PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Kermit Earlandson (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Eliod Bunkley Iii (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Earlandson comes to the cage accompanied by the theme from titanic. Bunkley Iii has chosen Knocksville Girl as his entrance music. Both fighter's entrance songs getting the crowd jumping here.

Earlandson
vs
Bunkley Iii

185 cm
27
193 lbs
17 - 21 - 0

185 cm
28
193 lbs
18 - 16 - 1

Abu Dhabi Champ
Excellent MT
Insanely flexible

Excellent grappler
Decent boxing
Good gas tank

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 17 - 21 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Kermit Earlandson!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 18 - 16 - 1, fighting out of Las Vegas, Eliod Bunkley Iii!
The judges for this bout are George Francis, Cecil Peabody and Wesley Smith.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Bunkley Iii darts in and lands a nice takedown into half guard.
Bunkley Iii drops an elbow to the side of Earlandson's head.
Earlandson is trying to maintain the position but Bunkley Iii is very close to passing his half guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Earlandson works his way to full guard. Good work.

Earlandson working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Bunkley Iii doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Bunkley Iii manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Bunkley Iii accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Earlandson preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.

Earlandson looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.

Earlandson has an omoplata and is looking to use it perhaps as a submission or perhaps to transition. Bunkley Iii is in a bit of discomfort here, but he's managed to free himself and has dived into side control! That didn't work out too well for Earlandson.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Earlandson tries to work a leg under to get back to half guard but Bunkley Iii wriggles his own leg back out and remains in side control.
Earlandson takes a big shot right to the temple there but he's taken it well.
Both fighters really going for it on the ground here!
I wouldn't like to be where Earlandson is right now.
Bunkley Iii scores with a couple of short elbows.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Earlandson takes an elbow right on the bridge of the nose and winces in pain.
Bunkley Iii working the ground and pound.
Earlandson is not content to let Bunkley Iii control the position.
Check out the look on Bunkley Iii's face as he threw that strike - that's one determined fighter!
Earlandson tries to buck Bunkley Iii off but Bunkley Iii is having none of it.

Bunkley Iii tries for an arm triangle. That looks pretty tight to me. Is this one over!?! Possibly, maybe, no Bunkley Iii has let go of the choke. Obviously it wasn't as tight as we thought!
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
The ground and pound from Bunkley Iii seems to be hitting the mat more than his opponent.
Earlandson tries to work a leg under to get back to half guard but Bunkley Iii wriggles his own leg back out and remains in side control.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Bunkley Iii in side control lands a nice looking series of punches and elbows.
Earlandson wants to control but Bunkley Iii postures up.
Earlandson tries to bench press Bunkley Iii off him but Bunkley Iii keeps the position.
Earlandson is working to avoid the ground and pound but Bunkley Iii connects with a decent elbow.
Earlandson tries to buck Bunkley Iii off but Bunkley Iii is having none of it.
Bunkley Iii in side control lands a decent elbow.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Bunkley Iii connects with a decent looking elbow from side control that caused Earlandson some visible discomfort.
Check out the look on Bunkley Iii's face as he threw that strike - that's one determined fighter!
Bunkley Iii lands an elbow.
Earlandson struggling a bit here.
Earlandson tries to buck Bunkley Iii off but Bunkley Iii is having none of it.
Bunkley Iii is looking to take a break and control but Earlandson is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Earlandson is looking for a sweep.
Bunkley Iii creates a bit of distance and throws down some hard shots.
Bunkley Iii wants to lay and pray for a moment but Earlandson keeps working.
Bunkley Iii scoring with punches and elbows.
Bunkley Iii is working Earlandson over with some ground and pound from side control.
Earlandson tries to improve position but can't.
Bunkley Iii working the ground and pound from side control.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Earlandson tries to get back to half guard but can't.
Earlandson takes a couple of big shots there - the referee warns him that he has to defend himself better.
Bunkley Iii working the ground and pound from side control.
Bunkley Iii tries to advance to mount but Earlandson denies him.
Earlandson is not in a great position here, taking some shots.
Bunkley Iii working the ground and pound.
Earlandson tries to get back to half guard but can't.
Earlandson is not content to let Bunkley Iii control the position.
Bunkley Iii scores with punches from side control.
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!
Bunkley Iii works a knee to the body and follows up with a nice elbow to the head.
My spies in Miletich Xtreme Fighting Systems inform me that Bunkley Iii has been getting involved in the gym's BJJ sparring sessions. Let's see whether that pays dividends!
Bunkley Iii working away.
Earlandson tries to work a leg under to get back to half guard but Bunkley Iii wriggles his own leg back out and remains in side control.
Bunkley Iii lands an elbow.
Earlandson manages to get back to half guard.
We've been hearing good reports from Earlandson's training camp. Apparently he has been rolling around with some good quality BJJ practitioners and has been sharpening his skills. Let's see if that has an impact on the fight today.

