Verification PBP Commentary

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between Jone King (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Martin Palermo (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Both fighter's entrance songs getting the crowd jumping here.

King
vs
Palermo

170 cm
19
141 lbs
0 - 2 - 0

173 cm
23
134 lbs
0 - 1 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Basic striking
Cuts easily

BJJ White Belt
Excellent boxer
Solid chin

xXx - Voodoo Labs - 159++ Energy - $50
Fight Club Clothing est. 09™

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the bantamweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 0 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Jone King!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Martin Palermo!
The judges for this bout are Gwen Towbar, Chris Downing and Stewart Dunkirk.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

King tries to keep at a distance but Palermo has taken the fight into the clinch.
Palermo is trying to work out of this bad position, with his back against the cage.

Palermo breaks the clinch.

Palermo gets a clinch.
King has dropped down and is looking to force the takedown but it's defended by Palermo after a bit of a struggle.
A short uppercut from Palermo.

Palermo pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Jab, cross, leg kick. Nice combination by Palermo!

It looks like Jone King has been cut.
King fails with the takedown.
King tries a head kick but it misses.
King loads up on a big right hand but Palermo slips the punch.
No luck with that takedown attempt from King.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Jone King. That's going to take a lot out of him.

King scores with a takedown into Palermo's guard.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
King passes Palermo's left leg - he's now in half guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Palermo wants to improve his position but King is controlling well.
Palermo blocking the ground and pound attempt from King.
King looks towards his corner to check for any instructions. The corner give him nothing to work with, so he cracks Palermo with a short hammerfist. I guess that's as good as any advice he could get in this position.
We get told so often about how wrestlers don't like to be on their backs. Let's see if Palermo can do anything to dispel that myth.
King throwing shots but Palermo is blocking nicely.
Palermo blocking the ground and pound attempt from King.
Palermo is trying to maintain the position but King is very close to passing his half guard.
King throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
King is nestled in close to Palermo, controlling him well. He's worked in a nice elbow to the side of the head as well, for good measure.
Palermo blocking the ground and pound attempt from King.
King throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.

King is trying a forearm choke… I don't think that's going to do much at this level of the game.
King has been looking to land a fair amount of strikes on the ground. He might be looking to soften his opponent up in order to work for a submission.
King tries to pass the half guard into mount. Palermo knows what he's doing though and prevents the attempt.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
King not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
King slips a nice elbow through Palermo's hands, connecting with Palermo's forehead.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
King passes the guard and advances to mount!
King lands with some strikes.

King looking for an armbar but decides to keep the dominant position instead.
King lands a big shot there that rocks Palermo but he's holding on and managing to survive for now.
King landing strikes from the mount.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Palermo tries to get back to half guard but can't.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
King working away from the top, dropping strikes.

King working to secure an arm triangle but it's not happening for him just yet.
Palermo really trying hard to get back to half guard here.

King swings around for an armbar and he's got it! Wow, that came out of nowhere! What a finish!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:42 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Armbar). Jone King!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
50%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Phil Michaels (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Matthew Smith (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Michaels comes to the cage accompanied by Take A Look Around - Limp Bizkit. Smith has chosen Big and Red by EC as his entrance music. Well, the cameraman is lingering on a pretty young lady for a bit too long there. Keep your eyes on the fighters buddy or you'll miss the fighter intros!

Michaels
vs
Smith

195 cm
25
193 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

186 cm
18
187 lbs
2 - 0 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Solid boxing
Big heart

BJJ Purple Belt
Counter striker
Very confident

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, for the light heavyweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Phil Michaels!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 2 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Matthew Smith!
The judges for this bout are Tiny Johnson, Cecil Peabody and Frank Dennis.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Michaels lets the fists fly and connects with a left straight followed by a right hook.
Michaels throws a series of punches but Smith avoids them all with ease.
Michaels closes the distance looking to clinch

and Smith counters with a nice single leg takedown and he's in Michaels's guard now.
Smith must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.

