PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between Eh Phuthong (ranked 214 p4p, 480 weight class) and Prince McVicker (ranked 16 p4p, 33 weight class). Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Phuthong
vs
McVicker

178 cm
23
147
11 - 7 - 0

164 cm
26
141
13 - 2 - 0

Good wrestling
World class boxer
Cardio machine

Good wrestler
Decent boxing
Granite chin

Bondi MMA 🏝️
Shadow Realm Apparel

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 11 - 7 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Eh Phuthong!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 13 - 2 - 0, fighting out of New York, Prince McVicker!
The judges for this bout are John Roberts, Alyssa Summers and Columbo Gatti.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

McVicker shoots in with a lovely double leg takedown. Phuthong manages to land in full guard to minimise the damage.
Phuthong throwing some rather feeble looking strikes off his back.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
McVicker keeps in close for a moment and lands a decent shot to the side of Phuthong's head.
Phuthong trying to strike off his back.
Phuthong will have to put a bit more behind his punches if he's going to do any damage from this position.
McVicker connects with a couple of short punches.
Hammerfist, elbow! yells McVicker's corner. There ya go! There ya go!
Phuthong trying to strike off his back.
Phuthong will have to put a bit more behind his punches if he's going to do any damage from this position.
McVicker looks more muscular than last time we saw him. He must have been on the weights.
McVicker slows down the pace of the fight for a moment. He'll need to remain active if he doesn't want to see the fight stood back up.
McVicker works a leg free and moves into half guard.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Phuthong tries to strike from the bottom but it doesn't land.
Phuthong tries to strike from the bottom but it doesn't land.
McVicker throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
Phuthong throws a strike from the bottom that misses.
Phuthong's coaches at ubergym have been working on his defensive grappling in preparation for this fight so let's see if he can get out of this tricky position.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Phuthong flails away from the bottom but he's not doing any damage.
Phuthong tries to strike from the bottom but it doesn't land.
McVicker wants to lay and pray for a moment but Phuthong keeps working.
Phuthong punching from the bottom.
Phuthong tries to strike from the bottom but it doesn't land.
Phuthong tries to strike from the bottom but it doesn't land.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Phuthong comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.
Phuthong throws an overhand right that lands on McVicker's shoulder, as McVicker tries to avoid the shot.
McVicker moves in looking to clinch but Phuthong pushes him off.
Phuthong misses with a straight left.
McVicker throws a low kick but Phuthong moves out of range easily.
Phuthong keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
McVicker connects with a nice looking jab.
Phuthong looks to land a left hand but McVicker moved out of range nicely.
McVicker on the wrong end of a vicious looking body shot.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Phuthong swings for the body but McVicker moves out of range.
Eh Phuthong seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Phuthong blocks a leg kick.
Phuthong stooping low to avoid any incoming strikes and then lunges in with an uppercut come cross that lands flush.
Phuthong connects with a lovely right hand, straight down the pipe.
McVicker takes a jab on the nose. He smiles like he loves it and keeps coming.
A punch lands to the side of McVicker 's head but he takes it in his stride.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
A jab from Phuthong misses.
The crowd cheers as Phuthong lands an impressive looking overhand right. McVicker doesn't seem phased though.
Phuthong misses the shot to the body.
Phuthong ducks down and throws a hook to the body.
McVicker defending well as Phuthong loads up on a big left hand.
Phuthong is using his reach advantage well here, landing the more effective single shots from range.
McVicker defending well as Phuthong loads up on a big left hand.
McVicker wants to slow Phuthong down by chopping away at his legs.
It looked like Phuthong was trying to counter with a body shot coming off that last attack from McVicker.
Sloppy strikes from McVicker. Those never looked like landing.
McVicker scores with a jab.
Phuthong throws a jab when McVicker was well out of range.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Phuthong throws a looping overhand right but McVicker ducks down to avoid it.
McVicker blocks a jab.
McVicker fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Phuthong throws the left hand but McVicker avoids the punch easily.
A lazy left from Phuthong finds it's target.
McVicker throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Phuthong throwing a counter right hand but McVicker manages to avoid it.
Phuthong fakes and then throws a beautiful body shot. McVicker looks a bit winded and takes a step backwards to take a breath.
McVicker doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
Phuthong steps to the side to avoid the strikes from McVicker.
Phuthong misses with a looping right.
Phuthong swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Phuthong swings for the body but McVicker moves out of range.
A jab from Phuthong misses.
Phuthong throws a jab to the body, straight down the pipe. Boom. That sent McVicker stumbling backwards but he manages to regain his composure quickly.
Phuthong throws an overhand right that lands on McVicker's shoulder, as McVicker tries to avoid the shot.

