PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Hoy Nelson (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Spartacus Thracian (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Thracian has chosen Gladiators we are free as his entrance music. The atmosphere really building for this one as we go over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Nelson
vs
Thracian

183 cm
21
263 lbs
8 - 1 - 0

180 cm
20
275 lbs
4 - 0 - 1

Good wrestling
Lethal high kicks
Very strong

Good wrestler
Decent boxing
Powerful

NEW YORK STYLE FITNESS APPAREL $8 Shorts

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the heavyweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 8 - 1 - 0, fighting out of New York, Hoy Nelson!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 4 - 0 - 1, fighting out of New York, Spartacus Thracian!
The judges for this bout are Bruno Lombardi, Columbo Gatti and Russell Pearce.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Nelson throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Thracian avoids the head kick by Nelson.
Nelson throws a sloppy head kick and Thracian moves out of range easily.
Nelson tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.

Thracian throws a loose over hand right and dives in with a double leg takedown. Nelson tries to sprawl but it's too late and the fighters hit the mat. Thracian is in Nelson's guard.
Thracian is looking to work some ground and pound but Nelson has wrist control.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Thracian accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Nelson on his back here. We all know that wrestlers don't like being on their back so let's see if Nelson tries to get out of the position.
Thracian is looking to work some ground and pound but Nelson has wrist control.
Thracian postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Thracian throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Nelson works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Nelson wants to stand up but Thracian is controlling him.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Thracian wants to pass the guard but Nelson is keeping the position.
Thracian stopping the sweep attempt from Nelson.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Nelson preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Nelson keeping moving, preventing Thracian from controlling successfully.
Thracian missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Nelson working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Thracian.
Thracian stands up over Nelson, holding his feet. He dives back in and lands a decent shot to the head.
Thracian throwing strikes from guard but Nelson blocks nicely.
Nelson avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Thracian is in close to Nelson's body, working some short punches and elbows.
Thracian throws and elbow that misses. Nelson uses the momentum to reverse the position. He's now in Thracian's guard. Nice move by Nelson!
Nelson showing good wrestling skills to control the position.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Nelson wants to pass the guard but Thracian is keeping the position.
Nelson is looking to work some ground and pound but Thracian has wrist control.
Nelson is frustrating his opponent with some stalling tactics from top position.
Nelson wants to control from the top but Thracian keeps moving.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
The referee must be thinking about standing these guys back up.
Nelson is really struggling to control Thracian but he's trying to hold on to the position.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

Hoy Nelson has forced the referee to step in and bring the fight back to the feet.
A nice leg kick lands there from Nelson.
Hoy Nelson is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Nelson misses with a head kick.
Nelson leaves Thracian with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
Thracian takes a head kick and keeps coming.
Nelson swings away with a leg kick that misses.
Nelson looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.
Thracian blocks a leg kick.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Nelson throws a body kick that misses.
Like a baseball bat into the meat of his leg there - nice leg kick by Nelson.
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!
Thracian blocks a head kick by Nelson.
Nelson looks to land a body kick but Thracian moved away.
Thracian fails with the takedown.
Nelson throws a head kick that misses.
Nelson tries a head kick but it misses.
Thracian avoids the head kick by Nelson.
Thracian dives in and grabs Nelson's left leg, looking for a takedown. Nelson pushes down on Thracian's head and hops out.
Hoy Nelson has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Spartacus Thracian.
Thracian avoids the head kick by Nelson.
Thracian throws the left hand but Nelson avoids the punch easily.
Nelson tries a head kick but it misses.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Hoy Nelson dominated that round.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!

Nelson misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Hoy Nelson is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Thracian takes a kick to the body and keeps moving.
Nelson throws a looping overhand right but Thracian ducks down to avoid it.
Nelson misses with a body kick.
Nelson scores with a head kick.

It looks like Spartacus Thracian has been cut.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
A head kick misses from Nelson.
Nelson stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Nelson wants it to stay on the feet.
The sound of bone on bone echoes around the arena as Thracian checks a leg kick.
Thracian throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Nelson's waist but Nelson gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Thracian off to one side.
Thracian blocks a head kick by Nelson.
Thracian avoids the head kick by Nelson.
Thracian chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Nelson can pounce on him.
Thracian is breathing heavily.
Nelson lands with a kick to the temple. Thracian shrugs as if to say "is that all you've got?"

That's one minute gone in the round.
Thracian blocks a head kick by Nelson.
Thracian blocks a head kick by Nelson.
Thracian avoids a low kick by using good footwork.
Thracian shoots in but no luck this time.
Hoy Nelson has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Spartacus Thracian.
Thracian avoids the head kick by Nelson.
Thracian takes a head kick and keeps coming.
A head kick misses from Nelson.
Thracian checks the leg kick.
A head kick misses from Nelson.
Nelson misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Nelson throws a head kick but Thracian moves out of range.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Nelson misses with a body kick.
Nelson tries a head kick but it misses.
Nelson tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Thracian cracks Nelson with a right hand to the side of the head.
Nelson 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.

