PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Ko Van Den Born (ranked 2864 p4p, 1581 weight class) and Bender Mein Armbach (ranked 363 p4p, 220 weight class). Mein Armbach is bobbing his head along to his entrance song: Enter Sandman, Metallica. I don't know about you partner, but I'm pumped for this one!

Van Den Born
vs
Mein Armbach

190 cm
37
190
23 - 19 - 0

181 cm
35
181
25 - 21 - 1

Good wrestling
World class boxer
Very quick

Good wrestler
World class MT
Granite chin

Conviction

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the light heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 23 - 19 - 0, fighting out of Amsterdam, Ko Van Den Born!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 25 - 21 - 1, fighting out of Las Vegas, Bender Mein Armbach!
The judges for this bout are Shigeki Fujiwara, Shirou Masuda and Hirohito Nitta.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Van Den Born throws a series of punches but Mein Armbach avoids them all with ease.
Van Den Born swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Van Den Born throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Mein Armbach drops his hands momentarily and Van Den Born takes advantage with a crisp shot to the head.
Van Den Born throws a quick inside leg kick.
Van Den Born is looking to land body kicks.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Mein Armbach! But no joy.
Van Den Born misses with an uppercut
and Mein Armbach counters with a lovely shot to the body.
Van Den Born tries to score with a low kick but Mein Armbach moves his leg out of the way.
Van Den Born throws an ugly left hook that misses
letting Mein Armbach counter with a right hand.
Van Den Born gets cracked there but stands up to it.
Van Den Born scores with a jab to the head.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Mein Armbach throws a wild combination but nothing lands.

Mein Armbach has managed to clinch.
Mein Armbach misses with some punches.
Mein Armbach working some nice short punches in the clinch.
Mein Armbach doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Mein Armbach lands a nice shot to the body.
A right handed body shot lands from Mein Armbach.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Van Den Born.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Mein Armbach blocks an uppercut.
Van Den Born blocking some punches.
Mein Armbach scores with a shot to the side of Van Den Born's head.
Mein Armbach has Van Den Born pressed against the cage, preventing Van Den Born from circling away and getting back to striking at range.
Mein Armbach can't find room to land a body shot as Van Den Born controls the action.
A nice right hand lands inside from Van Den Born.
Mein Armbach lands a hook to the body. It's hard to tell if that hurt Van Den Born or not.

Mein Armbach breaks the clinch.
Van Den Born takes a jab right on the kisser.
Van Den Born misses with an uppercut
letting Mein Armbach counter with a right hand.
Van Den Born throws a series of punches but Mein Armbach moves out of range.
A combination from Van Den Born does no damage.
Van Den Born misses the body punch
and Mein Armbach counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.

It looks like Ko Van Den Born has been cut.
Van Den Born throws a leg kick that is checked
enabling Mein Armbach to counter with a crisp jab.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Mein Armbach moving in and out of range nicely, whilst landing the scoring shot.
Van Den Born throws an off balance right hand
and Mein Armbach counters with a stiff right hand.
Van Den Born throws a predictable looking body shot
and Mein Armbach counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Mein Armbach listening to his corner there, landing a nice uppercut.
Mein Armbach cracks Van Den Born with a good jab.

Van Den Born is rocked!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Mein Armbach staying out of range there.
Oh Van Den Born is still all over the place! His legs are completely gone! Will he be able to recover?!!
Van Den Born has been working on his boxing with his coaches at MMA Training and Sparring Buddies in the buildup to the fight.
Nice straight punches there by Van Den Born. You know Roy Jones Jr respects the hands of Van Den Born.
Van Den Born seems to have got his legs back now.
Ko Van Den Born seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Van Den Born swings widly with a right hand
and Mein Armbach counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Van Den Born tries to land a leg kick but Mein Armbach saw it coming and moves away.
Van Den Born bobbing and weaving, closes the distance and lands a hook to the side of Mein Armbach's head.
Mein Armbach pushes forward with a 1-2 combination that forces Van Den Born back to the cage. Mein Armbach follows up with a solid lead hook to the liver.
Jab by Van Den Born.
Mein Armbach tests Van Den Born's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Ko Van Den Born is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Mein Armbach pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Mein Armbach's hands are dropping dangerously low here and Van Den Born connects clean with a right hook that sends him down to one knee! Mein Armbach scrambles back to his feet.
Van Den Born misses with a looping right.
Mein Armbach doesn't fully commit to the body shot counter.
Van Den Born takes a shot to the eye socket. That's gotta hurt.
Mein Armbach tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Van Den Born manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Van Den Born takes one to the chin there.
Mein Armbach changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.
Mein Armbach works Van Den Born's body with a nice hook.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Van Den Born swings away with a leg kick that misses.
Mein Armbach steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Van Den Born.
Mein Armbach slips under a jab from Van Den Born.
Van Den Born throws a sloppy body shot
and Mein Armbach counters with a nice jab to the body that keeps Van Den Born thinking.
Van Den Born needs to keep his hands up - Mein Armbach had a free shot at his head there.
Van Den Born throws a front kick aimed at Mein Armbach's knee but Mein Armbach avoids it well.
Mein Armbach looks to land a left hand but Van Den Born moved out of range nicely.
Mein Armbach uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Van Den Born.
Mein Armbach misses with a series of wild punches.
Van Den Born is looking to counter punch.

