PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Pernell Whitaker Jr (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Ole NKone (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.

Whitaker Jr
vs
NKone

177 cm
30
167 lbs
26 - 11 - 0

177 cm
29
157 lbs
20 - 7 - 0

Good wrestling
World class boxer
Insanely flexible

Olympic wrestler
World class boxer
Good gas tank

Hellbent

Perkele!
Bos Energy MMA159.4

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, in the lightweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 26 - 11 - 0, fighting out of New York, Pernell Whitaker Jr!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 20 - 7 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Ole NKone!
The judges for this bout are Paul Tew, Richard Clark and James Glass.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Whitaker Jr uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from NKone.
NKone looks to throw the jab but Whitaker Jr is out of range.
NKone moves in looking to clinch but Whitaker Jr pushes him off.
Whitaker Jr keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Whitaker Jr looks to have improved his striking defense since last time we saw him fight.
NKone digs a good hook to Whitaker Jr's body.
NKone throws an off balance right hand
and Whitaker Jr counters with a nice jab to the body that keeps NKone thinking.
Whitaker Jr slips under a jab.
Whitaker Jr defending well as NKone loads up on a big left hand.
Nice uppercut lands for NKone. That snapped Whitaker Jr's head back.
Whitaker Jr just misses with a punch to the body.
NKone misses with a looping right.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
NKone chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Whitaker Jr can pounce on him.
Whitaker Jr throws a nice inside leg kick.
A lazy left from NKone finds it's target.
Whitaker Jr steps to the side to avoid the strikes from NKone.
Whitaker Jr looked to counter with a high kick but didn't commit.
NKone keeps his opponent at a distance with a nice jab.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
NKone darts in looking for a takedown but Whitaker Jr gets double underhooks and turns NKone into the cage.

That's one minute gone in the round.
NKone misses with a shot to the body
and Whitaker Jr counters with a nice body kick.
NKone bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Whitaker Jr slips under a jab.
Whitaker Jr lands a kick to the ribs of his opponent. Nice work there - in and out in a flash.
Nice body kick from Whitaker Jr.
Whitaker Jr avoids the body shot from NKone.
NKone uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Whitaker Jr.
NKone misses with a shot to the body
and Whitaker Jr counters with a body kick that brings a smile to the face of both fighters.
NKone tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Whitaker Jr was well out of range. Poor timing from NKone.
Whitaker Jr shakes his hands off, looking to compose himself, but takes a jab to the jaw whilst he does it.
NKone swings for the body but Whitaker Jr moves out of range.
Whitaker Jr slips in close and lands a nice hook before moving back out of range.
Nice shot by NKone.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
NKone slaps away a takedown attempt from Whitaker Jr, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Ole NKone seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Whitaker Jr throws a series of punches but NKone avoids them all with ease.
Whitaker Jr lands with a thumping leg kick.
Whitaker Jr shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says NKone as he avoids it easily.
NKone throws a body shot but no joy.
A slow jab from NKone misses its intended target.
Whitaker Jr throws a right hand that misses

and NKone counters with a nice shoot takedown that brings the fighters to the ground.
NKone throws an elbow that misses. Whitaker Jr uses the momentum to reverse the position. He's now in NKone's guard. Nice move by Whitaker Jr!

NKone has his hands on Whitaker Jr's head, controlling the position.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Whitaker Jr accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Whitaker Jr scoring with punches to the head and body.
NKone looking for a sweep. Not yet NKone, not yet.
NKone is persisting with the attempt to improve his position.
NKone utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
NKone keeping full guard, as Whitaker Jr tries to pass.
Whitaker Jr keeps in close for a moment and lands a decent shot to the side of NKone's head.
Whitaker Jr trying to control but NKone is working from the bottom.
Whitaker Jr has to be careful here, sitting in the guard of a superior BJJ player.
Whitaker Jr wants to pass the guard but NKone is keeping the position.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Neither fighter has done anything of merit for a good minute or two here and the crowd are not happy about it.
NKone looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
NKone is doing well to control the posture of his opponent and prevent any damage.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Whitaker Jr accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
The fighters are going at a pretty good pace and they're both starting to sweat now.
Whitaker Jr passes easily into side control. Nice work.
Whitaker Jr tries to score with some ground and pound. NKone controls his posture well this time though and the shots don't do any damage.
NKone tries to bench press Whitaker Jr off him but Whitaker Jr keeps the position.
Whitaker Jr wants to lay and pray for a moment but NKone keeps working.
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 Pernell Whitaker Jr will probably get the nod.
That's time! Back to the action!

