PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between Andres Bonifacio (ranked 435 p4p, 17 weight class) and Nick Gracie Jr (ranked 803 p4p, 38 weight class). Bonifacio comes to the cage accompanied by Noypi by Bamboo. The crowd giving both fighters a great reception on their way into the arena. That's good to see.

Bonifacio
vs
Gracie Jr

162 cm
26
142 lbs
6 - 1 - 0

163 cm
26
141 lbs
6 - 2 - 0

Good wrestling
Solid boxing
Cardio machine

Powerful takedowns
Basic striking
Powerful

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the bantamweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 6 - 1 - 0, fighting out of The Island, Andres Bonifacio!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 6 - 2 - 0, fighting out of The Island, Nick Gracie Jr!
The judges for this bout are Dirk Anderson, David Hoff and Sandra Marshall.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Bonifacio throws a lazy uppercut

and Gracie Jr counters with a nice double leg into half guard.
Bonifacio is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

Gracie Jr is looking for a kimura but he's never going to get it from there.
Gracie Jr is looking to take a break and control but Bonifacio is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Gracie Jr has been taking part in the yoga sessions down at Yaw-Yan Ardigma. Presumably he's going to look for a slick submission... Or maybe he's looking to avoid one.
Bonifacio preventing any damage for now, controlling his opponent's head.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Gracie Jr wants to lay and pray for a moment but Bonifacio keeps working.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Bonifacio tries to roll over but Gracie Jr keeps him under control.
Gracie Jr wants to control but Bonifacio is keeping him busy.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Bonifacio is looking to control Gracie Jr's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Bonifacio avoid being mounted?
Bonifacio is in a bad position, trying to hold on for dear life but he is really struggling to maintain any sort of control.
Bonifacio is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.

Gracie Jr is looking for a kimura. It's going to be difficult to finish that from half guard though and Bonifacio defends it well.
Bonifacio wants to improve his position but Gracie Jr is controlling well.

Gracie Jr seems to be working for a kimura but Bonifacio defends the submission attempt.

Gracie Jr is trying to work for a kimura but Bonifacio is defending well.
Bonifacio tries to get to full guard but Gracie Jr has control of the leg.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Gracie Jr tries to pass to full mount but Bonifacio defends it.

Gracie Jr is working for a submission of some sort.
Bonifacio tries to get to full guard but Gracie Jr has control of the leg.
Bonifacio on his back here. We all know that wrestlers don't like being on their back so let's see if Bonifacio tries to get out of the position.
Gracie Jr is looking to advance position but Bonifacio won't allow it.

Gracie Jr is trying to work for a kimura but Bonifacio is defending well.
Gracie Jr wants to lay and pray for a moment but Bonifacio keeps working.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Bonifacio is concentrating on defense, preventing Gracie Jr from advancing position.

Gracie Jr seems to be working for a kimura but Bonifacio defends the submission attempt.
Bonifacio blocking the ground and pound attempt from Gracie Jr.
Gracie Jr is trying to control the action in half guard but Bonifacio is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.
Bonifacio is trying to get back to full guard.
Bonifacio trying to hold on to Gracie Jr's head to control him but Gracie Jr postures up.
Gracie Jr sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Bonifacio defending well though.

Gracie Jr is looking for a kimura but Bonifacio is holding onto that half guard position, so it's hard for Gracie Jr to get the leverage.
Bonifacio is refusing to be controlled, as Gracie Jr sits in half guard.
Bonifacio is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Gracie Jr is working for a submission of some sort.

Gracie Jr is looking for a kimura but Bonifacio is holding onto that half guard position, so it's hard for Gracie Jr to get the leverage.
Bonifacio controlling the position for now.
Gracie Jr winds up and cracks Bonifacio with a swinging punch to the side of the head.

Gracie Jr is working for submissions here but there's nothing on.

Gracie Jr is working for a submission of some sort.
Bonifacio is looking for a sweep. Gracie Jr is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Bonifacio is staying active underneath Gracie Jr, who seems content to just control the action from this position.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Nick Gracie Jr dominated that round.
That's time! Bonifacio's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

Gracie Jr ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Bonifacio moves away.
Bonifacio looks to be in better condition than last time we saw him fight. Obviously he's been working hard on his cardio.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Gracie Jr is defended easily by Bonifacio.
A cross from Gracie Jr lands.
Bonifacio clobbers Gracie Jr with an overhand right that has the crowd gasping. That made a horrendous noise.
Bonifacio pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Gracie Jr has his takedown stuffed
letting Bonifacio counter with a right hand.

It looks like Nick Gracie Jr has been cut.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Bonifacio lunges at Gracie Jr with a hook that half lands and is half blocked by Gracie Jr's hand.

