PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Damian Nitschke (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Shawn MacArthur (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Shawn MacArthur is staring across the cage at his opponent, tweaking his nipples.

Nitschke
vs
MacArthur

181 cm
21
177 lbs
7 - 5 - 0

170 cm
27
185 lbs
8 - 4 - 0

Powerful takedowns
Brawler
Very strong

Powerful takedowns
Basic striking
Granite chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the welterweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 7 - 5 - 0, fighting out of Sydney, Damian Nitschke!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 8 - 4 - 0, fighting out of Sydney, Shawn MacArthur!
The judges for this bout are Donatello Bradman, Summer Carpenter and Skip Squint.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
MacArthur changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Nitschke tries to avoid it but MacArthur manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Nitschke to the ground. Nitschke escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
MacArthur shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Nitschke sprawls well. Nitschke wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. MacArthur gets slowly back to his feet.
Nitschke takes a swing at MacArthur's ribcage but misses.
MacArthur shoots in looking for a takedown. Nitschke tries to sprawl out of it but MacArthur keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Nitschke manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Damian Nitschke has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Shawn MacArthur.
Nitschke rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
and MacArthur counters with a nice body kick.

MacArthur darts in and clinches Nitschke up against the cage.
Nitschke looking to slow down the pace here.
MacArthur lands a good knee to the midsection. Nitschke won't want to take too many of those.
MacArthur blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.

Nitschke is fighting off a takedown attempt but MacArthur is just too persistent for him and manages to trip Nitschke to the mat. Nitschke regains guard as soon as the fighters hit the mat.
Nitschke preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
MacArthur trying to control but Nitschke is working from the bottom.
MacArthur is in a good position here but he's just trying to control... And he's not even managing to do that successfully.

That's one minute gone in the round.
MacArthur pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Nitschke is keeping the position for now.
MacArthur is fighting to break Nitschke's control of his arms but Nitschke is doing a good job of controlling the position at the moment.
Nitschke is trying to control the position from the bottom.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
MacArthur misses with a takedown attempt - Nitschke sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Nitschke throws a decent looking leg kick but it doesn't land clean.
Nitschke is looking to score with low kicks.

MacArthur has taken the fight to the clinch.
MacArthur wants a takedown but no success here.
MacArthur prevents a body shot from Nitschke.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

MacArthur decides to pull guard.
Nitschke being controlled here momentarily.
Nitschke trying to control the position from guard on top but MacArthur is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
MacArthur controlling Nitschke's posture.
Nitschke throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
MacArthur keeping full guard, as Nitschke tries to pass.
The referee wants the fighters to be more active or he's going to reset them on the feet.
MacArthur controlling the position.
Nitschke will need to keep those long limbs tucked in whilst he's on the ground, to prevent any submissions.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!

Well, the referee has seen enough. Neither fighter is active enough on the ground so he's stood them back up.
Nitschke with a body punch. A glancing blow.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
MacArthur tries to clinch up but Nitschke circles away and keeps his distance.

MacArthur closes the distance, clinches up and gets a nice trip takedown into side control. Very smooth.
MacArthur looks gassed!
Nitschke tries to buck MacArthur off but MacArthur is having none of it.
Nitschke is trying to get back to half guard. He's pushing on MacArthur's leg. He's managed it. Nice work.

MacArthur is sneakily working for an arm triangle but Nitschke sees it coming and defends easily.
Nitschke has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. MacArthur is working away from the top position though.
The fighters are going at a pretty good pace and they're both starting to sweat now.
MacArthur not landing any meaningful shots this time.

Nitschke is defending against the submission attempts here by MacArthur.
MacArthur thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Nitschke's head.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Nitschke is looking to control MacArthur's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Nitschke avoid being mounted?
Nitschke is trying to get back to full guard.

MacArthur is looking for a kimura. It's pretty deep but Nitschke still has the half guard so he's probably OK. Oh, Nitschke has exploded into a beautiful escape there and after a quick scramble, he's ended up in side control on top! Nice work!
MacArthur parries the strikes from Nitschke easily there. Nitschke is wary of posturing up too much because it might enable MacArthur to escape.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
An elbow from Nitschke crashes against the mat.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Nitschke taking a breather here.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Shawn MacArthur dominated that round.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.

Nitschke misses with a looping left.
Nitschke throws an overhand right that lands on MacArthur's shoulder, as MacArthur tries to avoid the shot.
Damian Nitschke seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
MacArthur tries to clinch but Nitschke moves out of range.
Nitschke throws an ugly left hook that misses

so MacArthur counters with a double leg into guard. Good agility.
Nitschke trying to control the position.
MacArthur trying to control but Nitschke is working from the bottom.
MacArthur stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Nitschke swivels though and keeps the full guard.

Nitschke is working an open guard so MacArthur takes the opportunity to get back to his feet.

