PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Steve Vega (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and William Henry Bonney (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). These two fighters really are very evenly matched on the feet - it will be fascinating to see who can assert themselves in that aspect of the fight.

Vega
vs
Henry Bonney

178 cm
32
169 lbs
11 - 9 - 1

173 cm
23
159 lbs
8 - 3 - 1

Abu Dhabi Champ
Excellent boxer
Cardio machine

Good wrestler
World class boxer
Granite chin

Broken Halo Pride Nutrition

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the lightweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 11 - 9 - 1, fighting out of Sydney, Steve Vega!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 8 - 3 - 1, fighting out of Los Angeles, William Henry Bonney!
The judges for this bout are Chris Dean, Summer Carpenter and Winston Howard.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Bonney ducks under a wild hook from Vega.
Bonney keeping at a good range here, avoiding a leg kick.
Bonney pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Vega fails with the takedown
enabling Bonney to counter with a crisp jab.
A kick lands to the mid section there for Vega.
Bonney has been spending a lot of time sparring his boxing in the run up to the fight, trying to sharpen up those hands and look for a knockout.
Vega doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
Bonney moves out of range of the body kick.
Bonney let fly with a counter punch to the body but it didn't land.
Bonney works Vega's body with a nice hook.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Bonney throws a combination. Vega tries to block but a couple of punches get through.
Bonney lands with a head kick! That's gotta hurt.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Bonney connects with a body shot that sends Vega's belly button to the back.
Bonney connects with the punch.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Bonney throws a nice head kick!

Vega is rocked!

Vega looking to shoot here. He's gone for it and he's landed a takedown into side control! Oh, that's bad for Bonney!
Oh Vega is still in real trouble! Will he be able to recover?!!
Bonney wants to control but Vega postures up.
Vega seems to have got his legs back now.
Bonney is looking for a sweep.
Bonney stops Vega from passing to mount.
You can see the frustration on Bonney's face, being in this tough position on the bottom.
Bonney is looking to regain half guard here but Vega keeps moving and retains side control.
Vega wants to control but Bonney is keeping him busy.
Bonney prevents Vega from moving into mount.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Bonney is looking to regain half guard here but Vega keeps moving and retains side control.
Vega tries to move to mount but Bonney blocks the move with his legs.
Bonney tries to get back to half guard but can't.
Vega tries to advance to mount but Bonney denies him.
Bonney is trying to control Vega's posture but Vega avoids it.
Bonney tries to work a leg under to get back to half guard but Vega wriggles his own leg back out and remains in side control.
Bonney has one of Vega's arms on lockdown, trying to prevent him from doing any damage.

Vega is looking to finish here, going for an Americana. Bonney knows the correct defense though, so he's OK.
Bonney is looking for a sweep.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Bonney prevents Vega from improving position.
Bonney tries to get back to half guard but can't.
Bonney is trying to buck Vega off.
Bonney is positioning himself to get back to half guard.
Vega wants to lay and pray for a moment but Bonney keeps working.
Bonney is trying to get back to half guard.

Vega looking for an arm triangle but it's way too loose to do anything.
Bonney is trying to improve his position.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Vega passes to full mount! That's big trouble for Bonney!
Vega looking to ground and pound but Bonney is blocking nicely.
Bonney is squirming around, avoiding Vega's attempts to control the action.
Bonney is trying desperately to improve position.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Bonney is still trying to improve position.
Bonney tries to hold on but Vega postures up.
Vega trying to control but he's not successful this time.

Vega working for a guillotine from mount but Bonney is in no mood to give up.

Vega is going oldschool here, as he tries to force Bonney to tap using a forearm choke. This isn't 1993 though, so Bonney shrugs it off.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close round but I would say that Steve Vega will probably get the nod.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

Bonney is looking to clinch but Vega is avoiding it.
Bonney misses with an attempted mid kick.
Bonney lands a nice hook to Vega's body. Vega takes it in his stride and looks to land his own strikes.
Vega misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Bonney ducks under a wild hook from Vega.
Bonney is loading up here, looking for a big counter of his own.
A head kick from Bonney lands but Vega takes it in his stride.
Bonney feints a jab promting Vega to slip. Bonney then demonstrates his capabilities by jabbing again. Vega slips again and ducks right into an uppercut.
William Henry Bonney seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Jab, jab by Bonney - just one landing.
Vega drops his hands momentarily and Bonney takes advantage with a crisp shot to the head.
Bonney with a hook.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!

Bonney gets in close and instigates a clinch.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Vega blocks a body shot from Bonney.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Bonney.
Bonney gets double underhooks to prevent a takedown attempt from Vega.
Bonney lands a body shot.
Bonney tries to throw a body punch but Vega avoids it by throwing Bonney back against the cage.
Bonney avoids a wild elbow strike from Vega.
Vega is working on a leg, looking for a takedown but Bonney is defending well.
Bonney lands a body punch in the clinch.
Bonney has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Bonney doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, Bonney creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
A body shot lands from Bonney.
Vega lands an uppercut.