McVicker closes the distance and gets a double leg, slamming Phuthong to the mat! Phuthong manages to get full guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
McVicker forces his way into half guard.
McVicker trying to control the action but Phuthong is working from the bottom.
McVicker not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
McVicker blocks the strikes from Phuthong.
McVicker seems to be taking a bit of a break to think of his next move. He lands a short punch in the meantime.
McVicker blocks the strikes from Phuthong.
Phuthong is looking to improve his position.
McVicker passes the guard and advances to mount!
Phuthong throwing punches from his back but nothing is landing.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close round but I would say that Eh Phuthong will probably get the nod.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!

A telegraphed right hand from Phuthong misses the target.
Phuthong misses with a hook. McVicker ducked under it nicely.
Phuthong throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from McVicker.
Phuthong misses the jab.
Phuthong bobs and weaves and throws out a fast jab that snaps McVicker's head backwards.
Phuthong throws a jab when McVicker was well out of range.
Phuthong throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
A little jabbing left from McVicker on the counter but it doesn't find it's target.
Phuthong misses with an uppercut.
Phuthong staying out of range there.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Phuthong connects with a body shot that sends McVicker's belly button to the back.
Phuthong looks to land a right hand but McVicker moved out of range.
Phuthong lands a head shot.
Phuthong takes a hook to the side of the head. I wonder if that's got his ears ringing.
Phuthong throws a hook but McVicker blocks it.
Phuthong backing away here, and McVicker unleashes a leg kick that just misses.
Phuthong fakes high and swings low for a body shot but McVicker manages to avoid it.

That's one minute gone in the round.
McVicker swings away with a leg kick that misses.
Phuthong swinging wildly here.
McVicker fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Phuthong lands a jab to McVicker's midsection.
Phuthong lands a nice shot to the body.
Phuthong misses with a hook.
Phuthong lands with a shot to the body.
Phuthong misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from McVicker.
Phuthong misses the shot to the body.
McVicker swings away with a counter right hand but no contact made.
Phuthong takes a swing at McVicker's ribcage but misses.
Eh Phuthong is winning the standup battle so far.
Phuthong swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Phuthong throws the left hand but McVicker avoids the punch easily.
McVicker has his head slapped from side to side by a 3 punch combination. That must have hurt him.
Phuthong scores with a body shot.
McVicker ducks under a wild hook from Phuthong.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Phuthong fakes a head punch and goes low to the body. Nicely done.
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!
Phuthong leaves McVicker with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
Eh Phuthong has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Prince McVicker.
Phuthong tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but McVicker was well out of range. Poor timing from Phuthong.
Phuthong works his jab well there, keeping his opponent at a distance.
Phuthong catches McVicker with a nice straight right. He seems pissed - ooooh, it's on now! On like donkey kong!
McVicker scores with a jab. Phuthong acknowledges it with a nod of the head.
Nice sprawl there from Phuthong as McVicker shoots in.
Phuthong tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but McVicker was well out of range. Poor timing from Phuthong.
Good work by Phuthong as he checks the leg kick.
Phuthong lands a glancing blow to the side of McVicker's head.
McVicker drops his hands and takes a jab to the jaw for his troubles.
Phuthong is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by McVicker.
A head kick by Phuthong misses
and McVicker counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Phuthong misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from McVicker.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Phuthong throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
McVicker has his head snapped back a nice jab. A little nod from McVicker there as he acknowledges the shot.

