PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Ife Edwards (ranked 1520 p4p, 1404 weight class) and Luc Gagnon (ranked 220 p4p, 198 weight class). Edwards comes to the cage accompanied by Damian Marley - Road to Zion. Gagnon has chosen Body Head Anthem - Roy Jones Jr Feat. Magic & Choppa) as his entrance music. Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Edwards
vs
Gagnon

189 cm
27
193
15 - 9 - 0

185 cm
35
186
30 - 19 - 0

Good wrestling
World class boxer
Insanely flexible

Good wrestler
World class MT
Granite 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 15 - 9 - 0, fighting out of New York, Ife Edwards!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 30 - 19 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Luc Gagnon!
The judges for this bout are Hirohito Nitta, Ren Mimura and Shigeki Sano.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Edwards throws a body punch but Gagnon moves out of range.

Gagnon shoots in and gets a takedown into Edwards's guard.
Edwards seems keen to control rather than go for a submission, at least for now.
Gagnon keeps in close for a moment and lands a decent shot to the side of Edwards's head.
Gagnon has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
Gagnon missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Edwards keeping moving, preventing Gagnon from controlling successfully.
Gagnon throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Edwards works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Edwards wants to sweep but no luck.

Edwards has his feet on Gagnon's hips. He pushes off and gets to his feet. Nice work.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Gagnon closes the distance and gets a trip takedown into side control. Edwards quickly recovers to half guard.

Edwards manages to create a bit of space in order to work his way back to his feet. Gagnon keeps hold of his opponent and drives him back against the cage.
Gagnon told us before the fight that he's been working on his elbows. An under utilised technique these days - let's see if it can sway the outcome of the fight.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.

Edwards breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Edwards jabbing away but nothing is landing.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Gagnon shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Edwards but Edwards pushes him off and we're back to square one.
Edwards has been working on his boxing with his coaches at Crassus in the buildup to the fight.
A bone on bone clash there as Gagnon blocks the leg kick.

The fight moves into the clinch position.
Edwards swings wildly with an uppercut but Gagnon uses good head movement to avoid it.
Edwards misses with a punch to the body.
Edwards tries a body shot but Gagnon blocks it.
A frustrated look appears on Gagnon's face as he tries to break the clinch.

Gagnon escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Edwards misses with a wild body shot.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Gagnon! But no joy.
Gagnon tries to clinch there but Edwards circles away.
Gagnon takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.
Edwards throws a body kick but he wasn't in range.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Gagnon throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Edwards's waist but Edwards gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Gagnon off to one side.

Edwards gets tackled into the cage by Gagnon. Gagnon maintains the clinch.
Edwards is clearly stalling here... Pick up the pace son.
Edwards misses with a punch on the inside.
Edwards slows down the pace here.
Edwards managing to block the knees to the body from Gagnon.
Edwards fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Gagnon looks like he'd prefer to be striking at range right now.
Edwards lands with a short punch from the clinch.
Edwards throws a punch but it's blocked by Gagnon.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Edwards misses with some punches.
Gagnon blocking some punches.

Edwards's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Gagnon takes a big uppercut there. He seems a bit wobbly but no, he's OK.
Edwards with a nice looking leg kick. You could hear that one land in a back row.
Edwards jabs at Gagnon's body.
Edwards fakes a couple of low kicks, before throwing one on the third attempt. It connects and Gagnon has to reset his feet before getting ready to engage.
Edwards throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
That's a knee to de groin and it's over and out! Gagnon crumples to the ground after an illegal strike from Edwards - the referee stops the clock and Gagnon gets 5 minutes to recover from that one. "I'm sorry" says Edwards. Gagnon manages to get back to his feet and the fight resumes.
Edwards throws a lazy uppercut
and Gagnon counters with a straight right hand.
Gagnon misses with a takedown attempt - Edwards sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Ife Edwards has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Luc Gagnon.
Edwards with the inside leg kick.
Gagnon looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Gagnon slips under a jab.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
A big right from Edwards misses.
A nice leg kick lands there from Edwards.
Gagnon tries to clinch up.
Gagnon misses with a takedown attempt
and Edwards counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Edwards throws a front kick aimed at Gagnon's knee but Gagnon avoids it well.
Gagnon misses with a looping left.
Edwards throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd.
Edwards lands a slapping body shot.
Edwards lands a head shot.
Edwards throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Edwards throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Edwards misses with an uppercut. Gagnon saw that one coming.
Edwards fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Gagnon manages to avoid it.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Ife Edwards dominated that round.
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.