NKone looks to score with a jab to the body but Whitaker Jr is just out of range.
NKone throws a predictable looking body shot
and Whitaker Jr counters with a three punch combination, finished off with a leg kick. Nice work.
NKone throws an off balance right hand
and Whitaker Jr counters with a nice jab to the body that keeps NKone thinking.
Whitaker Jr slips under a jab from NKone.
A shot to the liver by NKone. Beautiful body shot.
Whitaker Jr takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.
Whitaker Jr swings away with a leg kick that misses.
Whitaker Jr throws an ugly left hook that misses
and NKone counters with a nice uppercut.

Whitaker Jr shoots in for a takedown! He's got it and he's managed to land in side control! That's better than Whitaker Jr was expecting from the takedown attempt, I'm sure!
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!
NKone regains half guard there - taking advantage of Whitaker Jr's attempt to lay and pray for a moment.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
The two fighters exchange a few words. I couldn't hear what they were saying but maybe it's more fun if you make it up yourself. Whitaker Jr connects with a nice short shot to NKone's temple.

That's one minute gone in the round.
NKone on the receiving end of some nice ground and pound.
Whitaker Jr seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but NKone does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.
NKone trying to keep hold of his opponent's head but Whitaker Jr manages to pass to mount!
Whitaker Jr is stalling here but it's allowed NKone to get half guard.
Whitaker Jr working the head and body with strikes.
NKone tries to get to full guard but Whitaker Jr has control of the leg.

NKone looking for submissions from an awkward position here.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Whitaker Jr stalling.
Whitaker Jr wants to take a breather but NKone is having none of it.
NKone on the receiving end of some nice ground and pound.
NKone wants to improve his position but Whitaker Jr is controlling well.
Pernell Whitaker Jr overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Whitaker Jr works his way into full mount!
NKone is wriggling around trying to escape.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
NKone tries to lock up and control but Whitaker Jr gives him a forearm to the face and pushes him away.
Whitaker Jr landing shots from mount.
Whitaker Jr avoids the attempt from NKone to control.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Whitaker Jr lands a big shot there that rocks NKone but he's holding on and managing to survive for now.
NKone is looking to improve his position but Whitaker Jr isn't that keen on the idea.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Whitaker Jr connects with a couple of good shots from mount.
Whitaker Jr prevents NKone from getting the reversal.
Whitaker Jr lands a big shot there that rocks NKone but he's holding on and managing to survive for now.
NKone slips a leg in and gets back to half guard.
NKone trying to control here.
Whitaker Jr is keen to just control but NKone is a slippery customer.
Whitaker Jr is controlling the pace.
NKone makes his way to full guard. A much better position for NKone.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Pernell Whitaker Jr dominated that second round.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!

NKone displaying good standup as he scores with a three punch combination.
Ole NKone seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Whitaker Jr throws a head kick that misses.
NKone looks to score with a jab to the body but Whitaker Jr is just out of range.
NKone on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by Whitaker Jr. Whitaker Jr obviously looking to wear him down.
NKone takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.
A swing and a miss from NKone.
Some bone on bone action there as NKone checks a low kick. Luckily it wasn't a particularly hard one.
NKone lands a beauty of a right hand that gets the crowd cheering.
Whitaker Jr lands a nice leg kick that just misses NKone's sensitive parts.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
A head kick misses from Whitaker Jr.
NKone throws a couple of head shots and lands with the final one - a decent hook, which struck Whitaker Jr on the side of the head.
Whitaker Jr moves his head to the side to avoid a jab but walks straight into a cross.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
NKone lands a jab to Whitaker Jr's midsection.
NKone throws a lazy uppercut
and Whitaker Jr counters with a right hand to the body.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Whitaker Jr thows a body kick. NKone tries to catch it but that hurt him.
NKone misses with a jab to the body
and Whitaker Jr cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
NKone looks shocked there as he takes a right hand to the temple.
NKone misses with a hook
and Whitaker Jr counters with a low kick, right behind NKone 's knee.
NKone uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Whitaker Jr.
NKone takes a swing at Whitaker Jr's ribcage but misses.
A shot to the liver by NKone. Beautiful body shot.
Whitaker Jr buckles his opponent's knee momentarily with a nice leg kick.
NKone throws out a loose jab but Whitaker Jr uses good head movement to avoid it.
Whitaker Jr keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from NKone.
Whitaker Jr misses with a right hand
and NKone counters with a nice uppercut.
Whitaker Jr throws an uppercut from half a mile away. NKone sees it coming and avoids it easily.
NKone misses with a telegraphed body shot
and Whitaker Jr counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Whitaker Jr with poor footwork there. He got himself in a bit of a tangle, enabling NKone to score with a decent uppercut.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
NKone scores with the left hand. Whitaker Jr knows he should have avoided that one.
NKone throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
NKone pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
NKone on the wrong end of a kick to the body.

