PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Aaron McGinnis (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Shannon Larratt (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). McGinnis comes to the cage accompanied by Star.One - Original Badman Feat. Takura & Assassin. Larratt has chosen Cannibal Corpse - Stripped, Raped and Strangled as his entrance music. The crowd giving both fighters a great reception on their way into the arena. That's good to see.

McGinnis
vs
Larratt

179 cm
23
148 lbs
8 - 0 - 0

178 cm
22
159 lbs
8 - 4 - 0

Good wrestling
World class boxer
Cardio machine

Good wrestler
Counter fighter
Fast

Aspire Clothing
Zenith Nutrition (160q/225$)

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the featherweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 8 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Aaron McGinnis!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 8 - 4 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Shannon Larratt!
The judges for this bout are Steve Erwin, Damien Edna and Summer Carpenter.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
McGinnis with a nice looking leg kick. You could hear that one land in a back row.
McGinnis throws a low kick but Larratt moves out of range easily.
Larratt drops down looking to force a counter takedown but McGinnis defends it well.
McGinnis clobbers Larratt with an overhand right that has the crowd gasping. That made a horrendous noise.
McGinnis 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.
McGinnis swings away with a leg kick that misses.
McGinnis swings for the body but Larratt moves out of range.
McGinnis misses with a telegraphed body shot

and Larratt counters with a nice double leg into side control. McGinnis won't be happy with that.
McGinnis is moving his hips around well on the bottom and has managed to get back to half guard.
McGinnis controlling the position for now.
Larratt throws a strike but McGinnis avoids it easily and moves to full guard.
Larratt throws a big elbow that misses.
Larratt tries to free his leg and advance position but McGinnis is retaining full guard.
Larratt loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Larratt stopping the sweep attempt from McGinnis.
McGinnis avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Larratt postures up and scores with a shot to the body and a follow up elbow to the head.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
McGinnis utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Larratt in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Larratt won't allow McGinnis to sweep him here.
Larratt must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.
McGinnis avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Larratt loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
The referee claps his hands together and tells the fighters to work.
Larratt throws a big elbow that misses.

The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.
McGinnis cracks Larratt with a right hand to the side of the head.
McGinnis connects with the punch.
McGinnis throws a hook but Larratt avoids it easily.
Larratt with the counter takedown but McGinnis avoids it easily.
A looping hook to the body misses from McGinnis. Larratt does a little dance to reset his feet.
Larratt tries a counter takedown but it's more of a dummy move, and he uses it to push himself away.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Larratt uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from McGinnis.
Larratt tries to move into range but McGinnis moves to the side and lands with a nice right hand.
McGinnis misses with a hook.
A telegraphed right hand from McGinnis misses the target.
Larratt keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from McGinnis.
And Larratt tries to counter it with a takedown but McGinnis pushes his down on his head and steps out.
McGinnis throws a left and a right that both miss

and Larratt counters with a shoot takedown into half guard.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
McGinnis wants to get back to full guard.
Larratt missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.
Larratt throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Larratt thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
McGinnis blocking the ground and pound attempt from Larratt.
Larratt thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed McGinnis's head.
Nice strikes from Larratt there.
Larratt throws a strike but McGinnis avoids it easily and moves to full guard.
McGinnis preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
McGinnis working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Larratt.
Larratt missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
McGinnis pulls Larratt in close to prevent any damage.
Larratt postures up in McGinnis's guard and throws a big left but McGinnis blocks it.
Larratt throws a strike but McGinnis rolls with it and manages to sweep. Now he's in guard on top.

McGinnis stands and throws Larratt's legs to the side, diving into side control.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Larratt is looking for a sweep.
The referee asks McGinnis politely if he wouldn't mind getting on with it and actually doing something. McGinnis prefers to stall for the moment though.

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 round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close round but I would say that Aaron McGinnis will probably get the nod.
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.

