PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Rod Black (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Buster Napoleon (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Both these guys have really solid chins. Will we see a standup war or will they both decide that a knockout is unlikely and try to win the fight elsewhere?

Black
vs
Napoleon

192 cm
29
280 lbs
16 - 4 - 0

195 cm
22
265 lbs
7 - 0 - 0

Good wrestling
Lethal high kicks
Granite chin

Good wrestler
Lethal high kicks
Granite chin

MayheM sportswear

On Tap (160Q & Laundry)

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the heavyweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 16 - 4 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Rod Black!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 7 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Buster Napoleon!
The judges for this bout are James Atkins, Chris Edwards and Richard Clark.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Black avoids the body shot from Napoleon.
Black showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Napoleon.
A low kick from Black misses
and Napoleon counters with a three punch combo that has Black backing up. Black nods at Napoleon to acknowledge the strikes.
Black scores with a sloppy punch to the body. Not much technique there but it did the business.
We've been informed that Napoleon 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.
Black looks to score with a jab to the body but Napoleon is just out of range.
Black has been talking about how he's improved his wrestling in the run up to the fight so let's see if that's enough to sway the balance.
Napoleon misses the shot to the body.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Black is defended easily by Napoleon.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Napoleon jabs at Black's body.
Black throws a decent looking leg kick but it doesn't land clean.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Napoleon checks a low kick from Black.
Buster Napoleon is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Napoleon tries to check a leg kick but that clearly hurt him.
A low kick from Napoleon misses

and Black decides to take the opportunity to score a takedown. He's landed in Napoleon's guard.
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.
Napoleon wants to sweep here but Black controlling him for the moment.
Black looking to pass the guard.

Napoleon pushes Black off for just long enough to get back to his feet. Very athletic spring there.
Napoleon misses the jab.
Black ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Napoleon moves away.
Napoleon swings widly with a right hand

and Black counters with a single leg into guard. Napoleon didn't expect that.

Napoleon pushes Black off and gets back to his feet.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Black tries to land a front kick but Napoleon steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed.
Napoleon looks to score with a jab to the body but Black is just out of range.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Napoleon misses with an uppercut.
Napoleon misses the jab.
Black half commits to a counter takedown before pushing away, out of range.
Napoleon swings for the body but Black moves out of range.
Black feinted with a counter takedown.
Black scores with a slapping inside leg kick.
Black throws a chopping leg kick but Napoleon manages to avoid taking any serious damage.
Napoleon comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.
Black feints and then cracks Napoleon's leading leg with a nice low kick. He's obviously looking to slow Napoleon down.
Black thows a leg kick but Napoleon checks it
and Napoleon counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Napoleon scores with a head kick.

It looks like Rod Black has been cut.
Napoleon misses with a body shot.
Black attempts a counter takedown but Napoleon avoids it well and moves away.
Napoleon throws a leg kick

so Black counters with a double leg into guard. Good agility.

Napoleon has butterfly guard. He's looking to stand up here. He pushes Black off him and springs to his feet nicely. The crowd applauds.
Black cracks the inside of Napoleon's front leg.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Napoleon throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Napoleon throws a front kick aimed at Black's knee but Black avoids it well.
Black has his takedown stuffed
and Napoleon counters with an inside leg kick.

Black has managed to clinch.
Black blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Black has a couple of punches blocked by Napoleon.

Napoleon breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Black throws a leg kick but Napoleon sees it coming and moves out of range.
Black 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.
A looping hook to the body misses from Napoleon. Black does a little dance to reset his feet.
Black throws a combination. Napoleon tries to block but a couple of punches get through.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Napoleon throws the left hand but Black avoids the punch easily.
Napoleon tries to close the distance and clinch but Black swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Napoleon misses with a wild body shot.
Good shot there by Napoleon.
Black blocks a jab.
Black tries to land a front kick but Napoleon steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Napoleon misses with a looping right.
Napoleon misses with a looping right.
Napoleon ducks down and throws a hook to the body.
Black fakes with a right hand and throws a good leg kick, right into the thigh. That had to hurt Napoleon.
Napoleon checks a leg kick.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Black avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Buster Napoleon dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Rod Black's cut.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.

