PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Bernie McLeod (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Gab Bloodsport (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). McLeod comes into the arena with Flower of Scotland blaring out of the sound system. Gab Bloodsport has the power to score a knockout today if he connects clean with Bernie McLeod's chin.

McLeod
vs
Bloodsport

188 cm
25
182 lbs
11 - 5 - 2

180 cm
22
180 lbs
6 - 6 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Excellent boxer
Cardio machine

ADCC Champion
Good kicks
Solid chin

Fighters First Nutrition Amsterdam 160

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the welterweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 11 - 5 - 2, fighting out of Montreal, Bernie McLeod!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 6 - 6 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Gab Bloodsport!
The judges for this bout are Anni Minnemäki, Arvi Lind and Marco Blurström.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Nice uppercut there from McLeod.
McLeod throws a combination. Bloodsport tries to block but a couple of punches get through.
McLeod throws a right and a left that Bloodsport avoids nicely.
McLeod misses with a body shot.
McLeod misses with a few strikes there.
A punch combination from McLeod misses.
Nice shot lands for McLeod.
Bloodsport avoids a kick to the body.
McLeod uses good footwork to get in and out and land a nice right hand before Bloodsport has time to react.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
McLeod connects with a lovely jab that went straight through the gap between Bloodsport's hands.
The crowd cheers as McLeod lands an impressive looking overhand right. Bloodsport doesn't seem phased though.
McLeod looks to land a combination but Bloodsport avoids it well.
Bloodsport throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around McLeod's waist but McLeod gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Bloodsport off to one side.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Bloodsport takes a jab on the nose there. A little bit of blood seems to be coming out. Hopefully that won't affect his breathing.
McLeod will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
McLeod throws a right hand that Bloodsport ducks under and follows up with a left that Bloodsport also avoids with ease.

Bloodsport looking for a takedown here - he's got it.
We could do with one of the fighters taking the initiative a bit more on the ground - they're both waiting to capitalize on a mistake.
Bloodsport prevents McLeod from getting back to his feet.
McLeod keeping full guard, as Bloodsport tries to pass.
McLeod tries to land a sweep but no joy.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Bloodsport is holding a leg here, probably looking for an ankle lock - he drops back and goes for it! McLeod is in trouble! Is it all over??? No! McLeod has escaped and now he's on top!
McLeod stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Bloodsport swivels though and keeps the full guard.

Bloodsport throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.

Bloodsport looks to be working for a triangle here. Oh, it looks like he might have it! McLeod has picked Bloodsport up and slammed him! Bloodsport can't keep hold of the triangle and McLeod manages to pass to side control!
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Bloodsport is sneaking out the side here. He's bucked McLeod off and has taken his back!

That's three minutes gone in the round.

McLeod is staying cool under pressure, defending well against the rear naked choke attempt from his opponent.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
McLeod trying to control the position but Bloodsport manages to sink in the hooks.

McLeod is staying cool under pressure, defending well against the rear naked choke attempt from his opponent.
Bloodsport gets his hands free as McLeod looks to control.

Bloodsport is looking for a rear naked choke here but McLeod reverses the position brilliantly into Bloodsport's guard!

That's four minutes gone in the round.

McLeod got a little sloppy there for a moment and Bloodsport has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, McLeod has managed to get both his arms back between Bloodsport's legs - danger averted.

Bloodsport isolates an arm and boxes in a triangle. McLeod stacks Bloodsport on his neck as he steps over and passes to the side. He's now in a much more dominant position where he can look to do some serious damage. Nice move by McLeod!
McLeod is moving around in side control but his primary objective seems to be to maintain the position.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Bernie McLeod dominated that round.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!

McLeod scores with a reasonable looking shot to the body. Bloodsport doesn't seem bothered though.
McLeod misses with the combination.
No luck for Bloodsport with that takedown attempt.
McLeod misses with a head kick.
McLeod lands a nice looking body shot.
McLeod rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Bloodsport moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
A combination from McLeod does no damage.
Sloppy strikes from McLeod. Those never looked like landing.
McLeod is using his height advantage well here, landing a good percentage of his punches.
Bloodsport showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from McLeod.

