PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Sabrini Mankini (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Lou Simpemba (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.

Mankini
vs
Simpemba

165 cm
25
164 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

181 cm
25
163 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Excellent boxer
Cuts easily

BJJ White Belt
Excellent boxer
Very confident

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the lightweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of The Island, Sabrini Mankini!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of The Island, Lou Simpemba !
The judges for this bout are , and .

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Mankini ducks right into an uppercut from Simpemba .
Simpemba dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Simpemba keeps the fight on the outside.
Mankini staying out of range there.
Mankini closes this distance looking for a takedown but Simpemba circles away.
Simpemba fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Mankini manages to avoid it.
Simpemba throws a hook but Mankini blocks it.
Simpemba throws an off balance right hand
and Simpemba takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Simpemba clobbers Mankini with an overhand right that has the crowd gasping. That made a horrendous noise.
Mankini ducks under a wild hook from Simpemba .
Simpemba misses with a looping left.
Simpemba throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Mankini.
Simpemba throws a lazy uppercut
and Mankini counters with a three punch combination, finished off with a leg kick. Nice work.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Simpemba slips in close and lands a nice hook before moving back out of range.
Lou Simpemba seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Mankini tries to score a power double leg takedown but Simpemba sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Mankini somewhat.
Mankini ducks under a wild hook from Simpemba .

That's one minute gone in the round.
Mankini slips a straight right by Simpemba .
Simpemba looks to land a right hand but Mankini moved out of range.
Mankini avoids the body shot from Simpemba .
Mankini dives in and grabs Simpemba 's left leg, looking for a takedown. Simpemba pushes down on Mankini's head and hops out.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Sabrini Mankini. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Simpemba stuffs the takedown attempt from Mankini. Mankini gets slowly back to his feet.
Mankini closes this distance looking for a takedown but Simpemba circles away.
Mankini shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Simpemba but Simpemba pushes him off and we're back to square one.
Mankini takes a really solid shot there but just smiles back and shrugs his shoulders.
Simpemba showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Mankini.
Lou Simpemba is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Mankini slips under a jab.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Simpemba throws a shot from downtown. Mankini moves away and avoids it.
Horrible takedown by Mankini or perhaps it was just good defense by Simpemba which made him look bad.
Simpemba 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.
Simpemba connects with a nice looking jab.
A left and a right from Simpemba both land. Nice combination.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Simpemba stuffs the takedown attempt from Mankini. Mankini gets slowly back to his feet.
Nice sprawl there from Simpemba as Mankini shoots in.
Simpemba displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Mankini.
Mankini shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Simpemba sprawls well. Simpemba wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Mankini gets slowly back to his feet.
Simpemba scores to the head and body with a nice combination!

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Mankini is looking to clinch but Simpemba is avoiding it.
Simpemba misses with an uppercut.
A left lands for Simpemba .
Good exchange - Mankini coming out on top.
Mankini tries to clinch but Simpemba is having none of it.
Simpemba 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.
Simpemba listening to his corner there, landing a nice uppercut.
Mankini tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Simpemba manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Mankini fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Simpemba avoids it really well and circles away.
Mankini walks into a left hand.
Simpemba cracks Mankini with a hook to the jaw. Both fighters smile at eachother and high-five before getting back down to business.
Simpemba tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Mankini was well out of range. Poor timing from Simpemba .

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Mankini slips a straight right by Simpemba .
Simpemba takes a swing at Mankini's ribcage but misses.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Mankini looks to throw the jab but Simpemba is out of range.
Simpemba stuffs the takedown.
Mankini looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Simpemba is fending him off so far but Mankini persists. Nope, Simpemba circles away and we're back to standing.
Mankini takes a shot to the nose. Hopefully that hasn't broken it.
Simpemba swinging wildly here.
Simpemba is landing a lot of head punches in this opening round! Mankini had better start moving his head a bit unless he wants his face to turn into pâté.
Mankini throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Simpemba 's waist but Simpemba gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Mankini off to one side.
Simpemba throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Simpemba circles away from the clinch attempt.
Simpemba misses with a looping right.
Mankini uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Simpemba .
Mankini shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Simpemba sprawls well. Simpemba wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Mankini gets slowly back to his feet.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Lou Simpemba dominated that round.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!

Simpemba lands with a two punch combination before moving back out of range.

It looks like Sabrini Mankini has been cut.
Sabrini Mankini is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Mankini tries to close the distance and clinch up but Simpemba swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Simpemba throws a sloppy body shot
and Mankini counters nicely by changing levels and landing a hook to the body.
Nice defenses there by Mankini.
Simpemba dodges the punch combination from Mankini.
Good standup being displayed there by Simpemba as he connects with a hook.
Mankini tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Simpemba swivels and escapes.
Mankini shoots for a takedown but Simpemba saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
Mankini fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Simpemba avoids it really well and circles away.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Sabrini Mankini. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Mankini uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Simpemba .

That's one minute gone in the round.
Simpemba slips a jab and a cross from Mankini.
Mankini closes the distance and takes a jab right on the nose as he does so.
Mankini tries to close the distance and clinch up but Simpemba swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Simpemba cracks Mankini with a right hand to the side of the head.
Lou Simpemba seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Simpemba connects nicely with a jab. Noted by the judges no doubt.
Mankini shoots in but Simpemba avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Simpemba lands a jab followed by a nice looking cross.