Black connects with a leg kick. Napoleon looked like he was expecting something else and didn't defend it.
Black digs a good body shot into Napoleon's ribs.
Napoleon throws an overhand right that lands on Black's shoulder, as Black tries to avoid the shot.
Black changes levels looking for a counter takedown but doesn't commit.
Black feints with a shoulder and throws a nice leg kick to Napoleon's calf.
Napoleon swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Black appears to be looking for a counter takedown.
Napoleon throws a leg kick which misses Black's front leg but catches the back leg as Black tries to avoid it.
Black slips a straight right by Napoleon.
Black takes one to the chin there.
Napoleon misses with an uppercut

and Black counters with a takedown into side control.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Black staying calm.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Napoleon is pushing Black's head away, looking to escape. Black manages to hold on to the position though.
Napoleon is looking for a sweep.
Napoleon is trying to control Black's posture but Black avoids it.
Black tries to move into full mount but can't pass Napoleon's legs.
Black fails to land a wild elbow strike.
You can see the frustration on Napoleon's face as Black controls the position.
Black wants to lay and pray for a moment but Napoleon keeps working.
Napoleon is putting a lot of effort into getting back to his feet here.
Black is looking to take a break and control but Napoleon is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
You can see the frustration on Napoleon's face as Black controls the position.
Napoleon tries to work a leg under to get back to half guard but Black wriggles his own leg back out and remains in side control.
Napoleon is putting a lot of effort into getting back to his feet here.
Black throwing ground and pound but whilst doing so, he forgets to control position and Napoleon works his way back to half guard. Good composure under pressure.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Napoleon is trying to stand.
Napoleon is working for an escape here. He's hooked one of Black's legs and he's managed to sneak out and take Black's back!
Napoleon just keeping the dominant position. He can't wait too long though, otherwise the referee will stand them back up.
Black manages to reverse the position and now he's in Napoleon's guard. Nice work there by Black.
Napoleon wants to sweep here but Black controlling him for the moment.
Napoleon pulls Black in close to prevent any damage.
Black sitting in guard, not really doing much.
Napoleon keeping moving, preventing Black from controlling successfully.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Napoleon seems keen to control Black's posture.
Buster Napoleon has got the better of the ground game so far.
Black postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Black in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Black wants to control from the top but Napoleon keeps moving.
Napoleon wants to stand up but Black is controlling him.

Black drops back for a leg! It's a sloppy attempt though and Black jumps back into guard quickly, to retain the dominant position.
Napoleon is trying to control the position but Black postures up.
Napoleon wants to sweep here but Black controlling him for the moment.

Napoleon scrambles and gets back to his feet.
Black swings wildly with a hook that is half blocked by Napoleon.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Black blocks a jab.
Napoleon swings for the body but Black moves out of range.
Black takes a jab right on the kisser.
Napoleon throws an overhand right that lands on Black's shoulder, as Black tries to avoid the shot.
Napoleon throws a shot from downtown. Black moves away and avoids it.
Black misses with a low kick.
Napoleon swings away with a counter right hand but no contact made.
Both fighters circling a little - Napoleon finishes the exchange with a kick to the body.
Black has his hands up protecting his head but a hook from Napoleon finds it's way round the side to connect with Black's head.
Black shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Napoleon but Napoleon pushes him off and we're back to square one.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Black jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Black looks to land a body kick but Napoleon moved away.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close second round but Buster Napoleon will probably get the nod - 10:9.
The cut man is working on Rod Black'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.

A big right from Napoleon misses.
Black has his head slapped from side to side by a 3 punch combination. That must have hurt him.
Napoleon throws a hook to the side of Black's head but Black sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Black drops down looking for a counter takedown but Napoleon sprawls and moves away.
Napoleon tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Black was well out of range. Poor timing from Napoleon.
Napoleon looks to land a left hand but Black moved out of range nicely.
Black appears to be looking for a counter takedown.
Napoleon misses with a two punch combination.
Napoleon misses with a wild body shot.
Black wants to slow Napoleon down by chopping away at his legs.
Napoleon wants to counter the offense by Black and move into the clinch position.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Black throws a jab when Napoleon was well out of range.
Black takes one on the chin but seems OK.
Napoleon digs a good hook to Black's body.
Black looks for the body kick but Napoleon saw that one coming.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Napoleon throws a lazy uppercut

and Black counters with a nice double leg into guard.
Black won't allow Napoleon to sweep him here.
Black sitting in guard here, content to control.
Napoleon looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Napoleon has his hands on Black's head, controlling the position.
Napoleon keeping moving, preventing Black from controlling successfully.
Black is just sitting in guard, looking to avoid any submissions.
A real slowdown in the pace of the fight for a moment, as Napoleon holds on and takes a little breather.

