PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Kenny Hier (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Kristo NapNip (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Hier kept the crowd waiting but all that was forgotten when his ring entrance music started. The incomparable musical genuis that is Point of No Return. We have two fighters making their debuts here, so let's see who comes out of this one with their first professional victory.

Hier
vs
NapNip

178 cm
18
185 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

160 cm
22
185 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Solid Muay Thai
Good chin

Dangerous GnP
Decent boxing
Powerful

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the middleweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of New York, Kenny Hier!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of New York, Kristo NapNip!
The judges for this bout are Jorge Garcia, John Kavanagh and Anthony Taglia.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Hier keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.

Hier has closed the distance and engaged NapNip in a clinch.
Hier gets double underhooks to prevent a takedown attempt from NapNip.
Hier with the Thai clinch, lands a knee to the head.
Hier crunches a lovely knee into NapNip's ribcage.
NapNip goes for a takedown in the clinch but Hier prevents it.
Kenny Hier has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Kristo NapNip.
NapNip drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Knees in the clinch landing for Hier.
Hier tries a knee to the head but he's missed.
Hier throws a knee to the head but misses.
Hier stops a takedown attempt from NapNip.
Hier lands a nice knee to the body.
NapNip looks gassed!
Hier landing knees to the head.
Hier lands a nice knee to the body.
A knee to the head by Hier.
Hier connects with a knee to the head.

NapNip is rocked!

It looks like Kristo NapNip has been cut.
Hier lands a knee to the head.
NapNip is still on wobbly legs! Can Hier finish him?
Hier lands a knee to the head there! That was nasty!
Hier landing knees to the head.
Hier lands a knee to the head.

That's one minute gone in the round.
NapNip wants a takedown but no success here.
NapNip is trying to break free.
Hier unloads a knee to the mid-section. NapNip lets out a prehistoric sounding urrrrgh.
A knee to the head by Hier.
NapNip tries for a takedown but Hier manages to get underhooks.
Hier lands a glancing elbow in the clinch.
Hier lands a knee to the head there! That was nasty!
Hier connects with a knee to the head.
NapNip has Hier pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Hier manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.
NapNip seems to have recovered his senses.
Hier landing knees to the body.
Hier with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.
Hier misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from NapNip.
Hier tries to land a knee to the head but NapNip blocks with his arms.
Hier gets double underhooks to prevent a takedown attempt from NapNip.
Hier with a knee to the head.
Hier looking to throw knees to the head but NapNip is blocking nicely.
NapNip is looking for a takedown up against the cage. Hier gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.
NapNip tries to score a body lock takedown but Hier shows good agility there to stay on his feet.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are getting on the fighters' backs, as the pace has dropped off in the last minute or so.
Hier lands a knee to the body.
NapNip is looking for a takedown up against the cage. Hier gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.
NapNip looking for a takedown.
NapNip changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Hier fights it off and pushes away nicely.

NapNip drives through with a really nice takedown into side control.
NapNip looks up at the clock and then as Hier takes his cue and looks up at the clock too, NapNip smacks him right in the chops with a big elbow! How rude!
Hier wants to get back to his feet but NapNip drags him back down.
Hier takes an elbow right on the bridge of the nose and winces in pain.
Hier is pushing NapNip's head away, looking to escape. NapNip manages to hold on to the position though.
Hier taking punishment in the form of punches.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
NapNip tries to advance to mount but can't.
NapNip creates a bit of distance and throws down some hard shots.
Hier is trying to escape and get back to his feet.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
NapNip tries to cartwheel into mount but he doesn't manage it.
NapNip working the body and head with strikes.
NapNip taking a break here but Hier is having none of it and regains half guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
There's not a lot going on here and the crowd are letting the fighters know they're not willing to tolerate a lack of action.
NapNip thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Hier's head.
NapNip wants to control but Hier is keeping him busy.
NapNip trying to advance position but Hier counters by regaining guard.
Hier utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
NapNip trying to pass the guard. He's being very persistent here but Hier manages to land a sweep and now he's on top!
Hier stopping the sweep attempt from NapNip.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Kenny Hier dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Kristo NapNip's cut.
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.

NapNip swats away the attempt to clinch by Hier.
Hier tries to clinch up but NapNip circles away and keeps his distance.
Hier wants to clinch.
NapNip circles away from the clinch attempt.
NapNip shoots in and drives through. Hier sprawls well.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
NapNip fails to land with a series of punches.
NapNip fails with the takedown.
NapNip throws a series of punches but Hier moves out of range.
NapNip is breathing heavily.

NapNip looks for a takedown. He's got it. We're now in half guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Hier is trying to stand back up but NapNip is controlling him

Hier has one foot on NapNip's thigh - he pushes off and manages to get back to his feet.
Hier avoids a punch combination nicely.
Hier tries to clinch but NapNip is having none of it.
NapNip looks to land a combination but Hier avoids it well.

NapNip scores with a takedown into Hier's guard.
NapNip must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.

Hier pushes NapNip off and scrambles back to his feet.
Kristo NapNip seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Hier fails with an attempt to clinch.

NapNip shoots in for a takedown and gets it.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
NapNip is just content to waste time from the top position. Hier takes advantage of the situation and regains full guard.
NapNip trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as NapNip accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Hier will need to keep those long limbs tucked in whilst he's on the ground, to prevent any submissions.
NapNip forces his way into half guard.
NapNip misses with a head shot. Hier uses the momentum to regain guard.
NapNip throws and elbow that misses. Hier uses the momentum to reverse the position. He's now in NapNip's guard. Nice move by Hier!

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Hier stands and steps away. NapNip gets to his feet too and we're back to the striking game.

