PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Colt Hardin Jr (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Ricky Ray (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Hardin Jr
vs
Ray

190 cm
26
222 lbs
6 - 8 - 0

186 cm
31
222 lbs
7 - 4 - 1

Great wrestler
World class boxer
Cardio machine

Good wrestler
Excellent boxer
Granite chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, in the light heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 6 - 8 - 0, fighting out of New York, Colt Hardin Jr!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 7 - 4 - 1, fighting out of Las Vegas, Ricky Ray!
The judges for this bout are Frank Antenori, and Jack Bonds.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Ray scores with a hook.
Ray slips a jab from Hardin Jr.
The fighters circling - Ray throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Ray misses with a looping left.
We can't be sure of the tactics at this early stage but we have heard that Ray has been working on his takedowns a lot in the buildup to the fight and we can only assume he's going to look to take this to the mat.
Hardin Jr tries to close the distance and clinch up but Ray swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Hardin Jr is trying hard to land a takedown here. Ray sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.

Hardin Jr shoots in with a lovely double leg takedown. Ray manages to land in full guard to minimise the damage.
Hardin Jr trying to control the position from guard on top but Ray is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Hardin Jr trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Ray is controlling Hardin Jr's posture.
Hardin Jr postures up in Ray's guard and throws a big left but Ray blocks it.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Hardin Jr trying to control the position from guard on top but Ray is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Ray is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Hardin Jr loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.

The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.
Hardin Jr uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Ray.
Hardin Jr looks for a takedown but Ray sprawls well.
Ray lands with a straight right. Hardin Jr didn't see that one coming.

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.
Ray defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Hardin Jr.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Colt Hardin Jr. That's going to take a lot out of him.

Hardin Jr shoots in for a takedown and gets it.
Hardin Jr seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Ray does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.
Hardin Jr stalling away here and it's allowed Ray to slip out his trapped foot and regain full guard.
Ray utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Ray 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.
Hardin Jr throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Ray works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
We've had a lack of effective grappling in the last minute or so, which could well see a referee standup.
Hardin Jr lands a nice shot whilst sitting in his opponent's guard.
Ray is pulling down on Hardin Jr's head. It's preventing any offense from Hardin Jr, at least for the moment.
Hardin Jr wants to pass the guard but Ray is keeping the position.
Hardin Jr lands a couple of digs.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.
Hardin Jr wants to control from the top but Ray keeps moving.
Hardin Jr throws a big right hand that misses.

The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.
Ray misses with a jab, cross combination.
That kick from Hardin Jr tenderised Ray's leg. Ray is trying to keep his angry face on.
Hardin Jr dives in and grabs Ray's left leg, looking for a takedown. Ray pushes down on Hardin Jr's head and hops out.
Despite the aggression on Ray's face he doesn't fully commit to the counter.
Nice sprawl there from Ray as Hardin Jr shoots in.
Hardin Jr throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Ray's waist but Ray gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Hardin Jr off to one side.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Ray misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
Hardin Jr shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Ray but Ray pushes him off and we're back to square one.
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 Colt Hardin Jr will probably get the nod.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!

Hardin Jr throws a low kick but Ray avoids it.
Ray lands a jab to Hardin Jr's midsection.
Hardin Jr connects with a body shot that sends Ray's belly button to the back.
Hardin Jr throws a poor cross that misses
and Ray cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Ray throws a jab but it's blocked by Hardin Jr.
Hardin Jr takes a shot to the body in his stride.
Ray scores with a jab to the body.
Hardin Jr digs a good hook to Ray's body.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Hardin Jr slips a jab from Ray.
Hardin Jr misses with a body shot.
Ray uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Hardin Jr.
A little jabbing left from Ray on the counter but it doesn't find it's target.
Ray tries to move into range but Hardin Jr moves to the side and lands with a nice right hand.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Hardin Jr uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Ray.
Hardin Jr uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Ray.
Ray ducks under a wild hook from Hardin Jr.
A big right from Ray misses.
Ricky Ray seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Nice takedown defense from Hardin Jr. No joy for Ray on that attempt.
Ray dives in for a single leg takedown but Hardin Jr sprawls and the fighters end up clinched against the cage.
Hardin Jr lands a body shot.
Ray is breathing heavily.
Hardin Jr connects with a hook to the side of his opponent's head.
Ray keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Ray fails with the takedown
and Hardin Jr counters with a nice body shot.
Colt Hardin Jr has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Ricky Ray.
Hardin Jr tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Ray manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Ray appears to be waiting to throw a counter punch to the body.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Ray drops his hands momentarily and Hardin Jr takes advantage with a crisp shot to the head.
Ray jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Hardin Jr appears to be looking for a counter takedown.
Hardin Jr slips a straight right by Ray.
Ray thows a left - swing and a miss!
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Hardin Jr.
Ray swings away with a counter right hand but no contact made.
Hardin Jr misses the shot to the body.
Ray scores with a jab to the jaw of his opponent.
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!
Ray waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Hardin Jr.
Ray throws a jab, cross combination which is slipped
and Hardin Jr counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Hardin Jr lands with a nice body punch.
Ray throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Hardin Jr tries to counter with a takedown but Ray is quick to defend against it.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Hardin Jr is looking for a takedown here. He's shot in and has managed to get it, finishing up in Ray's half guard.
The fighters are battling for position here. Ray manages to regain full guard. Nice work.
Hardin Jr stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Ray swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Ray being controlled here, momentarily.
Hardin Jr postures up in Ray's guard and throws a big left but Ray blocks it.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Ray working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Hardin Jr.
Hardin Jr trying to control but Ray is working from the bottom.
Hardin Jr is really struggling to control Ray but he's trying to hold on to the position.