NKone drives through with a takedown into Whitaker Jr's guard. Let's see what he can do from the top position.
NKone stopping the sweep attempt from Whitaker Jr.
NKone cracks Whitaker Jr with a solid left hand.
Whitaker Jr working a defensive guard here.
NKone trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
NKone wants to control from the top but Whitaker Jr keeps moving.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Whitaker Jr tries to land a sweep but no joy.
We may be looking at a referee standup if the pace doesn't pick up soon.
Whitaker Jr working a defensive guard here.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
NKone has developed a nice purple lump on his ribcage, as a result of some heavy body kicks from Whitaker Jr.
NKone swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Whitaker Jr throws a leg kick but NKone moved away.
NKone scores with a jab. Whitaker Jr acknowledges it with a nod of the head.
NKone cracks Whitaker Jr with an open hand slap.
NKone pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
NKone throws a poor cross that misses
and Whitaker Jr counters with a shot to the ribs. That looked like it hurt.
NKone takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.
NKone scores with a jab. Whitaker Jr acknowledges it with a nod of the head.
NKone checks the leg kick nicely there.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Whitaker Jr moves out of range as NKone strikes.
NKone misses the shot to the body.
NKone keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Whitaker Jr.
NKone scores with a sloppy right hand. Whitaker Jr should have avoided that one.
NKone throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Whitaker Jr sees it coming and avoids it easily.
NKone connects nicely with a jab. Noted by the judges no doubt.
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!
NKone thows a left - swing and a miss!
Decent striking displayed by Whitaker Jr there.
NKone throws a jab when Whitaker Jr was well out of range.
Whitaker Jr lands with a shot to the body.
The fighters circling - NKone throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Whitaker Jr throws a poor cross that misses
and NKone counters with a stiff right hand.
Whitaker Jr avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
NKone swings and misses with a hook to the body.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Ole NKone really dominated that round.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business.

NKone lands a right hook to the body.
Ouch! a nice leg kick from Whitaker Jr, right into the meat.
NKone tries to clinch but Whitaker Jr moves out of range.
NKone lands the left hand.
Whitaker Jr misses with a kick to the body.
NKone lands with a cross to side of his opponent's head.
NKone moves out of range of the body kick from Whitaker Jr.
NKone throws out a counter right but Whitaker Jr avoids it with no problem.
Whitaker Jr swings wildly with a hook that is half blocked by NKone.
NKone throws a left and a right that both miss
and Whitaker Jr counters with a lovely straight right hand!
NKone walks into a straight right hand from Whitaker Jr.
NKone tries to clinch but Whitaker Jr is having none of it.
Whitaker Jr takes a punch to the jaw and another one to the bread basket.
This has been an exciting period of action!
NKone just misses with a punch to the body.
NKone ducks right into an uppercut from Whitaker Jr.
NKone connects with a single shot there.

That's one minute gone in the round.
NKone throws a predictable looking body shot
and Whitaker Jr cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Whitaker Jr misses with a straight left.
NKone stuffs the takedown.
NKone misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Whitaker Jr.

NKone closes the distance and scores a nice trip takedown into half guard. Whitaker Jr did well to prevent NKone getting side control.
NKone throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.
Whitaker Jr is looking for a sweep. NKone is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
NKone is nestled in close to Whitaker Jr, controlling him well. He's worked in a nice elbow to the side of the head as well, for good measure.
Whitaker Jr has hold of NKone's hands but NKone slips his arm to the side and lands an elbow.
NKone controlling the pace.
Whitaker Jr wants to improve his position but NKone is controlling well.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
NKone looks to land a strike but Whitaker Jr avoids it nicely and regains full guard.
Whitaker Jr not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Whitaker Jr is on top in guard.

Whitaker Jr landing some decent shots from guard.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!

NKone escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Whitaker Jr gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.
NKone keeping full guard, as Whitaker Jr tries to pass.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
NKone is trying to control the position but Whitaker Jr postures up.
Whitaker Jr with a nice head shot there.
Whitaker Jr lands a nice shot whilst sitting in his opponent's guard.
Whitaker Jr trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.

