PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Michael Bennet (ranked 280 p4p, 40 weight class) and Bryan Mayhem (ranked 567 p4p, 84 weight class). The fight MMA fans around the world have waited their entire lives for!

Bennet
vs
Mayhem

190 cm
27
209 lbs
12 - 3 - 0

180 cm
36
224 lbs
27 - 8 - 0

Good wrestling
Lethal high kicks
Insanely flexible

Good wrestler
Lethal high kicks
Heavy handed

KOMBAT KLOTHING

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Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the light heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 12 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Michael Bennet!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 27 - 8 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Bryan Mayhem!
The judges for this bout are Shigeki Fujiwara, Shigeki Sano and Hirohito Nitta.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Mayhem looking to score a takedown here. Bennet is defending well but Mayhem drives through and ends up in Bennet's guard.
Mayhem postures up in Bennet's guard and throws a big left but Bennet blocks it.
Mayhem is intent on slowing down the pace of the fight, simply looking to control.
Mayhem has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
Mayhem trying to control but Bennet is working from the bottom.
Bennet pulls Mayhem in close to prevent any damage.
Bennet preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Mayhem controls from within his opponent's guard.
Bennet working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Mayhem.

The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.

That's one minute gone in the round.
A decent looking body kick lands there for Bennet.
Mayhem looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Michael Bennet is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
A punch combination from Mayhem misses.
Mayhem shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Bennet but Bennet pushes him off and we're back to square one.
Bennet leaves Mayhem with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
Bennet looks to have improved his striking defense since last time we saw him fight.
Bennet avoids a kick to the body.
Mayhem moves out of range as Bennet strikes.
Bennet steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Mayhem.
Mayhem misses with the body kick
and Bennet counters with an inside leg kick.
Bennet blocks a head kick by Mayhem.
Mayhem will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
Mayhem slips under a jab from Bennet.
Bennet keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Bennet throws a hook but Mayhem blocks it.
Bennet takes an uppercut right on the jaw but it doesn't phase him.
Bennet lands an overhand left. A wild punch that just about connected.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Mayhem throws a body punch but Bennet moves out of range.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Mayhem takes a swing at Bennet's ribcage but misses.
That's a knee to de groin and it's over and out! Mayhem crumples to the ground after an illegal strike from Bennet - the referee stops the clock and Mayhem gets 5 minutes to recover from that one. "I'm sorry" says Bennet. Mayhem manages to get back to his feet and the fight resumes.
Mayhem throws a chopping leg kick but Bennet manages to avoid taking any serious damage.

Mayhem shoots in from a long way out. He's driving through with the takedown attempt and he eventually gets it, landing in Bennet's guard.
Bennet utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Mayhem working some strikes from top position.
Mayhem looking to pass the guard.
Bennet is avoiding any damage by keeping wrist control.
Mayhem showing good wrestling skills to control the position.
Bennet wants to stand up but Mayhem is controlling him.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Mayhem scores with a decent looking elbow strike.
Mayhem stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Bennet swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Mayhem working in close now, lands a nice elbow to the side of Bennet's head.
Mayhem in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Mayhem content to stall in guard here.

The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.
Mayhem darts in looking for a takedown but Bennet gets double underhooks and turns Mayhem into the cage.
Michael Bennet has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Bryan Mayhem.
Bennet goes for a spinning back kick but it misses.

That's four 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.
Nice shot by Mayhem.
Mayhem loads up on a big right hand but Bennet slips the punch.
Mayhem cracks the inside of Bennet's front leg.
Bennet ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Mayhem moves away.

Mayhem looks for a takedown. He's got it. We're now in half guard.
Mayhem is looking to pass Bennet's guard but actually Bennet recovers to full guard.
Mayhem controlling from the guard. I say controlling but really, he's stalling.
Mayhem chips away with some ground and pound.
Mayhem is just sitting in guard, looking to avoid any submissions.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Bryan Mayhem dominated that round.
That's time! Back to the action!

Mayhem looks to land a right hand but Bennet moved out of range.
Mayhem has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Bennet scores with a slapping inside leg kick.
Bennet ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Bennet thuds his shin into the meat of Mayhem's side.
Bennet throws a body kick that sends a sickening thudding noise reverberating around the arena.
Mayhem throws a leg kick but Bennet checks it.
Bennet was looking to counter that move with a punch but didn't quite pull the trigger.
Bennet lands with a nice body punch.
The fighters circle momentarily. Bennet darts into range and connects with a nice straight punch.
Mayhem looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Mayhem checks a low kick from Bennet.