Smith drops back for a leg but he's not going to get it - he lets go and Michaels dives on top into guard.

Smith had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Michaels defends it easily.

Smith is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Michaels won't allow Smith to sweep him here.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Michaels wants to control from the top but Smith keeps moving.

Smith throws his legs up looking to secure a triangle. Oh, that looks pretty tight, I gotta say! Michaels escapes and throws Smith's legs to the side, diving into side control!

Michaels is looking for a kimura. He might have it! No, Smith has escaped the position, nice work there.

Michaels tries for a kimura. Not really close to a finish though.
Smith is trying to improve his position.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Michaels tries for a kimura. Not really close to a finish though.
Michaels wants to lay and pray for a moment but Smith keeps working.
Michaels tries to advance to mount but Smith denies him.
Michaels content to control the pace. The referee will try and keep them active though.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Smith is positioning himself to get back to half guard.
Michaels taking a breather here.
Michaels taking a break here but Smith is having none of it and regains half guard.

Smith has one foot on Michaels's thigh - he pushes off and manages to get back to his feet.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Smith gets caught napping as Michaels dives in and scores a takedown. Smith manages to retain guard.
Michaels trying to control the position from guard on top but Smith is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Michaels is going to have to think about doing something other than just controlling because Smith is managing to avoid having the position dictated to him.
Michaels trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.

Smith working for a triangle but Michaels defends it easily.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.

Michaels drops back, looking for a kneebar! Smith looks panicked! The fighters roll across the mat, one looking to finish, one looking to escape. Smith looks to have wriggled free... Yes, he's got his leg free and he's dived into side control! Good work there from Smith!
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close round but I would say that Phil Michaels will probably get the nod.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!

Smith avoids a punch combination nicely.
Smith shoots in for a takedown but Michaels shows good takedown defense.
Michaels rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Smith moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Michaels gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily

so Smith counters with a double leg into guard. Good agility.
Smithis looking to pass into half guard but Michaels pushes him away with his feet and jumps on top - now Michaels is in guard.
Michaels slips effortlessly into side control - very nice.

Michaels goes for an armbar here - this could be all over! But no, Smith has escaped beautifully and is now on top in side control! Oh, that's unlucky for Michaels but great work by Smith.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Smith goes for an armbar! This could be all over! Wait, no, Michaels rolls with the submission and now he's on top in Smith's guard! Nice work there by Michaels!
Michaels trying to control but Smith is working from the bottom.
Matthew Smith has got the better of the ground game so far.
Michaels's corner is telling him to maintain position.
Michaels wants to pass the guard but Smith is keeping the position.

Smith has his foot on Michaels's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Michaels works his way back into a safe position though.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Smith looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
The referee is asking the fighters to pick up the pace.
Michaels tries to free his leg and advance position but Smith is retaining full guard.
Michaels controlling from the guard. I say controlling but really, he's stalling.

Smith escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Michaels gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.
Smith is breathing heavily.

Smith looking for a guillotine here but Michaels defends easily.
Smith looking to control.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Michaels throwing strikes but missing.
Smith is trying to control the position from the bottom.
Michaels wants to control from the top but Smith keeps moving.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Phil Michaels has forced the referee to step in and bring the fight back to the feet.
Smith keeps the fight on the outside.

Michaels closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the cage.
Michaels wants a takedown but no success here.
Smith is trying to drag Michaels to the mat but Michaels just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.

Smith works for the underhooks and manages to get a trip takedown into guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close second round but Matthew Smith will probably get the nod - 10:9.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action. This is the final round!

Michaels misses with a few strikes there.
Michaels scores with a jab to the head.
Michaels misses with a two punch combination.
Michaels swings for the body but Smith moves out of range.
Michaels tries to clinch but Smith moves away

and Smith counters with a nice double leg into guard.

Smith has gone for a leg lock! Michaels slips out almost immediately though and dives into Smith's guard.