McGinnis throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Larratt slips under a jab.
McGinnis misses with an uppercut.
Larratt changes levels for a counter takedown but doesn't follow through with his attempt.
McGinnis misses with a body shot.
Larratt drops down looking to force a counter takedown but McGinnis defends it well.
Larratt walks into a jab.
Larratt ducks under a wild hook from McGinnis.
Larratt is definitely looking for the counter takedowns here.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
McGinnis throws a right high kick that is partially blocked by Larratt.
McGinnis misses with an uppercut

and Larratt counters with a driving takedown into guard. Nice work there by Larratt.
McGinnis wants to control here, rather than go for any submissions from the bottom. At least for now.
Larratt lands a couple of decent looking shots.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Larratt throwing strikes but missing.
McGinnis manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Larratt manages to get himself to full guard.

McGinnis stays in close to Larratt's body and controls the position.
Larratt is trying to control the position but McGinnis postures up.
McGinnis controlling from the top position.
Larratt 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.

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.
Larratt seems keen to control McGinnis's posture.
Larratt keeping full guard, as McGinnis tries to pass.
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.
McGinnis slows down the pace of the fight for a moment. He'll need to remain active if he doesn't want to see the fight stood back up.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
McGinnis stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Larratt swivels though and keeps the full guard.
McGinnis stopping the sweep attempt from Larratt.
McGinnis sitting in guard, not really doing much.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Larratt uses good head movement to avoid the hook from McGinnis.
Larratt changes levels for a counter takedown but doesn't follow through with his attempt.
McGinnis lands a glancing blow to the side of Larratt's head.
McGinnis moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
McGinnis throws a shot from downtown. Larratt moves away and avoids it.
McGinnis throws a low kick, looking for Larratt's leg but Larratt calmly moves out of range.
Larratt moves out of range as McGinnis strikes.
McGinnis is moving around nicely and scores here with a single head shot.
McGinnis looks to throw the jab but Larratt is out of range.
Larratt changes levels for a counter takedown but doesn't follow through with his attempt.
Larratt takes one to the side of the head.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
McGinnis throws a quick inside leg kick.
McGinnis scores with a hook.
Aaron McGinnis is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
A swing and a miss from McGinnis.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Aaron McGinnis dominated that second round.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!

Larratt slips a jab from McGinnis.
Larratt with the counter takedown but McGinnis avoids it easily.
Aaron McGinnis is winning the standup battle so far.
McGinnis scores with a jab.
An inside leg kick lands from McGinnis.
Aaron McGinnis seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
McGinnis scores with the left hand. Larratt knows he should have avoided that one.
Larratt uses good head movement to avoid the hook from McGinnis.
Larratt feints the counter takedown.
McGinnis misses with an uppercut

and Larratt counters with a single leg into guard. McGinnis didn't expect that.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now McGinnis is on top in guard.

Larratt can't keep his opponent in guard - McGinnis advances to half guard, no doubt looking to mount.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Larratt tries to roll over but McGinnis keeps him under control.
McGinnis stalling.
Larratt keeps control of the position for the meantime.
Neither fighter is being very active at the moment, with McGinnis in particular looking to stall.

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.
Larratt trying to control here.
McGinnis stalling.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Larratt wants to improve his position but McGinnis is controlling well.
Larratt is trying is best to control the position here.
The referee is pacing around the two fighters - he looks like he's thinking about a standup.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
My god... these two guys really need to pick up the pace or everyone will leave to go get a beer.
McGinnis is looking to advance position but Larratt won't allow it.

The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.
McGinnis just misses with a punch to the body.
Larratt is definitely looking for the counter takedowns here.
Larratt checks a low kick from McGinnis.
McGinnis just misses with a punch to the body.
Larratt tries a counter takedown but it's more of a dummy move, and he uses it to push himself away.
McGinnis throws a leg kick

and Larratt decides to take the opportunity to score a takedown. He's landed in McGinnis's guard.
McGinnis manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Larratt manages to get himself to full guard.

McGinnis is taking a break and basically stalling. The referee will not allow him to do that for long.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Aaron McGinnis clearly takes that round.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action.

McGinnis misses with an uppercut.
And Larratt tries to counter it with a takedown but McGinnis pushes his down on his head and steps out.
Larratt checks the leg kick nicely there.
Larratt tries a counter takedown but it's more of a dummy move, and he uses it to push himself away.
Larratt uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by McGinnis.
McGinnis misses with a leg kick

and Larratt counters with a single leg into guard. McGinnis didn't expect that.
McGinnis lands a beautiful sweep and he's now moved into his opponent's guard.

McGinnis wants to pass the guard but Larratt is keeping the position.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Larratt 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.

