PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between Viktor Herzog (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Whelan Mahoney (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). The crowd seem to be enjoying Mahoney's choice of entrance music: KISS - Unholy. Viktor Herzog has a significant reach advantage - let's see if he can make it count.

Herzog
vs
Mahoney

177 cm
22
134 lbs
11 - 1 - 0

163 cm
24
132 lbs
14 - 3 - 0

Powerful takedowns
Solid boxing
Very strong

Good wrestler
World class boxer
Heavy handed

FULL METAL GEAR
FULL METAL GEAR

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the bantamweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 11 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Hilo, Viktor Herzog!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 14 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Whelan Mahoney!
The judges for this bout are , and .

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Herzog misses with a takedown
and Mahoney counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Mahoney misses with a hook
and Herzog counters with a shot to the ribs. That looked like it hurt.
Mahoney swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Mahoney missing with a left hand there. Herzog was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Mahoney throws a right hand that misses

and Herzog counters with a nice double leg into half guard.
Herzog missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
Mahoney trying to control from the bottom.
Herzog really does look like a pencil wearing a pair of gloves. Let's hope he has a gameplan to suit that ridiculous body shape.

Herzog is trying a forearm choke… I don't think that's going to do much at this level of the game.
Herzog looks to score some points with some ground and pound.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Herzog missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
Herzog throwing shots but Mahoney is blocking nicely.
Mahoney keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Mahoney is looking for a sweep. Herzog is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Herzog has been looking to land a fair amount of strikes on the ground. He might be looking to soften his opponent up in order to work for a submission.
Herzog missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
Mahoney controlling the position for now.
Herzog not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
Mahoney has hold of Herzog's hands but Herzog slips his arm to the side and lands an elbow.
Mahoney keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Herzog sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Mahoney defending well though.

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.
Mahoney blocking the ground and pound attempt from Herzog.
Herzog thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Mahoney's head.
Herzog thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Mahoney's head.
Mahoney avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Herzog.
Herzog winds up and cracks Mahoney with a swinging punch to the side of the head.
Mahoney slips a foot under and gets full guard. Nice work.
Mahoney preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
We get told so often about how wrestlers don't like to be on their backs. Let's see if Mahoney can do anything to dispel that myth.
Herzog chips away with some ground and pound.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Herzog accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Herzog postures up in Mahoney's guard and throws a big left but Mahoney blocks it.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Herzog postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Herzog throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Mahoney can't keep his opponent in guard - Herzog advances to half guard, no doubt looking to mount.
Herzog throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.
Herzog throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.
Mahoney is trying to control but can't.
Herzog thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Mahoney's head.
Herzog throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.
Herzog missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
Mahoney really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Herzog. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.
Mahoney won't allow Herzog to pass to mount.

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.

Herzog is looking for an arm triangle, whilst trying to pass to side control. Mahoney doesn't seem that keen to cooperate though. No luck this time Herzog.
Mahoney wants to control but Herzog is keeping busy.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

Herzog is trying for a guillotine from the top but the pressure isn't in the right place so Mahoney is just riding it out for now. Herzog eventually gives up the hold.
Herzog not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Viktor Herzog dominated that round.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

Herzog gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily
and Mahoney counters with a nice uppercut.
Herzog with a poor takedown
and Mahoney counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Mahoney throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Mahoney throws a front kick aimed at Herzog's knee but Herzog avoids it well.
Viktor Herzog seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Mahoney throws an ugly left hook that misses

and Herzog counters with a shoot takedown. Mahoney fights it but they end up in guard.
Herzog passes Mahoney's right leg, so he's now in half guard.
Herzog misses with a head shot. Mahoney uses the momentum to regain guard.
Mahoney controls Herzog momentarily but Herzog frees himself.
Herzog is pushing down on Mahoney's leg trying to pass to half guard. Mahoney is fighting to maintain full guard but Herzog has managed to sneak the leg through.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Mahoney controlling the position for now.
Herzog thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.

Herzog seems to be working for a kimura but Mahoney defends the submission attempt.
Herzog will need to keep those long limbs tucked in whilst he's on the ground, to prevent any submissions.