The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.
Ray throws out a loose jab but Hardin Jr uses good head movement to avoid it.
Ray catches Hardin Jr with a nice straight right. He seems pissed - ooooh, it's on now! On like donkey kong!
Ray rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Hardin Jr moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Hardin Jr misses with a takedown attempt
and Ray counters with a stiff right hand.
Ray lands a lovely overhand right.
Hardin Jr lands a head shot.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close second round but I would say that Colt Hardin Jr will probably get the nod.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!

Ray keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
Ray is loading up here, looking for a big counter of his own.
Ray looks to land a left hand but Hardin Jr moved out of range nicely.
Hardin Jr blocks a jab.
Ray just manages to avoid a counter high kick fromHardin Jr.
Ray misses with a looping left.
Ray uses good footwork to get in and out, landing a nice hook.
Ray connects with a lovely right hand, straight down the pipe.
Hardin Jr looks to score with a jab to the body but Ray is just out of range.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Hardin Jr shoots in but Ray avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Ray connects with a crisp jab.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Ray throws a jab but it's blocked by Hardin Jr.
Ray throws a lazy right hand but Hardin Jr sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Hardin Jr connects with a nice looking jab.
Ray is moving around nicely and scores here with a single head shot.
Ray misses with a looping left.
Hardin Jr changes levels looking for a counter takedown but doesn't commit.
This fight brought to you by 5M nutrition - it's mmmmm tasty. Nice jab by Hardin Jr.
Sloppy strikes from Ray. Those never looked like landing.
Hardin Jr drops down looking for a counter takedown but Ray sprawls and moves away.
Hardin Jr takes a jab on the nose there. A little bit of blood seems to be coming out. Hopefully that won't affect his breathing.

Hardin Jr changes levels and drives through with a really nice takedown into side control. Ray looks really pissed at himself for not defending that better.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Sloppy strikes there by Hardin Jr.
Hardin Jr throwing strikes but Ray manages to buck up and roll into a nice reversal - now he's on top in side control!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Hardin Jr is trying to control Ray's posture but Ray avoids it.
Hardin Jr is looking for a sweep.
Hardin Jr stops Ray from passing to mount.
Ray is maintaining the dominant position - no doubt Hardin Jr will start to get frustrated soon if he's not already.
Hardin Jr controls the position for a moment.
Hardin Jr wants to control but Ray postures up.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Hardin Jr is being controlled here.
Hardin Jr struggling a bit here.
Hardin Jr is looking for a sweep.
Ray is pausing for a moment. What's he doing? It looks like he's clearing his nose. Oh dude! He's shot a load of snot all down Hardin Jr's shoulder. That is not cool.
Colt Hardin Jr overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Hardin Jr is trying to improve his position.
Hardin Jr wants to escape from the position here - easier said than done!
Ray sitting in side control, looking to soften his opponent up with elbows and hammerfists but Hardin Jr is avoiding damage well and looking to escape the position.

The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.
Hardin Jr misses with a wild body shot.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are getting on the fighters' backs, as the pace has dropped off in the last minute or so.

Ray drops down and drives through with a powerful takedown into guard.
Ray makes a bit of distance and scores with some ground and pound, still in guard.
Hardin Jr pulls Ray in close to his closed guard and prevents Ray from doing any damage or advancing position.
Hardin Jr utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Hardin Jr is trying to keep Ray in close.
Ray loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Hardin Jr avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Ricky Ray really dominated that round.
That's time! Back to the action!

Hardin Jr looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
Hardin Jr fails with the takedown.
Ray uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Hardin Jr.
Ray unleashes a big counter combination but Hardin Jr bobs and weaves and avoids any damage.
Ray connects with a looping right hand.
Hardin Jr swings away with a leg kick that misses.
Hardin Jr fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Colt Hardin Jr. 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.
Ray lands a jab, followed by a cross and another cross, as Hardin Jr backs up against the cage.
Hardin Jr will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Ray takes a swing at Hardin Jr's ribcage but misses.