That's one minute gone in the round.
McLeod swinging wildly here.
No joy there for McLeod, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Bloodsport has his head snapped back a nice jab. A little nod from Bloodsport there as he acknowledges the shot.
McLeod works the jab nicely.
McLeod throws a series of punches but Bloodsport moves out of range.
Bloodsport moves away from the strike by McLeod.
McLeod throws a low kick but his opponent is out of range.
Bloodsport checks a low kick from McLeod.
McLeod looks to land a combination but Bloodsport avoids it well.
Bernie McLeod is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
McLeod misses with a two punch combination.
McLeod will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
Jab, cross, leg kick. Nice combination by McLeod!
Bloodsport will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
Bloodsport is trying hard to land a takedown here. McLeod sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
Bernie McLeod has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Gab Bloodsport.
Bloodsport blocks a leg kick.
Bloodsport shoots in but no luck this time.
Bloodsport walks straight into an uppercut. Luckily it didn't land flush.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Bloodsport walks into a jab.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
McLeod swinging wildly here.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Bloodsport is defended easily by McLeod.
Bernie McLeod is winning the standup battle so far.
Bloodsport tries a head kick but it misses.
Bernie McLeod seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
McLeod throws a series of punches but Bloodsport moves out of range.
McLeod scores with a nice right hand.
McLeod misses with a wild combination.
McLeod misses with an attempted mid kick.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A combination from McLeod does no damage.
Nice uppercut lands for McLeod. That snapped Bloodsport's head back.
Bloodsport looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? McLeod is fending him off so far but Bloodsport persists. Nope, McLeod circles away and we're back to standing.
McLeod lands a really nice looking cross but Bloodsport seems unphased.
McLeod misses with a series of wild punches.
McLeod lands with a cross.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
McLeod misses with a jab, cross combination.
Bloodsport slips under a jab from McLeod.
McLeod fakes low and throws an overhand right that catches Bloodsport on the side of the head.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Bernie McLeod dominated that second round.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

McLeod throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Bloodsport moves away from the strike by McLeod.
McLeod throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
McLeod fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Bloodsport manages to avoid it.
Bloodsport slips a jab and a cross from McLeod.
A looping hook to the body misses from McLeod. Bloodsport does a little dance to reset his feet.
McLeod cracks Bloodsport with a right hand to the side of the head.
McLeod throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Bloodsport.
Bloodsport takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
Bloodsport shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as McLeod sprawls well. McLeod wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Bloodsport gets slowly back to his feet.
McLeod with a nice cross.

That's one minute gone in the round.
McLeod cracks Bloodsport with a nice right hand that draws applause from the crowd.
McLeod lands a jab to Bloodsport's midsection.
A solid leg kick lands there for McLeod.
McLeod lands a head shot.
McLeod rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Bloodsport moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
McLeod comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.
McLeod throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Nice takedown defense from McLeod. No joy for Bloodsport on that attempt.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Bloodsport dodges the punch combination from McLeod.
Bloodsport uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by McLeod.
McLeod rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Bloodsport moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
McLeod misses with a wild combination.
McLeod fakes a head punch and goes low to the body. Nicely done.
McLeod misses with a series of wild punches.
McLeod fakes a jab and then connects with a hook.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
McLeod throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
McLeod misses with a two punch combination.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
McLeod misses with a jab, cross combination.
McLeod scores with a crisp jab that stopped Bloodsport in his tracks.
McLeod misses with a jab, cross combination.
McLeod lands a beauty of a right hand that gets the crowd cheering.
McLeod blocks a head kick by Bloodsport.
A punch combination from McLeod misses.
Bloodsport misses with a body kick.
Bloodsport dives in and grabs McLeod's left leg, looking for a takedown. McLeod pushes down on Bloodsport's head and hops out.
Bernie McLeod has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Gab Bloodsport.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Bloodsport scores a trip takedown into side control. Nice.

Bloodsport goes for an armbar! This could be all over! Wait, no, McLeod rolls with the submission and now he's on top in Bloodsport's guard! Nice work there by McLeod!

Bloodsport working for a triangle but McLeod defends it easily.

Bloodsport is looking for a triangle here but McLeod uses the submission attempt to pass into side control.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
McLeod is moving around in side control but his primary objective seems to be to maintain the position.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Bernie McLeod clearly takes that round.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

McLeod throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Bloodsport.
A right-left combo lands from McLeod.
McLeod shapes like he's going to throw a leg kick but settles back down.
Sloppy strikes from McLeod. Those never looked like landing.
Bloodsport defending well as McLeod loads up on a big left hand.
McLeod stuns Bloodsport with a nice body shot, before stepping back out of range.
McLeod lands a beauty of a right hand that gets the crowd cheering.
McLeod keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
McLeod dips to his left and cracks Bloodsport with an uppercut!