McVicker shoots in and gets a takedown into half guard. McVicker showed some decent athleticism there.
McVicker takes advantage of the dominant position to land a couple of big hammer fists.
McVicker has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
McVicker has freed up his trapped foot and advances to mount.

McVicker is working for a guillotine from mount but Phuthong frees his head quite easily.
Phuthong is wriggling around trying to escape.
Phuthong is flailing around like a fish out of water, trying to land strikes.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
McVicker can't quite control the action as he would like just now, as Phuthong is looking to escape.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Phuthong swinging wildly from the bottom but he's not landing.
Phuthong is wriggling around trying to escape.
McVicker raining down shots from the mount!
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Phuthong swinging wildly from the bottom but he's not landing.
Phuthong is flailing around like a fish out of water, trying to land strikes.
Phuthong throwing punches from his back but nothing is landing.
McVicker wants to control but instead Phuthong manages to regain half guard.
Phuthong on the receiving end of some nice ground and pound.
McVicker blocks the strikes from Phuthong.
Phuthong is looking to improve his position.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Eh Phuthong dominated that second round.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

Phuthong throws a looping overhand right but McVicker ducks down to avoid it.
Phuthong misses with a body shot.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from McVicker! But no joy.
Phuthong throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Phuthong scores with a nice head shot.
Phuthong throws a hook but McVicker blocks it.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from McVicker! But no joy.
Phuthong loads up on a big right hand but McVicker slips the punch.
McVicker throws a jab but it's blocked by Phuthong.
Phuthong connects with a looping left hand that seems like it dazed McVicker momentarily.
Phuthong looks to land a right hand but McVicker moved out of range.
Phuthong misses with a hook.
Phuthong changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
A slow jab from McVicker misses its intended target.
McVicker walks into a left hand.
Phuthong scores with a shot to the body.
Phuthong misses the jab.
Phuthong throws a hook but McVicker avoids it easily.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Phuthong takes a swing at McVicker's ribcage but misses.
Phuthong comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.

McVicker shoots in and gets a takedown into half guard. McVicker showed some decent athleticism there.
Phuthong flails away from the bottom but he's not doing any damage.
McVicker takes advantage of the dominant position to land a couple of big hammer fists.
McVicker trying to control the action but Phuthong is working from the bottom.
Phuthong moves his hips nicely and gets into full guard.
Phuthong tries to strike from the bottom.

McVicker 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.
McVicker advances position into side control!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Phuthong misses with an elbow from the bottom.
Phuthong is looking to reverse the position.
Phuthong tries to strike from the bottom but misses.
Phuthong is looking for a sweep.
McVicker scores with punches from side control.
Phuthong striking from the bottom but nothing landed.
McVicker wants to control but Phuthong is keeping him busy.
Phuthong throwing some weak shots from the bottom that do no damage.
McVicker trying to control the action but Phuthong is working from the bottom.
Phuthong on the wrong end of some ground and pound.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Phuthong on the wrong end of some ground and pound.
Phuthong misses with an elbow from the bottom.
Phuthong throws an elbow to the body but it doesn't land.
McVicker working the head and body with strikes.
McVicker trying to control the position but Phuthong is working away.
McVicker controls the position from side control.
Phuthong throwing some weak shots from the bottom that do no damage.
Phuthong on the wrong end of some ground and pound.
Prince McVicker has got the better of the ground game so far.

McVicker tries for an arm triangle. That looks pretty tight to me. Is this one over!?! Possibly, maybe, no McVicker has let go of the choke. Obviously it wasn't as tight as we thought!

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Phuthong tries to strike from the bottom but misses.
Phuthong is positioning himself to get back to half guard.
Phuthong regains half guard there - taking advantage of McVicker's attempt to lay and pray for a moment.
Phuthong tries to get to full guard but McVicker has control of the leg.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
McVicker is looking to advance position but Phuthong won't allow it.
Phuthong is staying active underneath McVicker, who seems content to just control the action from this position.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

A close third round but Prince McVicker just about did enough to take it.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.