Edwards misses with a low kick.
Gagnon throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Edwards's waist but Edwards gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Gagnon off to one side.
Gagnon avoids the body shot from Edwards.
Edwards lands with a good body shot.
Gagnon shoots in for a takedown but Edwards shows good takedown defense.
Ife Edwards is winning the standup battle so far.
Nice uppercut lands for Edwards. That snapped Gagnon's head back.
Good work by Gagnon as he checks the leg kick.

Gagnon fakes an overhand right and shoots for a takedown. Edwards sprawls well initially but Gagnon persists and gets the takedown into half guard.

Edwards manages to create a bit of space in order to work his way back to his feet. Gagnon keeps hold of his opponent and drives him back against the cage.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
A nice right hand lands inside from Edwards.
Edwards misses with a shot to the kidneys.
A frustrated look appears on Edwards's face as he tries to break the clinch.
Edwards can't find room to land a body shot as Gagnon controls the action.
Nice body punch from Edwards.
Edwards leaning against his opponent.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Edwards doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Gagnon can't break the clinch.
Edwards doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Gagnon is trying to work out of this bad position, with his back against the cage.
Edwards tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Edwards tries to work over Gagnon's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.

Edwards breaks from the clinch.
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Edwards connects with a slap. Keep your fist closed son.
Gagnon ducks under a wild hook from Edwards.
A clash of legs there as Gagnon blocks the low kick.
Edwards misses with a hook.
Edwards thuds his shin into the meat of Gagnon's side.
Edwards moves out of range of the strikes.
Edwards swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.
Gagnon fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Edwards avoids it really well and circles away.
Ife Edwards has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Luc Gagnon.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Nice body punch from Edwards.
Gagnon shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Edwards sprawls well. Edwards wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Gagnon gets slowly back to his feet.
Edwards ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Gagnon moves away.
Edwards smiles there as he lands a nice right hand right on the button.
Edwards defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Gagnon.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Gagnon is defended easily by Edwards.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Nice jab there from Edwards.
Gagnon slips a straight right by Edwards.
Gagnon shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Nice body punch from Edwards.
Edwards throws a front kick that sends Gagnon stumbling back into the cage.
Edwards throws a hook to the side of Gagnon's head but Gagnon sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
It seemed like Gagnon was going to counter with the hook but didn't fully commit to it.
Gagnon doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
Gagnon shoots in but doesn't get the takedown
and Edwards finishes the little exchange by landing a big kick to the body.
Gagnon fails with the takedown
and Edwards finishes the little exchange by landing a big kick to the body.
Gagnon is breathing heavily.
Edwards connects with a lovely jab that went straight through the gap between Gagnon's hands.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Gagnon shoots in for a takedown but Edwards shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.

Edwards gets caught napping as Gagnon dives in and scores a takedown. Edwards manages to retain guard.

Edwards is scooting his butt against the cage and has managed to get back to his feet. Gagnon presses him back against the cage, presumably looking to take the fight back to the mat.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Edwards lands a hook to the body. It's hard to tell if that hurt Gagnon or not.
Edwards pushes Gagnon back against the cage and unloads with a body punch.
Gagnon blocks a body shot from Edwards.
Gagnon blocks a body shot from Edwards.
Edwards tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Gagnon's elbow.

Edwards breaks from the clinch.
Edwards throws a lazy head kick
and Gagnon counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Edwards lands a right hook to the body.
Gagnon shoots in for a takedown but Edwards shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Gagnon chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Edwards can pounce on him.
Gagnon has a takedown stuffed.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Ife Edwards dominated that second round.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action! The crowd applaud as we get ready to start the final round!

