PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Prince Symbol (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Gareth Wilcox (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Gareth Wilcox will no doubt be trying to keep this one on the feet, where he has a distinct advantage.

Symbol
vs
Wilcox

192 cm
22
170 lbs
5 - 2 - 0

185 cm
26
172 lbs
3 - 1 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Solid boxing
Big heart

BJJ White Belt
Excellent boxer
Good gas tank

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 2 rounds, in the welterweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 5 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Montreal, Prince Symbol!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 3 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Montreal, Gareth Wilcox!
The judges for this bout are Elvis Blanc, Steve Smith and Ian Loll.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Symbol scores with a big left there. The judges will like that one.
The fighters circling - Symbol throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Symbol throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd.
Prince Symbol seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Symbol throws a one two combo.
Symbol loads up on a big right hand but Wilcox slips the punch.
Symbol scores with a crisp jab that stopped Wilcox in his tracks.
Symbol really does look like a pencil wearing a pair of gloves. Let's hope he has a gameplan to suit that ridiculous body shape.
Symbol throws a jab but it's blocked by Wilcox.
Symbol misses with a straight right.
Wilcox tries to clinch up but Symbol circles away and keeps his distance.
Wilcox wants to clinch
and Symbol cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Wilcox tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Wilcox throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Symbol scores with a reasonable looking shot to the body. Wilcox doesn't seem bothered though.

Wilcox has Symbol up against the ropes in a clinch.
Symbol tries to circle away but Wilcox has him pinned against the ropes.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Symbol wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.
Wilcox is trying to break free.
Wilcox is working hard here but doesn't seem to be able to control effectively, up against the ropes.

Wilcox breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Wilcox defending well as Symbol loads up on a big left hand.
Wilcox defending well as Symbol loads up on a big left hand.
Wilcox takes a body punch but keeps moving.
Wilcox tries to close the distance and clinch up against the ropes but Symbol paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Symbol feints a straight left to the body, then turns around with a flashy move and hits Wilcoxs jaw with a dramatic spinning back fist!
Wilcox avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Wilcox takes one to the chin there.
Wilcox misses with a low kick.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Symbol misses with a few strikes there.
Good work by Symbol as he checks the leg kick.
Symbol misses with a straight left.
Symbol throws a body punch but Wilcox moves out of range.
Symbol throws an ugly left hook that misses
and Wilcox counters with a good low kick that Symbol was not able to check.
Nice uppercut there from Symbol.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Wilcox tries to close the distance and clinch up but Symbol swats him away and circles back towards the center.
A decent looking body kick lands there for Wilcox.
Symbol connects with a good right hand that stumbles Wilcox. Wilcox circles away out of range and recomposes himself.
Symbol fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Wilcox manages to avoid it.
Symbol rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
and Wilcox counters with a good low kick that Symbol was not able to check.
Wilcox will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
Symbol misses with a straight right.
Symbol connects with a nice looking jab.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Wilcox throws a chopping leg kick but Symbol manages to avoid taking any serious damage.
The fight stays on the outside here - Wilcox looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Symbol throws a lazy right hand but Wilcox sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Wilcox is pinned up against the ropes taking some big shots here. The referee is looking closely deciding whether he should stop the fight.
Wilcox avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Symbol takes a punch to the jaw and another one to the bread basket.
Symbol lands three nice shots there - that looked like it hurt!

Wilcox gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.
Symbol is trying to force a seperation but Wilcox has the dominant position.
Symbol is looking to break free of the clinch but Wilcox has double underhooks.
Wilcox lands a shot to the body.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Wilcox lands an elbow inside that Symbol shrugs off.

Symbol manages to break the clinch.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Symbol throws a hook to the side of Wilcox's head but Wilcox sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Prince Symbol is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Wilcox wants to clinch.
Symbol throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Wilcox sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Wilcox looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.
Symbol misses with the combination.
Wilcox fails with an attempt to clinch.
Symbol leaves Wilcox with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
Wilcox lands a leg kick. The shin dug right into the meat of the thigh.
Symbol is breathing heavily.
Symbol scores with a jab to the jaw.
Symbol circles away from the clinch attempt.

That's five minutes gone in the round.
Wilcox tries to clinch there but Symbol circles away.
Wilcox has his hands up protecting his head but a hook from Symbol finds it's way round the side to connect with Wilcox's head.
Symbol misses with a right hand

and Wilcox counters by moving into the clinch.
Symbol working hard to break the clinch.
Wilcox lands a body punch in the clinch.
Wilcox looking to stall.

Symbol breaks the clinch.
Wilcox tries to score with an inside leg kick but telegraphs it and Symbol is able to avoid easily.
Wilcox takes an uppercut right on the jaw but it doesn't phase him.
Ouch! a nice leg kick from Wilcox, right into the meat.
Wilcox wants to clinch.
Symbol misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Wilcox.