Mahoney is defending against the submission attempts here by Herzog.

Herzog is looking for a kimura. It's pretty deep but Mahoney still has the half guard so he's probably OK. Oh, Mahoney has exploded into a beautiful escape there and after a quick scramble, he's ended up in side control on top! Nice work!

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.
You can see the frustration on Herzog's face, being in this tough position on the bottom.
Herzog manages to work his way to half guard, despite Mahoney's best efforts.
Well, if Mahoney is going to just lie there, perhaps we should talk about what we're having for dinner tonight… I'm having a ham and pineapple pizza… Yum. Can't wait.
Herzog is looking for a sweep. Mahoney is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Herzog looking for submissions off his back.

Mahoney stands up and beckons Herzog to join him on the feet.
Herzog doesn't succeed with the takedown
and Mahoney counters with a nice leg kick.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Viktor Herzog. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Herzog misses with a takedown
and Mahoney counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Herzog misses the shot to the body.
Mahoney throws a lazy uppercut

and Herzog counters by moving into the clinch.
Mahoney wants to push off and get back to the center of the mat but Herzog has him pressed against the cage.
Mahoney is trying to break free.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Mahoney lands a damaging elbow.
Mahoney has had enough of the clinch but Herzog keeps him there for the moment.
The fighters are pressed against the cage, as the pace of the fight slows.
Mahoney goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Mahoney presses Herzog against the cage and delivers a mid-strength body shot.
Mahoney wants to break free but Herzog has control.
Mahoney is trying to push Herzog away but Herzog has him pressed against the cage, so he's going nowhere.
A frustrated look appears on Mahoney's face as he tries to break the clinch.
Stalling in the clinch from Mahoney.
Mahoney missing with knees to the body.
Herzog is working for a takedown up against the cage. He can't get it on this occasion though.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close second round but Whelan Mahoney will probably get the nod - 10:9.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!

Herzog with a poor takedown
and Herzog takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Mahoney throws the left hand but Herzog avoids the punch easily.
Herzog misses with a takedown
and Mahoney counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Herzog looks to score with a jab to the body but Mahoney is just out of range.
Herzog uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Mahoney.
Herzog shoots in but doesn't get the takedown
and Mahoney counters with a stiff right hand.

Herzog is rocked!
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Viktor Herzog. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Herzog gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily
and Mahoney counters with a lovely shot to the body.
Mahoney throws an ugly left hook that misses

and Herzog counters with a nice double leg into half guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Mahoney is pressing down on Herzog's left leg trying to get back to full guard. He's managed it.
Mahoney wants to control here, rather than go for any submissions from the bottom. At least for now.
Herzog passes Mahoney's left leg - he's now in half guard.

Herzog is sneakily working for an arm triangle but Mahoney sees it coming and defends easily.
Mahoney avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Herzog.
Herzog looks to land a strike but Mahoney avoids it nicely and regains full guard.
Herzog postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Mahoney is trying to keep Herzog in close.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Herzog throwing strikes from guard but Mahoney blocks nicely.
Herzog throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Mahoney works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Mahoney 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.
Mahoney manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Herzog manages to get himself to full guard.
Herzog is avoiding any damage by keeping wrist control.
Mahoney trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Herzog working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Mahoney doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Mahoney manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.
Herzog 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.
Mahoney content to stall in guard here.
Herzog pulls Mahoney in to control the position.
Mahoney controlling from the guard. I say controlling but really, he's stalling.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.
Mahoney wants to control from the top but Herzog keeps moving.
Viktor Herzog overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.

The ref stands the fighters back up, due to lack of action by Whelan Mahoney.
Mahoney throws an ugly left hook that misses

and Herzog counters with a nice single leg takedown and he's in Mahoney's guard now.
Herzog is looking to work some ground and pound but Mahoney has wrist control.
Herzog with a flurry of punches that miss.
Herzog throws and elbow that misses. Mahoney uses the momentum to reverse the position. He's now in Herzog's guard. Nice move by Mahoney!
Mahoney showing good wrestling skills to control the position.
Mahoney trying to control the position from guard on top but Herzog is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close round but Viktor Herzog did the better work so I'd imagine he'll take it.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!

