PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Shane Mahoney (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Frank Murder (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Mahoney kept the crowd waiting but all that was forgotten when his ring entrance music started. The incomparable musical genuis that is Dropkick Murphys - Flannigans Ball. Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the cage.

Mahoney
vs
Murder

179 cm
21
185 lbs
1 - 0 - 0

182 cm
18
180 lbs
1 - 1 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Granite chin

BJJ Blue Belt
Counter striker
Tends to cut

Lightning Fight Gear
Lone Wolf Fight Gear

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the middleweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of New York, Shane Mahoney!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 1 - 0, fighting out of New York, Frank Murder!
The judges for this bout are John Kavanagh, David Schapiro and Reed Andrews.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Mahoney throws a series of punches but Murder avoids them all with ease.

Murder gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.
Mahoney is trying to work out of this bad position, with his back against the cage.
Murder prevents Mahoney from breaking the clinch.
Murder can't break the clinch.

Murder pulls Mahoney into guard.
Mahoney thows a big elbow that misses.

Murder looking for a guillotine here but Mahoney defends easily.
Murder manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Mahoney manages to get himself to full guard.

Murder drops back for a leg! It's a sloppy attempt though and Murder jumps back into guard quickly, to retain the dominant position.
Murder must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.

Mahoney looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.
Murder stops Mahoney from standing up.
Mahoney has a closed guard, preventing Murder from standing up.
Murder prevents Mahoney from getting back to his feet.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Murder showing good wrestling skills to control the position.
Mahoney is controlling Murder's posture.
Murder stopping the sweep attempt from Mahoney.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Mahoney can't do much from the bottom at the moment, as Murder controls the pace.
Murder trying to move into half guard but instead Mahoney has managed to sweep!
Mahoney scores with a decent looking elbow strike.
Murder 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 wants to control from the top but Murder keeps moving.

Murder looking for a guillotine here but Mahoney defends easily.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.

Mahoney 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.
Mahoney stops Murder from standing up.
Murder manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Mahoney manages to get himself to full guard.
Murder trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Murder looks gassed!
Mahoney throwing some rather feeble looking strikes off his back.
Mahoney will have to put a bit more behind his punches if he's going to do any damage from this position.
Murder wants to control from the top but Mahoney keeps moving.
Mahoney wants to stand and escape but Murder is having none of it.
Mahoney keeping moving, preventing Murder from controlling successfully.
Murder preventing the sweep.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Murder stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Mahoney swivels though and keeps the full guard.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Mahoney looks to land a combination but Murder avoids it well.
No joy there for Mahoney, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Horrible takedown by Murder or perhaps it was just good defense by Mahoney which made him look bad.
Mahoney goes to the watering hole and comes back with a big thumbs up from the judges as he scores a three punch combo.
Shane Mahoney seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Mahoney throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Murder.
Murder shoots in for a double leg but Mahoney sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
Mahoney fails to land with a series of punches.
Murder has a takedown stuffed.
Shane Mahoney has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Frank Murder.
Mahoney throws a series of punches but Murder avoids them all with ease.

Murder looking for a takedown here - he's got it.
Murder trying to control the position from guard on top but Mahoney is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Murder decides to stand up and beckons his opponent to follow.
Mahoney throws a right and a left that both miss.
Mahoney swinging wilding here.
Mahoney fails to land with a series of punches.

Mahoney gets caught flat footed, as Murder shoots in with a quick takedown into guard.
Murder trying to control the position from guard on top but Mahoney is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Murder might have to switch it up a bit here because his efforts to control Mahoney kaven't been going to plan, at least at the current moment in time.
Mahoney lands a couple of shots from the bottom.
Murder trying to control the position from guard on top but Mahoney is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

Mahoney manages to escape and get back to his feet.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Mahoney wants to clinch.
Mahoney misses with a two punch combination.
Mahoney is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Murder misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
Murder closes the distance and clinches up with Mahoney, looking for a takedown. Murder pushes Mahoney against the cage but Mahoney circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Mahoney misses the jab.
Shane Mahoney is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Mahoney throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Murder shoots in looking for a takedown. Mahoney tries to sprawl out of it but Murder keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Mahoney manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Shane Mahoney has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Frank Murder.
Murder tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Mahoney swivels and escapes.
Murder is breathing heavily.
Mahoney looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Murder on the wrong end of a decent looking cross there.
Mahoney lands the left hand.
Murder shoots in but no luck this time.
Ooooh, nice body kick lands from Murder. Mahoney shrugs it off though.
Murder misses with a takedown attempt - Mahoney sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.

Mahoney closes the distance, clinches up and gets a nice trip takedown into side control. Very smooth.
Murder takes an elbow right on the bridge of the nose and winces in pain.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

Mahoney decides to stand back up. Mahoney steps back and let's Murder get back to his feet.

Mahoney shoots in for a takedown and gets it. Oh and he's advanced to full mount straight away.
Murder is trying to escape but when you're mounted that's not too easy.
Murder regains half guard.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.

Murder has one foot on Mahoney's thigh - he pushes off and manages to get back to his feet.

Murder shoots in for a takedown! He's got it and he's managed to land in full mount! That's better than Murder was expecting from the takedown attempt, I'm sure!

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Murder wants to finish this one by submission but Mahoney is holding onto his waist, trying to prevent any attacks from Murder.

Murder has control of Mahoney's right arm, working for a kimura. It's a bit of a token attempt though and Mahoney regains control of the situation pretty easily.
Murder with good strikes from the mount here!

