PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Bobby Leshley (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Kelly McGrady (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Chooooooooon! I think Leshley might be my favorite fighter, now he's come out to I am the Dominator. McGrady comes into a darkened arena with his song building. Lynyrd Skynyrd - Free Bird kicks in, the lights come on and the crowd goes wild! What a showman! 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.

Leshley
vs
McGrady

190 cm
25
265 lbs
9 - 7 - 1

197 cm
24
250 lbs
7 - 5 - 0

Good wrestling
Excellent boxer
Very strong

BJJ Purple Belt
Decent boxing
Powerful

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 9 - 7 - 1, fighting out of Montreal, Bobby Leshley!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 7 - 5 - 0, fighting out of New York, Kelly McGrady!
The judges for this bout are Dean Styles, David Schapiro and Jonathan Paton.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Leshley shakes his hands off, looking to compose himself, but takes a jab to the jaw whilst he does it.

It looks like Bobby Leshley has been cut.
Leshley tries to close the distance and clinch but McGrady swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Leshley throws a body punch but McGrady moves out of range.
Donk. Leshley catches McGrady right on the button with a cross.
A jab from Leshley finds it's way through McGrady's defenses.

It looks like Kelly McGrady has been cut.
Leshley shoots for a double leg takedown but McGrady sprawls well. He's pushed Leshley's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
McGrady lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Leshley circles away quickly and effectively.

Leshley darts in and lands a nice takedown into half guard.
This has been an exciting period of action!
McGrady keeping control of the position.
McGrady has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Leshley is working away from the top position though.

Leshley is trying a forearm choke… I don't think that's going to do much at this level of the game.
McGrady tries to roll over but Leshley keeps him under control.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Leshley looks towards his corner to check for any instructions. The corner give him nothing to work with, so he cracks McGrady with a short hammerfist. I guess that's as good as any advice he could get in this position.
McGrady is not content to let Leshley control the position.
McGrady trying to control but Leshley postures up.

Neither fighter is doing enough for the referee's liking and he's decided to stand them back up.
McGrady throws a series of punches but Leshley avoids them all with ease.
Leshley uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from McGrady.
Leshley misses with an uppercut. McGrady saw that one coming.
Leshley uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by McGrady.
A head kick misses from Leshley.
Kelly McGrady seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
McGrady throws a series of punches but Leshley avoids them all with ease.
McGrady throws an overhand right that lands on Leshley's shoulder, as Leshley tries to avoid the shot.

That's two 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.
Leshley lands a jab, followed by a cross and another cross, as McGrady backs up against the cage.
McGrady 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.
Leshley misses with a body punch
and McGrady counters with a nice jab to the body that keeps Leshley thinking.
McGrady misses with a series of wild punches.
McGrady lunges at Leshley with a hook that half lands and is half blocked by Leshley's hand.
A looping hook to the body misses from Leshley. McGrady does a little dance to reset his feet.
McGrady pivots, looking for a leg kick but Leshley is out of range and McGrady settles back down.
McGrady throws a head kick that misses.
Leshley ducks down and throws a hook to the body but McGrady moves away.
McGrady scoring well with a low kick there.
Oooooooooooh, not good. A low kick from McGrady lands where it shouldn't have, right in the... well, you know what he did? He kicked him in the penis. He's injured, injured bad. The referee sends both fighters to their corners and Leshley has 5 minutes to recover. He's OK now though... a thumbs up from Leshley and we're back underway with a touch of gloves.
McGrady lands with a thumping leg kick.
McGrady throws a low kick but Leshley avoids it.
Leshley bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.

Leshley shoots in for a takedown from distance. He catches McGrady napping and manages to drive through into side control!

That's three minutes gone in the round.
You can see the frustration on McGrady's face, being in this tough position on the bottom.
McGrady tries to improve position but can't.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
McGrady wants to control but Leshley postures up.
Leshley trying to control the action but McGrady is working from the bottom.
McGrady tries to get back to half guard but can't.
Leshley trying to control the action but McGrady is working from the bottom.
McGrady regains half guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
McGrady wants to get back to full guard.