Mankini is rocked!
Simpemba throws a looping overhand right but Mankini ducks down to avoid it.
Oh Mankini is still all over the place! His legs are completely gone! Will he be able to recover?!!
Mankini uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Simpemba .
Mankini steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Simpemba .
Mankini seems to have got his legs back now.
Mankini shoots in for a takedown but Simpemba shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
The fighters circling - Simpemba throws out the jab but it was never going to land.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
No joy there for Mankini, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Mankini finds nothing but air with that leg kick attempt.
Simpemba takes a kick to the side of the head.
Mankini looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Simpemba swinging wildly here.
Simpemba lands with a hook. Mankini tried to avoid it but it clipped the top of his head.
Mankini uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Simpemba .
Simpemba is using his reach advantage to land shots from outside his opponent's range.
Mankini is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
This is turning into a torrid day at the office for Mankini. He's trying desperately to land a takedown but he's failing miserably and getting slapped silly on the feet to compound his misery.
Mankini wants to land a leg kick but Simpemba is out of range.
Mankini tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Simpemba paws at his opponent with the jab and then lunges in with a straight, right on the button.
Mankini looks like he's developed a pretty tasty lump over his left eye. He'll need to avoid taking much more damage to that.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Simpemba avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Mankini shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Simpemba but Simpemba pushes him off and we're back to square one.
Mankini shoots in for a takedown but Simpemba shows good takedown defense.
Mankini fails with an attempt to clinch.
Mankini closes the distance and clinches up with Simpemba , looking for a takedown. Mankini pushes Simpemba against the cage but Simpemba circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Mankini throws a nice looking combination but Simpemba bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Simpemba moves into range and throws a lovely three punch combination.
Simpemba lands a pitter patter jab to the forehead of his opponent.
Simpemba misses with a wild body shot.
Simpemba throws a big shot that misses.
Simpemba lands with a straight right. Mankini didn't see that one coming.
Mankini moves out of range of the strikes.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A shot to the liver by Simpemba . Beautiful body shot.
Mankini misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
A slow jab from Simpemba misses its intended target.
Simpemba will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
Simpemba misses the jab.
Simpemba throws a body punch but Mankini moves out of range.
Mankini misses with a two punch combination.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Simpemba fakes a head punch and goes low to the body. Nicely done.
Simpemba thows a left - swing and a miss!
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Mankini will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Lou Simpemba showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The cut man is working on Sabrini Mankini's cut.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin! This is the final round!

Mankini fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Simpemba avoids it really well and circles away.
Nice jab there from Simpemba .

Mankini closes the distance and gets a double leg, slamming Simpemba to the mat! Simpemba manages to get full guard.
Mankini might be looking to lock onto one of his opponent's long limbs for a submission, whilst we're on the ground.
Mankini trying to pass the guard. He's being very persistent here but Simpemba manages to land a sweep and now he's on top!
Simpemba looking to pass the guard.
Mankini trying to keep a closed guard but Simpemba is proving a slippery customer.
Mankini on his back here. We all know that wrestlers don't like being on their back so let's see if Mankini tries to get out of the position.
Simpemba stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Mankini swivels though and keeps the full guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Simpemba sitting in guard here, content to control.
Mankini tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Simpemba is just sitting in guard, looking to avoid any submissions.

OK we're going to have a standup here. Lou Simpemba hasn't been effective enough on the ground and the referee wants a restart.
Simpemba swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Simpemba will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
Mankini fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Simpemba avoids it really well and circles away.
Mankini shoots in for a double leg but Simpemba sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Sabrini Mankini. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Mankini has his head slapped from side to side by a 3 punch combination. That must have hurt him.
Simpemba misses with a combination
and Mankini connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Mankini closes the distance and clinches up with Simpemba , looking for a takedown. Mankini pushes Simpemba against the cage but Simpemba circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Mankini closes this distance looking for a takedown but Simpemba circles away.
Simpemba works Mankini's body with a nice hook.
Mankini dives in and grabs Simpemba 's left leg, looking for a takedown. Simpemba pushes down on Mankini's head and hops out.
Mankini tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Simpemba was well out of range. Poor timing from Mankini.
Simpemba stooping low to avoid any incoming strikes and then lunges in with an uppercut come cross that lands flush.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Mankini looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
A left lands for Simpemba .

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Simpemba scores with a straight right hand, right through his opponent's guard.
Good exchange - Simpemba coming out on top.
Mankini misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Mankini takes a solid shot to the body. That one hurt him but he's trying not to show it.
Simpemba defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Mankini.
Simpemba with a nice cross.
Nice body punch from Simpemba .
Simpemba cracks Mankini with an open hand slap.
Simpemba lands with a cross.
Mankini avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Simpemba connects with a jab.
Mankini tries to clinch up.
Simpemba will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Mankini fails in his attempt to clinch.
Simpemba misses with the combination.
Mankini tries to clinch but Simpemba is having none of it.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Mankini fails to land the takedown.
Mankini misses with a takedown attempt - Simpemba sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
A right-left combo lands from Simpemba .
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Sloppy strikes from Simpemba . Those never looked like landing.
Sabrini Mankini has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Simpemba jabs Mankini to the body, keeping him at a distance.

And that's the end of the fight!
Lou Simpemba comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I've got Simpemba winning every round here. Surely the decision will go his way and he'll pick up a well deserved decision victory. 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 Andi Peters scores the fight 27:30
Judge Gordon Ramsey scores the fight 27:30
Judge Frank Skinner scores the fight 27:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Lou Simpemba !
A relieved looking Lou Simpemba thanked the fans for their support and gave the usual line about them being amazing. They seemed to believe that he actually meant it.