Murder is in full mount, looking to secure a guillotine but Mahoney is surviving well by controlling Murder's body position as best he can.
Murder misses with a series of strikes from mount. He'll no doubt be working on his ground and pound when he gets back to the gym.
Mahoney tries to hold on but Murder pushes him away.
Murder punishing his opponent with strikes.
Murder prevents Mahoney from getting the reversal.
Mahoney tries to hold on but Murder pushes him away.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Mahoney is in a bad position, trying to hold on for dear life but he is really struggling to maintain any sort of control.
Mahoney bucks up and manages to get a nice reversal! He's in guard on the top - nicely done!
Mahoney postures up and lands a big shot to Murder's brow.
Mahoney chips away with some ground and pound.
Mahoney scores with a decent looking elbow strike.

Mahoney avoids a guillotine attempt easily.

Mahoney gets to his feet. Murder looking to butt scoot but the ref puts an end to that. On your feet son!
Mahoney throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd.
Mahoney clinches but Murder breaks the clinch

and Murder counters with a nice single leg takedown and he's in Mahoney's guard now.
Mahoney tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Mahoney keeping full guard, as Murder tries to pass.
Mahoney wants to stand but Murder is controlling the position.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Murder drops back looking for a leg! Mahoney is in trouble here! The fighters roll with the hold and Mahoney manages to kick Murder off! Murder jumps back into Mahoney's guard.

Murder stands up from Mahoney's guard - Murder perhaps looking for a knockout.
Mahoney throws a series of punches but Murder avoids them all with ease.
Mahoney falls off balance throwing a combination

and Murder counters with a nice single leg takedown and he's in Mahoney's guard now.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Mahoney wants to improve his position but instead Murder has moved into half guard.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Murder not landing any meaningful shots this time.
Mahoney makes his way to full guard. A much better position for Mahoney.

Mahoney pushes Murder off for just long enough to get back to his feet. Very athletic spring there.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close second round but Frank Murder will probably get the nod - 10:9.
That's time! Mahoney's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight. Ladies and gentlemen, this is the final round!

Mahoney has closed the distance and engaged Murder in a clinch.
Mahoney wants to break free but Murder has control.

Mahoney breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Good shot there by Mahoney.
Mahoney fakes a jab and then connects with a hook.
Mahoney throws a combination that misses

and Murder counters with a single leg into guard. Mahoney didn't expect that.
Murder tries to free his leg and advance position but Mahoney is retaining full guard.

Mahoney manages to escape and get back to his feet.
Murder tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Mahoney swivels and escapes.
A slapping leg kick lands for Mahoney.
Mahoney tries to clinch there but Murder circles away.
Mahoney looks to land a combination but Murder avoids it well.
Mahoney takes a swing at Murder's ribcage but misses.
A combination from Mahoney does no damage.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Mahoney tries to check the leg kick but that clearly hurt him.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Murder shoots in but doesn't get the takedown
and Mahoney counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Horrible takedown by Murder or perhaps it was just good defense by Mahoney which made him look bad.
Shane Mahoney has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Frank Murder.
Mahoney misses with a two punch combination.
Murder misses with a double jab
and Mahoney counters with a left and a right that stings Murder.
Mahoney thows a left - swing and a miss!
Mahoney connects with a solid leg kick.
Mahoney swings wildly with a couple of big hooks

and Murder counters with a driving takedown into guard. Nice work there by Murder.
Murder trying to control the position from guard on top but Mahoney is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Mahoney wants to sweep but no luck.
Mahoney throwing some rather feeble looking strikes off his back.
Murder postures up.

Murder stands and steps away. Mahoney gets to his feet too and we're back to the striking game.
Mahoney misses with a two punch combination.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Mahoney 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.
Mahoney trying to control but Murder is working from the bottom.
Murder tries to land a sweep but no joy.

Murder 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.
Murder manages to land a sweep and now he's in mount on top!
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!

Mahoney defends a decent attempt at a guillotine from Murder.
Mahoney wants to control but Murder is having none of it.

Murder goes for an armbar but he's not got it… Mahoney turns into him and now he's in Murder's guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Murder bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Mahoney's guard.
Murder stands and throws Mahoney's legs to the side, diving into side control.
Mahoney can't do much from the bottom here.
Mahoney is positioning himself to get back to half guard.
Mahoney is working hard to escape and get back to his feet. After a battle for position, Murder asserts his dominance and retains side control.
Mahoney tries to strike but it doesn't land.
Mahoney manages to get back to half guard.
Murder prevents Mahoney from improving his position.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Murder stops Mahoney from getting back to his feet.
The fighters are battling for position here. Mahoney manages to regain full guard. Nice work.
Mahoney trying to strike off his back.

Mahoney looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.
Mahoney throws a couple of weedy looking strikes off his back.
Murder tries to free his leg and advance position but Mahoney is retaining full guard.

Mahoney had isolated an arm as going for an omaplata. Murder is defending the submission well but is in a very vulnerable position. Mahoney Is leaning forward trying to finish the omaplata but decides to abandon it, and take Murder's back instead.
Murder covers up after that shot from Mahoney.
Shane Mahoney has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Mahoney doesn't have the hooks in and Murder manages to turn into his guard.
Murder preventing the sweep.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.

Murder gets to his feet and steps away from his opponent.

Murder scores a trip takedown into side control. Nice.
Frank Murder has got the better of the ground game so far.

Murder tries for a kimura. Not really close to a finish though.
Murder prevents Mahoney from escaping the position.

And that's the end of the fight!
Frank Murder comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I've got Murder 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 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge John Kavanagh scores the fight 27:30
Judge David Schapiro scores the fight 27:30
Judge Reed Andrews scores the fight 27:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Frank Murder!