PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Michael Pope (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Iliek Boubeez (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Pope comes into the arena with For Whom The Bell Tolls blaring out of the sound system. Boubeez has chosen 99 Words for boobs as his entrance music. Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the cage.

Pope
vs
Boubeez

190 cm
33
213 lbs
26 - 16 - 0

195 cm
40
285 lbs
32 - 34 - 0

Good wrestling
World class boxer
Insanely flexible

Good wrestler
World class boxer
Powerful

Bad Man Clothing (Nothing Over $40)
MB Nutrition

Bad Man Clothing (Nothing Over $40)

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 26 - 16 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Michael Pope!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 32 - 34 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Iliek Boubeez!
The judges for this bout are Edson Gomes, Thiago Cunha and Mauricio Rocha.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Boubeez ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Pope moves away.

Boubeez gets tackled into the cage by Pope. Pope maintains the clinch.
Pope lands with a short head shot on the inside.
Pope misses with the head strike.
Pope is trying to break the clinch but Boubeez has him pressed against the cage.
A nice left hand lands by Pope.
Boubeez lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
Boubeez doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Boubeez has dropped down and is looking to force the takedown but it's defended by Pope after a bit of a struggle.
Boubeez tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Pope blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Boubeez tries to pull guard but can't drag his opponent to the mat. Pope just stands there and leans against the cage.
Boubeez tries to break free but Pope pushes him back against the cage.

Pope escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Pope closes the distance and clinches up with Boubeez, looking for a takedown. Pope pushes Boubeez against the cage but Boubeez circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Pope closes the distance but Boubeez moves to the side
and Boubeez counters with a kick to the head that grazes his opponent. Pope is lucky that one didn't land flush.
Pope misses with a takedown
and Boubeez counters with a nice uppercut.
Pope seems to be moving with more speed, compared to his last bout. He must have been working on that in the gym.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Boubeez keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Michael Pope. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Pope looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
Pope lands a head kick!

It looks like Iliek Boubeez has been cut.
Pope tries to drive through with a takedown attempt but Boubeez defends well and Pope ends up having to push Boubeez into the cage where they will battle it out in the clinch.
Pope shoots in but no luck this time.
Pope shoots for a double leg takedown but Boubeez sprawls well. He's pushed Pope's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Pope doesn't succeed with the takedown
and Boubeez counters with a nice jab to the body that keeps Pope thinking.
Pope is breathing heavily.
Boubeez ducks down and throws a hook to the body.
Boubeez throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Pope is pinned up against the cage taking some big shots here. The referee is looking closely deciding whether he should stop the fight.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Boubeez with a jab.
Horrible takedown attempt by Pope or perhaps it was just good defense by Boubeez, which made it look bad.
Boubeez misses with a head kick.
Michael Pope seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!

Pope shoots in for a takedown from distance. He catches Boubeez napping and manages to drive through into side control!
Boubeez is positioning himself to get back to half guard.
Boubeez sneaks a leg under to get back to half guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Boubeez has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Pope is working away from the top position though.
Boubeez is concentrating on defense, preventing Pope from advancing position.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Pope looks over to his corner - he wants some instructions but his corner are not responding.
We may be looking at a referee standup if the pace doesn't pick up soon.
We could do with one of the fighters taking the initiative a bit more on the ground - they're both waiting to capitalize on a mistake.
Pope prevents Boubeez from improving his position.

The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.
Pope is trying hard to land a takedown here. Boubeez sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
A little jabbing left from Boubeez on the counter but it doesn't find it's target.
Boubeez misses with a head kick.
Boubeez slaps away a takedown attempt from Pope, before circling back to the center of the mat.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are hurling abuse towards the fighters... You can hardly blame them though because there isn't a lot going on in the fight.

Boubeez has Pope up against the cage in a clinch.
Boubeez wants to get back to striking at distance but Pope won't allow it.
Pope misses with a punch on the inside.
Boubeez drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Boubeez can't get the takedown.
Pope misses with a punch on the inside.
Boubeez is trying to slow down the pace of the fight but Pope is keeping busy.
Boubeez lands a body shot.
Boubeez tries to break the clinch but Pope is controlling the position.
A short right from Pope on the inside.
Boubeez swings away with an uppercut that misses.

Boubeez manages to break the clinch.
Pope changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Boubeez tries to avoid it but Pope manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Boubeez to the ground. Boubeez escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Boubeez shapes to counter with a head kick.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Iliek Boubeez dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Iliek Boubeez's cut.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!

Pope shoots in for a takedown but Boubeez shows good takedown defense.
Michael Pope is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Boubeez pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Boubeez misses with a body shot.
Boubeez throws a sloppy head kick and Pope moves out of range easily.
Pope shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Boubeez but Boubeez pushes him off and we're back to square one.
Pope closes this distance looking for a takedown but Boubeez circles away.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Michael Pope. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Pope will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
Boubeez swings away with a counter right hand but no contact made.
Boubeez leaves Pope with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Boubeez stuffs the takedown.
It seemed like Boubeez was going to counter with the hook but didn't fully commit to it.
Pope shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Boubeez but Boubeez pushes him off and we're back to square one.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Boubeez tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Pope manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
As Boubeez looks to move away, Pope throws a big counter combo bu Boubeez just gets out of the way.