Bonifacio rushes Gracie Jr and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.
Bonifacio lands a nice uppercut.
Gracie Jr wants to get back to striking at distance but Bonifacio won't allow it.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Gracie Jr looking to slow down the pace here.
Bonifacio lands a nice shot to the body.
Gracie Jr is trying to slow down the pace of the fight but Bonifacio is keeping busy.
Bonifacio makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
Gracie Jr looking to slow down the pace here.
Bonifacio lands with a short shot to the head.
Bonifacio lands a right hand that snaps the head of Gracie Jr backwards.
Bonifacio makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
Bonifacio makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
Bonifacio is working Gracie Jr over against the cage.
Bonifacio scores with a shot to the side of Gracie Jr's head.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Bonifacio lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
A hook to the body from Bonifacio.
Gracie Jr is trying to maintain a safe position but Bonifacio gets an underhook and turns Gracie Jr into the cage.
Bonifacio works on Gracie Jr's body with a couple of short punches.
Gracie Jr misses with the head strike.
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!
A short right hand to the side of the head by Bonifacio.
Bonifacio lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
A real battle for position is taking place between these two warriors.
Bonifacio gets through Gracie Jr's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
Gracie Jr jumps guard but his hands slip and he falls flat on his back. Well, he's made himself look a right mug there, as Bonifacio walks away with a smile on his face. Gracie Jr gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head.
Andres Bonifacio has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Nick Gracie Jr.
Gracie Jr misses with a shot to the body
and Bonifacio counters with a nice uppercut.
A telegraphed right hand from Gracie Jr misses the target.
Gracie Jr is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Bonifacio.
Gracie Jr walks straight into a jab right on the nose. That one stung - he's blinking and trying to clear his head.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Bonifacio closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the cage.
Gracie Jr is trying to slow down the pace of the fight but Bonifacio is keeping busy.
A shot in the inside from Bonifacio.
Still in the clinch, Bonifacio scores with a nice short uppercut.
Bonifacio lands a right hand.
Bonifacio lands with a left to the head.
Bonifacio lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
A right hand to the body from Bonifacio.
Bonifacio stays in close to his opponent and throws a right hand to the body.
A battle for position here, against the cage.
Bonifacio is leaning against Gracie Jr and scores with a nice uppercut to the body.
A frustrated look appears on Gracie Jr's face as he tries to break the clinch.
Andres Bonifacio has scored more points in the clinch so far.
Bonifacio lands a body punch in the clinch.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Bonifacio lands on the inside with an uppercut.
Bonifacio lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Gracie Jr backwards.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
A short right from Bonifacio.
Bonifacio lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
Gracie Jr trying to stall but Bonifacio improves his position.
Gracie Jr trying to stall but Bonifacio improves his position.
The pace slowing considerably in the clinch, as Bonifacio takes a break from that fighting nonsense to think about the finer things in life.
A real battle for position is taking place between these two warriors.
Nice body punch from Bonifacio - that landed with a thud.
Bonifacio lands a shoulder strike.
Bonifacio throws a hook to the body. More of an arm punch but it's all scoring with the judges.
Gracie Jr trying to control the position but instead, Bonifacio has worked for underhooks and has pushed Gracie Jr into the cage.
Bonifacio scores with a nice hook to the head.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Andres Bonifacio dominated that second round.
The cut man is working on Nick Gracie Jr's cut.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action.

Bonifacio stuffs the takedown.
A jab from Bonifacio finds it's way through Gracie Jr's defenses.
Gracie Jr tries to drive through with a takedown attempt but Bonifacio defends well and Gracie Jr ends up having to push Bonifacio into the cage where they will battle it out in the clinch.
Gracie Jr swings away with a body shot that misses
and Bonifacio counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.

Bonifacio has taken the fight to the clinch.
Bonifacio lands with a light punch inside.
Bonifacio lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.

Bonifacio's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.

Bonifacio clinches with his opponent.
Bonifacio lands with a light punch inside.
Gracie Jr is trying to maintain a safe position but Bonifacio gets an underhook and turns Gracie Jr into the cage.
Bonifacio scores with a nice hook to the head.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
A short right from Bonifacio.
A short uppercut from Bonifacio.
Bonifacio lands a hook to the side of the head.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Bonifacio lands a body shot in the clinch.
Bonifacio pushes Gracie Jr back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.

Gracie Jr decides to pull guard.
Nick Gracie Jr has got the better of the ground game so far.
Gracie Jr 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.

Gracie Jr throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.
Bonifacio engaging in some classic timewasting tactics.

