PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Dave Bower (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Corey McKennedy (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Chooooooooon! I think Bower might be my favorite fighter, now he's come out to Triple H Theme Song. McKennedy is bobbing his head along to his entrance song: Killing In The Name. The atmosphere really building for this one as we go over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Bower
vs
McKennedy

175 cm
22
192 lbs
7 - 3 - 0

185 cm
22
195 lbs
8 - 0 - 0

BJJ Brown Belt
Excellent boxer
Very strong

BJJ Purple Belt
Good kicks
Powerful

Deadly Clothing
Rivers Edge Nutrition

SPARTAN FIGHTWARE-GTI

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the middleweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 7 - 3 - 0, fighting out of New York, Dave Bower!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 8 - 0 - 0, fighting out of New York, Corey McKennedy!
The judges for this bout are Steve Montenegro, Reed Andrews and Joseph Jones.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Bower misses the jab.
Bower misses with an uppercut. McKennedy saw that one coming.
McKennedy tries to close the distance and clinch up but Bower swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Bower takes a swing at McKennedy's ribcage but misses.
Bower shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has McKennedy pinned against the cage. McKennedy gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
Bower moves out of range of the body kick from McKennedy.
McKennedy blocks a head kick by Bower.
Bower throws a right and a left that both miss.
Bower slips in close and lands a nice hook before moving back out of range.
Bower circles away from the clinch attempt.
Bower looks to score with a jab to the body but McKennedy is just out of range.
McKennedy keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Bower.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
McKennedy feints and then cracks Bower's leading leg with a nice low kick. He's obviously looking to slow Bower down.
McKennedy doesn't manage to clinch there - Bower circles away.
Bower looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
Bower swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.

Bower shoots in for a takedown and gets it. Let's see what he's got on the mat.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
McKennedy wants to stand but Bower is controlling the position.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Bower stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. McKennedy swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Bower throwing strikes from guard but McKennedy blocks nicely.
Bower won't allow McKennedy to get back to his feet.
McKennedy avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Well. There's a bit of a lull in the action here and the crowd are starting to get restless.

Bower drops back for a leg but he's not going to get it - he lets go and McKennedy dives on top into guard.
Bower 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.
Bower looking to control.

McKennedy gets to his feet and steps away from his opponent.
Corey McKennedy is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Bower tries to bum rush McKennedy with a series of wild strikes but McKennedy uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Horrible takedown by Bower or perhaps it was just good defense by McKennedy which made him look bad.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Dave Bower. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Like a baseball bat into the meat of his leg there - nice leg kick by McKennedy.
McKennedy misses with a head kick.
No luck for Bower with that takedown attempt.
Bower thows a body shot but no joy.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Bower.
McKennedy goes for a high kick. It partially lands.
McKennedy slips a jab and a cross from Bower.
McKennedy tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Bower swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Bower shoots in but McKennedy avoids the takedown attempt easily.
McKennedy throws a sloppy head kick and Bower moves out of range easily.
Bower fails with a takedown attempt.
Bower dives in and grabs McKennedy's left leg, looking for a takedown. McKennedy pushes down on Bower's head and hops out.

McKennedy has managed to clinch.
Good anti-grappling being displayed by McKennedy as Bower tries to tie him up.
Bower pressing his opponent against the cage.
McKennedy pressing his opponent against the cage.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
McKennedy throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Bower blocks it with crossed arms.
Bower tries for a takedown but McKennedy manages to get underhooks.
Bower avoids the elbow strike from McKennedy, against the cage.
McKennedy stalling in the clinch but Bower improves position.

Bower gets a nice trip takedown into half guard.
McKennedy is trying to stand back up but Bower is controlling him
McKennedy keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
McKennedy tries to kick Bower off but Bower keeps his base steady and stays in half guard.
Bower thows a huge punch but McKennedy dodges it nicely.
Bower thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
Bower is looking to advance position but McKennedy won't allow it.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Corey McKennedy dominated that round.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

McKennedy misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Jab, cross, leg kick. Nice combination by Bower!
McKennedy tries a head kick but it misses.
McKennedy throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Nice body kick there by McKennedy.
McKennedy misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Bower.
Bower throws a nice looking combination but McKennedy bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
McKennedy ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Bower moves away.
Bower swinging wildly here.
Bower tries for a takedown but McKennedy sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
McKennedy stuffs the takedown attempt from Bower. Bower gets slowly back to his feet.
A solid leg kick lands there for McKennedy.
Bower is trying hard to land a takedown here. McKennedy sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Dave Bower. That's going to take a lot out of him.

The fight moves into the clinch position.