Bonney breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Bonney scores with a hook to the body. Vega takes a step back and tries to catch his breath.
Vega tries to clinch but Bonney is having none of it.
Vega misses with a takedown
and Bonney counters with a lovely straight right hand!
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Steve Vega. That's going to take a lot out of him.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Bonney scores with a body shot.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Bonney ducks down and throws a hook to the body.
Vega looks to throw a body kick
and Bonney counters with a left to the body.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.

Bonney closes the distance and clinches.
Bonney lands with a right to the head.
Bonney tries a body shot but Vega blocks it.
Bonney misses with a punch to the body.
Bonney misses with a body punch.
Vega is looking for a takedown.

Bonney escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Bonney lands with a shot to the body.
Bonney lands with a nice combination. Vega backs away looking to recover.
Nice jab there from Vega.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Vega tries to land a body kick
and Vega takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Bonney is throwing a lot of body shots here, looking to wear down Vega rather than just go for the knockout.
Bonney lunges in with an uppercut that skims his opponent's chin.
Vega shoots in looking for a takedown but Bonney manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Vega's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
Vega wants to slow Bonney down by chopping away at his legs.
Bonney throws out a counter right but Vega avoids it with no problem.
Vega on the wrong end of a decent looking cross there.
Bonney throws a right and a left that Vega avoids nicely.
A combination from Bonney does no damage.
Bonney throws a head kick but Vega moves out of range.
Bonney sizes up Vega with a pawing jab and scores with a straight right down the middle.
Bonney lands with a head kick! That's gotta hurt.
That's a knee to de groin and it's over and out! Bonney crumples to the ground after an illegal strike from Vega - the referee stops the clock and Bonney gets 5 minutes to recover from that one. "I'm sorry" says Vega. Bonney manages to get back to his feet and the fight resumes.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Vega throws a push kick but Bonney slaps the foot to one side.
Vega shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Bonney sprawls well. Bonney wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Vega gets slowly back to his feet.
It seemed like Bonney was going to counter with the hook but didn't fully commit to it.
Vega showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Bonney.
Bonney slips a jab from Vega.
Bonney lets it all go there with a big combo counter but none of the punches connected.
Vega tries for a takedown but Bonney circles away easily
and Bonney counters with a nice uppercut.
Vega drops his hands and takes a jab to the jaw for his troubles.
Vega avoids a punch combination nicely.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

William Henry Bonney showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
That's time! Vega's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

Bonney throws a nice head kick!
Bonney stooping low to avoid any incoming strikes and then lunges in with an uppercut come cross that lands flush.
Bonney tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Vega manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Bonney misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Vega.
Vega looks to clinch
and Bonney counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Vega tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Bonney paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Bonney tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Vega feinted with a counter takedown.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Bonney lands a jab followed by a nice looking cross.
Vega fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Bonney manages to avoid it.
Vega takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.
Vega fails miserably with a takedown attempt.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Bonney takes a nasty kick to the mid section... That should keep him thinking. Does he try and block and risk a head kick landing?

Vega closes the distance and clinches up, looking for a takedown. He shifts his weight and gets a nice trip into half guard.
Bonney tries to get to full guard but Vega has control of the leg.
Bonney won't allow Vega to pass to mount.
Steve Vega overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Bonney is pressing down on Vega's left leg trying to get back to full guard. He's managed it.
Bonney pulls Vega in close to prevent any damage.
Bonney wants to get back to his feet but Vega is in a dominant position and won't allow it.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Bonney is on top in guard.

Vega wants to improve his position but instead Bonney has moved into half guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Vega has a hand on Bonney's thigh, trying to get back to full guard. Bonney takes advantage of the position though and mounts him!
Vega is trying to escape the mount.
Vega tries to control Bonney's body but Bonney pushes him off. Vega squirms to his side and now Bonney has his back!
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Vega wants to control his opponent's hands but Bonney gets his hands free.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
You can see the frustration on Vega's face… He knows he is in trouble unless he improves his position sooner rather than later.
Bonney gets his hands free as Vega looks to control.
Vega can't escape the position.
Vega is working hard here to advance position.
Bonney doesn't have the hooks in and Vega manages to turn into his guard.
Vega stopping the sweep attempt from Bonney.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Bonney wants to control here, rather than go for any submissions from the bottom. At least for now.
Vega preventing the sweep.
Vega pushes down on Bonney's leg and manages to get into half guard.
Vega wants to free his trapped foot but Bonney is holding on for dear life with his legs.
Bonney moves into full guard.
Bonney wants to control here, rather than go for any submissions from the bottom. At least for now.
Bonney is looking to stand up but Vega isn't so interested in that idea.
Bonney looking for a sweep. Not yet Bonney, not yet.
Vega sitting in guard here, content to control.
Bonney can't keep his opponent in guard - Vega advances to half guard, no doubt looking to mount.
Bonney is refusing to be controlled, as Vega sits in half guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

William Henry Bonney really dominated that round.
That's time! Back to the action!