Napoleon kicks Black off and gets to his feet.
Napoleon throws out a leg kick but Black moves out of range and Napoleon only half commits.
Napoleon throws a low kick but Black moves out of range easily.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Black tries to score with a leg kick but it misses it's target.
Napoleon takes a step towards his opponent and connects with a left hand, before circling away.

Black forces Napoleon back against the cage and clinches.

Napoleon escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Black shoots in for a takedown but Napoleon shows good takedown defense.
Buster Napoleon seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Napoleon is looking to clinch.
Black appears to be looking for a counter takedown.
Napoleon misses with a looping left.
Black looks for the body kick but Napoleon saw that one coming.
A big right from Napoleon misses.
Napoleon stumbles momentarily as he takes a strong leg kick from Black.
Black moves out of range as Napoleon strikes.
Napoleon lands with a two punch combination before moving back out of range.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Black uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Napoleon.
Black fails with a takedown attempt.
Napoleon looks to score with a jab to the body but Black is just out of range.
Black attempts a counter takedown but Napoleon avoids it well and moves away.
Napoleon takes a thudding leg kick, right into the meat of the thigh.
Napoleon fakes low and throws an overhand right that catches Black on the side of the head.
Napoleon throws a couple of head shots and lands with the final one - a decent hook, which struck Black on the side of the head.
Horrible takedown attempt by Black or perhaps it was just good defense by Napoleon, which made it look bad.
Napoleon looks like he wants to counter punch here.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Rod Black. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Napoleon ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Black moves away.
Black moves out of range as Napoleon throws a body kick.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Black walks into a jab.
Napoleon misses with a double jab.
Black appears to be looking for a counter takedown.
Napoleon throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Black misses with an attempted mid kick.
Napoleon has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Black takes a swing at Napoleon's ribcage but misses.
Black tries to score with a low kick but Napoleon moves his leg out of the way.
Napoleon lands a nice looking body kick.
Napoleon uses good footwork to get in and out and land a nice right hand before Black has time to react.
Black is looking to wear down Napoleon with body shots, infact he's throwing more body shots than head shots at the moment.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Black swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Buster Napoleon seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Black misses with a leg kick
and Napoleon counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Napoleon's leg has a nasty welt from taking a succession of leg kicks. That must be slowing him down.
Napoleon fails to land with a series of punches.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Buster Napoleon really dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Rod Black's cut.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!

Napoleon steps to his left, right into the path of a big body kick from Black. That one must have hurt.
Napoleon ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Black moves away.
Black steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Napoleon.
Napoleon sizes up Black with a pawing jab and scores with a straight right down the middle.
Napoleon throws an off balance right hand

and Black counters with a nice double leg into guard.
Napoleon wants to sweep but no luck.
Black stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Napoleon swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Napoleon wants to sweep here but Black controlling him for the moment.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Black is fighting to break Napoleon's control of his arms but Napoleon is doing a good job of controlling the position at the moment.
Napoleon controls Black momentarily but Black frees himself.
Black prevents Napoleon from getting back to his feet.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Black trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Black trying to control the position from guard on top but Napoleon is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

Napoleon had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Black defends it easily.
Napoleon keeping full guard, as Black tries to pass.
Black prevents Napoleon from getting back to his feet.
Black wants to control from the top but Napoleon keeps moving.
We must be close to a standup if these guys don't pick up the pace.
Napoleon working a defensive guard here.

The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.
Black avoids the body shot from Napoleon.
Black half commits to a counter takedown before pushing away, out of range.
Black throws a solid leg kick but Napoleon takes the impact on his shin and smiles at Black.
Napoleon misses the shot to the body.
A jab from Napoleon misses.

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.
Black misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Napoleon.
Napoleon throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Napoleon looks to land a combination but Black avoids it well.
Black uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Napoleon.
Napoleon throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
A good leg kick by Napoleon.
Ouch! a nice leg kick from Napoleon, right into the meat.
Black 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.
Boom, another hit is landed. "You're gunna get knocked out" taunts Napoleon, as that shot connected.
Napoleon tests Black's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Black wants to land a leg kick but Napoleon is out of range.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Black shoots in looking for a takedown but Napoleon manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Black's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
A shot to the body from Napoleon misses

and Black counters with a nice double leg into half guard.
Black not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
Napoleon looks like he's trying to stand up.