That's six minutes gone in the round.
Wilcox is looking to clinch but Symbol is avoiding it.
Symbol misses the shot to the body.
Wilcox misses with a low kick.
Symbol takes a swing at Wilcox's ribcage but misses.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Symbol swings for the body but Wilcox moves out of range.
Symbol misses with a looping right.
Symbol feints a straight left to the body, then turns around with a flashy move and hits Wilcoxs jaw with a dramatic spinning back fist!
Wilcox moves to clinch but Symbol breaks away
and Wilcox takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Symbol keeps the fight on the outside.
Symbol's hands are dropping dangerously low here and Wilcox connects clean with a right hook that sends him down to one knee! Symbol scrambles back to his feet.
Wilcox shoots in for a double leg but Symbol sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
Prince Symbol has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Gareth Wilcox.
A jab from Symbol does it's job there.
Symbol cracks Wilcox with a right hand to the side of the head.

That's seven minutes gone in the round.
Wilcox misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Symbol fakes a head punch and goes low to the body. Nicely done.
Wilcox tries to score with an inside leg kick but telegraphs it and Symbol is able to avoid easily.
Symbol throws a lazy uppercut
and Wilcox counters with a leg kick.
Symbol throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Symbol misses with a straight left.
Wilcox on the wrong end of a nice jab.
Wilcox tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Symbol works the jab nicely.
Symbol pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Symbol is really peppering his opponent's head with punches.
Symbol misses with an uppercut

and Wilcox counters with a series of strikes that sends Symbol to the canvas! Wilcox follows down into guard, looking to finish the fight!

Symbol is rocked!
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!
Symbol is trying to keep Wilcox in close.
Oh Symbol is still in real trouble! Will he be able to recover?!!

That's eight minutes gone in the round.
Symbol utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Symbol seems to have got his legs back now.
Wilcox must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.
Wilcox throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Wilcox throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Symbol works some decent striking defense from the bottom.

The ref stands the fighters back up because Prince Symbol just wasn't active enough.
Wilcox moves away from the strike by Symbol.
Symbol misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Wilcox.
Symbol ducks low and lands a nice hook to the body of his opponent.
Symbol misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Wilcox.

That's nine minutes gone in the round.
The fight stays on the outside here - Wilcox looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Wilcox throws a feint and then finishes with a kick to the body.
Wilcox thuds a left hand into Symbol's body.
Symbol swats away the attempt to clinch by Wilcox.
Symbol misses with an uppercut.
A punch combination from Symbol misses.
Symbol circles away from the clinch attempt.
Wilcox tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Wilcox tries to close the distance and clinch up but Symbol swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Wilcox fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Symbol misses with a body punch
and Wilcox counters with a head kick. That will keep Symbol thinking before he tries any more sloppy attacks!
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Symbol scores with a decent looking hook.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Gareth Wilcox dominated that round.
That's time! Symbol's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight. And we move into the final round!

Wilcox lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Symbol circles away quickly and effectively.
Symbol throws an off balance right hand
and he gets countered with a snapping leg kick.
Wilcox uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Symbol.
Symbol lands with a nice body punch.
Symbol throws a body punch but Wilcox moves out of range.
Gareth Wilcox seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Wilcox fails with an attempt to clinch.
Wilcox tries to clinch up against the ropes, rushing in to close the distance. Symbol manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Symbol avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Symbol darts in and out, connecting with a jab.
Wilcox cracks the inside of Symbol's front leg.
Symbol connects with a body shot that sends Wilcox's belly button to the back.
Symbol keeps the fight on the outside.
Symbol throws an ugly left hook that misses
and Wilcox counters with a thumping low kick.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.

Wilcox gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Symbol tries to break free but Wilcox pushes him back against the ropes.
Good anti-grappling being displayed by Symbol as Wilcox tries to tie him up.
Symbol tries to break the clinch but Wilcox is controlling the position.

Wilcox breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Wilcox avoids a punch combination nicely.
Symbol throws an overhand right that lands on Wilcox's shoulder, as Wilcox tries to avoid the shot.
Symbol misses with a hook

and Wilcox moves into the clinch.
Wilcox lands an elbow that stopped Symbol in his tracks for a moment.
Symbol working hard to break the clinch.
Wilcox utilising his Muay Thai to score with a knee to the body.
Wilcox looking to stall.
Wilcox has a pretty nasty looking mouse under his right eye.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Wilcox tries to work over Symbol's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Wilcox pushes Symbol back against the ropes and unloads with a body punch.
Symbol has Wilcox pressed against the ropes, preventing Wilcox from circling away and getting back to striking at range.
Symbol is looking to break free of the clinch but Wilcox has double underhooks.
Symbol wants to break free. God knows he wants to breaaaak freeee.
Wilcox misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Wilcox misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Wilcox stalling in the clinch but Symbol improves position.
Symbol wants to break free but Wilcox has control.
Wilcox is looking to control Symbol's arms but Symbol gets an underhook and turns him. Now Wilcox has his back to the ropes.
Symbol wants to break the clinch but can't.
This has been an exciting period of action!

