PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Wille Thai (ranked 44 p4p, 256 weight class) and Bartholomew Bainbridge (ranked 10 p4p, 38 weight class). These two fighters really are very evenly matched on the feet - it will be fascinating to see who can assert themselves in that aspect of the fight.

Thai
vs
Bainbridge

195 cm
33
212
26 - 18 - 0

185 cm
27
206
12 - 6 - 1

Great wrestler
Excellent boxer
Granite chin

Olympic wrestler
World class boxer
Granite chin

Urban Fighter
Bondi MMA 🏝️

Northern Zombie
Shadow Realm Apparel

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 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 26 - 18 - 0, fighting out of London, Wille Thai!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 12 - 6 - 1, fighting out of Amsterdam, Bartholomew Bainbridge!
The judges for this bout are Summer Carpenter, Bruno Hogan and Winston Howard.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Bainbridge displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Thai.
Bainbridge is clearly trying to counter these attacks from Thai with a body shot.
Thai looks to have improved his striking defense since last time we saw him fight.
Thai tries to drive through with a takedown attempt but Bainbridge defends well and Thai ends up having to push Bainbridge into the cage where they will battle it out in the clinch.
A countering left hand to the body from Bainbridge misses.

Bainbridge escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Thai bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Thai is trying to close the distance and clinch up, after that failed offence from Bainbridge.
Bainbridge throws a sloppy head kick

and Thai counters with a nice double leg into side control. Bainbridge won't be happy with that.

Bainbridge throws Thai to one side and escapes!
Bainbridge looks to land a right hand but Thai moved out of range.
Thai misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Wille Thai. That's going to take a lot out of him.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Thai shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Bainbridge as he jumps to the side.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Thai.
Bainbridge thows a leg kick but Thai checks it

and Thai counters with a nice double leg into guard.

Bainbridge is scooting his butt against the cage and has managed to get back to his feet. Thai presses him back against the cage, presumably looking to take the fight back to the mat.
Bainbridge has a couple of punches blocked by Thai.
Bainbridge swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Bainbridge tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Thai's elbow.
A right hook to the body lands for Bainbridge.
Bainbridge prevents a takedown attempt there.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Thai blocks an uppercut.
Bainbridge lands with a short head shot on the inside.
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!

Thai lands a takedown into guard.

Bainbridge manages to wriggle out and sneak his way back up to his feet, so the fighters are now clinched up against the cage.
Thai has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Bainbridge is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.
A short body shot lands from Bainbridge as the two fighters clinch.
Thai is breathing heavily.
Bainbridge stays in close to his opponent and throws a right hand to the body.
Bainbridge has Thai pressed against the cage.
Bainbridge lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.

Bainbridge pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Bainbridge ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Thai moves away.
Thai looks shocked there as he takes a right hand to the temple.
Nice uppercut lands for Bainbridge. That snapped Thai's head back.

It looks like Wille Thai has been cut.

Bainbridge gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Bainbridge lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Bainbridge.
A short left from Bainbridge.
Thai tries to score a body lock takedown but Bainbridge shows good agility there to stay on his feet.
A short body shot lands from Bainbridge as the two fighters clinch.
Bainbridge misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Bainbridge stops a takedown attempt from Thai.
Thai looking for a takedown.

Bainbridge breaks the clinch.
Thai takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.
Bainbridge thuds a left hand into Thai's body.
Bainbridge lands a nice leg kick that just misses Thai's sensitive parts.
A big left from Bainbridge misses.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Bainbridge buckles his opponent's knee momentarily with a nice leg kick.
Bainbridge misses with a wild body shot.
Bartholomew Bainbridge is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Bainbridge defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Thai.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
A jab from Bainbridge finds it's way through Thai's defenses.
Thai changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Bainbridge tries to avoid it but Thai manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Bainbridge to the ground. Bainbridge escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Thai shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Bainbridge sprawls well. Bainbridge wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Thai gets slowly back to his feet.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Bartholomew Bainbridge dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Wille Thai's cut.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

Bainbridge throws a right and a left that Thai avoids nicely.
Thai fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
Bainbridge throws a right and a left that both miss.
Thai tries to score a power double leg takedown but Bainbridge sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Thai somewhat.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
A looping hook to the body misses from Bainbridge. Thai does a little dance to reset his feet.
Thai drops down looking for a counter takedown but Bainbridge sprawls and moves away.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Bainbridge ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Thai moves away.
Bainbridge clobbers Thai with an overhand right that has the crowd gasping. That made a horrendous noise.
Bainbridge throws a lazy uppercut

and Thai counters with a takedown into side control! That could mean trouble for Bainbridge!
Bainbridge is positioning himself to get back to half guard.

Thai is trying to land an Americana. He has the arm isolated but Bainbridge is keeping cool and he's avoided the danger for now.
Bainbridge holds on tight, trying to prevent any damage.

Thai is looking to finish here, going for an Americana. Bainbridge knows the correct defense though, so he's OK.
Bainbridge tries to work a leg under to get back to half guard but Thai wriggles his own leg back out and remains in side control.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Thai looking for an arm triangle but it's way too loose to do anything.