Earlandson looking for submissions off his back.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Bunkley Iii is looking to take a break and control but Earlandson is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.

Earlandson actively working from the bottom here.

Earlandson actively working from the bottom here.
Earlandson on the receiving end of some nice ground and pound.
The fighters are battling for position here. Earlandson manages to regain full guard. Nice work.

Earlandson is looking for a triangle but Bunkley Iii pushes his legs off easily.

Earlandson is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
Bunkley Iii with a couple of shots to the head there. Not particularly brutal.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Bunkley Iii is working the ground and pound from guard. He might want to try advancing position though to get more of an impact.
Bunkley Iii working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Bunkley Iii throws an elbow that misses. Earlandson uses the momentum to reverse the position. He's now in Bunkley Iii's guard. Nice move by Earlandson!
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Eliod Bunkley Iii dominated that round.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

Bunkley Iii shoots in for a takedown and gets it.
Earlandson is not content to let Bunkley Iii control the position.
Earlandson wants to improve his position but Bunkley Iii is controlling well.
Earlandson is trying to defend against the ground and pound but Bunkley Iii scores with a couple of nice shots.
Earlandson wants to control but Bunkley Iii is keeping busy.
Earlandson is looking for a sweep. Bunkley Iii is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.

Bunkley Iii is working for submissions here but there's nothing on.

Earlandson looking for submissions from an awkward position here.
Bunkley Iii is keeping good posture, landing some ground and pound.

Earlandson looking for submissions off his back.
Bunkley Iii is nestled in close to Earlandson, controlling him well. He's worked in a nice elbow to the side of the head as well, for good measure.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Earlandson is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Bunkley Iii pulls his head out easily.

Earlandson looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
Bunkley Iii scoring with strikes to the body and head.
Earlandson is not content to let Bunkley Iii control the position.
Bunkley Iii is scoring with some nice ground and pound from the dominant position.

Earlandson looking for submissions off his back.
Bunkley Iii throws a big elbow that misses, also allowing Earlandson to regain full guard.
Bunkley Iii trying to control the position from guard on top but Earlandson is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Bunkley Iii content to strike from guard, landing some decent shots.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Earlandson keeping moving, preventing Bunkley Iii from controlling successfully.
Bunkley Iii with a couple of shots to the head there. Not particularly brutal.
Earlandson working a defensive guard here.
Bunkley Iii missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.

Earlandson has an active guard here but Bunkley Iii has managed to pass into half guard.
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!

Earlandson is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Bunkley Iii pulls his head out easily.
Bunkley Iii not landing any meaningful shots this time.
Earlandson is looking for a sweep. Bunkley Iii is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Earlandson on the receiving end of some nice ground and pound.
Bunkley Iii seems to be taking a bit of a break to think of his next move. He lands a short punch in the meantime.
Bunkley Iii is keeping good posture, landing some ground and pound.
Earlandson is trying to defend against the ground and pound but Bunkley Iii scores with a couple of nice shots.
Eliod Bunkley Iii has got the better of the ground game so far.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Earlandson wants to improve his position but Bunkley Iii is controlling well.
Bunkley Iii seems to be taking a bit of a break to think of his next move. He lands a short punch in the meantime.
The two fighters exchange a few words. I couldn't hear what they were saying but maybe it's more fun if you make it up yourself. Bunkley Iii connects with a nice short shot to Earlandson's temple.
Bunkley Iii is scoring with some nice ground and pound from the dominant position.
Bunkley Iii throws a strike but Earlandson avoids it easily and moves to full guard.
Bunkley Iii loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.