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.
Whitaker Jr preventing the sweep.
Whitaker Jr postures up.

The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.
Whitaker Jr jabs at NKone's body.
Whitaker Jr uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from NKone.
Whitaker Jr feinted with a counter takedown.
NKone throws a poor cross that misses
and Whitaker Jr counters with a straight right hand.
Whitaker Jr looks like he's developed a pretty tasty lump over his left eye. He'll need to avoid taking much more damage to that.
NKone takes a push kick to the midsection and stumbles backwards.
Whitaker Jr throws an off balance right hand
and NKone counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
NKone moves out of range as Whitaker Jr throws a body kick.
A looping hook to the body misses from Whitaker Jr. NKone does a little dance to reset his feet.
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 Pernell Whitaker Jr will probably get the nod.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action! Ladies and gentlemen, this is the final round!

NKone throws a looping overhand right but Whitaker Jr ducks down to avoid it.
NKone uses good footwork to get in and out and land a nice right hand before Whitaker Jr has time to react.
NKone throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Whitaker Jr pivots as if he's going to throw a leg kick but stops half way.
Whitaker Jr walks into a straight right hand from NKone.
NKone scores with a shot to the body.
NKone misses with a combination
and Whitaker Jr counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Whitaker Jr uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by NKone.
Whitaker Jr thinks about countering with a body kick.
NKone throws the left hand but Whitaker Jr avoids the punch easily.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Whitaker Jr uses good head movement to avoid the hook from NKone.
NKone tries to clinch but fails miserably
and Whitaker Jr finishes the little exchange by landing a big kick to the body.
A slapping leg kick lands for Whitaker Jr.
Whitaker Jr lands a jab to the nose.

That's one minute gone in the round.
NKone takes a body punch but keeps moving.
Whitaker Jr takes a swing at NKone's ribcage but misses.
NKone wants to counter with a clinch but Whitaker Jr pushes him away.
Whitaker Jr misses with a straight right.
Whitaker Jr throws a low kick but NKone avoids it.
NKone with a lazy takedown attempt
and Whitaker Jr counters with a shot to the ribs. That looked like it hurt.
NKone swings for the body but Whitaker Jr moves out of range.
NKone's leg has a nasty welt from taking a succession of leg kicks. That must be slowing him down.
Whitaker Jr connects with a body shot.
NKone with a lazy takedown attempt
and Whitaker Jr counters with a nice jab to the body that keeps NKone thinking.
NKone is wobbling all over the place through exhaustion. Will he make it to the final bell?
Whitaker Jr with a nice cross.
NKone connects with a hook to the side of his opponent's head.
Whitaker Jr shoots for a takedown but NKone saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.

NKone gets the takedown into side control.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Whitaker Jr is holding NKone down, trying to stall.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
You can see the frustration on Whitaker Jr's face, being in this tough position on the bottom.
NKone is working Whitaker Jr over with some ground and pound from side control.

NKone is trying to get an arm triangle but Whitaker Jr is defending well.
Whitaker Jr struggling a bit here.
Whitaker Jr is not content to let NKone control the position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
NKone throwing shots but missing, from side control.
NKone trying to control the action but Whitaker Jr is working from the bottom.
Whitaker Jr looking for a sweep but NKone has passed into full mount! Oh no!
The crowd growing excited in anticipation of a finish here! Right on cue, NKone cracks his opponent with a massive right hand that draws loud cheers!

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.
NKone lands a heavy elbow.
Whitaker Jr regains half guard.
NKone with the ground and pound but Whitaker Jr uses the opportunity to regain guard.

Whitaker Jr had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. NKone defends it easily.
Ole NKone has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
NKone with a couple of shots to the head there. Not particularly brutal.
NKone postures up in Whitaker Jr's guard and throws a big left but Whitaker Jr blocks it.
NKone trying to control but Whitaker Jr is working from the bottom.

And that's the end of the fight!
I would just about give that final round to Ole NKone.
Well Whitaker Jr has outscored his opponent in every aspect of the fight today. Only a scarily incompetent judge or two will keep him from a well deserved win... 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 Paul Tew scores the fight 48:47
Judge Richard Clark scores the fight 48:47
Judge James Glass scores the fight 48:47

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Pernell Whitaker Jr!
During a confident post fight interview, Pernell Whitaker Jr thanked all his fans. He seemed very genuine when describing how motivated his fans keep him.