PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Travis Brookes (ranked 7771 p4p, 489 weight class) and Speedy Gamboa (ranked 4517 p4p, 375 weight class). This should be fireworks!

Brookes
vs
Gamboa

175 cm
25
150 lbs
0 - 1 - 0

171 cm
26
150 lbs
3 - 0 - 1

BJJ Blue Belt
Solid boxing
Good in bed

BJJ Blue Belt
Decent boxing
Granite chin

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 0 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Sydney, Travis Brookes!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 3 - 0 - 1, fighting out of Sydney, Speedy Gamboa!
The judges for this bout are John Mangel, Winston Howard and Topper Green.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Brookes shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Gamboa but Gamboa pushes him off and we're back to square one.
Gamboa unleashes a big counter combination but Brookes bobs and weaves and avoids any damage.
Gamboa fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Brookes displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Gamboa.
Brookes throws a head kick but Gamboa moves out of range.
Gamboa shoots in and drives through. Brookes sprawls well.
Travis Brookes has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Speedy Gamboa.
Brookes stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Brookes wants it to stay on the feet.
Brookes feints a straight left to the body, then turns around with a flashy move and hits Gamboas jaw with a dramatic spinning back fist!
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Brookes is trying hard to land a takedown here. Gamboa sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
Brookes moves into range and throws a combination. A nice jab followed by a hook to the body.

Brookes clinches up with Gamboa and pushes him back against the cage.

Gamboa pulls guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Brookes sitting in guard here, content to control.
Brookes trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Brookes with a flurry of punches that miss.
Brookes postures up in Gamboa's guard and throws a big left but Gamboa blocks it.
Brookes wants to stand but Gamboa has a closed guard, so he can't escape.
Gamboa tries to land a sweep but no joy.

Brookes gets to his feet and steps away from his opponent.
Gamboa throws a nice looking combination but Brookes bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
There's not a lot going on here and the crowd are letting the fighters know they're not willing to tolerate a lack of action.
Gamboa tries for a takedown but Brookes sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Gamboa misses with a body shot.
Gamboa leaves Brookes with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
Horrible takedown attempt by Gamboa or perhaps it was just good defense by Brookes, which made it look bad.
Gamboa tries a head kick but it misses.
A slow jab from Brookes misses its intended target.
Gamboa with the counter takedown but Brookes avoids it easily.
Gamboa shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Brookes as he avoids it easily.
Brookes shoots in for a takedown but Gamboa shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Brookes fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Gamboa shoots in looking for a takedown but Brookes manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Gamboa's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
Brookes shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Gamboa pinned against the cage. Gamboa gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Brookes throws a head kick but Gamboa moves out of range.
Gamboa was about to counter that last move with a leg kick but changes his mind.
Gamboa shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Brookes defends it nicely.
Gamboa looks for a takedown but Brookes sprawls well.
Brookes throws a right and a left that Gamboa avoids nicely.
A head kick misses from Brookes.
Gamboa with a lazy takedown attempt
and Brookes counters with a lovely straight right hand!

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Nice sprawl there from Gamboa as Brookes shoots in.

Brookes moves into the clinch.
Gamboa fails to pull the fight into his guard.
Gamboa working hard to break the clinch.
Gamboa tries to pull guard but Brookes forces him back to his feet, against the cage.

Brookes breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.

Brookes clinches up with Gamboa and pushes him back against the cage.
Gamboa gets double underhooks to prevent a takedown attempt from Brookes.
Gamboa is defending well against a takedown attempt.
Stalling in the clinch from Gamboa.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Brookes takes a really solid shot there but just smiles back and shrugs his shoulders.

Gamboa closes the distance and clinches.
Brookes tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Brookes prevents a takedown attempt there.
Gamboa wants to take the fight to the mat but Brookes manages to get underhooks and keep the fight in the clinch.

Brookes manages to break the clinch.
Gamboa has his takedown stuffed
and Brookes counters with a one-two to the body.
Travis Brookes has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Speedy Gamboa.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Gamboa shoots in looking for a takedown. Brookes tries to sprawl out of it but Gamboa keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Brookes manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Gamboa misses with a head kick.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Brookes dives in for a single leg takedown but Gamboa sprawls and the fighters end up clinched against the cage.
Gamboa scores with a sloppy punch to the body. Not much technique there but it did the business.
Brookes circles away from the clinch attempt.
Gamboa changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Brookes tries to avoid it but Gamboa manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Brookes to the ground. Brookes escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Horrible takedown attempt by Brookes or perhaps it was just good defense by Gamboa, which made it look bad.
Gamboa shoots for a double leg takedown but Brookes sprawls well. He's pushed Gamboa's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Gamboa is breathing heavily.
Brookes misses with a head kick.