Phuthong misses the shot to the body.
Phuthong throws a lazy uppercut
and McVicker counters with a straight right hand.
McVicker tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Phuthong manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
McVicker misses with a low kick.

McVicker shoots in and scores a nice double leg takedown into half guard.
McVicker slows the pace down in half guard.
McVicker is pressing down on Phuthong's thigh, looking to free his foot. Phuthong is holding on for now.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Phuthong is staying active underneath McVicker, who seems content to just control the action from this position.
McVicker blocks the strikes from Phuthong.

McVicker is looking for a kimura. It's going to be difficult to finish that from half guard though and Phuthong defends it well.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Phuthong blocking the ground and pound attempt from McVicker.
McVicker has freed up his trapped foot and advances to mount.
Phuthong swinging wildly from the bottom but he's not landing.
Phuthong is looking to improve his position but McVicker isn't that keen on the idea.

McVicker looking for an armbar but decides to keep the dominant position instead.
Phuthong flailing away with punches but nothing is landing.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Phuthong really trying hard to get back to half guard here.
Phuthong flailing away with punches but nothing is landing.
Phuthong sneaks a leg under to get to half guard.
McVicker blocks the strikes from Phuthong.
McVicker has freed up his trapped foot and advances to mount.
McVicker looking to control and managing it successfully.
Phuthong is in all sorts of trouble here.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Phuthong is bucking up trying to escape but McVicker cracks him with another couple of good strikes.
McVicker scoring with strikes but Phuthong is staying in there.
McVicker cracks Phuthong with a nasty head shot there - the crowd let out an audible gasp there, as the noise reverberated around the arena.
Phuthong gets back to half guard.
The referee walks around the fighters to get a better view of the action. McVicker lands a nice short elbow.
McVicker works his way into full mount!
McVicker raining down hammerfists from mount.
McVicker with the ground and pound from mount.
Phuthong throwing hammer fists to the chest of McVicker. What's that going to do exactly?
Phuthong throwing punches from his back but nothing is landing.
Phuthong regains half guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
McVicker wants to take a breather but Phuthong is having none of it.
Phuthong punching from the bottom.
Phuthong flails away from the bottom but he's not doing any damage.
McVicker winds up and cracks Phuthong with a swinging punch to the side of the head.
McVicker slips a nice elbow through Phuthong's hands, connecting with Phuthong's forehead.
McVicker drops an elbow to the side of Phuthong's head.
McVicker lands with an elbow from half guard - that looked like it hurt.

Phuthong is rocked!
McVicker takes a deep breath and rests his weight momentarily on top of his opponent, to control the position.
Oh Phuthong is still in real trouble! Will he be able to recover?!!
McVicker passes the guard and advances to mount!
Phuthong seems to have got his legs back now.
The referee warns Phuthong that he has to improve his position here as he takes two more clean shots to the head.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Prince McVicker dominated that fourth round.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action! And we move into the final round!

Phuthong misses the shot to the body.
McVicker with the counter takedown but Phuthong avoids it easily.
McVicker doesn't manage to clinch there - Phuthong circles away.
Phuthong throws a body punch but McVicker moves out of range.
McVicker doesn't manage to clinch there - Phuthong circles away.
Phuthong swings and misses with a hook to the body.
McVicker uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Phuthong.
Phuthong takes one on the chin but seems OK.
McVicker shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Phuthong as he jumps to the side.
Phuthong fakes high and swings low for a body shot but McVicker manages to avoid it.
McVicker swings away with a counter right hand but no contact made.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
McVicker takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
Decent striking displayed by Phuthong there.
Phuthong throws an uppercut from half a mile away. McVicker sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Phuthong fakes a head punch and goes low to the body. Nicely done.
Phuthong throws an overhand right that lands on McVicker's shoulder, as McVicker tries to avoid the shot.