That's one minute gone in the round.

The fight moves into the clinch position.
Boubeez blocks an elbow strike.
Pope lands an elbow that stopped Boubeez in his tracks for a moment.
Boubeez looking for a takedown.
Pope misses with the head strike.
Boubeez lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
A short left from Pope.
Pope misses with a punch on the inside.
Pope swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Boubeez has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Boubeez misses with a short punch on the inside.
Boubeez presses Pope against the cage and delivers a mid-strength body shot.
Pope blocks a body shot from Boubeez.

Boubeez's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Pope shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Boubeez as he avoids it easily.
Pope shoots for a takedown but Boubeez saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
A nice side step and Boubeez releases a counter shot to the body, but it doesn't find it's home.
Boubeez scores with a jab to the body.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Boubeez closes the distance and clinches.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Boubeez working some nice short punches in the clinch.

Boubeez breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Some wild striking there from Boubeez.
Horrible takedown attempt by Pope or perhaps it was just good defense by Boubeez, which made it look bad.
Boubeez leaves Pope with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
Pope pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Boubeez is throwing a lot of body shots here, looking to wear down Pope rather than just go for the knockout.
Pope takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
Boubeez defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Pope.
Sloppy strikes from Boubeez. Those never looked like landing.
Boubeez fails to land with a series of punches.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Boubeez misses with the combination.
Pope's hands are dropping dangerously low here and Boubeez connects clean with a right hook that sends him down to one knee! Pope scrambles back to his feet.
Pope tries for a takedown but Boubeez sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Sloppy strikes from Boubeez. Those never looked like landing.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Pope.

Boubeez drives through with a takedown into Pope's guard. Let's see what he can do from the top position.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Boubeez wants to control from the top but Pope keeps moving.
Pope keeping full guard, as Boubeez tries to pass.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Boubeez sneaks a leg through and gets to half guard. That was like a knife through butter how easily he passed Pope's guard.
Boubeez trying to control the pace.
Boubeez wants to free his trapped foot but Pope is holding on for dear life with his legs.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Pope fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Pope fails with a takedown attempt.
Boubeez throws a counter combo.
Pope fails to land the takedown.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Michael Pope. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Boubeez throws a right hand that Pope ducks under and follows up with a left that Pope also avoids with ease.
Pope tries to score a power double leg takedown but Boubeez sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Pope somewhat.
Boubeez looks like he wants to counter punch here.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Boubeez stuffs the takedown attempt from Pope. Pope gets slowly back to his feet.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Boubeez displaying good standup as he scores with a three punch combination.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Pope scores with a nice takedown into half guard. Let's see what he's got on the ground.
Michael Pope overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Boubeez gets full guard.
Boubeez has control of Pope's left arm, preventing Pope from doing any damage.
Pope stopping the sweep attempt from Boubeez.
Boubeez is still trying to improve position.
Pope has to be careful here, sitting in the guard of a superior BJJ player.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Pope wants to control from the top but Boubeez keeps moving.
Pope won't allow Boubeez to sweep him here.

The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.
Pope tries to score a power double leg takedown but Boubeez sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Pope somewhat.
Boubeez raises up his leg as if looking to counter with a high kick.
Boubeez catches Pope with a nice straight right. He seems pissed - ooooh, it's on now! On like donkey kong!

That's three minutes gone in the round.
No luck for Pope with that takedown attempt.
Boubeez doesn't fully commit to the body shot counter.
Pope with a poor takedown
and Boubeez counters with a nice body shot.
Pope tries to clinch up
and Pope takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Pope shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Boubeez defends it nicely.
Pope doesn't succeed with the takedown
and Boubeez connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Pope tries to grapple but his opponent circles
and Boubeez counters with a stiff right hand.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Pope tries for a takedown but Boubeez sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Boubeez tries a counter takedown but it's more of a dummy move, and he uses it to push himself away.
Pope wants to clinch up but Boubeez keeps it at a distance.
Pope moves in looking to clinch but Boubeez pushes him off.
Pope closes the distance and clinches up with Boubeez, looking for a takedown. Pope pushes Boubeez against the cage but Boubeez circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Pope has his takedown stuffed
and Boubeez counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Michael Pope has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

Boubeez moves into the clinch.
Iliek Boubeez is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
Boubeez lands with a right to the head.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!

Boubeez pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Pope misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
Boubeez showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Pope.

And that's the end of the fight!
Iliek Boubeez comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I've got Boubeez winning every round here. Surely the decision will go his way and he'll pick up a well deserved decision victory. 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 Edson Gomes scores the fight 27:30
Judge Thiago Cunha scores the fight 27:30
Judge Mauricio Rocha scores the fight 27:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Iliek Boubeez!
Iliek Boubeez 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.