PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Chris Zybul (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and James Jackson (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Zybul kept the crowd waiting but all that was forgotten when his ring entrance music started. The incomparable musical genius that is Gangstarr - "Battle". James Jackson has the better chin. Will he look to stand and bang today?

Zybul
vs
Jackson

178 cm
20
175 lbs
1 - 2 - 0

170 cm
25
175 lbs
3 - 0 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Self confident

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
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 1 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Chris Zybul!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 3 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, James Jackson!
The judges for this bout are Don Winkell, Frank Antenori and .

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Jackson looks to land a combination but Zybul avoids it well.
Jackson throws a right and a left that both miss.
Zybul scores with a one two! Jackson had his feet all tangled up there and couldn't avoid the strikes.
Zybul shoots for a takedown but Jackson saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
Zybul throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Jackson's waist but Jackson gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Zybul off to one side.
Zybul is on the wrong end of a nice combination from Jackson.
Zybul shoots in for a double leg but Jackson sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Chris Zybul. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Jackson checks the leg kick nicely there.
Jackson finds nothing but air with that leg kick attempt.
Jackson throws a shot from downtown. Zybul moves away and avoids it.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Jackson throws a body kick that misses.
Jackson throws a left and a right that both miss
and he gets countered with a snapping leg kick.
Jackson looks winded!
Jackson tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Jackson lands a jab, followed by a cross and another cross, as Zybul backs up against the cage.
Jackson swings wildly with a couple of big hooks
and Zybul makes him pay by landing a thudding low kick.
Zybul stalks Jackson and leaps in with a furious combination of punches. Uppercuts and crosses smash into Jackson's face. Jackson staggers backwards, shaken.
Jackson stuffs the takedown attempt from Zybul. Zybul gets slowly back to his feet.
Jackson slaps away a takedown attempt from Zybul, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Jackson swinging wildly here.
Jackson should think about turning a few of those tyres round his middle into muscle if he wants people to take him seriously as an athlete.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Zybul shoots in looking for a takedown. Jackson tries to sprawl out of it but Zybul keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Jackson manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Zybul lands a nice shot that snaps Jackson's head back.
Jackson misses with a wild combination.
Zybul shoots for a double leg takedown but Jackson sprawls well. He's pushed Zybul's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Jackson looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Zybul tries to close the distance and clinch up but Jackson swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Jackson scores with a nice body kick.
Jackson misses with a double jab
and Zybul counters with a leg kick that reverborates around the arena.
Wow, both these guys are really going for it!
Zybul moves into range and lands a nice body kick.
Zybul shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Jackson as he avoids it easily.
A nice combination there by Jackson.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Jackson swings for the body but Zybul moves out of range.
Jackson takes a nice looking leg kick right on the meat of his thigh there.
A combination from Jackson does no damage.
Zybul fails with a takedown attempt.
Jackson misses with a few strikes there.
Zybul keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Nice body kick there by Jackson.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Zybul is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Zybul misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
James Jackson is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Jackson ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Zybul moves away.
Jackson slaps away a takedown attempt from Zybul, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Jackson uses good footwork to get in and out and land a nice right hand before Zybul has time to react.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Jackson is on the wrong end of a nice combination from Zybul.
Jackson keeps his opponent at a distance with a nice jab.
Jackson pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Jackson scores with a reasonable looking shot to the body. Zybul doesn't seem bothered though.
Zybul shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Jackson but Jackson pushes him off and we're back to square one.
Jackson works Zybul's body with a nice hook.
Jackson throws a jab, cross combination which is slipped
and Zybul counters with a two punch combo.
Zybul tries for a takedown but Jackson sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Jackson's corner calls for a 1, 2 combination and Jackson duly obliges.
Zybul shoots for a takedown but Jackson saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
Jackson throws a nice looking combination but Zybul bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Zybul fails with a takedown attempt.
Jackson throws a head kick that Zybul semi-blocks.
James Jackson seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Zybul misses with a few strikes there.
Zybul doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
Jackson throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Zybul throws a series of punches but Jackson avoids them all with ease.
Jackson misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Well, he's not going to score with shots like that. A lazy body kick attempt from Zybul.
A left and a right from Jackson both land. Nice combination.
Jackson is throwing a lot of body shots here, looking to wear down Zybul rather than just go for the knockout.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Zybul blocks a head kick by Jackson.
Jackson throws a shot to the body.
Zybul throws a right high kick that is partially blocked by Jackson.
Jackson swinging wildly here.
Zybul is trying hard to land a takedown here. Jackson sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Jackson tries to land a front kick but Zybul steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed.
Jackson throws a head kick but Zybul moves out of range.
Jackson tries to score with an inside leg kick but telegraphs it and Zybul is able to avoid easily.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but James Jackson will probably get the nod.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

A left and a right from Zybul both land. Nice combination.
Jackson misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Zybul avoids a punch combination nicely.
Jackson misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Jackson has tried to improve his agility in the runup to this fight.
Zybul looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
Chris Zybul is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.

Zybul scores with a nice takedown into half guard. Let's see what he's got on the ground.
Jackson wants to improve his position but Zybul is controlling well.

Jackson is defending against the submission attempts here by Zybul.

Zybul is looking for an arm triangle, whilst trying to pass to side control. Jackson doesn't seem that keen to cooperate though. No luck this time Zybul.
Jackson works his way to full guard. Good work.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Zybul advances to half guard.
Jackson wants to get back to full guard.

Zybul is working for submissions here but there's nothing on.
Both fighters really going for it on the ground here!
Jackson gets full guard.