Wilcox breaks from the clinch.
Wilcox thumps Symbol with a low kick.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Wilcox looks shocked there as he takes a right hand to the temple.
Wilcox tries to clinch but Symbol moves out of range.
Symbol tests Wilcox's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Symbol fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Wilcox manages to avoid it.
Gareth Wilcox is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Wilcox looks to score with a jab to the body but Symbol is just out of range.

Wilcox rushes Symbol and presses him up against the ropes.
Wilcox trying to stall but Symbol improves his position.
With the two fighters working up against the ropes, Wilcox just misses with a elbow thrown towards Symbol's brow.

Wilcox breaks the clinch.
Symbol throws out a loose jab but Wilcox uses good head movement to avoid it.
Symbol is hobbling a little on that front leg after taking quite a few leg kicks so far in this fight.
Symbol misses with a body shot.
Symbol throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Symbol keeps the fight on the outside.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Wilcox throws a low kick but Symbol moves out of range easily.
Wilcox displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Symbol throws out the jab.
Symbol misses the body punch
and Wilcox makes him pay by landing a thudding low kick.
Symbol throws a hook but Wilcox blocks it.
Symbol has not gone for a single takedown so far in this fight, which seems like a very strange tactic when you consider that he has the superior wrestling and BJJ.
Nice takedown defense from Symbol. No joy for Wilcox on that attempt.
Symbol fakes and then throws a beautiful body shot. Wilcox looks a bit winded and takes a step backwards to take a breath.
Nice defenses there by Wilcox.
A big left from Symbol misses.
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!
Wilcox throws a wild combination but nothing lands.

Wilcox moves into the clinch.
Both fighters working to control the clinch.

Wilcox escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Symbol slips a jab and a cross from Wilcox.

That's five minutes gone in the round.
Symbol throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Symbol with a jab.
Wilcox fails with an attempt to clinch.
Symbol throws a hook but Wilcox blocks it.
Wilcox moves in looking to clinch but Symbol pushes him off.
Symbol checks a low kick from Wilcox.
Symbol takes a swing at Wilcox's ribcage but misses.
Wilcox slips a straight right by Symbol.
Wilcox tries to close the distance and clinch up but Symbol swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Symbol takes a step towards his opponent and connects with a left hand, before circling away.
Wilcox staying out of range there.
Symbol lunges in with an uppercut that skims his opponent's chin.

That's six minutes gone in the round.
Symbol keeps his opponent at a distance with a nice jab.
Symbol throws a poor cross that misses
and Wilcox counters with a leg kick.
Wilcox moves in looking to clinch but Symbol pushes him off.
Wilcox closes this distance looking for a takedown but Symbol circles away.
A telegraphed right hand from Symbol misses the target.
Wilcox dodges the punch combination from Symbol.
Wilcox tries to close the distance and clinch up against the ropes but Symbol paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Symbol moves into range and connects with a jab.
Wilcox takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.
Wilcox ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Wilcox wants to clinch.
Wilcox scores with a slapping inside leg kick.

That's seven minutes gone in the round.
Symbol takes a swing at Wilcox's ribcage but misses.
Wilcox misses with a low kick.
Symbol swinging wildly here.
Wilcox moves his head to the side to avoid a jab but walks straight into a cross.

Wilcox drops Symbol with a left and a right! Oh, Symbol is hurt - Wilcox dives into side control looking to finish!
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Wilcox wants to control but Symbol is keeping him busy.
Wilcox misses with the ground and pound.

That's eight minutes gone in the round.
Symbol tries to escape but Wilcox is in control.
Symbol manages to get one leg in to regain half guard.
Wilcox is thwarting Symbol's attempts to control the position.

OK we're going to have a standup here. Gareth Wilcox hasn't been effective enough on the ground and the referee wants a restart.
Symbol tries to check the leg kick but that clearly hurt him.
Symbol throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Wilcox sees it coming and avoids it easily.
A combination from Wilcox does no damage.
Jab, jab by Symbol - just one landing.

That's nine minutes gone in the round.
Symbol ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Wilcox moves away.
Symbol digs a good body shot into Wilcox's ribs.
Wilcox connects with a solid leg kick.
The fight stays on the outside here - Wilcox looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Wilcox pivots, looking for a leg kick but Symbol is out of range and Wilcox settles back down.
Prince Symbol has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Wilcox walks straight into an uppercut. Luckily it didn't land flush.
Gareth Wilcox is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
Wilcox avoids the body shot from Symbol.
Symbol works the jab nicely.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Symbol swats away the attempt to clinch by Wilcox.
A punch lands to the side of Wilcox 's head but he takes it in his stride.
Symbol misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Wilcox.

And that's the end of the fight!
Gareth Wilcox comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
Well Wilcox has outworked and out performed his opponent in all aspects of the game today. He was simply too good and the decision should be no more than a formality. Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Elvis Blanc scores the fight 18:20
Judge Steve Smith scores the fight 18:20
Judge Ian Loll scores the fight 18:20

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Gareth Wilcox!
An out of breath Gareth Wilcox thanked his loyal fans in his post fight interview, giving them credit for his success over the course of his career.