PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Armad Bates (ranked 1725 p4p, 215 weight class) and Alan Spence (ranked 2085 p4p, 257 weight class). Rumors backstage are that the fighters have been paid to keep it standing but we know that would never happen in MMA!

Bates
vs
Spence

190 cm
19
198 lbs
3 - 0 - 0

185 cm
21
197 lbs
4 - 1 - 0

Good wrestling
Solid boxing
Cardio machine

Good wrestler
Excellent boxer
Good gas tank

Urban Fighter

Arcticus University: London
Brooklyn Apothecary

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 3 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Armad Bates!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 4 - 1 - 0, fighting out of London, Alan Spence !
The judges for this bout are James Glass, Daniel Bishop and Colin Fotheringham.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
A bone on bone clash there as Spence blocks the leg kick.
Bates shoots in for a takedown but Spence shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Bates fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Spence looked like he wanted to counter with a punch but didn't throw it.
Spence dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Spence moves out of range as Bates strikes.
Spence misses with a jab, cross combination.
Spence ducks under a wild hook from Bates.
Spence is clearly trying to counter these attacks from Bates with a body shot.
Bates changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.
Bates is looking to score with low kicks.
The fighters circling - Spence throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Bates will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Armad Bates. That's going to take a lot out of him.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Horrible takedown attempt by Bates or perhaps it was just good defense by Spence , which made it look bad.
Bates fakes with the hands and throws a leg kick but Spence is out of range.
Armad Bates seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Bates misses with a wild body shot.
Bates looks to land a left hand but Spence moved out of range nicely.
Spence lands a head shot.
Bates tries to score a power double leg takedown but Spence sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Bates somewhat.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Bates misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
Bates throws the left hand but Spence avoids the punch easily.
Spence swinging wildly here.
Bates has been working on his boxing with his coaches at Runts Academy in the buildup to the fight.
Alan Spence is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Bates slips under a jab.
Spence fakes and then throws a beautiful body shot. Bates looks a bit winded and takes a step backwards to take a breath.
Bates keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Spence throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd.
Spence misses with a looping right.
Bates drops down looking for a counter takedown but Spence sprawls and moves away.
Spence cracks a nice hook into Bates's ribs.
Bates shoots for a double leg takedown but Spence sprawls well. He's pushed Bates's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Spence with a body punch. A glancing blow.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Bates.
Spence lands with a good body shot.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Spence moves into range and throws a combination. A nice jab followed by a hook to the body.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.

Bates shoots in for a takedown! He's got it and he's managed to land in side control! That's better than Bates was expecting from the takedown attempt, I'm sure!
Spence is looking to reverse the position.

Bates working hard here to secure a kimura but he's not really in the right position for it.

Bates swings around for an armbar but Spence sees it coming a mile off and turns beautifully into Bates's guard.
Bates 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.

Bates working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Spence doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Spence manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.
Spence controlling from the top position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Bates seems keen to control rather than go for a submission, at least for now.
Bates being controlled here, momentarily.
Bates is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Spence 's corner is telling him to maintain 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.
Bates is trying to control the position from the bottom.
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Spence stays in close to Bates's body and controls the position.
Bates is trying to control the position but Spence postures up.
Bates is going to have to think about doing something other than just controlling because Spence is managing to avoid having the position dictated to him.
Spence is intent on slowing down the pace of the fight, simply looking to control.

The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.
Spence scores with a jab to the body.
Bates steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Spence .
Spence pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Bates rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
and Spence counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Bates connects with a crisp jab.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Alan Spence dominated that round.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action.

Spence with a body punch. A glancing blow.
Spence throws a big shot that misses.
Spence ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Bates moves away.
Spence misses the jab.
Bates looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Spence has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Bates tests Spence 's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Alan Spence seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Bates takes a punch to the jaw and another one to the bread basket.
Bates fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Spence manages to avoid it.
Bates shoots in but Spence avoids the takedown attempt easily.
A shot to the liver by Spence . Beautiful body shot.
Bates shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Spence sprawls well. Spence wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Bates gets slowly back to his feet.
Bates jabs at Spence 's body.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Bates tries for a takedown but Spence sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Armad Bates. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Bates misses with a hook
and Bates takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Spence keeps the fight on the outside.
Bates gets cracked with a nice right hand there by Spence .
Bates defending well as Spence loads up on a big left hand.
Bates slips under a jab.
Spence with a body punch. A glancing blow.
Spence throws a body punch but Bates moves out of range.
A punch combination from Spence misses.
Spence moves away from the strike by Bates.
Bates fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Spence fakes a head punch and goes low to the body. Nicely done.
Bates tries to drive through with a takedown attempt but Spence defends well and Bates ends up having to push Spence into the cage where they will battle it out in the clinch.
Spence misses with a double jab.
Bates uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Spence .
Bates looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
Spence let fly with a counter punch to the body but it didn't land.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Nice defenses there by Bates.
Spence misses with a hook.
Spence ducks under a wild hook from Bates.
Spence misses the shot to the body.
A big right from Spence misses.
Spence lunges at Bates with a hook that half lands and is half blocked by Bates's hand.
Bates tries to drive through with a takedown attempt but Spence defends well and Bates ends up having to push Spence into the cage where they will battle it out in the clinch.
Bates jabs. That one connects to the head of his opponent.
Bates uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Spence .
Spence avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Bates shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Spence defends it nicely.
Spence with a body punch. A glancing blow.
Bates tries for a takedown but Spence sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Bates tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Bates displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Spence throws out the jab.
Spence lands a nice shot to the body.
Spence misses with a two punch combination.
Bates misses with an uppercut. Spence saw that one coming.
Spence looks to land a right hand but Bates moved out of range.
Bates tries to counter with a takedown but Spence is quick to defend against it.
Spence waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Bates.
Sloppy strikes from Bates. Those never looked like landing.
Bates defending well as Spence loads up on a big left hand.
Bates fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Spence manages to avoid it.
Spence steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Bates.
Bates gets cracked with a nice right hand there by Spence .
Spence swings for the body but Bates moves out of range.
Spence looks to land a combination but Bates avoids it well.
Spence swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Bates changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Spence tries to avoid it but Bates manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Spence to the ground. Spence escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Bates moves forwards but Spence connects with a nice, crisp jab.
Bates misses with a takedown attempt - Spence sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Spence slips under a jab.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Spence throws a right and a left that Bates avoids nicely.
Nice sprawl there from Spence as Bates shoots in.
Bates will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Bates looks for a takedown but Spence sprawls well.
Bates wants to clinch.
Spence looks to score with a jab to the body but Bates is just out of range.
Spence digs a good hook to Bates's body.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Bates is defended easily by Spence .
Bates looks for a takedown but Spence sprawls well.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Alan Spence showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action! This is the final round!

