PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between John Simons III (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Francois Dubonet (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Simons III
vs
Dubonet

172 cm
43
143 lbs
46 - 31 - 2

185 cm
43
150 lbs
35 - 26 - 2

BJJ Red Belt
World class boxer
Insanely flexible

Good wrestler
World class MT
Granite chin

Bad Man Clothing (Nothing Over $40)

Just Fight (Everything 8$)

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the featherweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 46 - 31 - 2, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, John Simons III!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 35 - 26 - 2, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Francois Dubonet!
The judges for this bout are Emerson Jorge, Daniel Cesar and Thiago Cunha.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Dubonet lands a jab followed by a nice looking cross.

It looks like John Simons III has been cut.
No luck for Simons III with that takedown attempt.
Dubonet misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Simons III shoots for a double leg takedown but Dubonet sprawls well. He's pushed Simons III's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Dubonet throws a sloppy head kick and Simons III moves out of range easily.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Simons III.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for John Simons III. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Dubonet connects with a solid leg kick.
Dubonet finds nothing but air with that leg kick attempt.
We've been informed that Dubonet has been sparring a lot of Muay Thai in the buildup to this fight so let's see if that has an impact on the result.
Simons III looks for a takedown but Dubonet sprawls well.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Dubonet is looking to slow Simons III down with leg kicks.
Simons III moves out of range as Dubonet throws a body kick.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Dubonet tries to land a front kick but Simons III steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed.
Dubonet lands a beauty of a right hand that gets the crowd cheering.
Francois Dubonet seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Simons III wants to clinch up but Dubonet keeps it at a distance.
Dubonet throws a leg kick which misses Simons III's front leg but catches the back leg as Simons III tries to avoid it.
A thudding body kick lands there by Dubonet!
Simons III takes a thudding leg kick, right into the meat of the thigh.
Simons III tries for a takedown but Dubonet sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Dubonet lands a lovely overhand right.
Dubonet looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Simons III half commits to a counter takedown before pushing away, out of range.
A kick lands to the mid section there for Dubonet.

Simons III shoots in with a lovely double leg takedown. Dubonet manages to land in full guard to minimise the damage.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Simons III wants to pass the guard but Dubonet is keeping the position.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Dubonet has Simons III pulled in close to control his posture.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Simons III trying to control the position from guard on top but Dubonet is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Simons III pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Dubonet is keeping the position for now.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Dubonet swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Dubonet misses with a double jab

and Simons III counters with a shoot takedown. Dubonet fights it but they end up in guard.
Simons III looking to sit in guard and control but Dubonet gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top.

There's a bit of a scramble here and now Simons III is on top in guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Simons III pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Dubonet is keeping the position for now.

Simons III is holding a leg here, probably looking for an ankle lock - he drops back and goes for it! Dubonet is in trouble! Is it all over??? No! Dubonet has escaped and now he's on top!

Simons III is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Dubonet is aware though and is defending well.
Dubonet would like to get this fight back to the feet but can't get free from the closed guard.
Dubonet postures up.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Francois Dubonet dominated that round.
The cut man is working on John Simons III's cut.
That's time! Simons III's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

Simons III shoots in and drives through. Dubonet sprawls well.
Simons III takes a kick to the side of the head.
John Simons III is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Simons III shoots in but no luck this time.
It seemed like Dubonet was going to counter with the hook but didn't fully commit to it.
Dubonet throws a nice outside leg kick.
A shot to the liver by Dubonet. Beautiful body shot.
Simons III ducks under a wild hook from Dubonet.
Simons III has a takedown stuffed.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for John Simons III. That's going to take a lot out of him.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Dubonet throws a feint and then finishes with a kick to the body.
Dubonet finds nothing but air with that leg kick attempt.
Simons III misses with a few strikes there.
A chopping leg kick lands by Dubonet.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Simons III scores with a takedown into Dubonet's guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Simons III trying to control but Dubonet is working from the bottom.
John Simons III overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Simons III might be looking to lock onto one of his opponent's long limbs for a submission, whilst we're on the ground.
Simons III stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Dubonet swivels though and keeps the full guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Simons III throwing strikes from guard but Dubonet blocks nicely.
Simons III pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Dubonet is keeping the position for now.
We may be looking at a referee standup if the pace doesn't pick up soon.
Dubonet is a painfully thin specimen of a man. You do wonder whether a good body kick would snap him clean in two.