That's one minute gone in the round.
McGinnis pushing down on Larratt's thigh, trying to pass to half guard. He's managed it... Nice work.
McGinnis takes a deep breath and rests his weight momentarily on top of his opponent, to control the position.
Larratt tries to get to full guard but McGinnis has control of the leg.
McGinnis trying to control the pace.
McGinnis wants to control but Larratt is keeping him busy.

That's two 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.
Larratt is positioning himself well to prevent McGinnis advancing to mount.
McGinnis slows the pace down in half guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
McGinnis wants to stand up but Larratt manages to regain full guard.
Larratt keeping moving, preventing McGinnis from controlling successfully.

The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up. He just wasn't happy with the level of activity.
McGinnis looks to land a right hand but Larratt moved out of range.
McGinnis throws a hook to the side of Larratt's head but Larratt sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.
McGinnis throws a big shot that misses.
Larratt is definitely looking for the counter takedowns here.
McGinnis throws a body shot but no joy.
McGinnis wants to land a leg kick but Larratt is out of range.
McGinnis misses with a wild body shot.
McGinnis looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.
McGinnis misses with a body shot

and Larratt counters with a takedown into side control! That could mean trouble for McGinnis!
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
McGinnis tries to bench press Larratt off him but Larratt keeps the position.
McGinnis regains half guard, as Larratt was trying to land strikes.
Larratt missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Aaron McGinnis had his way with Shannon Larratt in that round.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action. This is the final round!

A lazy left from McGinnis finds it's target.
McGinnis connects with an inside leg kick.
McGinnis lands a nice shot that snaps Larratt's head back.
Larratt drops his hands momentarily and McGinnis takes advantage with a crisp shot to the head.
McGinnis throws a hook but Larratt avoids it easily.
Larratt ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
McGinnis scores to the head and body with a nice combination!
McGinnis uses good footwork to get in and out, landing a nice hook.
McGinnis misses with a leg kick

and Larratt counters with a nice double leg into guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Larratt postures up and lands some nice ground and pound.
McGinnis preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
McGinnis utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Larratt postures up in McGinnis's guard and throws a big left but McGinnis blocks it.
Larratt throws an elbow that misses. McGinnis uses the momentum to reverse the position. He's now in Larratt's guard. Nice move by McGinnis!

Larratt pulls McGinnis in close to prevent any damage.
Shannon Larratt has got the better of the ground game so far.
McGinnis is intent on slowing down the pace of the fight, simply looking to control.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are showing their displeasure at the lack of action as loud boos ring out around the arena.
McGinnis continues to stall.
Larratt can't keep his opponent in guard - McGinnis advances to half guard, no doubt looking to mount.
McGinnis performing his best blanket impression for a moment.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Larratt is looking for a sweep. McGinnis is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Larratt trying to control here.
We get told so often about how wrestlers don't like to be on their backs. Let's see if Larratt can do anything to dispel that myth.
McGinnis sitting and controlling from the half guard.

The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.
McGinnis looks to score with a jab to the body but Larratt is just out of range.

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.
McGinnis throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Larratt with the counter takedown but McGinnis avoids it easily.
McGinnis is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Larratt can do to turn this around?
McGinnis pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Larratt is definitely looking for the counter takedowns here.
Larratt uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from McGinnis.
Larratt tries a counter takedown but it's more of a dummy move, and he uses it to push himself away.
Larratt takes a big uppercut there. He seems a bit wobbly but no, he's OK.
McGinnis keeps Larratt at a distance using the push kick.
Larratt 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.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
McGinnis throws a lazy right hand but Larratt sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Larratt staying out of range there.
Larratt drops down looking to force a counter takedown but McGinnis defends it well.

And that's the end of the fight!
Aaron McGinnis showed his dominance in that final round.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for McGinnis, winning every round. Will the judges agree? They are the ones who matter, even if they are often depressingly incompetent. 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 Steve Erwin scores the fight 50:45
Judge Damien Edna scores the fight 50:45
Judge Summer Carpenter scores the fight 50:45

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Aaron McGinnis!
Aaron McGinnis is the new featherweight champion!
Our winner, Aaron McGinnis, made sure he spent some time buttering up the crowd during his post fight interview, which will no doubt bring him a few more fans.