Smith looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.
Michaels trying to control but Smith is working from the bottom.
Smith is trying to control the position but Michaels postures up.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Michaels looking to sit in guard and control but Smith gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top.
Michaels wants to get back to his feet but Smith is in a dominant position and won't allow it.
Smith throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Michaels works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Smith preventing the sweep.

Smith drops back for a leg but he's not going to get it - he lets go and Michaels dives on top into guard.
Smith wants to sweep but no luck.
Smith takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Smith keeping full guard, as Michaels tries to pass.
Michaels looking to control the position here, rather than advance.

Smith is active off his back here, looking for submissions.
Michaels looking to pass the guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Smith is trying to control the position but Michaels postures up.
Michaels wanted to stand there but Smith had control of the position.

Smith had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Michaels defends it easily.
Michaels trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Michaels wants to control from the top but Smith keeps moving.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The referee is pacing around the two fighters - he looks like he's thinking about a standup.
Michaels stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Smith swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Michaels trying to control but Smith is working from the bottom.

We're going to have a standup here because Phil Michaels wasn't active enough for the referee's liking.
Michaels feints a jab promting Smith to slip. Michaels then demonstrates his capabilities by jabbing again. Smith slips again and ducks right into an uppercut.
Phil Michaels seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.

Smith is looking for a takedown here. He's shot in and has managed to get it, finishing up in Michaels's half guard.

And that's the end of the fight!
That was a close round. You could make an argument for either fighter but I would give it to Phil Michaels.
I think Michaels 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 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Tiny Johnson scores the fight for Phil Michaels!
Judge Cecil Peabody scores the fight for Matthew Smith!
Judge Frank Dennis scores the fight for Phil Michaels!

Phil Michaels wins by split decision!
Phil Michaels is the new light heavyweight champion!
A very excited looking Phil Michaels made sure he remembered to thank all the fans both in the arena and on the internet. He said all the coolest people spend all day on MMA websites, which got a big reaction.

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
49%

Co-main event

Main event

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Ryan McKenzie (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Horst Schiller (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Schiller has chosen Mad World as his entrance music. Horst Schiller has the better chin. Will he look to stand and bang today?

McKenzie
vs
Schiller

185 cm
25
190 lbs
1 - 0 - 0

172 cm
31
175 lbs
10 - 4 - 1

BJJ White Belt
Excellent MT
Intelligent

BJJ Purple Belt
Good kicks
Powerful

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, for the middleweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Ryan McKenzie!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 10 - 4 - 1, fighting out of Las Vegas, Horst Schiller!
The judges for this bout are Daniel Franklin, Chris Downing and Robert Twigg.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
McKenzie shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.

McKenzie shoots in for a takedown! He's got it and he's managed to land in full mount! That's better than McKenzie was expecting from the takedown attempt, I'm sure!

McKenzie swings around for an armbar but it's a sloppy attempt and Schiller is now in McKenzie's guard. A big mistake from McKenzie there, giving up the dominant position!
McKenzie looking to control but Schiller passes into half guard.
McKenzie is trying to get back to full guard.
Schiller is nestled in close to McKenzie, controlling him well. He's worked in a nice elbow to the side of the head as well, for good measure.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Schiller seems content to maintain position for now, rather than mounting any offense.

Schiller is working for a kimura but McKenzie is defending it quite comfortably.
Schiller is taking a breather. McKenzie 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.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
McKenzie tries to regain full guard. Instead though, Schiller has advanced to mount. Uh oh.
Schiller sitting in mount, just looking to control for the moment.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
McKenzie on his back here. We all know that wrestlers don't like being on their back so let's see if McKenzie tries to get out of the position.
McKenzie wants to use the cage to get back to his feet here.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
McKenzie is looking to improve his position but Schiller isn't that keen on the idea.
McKenzie tries to hold on but Schiller pushes him away.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
McKenzie is trying desperately to improve position.
Schiller controlling the position easily from mount.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Horst Schiller dominated that round.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.

