PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a super heavyweight MMA rules bout between Craig Mason (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Siouxsie Banshees (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Banshees has chosen Cities in Dust as his entrance music, which hasn't gone down very well with the crowd. Siouxsie Banshees has the better chin. Will he look to stand and bang today?

Mason
vs
Banshees

178 cm
41
181 lbs
34 - 19 - 0

192 cm
38
214 lbs
40 - 21 - 1

Abu Dhabi Champ
World class boxer
Insanely flexible

Good wrestler
World class MT
Good gas tank

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the super heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 34 - 19 - 0, fighting out of London, Craig Mason!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 40 - 21 - 1, fighting out of Amsterdam, Siouxsie Banshees!
The judges for this bout are Ivan Kurochkin, Valeri Chadov and Konstantin Menshow.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Mason is moving around nicely and scores here with a single head shot.

Banshees moves into the clinch.
Mason tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Banshees's elbow.
Banshees wants to stall.
Banshees lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Mason backwards.
Mason misses with some punches.
Banshees is looking to control Mason's arms but Mason gets an underhook and turns him. Now Banshees has his back to the cage.
A shot in the inside from Banshees.
The referee calls for Banshees to work.
Banshees blocks a body shot from Mason.
Mason tries to throw a body punch but Banshees avoids it by throwing Mason back against the cage.
A short right from Mason.
Banshees missing with knees to the body.
Mason struggles to land a body shot inside as Banshees controls his hands.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Banshees doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Mason misses with a hook to the ribs.
A hook to the body from Mason.
Mason lands a body punch.
Mason tries to throw a body punch but Banshees avoids it by throwing Mason back against the cage.
Mason misses with the head strike.
Mason lands a left hand.
Banshees misses with a punch to the body.
Banshees has been looking to improve his clinch game in recent weeks. Mason seems to have the measure of him in the clinch so far, so let's see if Banshees can turn it around.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Mason makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
Banshees misses with some punches.
Banshees makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Mason.
A body shot lands from Mason.
Mason misses with a punch on the inside.
I was talking to Mason's coach per-fight and he was telling me that they'd been working on the clinch in the runup to this fight.
Mason lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
Mason lands with a right to the head.
Mason fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Nice body punch from Mason.
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!
Mason misses with a hook to the ribs.
Mason tries to score a body lock takedown but Banshees shows good agility there to stay on his feet.
A short right from Mason on the inside.
Mason doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Mason swings wildly with an uppercut but Banshees uses good head movement to avoid it.
Mason lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Banshees backwards.
Banshees tries a body shot but Mason blocks it.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Banshees.
Mason works on Banshees's body with a couple of short punches.
A short right from Mason on the inside.
Banshees wants to stall.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Mason presses Banshees against the cage and delivers a mid-strength body shot.
Banshees goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Banshees looking to slow down the pace here.
Banshees tries a body shot but Mason blocks it.
Banshees lands with a right to the head.
Banshees lands an uppercut.
Mason digs a right hand underneath Banshees's ribcage. Banshees let out a lung full of air as it connected.
Banshees looks winded!
Banshees is trying to push Mason away but Mason has him pressed against the cage, so he's going nowhere.
Mason lands a left hand that snaps the head of Banshees backwards.
Mason blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.
Banshees working aggressively here.
Mason working some nice short punches in the clinch.
Banshees tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Mason works on Banshees's body with a couple of short punches.
Mason scores with a hook to the body.
Mason lands a nice looking hook to the body, against the cage.
Mason makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
Mason lands a left hand that snaps the head of Banshees backwards.
Mason lands a hook to the side of the head.
Mason lands with a light punch inside.
A left hand lands to the body for Mason.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
A short body shot lands from Mason as the two fighters clinch.
Mason lands a shoulder strike.
Mason lands a right hand.
Mason lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
Mason lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Banshees backwards.
A head punch on the inside from Banshees fails to land.
Nice body punch from Mason - that landed with a thud.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Mason lands a left hand.
A body shot lands from Mason.
Mason misses with a body punch.
Good body shot from Mason.
Mason throws a hook to the body. More of an arm punch but it's all scoring with the judges.
Nice body punch from Mason - that landed with a thud.
Banshees prevents a takedown attempt there.
Mason works for underhooks and lands a body shot in the process.
A left hand lands to the body for Mason.
A short left from Mason.
Banshees takes a shot to the head.
Mason tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Banshees's elbow.
Banshees is trying to slow down the pace in the clinch, to catch his breath.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Mason throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Bansheess head.
Banshees looking to stall.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Mason.
Banshees swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Mason working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
Mason blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Banshees is trying to maintain a safe position but Mason gets an underhook and turns Banshees into the cage.
Banshees tries to land a knee to the head but Mason blocks with his arms.
Mason lands with a short head shot on the inside.
Banshees goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Mason gets through Banshees's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
Banshees tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Mason is leaning against Banshees and scores with a nice uppercut to the body.
Mason lands a body punch.
Mason stays in close to his opponent and throws a right hand to the body.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Mason scores with an uppercut up the middle.
Mason lands a body shot.
Mason drops to a knee looking for a takedown but Banshees gets the underhooks and prevents it.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Craig Mason. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Banshees stops a takedown attempt from Mason.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Mason fakes a strike and closes the distance, dragging Banshees to the ground. Mason is now in Banshees's guard.
Mason trying to control the position from guard on top but Banshees is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

Mason is holding a leg here, probably looking for an ankle lock - he drops back and goes for it! Banshees is in trouble! Is it all over??? No! Banshees has escaped and now he's on top!
Mason working a defensive guard here.
Mason bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Banshees's guard.
Mason trying to control but Banshees is working from the bottom.
Mason controls from within his opponent's guard.
Banshees keeping moving, preventing Mason from controlling successfully.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Mason is trying to work a guillotine from the top, or something like that? Don't know how he thinks he's going to get a finish from there.
Banshees is working an open guard here, looking to improve his position. No doubt that will leave him open to counters but at least he's being more offensive.
Mason trying to control but Banshees is working from the bottom.
Banshees is looking to get back to his feet but can't, whilst Mason is controlling him.

