PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Jon Horn (ranked 2276 p4p, 274 weight class) and Matt Griffin (ranked 4249 p4p, 431 weight class). Fingers crossed for an exciting fight - I'm sure both fighters are looking for a nice under the table bonus!

Horn
vs
Griffin

201 cm
34
177 lbs
13 - 17 - 0

186 cm
30
194 lbs
10 - 15 - 0

Good wrestling
World class boxer
Cardio machine

BJJ Brown Belt
Decent boxing
Solid chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the middleweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 13 - 17 - 0, fighting out of Amsterdam, Jon Horn!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 10 - 15 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Matt Griffin!
The judges for this bout are Gregory Folan, Ian Loll and Dillan Fox.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Griffin has his front leg slapped to the side - a nice low kick landing there from Horn.
Horn throws a head kick that looked like it stung.
Griffin throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Horn misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Griffin goes for a spinning back kick but it misses.
Horn has been working on his boxing with his coaches at Kaptajnernes Træningscenter in the buildup to the fight.
Griffin showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Horn.

The fight moves into the clinch position.
Horn is trying to break the clinch but Griffin has him pressed against the cage.

Griffin gets double underhooks and manages to take the fight to the ground.
Griffin missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Griffin accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Horn will need to keep those long limbs tucked in whilst he's on the ground, to prevent any submissions.
Horn wants to get back to his feet but Griffin is in a dominant position and won't allow it.
Griffin tries to free his leg and advance position but Horn is retaining full guard.
Griffin is in close to Horn's body, working some short punches and elbows.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Horn is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.
Griffin passes Horn's left leg - he's now in half guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Horn looks like he's trying to stand up.

Griffin seems to be working for a kimura but Horn defends the submission attempt.
My spies in Rabid Dog inform me that Griffin has been getting involved in the gym's BJJ sparring sessions. Let's see whether that pays dividends!
Griffin looks towards his corner to check for any instructions. The corner give him nothing to work with, so he cracks Horn with a short hammerfist. I guess that's as good as any advice he could get in this position.
Horn keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.

Griffin seems to be working for a kimura but Horn defends the submission attempt.
Horn wants to get back to his feet.
Horn really does look like a pencil wearing a pair of gloves. Let's hope he has a gameplan to suit that ridiculous body shape.
Horn keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
The two fighters exchange a few words. I couldn't hear what they were saying but maybe it's more fun if you make it up yourself. Griffin connects with a nice short shot to Horn's temple.
Horn pushes Griffin off looking to stand but Griffin dives back in and keeps control.
Griffin throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
Horn is trying to stand.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Griffin not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
Horn is trying to defend against the ground and pound but Griffin scores with a couple of nice shots.
Horn wants to get back to his feet.
Horn keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Horn is trying to stand up here but Griffin is controlling him well.
Griffin trying to mount his opponent but Horn defends it.
Horn wants to get back to his feet.

Griffin is trying to work for a kimura but Horn is defending well.
Griffin moves into full mount! Horn won't be happy about that!
Griffin in mount throwing good strikes here, bouncing his opponent's head off the canvas.

It looks like Jon Horn has been cut.
Horn is trying to escape but when you're mounted that's not too easy.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Griffin has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Griffin pushing the pace here, looking to move to his opponents back and work for a finish.
Horn wants to get back to his feet.
Griffin looking to finish Horn with some ground and pound. This is bad for Horn!

Horn is rocked!
Horn is wriggling around here but as he tries to escape, Griffin has taken his back.
Oh Horn is still in real trouble! Will he be able to recover?!!

Horn showing good submission defense here.
Horn is trying to get back to his feet but Griffin has full control of the position and if anything, Horn has just worked his way into a worse spot.

Griffin sinks in the hooks and is looking for the choke. He's got it! Horn taps out!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:49 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (RNC). Matt Griffin!
Matt Griffin seemed lost for words in his post fight interview but he remembered to thank his fans and directed everyone to his website.