connected with his opponent's jaw.
Spahn fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Queen lands a body shot.

Spahn decides to change it up a bit and drives through with a nice takedown into half guard.
Queen holds on for dear life, maintaining half guard for now.
Spahn throwing shots but Queen is blocking nicely.
Queen has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Spahn is working away from the top position though.
Spahn lands with a punch from half guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Queen wants to control but Spahn is keeping busy and won't allow it.
Queen avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Spahn.
Spahn is just content to waste time from the top position. Queen takes advantage of the situation and regains full guard.
Spahn trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Queen wants to stand and escape but Spahn is having none of it.
Spahn trying to control the position from guard on top but Queen is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

Spahn drops back for a leg! It's a sloppy attempt though and Spahn jumps back into guard quickly, to retain the dominant position.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Spahn trying to control the position from guard on top but Queen is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Queen is doing well to control the posture of his opponent and prevent any damage.
Queen wants to stand but Spahn is controlling the position.
Spahn wants to control from the top but Queen keeps moving.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

The ref calls for a clean break and stands the fighters back up. Rik Spahn wasn't active enough on the ground.
Queen misses with a low kick.
Spahn fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
Spahn fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Queen avoids it really well and circles away.
God Save the Queen has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Rik Spahn.
The sound of bone on bone echoes around the arena as Spahn checks a leg kick.
Queen connects with a leg kick. He turned his hip over nicely there.
Queen shapes like he's going to throw a leg kick but settles back down.
That kick from Queen tenderised Spahn's leg. Spahn is trying to keep his angry face on.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Queen fakes a jab and scores with a low kick.
Spahn fails with the takedown.
Spahn is absolutely dripping with sweat - he looks exhausted.
Queen is looking to slow Spahn down with leg kicks.
Queen throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Spahn dives in and grabs Queen's left leg, looking for a takedown. Queen pushes down on Spahn's head and hops out.
Queen scores with a hook to the body. Spahn takes a step back and tries to catch his breath.
Spahn with a body punch. A glancing blow.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.

Queen gets in close and instigates a clinch.
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!
Queen misses with a short punch on the inside.
Queen misses with some punches.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close fourth round but I would say that God Save the Queen will probably get the nod.
That's the end of the interval. I'm sure that seemed a lot quicker than a minute for our two fighters! Back to the action. This is the final round!

Queen swings away with a leg kick that misses.
Queen stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Queen wants it to stay on the feet.
Spahn takes an uppercut right on the jaw but it doesn't phase him.
Queen pivots, looking for a leg kick but Spahn is out of range and Queen settles back down.
Spahn misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
Queen is looking to clinch.
Queen throws a feint and then finishes with a kick to the body.
Queen throws a leg kick but Spahn sees it coming and checks it nicely.
Queen throws a head kick that misses.
That's a knee to de groin and it's over and out! Spahn crumples to the ground after an illegal strike from Queen - the referee stops the clock and Spahn gets 5 minutes to recover from that one. "I'm sorry" says Queen. Spahn manages to get back to his feet and the fight resumes.
Spahn misses with a double jab.
Spahn is wobbling all over the place through exhaustion. Will he make it to the final bell?

That's one minute gone in the round.
Queen doesn't manage to clinch there - Spahn circles away.
Spahn has a takedown stuffed.
God Save the Queen has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Rik Spahn.
Queen throws a feint and then finishes with a kick to the body.
Queen lands a leg kick. The shin dug right into the meat of the thigh.
Horrible takedown by Spahn or perhaps it was just good defense by Queen which made him look bad.
Queen lands with a cross.
Spahn fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Queen misses with a kick to the body.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Queen attempts a low kick but it misses it's target.
Nice body punch from Queen.
Spahn takes an uppercut right on the button but keeps his composure.
Queen defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Spahn.
Spahn on the wrong end of a vicious looking body shot.
Queen displaying good standup as he scores with a three punch combination.
Nice sprawl there from Queen as Spahn shoots in.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!

Spahn shoots in looking for a single leg takedown. Queen is trying to defend but Spahn finishes it well and ends up in half guard. Let's see if he can advance position further.
Spahn missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Spahn prevents Queen from improving his position.
Queen controlling the position well.
Queen is looking to control Spahn's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Queen avoid being mounted?
We must be close to a standup if these guys don't pick up the pace.

Spahn is thinking about going for an arm triangle but he can't free his leg.
Rik Spahn has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Queen wants to control but Spahn is keeping busy.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Spahn trying to control from half guard but Queen is working away.
Queen tries to get to full guard but Spahn has control of the leg.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
God Save the Queen is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Queen is concentrating on defense, preventing Spahn from advancing position.

And that's the end of the fight!
God Save the Queen showed his dominance in that final round.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Queen, 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 5 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge George Francis scores the fight 50:45
Judge Alan Glass scores the fight 50:45
Judge Frank Dennis scores the fight 50:45

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... God Save the Queen!
God Save the Queen retains his light heavyweight title!
Our winner, God Save the Queen, made sure he spent some time buttering up the crowd during his post fight interview, which will no doubt bring him a few more fans.