That's one minute gone in the round.
McKennedy throws a knee to the head but misses.
Bower looking to stall.
Bower has had enough of the clinch but McKennedy keeps him there for the moment.
Bower stalling in the clinch.
Bower looks like he'd prefer to be striking at range right now.
McKennedy tries to land a knee to the head but misses.
Bower on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
McKennedy throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Bower blocks it with crossed arms.
McKennedy throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Bower blocks it with crossed arms.
McKennedy is trying to slow down the pace of the fight but Bower is keeping busy.
McKennedy throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Bower blocks it with crossed arms.
McKennedy utilising his Muay Thai to score with a knee to the body.
Bower drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it.
McKennedy using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Bower has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are getting on the fighters' backs, as the pace has dropped off in the last minute or so.
Bower looks like he'd prefer to be striking at range right now.
Bower blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.
Bower tries to break the clinch but McKennedy is controlling the position.
McKennedy is trying to slow down the pace of the fight but Bower is keeping busy.
Come on Bower - let's have some action - none of this stalling nonsense.
McKennedy tries a knee to the head but Bower blocks it.
McKennedy trying to control the position but instead, Bower has worked for underhooks and has pushed McKennedy into the cage.
Bower tries to pull guard but can't drag his opponent to the mat. McKennedy just stands there and leans against the cage.

Bower breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
McKennedy throws a leg kick but Bower moved away.

Bower scores a trip takedown into side control. Nice.
Bower working the strikes but McKennedy uses the opportunity to regain half guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Bower sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. McKennedy defending well though.

McKennedy manages to escape and get back to his feet!
Bower throws a jab but it's blocked by McKennedy.
Bower shoots in for a takedown but McKennedy shows good takedown defense.
Bower looks for a takedown but McKennedy sprawls well.
Bower fails with a takedown attempt.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
McKennedy throws a wild body kick that Bower sees coming a mile off.
Bower fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
McKennedy misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Bower with a hook.
Bower swinging wildly here.
Bower shoots in but no luck this time.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
McKennedy throws a right high kick that is partially blocked by Bower.
Bower throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Dave Bower is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
McKennedy misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
McKennedy on the wrong end of a vicious looking body shot.
Nice sprawl there from McKennedy as Bower shoots in.
McKennedy blocks a jab.
Danga de danga de dang - Bower scores with a four punch combination!
McKennedy slaps away a takedown attempt from Bower, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Bower misses with a looping left.
McKennedy throws a leg kick which misses Bower's front leg but catches the back leg as Bower tries to avoid it.
Bower takes a body kick right on the floating rib. Ouchie.
Bower displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as McKennedy throws out the jab.
McKennedy throws a leg kick which misses Bower's front leg but catches the back leg as Bower tries to avoid it.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Bower stumbles momentarily as he takes a strong leg kick from McKennedy.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Corey McKennedy 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!

A slapping leg kick lands for McKennedy.
McKennedy thows a body shot but no joy.
McKennedy lands with a slapping head kick.
McKennedy lands a high kick!
McKennedy ducks under a wild hook from Bower.
McKennedy doesn't manage to clinch there - Bower circles away.
Bower lands a head shot.
Corey McKennedy seems to be getting the better of the standup.
McKennedy misses with a head kick.

McKennedy has taken the fight to the clinch.
McKennedy throws a nice elbow but it doesn't land.
Bower is trying to slow down the pace of the fight but McKennedy is keeping busy.
McKennedy landing some nice looking knees to the body.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
McKennedy scores with a knee to the head.
McKennedy scores with a knee to the head.
McKennedy looking to throw knees to the head but Bower is blocking nicely.
McKennedy crunches a lovely knee into Bower's ribcage.
Nice elbow from McKennedy.

That's one minute gone in the round.
With the fighters up against the cage, McKennedy throws an elbow but misses.
Bower jumps guard but his hands slip and he falls flat on his back. Well, he's made himself look a right mug there, as McKennedy walks away with a smile on his face. Bower gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head.
Bower lands a powerful looking uppercut that connected with his opponent's jaw.
Bower closes this distance looking for a takedown but McKennedy circles away.
McKennedy looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.
Dave Bower seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Bower chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before McKennedy can pounce on him.
McKennedy throws a head kick that Bower semi-blocks.
McKennedy lands with a kick to the temple. Bower shrugs as if to say "is that all you've got?"
McKennedy scores with a push kick.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Bower will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
McKennedy throws a big shot that misses.
McKennedy connects with a high kick.
Bower avoids the head kick by McKennedy.