Hier forces NapNip back against the cage and clinches.
Hier looking to throw knees to the head but NapNip is blocking nicely.
NapNip tries for a takedown but Hier manages to get underhooks.
Kenny Hier has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Kristo NapNip.
NapNip jumps guard but Hier stands there with NapNip around his waist. NapNip gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch.
Hier landing some nice looking knees to the body.
Hier misses with a knee strike.
Hier looking to throw knees to the head but NapNip is blocking nicely.
Hier using the Thai clinch to land knees to the body.
Hier prevents the takedown attempt.
Hier tries to land a knee to the head but misses.
Hier tries a knee to the head but NapNip blocks it.
NapNip is trying to work for a single leg takedown but Hier pulls him back up using the underhooks.
Hier lands an elbow inside that NapNip shrugs off.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
NapNip goes for a takedown attempt but Hier pushes him away and we're back to fighting at a distance.
Kenny Hier is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
NapNip fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.

NapNip gets the takedown into side control.
NapNip laying and praying for a moment but Hier takes advantage and regains half guard.
NapNip not landing any meaningful shots this time.
NapNip working Hier over with strikes.
NapNip trying to mount his opponent but Hier defends it.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close second round but Kristo NapNip will probably get the nod - 10:9.
The cut man is working on Kristo NapNip's cut.
That's time! Hier's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight. This is the final round!

NapNip tries to grapple but his opponent circles

and Hier counters by clinching up.
NapNip takes an elbow to the temple.
Hier landing some nice looking knees to the body.
Hier with a knee to the head.
NapNip is working for a takedown up against the cage. He can't get it on this occasion though.
NapNip wants to get back to striking at distance but Hier won't allow it.
Hier scores with a knee to the head.
Hier with an attempt at a knee that misses.
Hier misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from NapNip.
NapNip can't get the takedown.
Hier tries a knee to the head but he's missed.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Hier tries a knee to the head but NapNip blocks it.
NapNip is working for takedown but Hier is calmly controlling the position for now.
Kenny Hier has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Kristo NapNip.
Hier lands a knee to the body.
NapNip tries to pull guard but Hier won't allow it.
NapNip is trying to work for a single leg takedown but Hier pulls him back up using the underhooks.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Hier tries to land a knee to the head but NapNip blocks with his arms.
Hier lands a knee to the body.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Hier unloads a knee to the mid-section. NapNip lets out a prehistoric sounding urrrrgh.
Hier lands a nice knee to the body.
NapNip tries for a takedown. No joy.
NapNip takes an elbow to the temple.
NapNip wants a takedown but no success here.
NapNip takes a knee right on the jaw!
A knee to the head by Hier.
Hier scores a nice knee to the body.
Hier misses with a knee strike.
Hier misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from NapNip.
Hier using the Thai plumb to throw knees but NapNip has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
Hier lands a knee to the head.
NapNip fails to pull the fight into his guard.
NapNip is trying to work for a single leg takedown but Hier pulls him back up using the underhooks.
Hier with the Thai clinch, lands a knee to the head.
Hier throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but NapNip blocks it with crossed arms.
Hier throws an elbow but it misses.
Hier looking to throw knees to the head but NapNip is blocking nicely.
Hier throws a knee to the head but misses.
Hier misses with a knee to the head.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A few boos can be heard. I'm sure they will multiply if the fighters don't pick up the pace.
NapNip on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
Hier stops a takedown attempt from NapNip.
Hier lands a glancing elbow in the clinch.
Hier throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but NapNip blocks it with crossed arms.
NapNip tries for a takedown. No joy.
Knees to the body from Hier.
NapNip is looking for a takedown up against the cage. Hier gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.
NapNip tries to break the clinch but Hier is controlling the position.
NapNip takes a knee right on the jaw!
NapNip changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Hier fights it off and pushes away nicely.
Hier tries to clinch but NapNip is having none of it.
Hier walks into a straight right hand from NapNip.
Hier is looking to clinch but NapNip is avoiding it.

NapNip closes the distance and looks for a trip takedown... aaaand he's got it - NapNip lands in his opponent's guard.
Hier working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from NapNip.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as NapNip accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
NapNip pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Hier is keeping the position for now.
NapNip postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
NapNip connects with a couple of short punches.
Hier is looking to stand up but NapNip isn't so interested in that idea.
Hier keeping moving, preventing NapNip from controlling successfully.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are showing their displeasure at the lack of action as loud boos ring out around the arena.
NapNip is looking to advance position but Hier has hit a scissor sweep - now he's on top in mount!

Hier gets to his feet and calls his opponent to stand. Here come the fireworks!
NapNip has his takedown stuffed

and Hier counters by clinching up.
Hier throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but NapNip blocks it with crossed arms.
Hier using the Thai plumb to throw knees but NapNip has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
NapNip wants a takedown but no success here.
Hier tries a knee to the head but he's missed.
With the fighters up against the cage, Hier throws an elbow but misses.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Hier landing knees to the body.
Hier connects with a knee to the head.
NapNip has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Hier is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.
Hier is pressed up against the cage. NapNip has hold of a leg and is looking to drag Hier down to the mat. Hier avoids the attempt though and has circled away. We're back to striking at a distance.
NapNip tries to clinch but fails miserably

and Hier counters by moving into the clinch. Good anticipation by Hier.

And that's the end of the fight!
Kenny Hier showed his dominance in that final round.
I think Hier 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 Jorge Garcia scores the fight 29:28
Judge John Kavanagh scores the fight 29:28
Judge Anthony Taglia scores the fight 29:28

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Kenny Hier!