Mason decides he's had enough of playing guard and decides to stand. Come on Banshees, up you get!

Banshees forces Mason back against the cage and clinches.
A real battle for position is taking place between these two warriors.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Mason tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Mason scores with an uppercut up the middle.
Nice body punch from Mason - that landed with a thud.
Banshees is breathing heavily.
A shot in the inside from Mason.
Banshees scores with an uppercut up the middle.
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!
Banshees goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Mason lands a hook to the side of the head.
Craig Mason has scored more points in the clinch so far.
Banshees prevents a body shot from Mason.
Mason scores with a shot to the side of Banshees's head.
Mason scores with an uppercut up the middle.
Mason tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Mason wants to stall.
Mason pushes Banshees back against the cage and unloads with a body punch.
Mason misses with a punch to the body.
Mason is looking for a takedown up against the cage. Banshees gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.
Mason working some nice short punches in the clinch.

Mason gets a trip takedown into half guard.

Mason seems to be looking for submissions.

Mason is trying to work for a kimura but Banshees is defending well.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Mason trying to pass the guard but Banshees defending well.

Banshees is defending against the submission attempts here by Mason.

Mason is trying for a guillotine from the top but the pressure isn't in the right place so Banshees is just riding it out for now. Mason eventually gives up the hold.
Mason wants to take a breather but Banshees is having none of it.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Banshees wants to control but Mason passes into side.
Mason is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Banshees can do to turn this around?

Mason working hard here to secure a kimura but he's not really in the right position for it.

Mason tries for an arm triangle. That looks pretty tight to me. Is this one over!?! Possibly, maybe, no Mason has let go of the choke. Obviously it wasn't as tight as we thought!

Mason is looking for a kimura. He might have it! No, Banshees has escaped the position, nice work there.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.

Mason working hard here to secure a kimura but he's not really in the right position for it.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Craig Mason dominated that second round.
That's time! Mason's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight. This is the final round!

Banshees connects with a leg kick. Mason looked like he was expecting something else and didn't defend it.
Banshees throws a shot from downtown. Mason moves away and avoids it.
Banshees wants to land a leg kick but Mason is out of range.
Mason misses with a looping right.
Siouxsie Banshees seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Mason swats away the attempt to clinch by Banshees.
Mason lands an overhand left. A wild punch that just about connected.
Craig Mason is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Mason shuffles to his left behind two crisp jabs. Banshees eats them both and turns towards Mason to reposition himself and eats a stinging right hand-left hook combo.
Mason tries to close the distance and clinch up but Banshees swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Banshees fakes with the hands and throws a leg kick but Mason is out of range.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Mason looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Boom, another hit is landed. "You're gunna get knocked out" taunts Banshees, as that shot connected.
Banshees scores with a big left there. The judges will like that one.
Mason throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Banshees stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Banshees wants it to stay on the feet.

Mason rushes Banshees and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.
Banshees lands a hook that snaps the head of Mason backwards.
Mason pushes Banshees back against the cage and unloads with a body punch.
Banshees takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Mason.
Mason lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Banshees backwards.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Mason makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
Mason fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Banshees swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Mason scores with an uppercut up the middle.
Mason lands a body shot.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Nice body punch from Mason - that landed with a thud.
Mason lands a nice uppercut.
Mason lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
Mason tries to work over Banshees's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Banshees using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Mason has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
Mason lands with a right to the head.

Mason has Banshees pressed up against the cage. He's trying to work for a single leg takedown. Mason pulls back from the cage and twists to the side, sending Banshees tumbling to the mat - Mason dives into Banshees's guard.
Mason pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Banshees is keeping the position for now.
Mason seems content to control from guard here. He's going to have to remain active though if he doesn't want to get stood back up.
Mason trying to control but Banshees is working from the bottom.

Mason drops back looking for a heel hook - he quickly realises he's not going to get it but Banshees manages to dive on top of him before he can escape and now Mason has Banshees in his guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Mason bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Banshees's guard.
Mason wants to pass the guard but Banshees is keeping the position.

Mason drops back looking for a heel hook - he quickly realises he's not going to get it but Banshees manages to dive on top of him before he can escape and now Mason has Banshees in his guard.
Mason looking for a sweep. Not yet Mason, not yet.
Craig Mason is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Banshees controlling from the top position.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Banshees prevents Mason from getting back to his feet.
Mason looking for a sweep. Not yet Mason, not yet.

Mason looking for a guillotine here but Banshees defends easily.
Craig Mason overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Mason is trying to control the position but Banshees postures up.
Siouxsie Banshees has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!

And that's the end of the fight!
Craig Mason showed his dominance in that final round.
Well Mason has outscored his opponent in every aspect of the fight today. Only a scarily incompetent judge or two will keep him from a well deserved win... 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 Ivan Kurochkin scores the fight 30:27
Judge Valeri Chadov scores the fight 30:27
Judge Konstantin Menshow scores the fight 30:27

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