Brookes has closed the distance and engaged Gamboa in a clinch.
Come on Brookes - let's have some action - none of this stalling nonsense.
Brookes is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Gamboa can do to turn this around?
Gamboa drops to a knee looking for a takedown but Brookes gets the underhooks and prevents it.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Gamboa wants to break free. God knows he wants to breaaaak freeee.
Gamboa is looking for a takedown up against the cage. Brookes gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.
Brookes is looking for a takedown.
Gamboa is trying to pull guard but Brookes turns him against the cage and we stay in the clinch.
Brookes jumps guard but Gamboa stands there with Brookes around his waist. Brookes gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch.
Brookes goes for a takedown in the clinch but Gamboa prevents it.
Brookes prevents a takedown attempt there.
Gamboa drops to a knee looking for a takedown but Brookes gets the underhooks and prevents it.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Gamboa pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Brookes misses the shot to the body.
Brookes throws a body punch but Gamboa moves out of range.
Brookes lands a jab to the head.
Brookes closes the distance and clinches up with Gamboa, looking for a takedown. Brookes pushes Gamboa against the cage but Gamboa circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.

Brookes clinches with his opponent.

Brookes pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
A shot to the liver by Gamboa. Beautiful body shot.
Gamboa shoots in for a takedown but Brookes shows good takedown defense.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Brookes.
Gamboa displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Brookes.
Brookes leaves Gamboa with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
Brookes throws a combination that misses
and Gamboa counters with a three punch combination, finished off with a leg kick. Nice work.
Brookes avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Brookes was looking to counter that move with a punch but didn't quite pull the trigger.
Brookes tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Brookes tries to clinch but Gamboa moves out of range.
Brookes shoots in looking for a takedown. Gamboa tries to sprawl out of it but Brookes keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Gamboa manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
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 Travis Brookes 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.

Brookes tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Gamboa paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Nice sprawl there from Gamboa as Brookes shoots in.
Gamboa pulls out of a head kick attempt.

The fight moves into the clinch position.
Brookes is defending well against a takedown attempt.
Gamboa gets double underhooks to prevent a takedown attempt from Brookes.
Gamboa stalling.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Gamboa is trying to break free.
Brookes gets double underhooks to prevent a takedown attempt from Gamboa.
Gamboa is trying to slow down the pace of the fight but Brookes is keeping busy.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Brookes tries to pull guard but can't drag his opponent to the mat. Gamboa just stands there and leans against the cage.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Travis Brookes. That's going to take a lot out of him.

Brookes breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Brookes throws a right and a left that both miss.
Horrible takedown attempt by Brookes or perhaps it was just good defense by Gamboa, which made it look bad.
Gamboa is trying to avoid his opponent's strikes and get into the clinch.

Gamboa moves into the clinch successfully.
Brookes tries for a takedown but Gamboa manages to get underhooks.
Brookes drops to a knee looking for a takedown but Gamboa gets the underhooks and prevents it.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Gamboa pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Gamboa is trying hard to land a takedown here. Brookes sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
Gamboa misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
Gamboa fails in his attempt to clinch.
Brookes misses with a head kick.
Gamboa shoots in but no luck this time.
Gamboa slaps away a takedown attempt from Brookes, before circling back to the center of the mat.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Gamboa throws a sloppy head kick and Brookes moves out of range easily.
Brookes shoots for a takedown but Gamboa saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
Brookes falls off balance throwing a combination
and Gamboa counters with a nice jab to the body that keeps Brookes thinking.
Gamboa will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
Gamboa changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Brookes tries to avoid it but Gamboa manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Brookes to the ground. Brookes escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Gamboa shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Brookes defends it nicely.
Brookes shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Gamboa pinned against the cage. Gamboa gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Brookes misses with a takedown attempt - Gamboa sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Brookes has his head snapped back a nice jab. A little nod from Brookes there as he acknowledges the shot.
Horrible takedown attempt by Brookes or perhaps it was just good defense by Gamboa, which made it look bad.
Gamboa shoots in looking for a takedown but Brookes manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Gamboa's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
Gamboa fails with a takedown attempt.
Brookes throwing a counter right hand but Gamboa manages to avoid it.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Speedy Gamboa really dominated that round.
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.

Gamboa swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.

Brookes closes the distance and clinches.

Gamboa breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Brookes scores with a jab to the jaw of his opponent.
Brookes dives in and grabs Gamboa's left leg, looking for a takedown. Gamboa pushes down on Brookes's head and hops out.
Gamboa feints the counter takedown.
Brookes tries to clinch but Gamboa moves out of range.
Brookes moves out of the way of the counter high kick fromGamboa.
Brookes fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Brookes shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Gamboa is trying to avoid his opponent's strikes and get into the clinch.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Travis Brookes. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Gamboa misses with a takedown attempt

and Brookes holds on and brings the fighters into a clinch.
Gamboa tries to pull guard but Brookes holds him up against the cage and eventually Gamboa drops back down to his feet.