Gracie Jr escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Bonifacio gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.
Bonifacio has to be careful here, sitting in the guard of a superior BJJ player.
Bonifacio wants to pass the guard but Gracie Jr is keeping the position.
Gracie Jr has a closed guard, preventing anything of note from happening. Perhaps he's looking to stall.
Bonifacio knows he needs to get back to his feet asap. He's simply no match for Gracie Jr on the ground.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Bonifacio engaging in some classic timewasting tactics.
Gracie Jr lands a beautiful sweep and he's now moved into his opponent's guard.

Gracie Jr trying to control but Bonifacio is working from the bottom.
Gracie Jr's corner is telling him to maintain position.
Gracie Jr works a leg free and moves into half guard.
Bonifacio is trying to get back to full guard.
Gracie Jr is looking to take a break and control but Bonifacio is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Gracie Jr not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Bonifacio is looking to improve his position.

Gracie Jr is trying a forearm choke… I don't think that's going to do much at this level of the game.
Bonifacio is looking for a sweep. Gracie Jr is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Bonifacio regains full guard. Nicely done.
Gracie Jr wants to control from the top but Bonifacio keeps moving.
Gracie Jr might have to switch it up a bit here because his efforts to control Bonifacio haven't been going to plan, at least at the current moment in time.
Gracie Jr wants to pass the guard but Bonifacio 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.

Gracie Jr is trying to work a guillotine from the top, or something like that? Don't know how he thinks he's going to get a finish from there.
Bonifacio pulls Gracie Jr in close to his closed guard and prevents Gracie Jr from doing any damage or advancing position.
Gracie Jr stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Bonifacio swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Bonifacio looking to control the pace of the fight rather than finish it.
Bonifacio has controlled the position for a good 20 seconds, which will no doubt be starting to frustrate his opponent.

The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up. He just wasn't happy with the level of activity.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Gracie Jr swings away with a body shot that misses
and Bonifacio cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Bonifacio moves out of range of the strikes.
Bonifacio was looking to counter that move with a punch but didn't quite pull the trigger.
Bonifacio throws a body punch but Gracie Jr moves out of range.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Andres Bonifacio clearly takes that round.
The cut man is working on Nick Gracie Jr's cut.
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.

Bonifacio clinches.
Gracie Jr is looking to control Bonifacio's arms but Bonifacio gets an underhook and turns him. Now Gracie Jr has his back to the cage.
Bonifacio stays in close to his opponent and throws a right hand to the body.
Bonifacio is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Gracie Jr can do to turn this around?
Gracie Jr wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.
Gracie Jr wants to push off and get back to the center of the mat but Bonifacio has him pressed against the cage.
Bonifacio lands with a short shot to the head.
Bonifacio working some nice short punches in the clinch.
A short left from Bonifacio.
Bonifacio lands a shot to the body.
Bonifacio lands a left hand that snaps the head of Gracie Jr backwards.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Gracie Jr is trying to break the clinch but Bonifacio is controlling him.
Gracie Jr wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.
Bonifacio cracks Gracie Jr with a nice body shot.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Bonifacio.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Nice body punch from Bonifacio.
Gracie Jr looking to slow down the pace here.
A real battle for position is taking place between these two warriors.
A hook to the body from Bonifacio.
A short uppercut from Bonifacio.
Bonifacio lands an uppercut.
Bonifacio throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Gracie Jrs head.
Bonifacio lands a left hand that snaps the head of Gracie Jr backwards.
Gracie Jr tries to pull guard but Bonifacio holds him up against the cage and eventually Gracie Jr drops back down to his feet.
Bonifacio lands a left hand.
Nice body punch from Bonifacio.
Gracie Jr is absolutely dripping with sweat - he looks exhausted.
Gracie Jr takes a shot to the head.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Bonifacio lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
Bonifacio lands an uppercut.
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!
Gracie Jr tries to stall but Bonifacio uses the opportunity to gain a better position.
Gracie Jr is trying to slow down the pace in the clinch, to catch his breath.
A battle for position here, against the cage.
Gracie Jr's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
Bonifacio cracks Gracie Jr with a nice body shot.
Bonifacio presses Gracie Jr against the cage and delivers a mid-strength body shot.
A right hook to the body lands for Bonifacio.
Gracie Jr trying to control the position but instead, Bonifacio has worked for underhooks and has pushed Gracie Jr into the cage.
Bonifacio is working Gracie Jr over against the cage.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Bonifacio lands a shot to the body.
Gracie Jr tries to pull guard but can't drag his opponent to the mat. Bonifacio just stands there and leans against the cage.
Bonifacio lands a body punch.
Bonifacio working some nice short punches in the clinch.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Bonifacio.
Bonifacio lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
Gracie Jr jumps guard but Bonifacio stands there with Gracie Jr around his waist. Gracie Jr gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch.
Andres Bonifacio has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Nick Gracie Jr.
A battle for position here, against the cage.
A short right from Bonifacio on the inside.
Bonifacio lands with a short head shot on the inside.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Bonifacio prevents Gracie Jr from breaking the clinch.
Bonifacio lands a left hand that snaps the head of Gracie Jr backwards.
Gracie Jr looking to slow down the pace here.
Bonifacio cracks Gracie Jr with a nice body shot.
Good body shot from Bonifacio.
Bonifacio lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Gracie Jr backwards.
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!
Bonifacio lands with a light punch inside.
Bonifacio presses Gracie Jr against the cage and delivers a mid-strength body shot.
A short uppercut from Bonifacio.
Bonifacio lands with a short head shot on the inside.
Gracie Jr jumps guard but his hands slip and he falls flat on his back. Well, he's made himself look a right mug there, as Bonifacio walks away with a smile on his face. Gracie Jr gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head.
Gracie Jr throws the left hand but Bonifacio avoids the punch easily.
Andres Bonifacio is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Bonifacio connects nicely with a jab. Noted by the judges no doubt.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Andres Bonifacio had his way with Nick Gracie Jr in that round.
The cut man is working on Nick Gracie Jr's cut.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin! This is the final round!