Vega takes a step back and watches a body kick go sailing past his mid section.
Vega uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Bonney.
Bonney throws a lazy head kick

and Vega counters with a nice double leg into half guard.
Vega looking to pass the half guard. Not this time.
Bonney is trying to control but can't.
Vega is keen to just control but Bonney is a slippery customer.

Vega is working for submissions here but there's nothing on.
Bonney slips a foot under and gets full guard. Nice work.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Vega stopping the sweep attempt from Bonney.
Vega trying to control but Bonney is working from the bottom.
Bonney has Vega pulled in close to control his posture.
Vega is just sitting in guard, looking to avoid any submissions.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Bonney looking to control.
Vega trying to control but Bonney is working from the bottom.
Bonney is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move.

Vega has a hand on Bonney's thigh, trying to get back to full guard. Bonney takes advantage of the position though and mounts him!
We've been hearing good reports from Vega'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.
Bonney controlling from mount.
Vega is in all sorts of trouble here.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Vega gets back to half guard.
Bonney keeping composed on the top, looking to control the action.

Vega has guillotine here! It looks pretty tight! Could this be all over! No, Bonney escapes and passes into side control at the same time. Nice work there by Bonney!
Vega regains half guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Bonney prevents Vega from improving his position.
Bonney slows the pace down in half guard.

Vega is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Bonney pulls his head out easily.
Vega is looking to improve his position.

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.
Vega wants to get back to full guard but Bonney has passed into side control.
Vega tries to work a leg under to get back to half guard but Bonney wriggles his own leg back out and remains in side control.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Vega gets one leg under and gets the fight to half guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close fourth round but William Henry Bonney will probably get the nod - 10:9.
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. This is the final round!

Bonney ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Bonney dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Bonney misses with a series of wild punches.
Vega throws a sloppy head kick and Bonney moves out of range easily.
Bonney swings away with a counter right hand but no contact made.
Bonney feints a jab promting Vega to slip. Bonney then demonstrates his capabilities by jabbing again. Vega slips again and ducks right into an uppercut.
Bonney connects with a lovely jab that went straight through the gap between Vega's hands.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Vega darts in and out, connecting with a jab.
Bonney throws out a loose jab but Vega uses good head movement to avoid it.
Bonney lands a jab. Then a cross. Then finally a nice hook to the body. Good work there by Bonney.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Vega changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Bonney tries to avoid it but Vega manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Bonney to the ground. Bonney escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Bonney connects with a single shot there.
Vega rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
and Bonney counters with a head kick.
Bonney tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Bonney throws a body kick despite being completely out of range
and Vega counters with a nice kick to the body.
A big left from Vega misses.
Bonney stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Bonney wants it to stay on the feet.
Both of our modern day gladiators look out of it here - a gruelling 5 rounds of action taking it's toll on them, no doubt.
Vega on the wrong end of a vicious looking body shot.
William Henry Bonney seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Bonney lands a jab-cross combination.
Vega walks straight into an uppercut. Luckily it didn't land flush.
Bonney scores with a punch to the gut of his opponent.
Steve Vega has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

That's two 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!
Vega throws a leg kick
and Bonney cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Bonney changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.
Bonney misses with a head kick.
Bonney lands a head kick!
Vega shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Bonney pinned against the cage. Bonney gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Steve Vega. That's going to take a lot out of him.
A cross from Bonney lands.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Bonney changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.
Bonney misses with a jab, cross combination.
Vega looked to counter with a high kick but didn't commit.
Bonney lands a jab followed by a nice looking cross.
Vega shoots for a double leg takedown but Bonney sprawls well. He's pushed Vega's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Bonney smiles there as he lands a nice right hand right on the button.
Vega takes a solid shot to the body. That one hurt him but he's trying not to show it.
Vega falls off balance throwing a combination
and Bonney counters with a shot to the ribs. That looked like it hurt.
Bonney dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Some wild striking there from Bonney.
William Henry Bonney is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Bonney with a body punch. A glancing blow.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Vega misses with a kick to the body.

Bonney lands a big head kick that sends Vega tumbling to the mat! Bonney takes a step backwards and waves Vega back to his feet - he wants the finish!
Bonney fails with an attempt to clinch.
Vega takes a solid shot to the body. That one hurt him but he's trying not to show it.
Bonney lands with a good body shot.
Vega looks shocked there as he takes a right hand to the temple.
Vega misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Vega looks to land a left hand but Bonney moved out of range nicely.

And that's the end of the fight!
William Henry Bonney comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think Bonney 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 Chris Dean scores the fight 45:50
Judge Summer Carpenter scores the fight 47:48
Judge Winston Howard scores the fight 47:49

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... William Henry Bonney! William Henry Bonney retains his lightweight title!
Post fight, William Henry Bonney took to the microphone: 'Vega, I told you I would make you famous! But unfortunately for you it means I took your belt! Broken Halo Pride!'.