Brookes pulls guard successfully.
It's got to the stage where if one of these guys blows hard enough, the other might fall over.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Gamboa controls the pace of the fight for a moment.
Gamboa is pushing down on Brookes's leg trying to pass to half guard. Brookes is fighting to maintain full guard but Gamboa has managed to sneak the leg through.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Gamboa controlling the action here.

Gamboa gets to his feet - back to striking we go!
Gamboa moves into range and throws a combination. A nice jab followed by a hook to the body.
Brookes shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Gamboa as he jumps to the side.
Travis Brookes is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Gamboa fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.

Brookes closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the cage.

Gamboa escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Brookes checks a leg kick.
Brookes tries to counter with a takedown but Gamboa is quick to defend against it.
Brookes shoots for a double leg takedown but Gamboa sprawls well. He's pushed Brookes's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Gamboa blocks a low kick nicely.
Gamboa closes the distance and clinches up with Brookes, looking for a takedown. Gamboa pushes Brookes against the cage but Brookes circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Brookes misses with a body kick.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Brookes lands with a good body shot.
Brookes throws a jab, cross combination which is slipped

and Gamboa holds on and brings the fighters into a clinch.

Gamboa gets control of Brookes's arms and successfully pulls guard. Gamboa will no doubt be looking for submissions off his back.
Brookes trying to control but Gamboa is working from the bottom.

Gamboa has his foot on Brookes's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Brookes works his way back into a safe position though.
Brookes trying to control the position from guard on top but Gamboa is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

Gamboa is looking for a triangle but Brookes pushes his legs off easily.
Gamboa is looking to sweep but instead, Brookes has passed into half guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Brookes trying to control the action but Gamboa is working from the bottom.
Gamboa wants to control but Brookes passes into side.
Brookes working away.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.

Gamboa bucks up and manages to escape back to his feet!
Gamboa blocks a head kick by Brookes.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close fourth round but Speedy Gamboa will probably get the nod - 10:9.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action! Let's hear some noise people - this is the final round!

Nice sprawl there from Brookes as Gamboa shoots in.
Gamboa shoots in looking for a takedown. Brookes tries to sprawl out of it but Gamboa keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Brookes manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Brookes shoots in but Gamboa avoids the takedown attempt easily.

Brookes drives through and clinches with Gamboa against the cage.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Brookes stalling.
A real battle for position is taking place between these two warriors.
Brookes tries to score a body lock takedown but Gamboa shows good agility there to stay on his feet.
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.
Brookes wants a takedown.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Travis Brookes. That's going to take a lot out of him.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Gamboa has Brookes pushed against the cage.
Gamboa wants to take the fight to the mat but Brookes manages to get underhooks and keep the fight in the clinch.
Gamboa is looking to take this one to the mat.
Brookes has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Gamboa is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.
Brookes wants to get back to striking at distance but Gamboa won't allow it.
Brookes stalling in the clinch but Gamboa improves position.
Gamboa drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Brookes changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Gamboa fights it off and pushes away nicely.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Well. There's a bit of a lull in the action here and the crowd are starting to get restless.
Gamboa gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily
and Brookes counters with a series of strikes. Gamboa will be more careful next time no doubt.
Brookes shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Brookes tries to clinch but Gamboa moves out of range.
Gamboa throws a head kick that misses.
Gamboa throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Gamboa is trying hard to land a takedown here. Brookes sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
Brookes fails with a takedown attempt.
Gamboa shoots for a double leg takedown but Brookes sprawls well. He's pushed Gamboa's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Nice sprawl there from Brookes as Gamboa shoots in.
Gamboa slaps away a takedown attempt from Brookes, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Gamboa misses with a takedown attempt - Brookes sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Gamboa shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Brookes pinned against the cage. Brookes gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.

Brookes closes the distance and pushes Gamboa back into the cage.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Gamboa gets control of Brookes's arms and successfully pulls guard. Gamboa will no doubt be looking for submissions off his back.
Brookes slips nicely into half guard.
Gamboa is looking for a sweep. Brookes is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.

Brookes decides to stand up and try his luck on the feet.
Gamboa showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Brookes.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Gamboa throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Brookes's waist but Brookes gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Gamboa off to one side.
Brookes looks for a takedown but Gamboa sprawls well.

And that's the end of the fight!
Travis Brookes showed his dominance in that final round.
I think Brookes 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 John Mangel scores the fight 48:47
Judge Winston Howard scores the fight 48:47
Judge Topper Green scores the fight 48:47

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Travis Brookes!
Travis Brookes is the new featherweight champion!