PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Scott Thorpe (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Lou Strongback (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Thorpe's entrance music is Limelight by Rush. A fine choice. These two fighters really are very evenly matched on the feet - it will be fascinating to see who can assert themselves in that aspect of the fight.

Thorpe
vs
Strongback

200 cm
27
272 lbs
8 - 8 - 0

190 cm
26
245 lbs
3 - 1 - 0

Good wrestling
Solid boxing
Cardio machine

Good wrestler
Basic striking
Solid chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 8 - 8 - 0, fighting out of New York, Scott Thorpe!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 3 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Lou Strongback!
The judges for this bout are Taro Takaoka, Tatsuya Matsuyama and Yasuomi Hirokawa.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Thorpe takes one on the chin but seems OK.
Strongback swinging wildly here.
Strongback throws a looping overhand right but Thorpe ducks down to avoid it.

Thorpe closes the distance and scores a nice trip takedown into half guard. Strongback did well to prevent Thorpe getting side control.
We may be looking at a referee standup if the pace doesn't pick up soon.
Thorpe thows a huge punch but Strongback dodges it nicely.
Thorpe throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Strongback is looking to improve his position.
Strongback trying to control here.
Both fighters really going for it on the ground here!
Thorpe throwing shots but Strongback is blocking nicely.
Strongback is trying to stand.
Strongback blocking the ground and pound attempt from Thorpe.
Thorpe thows a huge punch but Strongback dodges it nicely.
Strongback is trying to defend against the ground and pound but Thorpe scores with a couple of nice shots.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Thorpe thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
Thorpe prevents Strongback from standing back up.
Strongback blocking the ground and pound attempt from Thorpe.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Strongback wants to get back to his feet.
Thorpe working some ground and pound from close in. He's looking to maintain this position and strike for a while by the looks of things... although he'll probably advance to full mount in a minute now I've said that.
Thorpe 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.
Thorpe prevents Strongback from standing back up.
Thorpe winds up and cracks Strongback with a swinging punch to the side of the head.
Thorpe is looking to take a break and control but Strongback is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Strongback won't allow Thorpe to pass to mount.
Strongback blocking the ground and pound attempt from Thorpe.
Thorpe is looking to take a break and control but Strongback is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
We get told so often about how wrestlers don't like to be on their backs. Let's see if Strongback can do anything to dispel that myth.
Strongback has hold of Thorpe's hands but Thorpe slips his arm to the side and lands an elbow.
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!
Thorpe working Strongback over with strikes.
Thorpe stops Strongback from getting back to his feet.
Thorpe is keen to just control but Strongback is a slippery customer.
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. Thorpe connects with a nice short shot to Strongback's temple.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Thorpe stops Strongback from getting back to his feet.
Strongback looks gassed!
Thorpe looks towards his corner to check for any instructions. The corner give him nothing to work with, so he cracks Strongback with a short hammerfist. I guess that's as good as any advice he could get in this position.
Thorpe lands a big shot. The thud that echoes around the arena is like music to the fans' ears.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Thorpe slips a nice elbow through Strongback's hands, connecting with Strongback's forehead.
Strongback keeps control of the position for the meantime.
Thorpe prevents Strongback from standing back up.
Thorpe uses his free foot to push down on Strongback's thigh. Eventually he works his other foot free and he's advanced to mount - this is trouble for Strongback.
Thorpe landing shots from mount.
Thorpe postures up and throws a couple of big shots that have Strongback in real trouble here! The ref calls for Strongback to improve his position which he doesn't do, so the referee has no choice but to end the fight due to the strikes!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:55 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Scott Thorpe!
Scott Thorpe took to the microphone after his victory and thanked his sponsors, Condemned for their support in the buildup to the fight.