Mayhem is looking for a takedown here. He's shot in and has managed to get it, finishing up in Bennet's half guard.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Bennet is trying to get back to full guard.
Mayhem looking to pass the half guard. Not this time.
Bennet trying to control from the bottom.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Mayhem wants to pass to mount but Bennet is defending the position.
Mayhem controlling the action here.
Mayhem wants to control but Bennet is keeping him busy.
Mayhem trying to control from Bennet's half guard. Bennet has other ideas though and has regained full guard.
Mayhem in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Mayhem throws a big elbow that misses.
Mayhem is in close to Bennet's body, working some short punches and elbows.
Bennet is looking to get back to his feet but can't, whilst Mayhem is controlling him.
In the pre-fight buildup videos we saw Mayhem working his ground and pound in the gym.

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.
Mayhem in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
The referee must be thinking about standing these guys back up.
Mayhem throwing strikes from guard but Bennet blocks nicely.

The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.
Mayhem looking to throw a kick but he's pulled out of it.
Mayhem throws out a powerful jab.
Bennet avoids the body shot from Mayhem.
Michael Bennet is winning the standup battle so far.
Mayhem throws a jab when Bennet was well out of range.
Mayhem tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Mayhem throws an ugly left hook that misses
and Bennet counters with a straight right hand.
Mayhem takes an uppercut right on the jaw but it doesn't phase him.
Bennet defending well as Mayhem loads up on a big left hand.
Mayhem shoots in looking for a takedown. Bennet tries to sprawl out of it but Mayhem keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Bennet manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Bennet just misses with a punch to the body.
Bennet throws a push kick but Mayhem slaps the foot to one side.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Mayhem closes the distance and scores a nice trip takedown into half guard. Bennet did well to prevent Mayhem getting side control.
Mayhem throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.
Bennet blocking the ground and pound attempt from Mayhem.
Mayhem looks over to his corner - he wants some instructions but his corner are not responding.
Mayhem is trying to control. Bennet wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.
Bennet blocking the ground and pound attempt from Mayhem.
Bennet is refusing to be controlled, as Mayhem sits in half guard.
Mayhem might have to switch it up a bit here because his efforts to control Bennet haven't been going to plan, at least at the current moment in time.

The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.
Bennet dodges the punch combination from Mayhem.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Bennet misses with an attempted mid kick.
Bennet throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Mayhem tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Bennet was well out of range. Poor timing from Mayhem.
A big left from Mayhem misses.
Bennet is using his height advantage well here, landing a good percentage of his punches.
Bennet goes for a spinning back kick but it misses.
Mayhem with the counter takedown but Bennet avoids it easily.
Bennet displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Mayhem.
Bennet lands a body shot.
Bennet lands a jab to Mayhem's midsection.
Bennet dodges the punch combination from Mayhem.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Bennet scores with a jab.
Bennet dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Bennet misses with a body punch
and Mayhem counters with a series of strikes. Bennet will be more careful next time no doubt.
Mayhem throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Mayhem fakes a jab and scores with a low kick.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close second round but Bryan Mayhem will probably get the nod - 10:9.
That's time! Back to the action! This is the final round!