Napoleon kicks off Black and gets to his feet.
No luck for Black with that takedown attempt.
Black shoots in for a double leg but Napoleon sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Rod Black. That's going to take a lot out of him.
A punch lands to the side of Black 's head but he takes it in his stride.
Black tries to clinch up but Napoleon circles away and keeps his distance.
Black has his front leg slapped to the side - a nice low kick landing there from Napoleon.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Napoleon tries to land a front kick but Black steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed.
Black half commits to a counter takedown before pushing away, out of range.
Napoleon misses the shot to the body.
Napoleon misses with a two punch combination.
Napoleon misses with a looping left.
Napoleon misses with a double jab

and Black counters with a single leg into guard. Napoleon didn't expect that.

Napoleon is scooting his butt against the cage and has managed to get back to his feet. Black presses him back against the cage, presumably looking to take the fight back to the mat.
Napoleon lands a hook to the side of the head.

Napoleon breaks the clinch.
Napoleon ducks under a wild hook from Black.
Black moves away from the strike by Napoleon.
Napoleon misses with a straight left.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Buster Napoleon dominated that fourth round.
The cut man is working on Rod Black's cut.
That's time! Black's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight. This is the final round!

Napoleon lands a body shot.
Napoleon throws a body kick, spinning off balance

and Black counters with a nice double leg into half guard.
Black tries to pass to full mount but Napoleon defends it.
Black seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Napoleon does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.
Black is keeping good posture, landing some ground and pound.

Black seems to be working for a kimura but Napoleon defends the submission attempt.
Napoleon on the receiving end of some nice ground and pound.

Black looking for a kimura but he'll have to free his other leg if he wants to finish that. Perhaps he's just using it as a distraction technique.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Napoleon is trying to maintain the position but Black is very close to passing his half guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Napoleon pushes Black off looking to stand but Black dives back in and keeps control.
Black takes advantage of the dominant position to land a couple of big hammer fists.
Black throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.

Black is looking for a kimura but he's never going to get it from there.

Black is working for submissions here but there's nothing on.
Black is just sitting in half guard, waiting for something to happen.
Napoleon wants to improve his position but Black is controlling well.
Well, if Black is going to just lie there, perhaps we should talk about what we're having for dinner tonight… I'm having a ham and pineapple pizza… Yum. Can't wait.
Napoleon keeping hold of Black's head, controlling as best he can.
Rod Black has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

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.
Napoleon trying to control but Black postures up.
Napoleon is trying to stand back up but Black is controlling him
It looks like the ref is thinking about a standup.
Black is figuring out what he wants to do next.

The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up. He just wasn't happy with the level of activity.
Napoleon looks to land a right hand but Black moved out of range.
Black shoots and misses
and Napoleon connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Nice body kick from Napoleon.
A solid leg kick lands there for Napoleon.
Napoleon misses with a body kick.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
The fighters circling - Napoleon throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Black appears to be looking for a counter takedown.
Some wild striking there from Napoleon.
Black drops down looking for a counter takedown but Napoleon sprawls and moves away.
Napoleon misses with a looping right.
Napoleon ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Black moves away.
Black closes the distance and clinches up with Napoleon, looking for a takedown. Black pushes Napoleon against the cage but Napoleon circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.

Black drives through with a takedown into guard.
Black won't allow Napoleon to get back to his feet.
Black looking to control the position here, rather than advance.
Black trying to control the position from guard on top but Napoleon is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
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.
Black is fighting to break Napoleon's control of his arms but Napoleon is doing a good job of controlling the position at the moment.
Napoleon wants to stand and escape but Black is having none of it.

The fighters are working up against the cage. Napoleon manages to wriggle his way back to his feet, so the fighters are now clinched against the cage.
Black misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Napoleon tries to work over Black's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Napoleon prevents a body shot from Black.
Napoleon lands a body shot in the clinch.
Napoleon lands a nice uppercut.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Napoleon lands a body shot in the clinch.
Buster Napoleon is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
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.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Black misses with a punch to the body.
Napoleon misses with a punch to the body.
Black blocking some punches.
Napoleon lands with a right to the head.

And that's the end of the fight!
Buster Napoleon comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I've got Napoleon 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 5 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge James Atkins scores the fight 45:50
Judge Chris Edwards scores the fight 45:50
Judge Richard Clark scores the fight 45:50

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Buster Napoleon!
Buster Napoleon is the new heavyweight champion!
An out of breath and clearly excited Buster Napoleon thanked On Tap (160Q & Laundry) for their help and support (and free stuff they sent him).