McKennedy has taken the fight to the clinch.
McKennedy unloads a knee to the mid-section. Bower lets out a prehistoric sounding urrrrgh.
McKennedy has been the more effective fighter overall so far.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
With the two fighters working up against the cage, McKennedy just misses with a elbow thrown towards Bower's brow.
McKennedy lands an elbow that stopped Bower in his tracks for a moment.
McKennedy manages to get underhooks and slows down the pace for a moment.
McKennedy throws a knee to the head but misses.
McKennedy tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Bower avoids it.
Bower trying to control the position but instead, McKennedy has worked for underhooks and has pushed Bower into the cage.
McKennedy lands an elbow just above Bower 's eye.
McKennedy landing some nice looking knees to the body.
McKennedy using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Bower has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
Bower managing to block the knees to the body from McKennedy.
Bower on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
McKennedy missing with knees to the body.
McKennedy using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Bower has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
Bower managing to block the knees to the body from McKennedy.
Bower managing to block the knees to the body from McKennedy.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Bower wants a takedown.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Dave Bower. That's going to take a lot out of him.
With the fighters up against the cage, McKennedy throws an elbow but misses.
A battle for position here, against the cage.
Bower avoids the elbow strike from McKennedy, against the cage.
McKennedy is looking to control Bower's arms but Bower gets an underhook and turns him. Now McKennedy has his back to the cage.
Come on Bower - let's have some action - none of this stalling nonsense.
McKennedy tries to land a knee to the head but Bower blocks with his arms.
McKennedy letting Bower take a breather here.
McKennedy tries to land knees in the clinch but Bower avoids the damage to the body.
Bower is trying to maintain a safe position but McKennedy gets an underhook and turns Bower into the cage.
McKennedy lands an elbow inside.
McKennedy effectively controlling the action here.
McKennedy tries to land a knee to the head but Bower blocks with his arms.

That's four 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.
McKennedy is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Bower is defending well for now.
Bower tries to jump guard but he falls flat on his backside. McKennedy smiles and moves away.

Bower shoots in from a long way out. He's driving through with the takedown attempt and he eventually gets it, landing in McKennedy's guard.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Bower accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
McKennedy is looking to get back to his feet but can't, whilst Bower is controlling him.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
McKennedy working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Bower.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.

Bower drops back for a leg but he's not going to get it - he lets go and McKennedy dives on top into guard.
Bower is pulling down on McKennedy's head to control his posture.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Corey McKennedy really 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.

McKennedy tried to score with a low kick but Bower checks it.
McKennedy avoids a punch combination nicely.
Bower misses with a jab, cross combination.
McKennedy doesn't manage to clinch there - Bower circles away.

McKennedy gets caught on his heels momentarily as he allows Bower to score an easy takedown into full guard.
Bower forces his way into half guard.
McKennedy is trying to stand back up but Bower is controlling him

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

That's one minute gone in the round.
Bower throwing shots but McKennedy is blocking nicely.
Bower not landing any meaningful shots this time.
Bower throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.
McKennedy wants to get back to his feet.
Bower throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
McKennedy scores with a spinning back kick!
Bower circles away from the clinch attempt.
A good leg kick by McKennedy.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
There's not a lot going on here and the crowd are letting the fighters know they're not willing to tolerate a lack of action.
Bower shoots for a takedown but McKennedy saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
It's got to the stage where if one of these guys blows hard enough, the other might fall over.
Bower throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
McKennedy lands with a nice low kick. That'll leave a bruise.
Bower takes a step back and watches a body kick go sailing past his mid section.
McKennedy throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
McKennedy throws a body kick that digs right into the meat.
McKennedy throws a nice looking combination but Bower bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Bower shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts McKennedy as he jumps to the side.
McKennedy connects with a high kick.
Bower misses with a leg kick
and McKennedy counters with a slapping leg kick.
McKennedy just misses with a punch to the body.
Bower swinging wildly here.
Bower misses with a takedown
and McKennedy counters with a nice kick to the body.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Dave Bower. That's going to take a lot out of him.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
An inside leg kick lands from McKennedy.
A kick lands to the mid section there for McKennedy.
Nice body kick there by McKennedy.