Herzog slips in close and lands a nice hook before moving back out of range.
Herzog tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Mahoney paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Herzog gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily
and he gets countered with a snapping leg kick.
Good shot there by Mahoney.
Mahoney misses with a body punch

and Herzog counters with a driving takedown into guard. Nice work there by Herzog.
Mahoney looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Mahoney keeping full guard, as Herzog tries to pass.
Mahoney 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.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Herzog throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Mahoney wants to sweep but no luck.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Herzog accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Mahoney looking for a sweep. Not yet Mahoney, not yet.
Herzog throwing strikes but missing.
Mahoney looking for a sweep. Not yet Mahoney, not yet.
Herzog thows a big elbow that misses.
Herzog passes into half guard.

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.
Herzog not landing any meaningful shots this time.
Herzog prevents Mahoney from improving his position.
Herzog thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
Herzog throwing shots but Mahoney is blocking nicely.
Herzog is looking for the mount but instead finds himself back in full guard.
Mahoney preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Herzog throws a big right hand that misses.
Herzog pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Mahoney is keeping the position for now.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Herzog accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.

Herzog is trying to work a guillotine from the top, or something like that? Don't know how he thinks he's going to get a finish from there.
Herzog throws a strike but Mahoney rolls with it and manages to sweep. Now he's in guard on top.
Mahoney controlling from the top position.

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.
Mahoney wants to control from the top but Herzog keeps moving.
Herzog tries to land a sweep but no joy.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close fourth round but I would say that Viktor Herzog will probably get the nod.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin! This is the final round!

Herzog has his takedown stuffed
and Mahoney counters with a nice leg kick.
Mahoney misses with a lunging right hand
and Herzog cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Herzog fails with the takedown
enabling Mahoney to counter with a crisp jab.
Mahoney fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Herzog manages to avoid it.

Mahoney gets caught on his heels momentarily as he allows Herzog to score an easy takedown into full guard.
Mahoney avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Herzog passes Mahoney's right leg, so he's now in half guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Herzog passes to full mount!
Mahoney can't escape the position.
Herzog lands with some vicious ground and pound - can Mahoney hang on?
Mahoney in a bad spot here, taking shots to the head.
Mahoney in a bad spot here, taking shots to the head.
Mahoney holding onto his opponent's waist for dear life, as Herzog tries to land some strikes to get him to release his grip.
Mahoney is wobbling all over the place through exhaustion. Will he make it to the final bell?
Herzog in mount throwing good strikes here, bouncing his opponent's head off the canvas.
Mahoney is bucking up trying to escape but Herzog cracks him with another couple of good strikes.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Herzog landing strikes, looking to finish!
Herzog prevents Mahoney from getting the reversal.
Mahoney avoids a strike by Herzog and manages to complete a very nice reversal in the process, to end up in Herzog's guard! Fantastic escape!
Herzog bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Mahoney's guard.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Mahoney utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Herzog loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Herzog stopping the sweep attempt from Mahoney.
Herzog is looking to work some ground and pound but Mahoney has wrist control.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Mahoney trying to control the position.
Herzog throwing strikes but missing.
Herzog working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Mahoney trying to keep a closed guard but Herzog is proving a slippery customer.

Herzog is trying to work a guillotine from the top, or something like that? Don't know how he thinks he's going to get a finish from there.

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.
Herzog loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Mahoney tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Herzog trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Herzog in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Mahoney is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Whelan Mahoney has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Herzog keeps in close for a moment and lands a decent shot to the side of Mahoney's head.
Herzog throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Mahoney works some decent striking defense from the bottom.

And that's the end of the fight!
Viktor Herzog showed his dominance in that final round.
I think Herzog 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 Andi Peters scores the fight 49:46
Judge Gordon Ramsey scores the fight 49:47
Judge Frank Skinner scores the fight 48:47

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Viktor Herzog!
Viktor Herzog is the new bantamweight champion!