Well, the referee has seen enough. Neither fighter is active enough on the ground so he's stood them back up.
McGrady lands a jab to Leshley's midsection.

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.
Leshley takes a swing at McGrady's ribcage but misses.
Leshley throws a hook but McGrady blocks it.
Nice straight punches there by McGrady. You know Roy Jones Jr respects the hands of McGrady.
Kelly McGrady is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
McGrady throws a low kick but it's checked well by Leshley.
McGrady swinging wildly here.
Leshley throws an uppercut from half a mile away. McGrady sees it coming and avoids it easily.
A slow jab from McGrady misses its intended target.
McGrady tries a low kick but Leshley avoids it.
McGrady scores with a big left there. The judges will like that one.
Leshley misses with a double jab
and McGrady counters with an inside leg kick.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Leshley swings wildly with a couple of big hooks
and McGrady counters with a good low kick that Leshley was not able to check.
McGrady slaps away a takedown attempt from Leshley, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Leshley dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close round but I would say that Bobby Leshley will probably get the nod.
Both fighters have cut men working on them during the interval.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!

Leshley stalks McGrady and leaps in with a furious combination of punches. Uppercuts and crosses smash into McGrady's face. McGrady staggers backwards, shaken.
A combination from Leshley does no damage.
McGrady throws a low kick but Leshley avoids it.
Leshley shapes like he's going to throw a leg kick but settles back down.
Leshley ducks under a wild hook from McGrady.
McGrady swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
McGrady misses with a body punch
and Leshley counters with a straight right hand.
McGrady misses with a body shot.
McGrady punishes Leshley's body with a nice straight punch.
McGrady finds nothing but air with that leg kick attempt.
McGrady throws a leg kick but Leshley moved away.
McGrady falls off balance throwing a combination
and Leshley counters with a three punch combination, finished off with a leg kick. Nice work.
Leshley misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Leshley lands a nice looking kick to the body. McGrady takes a step back to recover.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
A slow jab from McGrady misses its intended target.

That's one minute gone in the round.
McGrady moves into range and throws a combination. A nice jab followed by a hook to the body.
McGrady lands a jab-cross combination.
McGrady falls off balance throwing a combination

and Leshley decides to take the opportunity to score a takedown. He's landed in McGrady's guard.
McGrady utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Leshley stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. McGrady swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Leshley is working hard here to advance position.
Both fighters really going for it on the ground here!
Leshley controls from within his opponent's guard.
Leshley postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Leshley accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Leshley thows a big elbow that misses.
McGrady preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

It looks like we're going to have a standup here. Neither fighter is doing enough on the ground.
McGrady scores with a jab to the body.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
McGrady throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
McGrady throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Leshley sees it coming and avoids it easily.
McGrady misses with a double jab

and Leshley counters with a nice double leg into half guard.
McGrady works his way to full guard. Good work.
Leshley trying to control the position from guard on top but McGrady is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
McGrady 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.
Leshley is looking to work some ground and pound but McGrady has wrist control.
Leshley wants to control from the top but McGrady keeps moving.
McGrady has a closed guard, preventing anything of note from happening. Perhaps he's looking to stall.
Leshley stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. McGrady swivels though and keeps the full guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
McGrady wants to sweep but no luck.
Leshley pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. McGrady is keeping the position for now.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Leshley keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Leshley uses good head movement to avoid the hook from McGrady.
McGrady digs a good hook to Leshley's body.
Leshley takes an uppercut right on the jaw but it doesn't phase him.
Leshley blocks a jab.
Leshley throws a series of punches but McGrady moves out of range.
McGrady fakes a head punch and goes low to the body. Nicely done.
Kelly McGrady seems to be getting the better of the standup.
McGrady sizes up Leshley with a pawing jab and scores with a straight right down the middle.
McGrady fakes a jab and then connects with a hook.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
McGrady clobbers Leshley with an overhand right that has the crowd gasping. That made a horrendous noise.
McGrady falls off balance throwing a combination
and Leshley counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
McGrady loads up on a big right hand but Leshley slips the punch.
McGrady thows a body shot but no joy.
Leshley staying out of range there.
Leshley shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Leshley jabbing away but nothing is landing.
McGrady cracks Leshley with a nice right hand that draws applause from the crowd.
Good standup being displayed there by McGrady as he connects with a hook.
McGrady swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
McGrady throws a leg kick but Leshley checks it.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
McGrady fakes with a right hand and throws a good leg kick, right into the thigh. That had to hurt Leshley.
Leshley checks a low kick. Bone on bone - not my idea of a good time.
Leshley uses good head movement to avoid the hook from McGrady.
McGrady throws a hook but Leshley blocks it.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Kelly McGrady showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
Both fighters have cut men working on them during the interval.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin! Ladies and gentlemen, this is the final round!