Mein Armbach closes the distance and pushes Van Den Born back into the cage.
Mein Armbach tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Mein Armbach tries a body shot but Van Den Born blocks it.
Still in the clinch, Mein Armbach scores with a nice short uppercut.
Mein Armbach lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
Mein Armbach stays in close to his opponent and throws a right hand to the body.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, Mein Armbach creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Mein Armbach tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Van Den Born's elbow.
Mein Armbach working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
Mein Armbach blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Mein Armbach misses with a punch on the inside.
Mein Armbach throws a head punch that misses.

Mein Armbach breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Van Den Born misses with an uppercut.
Van Den Born throws a shot from downtown. Mein Armbach moves away and avoids it.
Mein Armbach avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Mein Armbach is landing a lot of head punches in this opening round! Van Den Born had better start moving his head a bit unless he wants his face to turn into mush.
A punch lands to the side of Van Den Born 's head but he takes it in his stride.

Ko Van Den Born's cut is getting worse.
Van Den Born throws a right hand that misses
and Mein Armbach counters with a stiff right hand.
Mein Armbach thuds a left hand into Van Den Born's body.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Van Den Born throws a poor cross that misses
enabling Mein Armbach to counter with a crisp jab.
Mein Armbach scores with a punch to the gut of his opponent.
Van Den Born misses with a hook. Mein Armbach ducked under it nicely.
A low kick from Van Den Born misses
enabling Mein Armbach to counter with a crisp jab.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Bender Mein Armbach dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Ko Van Den Born's cut.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

Van Den Born attempts a low kick but it misses it's target.
Mein Armbach scores with a big left there. The judges will like that one.
Mein Armbach connects with a looping left hand that seems like it dazed Van Den Born momentarily.
Van Den Born thows a leg kick but Mein Armbach checks it
and Van Den Born takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Van Den Born swings widly with a right hand
and Van Den Born takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.

Mein Armbach gets a double leg takedown into Van Den Born's guard.
Mein Armbach stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Van Den Born swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Mein Armbach postures up.
Mein Armbach slips effortlessly into side control - very nice.
Mein Armbach is moving around in side control but his primary objective seems to be to maintain the position.

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

That's one minute gone in the round.

Mein Armbach goes for an armbar here - this could be all over! But no, Van Den Born has escaped beautifully and is now on top in side control! Oh, that's unlucky for Mein Armbach but great work by Van Den Born.
Mein Armbach can't do much from the bottom here.
Van Den Born trying to control the action but Mein Armbach is working from the bottom.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Van Den Born just content to control the position.
Mein Armbach is looking to regain half guard here but Van Den Born keeps moving and retains side control.
The referee tells the fighters to keep busy.
Mein Armbach tries to control but Van Den Born manages to take his back.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Van Den Born wants to control but Mein Armbach manages to buck him off and is now in Van Den Born's guard! Nice work there by Mein Armbach!
Van Den Born is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.

Mein Armbach drops back for a leg but he's not going to get it - he lets go and Van Den Born dives on top into guard.

Van Den Born has to be careful here, sitting in the guard of a superior BJJ player.