That's one minute gone in the round.
MacArthur uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Nitschke.
MacArthur shoots in but Nitschke avoids the takedown attempt easily.
MacArthur defending well as Nitschke loads up on a big left hand.
MacArthur fakes and then throws a beautiful body shot. Nitschke looks a bit winded and takes a step backwards to take a breath.
Nitschke lands a lovely overhand right.
MacArthur shoots in for a takedown but Nitschke shows good takedown defense.
MacArthur is breathing heavily.
Nitschke looks for a takedown but MacArthur sprawls well.
Nitschke slaps away a takedown attempt from MacArthur, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Damian Nitschke has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Shawn MacArthur.
MacArthur slips under a jab from Nitschke.
Nitschke looks to land a left hand but MacArthur moved out of range nicely.
Shawn MacArthur is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
No luck for MacArthur with that takedown attempt.
Nitschke throws an off balance right hand

and MacArthur decides to take the opportunity to score a takedown. He's landed in Nitschke's guard.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Nitschke is adopting a defensive guard.
Nitschke is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
MacArthur is looking to work some ground and pound but Nitschke has wrist control.
If this pace continues, the referee will definitely step in and force a standup.
MacArthur wants to control from the top but Nitschke keeps moving.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Shawn MacArthur has forced the referee to step in and restart the fight on the feet.
Nitschke throws a looping overhand right but MacArthur ducks down to avoid it.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from MacArthur.
Nitschke dances in quickly and lands a nice inside leg kick on MacArthur. That did some damage!
Nitschke misses with a hook

so MacArthur counters with a double leg into guard. Good agility.
MacArthur wants to control from the top but Nitschke keeps moving.
Nitschke is trying to keep MacArthur in close.
Nitschke is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Nitschke is keen to just control but MacArthur is a slippery customer.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
MacArthur blocking the ground and pound attempt from Nitschke.
Nitschke throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.
MacArthur is not content to let Nitschke control the position.
Nitschke throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.
Nitschke wants to pass to mount but MacArthur is defending the position.
MacArthur is looking to control Nitschke's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can MacArthur avoid being mounted?
Shawn MacArthur has got the better of the ground game so far.
Nitschke is pressing down on MacArthur's thigh, looking to free his foot. MacArthur is holding on for now.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Nitschke seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but MacArthur does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close second round but Shawn MacArthur will probably get the nod - 10:9.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business. And we move into the final round!

Nitschke throws a looping overhand right but MacArthur ducks down to avoid it.
Nitschke misses with a right hand

and MacArthur counters with a driving takedown into guard. Nice work there by MacArthur.
MacArthur wants to pass the guard but Nitschke is keeping the position.

MacArthur has gone for a leg lock! Nitschke slips out almost immediately though and dives into MacArthur's guard.
Nitschke wants to control from the top but MacArthur keeps moving.
MacArthur has Nitschke pulled in close to control his posture.

MacArthur is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Nitschke defends well.
MacArthur takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
MacArthur not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.

That's one minute gone in the round.
MacArthur looking to control the pace of the fight rather than finish it.
Nitschke looking to pass the guard.
We may be looking at a referee standup if the pace doesn't pick up soon.

Nitschke got a little sloppy there for a moment and MacArthur has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Nitschke has managed to get both his arms back between MacArthur's legs - danger averted.
Both fighters really going for it on the ground here!
Nitschke trying to control the position from guard on top but MacArthur is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
MacArthur is pulling down on Nitschke's head. It's preventing any offense from Nitschke, at least for the moment.
Nitschke 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.

Damian Nitschke has forced the referee to step in and bring the fight back to the feet.
A decent looking cross lands there for Nitschke.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Nitschke tries to bum rush MacArthur with a series of wild strikes but MacArthur uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
MacArthur shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Nitschke as he avoids it easily.
Nitschke throws a hook but MacArthur blocks it.
A combination from Nitschke does no damage.
MacArthur on the wrong end of a decent looking cross there.

MacArthur darts in and clinches Nitschke up against the cage.
MacArthur changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Nitschke fights it off and pushes away nicely.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
MacArthur shoots and misses
and MacArthur takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Damian Nitschke has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Shawn MacArthur.
Nitschke misses the jab.
A big right from Nitschke misses.
Nice defenses there by MacArthur.
MacArthur shoots in and drives through. Nitschke sprawls well.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
MacArthur defending well as Nitschke loads up on a big left hand.
The fighters circling - Nitschke throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Nitschke ducks down and throws a hook to the body but MacArthur moves away.
Nitschke throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
A telegraphed right hand from Nitschke misses the target.
Nitschke misses with a hook

so MacArthur counters with a double leg into guard. Good agility.
MacArthur stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Nitschke swivels though and keeps the full guard.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as MacArthur accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
MacArthur trying to control the position from guard on top but Nitschke is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
MacArthur postures up.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
MacArthur content to stall in guard here.
The referee wants the fighters to be more active or he's going to reset them on the feet.

MacArthur drops back for a leg but he's not going to get it - he lets go and Nitschke dives on top into guard.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Nitschke wants to control from the top but MacArthur keeps moving.
Damian Nitschke has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
MacArthur wants to stand and escape but Nitschke is having none of it.
MacArthur keeping moving, preventing Nitschke from controlling successfully.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.

Neither fighter is doing enough for the referee's liking and he's decided to stand them back up.
Nitschke misses the jab.
Shawn MacArthur is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
Nitschke throws a jab, cross combination which is slipped

and MacArthur decides to take the opportunity to score a takedown. He's landed in Nitschke's guard.

And that's the end of the fight!
Shawn MacArthur comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I've got MacArthur 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 Donatello Bradman scores the fight 27:30
Judge Summer Carpenter scores the fight 27:30
Judge Skip Squint scores the fight 27:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Shawn MacArthur!