Edwards lands a slapping body shot.
Edwards lands a slapping body shot.
Edwards stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Edwards wants it to stay on the feet.

Gagnon shoots in and gets a takedown into half guard. Gagnon showed some decent athleticism there.

Edwards has managed to escape just enough to sneak back to his feet but Gagnon is on him like a limpet, forcing Edwards back against the cage.

Edwards escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Gagnon shoots in but Edwards avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Gagnon takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Gagnon takes one on the button.
Gagnon takes a jab on the nose there. A little bit of blood seems to be coming out. Hopefully that won't affect his breathing.

It looks like Luc Gagnon has been cut.
Edwards throws a body kick but he wasn't in range.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Gagnon dodges the punch combination from Edwards.
That kick from Edwards tenderised Gagnon's leg. Gagnon is trying to keep his angry face on.
Gagnon lands a jab.
Edwards scores with a straight right hand, right through his opponent's guard.
Edwards takes a swing at Gagnon's ribcage but misses.
Ife Edwards seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Edwards changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.
Edwards ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Gagnon moves away.
Edwards scores with a crisp jab that stopped Gagnon in his tracks.
Edwards lands with a nice body punch.

Gagnon gets a double leg takedown into Edwards's guard.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Gagnon lands a couple of elbows.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Edwards is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Gagnon throws a big right hand that misses.
Edwards is trying to control the position but Gagnon postures up.
Edwards is doing well to control the posture of his opponent and prevent any damage.
Edwards wants to get back to his feet but Gagnon is in a dominant position and won't allow it.
Gagnon passes into half guard.
Edwards is trying to stand back up but Gagnon is controlling him

Edwards kicks Gagnon off and gets back to his feet.
Gagnon tries to clinch but Edwards moves away
and Edwards counters with a nice body kick.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Nice body punch from Edwards.
Edwards misses with a wild body shot.
A little jabbing left from Gagnon on the counter but it doesn't find it's target.
Edwards scores with a body shot.
Edwards throws a feint and then finishes with a kick to the body.
Gagnon has developed a nice purple lump on his ribcage, as a result of some heavy body kicks from Edwards.
Gagnon doesn't manage to clinch there - Edwards circles away.
Edwards ducks low and lands a nice hook to the body of his opponent.
Edwards throws a body shot but no joy.
Edwards lands a leg kick and bounces back out of range.
Gagnon shoots for a double leg takedown but Edwards sprawls well. He's pushed Gagnon's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Ife Edwards has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Luc Gagnon.
Nice shot lands for Edwards.
Ife Edwards is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.

Gagnon throws a loose over hand right and dives in with a double leg takedown. Edwards tries to sprawl but it's too late and the fighters hit the mat. Gagnon is in Edwards's guard.

Edwards pushes Gagnon off for just long enough to get back to his feet. Very athletic spring there.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Edwards throws a leg kick but Gagnon checks it.
Ife Edwards is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Edwards displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Gagnon.
Edwards connects with a body shot that sends Gagnon's belly button to the back.
Edwards's jab looks to have found its range, popping Gagnon under the eye.
Edwards lands a leg kick and bounces back out of range.
Luc Gagnon has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Edwards misses with an attempted mid kick.
Edwards cracks Gagnon with a nice right hand that draws applause from the crowd.
Gagnon shoots in but no luck this time.
Edwards comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.
Edwards throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
A nice side step and Gagnon releases a counter shot to the body, but it doesn't find it's home.
Edwards with a body punch. A glancing blow.

Edwards clinches up against the cage.

And that's the end of the fight!
Ife Edwards showed his dominance in that final round.
Well Edwards has outscored his opponent in every aspect of the fight today. Only a scarily incompetent judge or two will keep him from a well deserved win... 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 Hirohito Nitta scores the fight 30:27
Judge Ren Mimura scores the fight 30:27
Judge Shigeki Sano scores the fight 30:27

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Ife Edwards!
Ife Edwards made sure to mention his sponsor, Conviction in his post fight interview.