That's one minute gone in the round.
Sloppy strikes from McLeod. Those never looked like landing.
Nice body punch from McLeod.
McLeod misses with a few strikes there.
McLeod lands with a cross.
McLeod getting the better of the striking in that exchange.
Bloodsport fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
McLeod lands with a hook. Bloodsport tried to avoid it but it clipped the top of his head.
McLeod throws a wild combination but nothing lands.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Bloodsport looks for a takedown but McLeod sprawls well.
Bernie McLeod has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Gab Bloodsport.
Bloodsport fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
McLeod misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Bloodsport takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.
Nice takedown defense from McLeod. No joy for Bloodsport on that attempt.
A combination from McLeod does no damage.
Bloodsport shoots in for a double leg but McLeod sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
Bloodsport is absolutely dripping with sweat - he looks exhausted.
Bloodsport takes a shot right to the bread basket.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
McLeod lands a leg kick that knocks Bloodsport off balance momentarily.
McLeod misses with a jab, cross combination.
McLeod lands a two punch combo.
McLeod misses with the combination.
McLeod tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Bloodsport was well out of range. Poor timing from McLeod.
McLeod fails to land with a series of punches.
Bloodsport fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Bernie McLeod is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
McLeod throws a series of punches but Bloodsport avoids them all with ease.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
McLeod tries to bum rush Bloodsport with a series of wild strikes but Bloodsport uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
McLeod misses with a double jab.
McLeod tries to score with a leg kick but it misses it's target.
McLeod looks to land a combination. Bloodsport sees it coming but can only parry a couple of the shots.
Bloodsport on the wrong end of a vicious looking body shot.
McLeod throws a series of punches but Bloodsport avoids them all with ease.
McLeod stalks Bloodsport and leaps in with a furious combination of punches. Uppercuts and crosses smash into Bloodsport's face. Bloodsport staggers backwards, shaken.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Bloodsport shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
McLeod looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.
McLeod misses with a few strikes there.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Bernie McLeod had his way with Gab Bloodsport in that round.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action! This is the final round!

McLeod misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Bloodsport dodges the punch combination from McLeod.
Bloodsport misses with a head kick.
McLeod keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
McLeod throws a hook but Bloodsport avoids it easily.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Good shot there by McLeod.
Bloodsport showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from McLeod.
McLeod throws a right and a left that Bloodsport avoids nicely.

That's one minute gone in the round.
McLeod fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Bloodsport manages to avoid it.
Bloodsport shoots for a takedown but McLeod saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
Bloodsport takes a thudding leg kick, right into the meat of the thigh.
McLeod throws a low kick but his opponent is out of range.
Jab by McLeod.
Bloodsport walks straight into a jab right on the nose. That one stung - he's blinking and trying to clear his head.
McLeod smiles there as he lands a nice right hand right on the button.
Bloodsport walks into a left hand.
McLeod throws a right and a left that Bloodsport avoids nicely.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
McLeod lands a two punch combo.
Both of our modern day gladiators look out of it here - an gruelling 5 rounds of action taking it's toll on them, no doubt.
McLeod will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
Bloodsport closes this distance looking for a takedown but McLeod circles away.
Bernie McLeod has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Gab Bloodsport.
McLeod throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Some wild striking there from McLeod.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
McLeod throws a one two combo.
Bloodsport tries for a takedown but McLeod sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
McLeod connects with a right hand. Bloodsport shakes it off.
McLeod swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
McLeod misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Bloodsport fails with a takedown attempt.
McLeod lands with a nice combination. Bloodsport backs away looking to recover.
McLeod displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Bloodsport.
McLeod misses with a body kick.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Bloodsport with a lazy takedown attempt
and McLeod counters with a shot to the ribs. That looked like it hurt.
Bloodsport has a pretty nasty looking mouse under his right eye.
McLeod chopping away at his opponent's legs.
McLeod misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Bloodsport drops his hands and takes a jab to the jaw for his troubles.
McLeod fakes with a right hand and throws a good leg kick, right into the thigh. That had to hurt Bloodsport.
McLeod connects with a body shot that sends Bloodsport's belly button to the back.
Some wild striking there from McLeod.
Bloodsport dives in and grabs McLeod's left leg, looking for a takedown. McLeod pushes down on Bloodsport's head and hops out.
Gab Bloodsport has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Bernie McLeod is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
McLeod misses with a double jab.

And that's the end of the fight!
Bernie McLeod showed his dominance in that final round.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for McLeod, 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 Anni Minnemäki scores the fight 50:45
Judge Arvi Lind scores the fight 50:45
Judge Marco Blurström scores the fight 50:45

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Bernie McLeod!
Bernie McLeod retains his welterweight title!
Bernie McLeod seemed lost for words in his post fight interview but he remembered to thank his fans and directed everyone to his website.