PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Arthur Halo (ranked 918 p4p, 145 weight class) and Joe Risley (ranked 2653 p4p, 362 weight class). Well, the cameraman is lingering on a pretty young lady for a bit too long there. Keep your eyes on the prize buddy or you'll miss the fighter intros!

Halo
vs
Risley

187 cm
33
180 lbs
19 - 10 - 0

179 cm
37
177 lbs
26 - 15 - 1

Abu Dhabi Champ
Excellent boxer
Insanely flexible

Excellent grappler
World class MT
Good gas tank

Urban Fighter

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the welterweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 19 - 10 - 0, fighting out of London, Arthur Halo!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 26 - 15 - 1, fighting out of Amsterdam, Joe Risley!
The judges for this bout are Daniel Bishop, Richard Clark and Sam Margolis.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
A head kick misses from Risley.
Risley misses the shot to the body.
Risley misses with a body shot.
Risley fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Halo tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Risley swivels and escapes.
Halo misses with a series of wild punches.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Halo throws a combination. Risley tries to block but a couple of punches get through.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Risley misses with a head kick.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Halo.
Halo shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Risley but Risley pushes him off and we're back to square one.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Arthur Halo. That's going to take a lot out of him.

Risley closes the distance and clinches.
Risley gets double underhooks to prevent a takedown attempt from Halo.
Halo tries for a takedown. No joy.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Halo is trying to drag Risley to the mat but Risley just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.

Halo pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Risley throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Halo tries to counter with a takedown but Risley is quick to defend against it.
Halo throws a one two combo.
Halo definitely looks more muscular than last time we saw him fight.
Halo will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Halo throws a lazy head kick

so Risley counters with a double leg into guard. Good agility.
Risley is taking a break and basically stalling. The referee will not allow him to do that for long.
Risley passes Halo's left leg - he's now in half guard.
Halo moves into full guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

Halo has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Risley can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Risley looking to pass the guard.

Halo escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Risley gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.
Halo wants to improve his position but instead Risley has moved into half guard.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.

Halo is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Risley pulls his head out easily.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Joe Risley dominated 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.

Risley pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Halo avoids a punch combination nicely.
Risley has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Halo goes for a double leg but Risley avoids the attempt and the two fighters end up clinched against the cage as Risley continues to drive forward.
Arthur Halo seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Risley avoids the head kick by Halo.
Risley throws a left and a right that both miss

and Halo counters with a single leg into guard. Risley didn't expect that.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Halo tries to free his leg and advance position but Risley is retaining full guard.
Halo is working hard here to advance position.
Risley seems keen to control Halo's posture.
Halo postures up and lands a big shot to Risley's brow.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Halo tries to free his leg and advance position but Risley is retaining full guard.
Risley pulls Halo in close to prevent any damage.
Halo tries to free his leg and advance position but Risley is retaining full guard.
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Risley bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Halo's guard.

Risley controlling from the top position.
Halo is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move.

Risley kicks off Halo and gets to his feet.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Halo shoots for a double leg takedown but Risley sprawls well. He's pushed Halo's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
And Risley tries to counter it with a takedown but Halo pushes his down on his head and steps out.
Halo throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Nice sprawl there from Risley as Halo shoots in.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Arthur Halo. That's going to take a lot out of him.
A right-left combo lands from Halo.
Arthur Halo is winning the standup battle so far.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Good exchange - Halo coming out on top.
No luck for Halo with that takedown attempt.
The fight stays on the outside here - Risley looks like he's thinking about clinching though.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Halo takes a swing at Risley's ribcage but misses.
And Risley tries to counter it with a takedown but Halo pushes his down on his head and steps out.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Halo.
Halo darts in looking for a takedown but Risley gets double underhooks and turns Halo into the cage.
Risley wants to counter with a clinch but Halo pushes him away.

Risley shoots in and scores a nice double leg takedown into half guard.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Risley wants to take a breather but Halo is having none of it.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Halo is trying to get back to full guard.
Risley slows the pace down in half guard.
Let's hope that Risley has the urge to step up the pace any second now because for the last 15 or 20 seconds he's just been holding on tight.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close second round but Joe Risley will probably get the nod - 10:9.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

Halo closes this distance looking for a takedown but Risley circles away.
Risley tries a counter takedown but it's more of a dummy move, and he uses it to push himself away.
Risley sizes up Halo with a pawing jab and scores with a straight right down the middle.
Halo swings wildly with a couple of big hooks
and Risley counters with a flying knee. Nice.
Halo ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Risley moves away.
Halo goes for a double leg but Risley avoids the attempt and the two fighters end up clinched against the cage as Risley continues to drive forward.
Risley feints the counter takedown.

Risley bobs and weaves into range and then changes levels and scores with a nice takedown into side control.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Risley fails to land a wild elbow strike.
Halo is looking for a sweep.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Risley takes a little break here. Halo wants to take advantage but he is being controlled well.
Risley trying to control the position but Halo is working away.
Risley is working Halo over with some ground and pound from side control.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.
Sloppy strikes there by Risley.
Risley throws a strike aimed at the side of Halo's head but Halo avoids it well.
Risley wants to control but Halo is keeping him busy.
Halo regains half guard, as Risley was trying to land strikes.
Risley scoring with strikes to the body and head.
Halo is staying active underneath Risley, who seems content to just control the action from this position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up. He just wasn't happy with the level of activity.
Risley stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Risley wants it to stay on the feet.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Arthur Halo. That's going to take a lot out of him.

Risley clinches with his opponent.
Halo has Risley pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Risley manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.
Halo tries for a takedown. No joy.
Halo wants a takedown but no success here.