The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.
Dubonet swats away the attempt to clinch by Simons III.
A big left from Dubonet misses.
Simons III appears to be looking for a counter takedown.

Simons III dives in and scores a takedown into Dubonet's guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Simons III slips nicely into half guard.

Simons III is working for submissions here but there's nothing on.

Simons III is thinking about going for an arm triangle but he can't free his leg.
Simons III wants to pass to mount but Dubonet is defending the position.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
My god... these two guys really need to pick up the pace or everyone will leave to go get a beer.
Simons III controlling the pace.
Simons III is trying to control. Dubonet wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.
Simons III stalling away here and it's allowed Dubonet to slip out his trapped foot and regain full guard.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Simons III trying to move into half guard but instead Dubonet has managed to sweep!

And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close second round but Francois Dubonet will probably get the nod - 10:9.
The cut man is working on John Simons III's cut.
That's time! Simons III's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

Simons III tries for a takedown but Dubonet circles away easily
and Dubonet counters with a nice leg kick.

Dubonet gets caught on his heels momentarily as he allows Simons III to score an easy takedown into full guard.
Simons III stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Dubonet swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Simons III won't allow Dubonet to sweep him here.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
A real slowdown in the pace of the fight for a moment, as Dubonet holds on and takes a little breather.
Dubonet can't keep his opponent in guard - Simons III advances to half guard, no doubt looking to mount.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Simons III wants to lay and pray for a moment but Dubonet keeps working.
Dubonet trying to control but Simons III postures up.

The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up. He just wasn't happy with the level of activity.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Simons III.

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.
Simons III throws a head kick that misses
and Dubonet counters with a flying knee. Nice.
Simons III misses with an attempted mid kick.
Simons III has his front leg slapped to the side - a nice low kick landing there from Dubonet.

Excellent takedown into side control there by Simons III.
Simons III working the strikes but Dubonet uses the opportunity to regain half guard.
Simons III is keen to just control but Dubonet is a slippery customer.
Simons III takes a deep breath and rests his weight momentarily on top of his opponent, to control the position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Simons III wants to pass to mount but Dubonet is defending the position.

The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.
Dubonet lands a front kick.

Simons III closes the distance and after a bit of a stuggle, scores a takedown into Dubonet's guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Simons III stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Dubonet swivels though and keeps the full guard.

Simons III is holding a leg here, probably looking for an ankle lock - he drops back and goes for it! Dubonet is in trouble! Is it all over??? No! Dubonet has escaped and now he's on top!

Dubonet won't allow Simons III to sweep him here.
Dubonet trying to control the position from guard on top but Simons III is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Simons III looking to control.
Simons III 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.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

John Simons III clearly takes that round.
The cut man is working on John Simons III'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.

Dubonet scores with a leg kick.
Dubonet scores with a jab. Simons III acknowledges it with a nod of the head.
Dubonet throws a body kick that misses.

Simons III decides to change it up a bit and drives through with a nice takedown into half guard.
Dubonet is staying active underneath Simons III, who seems content to just control the action from this position.
Simons III takes a deep breath and rests his weight momentarily on top of his opponent, to control the position.
Simons III seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Dubonet does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Dubonet keeping control of the position.
Simons III is trying to control. Dubonet wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Simons III is trying to work for a kimura but Dubonet is defending well.
Simons III is trying to control the action in half guard but Dubonet is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.