Mein Armbach has an omoplata and is looking to use it perhaps as a submission or perhaps to transition. Van Den Born is in a bit of discomfort here, but he's managed to free himself and has dived into side control! That didn't work out too well for Mein Armbach.
Van Den Born wants to lay and pray for a moment but Mein Armbach keeps working.
Ko Van Den Born overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Van Den Born controls the position.
Van Den Born sitting in side control, looking to soften his opponent up with elbows and hammerfists but Mein Armbach is avoiding damage well and looking to escape the position.
Mein Armbach is sneaking out the side here. He's bucked Van Den Born off and has taken his back!
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

Mein Armbach looking for the choke but no joy.
Mein Armbach trying to control.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Mein Armbach somehow managing to miss with a strike from the back.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Bender Mein Armbach showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The cut man is working on Ko Van Den Born's cut.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare each other down, ready to get back to the action. Let's hear some noise people - this is the final round!

Van Den Born throws an off balance right hand
and Mein Armbach counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Nice straight punches there by Mein Armbach. You know Roy Jones Jr respects the hands of Mein Armbach.
Van Den Born swings away with a body shot that misses
and Mein Armbach counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Mein Armbach might want to mix his strikes up a bit more. He's just going for head shots at the moment and that can become a bit predictable.
Van Den Born goes for a high kick. It partially lands.
Van Den Born misses with a body shot.
Van Den Born thuds a left hand into Mein Armbach's body.
Mein Armbach scores with a punch to the head.

Mein Armbach drives through with a takedown into guard.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Mein Armbach seems content to control from guard here. He's going to have to remain active though if he doesn't want to get stood back up.
Mein Armbach slips effortlessly into side control - very nice.
Ko Van Den Born has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Mein Armbach wants to control for a moment but Van Den Born uses the opportunity to move back to half guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Mein Armbach seems to be working for a kimura but Van Den Born defends the submission attempt.
Mein Armbach wants to pass to mount but Van Den Born is defending the position.
Mein Armbach thows a huge punch but Van Den Born dodges it nicely.
Bender Mein Armbach is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are showing their displeasure at the lack of action as loud boos ring out around the arena.
Mein Armbach is looking to take a break and control but Van Den Born is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Van Den Born controlling the position for now.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Mein Armbach wants to control but Van Den Born is keeping him busy.

Mein Armbach is trying for a guillotine from the top but the pressure isn't in the right place so Van Den Born is just riding it out for now. Mein Armbach eventually gives up the hold.
Mein Armbach looking to pass the half guard. Not this time.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Van Den Born preventing any damage for now, controlling his opponent's head.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Van Den Born throws a poor cross that misses
and Van Den Born takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Mein Armbach walks straight into an uppercut. Luckily it didn't land flush.
Mein Armbach defending well as Van Den Born loads up on a big left hand.
Van Den Born throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Van Den Born misses with a lunging right hand
and Mein Armbach counters with a nice uppercut.
A jab from Mein Armbach does it's job there.
Van Den Born throws a sloppy head kick and Mein Armbach moves out of range easily.
Mein Armbach looks like he wants to counter punch here.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Mein Armbach lands with an uppercut that bounces Van Den Born off the cage and back into range.
Van Den Born looks like he's developed a pretty tasty lump over his left eye. He'll need to avoid taking much more damage to that.
Van Den Born swings wildly with a hook that is half blocked by Mein Armbach.
Van Den Born misses with a right hand
and Mein Armbach connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Van Den Born is looking to score with low kicks.
As Van Den Born backs off Mein Armbach throws a huge counter combo but Van Den Born manages to avoid it all.
Jab from Mein Armbach.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Van Den Born rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
and Mein Armbach counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Van Den Born takes a hook to the side of the head. I wonder if that's got his ears ringing.
Van Den Born misses with a wild body shot.
Mein Armbach throws out a counter right but Van Den Born avoids it with no problem.
Van Den Born misses with a head kick.
Mein Armbach cracks Van Den Born with an open hand slap.
Van Den Born lands a jab to the head.
Mein Armbach has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Van Den Born tries to land a front kick but Mein Armbach steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed.
Van Den Born throws a poor cross that misses
and Mein Armbach counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Mein Armbach with a hook.
Mein Armbach moves away from the strike by Van Den Born.

And that's the end of the fight!
Bender Mein Armbach comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
Well Mein Armbach 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 Shigeki Fujiwara scores the fight 27:30
Judge Shirou Masuda scores the fight 27:30
Judge Hirohito Nitta scores the fight 27:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Bender Mein Armbach!
Post fight, Bender Mein Armbach took to the microphone: 'I Hiav vays of making you taap!! You looze zen You Snooze... Muahhhaahaaa!! '.