Halo has Risley pressed up against the cage. He's trying to work for a single leg takedown. Halo pulls back from the cage and twists to the side, sending Risley tumbling to the mat - Halo dives into Risley's guard.

Risley has scooted to the edge of the canvas and used the cage to get back to his feet. Halo has stuck on his opponent and is forcing him back against the cage.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Risley manages to break the clinch.
Risley throws a head kick that misses.
Halo tries to counter with a takedown but Risley is quick to defend against it.
Horrible takedown attempt by Halo or perhaps it was just good defense by Risley, which made it look bad.
Risley is definitely looking for the counter takedowns here.
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!
Risley throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
A swing and a miss from Halo.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Risley looks to land a combination but Halo avoids it well.
Halo shoots in looking for a takedown but Risley manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Halo's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
Risley changes levels for a counter takedown but doesn't follow through with his attempt.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Joe Risley really dominated that round.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

Halo gets the takedown into side control.
Risley manages to get back to half guard.

Halo is trying a forearm choke… I don't think that's going to do much at this level of the game.

Halo is thinking about going for an arm triangle but he can't free his leg.
Risley trying to control but Halo postures up.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Risley is defending against the submission attempts here by Halo.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Halo passes the half guard and he's now in mount! Big trouble for Risley!
Risley felt the need to train up his defensive grappling in the buildup to the fight. Presumably he was expecting to be in a difficult position like this, so let's see if he can get out of it.
Risley tries to hold on but Halo pushes him away.
Risley prevents Halo from taking his back.
Risley manages to control the position for a moment.
Halo punishing his opponent with strikes.

Halo is thinking about an arm triangle here, looking to tighten it up before moving to side control. Risley can see it coming though and defends well with a couple of strikes to the head and some good arm positioning.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Risley can't escape the position.
Halo connects with a couple of good shots from mount.
Halo raining down hammerfists from mount.
Risley regains half guard.
Halo is thwarting Risley's attempts to control the position.

Halo is trying a forearm choke… I don't think that's going to do much at this level of the game.
Risley is looking to improve his position.
Risley avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Halo.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Risley keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Halo not landing any meaningful shots this time.
Risley works his way to full guard. Good work.
Halo wants to pass the guard but Risley is keeping the position.
Risley wants to stand up but Halo is controlling him.
Risley utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Risley pulls Halo in to control the position.
Risley is looking to stand up but Halo isn't so interested in that idea.
Risley keeping full guard, as Halo tries to pass.
Risley wants to sweep here but Halo controlling him for the moment.

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.
Halo looking to pass the guard.
Halo missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Risley wants to stand and escape but Halo is having none of it.

The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.
Halo shoots in and drives through. Risley sprawls well.
Risley throws a right hand that Halo ducks under and follows up with a left that Halo also avoids with ease.
Risley throws a sloppy head kick and Halo moves out of range easily.
Halo tries to counter with a takedown but Risley is quick to defend against it.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Halo shoots in looking for a takedown. Risley tries to sprawl out of it but Halo keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Risley manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Risley tries a counter takedown but it's more of a dummy move, and he uses it to push himself away.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Arthur Halo had his way with Joe Risley in that round.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action! Let's get this one finished - here comes the final round!

Halo throws a head kick but Risley moves out of range.
Risley tries to counter with a clinch but Halo shakes him off and moves away.
Halo shoots in for a double leg but Risley sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
Halo shoots for a double leg takedown but Risley sprawls well. He's pushed Halo's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Halo tries for a takedown but Risley sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Risley is definitely looking for the counter takedowns here.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Arthur Halo. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Risley slaps away a takedown attempt from Halo, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Risley feints the counter takedown.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Risley gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Risley is pressed up against the cage. Halo has hold of a leg and is looking to drag Risley down to the mat. Risley avoids the attempt though and has circled away. We're back to striking at a distance.
Risley throws a nice looking combination but Halo bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Risley stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Risley wants it to stay on the feet.
A little jabbing left from Risley on the counter but it doesn't find it's target.
A shot to the body from Halo misses

and Risley counters by clinching up.
Risley stalls.
Risley gets underhooks to prevent Halo's takedown attempt.
Halo wants to take the fight to the mat but Risley manages to get underhooks and keep the fight in the clinch.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Risley pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Halo fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Risley dodges the punch combination from Halo.
Halo tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Halo has his hands up protecting his head but a hook from Risley finds it's way round the side to connect with Halo's head.
Halo pulls out of a head kick attempt.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Halo missing with a left hand there. Risley was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Risley feints the counter takedown.
Risley throws a combination. Halo tries to block but a couple of punches get through.
Halo shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Risley pinned against the cage. Risley gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
Risley drops down looking to force a counter takedown but Halo defends it well.
Risley tries a head kick but it misses.
Risley slaps away a takedown attempt from Halo, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Risley throws a big counter head kick but Halo avoids it with no problem.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Halo looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
Risley is definitely looking for the counter takedowns here.
The fight stays on the outside here - Risley looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Arthur Halo has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Halo takes one to the chin there.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Halo closes this distance looking for a takedown but Risley circles away.
Risley with the counter takedown but Halo avoids it easily.

And that's the end of the fight!
Joe Risley comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
Well Risley has outworked and out performed his opponent in all aspects of the game today. He was simply too good and the decision should be no more than a formality. 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 Daniel Bishop scores the fight 46:49
Judge Richard Clark scores the fight 46:49
Judge Sam Margolis scores the fight 47:48

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Joe Risley!
Joe Risley is the new welterweight champion!
Joe Risley decided to thank the fans in attendance for making a great atmosphere. It seemed to go down pretty well.
In defeat, Arthur Halo stepped up to the mic, saying 'No big deal. I'll go back to training now. '.