PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Gage R (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Clive Craven (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Craven has chosen Anthrax Island as his entrance music. On his way into the cage it seems that Gage R has been attacked by a crazed fan! It looks like it might have been the just bleed guy! Luckily Gage R seems to be OK! I thought that lunatic was in prison!?

R
vs
Craven

187 cm
25
195 lbs
7 - 1 - 0

190 cm
24
185 lbs
6 - 0 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Solid boxing
Very strong

BJJ Blue Belt
Excellent boxer
Powerful

Tri Light Clothing

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 - 1 - 0, fighting out of New York, Gage R!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 6 - 0 - 0, fighting out of New York, Clive Craven!
The judges for this bout are Alyssa Summers, John Roberts and Columbo Gatti.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
R misses with an uppercut. Craven saw that one coming.
Craven misses with an uppercut.
R throws a sloppy head kick and Craven moves out of range easily.
Craven moves into range and connects with a jab.
R blocks a jab.
Craven lands a nice shot that snaps R's head back.
Craven fakes with the hands and throws a leg kick but R is out of range.
Craven connects with a looping left hand that seems like it dazed R momentarily.
Craven throws a body kick that misses.
A good leg kick by Craven.
Craven avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Craven takes a shot to the body in his stride.
R avoids a low kick by using good footwork.
R misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Craven throws a leg kick that misses.
Craven fakes high and swings low for a body shot but R manages to avoid it.
Craven lands with a good body shot.

That's one minute gone in the round.
R needs to keep his hands up - Craven had a free shot at his head there.
Craven connects with the punch.
R takes a shot to the nose. Hopefully that hasn't broken it.
R lands a jab, followed by a cross and another cross, as Craven backs up against the cage.
Craven throws a leg kick but he was too far away and it doesn't land.
Craven throws the left hand but R avoids the punch easily.
Craven tries to work over R's front leg with a kick but R checks it.
R on the wrong end of a vicious looking body shot.
Craven scores with a nice strike.
R connects with a leg kick. He turned his hip over nicely there.
Craven wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.
Craven misses with a body shot
and R counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
R scores with a jab to the head.
R takes a shot right to the bread basket.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
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!
Craven throws a leg kick that is checked
and R counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Craven lands a straight punch to the body, keeping R at a distance.
R doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
Craven cracks the inside of R's front leg.
Craven punishes R's body with a nice straight punch.
Craven ducks down and throws a hook to the body but R moves away.
R scores with a punch to the head.
R blocks a low kick nicely.
Craven throws a low kick, looking for R's leg but R calmly moves out of range.
Craven tries to land a front kick but R steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed.
Craven fakes a head punch and goes low to the body. Nicely done.
Craven throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Craven wants to slow R down by chopping away at his legs.
Craven swings and misses with a hook to the body.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Craven misses with a wild body shot.
Nice jab there from R.
Craven lands an overhand right.
Craven misses with a straight right.
Craven is throwing a lot of body shots here, looking to wear down R rather than just go for the knockout.
Craven cracks R with a good shot that sees him stumbling back into the cage.
R keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Craven.
Craven lands a leg kick. The shin dug right into the meat of the thigh.
Craven lets loose with a powerful body kick. R will feel that in the morning.
R avoids a low kick by using good footwork.
R takes a shot to the body in his stride.
Nice defenses there by R.
An inside leg kick from Craven misses.

R feints and then dives in with a takedown. That was a long way out but the feint bought him enough time to close the distance and complete the takedown. Now we'll play guard for a bit and see who can get the better of that position.
Craven looking to control.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
R wants to control from the top but Craven keeps moving.
R postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Craven trying to keep a closed guard but R is proving a slippery customer.
Craven tries to land a sweep but no joy.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
R missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
R throws a big right hand that misses.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but Clive Craven will probably get the nod.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!

Nice body punch from Craven.
R moves his head to the side to avoid a jab but walks straight into a cross.
Gage R is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
A shot to the liver by R. Beautiful body shot.
Craven stalks R and leaps in with a furious combination of punches. Uppercuts and crosses smash into R's face. R staggers backwards, shaken.
Craven tries to score with a leg kick but it misses it's target.
Craven ducks down and throws a hook to the body.
Craven misses with a straight right.
R on the wrong end of a nice hook.
Clive Craven seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Craven cracks R with a good jab.
Craven scores with a straight right hand, right through his opponent's guard.
R slips a straight right by Craven.
R tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Craven throws a hook but R avoids it easily.
R tries to clinch but Craven moves out of range.

That's one minute gone in the round.