Thracian feints and as Nelson raises his hands in defense, Thracian changes levels and drives through with a takedown into guard.
Thracian wants to pass the guard but Nelson is keeping the position.
Thracian throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Thracian with a nice head shot there.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Thracian postures up and scores with a shot to the body and a follow up elbow to the head.
Thracian pushes down on Nelson's leg and manages to get into half guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Thracian winds up and cracks Nelson with a swinging punch to the side of the head.
Thracian takes advantage of the dominant position to land a couple of big hammer fists.
Nelson is trying to stand up here but Thracian is controlling him well.
Thracian wants to pass the guard but Nelson is defending well.
Nelson keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Thracian landing with strikes to the body and head, softening up his opponent.
Thracian working the head and body with strikes.
Nelson keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Thracian thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
Thracian thows a huge punch but Nelson dodges it nicely.
Thracian takes advantage of the dominant position to land a couple of big hammer fists.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Nelson blocking the ground and pound attempt from Thracian.
Nelson is trying to stand back up but Thracian is controlling him
Thracian not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
Thracian missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.
Thracian throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.
Thracian throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.
Thracian trying to control from half guard but Nelson is working away.
Thracian looks towards his corner to check for any instructions. The corner give him nothing to work with, so he cracks Nelson with a short hammerfist. I guess that's as good as any advice he could get in this position.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Thracian landing with strikes to the body and head, softening up his opponent.
Thracian thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Nelson's head.
Thracian lands strikes from half guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Hoy Nelson dominated that second round.
The cut man is working on Spartacus Thracian'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.

Thracian changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Nelson tries to avoid it but Thracian manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Nelson to the ground. Nelson escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Nelson tries a head kick but it misses.

Nelson tries to sprawl but Thracian drives through with a takedown into half guard.
Thracian throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.
Nelson is controlling Thracian's position as best he can from this difficult position.
Thracian throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
Thracian working over Nelson with some ground and pound. Nelson looks like he wants out of this position, which is understandable.
Nelson won't allow Thracian to pass to mount.
Nelson is refusing to be controlled, as Thracian sits in half guard.
Nelson is holding on to half guard well.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Nelson is looking to escape.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Nelson is refusing to be controlled, as Thracian sits in half guard.
Spartacus Thracian has got the better of the ground game so far.
Thracian throwing shots but Nelson is blocking nicely.
Thracian looks to score some points with some ground and pound.
Thracian not landing any meaningful shots this time.
Thracian with the ground and pound but Nelson uses the opportunity to regain guard.
Thracian working some strikes from top position.
Nelson has momentary wrist control but Thracian slips an elbow through the middle.
Thracian postures up and lands a big shot to Nelson's brow.
Thracian loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Thracian postures up in Nelson's guard and throws a big left but Nelson blocks it.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Thracian throws a big right hand that misses.
Thracian working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Thracian throwing strikes but missing.
Thracian must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.
Thracian content to strike from guard, landing some decent shots.
Nelson utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Thracian throwing strikes but missing.
Thracian throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Thracian working in close now, lands a nice elbow to the side of Nelson's head.
Nelson working a defensive guard here.
Nelson utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Thracian trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Thracian postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Thracian postures up in Nelson's guard and throws a big left but Nelson blocks it.
Thracian working from the guard for now, landing some ground and pound.
Thracian with a flurry of punches that miss.
Nelson working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Thracian.
Thracian throws and elbow that misses. Nelson uses the momentum to reverse the position. He's now in Thracian's guard. Nice move by Nelson!
Thracian looking for a sweep. Not yet Thracian, not yet.
Nelson trying to control but Thracian is working from the bottom.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.
Thracian avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Thracian looking to hit a scissor sweep but Nelson is one step ahead there.
Nelson passes Thracian's left leg - he's now in half guard.
Nelson trying to control from half guard but Thracian is working away.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Spartacus Thracian really dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Spartacus Thracian's cut.
That's time! Nelson's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

Thracian takes a step back and watches a body kick go sailing past his mid section.

Thracian fakes an overhand right and shoots for a takedown. Nelson sprawls well initially but Thracian persists and gets the takedown into half guard.
Thracian takes advantage of the dominant position to land a couple of big hammer fists.
Nelson controlling the leg, holding on to half guard.
Thracian sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Nelson defending well though.
Thracian throwing shots but Nelson is blocking nicely.
Thracian works his way into side control.
Thracian throwing ground and pound but whilst doing so, he forgets to control position and Nelson works his way back to half guard. Good composure under pressure.
Thracian thows a huge punch but Nelson dodges it nicely.
It's got to the stage where if one of these guys blows hard enough, the other might fall over.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Thracian working Nelson over with strikes.
Nelson wants to get back to his feet.
Thracian wants to take a breather but Nelson is having none of it.
Thracian thows a big elbow that misses, also allowing Nelson to regain full guard.