The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.
Crunch! Dubonet slams his shin into Simons III's torso.
Dubonet goes for a high kick. It partially lands.
Simons III shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Dubonet as he avoids it easily.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Simons III on the wrong end of a nice low kick. He's acting like it's no big deal but he doesn't want to take many more of those.
Horrible takedown attempt by Simons III or perhaps it was just good defense by Dubonet, which made it look bad.
Dubonet cracks the inside of Simons III's front leg.
Simons III sees a low kick coming and goes to check it, but it's actually a body kick and it thuds into his unprotected ribs.
Simons III fails with a takedown attempt.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for John Simons III. That's going to take a lot out of him.
A decent looking body kick lands there for Dubonet.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Dubonet throws a low kick but it's checked well by Simons III.
Simons III appears to be looking for a counter takedown.
Simons III avoids the head kick by Dubonet.
Simons III shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Dubonet defends it nicely.
Simons III slips under a jab.
Simons III drops down looking for a counter takedown but Dubonet sprawls and moves away.
An inside leg kick from Dubonet misses.
Dubonet throws a leg kick but Simons III sees it coming and checks it nicely.
Simons III throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Dubonet pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Dubonet throws a front kick that sends Simons III stumbling back into the cage.
Francois Dubonet seems to be getting the better of the standup.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Dubonet swinging wildly here.
Dubonet is absolutely dripping with sweat - he looks exhausted.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Simons III.
Dubonet lands a head kick!

Simons III darts in and lands a nice takedown into half guard.
Simons III is taking a breather. Dubonet says something to him but it's hard to make out. Perhaps he's telling him to get on with it and actually do something.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Francois Dubonet dominated that fourth round.
The cut man is working on John Simons III's cut.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action. This is the final round!

Simons III shoots in but Dubonet avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Simons III moves out of range of the strikes.
Dubonet lands a leg kick and bounces back out of range.
Simons III is trying hard to land a takedown here. Dubonet sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
Dubonet is clearly looking to counter with head kicks.
Dubonet throws a sloppy head kick and Simons III moves out of range easily.
Simons III feinted with a counter takedown.
Simons III looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Dubonet is fending him off so far but Simons III persists. Nope, Dubonet circles away and we're back to standing.
Dubonet throws a fast counter high kick but Simons III manages to duck under it in time.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for John Simons III. That's going to take a lot out of him.
A solid body kick from Dubonet.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Nice jab there from Dubonet.
Dubonet has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Dubonet fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Simons III seems to be moving with more speed, compared to his last bout. He must have been working on that in the gym.
Simons III fails miserably with a takedown attempt.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Dubonet lands a head kick!
Dubonet cracks the inside of Simons III's front leg.
Dubonet fakes a jab and scores with a low kick.
Dubonet plants his feet and lands a nice head kick!
Dubonet is wobbling all over the place through exhaustion. Will he make it to the final bell?
Dubonet misses with an uppercut. Simons III saw that one coming.
Simons III blocks a head kick by Dubonet.
Simons III tries to check a leg kick but that clearly hurt him.
Dubonet fakes with a right hand and throws a good leg kick, right into the thigh. That had to hurt Simons III.
Dubonet goes for a spinning back kick but it misses.

Simons III looking to shoot here. He's gone for it and he's landed a takedown into side control! Oh, that's bad for Dubonet!
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!

Simons III is looking to finish here, going for an Americana. Dubonet knows the correct defense though, so he's OK.
Francois Dubonet is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Simons III thinks about going for a far side armbar but bails out and retains the dominant position instead.

Simons III is trying to land an Americana. He has the arm isolated but Dubonet is keeping cool and he's avoided the danger for now.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Dubonet stops Simons III from passing to mount.
Dubonet is not content to let Simons III control the position.
John Simons III has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Well. There's a bit of a lull in the action here and the crowd are starting to get restless.

Simons III swings around for an armbar but Dubonet sees it coming a mile off and turns beautifully into Simons III's guard.
Dubonet won't allow Simons III to sweep him here.
Simons III is looking to sweep but instead, Dubonet has passed into half guard.
Simons III is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Simons III is working hard here to advance position.

And that's the end of the fight!
Francois Dubonet comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think Dubonet has won this one but let's see whether the judges agree with me. Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 5 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Emerson Jorge scores the fight 46:49
Judge Daniel Cesar scores the fight 46:49
Judge Thiago Cunha scores the fight 47:48

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Francois Dubonet! Francois Dubonet retains his featherweight title!
Francois Dubonet managed to slip a mention for his sponsors, Just Fight (Everything 8$), into his post fight interview.