Hardin Jr looking to shoot here. He's gone for it and he's landed a takedown into side control! Oh, that's bad for Ray!
It's got to the stage where if one of these guys blows hard enough, the other might fall over.
Hardin Jr working the ground and pound but he's contacting the mat, not the fighter.
Ray tries to get back to half guard but can't.
Hardin Jr looking to punish the body of his opponent here but Ray is avoiding damage well.
Ray sneaks back into half guard.
Hardin Jr throwing shots but Ray is blocking nicely.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Hardin Jr lands a big shot. The thud that echoes around the arena is like music to the fans' ears.
Hardin Jr seems to be taking a bit of a break to think of his next move. He lands a short punch in the meantime.
Ray keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Ray avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Hardin Jr.

Hardin Jr is thinking about going for an arm triangle but he can't free his leg.
Ray wants to control but Hardin Jr is keeping busy and won't allow it.

The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up. He just wasn't happy with the level of activity.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Ray defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Hardin Jr.
Hardin Jr with a lazy takedown attempt
and Ray counters with a nice uppercut.
Ray connects with a hook to the side of his opponent's head.
Ray avoids the body shot from Hardin Jr.
Hardin Jr throws out a powerful jab.
Hardin Jr bobs and weaves and unloads with a good uppercut.
Hardin Jr misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
A countering left hand to the body from Ray misses.
Ray avoids the body shot from Hardin Jr.
Ray slips in close and lands a nice hook before moving back out of range.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Hardin Jr shoots in looking for a takedown. Ray tries to sprawl out of it but Hardin Jr keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Ray manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Hardin Jr lands a vicious shot with the stealth of a sniper and the strength of a viper. Are vipers that strong? I can think of lots of things that are stronger than a viper - not many rhyme with sniper though.
Hardin Jr has a takedown stuffed.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.

Hardin Jr looking for a takedown here - he's got it.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Hardin Jr looking to pass the guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close fourth round but I would say that Colt Hardin Jr will probably get the nod.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action! So, we enter the final round. Let's see if either fighter can bring us a finish, or whether we're going to the judges scorecards.

Ray ducks under a wild hook from Hardin Jr.
A little jabbing left from Ray on the counter but it doesn't find it's target.

Hardin Jr closes the distance and gets a double leg, slamming Ray to the mat! Ray manages to get full guard.
Hardin Jr trying to control but Ray is working from the bottom.
Hardin Jr won't allow Ray to sweep him here.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Hardin Jr throws an elbow that misses. Ray uses the momentum to reverse the position. He's now in Hardin Jr's guard. Nice move by Ray!

Hardin Jr is trying to keep Ray in close.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Hardin Jr working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Ray.

Hardin Jr has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Ray can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.
Ray chips away with some ground and pound.
Ray showing good wrestling skills to control the position.
Ray working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.

The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are getting on the fighters' backs, as the pace has dropped off in the last minute or so.
Ray throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Hardin Jr looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Ray is fending him off so far but Hardin Jr persists. Nope, Ray circles away and we're back to standing.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Hardin Jr is defended easily by Ray.
Ray swings away with a counter right hand but no contact made.
Hardin Jr looks for a takedown but Ray sprawls well.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Colt Hardin Jr. That's going to take a lot out of him.
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.
Hardin Jr is trying hard to land a takedown here. Ray sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
Hardin Jr fails to land the takedown.
Ray throws the left hand but Hardin Jr avoids the punch easily.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Good exchange - Ray coming out on top.
Hardin Jr closes the distance and clinches up with Ray, looking for a takedown. Hardin Jr pushes Ray against the cage but Ray circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Hardin Jr fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
A jab from Ray finds it's way through Hardin Jr's defenses.
Ray connects with a body shot that sends Hardin Jr's belly button to the back.
Ray works the jab nicely.

Ray gets a double leg takedown into Hardin Jr's guard.
Colt Hardin Jr has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Ray trying to control but Hardin Jr is working from the bottom.
Ray in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Ray lands a couple of digs.
Hardin Jr working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Ray.
Hardin Jr pulls Ray in close to prevent any damage.
Hardin Jr keeping moving, preventing Ray from controlling successfully.
Ray landing some decent shots from guard.
The referee claps his hands together and tells the fighters to work.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!

Hardin Jr is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Ray is aware though and is defending well.

The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up. He just wasn't happy with the level of activity.

And that's the end of the fight!
Ricky Ray comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think Hardin Jr has won this one but let's see what the judges have to say. 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 Frank Antenori scores the fight for Ricky Ray!
Judge Percy O'Donnell scores the fight for Ricky Ray!
Judge Jack Bonds scores the fight for Ricky Ray!

Ricky Ray wins by unanimous decision!