Jackson uses the cage to get back to his feet.
Zybul takes an uppercut right on the jaw but it doesn't phase him.
Jackson leaves Zybul with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
Jackson ducks low and lands a nice hook to the body of his opponent.
Jackson throws a right high kick that is partially blocked by Zybul.
Zybul scores with a three punch combo!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Jackson scores with a sloppy punch to the body. Not much technique there but it did the business.
Jackson fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Zybul misses with a head kick.
Zybul dodges the punch combination from Jackson.
Zybul dives in for a single leg takedown but Jackson sprawls and the fighters end up clinched against the cage.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Chris Zybul. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Jackson connects with a knee to the head.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Jackson tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Zybul's elbow.
Zybul using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Jackson has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
Jackson is leaning against Zybul and scores with a nice uppercut to the body.
Jackson lands a left hand.
Zybul landing knees to the head.
Jackson prevents Zybul from breaking the clinch.
Jackson gets an overhook and lands an elbow to the side of the head.
Jackson blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Jackson lands a knee to the body.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Zybul wants to break free. God knows he wants to breaaaak freeee.
Jackson lands with a short head shot on the inside.
Jackson tries a knee to the head but Zybul blocks it.
Jackson throws a head punch that misses.
Zybul lands an elbow inside that Jackson shrugs off.
Jackson lands a body shot.
A real battle for position is taking place between these two warriors.
Jackson lands an elbow just above Zybul 's eye.
Jackson unloads a knee to the mid-section.
Zybul wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.
Zybul tries to pull guard but can't drag his opponent to the mat. Jackson just stands there and leans against the cage.
Jackson landing some nice looking knees to the body.
Jackson with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.
Zybul tries to pull guard but Jackson won't allow it.
Zybul looks like he'd prefer to be striking at range right now.
Jackson crunches a lovely knee into Zybul's ribcage.
Jackson tries to land knees in the clinch but Zybul avoids the damage to the body.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Jackson gets underhooks to prevent Zybul's takedown attempt.
Jackson lands a glancing elbow in the clinch.

Zybul breaks the clinch.
Jackson scores with a punch to the gut of his opponent.
A shot to the liver by Jackson. Beautiful body shot.
A slapping leg kick lands for Zybul.
Jackson goes to the watering hole and comes back with a big thumbs up from the judges as he scores a three punch combo.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Jackson misses with a double jab
and Zybul counters with a series of strikes. Jackson will be more careful next time no doubt.
Zybul moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
Jackson connects with a body shot that sends Zybul's belly button to the back.
Jackson lands with a shot to the body.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Zybul slips a jab and a cross from Jackson.
Zybul fails with a takedown attempt.
Zybul scores with a nice body kick.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close second round but James Jackson will probably get the nod - 10:9.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action! Let's get this one finished - here comes the final round!

Jackson blocks the body kick.
Jackson lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Zybul circles away quickly and effectively.
Jackson throws a head kick but Zybul moves out of range.
Zybul changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Jackson tries to avoid it but Zybul manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Jackson to the ground. Jackson escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Jackson tries to land a front kick but Zybul steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed.
Jackson takes a thudding leg kick, right into the meat of the thigh.
Jackson throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Zybul looks for a takedown but Jackson sprawls well.
James Jackson seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Jackson throws a right hand that Zybul ducks under and follows up with a left that Zybul also avoids with ease.
Zybul shoots in for a takedown but Jackson shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Chris Zybul. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Jackson will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.

Jackson takes the fight into the clinch.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Zybul blocking some punches.
Jackson misses with a knee to the head.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Zybul prevents a body shot from Jackson.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Zybul.

Zybul's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Jackson throws a nice looking combination but Zybul bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Zybul lands a jab. Then a cross. Then finally a nice hook to the body. Good work there by Zybul.
Nice sprawl there from Jackson as Zybul shoots in.
Jackson throws a quick inside leg kick.
Jackson misses with a double jab
and Zybul counters with a slapping leg kick.
Zybul shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Jackson as he avoids it easily.
Nice straight punches there by Jackson. You know Roy Jones Jr respects the hands of Jackson.
Jackson works over Zybul's head and body with a nice combination.
Jackson tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.

Zybul shoots in and gets a takedown into Jackson's guard.

Jackson escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Zybul gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Zybul wants to pass the guard but Jackson is keeping the position.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Jackson looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.
Jackson can't keep his opponent in guard - Zybul advances to half guard, no doubt looking to mount.
Jackson is trying to get back to full guard.

Zybul is trying to work for a kimura but Jackson is defending well.
Jackson flails away from the bottom but he's not doing any damage.
Zybul works his foot free and advances to mount.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Jackson is desperately trying to improve his position but Zybul has a good base and remains in mount.
Zybul thowing shots but they're missing.
Jackson tries to reverse the position but Zybul maintains control.
Zybul thowing strikes but they're hitting the gloves, not doing any damage.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

Zybul is going oldschool here, as he tries to force Jackson to tap using a forearm choke. This isn't 1993 though, so Jackson shrugs it off.
Zybul trying to control but he's not successful this time.
Zybul throws some wild stikes that Jackson manages to avoid easily.
Jackson is trying desperately to improve position.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Jackson gets back to half guard.
Jackson is trying to stand.
Zybul trying to mount his opponent but Jackson defends it.
Jackson wants to get back to full guard.

Jackson actively working from the bottom here.
Zybul has freed up his trapped foot and advances to mount.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Jackson manages to regain half guard. Good work.
Chris Zybul overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Zybul is looking to take a break and control but Jackson is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Chris Zybul has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
James Jackson is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
Zybul missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.

And that's the end of the fight!
I would just about give that final round to James Jackson.
I've got Jackson 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 Don Winkell scores the fight 27:30
Judge Frank Antenori scores the fight 28:29
Judge Percy O'Donnell scores the fight 28:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... James Jackson!