Spence defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Bates.
Spence doesn't fully commit to the body shot counter.
Bates shoots in and drives through. Spence sprawls well.
Spence ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Bates moves away.
Bates on the wrong end of a vicious looking body shot.
Spence lands a body shot.
Spence fakes a jab and then connects with a hook.
Bates throws a poor cross that misses
and Spence makes him pay by landing a nice hook to the body before moving out of range.

Bates looking for a takedown here - he's got it.
Spence has control of Bates's left arm, preventing Bates from doing any damage.
Spence keeping moving, preventing Bates from controlling successfully.
Spence looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Spence keeping moving, preventing Bates from controlling successfully.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Bates looking to pass the guard.
Spence looking to hit a scissor sweep but Bates is one step ahead there.
Alan Spence has got the better of the ground game so far.

Bates thinks about going for a leg but decides against it, in order to maintain the position.
Spence looking to sweep here. No luck so far.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Bates shoots in but doesn't get the takedown
letting Spence counter with a right hand.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Armad Bates. That's going to take a lot out of him.

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.
Bates shoots and misses
and Spence cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Spence lands with a shot to the body.
Spence dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Spence scores with a shot to the body.
Spence jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Bates slips under a jab.
Bates is trying hard to land a takedown here. Spence sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
Spence looks to land a right hand but Bates moved out of range.
Spence scores with a one two! Bates had his feet all tangled up there and couldn't avoid the strikes.
Spence looks to land a right hand but Bates moved out of range.
Spence punishes Bates's body with a nice straight punch.
No joy there for Spence , who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Spence clobbers Bates with an overhand right that has the crowd gasping. That made a horrendous noise.
A slow jab from Spence misses its intended target.
Bates takes a solid shot to the body. That one hurt him but he's trying not to show it.
Spence works his jab well there, keeping his opponent at a distance.
Alan Spence is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Spence throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Bates shoots and misses
and Spence cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Bates fails with the takedown.
Bates shoots in and drives through. Spence sprawls well.
Bates with a lazy takedown attempt
and Spence counters with a nice body shot.
Spence takes a swing at Bates's ribcage but misses.
Spence scores with a reasonable looking shot to the body. Bates doesn't seem bothered though.
Spence jabs. That one connects to the head of his opponent.
Spence missing with a left hand there. Bates was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Spence misses with the combination.
Spence throws a big shot that misses.
Spence uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Bates.
Spence scores with a jab to the body.
Bates changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Spence tries to avoid it but Bates manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Spence to the ground. Spence escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Spence throws a hook to the side of Bates's head but Bates sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Spence lands with a hook. Bates tried to avoid it but it clipped the top of his head.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Bates lands a leg kick that knocks Spence off balance momentarily.
Bates takes a jab right on the nose. That must have hurt but he shrugs his shoulders and looks to return the favor.
Bates doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
Bates goes for a double leg but Spence avoids the attempt and the two fighters end up clinched against the cage as Spence continues to drive forward.
Spence scores with a nice right hand.
Spence misses with a hook. Bates ducked under it nicely.
Bates changes levels looking for a counter takedown but doesn't commit.
Spence throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Spence thuds a left hand into Bates's body.
Spence digs a good body shot into Bates's ribs.
Bates looks for a takedown but Spence sprawls well.
Spence unleashes a big counter combination but Bates bobs and weaves and avoids any damage.
Bates ducks under a wild hook from Spence .

Bates looking to shoot here. He's gone for it and he's landed a takedown into side control! Oh, that's bad for Spence !
Armad Bates has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
You can see the frustration on Spence 's face, being in this tough position on the bottom.

And that's the end of the fight!
Alan Spence comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I've got Spence winning every round here. Surely the decision will go his way and he'll pick up a well deserved decision victory. 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 James Glass scores the fight 27:30
Judge Daniel Bishop scores the fight 27:30
Judge Colin Fotheringham scores the fight 27:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Alan Spence !
Alan Spence bigged himself up after the win. The crowd seemed to love it.