R closes the distance and clinches.
R lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
Craven is trying to stall.
R struggles to land a body shot inside as Craven controls his hands.
R misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Craven is trying to slow down the pace in the clinch, to catch his breath.
R goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Craven blocks a body shot from R.
R has Craven pushed against the cage.
R tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Craven's elbow.
R tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Craven's elbow.
R misses with a punch to the body.
R fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Both guys are working to get underhooks.
Craven blocks a body shot from R.
Craven blocks a couple of punches on the inside.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.
R scores with a shot to the side of Craven's head.
R is clearly stalling here... Pick up the pace son.
R misses with a punch to the body.
R tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Craven's elbow.
R lands on the inside with an uppercut.
R can't get the takedown.
Craven is trying to stall.
R tries to throw a body punch but Craven avoids it by throwing R back against the cage.
Good body shot from R.
Good body shot from R.
R is working for takedown but Craven is calmly controlling the position for now.
R goes for a takedown in the clinch but Craven prevents it.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Gage R. That's going to take a lot out of him.
R lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Craven backwards.
Craven is working hard here but doesn't seem to be able to control effectively, up against the cage.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
The pace really dropping off here, momentarily.
Craven is pressed up against the cage. R has hold of a leg and is looking to drag Craven down to the mat. Craven avoids the attempt though and has circled away. We're back to striking at a distance.
Craven throws out a powerful jab.
Clive Craven seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
R looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Craven is fending him off so far but R persists. Nope, Craven circles away and we're back to standing.
R defending well as Craven loads up on a big left hand.
R misses with a shot to the body
and Craven counters nicely by changing levels and landing a hook to the body.
An inside leg kick from R misses.
Craven tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but R was well out of range. Poor timing from Craven.
R misses with a shot to the body
and Craven cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Craven misses with a leg kick.
Craven connects nicely with a jab. Noted by the judges no doubt.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Craven connects with the punch.
Clive Craven is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Craven scores with a jab to the body.

R shoots in and gets a takedown into half guard. R showed some decent athleticism there.
R is trying to control. Craven wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.
R throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
The two fighters exchange a few words. I couldn't hear what they were saying but maybe it's more fun if you make it up yourself. R connects with a nice short shot to Craven's temple.
R frees up his trapped foot and advances to mount.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
R looking to ground and pound but Craven is blocking nicely.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close second round but I would say that Gage R will probably get the nod.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business.

Craven displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as R throws out the jab.
Craven looks to score with a jab to the body but R is just out of range.
R swings wildly with a couple of big hooks
and Craven counters with an inside leg kick.
Craven moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
R looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Craven is fending him off so far but R persists. Nope, Craven circles away and we're back to standing.

R fakes an overhand right and shoots for a takedown. Craven sprawls well initially but R persists and gets the takedown into half guard.
R thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
R not landing any meaningful shots this time.

R seems to be looking for submissions.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
R is looking to advance position but Craven won't allow it.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Craven works his way to full guard. Good work.
Craven really doesn't want to stay on the ground with R. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.
Craven 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.
R in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Craven trying to control the position.

Well, the referee has seen enough. Neither fighter is active enough on the ground so he's stood them back up.
R moves forwards but Craven connects with a nice, crisp jab.
R on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by Craven. Craven obviously looking to wear him down.
Craven fakes high and swings low for a body shot but R manages to avoid it.

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.
R displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Craven throws out the jab.
R tries to clinch but Craven is having none of it.
A head kick by R misses
letting Craven counter with a right hand.
Craven lunges at R with a hook that half lands and is half blocked by R's hand.
Craven lands a right hook to the body.
Craven throws a body kick that sends a sickening thudding noise reverberating around the arena.
A solid leg kick lands there for Craven.
Craven motions for R to come forward. Craven throws a leg kick but it misses it's target.
Thud! ouch! good body kick from Craven - that will leave a mark!
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Craven misses with a low kick.
R falls off balance throwing a combination
and Craven counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
R waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Craven.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Craven tries to land a leg kick but R saw it coming and moves away.
Craven tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but R was well out of range. Poor timing from Craven.
Craven swings and misses with a shot to the body
and Craven takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
R on the wrong end of a decent looking cross there.
Craven throws a leg kick but R moved away.
Craven misses with a body shot.
Craven lands with an uppercut that bounces R off the cage and back into rage.
Craven scores with a jab to the body.
R looks shocked there as he takes a right hand to the temple.
Craven lands a nice shot to the body.
Craven stuffs the takedown.
Craven scores with a sloppy punch to the body. Not much technique there but it did the business.
R slips under a jab from Craven.
R looks to land a right hand but Craven moved out of range.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
R swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Craven throws a leg kick

and R counters with a driving takedown into guard. Nice work there by R.
Craven preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Craven wants to sweep but no luck.
R trying to control the position from guard on top but Craven is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Craven utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
R trying to control the position from guard on top but Craven is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
R pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Craven is keeping the position for now.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

R digs a good body shot into Craven's ribs.
Craven takes a shot to the nose. Hopefully that hasn't broken it.
R throws a jab but it's blocked by Craven.
Jab by Craven.