Leshley misses the jab.
Leshley lands a nice shot to the body.
Leshley staying out of range there.
McGrady throws the left hand but Leshley avoids the punch easily.
A bone on bone clash there as Leshley blocks the leg kick.
Leshley checks a leg kick.
McGrady misses with a straight right.
McGrady is on the wrong end of a nice combination from Leshley.

Leshley shoots in for a takedown and gets it. Let's see what he's got on the mat.
McGrady is avoiding any damage by keeping wrist control.
McGrady lands a beautiful switch and he's in full mount! That could spell trouble for Leshley!
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!
McGrady sends his fist crashing into the mat - the crowd let out a collective ooooooh. Let's hope he's not broken it!

That's one minute gone in the round.
McGrady looking to control but Leshley is working nicely, looking to advance position himself.
Leshley manages to regain half guard. Good work.
Leshley is looking to control McGrady's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Leshley avoid being mounted?
McGrady thows a huge punch but Leshley dodges it nicely.
McGrady is trying to control the action in half guard but Leshley is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.
Leshley blocking the ground and pound attempt from McGrady.
McGrady not landing any meaningful shots this time.

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.
McGrady passes to full mount!
McGrady takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.

McGrady goes for an armbar but he's fallen flat on his backside there and now Leshley is on top in guard.
Leshley trying to control the position from guard on top but McGrady is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Leshley postures up.

Leshley drops back, looking for a kneebar! McGrady looks panicked! The fighters roll across the mat, one looking to finish, one looking to escape. McGrady looks to have wriggled free... Yes, he's got his leg free and he's dived into side control! Good work there from McGrady!
McGrady tries to land with some ground and pound but misses.
Leshley is putting a lot of effort into getting back to his feet here.
Leshley is trying to get back to half guard. He's pushing on McGrady's leg. He's managed it. Nice work.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Leshley is not content to let McGrady control the position.
Leshley is trying to get back to full guard.
McGrady trying to control from half guard but Leshley is working away.
Leshley is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
McGrady stops Leshley from getting back to his feet.

Well, the referee has seen enough. Neither fighter is active enough on the ground so he's stood them back up.
Leshley throws a head kick that misses.

Leshley gets a takedown into half guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
McGrady works his way to full guard. Good work.
McGrady is avoiding any damage by keeping wrist control.
McGrady manages to land a sweep and now he's in mount on top!
Leshley is trying desperately to improve position.
McGrady cracks Leshley with a nasty head shot there - the crowd let out an audible gasp there, as the noise reverberated around the arena.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Leshley is wriggling around trying to escape.
Poor strikes thrown by McGrady there. More accuracy and less frantic strikes would help!
McGrady looking to control and managing it successfully.

And that's the end of the fight!
Bobby Leshley showed his dominance in that final round.
I think Leshley 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 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Dean Styles scores the fight 29:29
Judge David Schapiro scores the fight 29:29
Judge Jonathan Paton scores the fight 29:29

The fight is ruled a draw!