Earlandson looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.
Bunkley Iii forces his way into half guard.
Earlandson makes his way to full guard. A much better position for Earlandson.
Bunkley Iii wants to pass the guard but Earlandson is keeping the position.

Earlandson is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Bunkley Iii landing with the ground and pound.
Bunkley Iii with a nice head shot there.
Bunkley Iii scoring with some ground and pound.
Bunkley Iii keeps in close for a moment and lands a decent shot to the side of Earlandson's head.
Bunkley Iii postures up and scores with a shot to the body and a follow up elbow to the head.

Earlandson is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Bunkley Iii is aware though and is defending well.
Bunkley Iii postures up and lands some nice ground and pound.
Bunkley Iii postures up and scores with a shot to the body and a follow up elbow to the head.

Earlandson is active off his back here, looking for submissions.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Bunkley Iii working from the guard for now, landing some ground and pound.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Bunkley Iii connects with a couple of short punches.
Bunkley Iii has been the more effective fighter overall so far.

Bunkley Iii got a little sloppy there for a moment and Earlandson has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Bunkley Iii has managed to get both his arms back between Earlandson's legs - danger averted.
Bunkley Iii distracts Earlandson with his right hand and drops a big elbow with his other arm.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Eliod Bunkley Iii showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business. This is the final round!

Bunkley Iii dives in and scores a takedown into Earlandson's guard.
Bunkley Iii in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.

Earlandson throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.

Earlandson looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.
Earlandson tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Earlandson working a defensive guard here.

Earlandson looking for subs off his back but Bunkley Iii has passed one foot through into half guard.

Earlandson looking for submissions from an awkward position here.
Bunkley Iii takes advantage of the dominant position to land a couple of big hammer fists.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Earlandson on the receiving end of some nice ground and pound.
Bunkley Iii tries to pass the half guard into mount. Earlandson knows what he's doing though and prevents the attempt.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Bunkley Iii is keeping good posture, landing some ground and pound.
Bunkley Iii slips a nice elbow through Earlandson's hands, connecting with Earlandson's forehead.
Bunkley Iii is nestled in close to Earlandson, controlling him well. He's worked in a nice elbow to the side of the head as well, for good measure.
Bunkley Iii trying to control from half guard but Earlandson is working away.
Earlandson has hold of Bunkley Iii's hands but Bunkley Iii slips his arm to the side and lands an elbow.

Earlandson is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Bunkley Iii pulls his head out easily.
Bunkley Iii winds up and cracks Earlandson with a swinging punch to the side of the head.

Bunkley Iii moves into side control, avoiding a weak kimura attempt from Earlandson.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Bunkley Iii in side control lands a nice looking series of punches and elbows.

Earlandson is rocked!
Earlandson struggling a bit here.
Oh Earlandson is still in real trouble! Will he be able to recover?!!
Earlandson is trying to get back to half guard.
Earlandson seems to have got his legs back now.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Bunkley Iii scoring with punches from side control.
Bunkley Iii scoring with punches and elbows.
Bunkley Iii lands a decent elbow from side control.
Bunkley Iii lands a knee to the body and a forearm to the face.
Earlandson is looking to slip a leg under and get half guard but Bunkley Iii is one step ahead and moves to full mount!
Bunkley Iii avoids the attempt from Earlandson to control.
Bunkley Iii lands a big shot there that rocks Earlandson but he's holding on and managing to survive for now.
Bunkley Iii softens up his opponent with a couple of shots there and then CRACK! One massive shot lands there and Earlandson is out cold! Bunkley Iii jumps to his feet and celebrates on the cage with the fans, who are, quite frankly, going absolutely mental!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:55 of round 3, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Eliod Bunkley Iii!
Eliod Bunkley Iii decided to hype himself up post fight. It was going well but he went on about it a bit too long and the crowd turned on him a little.