Nelson kicks Thracian off and gets to his feet.
Thracian takes a step back and watches a body kick go sailing past his mid section.
Nelson scores with a head kick. Thracian tried to block it but didn't get his arm up in time.

Thracian throws the overhand right but ducks down into a quick takedown attempt. Nelson was covering up waiting for the punch and Thracian finishes the takedown easily into guard.
Thracian loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Thracian pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Nelson is keeping the position for now.
Thracian is in close to Nelson's body, working some short punches and elbows.
Thracian throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Thracian prevents Nelson from getting back to his feet.
Thracian trying to control the position from guard on top but Nelson is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Nelson wants to stand up but Thracian is controlling him.
Thracian throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Nelson works some decent striking defense from the bottom.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Thracian throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Nelson works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Thracian slips effortlessly into side control - very nice.
Nelson takes a couple of big shots there - the referee warns him that he has to defend himself better.
Thracian in side control, throwing shots but Nelson defends.
Thracian working the ground and pound.
Thracian lands an elbow.
Thracian scoring with punches from side control.
Thracian in side control, trying to ground and pound but not landing this time.
Thracian tries to land with some ground and pound but misses.
The strikes coming from Thracian are missing the target in this wave of attacks.
Nelson tries to work a leg under to get back to half guard but Thracian wriggles his own leg back out and remains in side control.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Nelson is not in a great position here, taking some shots.
Thracian working the ground and pound from side control.
Thracian misses with an attempted head punch from side control.
Nelson takes a nasty elbow to the side of the head.
Thracian works a knee to the body and follows up with a nice elbow to the head.
Thracian working the ground and pound.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Thracian sitting in side control, looking to soften his opponent up with elbows and hammerfists but Nelson is avoiding damage well and looking to escape the position.
Thracian postures up a little and throws a couple of hammerfists but they don't connect properly.
Thracian wants to control but Nelson is keeping him busy.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Nelson takes a couple of big shots there - the referee warns him that he has to defend himself better.
Thracian looking to punish the body of his opponent here but Nelson is avoiding damage well.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Spartacus Thracian dominated that fourth round.
The cut man is working on Spartacus Thracian's cut.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action. Let's hear some noise people - this is the final round!

Thracian closes this distance looking for a takedown but Nelson circles away.
Nelson misses with a body kick.
Nelson pushes Thracian away with a front kick.
Nelson tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Nelson throws a head kick but Thracian moves out of range.
Nelson throws a head kick that misses.
Nelson misses with a head kick.
Nelson throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
A head kick misses from Nelson.

Thracian closes the distance and scores a nice trip takedown into half guard. Nelson did well to prevent Thracian getting side control.
Thracian seems to be taking a bit of a break to think of his next move. He lands a short punch in the meantime.
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.
Nelson is staying active underneath Thracian, who seems content to just control the action from this position.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Thracian thows a huge punch but Nelson dodges it nicely.
Thracian not landing any meaningful shots this time.
Thracian seems to be taking a bit of a break to think of his next move. He lands a short punch in the meantime.
Thracian missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
Thracian trying to control from Nelson's half guard. Nelson has other ideas though and has regained full guard.
Thracian loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Thracian loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Thracian pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Nelson is keeping the position for now.
Thracian wants to control from the top but Nelson keeps moving.

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.
Thracian scores with a decent looking elbow strike.
Nelson is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Nelson working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Thracian.
Thracian stands up over Nelson, holding his feet. He dives back in and lands a decent shot to the head.
Thracian loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Thracian works over Nelson with some ground and pound from guard.
Thracian is looking to work some ground and pound but Nelson has wrist control.
Thracian advances to half guard.
Nelson tries to kick Thracian off but Thracian keeps his base steady and stays in half guard.
Thracian not doing much here.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Nelson is trying to stand.
Thracian not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
Nice strikes from Thracian there.
Nelson is trying to stand up here but Thracian is controlling him well.
Thracian thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
Nelson has hold of Thracian's hands but Thracian slips his arm to the side and lands an elbow.
Nelson keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Thracian thows a huge punch but Nelson dodges it nicely.
Thracian missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
Thracian not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are hurling abuse towards the fighters... You can hardly blame them though because there isn't a lot going on in the fight.
Nelson is trying to defend against the ground and pound but Thracian scores with a couple of nice shots.
Thracian throwing shots but Nelson is blocking nicely.
Thracian is pressing down on Nelson's thigh, looking to free his foot. Nelson is holding on for now.
Nelson wants to get back to his feet.
Thracian throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.
Thracian throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.
Thracian lands strikes from half guard.
Thracian scoring with strikes to the body and head.
Thracian sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Nelson defending well though.

And that's the end of the fight!
Spartacus Thracian comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think Thracian has won this one but let's see whether the judges agree with me. 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 Bruno Lombardi scores the fight 47:48
Judge Columbo Gatti scores the fight 47:48
Judge Russell Pearce scores the fight 47:48

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Spartacus Thracian!
Spartacus Thracian is the new heavyweight champion!