McKenzie is looking to clinch.
Schiller misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
Schiller shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with McKenzie but McKenzie pushes him off and we're back to square one.
Schiller stooping low to avoid any incoming strikes and then lunges in with an uppercut come cross that lands flush.

Schiller throws a loose over hand right and dives in with a double leg takedown. McKenzie tries to sprawl but it's too late and the fighters hit the mat. Schiller is in McKenzie's guard.
Schiller's corner is telling him to maintain position.
McKenzie working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Schiller.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Schiller working in close now, lands a nice elbow to the side of McKenzie's head.
Schiller controls the pace of the fight for a moment.
Schiller is looking to work some ground and pound but McKenzie has wrist control.
Schiller sneaks a leg through and gets to half guard. That was like a knife through butter how easily he passed McKenzie's guard.
Schiller controlling the action here.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
McKenzie tries to get to full guard but Schiller has control of the leg.
Schiller controlling the action here.

Horst Schiller has forced the referee to step in and restart the fight on the feet.

McKenzie gets taken down but at least he's managed to land in guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Schiller passes McKenzie's right leg, so he's now in half guard.
Schiller passes the guard and advances to mount!
Schiller scoring with some good ground and pound from mount here. Will he manage to finish McKenzie?
Schiller scoring with some good ground and pound from mount here. Will he manage to finish McKenzie?
Schiller controlling the pace for now.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
McKenzie is trying to escape the mount.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Schiller takes a little breather and maintains the position. The referee will be looking for him to stay active from such a dominant position though.
McKenzie is looking to get to half guard.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Schiller controlling his opponent.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Horst Schiller showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business. And we move into the final round!

McKenzie moves in looking to clinch but Schiller pushes him off.
Ryan McKenzie is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.

Schiller shoots in for a takedown! He's got it and he's managed to land in full mount! That's better than Schiller was expecting from the takedown attempt, I'm sure!
Schiller controlling from the full mount.
McKenzie is in a horrible position here. Schiller smacks him with another shot as he tries to escape the position.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Schiller sitting in mount, just looking to control for the moment.
Horst Schiller has got the better of the ground game so far.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
McKenzie throwing hammer fists to the chest of Schiller. What's that going to do exactly?
McKenzie tries to hold on but Schiller postures up.
McKenzie is working to get back to half guard.
Schiller tucks in and makes sure he doesn't lose the dominant position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
McKenzie tries to hold on but Schiller pushes him away.
Schiller content just to control the position here.

Neither fighter is doing enough for the referee's liking and he's decided to stand them back up.
McKenzie tries to close the distance and clinch but Schiller swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
McKenzie dodges the punch combination from Schiller.
McKenzie fails in his attempt to clinch.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Schiller closes this distance looking for a takedown but McKenzie circles away.
McKenzie tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Schiller paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Schiller avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Ryan McKenzie has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Schiller throws a jab but it's blocked by McKenzie.
Schiller swats away the attempt to clinch by McKenzie.
Schiller sizes up McKenzie with a pawing jab and scores with a straight right down the middle.
Schiller avoids the head kick by McKenzie.
McKenzie moves to clinch but Schiller breaks away
and Schiller makes the exchange count by landing a cracking kick to the body. McKenzie really felt that one!
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
McKenzie tries to score with a low kick but Schiller moves his leg out of the way.

Schiller is looking for a takedown here. He's shot in and has managed to get it, finishing up in McKenzie's half guard.

And that's the end of the fight!
Horst Schiller comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
Well Schiller 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 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.

Judge Daniel Franklin scores the fight for Horst Schiller!
Judge Chris Downing scores the fight for Horst Schiller!
Judge Robert Twigg scores the fight for Horst Schiller!

Horst Schiller wins by unanimous decision!
Horst Schiller is the new middleweight champion!
A victorious Horst Schiller thanked his army of followers in his post fight interview, telling people to make sure they follow him on Twitter.