Mayhem pivots as if he's going to throw a leg kick but stops half way.
A looping hook to the body misses from Bennet. Mayhem does a little dance to reset his feet.
And Mayhem responds with a good body kick, but Bennet manages to step out the way in time.
Bennet catches Mayhem with a nice straight right. He seems pissed - ooooh, it's on now! On like donkey kong!
Bennet thows a left - swing and a miss!
Mayhem keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Mayhem! But no joy.
Bennet ducks down and throws a hook to the body.
Bennet cracks Mayhem with an open hand slap.
Bennet tries to check a leg kick but that clearly hurt him.
Wow, both these guys are really going for it!
Mayhem moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
Mayhem shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Mayhem is trying hard to land a takedown here. Bennet sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
Mayhem on the wrong end of a nice hook.
A head kick misses from Mayhem.
Bennet throws a quick counter kick to the body but Mayhem avoids it.
Bryan Mayhem is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Mayhem shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Michael Bennet has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Bryan Mayhem.
Mayhem 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.
Mayhem takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
That's a knee to de groin and it's over and out! Mayhem crumples to the ground after an illegal strike from Bennet - the referee stops the clock and Mayhem gets 5 minutes to recover from that one. "I'm sorry" says Bennet. Mayhem manages to get back to his feet and the fight resumes.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
A combination from Mayhem does no damage.
Bennet was looking to counter that move with a punch but didn't quite pull the trigger.
Mayhem takes one to the side of the head.
Bennet scores with a reasonable looking shot to the body. Mayhem doesn't seem bothered though.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Mayhem dives in and grabs Bennet's left leg, looking for a takedown. Bennet pushes down on Mayhem's head and hops out.
It looked like Bennet wanted to counter with a hook but didn't fully commit.
Bennet bobbing and weaving, closes the distance and lands a hook to the side of Mayhem's head.
Mayhem throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Bennet's waist but Bennet gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Mayhem off to one side.
Bennet throws a front kick that sends Mayhem stumbling back into the cage.
Bennet misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Mayhem.
A chopping leg kick lands by Bennet.
Bennet wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.
Bennet lands an overhand right.
Bennet uses good footwork to get in and out and land a nice right hand before Mayhem has time to react.
Mayhem walks straight into a jab right on the nose. That one stung - he's blinking and trying to clear his head.
Bennet dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Mayhem goes for a double leg but Bennet avoids the attempt and the two fighters end up clinched against the cage as Bennet continues to drive forward.
Bennet throws a shot to the body.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Bennet looks for the body kick but Mayhem saw that one coming.
Nice defenses there by Mayhem.
Mayhem looked like he wanted to counter with a punch but didn't throw it.
Bennet throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Mayhem has developed a nice purple lump on his ribcage, as a result of some heavy body kicks from Bennet.
Bennet swings wildly with a hook that is half blocked by Mayhem.
Mayhem looks shocked there as he takes a right hand to the temple.
Mayhem steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Bennet.
Michael Bennet has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Mayhem throws a body punch but Bennet moves out of range.
A looping hook to the body misses from Bennet. Mayhem does a little dance to reset his feet.
Bennet sizes up Mayhem with a pawing jab and scores with a straight right down the middle.
Mayhem changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Bennet tries to avoid it but Mayhem manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Bennet to the ground. Bennet escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Bennet smiles there as he lands a nice right hand right on the button.
Mayhem throws a series of punches but Bennet avoids them all with ease.
Bennet connects with a hook to the side of his opponent's head.
Mayhem shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Bennet sprawls well. Bennet wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Mayhem gets slowly back to his feet.
Mayhem moves his head to the side to avoid a jab but walks straight into a cross.
Mayhem fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Bennet manages to avoid it.
Mayhem ducks right into an uppercut from Bennet.
Mayhem circles away from the clinch attempt.
Mayhem slips a jab from Bennet.

Mayhem shoots in and bounces Bennet off the cage to secure the takedown into guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Bennet manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Mayhem manages to get himself to full guard.

Mayhem tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Bennet stops Mayhem from standing up.
Bryan Mayhem is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
Bennet not doing a lot at the moment. He'll have to show some more aggression or the fight will get stood up.
Mayhem is pulling down on Bennet's head to control his posture.
Mayhem is looking to stand up but Bennet isn't so interested in that idea.

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.
Mayhem is adopting a defensive guard.
Mayhem not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
Bennet is just sitting in guard, looking to avoid any submissions.
Bryan Mayhem has got the better of the ground game so far.
Mayhem is trying to keep Bennet in close.

The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.
Bennet fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Mayhem manages to avoid it.
A jab lands there for Bennet.
Bennet lands a nice hook to Mayhem's body. Mayhem takes it in his stride and looks to land his own strikes.
Mayhem has a pretty nasty looking mouse under his right eye.
Mayhem shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Bennet as he avoids it easily.
Bennet throws a mid kick that lands with a slap.
Mayhem walks into a stiff left hand from Bennet.

And that's the end of the fight!
Michael Bennet showed his dominance in that final round.
I think Mayhem has won this one but let's see whether the judges agree with me. Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Shigeki Fujiwara scores the fight 28:29
Judge Shigeki Sano scores the fight 28:29
Judge Hirohito Nitta scores the fight 29:28

In favor of your winner, by split decision... Bryan Mayhem!
Bryan Mayhem seemed lost for words in his post fight interview but he remembered to thank his fans and directed everyone to his website.