R has taken the fight to the clinch.
R misses with a punch to the body.
Craven tries to stall but R uses the opportunity to gain a better position.
R jumps guard but Craven stands there with R around his waist. R gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch.
R stalling here - the referee won't stand for too much of that.
R goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
R taking a breather.
The referee calls for Craven to work.

That's one minute gone in the round.
R tries to pull guard but can't drag his opponent to the mat. Craven just stands there and leans against the cage.
R tries to work over Craven's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
R lands a right hand that snaps the head of Craven backwards.
Craven is pushing R up against the cage, for a bit of lean and pray action. Action being used the in the loosest possible sense of the word.
Craven is looking to control R's arms but R gets an underhook and turns him. Now Craven has his back to the cage.
R looks like he's developed a pretty tasty lump over his left eye. He'll need to avoid taking much more damage to that.
R tries to pull guard but can't drag his opponent to the mat. Craven just stands there and leans against the cage.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Gage R. That's going to take a lot out of him.
R is leaning against Craven and scores with a nice uppercut to the body.
R tries to throw a body punch but Craven avoids it by throwing R back against the cage.
R lands with a short punch from the clinch.
R is working Craven over against the cage.
Craven is trying to stall.
R misses with a hook to the ribs.
R pushes Craven back against the cage and unloads with a body punch.
Craven is absolutely dripping with sweat - he looks exhausted.
R is trying to drag Craven to the mat but Craven just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.
R misses with a body punch.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Craven blocks a body shot from R.
R just leaning against Craven, taking a breather.
A hook to the body from R.
R lands a right hand.
R goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
R is trying to work for a single leg takedown but Craven pulls him back up using the underhooks.
R tries a body shot but Craven blocks it.
A short body shot lands from R as the two fighters clinch.
Craven trying to stall but R improves his position.
R can't find room to land a body shot as Craven controls the action.
A shot in the inside from R.
Craven is trying to slow down the pace of the fight but R is keeping busy.
R scores with a hook to the body.
This has been an exciting period of action!
R struggles to land a body shot inside as Craven controls his hands.
R works for underhooks and lands a body shot in the process.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
R throws a hook to the body. More of an arm punch but it's all scoring with the judges.
R wants a takedown but no success here.
A short left from R.
Craven blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Still in the clinch, R scores with a nice short uppercut.
R works for underhooks and lands a body shot in the process.
Gage R has scored more points in the clinch so far.
R lands a nice looking hook to the body, against the cage.
R tries a body shot but Craven blocks it.
A nice right hand lands inside from R.
R tries to work over Craven's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
R throws a punch but it's blocked by Craven.
R misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Craven being controlled against the cage.
R struggles to land a body shot inside as Craven controls his hands.
Craven prevents a body shot from R.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
R tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
R tries a body shot but Craven blocks it.
R is leaning against Craven and scores with a nice uppercut to the body.
R is struggling to control the position.
Craven tries to stall but R uses the opportunity to gain a better position.
Craven prevents a body shot from R.
R struggles to land a body shot inside as Craven controls his hands.
R fails to pull guard.
A real battle for position is taking place between these two warriors.
R tries a body shot but Craven blocks it.
Craven is working hard here but doesn't seem to be able to control effectively, up against the cage.
Craven will no doubt start fighting again in a minute but for now he's just having a little rest, leaning R up against the cage.
Craven trying to control the position but instead, R has worked for underhooks and has pushed Craven into the cage.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Gage R had his way with Clive Craven in 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. This is the final round!

R throws the overhand right but ducks down into a quick takedown attempt. Craven was covering up waiting for the punch and R finishes the takedown easily into guard.
R pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Craven is keeping the position for now.
R 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.
R throwing strikes but missing.

That's one minute gone in the round.
R looking to sit in guard and control but Craven gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top.
Craven sitting in guard here, content to control.
R trying to keep a closed guard but Craven is proving a slippery customer.

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.
R wants to sweep but no luck.

R throws his legs up looking to secure a triangle. Oh, that looks pretty tight, I gotta say! Craven escapes and throws R's legs to the side, diving into side control!
R regains half guard.
Craven trying to pass the guard but R defending well.
R manages to get to full guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

R working for submissions but it's allowed Craven to get to half guard.
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.
R wants to get back to full guard but Craven has mounted him!
R is wriggling around trying to escape.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are showing their displeasure at the lack of action as loud boos ring out around the arena.
Craven takes a little breather and maintains the position. The referee will be looking for him to stay active from such a dominant position though.
Craven prevents R from getting the reversal.
R wants to hold on but Craven pushes him away.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
R is trying to escape the mount.

And that's the end of the fight!
That was a close round. You could make an argument for either fighter but I would give it to Gage R.
I think R 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 Alyssa Summers scores the fight 48:47
Judge John Roberts scores the fight 48:47
Judge Columbo Gatti scores the fight 48:47

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Gage R!
Gage R retains his middleweight title!