Thai is looking to finish here, going for an Americana. Bainbridge knows the correct defense though, so he's OK.

Thai wants to work for a kimura but he's foiled early by Bainbridge, who protects the arm well.

Thai tries for a kimura. Not really close to a finish though.

Thai tries for a kimura. Not really close to a finish though.
Both fighters have adopted an aggressive gameplan on the ground!

That's three minutes gone in the round.
The fighters are starting to get a bit slippery now, which will make submissions a bit more difficult.
Thai tries to move to mount but Bainbridge blocks the move with his legs.
Bainbridge is looking to regain half guard here but Thai keeps moving and retains side control.

Thai is looking to finish here, going for an Americana. Bainbridge knows the correct defense though, so he's OK.

Thai looking for an arm triangle but it's way too loose to do anything.
Bainbridge is trying to work for a sweep but Thai has mounted him!

That's four minutes gone in the round.
My god... these two guys really need to pick up the pace or everyone will leave to go get a beer.
Bainbridge working to try and regain half guard.

Thai goes for an armbar but Bainbridge turns quickly into his guard - lovely anticipation from Bainbridge.

Thai working for a triangle but Bainbridge defends it easily.

Thai is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Bainbridge is aware though and is defending well.

Thai looking for submissions from the bottom but instead Bainbridge passes into half guard.

Bainbridge decides to return to a standing position.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Bainbridge throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Thai darts in looking for a takedown but Bainbridge gets double underhooks and turns Thai into the cage.
Bainbridge feints a counter leg kick.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Wille Thai. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Bainbridge pushes Thai back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Bartholomew Bainbridge showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The cut man is working on Wille Thai's cut.
That's time! Back to the action!

Thai blocks a jab.
Thai feinted with a counter takedown.
The fighters circle momentarily. Bainbridge darts into range and connects with a nice straight punch.
Bainbridge misses with a series of wild punches.
Thai attempts a counter takedown but Bainbridge avoids it well and moves away.
Thai shoots and misses
and Bainbridge counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Thai shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Bainbridge defends it nicely.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Bainbridge lands an overhand right.

Thai moves into the clinch.
Bainbridge working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
Bainbridge fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Thai wants a takedown.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Wille Thai. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Thai is trying to work for a single leg takedown but Bainbridge pulls him back up using the underhooks.
Bainbridge lands a nice shot to the body.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.

Bainbridge escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Bainbridge scores with a jab to the jaw.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Bainbridge does a little shimmy and throws a leg kick. The leg kick missed by a considerable margin though, making him look a little bit silly for doing the shimmy.
Thai moves away from the strike by Bainbridge.
Bainbridge scoring well with a low kick there.
Bainbridge swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Bainbridge loads up on a big right hand but Thai slips the punch.
Thai fires out a quick counter leg kick but Bainbridge just manages to avoid it.
Bainbridge misses the jab.
Thai shoots in looking for a takedown. Bainbridge tries to sprawl out of it but Thai keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Bainbridge manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Bainbridge takes the fight into the clinch.
Bainbridge is working Thai over against the cage.

Thai jumps guard.
Bartholomew Bainbridge has got the better of the ground game so far.

Bainbridge gets to his feet - Thai follows without any prompting.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Bainbridge punishes Thai's body with a nice straight punch.
Bainbridge fakes with a right hand and throws a good leg kick, right into the thigh. That had to hurt Thai.
Thai dives in for a single leg takedown but Bainbridge sprawls and the fighters end up clinched against the cage.
Thai backing away here, and Bainbridge unleashes a leg kick that just misses.
Bainbridge lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
A short right from Bainbridge.
Thai blocks a body shot from Bainbridge.
Bainbridge presses Thai against the cage and delivers a mid-strength body shot.
Bartholomew Bainbridge seems to be working more effectively in the clinch in the fight so far.
A right hand to the body from Bainbridge.
Bainbridge lands a hook that snaps the head of Thai backwards.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Bainbridge scores with a shoulder strike.
Bainbridge lands with a short head shot on the inside.
Thai is working on a leg, looking for a takedown but Bainbridge is defending well.
A shot in the inside from Bainbridge.
A short body shot lands from Bainbridge as the two fighters clinch.
Bainbridge lands an uppercut.
Bainbridge lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Bartholomew Bainbridge really dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Wille Thai's cut.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business.

Bainbridge with a body punch. A glancing blow.

Thai shoots in with a lovely double leg takedown. Bainbridge manages to land in full guard to minimise the damage.