McKennedy takes the fight into the clinch.
McKennedy looks to throw an elbow but misses.
McKennedy taking a break, stalling in the clinch.
Bower tries to jump guard but he falls flat on his backside. McKennedy smiles and moves away.
Bower changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. McKennedy tries to avoid it but Bower manages to keep hold of a leg and drag McKennedy to the ground. McKennedy escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Bower will be looking to protect his midsection after taking some solid kicks to the body.
Bower throws a right and a left that McKennedy avoids nicely.
McKennedy ducks under a wild hook from Bower.
Bower swinging wildly here.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A head kick from McKennedy lands but Bower takes it in his stride.
McKennedy throws a head kick that misses.
Bower throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
McKennedy looks to score with a jab to the body but Bower is just out of range.
Bower getting the better of the striking in that exchange.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Bower changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. McKennedy tries to avoid it but Bower manages to keep hold of a leg and drag McKennedy to the ground. McKennedy escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
McKennedy misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
McKennedy with a nice looking leg kick. You could hear that one land in a back row.
McKennedy fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Bower manages to avoid it.
McKennedy tried to score with a low kick but Bower checks it.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
McKennedy walks straight into a jab right on the nose. That one stung - he's blinking and trying to clear his head.
Bower scores with a nice one two combo and darts back out of range to avoid anything coming in the opposite direction.
Bower with a jab.
Bower throws a nice looking combination but McKennedy bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Corey McKennedy dominated that fourth round.
That's time! Back to the action! Ladies and gentlemen, this is the final round!

McKennedy throws the kick towards the body but Bower avoids it.
McKennedy is throwing a lot of body shots here, looking to wear down Bower rather than just go for the knockout.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Bower is defended easily by McKennedy.
McKennedy showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Bower.
A nice leg kick lands there from McKennedy.
Bower lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but McKennedy circles away quickly and effectively.
McKennedy lands a leg kick. The shin dug right into the meat of the thigh.
Bower is hobbling a little on that front leg after taking quite a few leg kicks so far in this fight.
McKennedy throws a nice inside leg kick.
McKennedy throws a quick head kick that skims the top of Bower's head.
Bower is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by McKennedy.
Bower shoots in but doesn't get the takedown
and McKennedy counters with a head kick. That will keep Bower thinking before he tries any more sloppy attacks!
Both of our modern day gladiators look out of it here - an gruelling 5 rounds of action taking it's toll on them, no doubt.
McKennedy misses with a head kick.
McKennedy moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.

That's one minute gone in the round.

McKennedy instigates a clinch.
Bower is looking to break free of the clinch but McKennedy has double underhooks.
McKennedy is stalling here. The referee will be looking to step in if he doesn't pick up the pace.
McKennedy missing with knees to the body.

Bower manages to pull guard. Let's see whether he can land a sub off his back.
Bower 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.
McKennedy tries to stand but Bower is controlling from the bottom.
Bower trying to keep a closed guard but McKennedy is proving a slippery customer.
McKennedy won't allow Bower to sweep him here.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are getting on the fighters' backs, as the pace has dropped off in the last minute or so.

McKennedy stands and steps away. Bower gets to his feet too and we're back to the striking game.

McKennedy clinches up against the cage.
McKennedy missing with knees to the body.
Bower tries for a takedown. No joy.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Dave Bower. That's going to take a lot out of him.
McKennedy creates a bit of space for himself and sneaks an elbow through Bower's defenses.
A real battle for position is taking place between these two warriors.
With the two fighters working up against the cage, McKennedy just misses with a elbow thrown towards Bower's brow.

Bower pulls guard.
McKennedy being controlled here momentarily.
McKennedy wanted to stand there but Bower had control of the position.
McKennedy won't allow Bower to sweep him here.
Corey McKennedy is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Bower is adopting a defensive guard.
McKennedy has decided he wants to stand but the closed guard of Bower is proving hard to escape from.
Bower is pulling down on McKennedy's head. It's preventing any offense from McKennedy, at least for the moment.

Bower looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
There's not a lot going on here and the crowd are letting the fighters know they're not willing to tolerate a lack of action.
McKennedy won't allow Bower to sweep him here.
McKennedy wants to stand but Bower has a closed guard, so he can't escape.
McKennedy must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.

Well, the referee has seen enough. Neither fighter is active enough on the ground so he's stood them back up.
McKennedy fakes with a right hand and throws a good leg kick, right into the thigh. That had to hurt Bower.
Bower shoots in but doesn't get the takedown
and McKennedy counters with a nice body kick.
Dave Bower has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Bower misses with a two punch combination.
A decent looking body kick lands there for McKennedy.
Bower misses with a two punch combination.
McKennedy throws a nice head kick!
Bower misses with a body shot.
McKennedy misses with a few strikes there.
Bower swinging wildly here.

And that's the end of the fight!
Corey McKennedy comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I've got McKennedy 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 5 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Steve Montenegro scores the fight 44:50
Judge Reed Andrews scores the fight 45:50
Judge Joseph Jones scores the fight 45:50

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Corey McKennedy! Corey McKennedy retains his middleweight title!