That's one minute gone in the round.
A telegraphed right hand from Phuthong misses the target.
Phuthong takes a swing at McVicker's ribcage but misses.
McVicker tries to counter with a clinch but Phuthong shakes him off and moves away.
Phuthong throws an off balance right hand
letting McVicker counter with a right hand.
Phuthong misses the jab.
Phuthong sets himself, and McVicker steps forward looking for the clinch! Phuthong avoids it this time.
McVicker avoids the body shot from Phuthong.
McVicker walks into a straight right hand from Phuthong.
Phuthong ducks down and throws a hook to the body but McVicker moves away.
Phuthong scores with a punch to the head.
Phuthong throws a shot from downtown. McVicker moves away and avoids it.
Phuthong ducks down and throws a hook to the body but McVicker moves away.
Phuthong misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from McVicker.
Phuthong misses with a straight right.
McVicker throws out a counter right but Phuthong avoids it with no problem.
McVicker throws a low kick, looking for Phuthong's leg but Phuthong calmly moves out of range.
Sloppy strikes from McVicker. Those never looked like landing.
Phuthong throwing a counter right hand but McVicker manages to avoid it.
Phuthong leaves McVicker with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
McVicker uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Phuthong.
McVicker waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Phuthong.
McVicker tries for a takedown but Phuthong sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Eh Phuthong has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Prince McVicker.
McVicker takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.
McVicker doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Phuthong fakes low and throws an overhand right that catches McVicker on the side of the head.
Eh Phuthong is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Phuthong uses good footwork to get in and out, landing a nice hook.
McVicker throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
McVicker slips under a jab from Phuthong.
McVicker connects with a good right hand that stumbles Phuthong. Phuthong circles away out of range and recomposes himself.
Phuthong throws a body shot but no joy.
McVicker fails in his attempt to clinch.
Phuthong swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.
McVicker keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
A jab from Phuthong misses.
Phuthong throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
A cross from Phuthong lands.
Phuthong shuffles to his left behind two crisp jabs. McVicker eats them both and turns towards Phuthong to reposition himself and eats a stinging right hand-left hook combo.
Phuthong throws a body shot but no joy.
McVicker looked like he wanted to counter with a punch but didn't throw it.
Phuthong looks to land a left hand but McVicker moved out of range nicely.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from McVicker! But no joy.
McVicker connects with a jab.
Phuthong misses with a straight right.
McVicker throws a lazy right hand but Phuthong sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Phuthong swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Jab, jab by Phuthong - just one landing.
McVicker has a pretty nasty looking mouse under his right eye.
McVicker throws a big shot that misses.
Phuthong swings away with a body shot that misses

and McVicker counters by clinching up.

McVicker manages to break the clinch.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
McVicker uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Phuthong.
Phuthong swings for the body but McVicker moves out of range.
McVicker ducks under a wild hook from Phuthong.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Phuthong misses with an uppercut
and McVicker counters with a straight right hand.
Phuthong misses with a body shot.
McVicker takes a really solid shot there but just smiles back and shrugs his shoulders.
Phuthong steps to the side to avoid the strikes from McVicker.
Phuthong throwing a counter right hand but McVicker manages to avoid it.
Phuthong jabbing away but nothing is landing.
McVicker throws a counter combo.
Phuthong looks to throw the jab but McVicker is out of range.
Phuthong looks to land a right hand but McVicker moved out of range.
McVicker ducks under a wild hook from Phuthong.
Phuthong lands with a hook. McVicker tried to avoid it but it clipped the top of his head.
Donk. McVicker catches Phuthong right on the button with a cross.
McVicker takes one on the chin but keeps coming.

And that's the end of the fight!
Eh Phuthong showed his dominance in that final round.
I think Phuthong 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 John Roberts scores the fight 48:47
Judge Alyssa Summers scores the fight 48:48
Judge Columbo Gatti scores the fight 49:47

In favor of your winner, by majority decision... Eh Phuthong!
Eh Phuthong retains his bantamweight title!
A victorious Eh Phuthong thanked his army of followers in his post fight interview, telling people to make sure they follow him on Twitter.