Bainbridge pushes Thai off and scrambles back to his feet.
Bainbridge has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Thai fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Bainbridge avoids it really well and circles away.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Bainbridge throws a low kick but his opponent is out of range.
Thai misses with a takedown attempt
and Bainbridge counters with a nice jab to the body that keeps Thai thinking.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Bainbridge scores with a punch to the head.
It's got to the stage where if one of these guys blows hard enough, the other might fall over.
Bainbridge wants to land a leg kick but Thai is out of range.
Thai drops down looking for a counter takedown but Bainbridge sprawls and moves away.
Bainbridge throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Thai feinted with a counter takedown.
Bainbridge throws a hook to the side of Thai's head but Thai sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Bainbridge is looking to score with low kicks.
Bainbridge moves into range and lands a nice body kick.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Bainbridge thows a leg kick but Thai checks it

and Thai counters with a driving takedown into guard. Nice work there by Thai.
Thai sneaks a leg through and gets to half guard. That was like a knife through butter how easily he passed Bainbridge's guard.

Bainbridge kicks off Thai and gets to his feet.
Bartholomew Bainbridge seems to be getting the better of the standup.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Thai misses with a takedown

and Bainbridge holds on and brings the fighters into a clinch.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Wille Thai. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Bainbridge misses with a hook to the ribs.
Bainbridge lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
A right hand to the body from Bainbridge.
Bainbridge lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Thai backwards.

Bainbridge breaks the clinch.
Bainbridge shuffles to his left behind two crisp jabs. Thai eats them both and turns towards Bainbridge to reposition himself and eats a stinging right hand-left hook combo.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
A swing and a miss from Bainbridge.
A lazy left from Bainbridge finds it's target.
Bainbridge throws out a loose jab but Thai uses good head movement to avoid it.
Bainbridge scores with a hook.
Thai fails with the takedown

and Bainbridge counters into the clinch. Nicely done.
Bainbridge lands a hook that snaps the head of Thai backwards.
Bainbridge just leaning against Thai, taking a breather.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Thai is trying to work for a single leg takedown but Bainbridge pulls him back up using the underhooks.
Thai is working on a leg, looking for a takedown but Bainbridge is defending well.
Bainbridge scores with a shot to the side of Thai's head.
Thai is working for takedown but Bainbridge is calmly controlling the position for now.

Bainbridge escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Both fighters are looking to counter, which isn't making for the most exciting fight in the world.
Bainbridge connects with a looping left hand that seems like it dazed Thai momentarily.
Thai has his hands up protecting his head but a hook from Bainbridge finds it's way round the side to connect with Thai's head.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Bainbridge lands a nice hook to Thai's body. Thai takes it in his stride and looks to land his own strikes.
Bainbridge connects with a good right hand that stumbles Thai. Thai circles away out of range and recomposes himself.
Thai uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Bainbridge.
Thai seemed to be looking to counter by closing the distance.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Bartholomew Bainbridge dominated that fourth round.
The cut man is working on Wille Thai's cut.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business. The crowd applaud as we get ready to start the final round!

Bainbridge scores with a body shot.
Thai closes the distance and clinches up with Bainbridge, looking for a takedown. Thai pushes Bainbridge against the cage but Bainbridge circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Bainbridge dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Nice takedown defense from Bainbridge. No joy for Thai on that attempt.
Thai moves away from the strike by Bainbridge.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Nice shot lands for Bainbridge.
Bainbridge lands a nice hook to Thai's body. Thai takes it in his stride and looks to land his own strikes.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Thai has a takedown stuffed.
Bainbridge is loading up here, looking for a big counter of his own.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Wille Thai. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Bainbridge throws a head kick that misses.
Bainbridge lands with a nice body punch.
Thai fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Bainbridge is loading up here, looking for a big counter of his own.
Bainbridge leaves Thai with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
Bainbridge is looking for the big counter here.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Bainbridge jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Bainbridge misses with a wild body shot.
Bainbridge misses with a looping left.
Thai changes levels looking for a counter takedown but doesn't commit.
Bainbridge scores with a kick to the midsection.
A punch combination from Bainbridge misses.
Bainbridge keeps Thai at a distance using the push kick.
Bartholomew Bainbridge 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.
Bainbridge keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
Bainbridge tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Thai was well out of range. Poor timing from Bainbridge.
Bainbridge lands a jab to Thai's midsection.
Bainbridge stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Bainbridge wants it to stay on the feet.
A slow jab from Bainbridge misses its intended target.
Thai takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Thai slips under a jab.
A telegraphed right hand from Bainbridge misses the target.
Bainbridge lands a nice shot that snaps Thai's head back.
Thai uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Bainbridge.
Thai is trying to close the distance and clinch up, after that failed offence from Bainbridge.
Bainbridge just misses with a punch to the body.
Thai is looking to counter the offense by Bainbridge and move into the clinch.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Bainbridge throws a right and a left that Thai avoids nicely.
Wille Thai has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Bainbridge works his jab well there, keeping his opponent at a distance.

And that's the end of the fight!
Bartholomew Bainbridge comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
Well Bainbridge 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 5 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Summer Carpenter scores the fight 43:50
Judge Bruno Hogan scores the fight 43:50
Judge Winston Howard scores the fight 44:50

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Bartholomew Bainbridge!
Bartholomew Bainbridge is the new light heavyweight champion!
An out of breath Bartholomew Bainbridge thanked his loyal fans in his post fight interview, giving them credit for his success over the course of his career.