Bonifacio closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the cage.
Gracie Jr taking a breather.
Bonifacio lands a left hand that snaps the head of Gracie Jr backwards.
Bonifacio lands a nice uppercut.
Bonifacio lands a body punch.
Gracie Jr misses with a punch to the body.
Bonifacio works for underhooks and lands a body shot in the process.
Bonifacio lands a body punch in the clinch.
Bonifacio scores with an uppercut up the middle.
A right hook to the body lands for Bonifacio.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Gracie Jr jumps into guard, dragging Bonifacio to the mat.
Bonifacio is taking a break and basically stalling. The referee will not allow him to do that for long.
Bonifacio continues to stall.
Bonifacio works a leg free and moves into half guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Gracie Jr has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Bonifacio is working away from the top position though.
Gracie Jr tries to roll over but Bonifacio keeps him under control.
Bonifacio is taking a breather. Gracie Jr says something to him but it's hard to make out. Perhaps he's telling him to get on with it and actually do something.
Gracie Jr trying to control from the bottom.
The fighters are battling for position here. Gracie Jr manages to regain full guard. Nice work.
Bonifacio advances to half guard.
Gracie Jr won't allow Bonifacio to pass to mount.
Bonifacio keeping composed on the top, looking to control the action.
Gracie Jr trying to control from the bottom.
Gracie Jr tries to roll over but Bonifacio keeps him under control.
Gracie Jr is wobbling all over the place through exhaustion. Will he make it to the final bell?
Gracie Jr is looking to control Bonifacio's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Gracie Jr avoid being mounted?

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Well, if Bonifacio is going to just lie there, perhaps we should talk about what we're having for dinner tonight… I'm having a ham and pineapple pizza… Yum. Can't wait.
Bonifacio passes to full mount!
Gracie Jr tries to get back to half guard but can't.
Bonifacio sitting in mount, just looking to control for the moment.
Gracie Jr is working to get back to half guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Bonifacio takes a little breather and maintains the position. The referee will be looking for him to stay active from such a dominant position though.
Gracie Jr is working to get back to half guard.
Bonifacio controlling from the full mount.
More hug and hope from Bonifacio.
Gracie Jr is trying desperately to improve position.
Bonifacio controlling from mount.
Nick Gracie Jr has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Gracie Jr tries to lock up and control but Bonifacio gives him a forearm to the face and pushes him away.
Gracie Jr is wriggling around trying to escape.
Andres Bonifacio is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Bonifacio tucks in and makes sure he doesn't lose the dominant position.
Gracie Jr regains half guard.
Bonifacio controlling the pace.
Gracie Jr wants to improve his position but Bonifacio is controlling well.

Gracie Jr is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Bonifacio pulls his head out easily.

Gracie Jr looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Bonifacio trying to pass the guard but Gracie Jr defending well.
Gracie Jr is looking to improve his position.

And that's the end of the fight!
Andres Bonifacio showed his dominance in that final round.
I think Bonifacio 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 Dirk Anderson scores the fight 49:44
Judge David Hoff scores the fight 49:44
Judge Sandra Marshall scores the fight 49:44

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Andres Bonifacio!
Andres Bonifacio retains his bantamweight title!
Our winner, Andres Bonifacio, 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.